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THE SECOND EPISTLE
Generall of Sarnr Peter.

Plainely and pithily handled,
~ Bye. Symfon Minitterof

* Gons-Worp. ..
With two neceffarie Tables, the one prefixed, thewing
theRefelutionoy Analylis of the Text, with the DeGtrines

arifing outof. every i verfe. The ether annexed, containing the
principal matters, alphabetically fee dovene.

Loe thie, we havefearched ity fo it is: heare it,and know then it
for thy good,lob.5-27.-

Legant prins & poftea defpiciant ne videantur non ex judici
fedex ody prafumptione ignorata damnare Hi
prafat in Ife. ad Pawl Euftoch p.

| Printed by 7.Cotes for 1. B. and are to be foldby isnjmin ‘Ala
d dwelling in Popes-head .4Hler, 1632.

4 ——

5 oth jinciie 18 Boo in

. TO
THE MASTER,
- WARDENS, AS
SIST ANTS, and vehorefthe
Worfhipfull Companie of

STATIONERS.

Bis the faying of Saint
| Paul unto the Corinth.
ans , that whether wee
Mi eateor drinke, or what-
foever wee doe wee muft
doe allo the glory of God :

= implying thae it’s the part
and ty of Chriftians at all times, and in every
thing toayme at the prayfe and glory of God, Ac-
cordingly was his owne practife: Accor.
dingly bis prayer for others. At this aymed
he himfelfe ; hereat in like manner muft
Az we

1 Cor.10.31,

Aa 24.15
Pbil-1.10.91,

The Epiftle

‘| we. This, even this mult bee the end and

fcope of all our ations, this the marke
and maine, the bent and byas of all our
words, workes, devices, defires , counfels,
confulrations, ftudies, endevours, and
whatfoever elfe.
Neicherts ic without efpeciall Res/on, if
‘| either werefpect God, our felves , our workes,
or thofe which are yet carnal and snregencrate.

God; 1. becaufe-hee hath chefcu ws wlhiis
glory, created us that we might fet forth the

: Lfame. 2 Becaufehee himfelfe doth, in all his
workes, ayme thereat. This being the end
of his delivering the afflitted ; This the endof
his judgements. This the end of his mercies. 3
Becaufe he is omniprefent, who from the place
of his habitation looketh upon the imbabitants
of the earth, whether good or evil, and ace
. |cordingly 4 honour fuch as honour him , and
lightly efteeme of thofe which defpife bim. 4 Be-
caufe nill we will we, he will bee glorified
byus,though in our confufion: Our felves.
1 Becaufe of our manifold deliverances,
2 Becaufe none of us liveth to bimfelfe,
and no man dyeth to bimfelfe, but whether

wee

acm a

Dedicatery.
We lieve, we lirve unto the Lord, and Whether | 2300, 12.14.
we die, Wwe die unto the Lord. 3 Becaule if
throngh our fecurity and carele{nefle woe
rufh into finne, and fo difhonour God, wee
fall not {cape unpunifhed. 4 Becaule we
are more obferved : ourlife and converlati-
on more pried into then any other. 5 Be-|.
caufe as our hearts are made pure by the
blood of Chri, and we nearer the Courts of
the great Kung, living alwayes as it were in
his prefence chamaber, fo there's not any time
wherein heceafethto be good unto us, ftill
adding bleffing unto blelfing , mercie uno
mercie, even ladening us dayly with his bee
nefits: 6 Becaufe thus doing wee are fure
to havea glorious recompence of reward,
7 Becaufe failing herein, it will bee long
and very difficult to recover our felves, as
it’s to get {taines out of the pureft lawne, the
fineftlinnen. Our workes. 1 Becau(e, if they °
bee good, we fhall be the more furthered in
them, andcheerefully performe them, if ¢-
vill, either wholly withdrawne from them,
or ifignorantly we go on inthem,the fame

fhall neither be fo extremely aggravated,
A nor

;

The Epiftle
_{ nor punithed, as otherwifethey would be.
a Becaufe noching oughcto bee performed
by us, which is not in it felfe lawtull, by the:
word warrantable , and conduceth nut to
‘the glory of God. 3 Becaufe whenfoever we |.
| are aboutany worke, whether in our ge-
nerall or in our particular calling, the fame}
may be the-very laft which wee fhall pere
forme. 4 Becaufe howfoeverthey ptovein |
their event, yet fhall we Ail have comfort
inthem, Asfor example, 4 minifler prea-
cheth che Word of Ged, theteby ayming at
the glory of God in the converfion. of foules; |
Ie falleth ont otherwife, the fame-word pro-
ving unto molt of his Anditers the favour of
death unto death, he is notwithftanding com-
forted,as whofe con{eience bearethhim wit-
neffe, thac therein hee aymed at Gods glory
pereyo, |i theie converfion. 5 Becaufe ‘elfe the
Geni. | Lord tay jaftly difappoinct us, confound us,
A@ i221. | fhameus, fruftrate our expectation, even in
thofe which we moft magnifie. The cernill
2tam.12.14. | and anregenerate. 1 Becaufe elfe wee fhall
m=“ | sivechem occafion of reproching or blaf-
pheming. 2 Becaufe elfe we thalloccafion
| their :

os es Ee Gey

or -: = +... eweee — = = eee os ee oe = eee tee areas

gC |

Dedicatory.

their further imapenitencieand continuance

in finne, as who narrowly obferve. our

courfes, and wouldbe glad by our falls or

flips co juftify their owne evil practifes 3 Be-

caufe thus (as the Centurion who was prele nt |

atthe death of Chrift, could not but acknow-

‘| ledge chat he was the Sonne of God, fo) they

fhall be even forced tqacknowledge us, that | 151.9.

We are the feed whichthe Lord hath bleffed,the ve-

ry fervanes ut God_4 Becanfe thus we fhall

make ufe of all opportunities. to. winne

them, as by {peaking to chem with all reve-

rence, deliberation, compaffion , carrying

our {elves cowards them wich all affability

and courtefie; performing all needfull

offices of love and kindneffe, reproving

them with all gentleneffe, yet neicher yeel-

ding to them in the leaft finne, by our owne

practife, nor conniving at the leaft in theirs. .

5 Becanfechus through Gods goodnefle we

may winne them , howfoever {hall leave

them iaexcufable. mo ,
Iefolloweth hereupon, In the negative.

t. That we mutt not afcribe the prayfe and

glory of any particular worke toany , fave
3 unto

| Mat.§.16-

| cee
The Epiftle
unto Godalone. 2 that we mult not efteciie
, any thing as God, or refpect any thing more
: | then Ged. 3 That wee muft noc in feme
things onely, and at fometimes , ayrieat the
i glory of God, but in ail chings}and at all times
ayme thereat. 4 That we mutt not rafhly
| goe about any. thing, without premedita-
tion,or confideration, whether the fame wil
tend to the glory of Gedornot. 5 That wee
muft not meerely in hypocete pesfusnic the
worthip and service of God, as who dee
thereisi miore ayme. at our owne then the
gloryofGod. 6 That wee muft ner for the
nonce doe any a& tending to the difponour
of God, though in all likelihood the fame
may tend much unto our owne private
gaine: We mult not though it were even to
gaine aworld. be Inftruments in thofe things
whereby Ged may be difhonored. 7 That
being lawfully called thereunto wee muff
notat any time fhrnke from the perfor-
mance of that, whether in doing or /uffering
whereby God may beglorified. Inthe Affir:
mative, 2 That we muft walke according te
this rule, circumf{pectly, heedfully, carefully
ad.

Dedicatery.
edly; before hand pondering,what we
o thinke {peake or do, as who arein all
sto plorifie Ged. s that as Ged fictech our
gs for xs,and us for them, {o we mutt ule}
‘aBings asthd’principall meanes where-
remay alorife bim. 3 That thofeecfpe-|
t by whofe callings Ged may be either
: honoured or difhonoured, fheuld
ywly watch over their owne wayes ,4
hey may procure nut difhenour, but
yur unto bisname. 4. That as we are in
cular to glorifie God in qur owne cal-

fo alfo to endevour by all meanes, that
others in like manner may glorifie him in
. The tole mentioned , haue occafi-
| as well the enfuing Difcourfe ,as chis
nt Dedication. that,as whereby Iconcei-
io {mall glory might redound unto God
Sinfructinn,edification, confirmation
| people, ¢hisas whereby I might ftirre | -
ip in your particular callimg (even your
ing and venting of Bookes) to. aymeat the
‘and glory of God. Thanchis, ther's no-
more profitable, nothing morepleafant,
ing more boxourable, this being the ve-

Aa ry}

So PeeBpifile
| sy way and path leading unto troe bappeny
valet benebt hath vedounded unto Che
It of God, by good Bookes, who knowerh: hot
‘what hurt byfuch asarefeditious, conten
| ttous, fuperflu ous, lafcivious, prophane, -o;
heretical], woefull experience, fheweth
' What Erafnus of Ovids lewd lines , may be
| truely fpoken of fuch kinde of bookes. The
N bring bazxard to the youngfter. and dange
tothe’ Reatters - Ten: Sermons (faith one) wi
‘not dee fomuch-good insneving-men to true dottrine
| as one of thofe-doe burme' by entifing thems to itt li
| ving. Mee Papits, thei Asyand’ Bpicares (faith
‘the fame Author ) are made by the -merry Booke:
of Fealy, than by the learnedtines of Lovaine.. By
| thofe the Divell kept people in the ignwan
and darkeneffe of Pepery for many ages ‘toge
ther, as’ by the fone! h¢ doth no {mall bute in
thefe our de yes: ‘haveftsdealing withman 4
|: Elippothanes withi Athalanta, who feeing he
| earneft-in her race, ehrew here one golden bal
there another co flay her in hercourfe, fo hee
| Coftop our journey-to heaven throwes now one,
| ther another, feditious. contentions, fuper.
fluous, lafcivions,: fcurrilous, ‘vaine', idle,

i ro.

- =o

—Dedicatory.

prophane,or hereticall Booke, in our way; be-
‘\ing fo much the more dangerous, by how
much they are pleafixg unto mans corrupt
nature. Theix end is tosmfect the weake, offend
the geod, confirme.the bad. Ob that there

tily, tharthey cantemmed;the price of fo great

hroughe-together che Bookes valued at fifty
thoufand, peeces of Silver, and burxt them all at
once. If many /uch fires were kindled chrough-
‘out thd Land, not afew both /hepps and /tu-
\ dies would appeare unfurnifhed,as being in-
deed ftuft forthe moft pare with feditious
‘pamphlets, dangerous treatifes, ridiculous le-
gends, fained biftories, amarous Poems, Play-
bookes, merry jeffs, and.fuch like Tra/h: As
Ebpa unco his fervant, Js it 2 ting.ta receive
nagney and toreceive garments, and Olive-yards,

Aa2

were amongus fome.zcalous Ephefiaus, that |
Beokes of fo great vanity: might be burned up! |
The Spirit of Ged wrought in them fo migh-

iniquitie in. One Cisiy,-sher.or ane fire, they |

AWN9e1 De

2 King, 5-26 °

Hag.3.6.

‘| promife of tkelife thatnow és, and of that which is

{unto bookes of Divinity, but even the Scrip-

The Epiftle |

nough played with our owne fancies. Athe.

ifme encreafeth fo fa/t, that it needs no further

meanes of growth. Such bookes I confeffe
fell beft, are moft fought for, (as among ft
fafhions the moft waine and gendie doe for the
moft part give beft content). but fearefull is
the condition of thofe that thus gaine,Oh be
not, out of a covetous defire of filthy luere,
guilty ofthe blood ofany onc perfon after

this fore: Acimehe dayes of Hag gat, hee: that

earned wages, earned wages to-put them into 4
bag with beles : {othe gaine which you reape
by this meanes will prove inthe-end detest.
full. What will it.advantage yon ifyou fhonld gsine
the whole world, and lofe esther your owne or the
onles of others? Seeke yee firft the Kingdome of:
God and bis righteoufneffe, and-all thefe things fhall
beaddeduntoyou. Bodily exercife profiteth little,
but godlinefse is profitable unto all things, having

toceme. Tootoo many there are which pre-
ferre the bookes before mentioned, not onely

tures themfelves; (as Naaman the Syrian pre-
ferred Amane and Pharpar before all the waters

Dedicatory.

of Ifrael) whereby they are fo bewitched, chat
a Tale of Robinbeod, pleafech them better than
a Chapter of fob, a filthy Ballad than one of
Davids Pfalmes ; but of you, whom I conceive
to be endued with no /mail ftore of knowledge,
at leaft who have the meanes thereof 1n greater
plenty than any others ,.I1 hope better things.

"| Starve not your felves ( Tantaluselike ) amidft|,.0, |
the variety of fuch choyce dainties. Oh that | chafaew |
{our Libraries were buc furnifhed with the | %*foming,

Creams chat fallfrom your Table. As you have
time (fo having Bookes of allforts) vwehat may
you not learne? Before and above all,chufe that
which is bef, learning this one maine and prin-
cipall, to know Chri/t and bim cracified. Thus de-
firing you to pardon my radeneffe, and accept
this Paper-prefent, I conclude, praying that ye

may approve things that are excellent, that ye may

be fincere and without offence till the day of Chrift,
being filled with the fruites of righteoufneffe, which
are by Fefus (brift, unto the prayfe and glory of God,

Yours ia the Lord.
A. Symfon.
Aa 3

G't.—fl wate

Phi'.1. 1001 I,

TheEpiftle to the
Reader.

ZriftianReadcr : thos haft here
ésapoy pees, S* Peters fecond
Epiftle (explained .2s i# is) fir
offered te thy view; what fucceffe
i] ll accompany thefame,l leave
Z| to bim, who (though Paul
plant,and Apollos water, yet)
onely giveth the increafe. The
world 1 know doth farfer with
aboundance in thiskinde, the preffe feeming even over-
preffed therewith, fo that what Bezalcel fpake of the
Lords people, may be after a fort applyed unto the Lords
Priefs, They bring too much, and more than enough
forthe nfeofthe Tabernacle, Weither am 1 ignorant
of the vrriable aes of Readers, and bow irmpoffi-
bleit is to farisfie'the appetite aud expectation of every
one, Some miftiking the matter, others, the method,
others the plirafe,as not a few, all thofeeven in the moft
elaborat Tras, But neither that nor this carrieth
weight enough with it. Not that-1 .Becaufether’s not any
one (Jo farre as 1 know) which writeth npoarhis where
EgiWe.

1Cor.3.6.
Now guicanz
que ofendst
‘viam prebet
etiam viatiz
eum isinerant
Berde gratia
7 libatbit,

Exod,3 6.55

et, Sa

The Epiftle

Epiftle és osr owne language, (eyther yet wpor the other)
whereas not a few bave written aswell upon that of S'.
lames, 4s spon moff of St.Pauls. 2 Becewfe Atheifme
and Herefie shetwo dangerons extremities -of this age,
bringing wo {asa detriment and annoyance te the Church
of God, arehere wet withsll, which therefore may be
fitly tearmed an Antidote or prefervative from the

i }| fame, 3 Becasfein ali good things abundance is an
itt

eafie burden: wcyther hath the foute sf tt may feede it felfe |
with variety both by the care and by the eye, any reason to

finde fault with cbuice 4. Becasfe 2 good thing the
more commen it is, the better it is, Coréfisaws being
even boand to bleffe Ged for this plentie, and ferionfly te
rejeyce that Gods people way thus sberaly feaft them-
[elves by both their fenfes. 5 Becanfe fin is aptly compared
toa mightie and fardie Oake which needet many armes,
and frong blowes te bew st downe, Leven dayes, feven
Trumpets of Rams bornes fever Priehs being all tes little
7) cap downe this refificng Iericho. 6 Becaufe in the
jadgement of St.Augultine sts profitable that manic
bookes be written of manic in a divers manner (not
divers fidelitie) that the fame thing may come to the
more, tofome in one manner, and to fome inano-

f.\ ther. Notthis. 1 Becanufe for the moft part they repre-

bend whet they perceive net, and deprave what they nn-
der and not, cr out of 4 preiudicate optsion cenfure that ix
others which they would admire ds them/felves, a whom
indeed nothing pleafeth but chickens of their owne batch-
ing. 2 Becaufe they which doc leaf good shem[cives com.
monly fade grcateft fault with others good emdevours : 8
whom way be applyed that of ome, Inever kacw any more
forward totakeoffence, than fuch as were moft apt

re ee rE nae t
tothe Reader.

to give it: nor any more hardly brought tobeare with) osc vations
failings at the hands of others, than {uch as ftood 1N | Divine and
greateft neede: to have both. God and men to beare rere hs
with no {mallthings amiffe in themfelves. 3 Becaafe
thet sts often (cene,shat fach s-bavems Siedesftbeir OWee,
feldowe affed? the pofterity of another... .
4 Becasfe. Duo cum idem faciunt fepe ve poflis dicere,
Hoc licet impune facerehuiniilinonlicer: < .
Non quod diffimilis res {r,fed-isquaifacit,
Though two an act attempt in fabflance ane as doth befall,
Tet one we oft as lavofull like tether untawfull call:
Not that she Aced is differing phe deer is. all in ah 5
Bat what is equally lavefull, ought equally to be
borne wjthall,- ’ ,
5 Becanfe as Xenophon faith, ~ yaarsroy Bury ]s moines ost
aaddy duapay 5 yaaswds d's xgl ay THTOSTiWongaviss, pv am
yve yore upiln weezy xe, Its ani Dar d matter for men fo to
doa thing, that ic be amifle in no point: and it is hard
allo for them that doe .a thing in no refpea
blame-worthy,not to light upon fome quarreling
finde-faule. More particulatly to give thefe fatif-
faction (if it may be) let mee protest thus much firft on
wsy owne bebalife, then on my bookes. On my owne,
1, That 1 fay not with Elihu; 1 willanfwere alfo my
part, lalfo will fhew mine opiaion, for Iam full of
matter, the Spirit within meconftraineth me: 4s who
doe not unwilsugly confesfe,that my learning is but feel,
for wach learning requires much reading, and much rea-
ding many yceres , which all that know me, know tobe
waatingin me, Neither with Solomon, that of ma-
king many bookes there is no end ; for although st
were pitty there fbould, yet L{uppofe them fitteft for this
r | bie

Terent.in A=

| aqualster lscet
agus Lance
7)

Parade
Ver{wes HelGsd.

Tob, 20176
18. 7

Ecelef.z 2.12

The Epiftle

purpefe whens God beth moff enabled nith fitting gifts,
Neither with Pilaty what Lhave written, I have writ-
cen, for he chat. commits any thing to writing gives
men 2 bill:of his manners: which every one that
reads may puri fuice aguinft himifthere bee caufe
inthe court of hts owae heart, and neighbours care:
but that having revifed rhefe imperfed notes inthe time
of my late tediaus Agut end reduced thens unto that forme

~. wherein they doe now prefensthemfelves, I did then con-

fecrate therm ante God as 4 mensoriall of thaske/gsving |-
for bis extraordinary mercy towards mein my recovery,

-| for the publication whereaf-Lhave beewe incsted by fome

id Tim. 4. 32.

Fer.§0.34.

not of meane jndgementa.i2 That althoagh bappeh J
may runue within compalfe of cenfure, yet hope 1 to mecte
with fach, who will wet defpife Timothy for bas youth bat
rather helpe shan binder eny of Gods labourers, although
they bring but ftickes wuto the Altar. 3 That 1 paffe
not for unfriendly cenfuring, beving mine owne inward
confcience for my friend, which beareth me witwelfe that
sot for vaine-glory, but for the advancement of Gods gle-
vit, 1 beve laboured herein, 4 That there % nothing
more precious than time, which therefore alwayes [pending
muft be well [pent, andwhich I fuppefed Icould net Spend
better: than thus to emplty it. 5 Thet, feeing the Lord
biw/felfe by bis Prophet thas fpeaketh: Put your felves
in array againft Babylon, round abour; all yee that
bend the bow fhootat her, {pare no arrowes, for fhe
hath firthed againft the Lord: Uf 7 among the reff of
Gods Ssuldsers obey this bie voyce, and fhoot again Ba-
bylon she bef arrowes my fieeple arms caw draw ont.
ofthe quiver of Gods Booke, with the bow of bis bely
Spirit, chi my diligence me thinkes, fosuld met turne to
it

totheReader.

my reproach. 6 Twat even by weake meanes God % plea-
fod often to effec great matters, who bath chofen the
foolith things of the world to confound the wife,
and the weake things of the world to confound the
things that are mighty,and bafechings of the world,
and things that are defpifed, yea and things which are
hot, to bring to nought chings chat are... Onmy
bookes beth for the Matter, Method, end. Phrafe, Mat-
ter, that its prounded omsie facred VWWord ef God, the
fame being an expofition apox ex Epiftle not bandied by
any throughout in eur ownc lengaage: Method, shatsts
plaine aud familiar, brevitie and perfpicnitie being ivy-
ether, the propofitions being found and fhort, the

at
prootes plaine and evident , the applications , /ecein

and saturall;Phrafe, that it’s cook's after onr country fa.

frien, for we preachnot our felves, but Chrift lefus
| the Lord : yea that in all thofe, Ubave bettered my felfeb
the writings of others whorl could mect withall, Lecthole

reade which are willing, let fuchas will not, chufe.-
Non omnes jifdem ve/(ci debent cibis. One kinde of

meate relifhesnot every mans palate. There és no leffe

| weed of plaine Inftruions toentice wen to holinefte of:

life shan of accurate Treatiles to difcerne truth fro errour.
Inj
Its cafter for aman to condemne anethers worke, than to
dee the like bimfelfe, whofe hands are tied from writing,
les their monthes be alfo from cenfaring. |

Si quid novifti rectius iftis,

Candidus imperti, finon, his utere mecum.

Wbat righter things thou knowe/t, impart,

Or whas I bring take in good part. i

Tocenclade. Ifl have brought but the leafs tone or
, *2 = fticke

| Omews tam,

| terrogare me

cing, judge! befeech thee righteous judgement.

1 Cot1.27- }. |

fedeactiam de.

qusbas fcsre me

arbttrvabar,in=

folstsan quanto
mags de his
Super quibns
anceps Cr aut,
Heer. praf. ™,
P. Ara! r ,

Legant qui
Velunt gait nee
lunt abi jctant,
Hier praf in
E/d.g Nek, —
Hirer, Mare elt,

ra a

1 Feb.33.20,

The Fpiflle co the Reader.

fticke, shat may ferve for the promoting of Gods buil-
ding: if theor prefeied but ewethreed, thet. may be
ufed is the garmfhing of Chrifts Sanctuary :: Jf 7 Pallre-
slaime but one _finner from the path of perdition ssto
the way of Paradile, fo that be hall bereafter unfainedly
Acknowicilge that he hath beene bettered hereby, 1 bave
my defive, If this siskephe other may paradventare ere

long take sts owne place, The God of peace that |.
brought againe fromthe dead the Lord Iefus , that

gteat fhepheard of the theepe, threugh the blood of

theeverlafting covenant, make you perfect in every
good worke to doe his will, working in you that
which is well pleaGng in his fight, through Iefus
Chrift, to whom bee glory for ever and ever

"| Amen, 3

Fhine inthe Lord Iefus
, A. Symon.

ee
GOED Gi ed eG NGG

A neceffary Table, fhewing as wellthe 4\na-
lyfis or tefolution of the text,asthe Doctrines
‘or obfervations (either briefly pointed at, or more
largely profecuted) arifing from the fame, directing
untothe pages where they may befound, The letrers*><“.&c.
fhew from which word in the text the do@trines or obfervations fo
marked doarife. The Dodrines marked with this ftarre *,that
they are generall,arifing from the whole verfe. The Do-~
Ctrines with this °.that they arife either from the
‘coherence, or fome circumftance in the
| text neceffarily implied. |
me"
CHAP. I.

The firlt Chaprer confifts of thefe fonre parts, I,the preface, verfel.2.
II, aConfirmation of them inthe hope of the encreafe of Gods graces, verfé
3:4. LIL, an Exhortation unto the findie of faith, and other Chriftian
duties and graces with diverfe Reafons to enforce the fame,from verfe 5.t0

-werferG6. IIL 1. an Exhortationtobeconftant inthe fateh of Chrift the
Sonne of God.frons verf.16.t0 the endofthe Chapter,

Ler tel

TheText. Theeduahjs. Doétrines. Pag.
LTTE a

{ Sees He Preface is laid, * Zr'stuedutie of Chri/fians ro
END yay downe in thefe two | leade their lives anfwerable to
De, Its verfes , containing | teir Ciri/fisn names.
| 1." Simon Pe~ | SEHR pags the Super(cription, | >The Preachers of Gods word] 9
jferg bd e ey- | Inicription,and Salutation. The | are in fpeciall the Servaats of
veut gndag | Supericription-containeth a De- | Chri/A. |
‘ feriptienof the penman and} ¢ Such asenter ato toe Mini-} 14,
writer, from his name Simon, | ferie.nu/# have their particular |”
Sitname Peter, Offices, gene--| warrant (rom Curift. .
xall 7 ce Such

. . . . 3

Vert.

The Text.

ce Apoftle 6
le fut Chr hf,
fo toem that
have} obtai-
ned 8 like

f precious

Sf Gill) witn us,
through the
d righteoufaes
of God,and
our Saviour
| Jefus Chri/?.
1 2.1Grace
Cand pesce be
4:" multiplicd
‘Unto ® you,

” through the
knowledge of
G od.and of
.§ /efus our
Lord.

Text.

_ Verfe.

| 3 According
| a5? his divine
power het)
‘* given unto

The Analyfis.

rall,a Servant 3 Particular, on
Apoftle of lefus Chri. The In-
{cription containeth a defcripti-
on of thole to whom this

Bee
if) ftle was written, whomhe de-

(cribeth from their faiti,ampli-
fied, 1.from the certainety of it,
they had obtained it. 2. from the
qualitie and worth of it, 2? 2s
of like price with the fait of the
Apoffics. 3. from the meancs
whereby they or obtaine Cah
the rigvtcoufaci/e of Lefus Cir ft.
Whom he peel 1.from
the worth of his perfon, God.
2. from his Office, our Saviour.
The Salutation containeth a
narration of thofe things which

‘our Apoftle wifheth unro them,
Where’s, 1. the perfon withing

thofe graces. 2. to whom he wi-
fheth them. 3. the graces which
he witheth them, being three in
number. 1. Grace. 2.. Peaces

‘} 3. the acknowledzing of God,

and of Ze fus our Lord.

Chap. I.

The Do@rines.

¢ Such as would enter into the

Minifverie mut sot cnely be the'
fervants of Chrif, but be law- |

fully called thereunto.

d The chiefef? Offices in the
eee are for the fervice tiere-
of.
¢ Such as would be good Prea-
chers, mufP fir/? be the fervadts
of Corift.

* True jufifying faith is
great price and wert).

Pag
15.

Tg.
rg. |

16,

8 Faitoizall Gods Childrex is | 8.

alike precious.

h ThrougGods providence we | 20,

obtaine that meafire of faita
which we have.

i The children of God obtaine
faird throug the righteou/nefe
of Chrifé. ;

’ Chriff is true God, and Savieur
of the elcé?.

® Such as have experience of the
wort) of Grace, and Peace in
tiem/(clues defire alfo tost otvers
my bave tue like.

The Preachers af Gods word

ou bt by theYy labours and endeavours ; by their prayers aad wifbes,te
point cut unto their people, thofe thingos for which tuey foould
chiefly endeavour. * Spirituall thmgs do onely belong unto Gods chi!-
drew. ° Spirituall things are the beft titngs. 1 The Grace and fa-
vonr of Ged is the chiese/F good to be fougie after. ° Wixre there is
affurance of Gods favour there ispeace of confcieace. ™ God doth
by degrees beffow-Grace onhis children. "Grace and peace may be
obratned,continucd cacreafed,tirough the knowledge ef God, and bis
Sonne lefus Cirife.

The Analyfis. The Dotrines, °
He confirmation of them in ¢ ~* The experience of G ods good-

the hope of the fncreafe of

Gods graces is laid dcwne in
thefe verfes- Wherein, 1. the
ground of this confirmation.

2. the circumftances obfervable

about

neffe in bcffewing graces upon
nsyis an efpeciall meanes to incite
us ro deperd on hin for tue ex-
crea/e of the fanse.
* Godis the giver of Bpiritual
G

tunzs.

3
° . ~

The Text.

Fug bd git
tings tat
pertaine unto
jce fe and
; | . g lineffe »
2 toreuga the
! knowledge of
bimtost bath
| 8 called us to
belory Co ver-
tue.4.! where-
by are given
unte me ex cee-
ding | great:
and | precteus
k pr omife $>
that by thefe
you might be
° partakers of
tire divine na-
ture,™ having
P efcaped tive
corruption
that is in the
world through

luff.

a Se Se. eR Cen en

\ which is twofold, che former in

Oo ET

Chap.I. The Doctrines pag

God bz fometi bic jings upon bis | 35-
Churcn frectly.

b God beffometa bis begs | 36.
bountifully. |

¢ God in giving beffowet) upon 36.
his owne cvildren.tne be/t ring

d Gods children rand ia need of | 36
mins thingin | |

¢ Gods gefts aretobe embraced 35.
and to be employed as helpcs usto
life and godlineffe.

Godlineffehcre, and happineffe ,3 6.
° hereafter sto be preferred before
all tings.
© Grace preceedeth glory.

Gods gifts appertaize to bis
owne children.

* God by his Divine power det
* freely beffow upon his owne
children all taofe toiegs whicn
may furtoer toens in the ccurfe of
godlineffe here,and crowne tic
in evcrlafting happineffe bereaf-

The Aralyfis.

about the f2me. The grcund,
taken from the example cf Ged,
whole goodnefle and kindnefle
towards them, in giving unto
them all things pertaining to
lifeand godhneffe, they had al-
réfdy tried. The circumitances
obfervable about the fame 3 con-
cerning, 1.the Giver, hisdivine
power. 2.the AGion, hati gi- |
ven. 3.the Gift, all tiings raat
pertaine unto life and godline/fe.
4. the perfons towhom, unto ms.
sy. the meanes whereby, torougs
the knowledge of him tiat hata
called us to glory and vertue.
6.the cffe&t of thofe benefits, or
the benefies which wee: rezpe
through Chrift, mo/? great and
prectous promifes. 7. the end,
tnat by them we may be partakers
of the Divine naturc, having ef-
caped tne corruption fast is in
the world tarough tut. eT. |

The eis effettuatly calied by
Chrift. h Such as are cffefaally called,are here partakers of Graces |
and fhall be hereafter of Glory. | By fatt ia Cri ff we attaine fics
toings,as may further us towards grace and vertuc bere, and giory
hereafter. * God doth befow upon his owne children many promifes.
The promifes which God beffowet upon his owns cnildren, are mo?
great and precions. ™Gods children are furthered toereby in t30fe
tnings which appertaine unto life and godlineffe- * God beffowct. |
upon us his promi fes in and vrroug.) tie meancs of Coriff, © By toe pros |
mifes of God,given and performed untous, we become partskers of
the Devine nature, » By t.se promifis of God, we efcape tie corrup-
tion taat is tz the world tureugs uh

The Analyfis, The Doétrines.

"TP iiete verfes containe the ex-
hortation unto the ftudic of

faith and othcr chriftian graces,

° We mufF endegvour to appre-
hend the bieffings of God.
© By aur endeavour in holy du-
fies we furtucr our Owne falva-
tion.
° God be/foweti bis blefings up- |S 1,
on

chefe words, and befide titis, gi-
vieg all diligence, or tuereforc
7 give

Hic Text.

The Analyfis.

Chap. I.

ThePDoftrines, pa

Verfe, —
giving ¢4 gl]
° Abligence,
°8 ade to
your © © tasti,
f vertuc, and
to-ucrtue,
f kuowledzc:
| 6. nd to
t knowledge,
«From ycrance ;
and to fempe~
vance, pati-
ence;and to
patizncef god .
livef{¢ :

7. Andto
Z0ditacs st bro-
‘toerlic hind-

neffe ; and to
broth: rlie
kindnzs £ cha-

ritie.

give even alidiligence tucreunto,
which may be confidered,cithcr
as itdoth cohere with the for-
mer verles, or with the follow-
ing words with the former ver-
les, either generally or particu-
larly, generally with both chird
and tourcth (for asin thofe God
telleth us what hee hach done,
& doth forus,fo herein flheweeh
he what he would have us to due
for out felves,) particularly with
the laft past of the fourth : fo
containing an argument for
fandificationsWich the follow-
ing words, as Ure manner how
we arc to performe the duties re-

uircd therein. The Latcer in
tele, Adie untoyuur fait, ver-
tue;unto ucrtic knowledze, 29°C.
confidered both in generail, and
in particular. In general three
things are handlec, 1. the graces
commanded, 2. che order of:
their placing, 3. their connexi-
on and coupling together. In
particular ther’s required the in-
creale of fpirituall graces, to
joyne one with another, to adde
one unto another, to minifter,
fupply and furnith our faith with
the others, yeato aide and up
portic with rhe fame. Touc
ing cvery-of which graces foure
things are handled. 1 what they.
are. 2,.the Reafons which may
moove us to labour for thein.
3. the meanes whereby to ob-
taine them. 4.the Gancs wacreby
todifcerne them.

re ee

on us, that we may apprebend (61,
tiem and partake of tisem. |
God dota by degrees perfett 6,
bisworke of grace in lis owut
children,
oWitbour mortification. no af- \%

' fitrance of cur acceptance wita

oThe worke of mortification, |62.
hard ,teborious,and difficult.

“Unto the dutic of mortificati- 63.
on other graces muff he added.

o By nature we arc flotirjull in 6 3.
the performance of holy duties.

b We cannot obtaine the graces \6 3.
of Gods Spira without disigence.

o As we are not at allto feeke
a‘ter tne unlawful pleafures of
fois world, (2 muff not we witin
alldilizence feeke after tue law-
full pleafures of toc fame.

d Tne diligence witch God re-
quivcta of us smulft be boty inward
and outward.

©Ofzraces faith hath tne pre-
ccdencie. (

€Gods graces are_as@ golden |7-
chaine coupled and linked togc-
rer. 3
6 True faiti cannot ffand alone; 68.
Gods children have fFilt ucede to \69-
adde thereunto.

h God would bave xs to grom /6 9.
in fait).

o The more grace we have, tit \69.
more is our faita fPrengtoncd and

64,

67,

encreafed. 0 Tue Divell labours by all meancs to deprive us of \"7°

. . bd | O,
faith. o Cart Fiaas muF labour for every grace. 0 Vertue, know- \7
ledge @ mverance,¢> care inandmatds to faith.oSuch as duly labcur for 5
faith post obtzing it, "b Tuc graces ivcre mentioned-are mofé excctlent |7 o

aud neccfJury.

The

64. -

‘The Texte

Verfe, ‘He Reafe
x fons enforcing the

8 * For if Tite exhortation are 4
athefe things | two forts, the former drawne
be iny™ from the matter to which; the
abowsd,they | Latrer,fcom the perfon by whom

THs veife containeth the fe-
cond and third Reafons both
taken from the dangerous and
miferable condition of thoft
which want the forementioned
graces, the former in thefe
words, He i blind and cannot fee
farre off, where two things are
fore |, 1. that hee eres a-
reth knowledge unto feeing or
lights 2. tha he eomparethig~
norance,unt® darkneffe, the lat-
terin thefe, and hath forgorten
that he was purged from bis old
fimes, wherein three things, 1.
the perfons whom God doth
parge from their old fisnes,2:
the time when he doth purge
them; 3. the manner how hee
doth purge them,

from bis* old
4 finnes.

The Analyfs, Chap. 1.

make ot» they were exhorted, there being

that yee Shalt | of the former five, vert. 8.9,105

not be barrens | 11, of the latter foure, 12.23.14.

nor unfruitfe! | 15, che firft of the former fort ding ia them.

in the know~ ) laid downe in this, tsken from

ledge of our « | the effect of th ne graces, or fruite which they reaped

Lord tefis —_| the knowledge of our Lord Zefus Chriffjwwhere ther's t. a ducty, we
Chrift. raft azyther be barren wor wafruitfull

:| tefia Chriff, 2, the raeanes whereby to performe the fame, by hs-
ving thofethings in us,and abounding in us.

The Dettrines. Pag

* Chriffiaas muft neither be |,
barren nor unfruitfull in the
knowledge of our Lord Le fies
Chrift.

* ea would be fruitfall in

the knowledge of our Lord Lefis
Chriff nauf? be endued with faito,
vertue, kaowledge,@°¢, aboun-

thereby, even
in the knowledge of our Lord

* Not oncly the profit en/iuing} ,
unto fiscir as have the forementi-)"¢*
oned gracer,but alfo tne danger’
befalling fuch as Lacke them, ix-
cite me unto the rudy thereof.

2 Such as want tie gifts and
graces of Gods Spirit are igno-
rant in matters of fatvation.

b such as want the gifts and
graces of Geds Spirit nave their
hearts and minds who!ly fer upon
the profits and pleafires of this

world. ie

c Naréyally we are polluted
and defiled with finne. |

4 Our matarglt wacleanglfe is '93.
univer/all.

90.

0 Many are externally purged |
From tiveir fines, who are not in-
‘ternally

™y

The Text.

a eR

ce Apoftle of
“lefustChr bf,
to toem that
have 4 obtaé-~

ned & like

‘Eprecions
ait with us,

trough the

4 rigsteoufues
‘ef God,and
our Saviour
{Jefus Chri/?.

: 2.1 Grace
and perce be
™ multiplicd®
‘Unto ® you,

" tirough the

led
{Seri

‘| lefus our

Lord.

Text.

Verie.

3 According

a * his divine
power het
>" gives unto

ba)

The Analyfir. Chap.I. The Doétrines,

Pag

¢ Such as would enter inte the

rall,a Servant > Particular, as
Apoftic of lefus Chri?. The In- | Afteiferie nu/? sot onely be the’
ervants of Chrif, but be law-

{cription containeth a delcripti- | /2
onof thole to whom this Epi- | fully called thereunto.

ftle was written, whomhe de-| 4 The chiefef? Offces in the
fcribeth from their faiti,ampli- | Church are for the fervice there-
fied, t.from the cerrainet y of ir, | of.

they had obtained it. 2. from the

qualitie and worch of it; 2? 2s
of like price with tne faita of tie
Apofiics. 3» from the meancs
whereby they did obcaine it,even
the rigutcoufaci{c of lefus Ciriff.
Whom he commendeth. 1.from
the worth of his perfon, God.
2. fram his Office, our Saviour.
The Salutation containeth a
narration of thofe things which
our Apoftle wiiheth unro them.

Where’s, 1. the perfon withing
thofe graces. 2. ta whom he wi-

fheth them. 3. the graces which
he wifheth them, being three in

number. 1. Grace. 2.. Peaces

3. the acknowledzing of God,

and of Je fis our Loid.

iter fitff be the fervasts

€ True juftifying faith it of |

great price and wort.

1g.

TS.

16,

& Faith iaall Gods Childres is {1 8.

alike precious.

h ThreveGods providence we | 20,

obtaine that meafire of faith
which we have.

1 The childree of God obtaize
fairo througn the rigbtcoufeffe
of Chrift.

‘ Chriff is true God, and Savieur
of the elc(?.

* Such as have expertesce of the
wort’) of Grace, and Peace is
oem/fclves defire abfo tost otiers
may bave tue like.

The Preachers af Gods word

oug be by the¥r Labours and endcar:ours ; by tocir prayers aad wifbes,to
poiet cut unto their peopic, thofe thing»s fer whichtiey Jbould
cbiefly endeavour. * Spiritual titags do onely belong unto Gods chil-
drew. © Spiritual things are the beff thtngs. 1 The Grace and fa-
corr of God is the chicje/# good to be fougir afrer. ° Where there is
affurance of Gods favour therc is peace of confcience. ™ God doth
by degrees beffow- Grace on his children. ®Grace and peace may be
obt.stned,continucd ,cacresfedytirough tle knowledge of God, and bis
Sonne Jefus Chrift

The Analyfis. The Do&trines. °

“* The experience of Gods good-
neffe in beffewing graces upon
ws,is an-efpeciall meanes to incite
us to deperd on bins for toe en-
creafe of the fame.

* Godis the giver of [piritua!

He confirmation of them in
the hope of the increafe of
Gods graces is laid downe in
thefe verfes- Wherein, 1. the
ground of this confirmation.
2. the circumftances obfervable

35°

_ about ? tinze. God _

( The Text.

fusgbd gif
tinzs tat
ee unta
© life and
ice godlincfes
® rareug.) the
i | knowledge of
bia tost hath
| 8 called 10
| ®plory Co’ ver-
tue.4. where-
by are given
unto me ex cee-
din l great.
1 precious
* promises
tnat by tnefe
you might be
© partakers of
tie divine na-
ture,™ having
P efcaped tire
corruption
that is in the
world through
buff.

The Axalyfis °

about the fzme. The grcund,

taken from the cxample cf Ged,
whole goodnefle and kindnefie
towards them, in giving unto
them all things pertaining to
lifeand godlinefle, they had al-
réfily tried. The circumiftances
obfervable about the fame 3 con-
cerning, t.the Giver, hisdivine
powcr. 2.the AGion, hata gi-
ven. 3.the Gift, all tiings that
pertatne unto life and godlineffe.

4. the perfons to whom, unto.xs.

y. the meanes whereby, through
the knowledge of him toat hata
calledus to glory and vertue.

6.the effe& of thofle benefits, or
the benefits which wee rezpe
through Chrift, mo great and
prectous promi/es. 7. the end,

tnat by tvem we may be partakers
of the Divine naturc, havi ing ef-
caped tne corruption tit is ia

Chap. Ie

wo 6y wv eo

The Doctrinese

God be fowmetn biefings upon bis | 35-
Church frecly.

b God b:ffometa his biefings
bountifutly.

¢ God in giving beffowet.) upon
his owne coitdren.toe be/f tam "gs

d Gods children frand ia nced of
min; thing 3.

¢ eds gafts are tobe embraced
and to be employed as helpcs unto

life and godlineffe.

Godlineffe here, and bappieaf 39.
° hereafter sto be preferred before
all tutngs. 36,

°G race preceedeth glory.

Gods gifts appertaive to bis
owne children.

* God by his Divine power detb |
* freely beffow upon his owne
children alt taofe toings whic
may furtner toem in the ccurfe of

godlineffe here,and crovenc tiem
in m everlafting happineffe bereaf-

the world tirough tuft.

- The elc& effcftuatly called by |38,
Chrift. h Such as are cffeaally called,are here partakers of Grates 4}.
and fhall be hereafter of Glory. | By falta in Coriff we attaine fi CI 144.

taings,as may further us towards grace and vertue bere, and giory
hereafter. God doth be/Pow.upon his owne children many promifes.

' The promifes which Gad beffower) upon his owns children, are molt
great and precions, "Gods children are furtinred toereby in tafe
totngs which appertaine unto life and godlineffc- ™ God beffowctis
upon us his promifes in and vrroug:) tre racancs of Cori/f. © By tue pro~
mifes of G od,pgiven and performed untous, we become partskers of

toe Divine nature, P By tse promifis of God, we efcape tie corrupe
tion toat is tn the world taroug.rlu/t.

The Analyfis. The Doétrines. pag.
s bie verfes containe the ex- | ° He nsu/F endeavour to appre- 61;
T portation unto the ftudie of | hend the bieffings of God ye

faith and othce chriftian graces,
whichis twvofold, the former in
thele words, and befide titis, gt-
ving all diligence, or tuerefore

° By aur endesvour in holy du-
ries we furtiuer our owne falva-
tio

° G od be fFowet is Mein wi

The Text.

Verfe,

!
!

patience f god-

_linef{e ;

jl 7. Andto
£odlincs st bro-

‘tuerlic kind-
neffe ; and to

4 brorh:rlie

kindnes £ cha-

ritie.

The Analrfis.

give even ali diligence tuereunto,
which may be confidered, either

4 asicdoth cohere with the for-

met verles, or with the follow-
ing words with the former ver-
les, either generally or particu-
larly, generally with both third
and tourth (for as in thofe God
telleth us whae hee hach done,
& doth forus,fo herein fheweth
he what he would have us co doe

‘| for our felves,) particularly with

the laft part of the fourth ;: fo
containing an argument for
(anificarionsWith dae follovw-
ing words, as the manner how
we arc to performe the duties re-

‘quired therein. The latter in
t

cle, Adde unto yuur fairs, ver-
tue;unto ucrtuc knowledges 7c.
confidered both in generail, and
in particular. In general three
things are handled, 1. the graces
commanded, 2. the order of:
their placing, 3. their conncxi-
on and coupling tozether. In
particular ther’s required the in-
creafe of {pirituall graces, to
joyne one with another, to adde
one unto another, to minifter,
lupply and furnith our faith with
the others, yea to aide and fup-
portic with rhe fame. Touc
ing cvery of which graccs foure
things are handled. 1 what they,
are. 2,.the Reafons which may
moove us to labour for them.
3. the meanes whereby ta ob-
taine them. 4.the fiznes whereby
to difcerne them.

encreafed. 0 Tz Divell labours by all meanes to deprive us of
faith. o Carifians mu labour for every grace. 0 Vertue, know- \7°
ledge # -nyerance,¢g c.are bandmaids to faithoSuch as duly labeur for 79.
fost jis sll obt sing it, °b Tue graces incre mentioned-are mot excellent |7°-
| aud neccffury " °

Chap. I.

ThePoétrines.

on us, that we may apprebend (61,
tiem and partzke of tiem.

©God doti by degrees perfect igs.
bis™worke of grace i his omue
children,

oWitbout mortification,no af- |o%

france of cur acceptance with
God

oThe worke of mortification, |6%
hard laborious. and diffcule.

* Unto the dutic of mortificati- 63 °
on other graccs muff lhe added.

o By nature we are florifull in 6 3.
the performance of boly dutics.

b We cannot obtatne the graces
of Gods Spirit withous diligence.

¢ The gifts and graccs of Gods |63,
Spirit are wortay of our beff cu- |
deavours abd greate/? dili-
ZCnce.

63.

pag

o As we are aot af allto feekel64, .

after the unlawfull pleafures of
tris world, fo muff not we with
all diligence feeke after tue law-
full pleafures of tic fame.

4 Tne diligence which God re-
quivetir-of us smufi be bothinward | “*
and outward. y

eOf graces faith bath the pre- \°7*
ccdencte.

€Gods graces are as @ olden 7.
chalne coupled’ and linked togc-
ther.
€ True faith cannot frand alone, 68.
Gods children have fill ucede to \69-
adde thereunto.

h God would bave usto grow (9.

in fait).
o The more grace we have tive 69.

more is our faita firengtoned é9

The

soca TER NOTES anh tates cesanin inet aciiaanssammpenesntaniiniaiaunedinagnannnes:

The Text. The Analyfs. Chap. I. The DeGrines. Pag’

Verfe. He R ;
"F ¢ Reafons enforcing the; * Chriftians neuf either be
theft rms Tyotme exhortation are of | barren _ unfruitfull in the Br.
bg yous two forts, the former drawne | keowle dge of our Lord Je fice
Mus d.tity | later frome s fe roy be oe. id be fruitfall is
) s it
mane I (hall they vrere exhorted, there being the moniedge of be oe tafe *s.
that ee ies | eee formats five, vert. 8.9.10: | Chri uf be endued with fait,
or tful 15, he Gch of fDure, 1201 3.14, | vertue, knowledge,@’c. oboun-
edge oor laid donne inthis, taken from diag te the.
Ee 0) OF ie effect oftth ste graces, or fruite which they reaped thereby, ever
ee ia | the knowledge of our Lord le fas Chriff,vehere thec's 1. aducty, we
; | tuft sesther be barren wor oxfruitfull is the knowledge of our Lord
-| Jefe Cri, 2, the meanes whereby to. performe the fame, by ha~
ving thofetoings in ws,aed abounding in uc.
— , —_ . foe ae a ae
Text. ¢ Analy fs, The Dotirines. | pa
Geen
is verfe containeth the fe-; * Norenely the profit ex/iing
Verte; cond and third Reafons both | genio fisch as have the forement:. 7-
9. Buthee | taken fiom the dangerous and | oned graces,but alfo tae danger
thar * lacketh mi condition of tholé | befalling fiuch as lacke them, tz-
thefe things, | VhicD vant the forcmentioned | cite us unto the Pudy thereof,
is* blind, end | GES» the former in thefe | * Such as want the gifts and
cannot fee; | YWords, He is biied and cannot fee | graces of Gods Spirit are igno- 89.
bfarre off, | farre offs where wre things are rast in matters of fee ni
hath €8 Ic e€ compa- Such as want t ejey
eottee thatthe reth knowledge unto fceing or graces of Geds Spirit have their 9°°
wat parte | Petnncesant dete, hela | he pot ed plea of ta
“¢ ee? , - tts
from bie old ter in thefe, and hath forgortes | world, = ~~ >

| thas he was purged from bis old

fies, wherein three things, 1,
the perfons whom God doth
parge from their old fianes,2.

doth purge them, :

c Nark¥ally we are pollured 92.
and defiled with finne.

4 Our eatarall uacleaneffe it ''93
asiver/all. °

the time whep he doth ¢ Jf can no other be done a-
them, 3. the manner how hee | say but byte blood of Ciriff. \9*"
o Mary are externally purged | 6
from tier fanes, who are not ie- 9
ternally

The Text. The Analyfs. Chap.I. The Dottrines. _ pag.

—ee » eee

cular calling, is an excellent
meanes to fartoer us in the perfor-.
tioned graces, the fitneffe anti mance of tae fame. —

equity oy his calling. Hae ong| > Our bodies are fraile. : +
he found himfclfe ci:dunto the} ¢ Wc have much neede of the '

as long asl
am in foie.
bedefgry-

h flirre you | performance of this dutie during | helpe and affiffance of God. a6
upbyhput- | nic uaturall life. 3. the benefit] ¢ Our effate is mutable and \*4°-
theg you in which they were to rcape there- | chasgable.

h renem- by,ro be Ftrred up. © Jn this world opr foules are | 47:
brance. but as gue/ts in our bodies.

E fa tois world we are aspilgrims. & At tne length we foall have a. *47-
fetled babitasion. bh Gods children have continwall neede of tie fre~ (149:
quent admonitions of tre word, wisercby they may be frirred up to the
performance of boly duties.

re nr ce a
The Analyfis. The Doktrines.

PF His containeth the Seer | ™ People ought tobe /o much |1§ 1.
fon,taken from the brevitic | the more diligent in obeying the
of his life, the thortnefic of the | exbortatioas ef Gods Werd,as in
time whercin he was to live, or | likelihood tiey are to be deprived
a reafon why he refolved noc to | of tre preachers of tee fame.
be negligent in admonithing| * Preachers mu be (o much
them,even becaofe he was fhort- | tie more diligent ia. performing
ly todie, where cvyothings are ; the werkes of their calling, as
to beconfidered. 1, the certain- lékelihood by death they are to
ty which he bad of the propin- | be di/charged thereof.
dine of oy penn? wick to * Gods cides may undoub-
rely put off toismy Tae tedly per themfelves of the
bernacte. 2. a confirmation or verterecly med affirioc of thofe
roofe of this his certaine per- shings whereof they have a war-
wafion, even as our Lord.Jefss rast from Corift.
Chrift hath foewed me. . | b We muff alldie.
. be Vato Gods children death is
@ paffage from this world vate the kingdome of beavers

The Analyfis, ° . TheDobtrines,

2 eons aon eee ae eee OO

° Ser eee

% e °.
15: Moree THis containeth the fourth; "T'be Preachers of Gods word 160.
ade or lift reafon, taken fromthe| suff wor onely be carefull for tive
hat pow ae care which he had of chem, thae| prefest good of rheir people, bxt |
he “beone, even afcer his deceafe they might| al/0 for the time to come. . - 6
jad rile have the fumme- of Chiltan © People nuff be mindefull of |'°?-
seve * thle doGrine compriled by him the exbortatioas and admeniti-

” The Analyfis.

The Doétrints.

. ag.

Rom this untothe endofthe * Preachers ought to deliver 90- |170,
Chapter, ther’s Layd downe ] thiag but the truthof God..
anexhortation unto conftancie | > The Dolfrines which ix out- ty 72,
in the faith of Chruft, and con- | ward appearance feeme maf?
Verfe, feffion of the doftrine which { plaufible, are not. alwayes mo/t
16. For we | vasdelivercd unto them by the | whole/ome. | ;

hade not fot- \ Apoities, backt by a twofold ar- | c The dotfrine of fatfe Teachers |173.

towed> cun- | gument, whestof the former ‘is | is deceiveable. mo,

ningly ¢ devi- | taken from the excellencie of the | 4 Such as want the preaching of 1174.

fede fables, | matter whereunto he doth ex- | Gods werd.are ignorant of the

when.® we . | hoct them, the latter fromthe | comming of Ciri/.

f made certainetie of the fame. The | © The Apoffies did diligently |, 0 4.

‘fkgewee excellence of the doctrine is | make knowne the workes of their |-

unte yeu tbe | layd downe in the former part | calling. ou

S powers and j ofthe verfe,wherein three th ngs By the Apoffles labours they 175.

8 comming of are to be confidered. 1. adiffe- [ learned the knowledge of Chrifh

our Lord Je- | rence betwweene the dostrine of
fis Chriffsbur | the Apoftles of Chrift, and
i¢| others,in thefé words, sve fol-

lowedwor. cunningls deviled Pia
bles. 2. the end of the Apo $
office and calling, to make
.| kaewne the power and comming
of the. Lard Iefis Chrif?. i. how

'-T farre our Saviour Chrift did ma-
| nife% himfelfe unto his Apoftles,

. 4
ry wv"
ry $
‘

8 The dofrtme of the Apoffles \75.
doris concerne tine power and com-.| -
ta ing of our Lord Jefus Curt,
©The dottrine of the dpoffles |176.
certaine and excellent.
God afrer a fheciall masner-|177,
doth reveale bimfelfe wete his
owne children. =
h Gods children bebold and ob- |*77

Serve that in Chrif? ssabich oriers |

doe n0f.

CHAP. It.

The fecond Chapter confifteth of thefe three parts. I.a prophecie of
thefe fale Tethonoberns aba both _ ‘endive cite
segesher with [ome nates whereby they might be Rnewne as alfothe certaint
. F their deftruition, frome verfe Lato verfe 10. 11,4 dé{cription beth fie
hindes and of the manners of thofe falfe T cachers,from Ver[.10.t0 Ver/.20-
II [, adeslaration ef the wacfull efhate and condition of [uch as are feduced

by thew, fromipars.20.unt0 the end-of the Cleapter.

ea adler ee ed . :
The Text. The eAnalyfis. Doétrines. Pag.
OO -

Verfe, rr itis cantainesh theeeparcicu~ + *T'heChurch of @od as it hath )227.

36 Bat there} * lars.1. 2 prophecie of thole bene, {oie aud: fooll be «ffastited
“were fale | falfe tcachets herewith the: ay mitt teashers.
Prophets al/é | Church of God was tobe tried, | _* Brrenious and bereticall do-) .4
the | cogether with 2 confirmation of | @rine ia mot the dofrine of the "
ttre et-| array you eevee | rages Bal wach.
rs ‘You even as there | in by falfe teachers. .
be falfe Tear! were falfe Prophets the | eFalfetcachers are ‘both dili-| 236,
chers among | people, 2. the fhady wherecbours | geye aod fultile ia broaching
30, %whot pri-| they would employ themlelves, | their errours.
vi: swiho privity foall bring iv danmms-, 4 Herefies datruded and brought
bring in le herifes cccn deuying the Lord \ into the Cimr ch are dauaable e2d |
damnable | phar bought them, 3. the fruite } deadly. .
berefiet, even| which ¢ ry were to reape by| © Fal/c teachers by bringing in
edenyingtie | thofe their damnable herefics, | (fuchdamaable axd deadly herefies
Lord thet | bringing upon themjélves [wit | deny the Lerd that bought them.
fiews, | de /frultion. : } © The reward of hereticks is
§ ring * fwife deffruttion. -;.
yy Lie wis 8 Fal/eteachers bring upon them/elucs fwift defraion. ©
fe .
defruthes. | |} ——-
daniel The Anatyfis. The Dodtrines.
Thetex. ( ————_—
S| "TBele verles containea farther { * The dofrine of falfe eca-
sie Defcription of falfe ceachers,'| chers isexceeding fruitfull.
N pau follew rogethe: with a repetition of | bFalfé regchers blafpheme ‘the
‘their j- | Se Punihment which thall (eale | away of truss, Chrijf, and his boty

‘4 o 3 .
vane from the eumber of their fol-} * Suchas are the followers of

lowers, a9 anzey fhalt follow | falfe teachers, Peake evill o
their Chiff,

2394

a a ee ee
The Text. Tbe Analyfis. Chap.II. TheDorines. Pao

3- And — of thems the way of truth is. take occapfion to fpeake evill of
ihe, evill fpoken ef. 3. from the Chri ff ,8 bis holy Gofpet: er tins,

chandife of §. trom their and a in | bis holy Gofpell.
you! whofe broaching their errours, th peli
jadgewent they may make merchandife of | and caufe of alt .thofe errours

time liagereti odo. |
soteand iets r Pp punithment, who/é judge- : falfe Teachers.
$0R

20% 0
dannust o ; ip
© thedy dasation /lumbreth aor. their followers through fained
fame eth wwords.e Falfe Teachers in feducing their followers ,ayme oF hier own
.. aise. Gods judgements foall undoubtedly and moft certainely [cafe
upon falfe Teachers.

The Teze, The Axaly/is. The Doétrines.

THe certainetie of thofe judg °F ale Teachers {hall cer taia-
ments which fhall be ini&- | ly be de/Proyed.
ed on falfe teachers,our Apo‘tle | * None can perfevere im good: |:
Verfe, confirmicth by 2 twofold exam- | neffe whom God doth set uphold
4 Feit if God ple. The 1. is layd downe in by his boly and heavenly Spirtt.
¢Paredaor thee words, being taken from} > Noze ought to bee puffed up
the abc Ap- the Angels that Ganed, wherein | with any gift either of body or
gets _ thefe three things are to be con-| asiad, wherein they excell otwers.
wed, int foe fidered. 1, the perfons which, c Nobeauty,giory,or excellen-
them downe to iuned and were punithed, the} cy of the creature, can exempt i
hell, asd deti- 27gels.2. the finne or fall of the | fromthe punifhment of fane.fal-
vered them els implied in the word fin-| ding thereinto.
inte chaizes vf ¥84. 3- sheir punithment ; T'ney| 4 The condition of the evill Aa- |:
darkeneffe.to were caf downe tohell, delive-\ gzls is mo? miferabl: €’ terrible. |-
be refervet red wato chaines of darkencife to de referved unte judgement, wher's
wutojudge- mentioned,t.cheir panifhment in this life, depréucd of bezven: caft
met. -«' downe dutobell;this laft being amplified by their entertainement
‘there, and by the end why they were put there. Their entertainc-
- ment is chaiues of darkneffe : the end why they were pat there ro be
vefervedin durance unto the judgement of the. great day. 2.their Qu-
nifhment in the life-rocome, They halt be judged.
RAK

}: The Tews. The Awalyfs. — Chap. ITs The Dodi pg)

‘ Eyenamalttuie ffm 280.
partaking together in finne, are

not exemspted from Gods judge-
meats,

, (THe 2, example is vrken from
the old word, which confit -
eth of two parts, tbe former
conceming the deftru@ica of
the old wold, whercin thefe
three thit pare to be confidered.
1,the perlons punilied, the oli
snip va worlds. the ground or caule of
1 red sot tre old | "heir penithment, implied inthe
* sporld, © by | YOrd ungodly, 3. the punifhment
faved Nogh | it elics God brought. rhe fieed
i sdipag A wehere may beconfi-
Ged, the time,
perfia atprea- after the ace 1roeaxe s. the
ie 2

| (her of righte. aimee Yoel op want
meig | tY228 Whowere even in
Tae eMEH | che pleafores of inthe Intter che.
tpeatie prefervation of Nash and his fa-
conde the | Mily- wherein three chings are
: oth fer dovrne,t. the perfons prefer-
“aed | ved, eight perfons ie all, Noah
7 and his wife, his three fonnes,
and their three wives, 2. the dane | }:
ex fromwhich they were pre- | ¢
ferved the generall deluge. 3 . the

ty of judge~
aments £0 inf om the workers of :
Ga ie the execution of is [288,
madgements doth aot deate alike

witnevery Pon
"Gale wat alwayes bears |289.

ith impenitent: fe
“Godt pagenaee atin od |e,

meancs whereby were pre- | @ The holine/e of the godly
ferved, outvwa, ae warhs.tin- not be buried ae
ward, faith. Wicked perfeas fare the better

for the companie of Gods chit. |
dren. * in woft focieties and ci ies the wicked are mingled with |29'
Gods children. h God in the midft of dasger, cas preferve whimi-
Soever hee pleafeth from the fame, * The Arke atype of the Cherch,

Se
The eAAnalyfs, The DeBirines.

“He 3 example is taken from ) * Such ae are partakers f1
‘that horrible and fearefull | #2 fese,. rte ye
Verte, deftruction ef Sedem and Ge- Lira Plt tein *
& auditor | egy conte ie a= | oss rag ad oda
- ings are c eda, wt
rinctin jeRof this punithment, the Cit-. | onely pied feloes,
f | thes of Sodom and Goworrah, | things that belong wate them
| whereunto we may adde, dmeh ‘at's afuall fer the
aad 2 chojira, the inhabitants | bave w fillen ti
hereof, axed all teat thay bad. < their faves,

. thecaufe or ground of that pu-

‘righteous foule from day to
: wer oebeit lao ful deeds. ad

: J te copcuhion of
how] deftradi n of the ungodly,and| > The Lord kaoweth bow tode-.

Phe Analyfis: Chap.I1. TheDottrines Pag’

nifhment, implied in the word
‘wagodly. 3. the punifhment in-
Aided upon them, Their C ities
were turned intoafbes, aad con-
denned with an overthrow.4.the
end why God infli&ed this judg-
ment on them, that they might
an en ample to them tnae after
Should live ungodly.

- - The Anatyfis. The Dettrines.
Tee verfes are a proofeof | *Goed doth preferve and deli-

Gods power in the preferva- | ver the righteous frou t:0/é judg-
tion of his owne children, taken | ments which are pa pon
from the example of Lot, which" t2¢ wicked.

confteth of two parts, The: The converfation of wicked
former containing Lots prefer~' per/ons is filthy, end their deeds
vation, in chefe word, and deli-. unlaw full, |

vered ju? Lot. “The larter,Eors |. ¢ Gods children are vexed with
commendation in thele, vexed the filt ty cosverfation of the
with the filtiry cancer fatimn of the | wicked.

wisked,and againe, te feeing and | “tts bartfuil and dangerous
hearing, tnat rightcoxs man for-Gods cuildren te dwell a-

dwelling among them vexed bis | mong wicked berfins .

The Analyfs, _ The Deltriges.

cop the precee- © rhe. gediy in tis prefeut
‘doftrine touching the] world dre /ubjeft to temptations:

pretervation of the zollly, which | Oe the ge
confifted of thefe qo parts. | f/ons. Lj ;
The" i, concerning phe prefer-] _¢ There fhall beadak of jude ;
‘vation GF tht godly in. hele \ dew! whereta the unyagt ball ve

os otds, 1 ake . —, pandfoed -

—_—= -_-*

out. af tcmpta-

end tod re-
forve fire 3
lie F weto toe
ody of judge
iment to be pur
nijbed,

Che Tecc.

Verfe.

10.d But
cniefly them
fyar* walle
after tie flefo
in toe lu,F of
| unclearenc fe;
snd defpife
Goverzment,

d exe.

V ¢€ fs,

Tt W ere
Angels which
. GF€ greater is
* power and

s Might 9 bring
nef railing ace
cufationg.

~The Text The Analzps. Ghar. dl

‘eftate,of thofe many horrible

‘namely 3. their punifhment, in
“walke after tue flefo, vehich having

Aagelss falle teachers dare doc

The Dodtr

words: The Lord kwowet.2 now
todeliver tie godly out of temp-
tation. The 2. concerning the
deftruStion of the wickrd, in
chefe, and te referve toe unju/? |
unto tre day of judgement to bz puaifbed. In handling the former, 4
things are touched. 1. the dcliverer,the Lord, wher's fewed both
how fra de'iverer he is. and by what meanes he delivereth. 2, the
perfons delivered or preferved the godiy. 3. the ground of their deli-
verance Gods knowledge. 4. the matter trom which they are deli-
vereds temptations, which according-to the different effe&s which

y worke in the perfons tempted »are of triall, and of perdition,
the/é the tempeations which betall che children of God, (who are
fomerime tempted of God, fomerimes by Sathan, fometime by men,
and fomcrime ty thcir owne lufts) enefe the cemotations which be-
fall the uneodly,or impenitent perfons,and fo much for che firft part
of the Chapter.

The Ana'yis. —

~ rhedeSrines
Cnn CRS SS . oe
"Titec fecond part of the chap- * Falfe teachers wWalke after
ter is contained from this un-

the fel inthe lu? of unclear.
rothe 2u.verfe, containing a de- ee

ac
(:ription bath ofthe kinds and | > Fal/e teachers defpife govern.
manners of thefe falfe teachers,

nent and are sot affraid to [peake
togethcr with divers repetitions | evill of ti0fé which are incu-
‘of their miferable and weefull | thority.

c Fale tcachers are prefumpta-
aus and felfe-rwilled. :
Fal/e teachers which walk tlm

puns bed.

¢ Tac unjuf? are pow refcrved
sinder punijiment unto te day of
judgement.

and terrible sormenrs, which are
repared for them, all whichare
tiefely recorded in. this verie,

sifbment.
relation unto the laft part of the

former verfe, imply thatthe cftate of falfeteachers is much more
dangerous, than the condition of other ungodly perfons. acheir

thefe words but criefely tie toat

kinds, which may be reduced intotwo orders or rankes, for. they:

are eyther epicures which welke after the flefh in the luff of uncleare
se (fest bibertines,and that both in regard of their jadgement,and in
regard of their pra@ifc,of their judgement, they def é goveramet.Of
their pradtife,they ave net affraid to peake vi éguities. 3, their
nature and quality, 1. they are prefunptuens.2. they are /eife willed.
_ . The Analy fis. Tt WES.
PT His containetb an agers "The roped which G iy

tiog of the Ganes of libertins | /agels sald sate maegi frats
in defpifing government, and | doth falfe Teachers is
that -from the example of the | their costenspt of them:

ines. pag.

324,

28,

3 3

339.

340,

are efpectally referved unto pu- |.

343

The* Angels are. mighty and |345-

a, . shae which the. very Angels dare } power fall creatures. .

ee
«The Test... TheeAnalyfis, © Chap.II. .TheDotrinese Pagsy

32.Butfiefe not. Though they are much more | rfull and mightic than men,
61 * natural | yet doenot they difprasfe magiftrats, blame the authority tnd pow
truite beaffs, | er which is given them of God. :

_——— oor

te de. | te aaa «Te ali
fProyeds bfpea- ‘Heie contait defeription, * Fat/é Teachers are as .watu~
king evill of of the abhominable Life and | rall bruite beaffs nxade to bee ta-
the fining; that | corrupt manners of thefe lawles | hen and defrayed.

ward of un- fags which tney underfland nor.| * They would be acceusted true
righteoufacs, | 3.cheir intemperancie in thefe,) bearted Chrifiass,
cas.they who! they count it pleasure to riot te the| © They are not ignorant of their
day time, or daily to live detict-| ownehypocrifie. -
ou/ly.4.cheit hypocryfie,fpers they! 0 st rejoycerh them to be effee-
are and blemifoes, Porting them-| msd religious.
felves with treir owme decei-| 8 God wit bewray theiz hypocré-
vings while tiey feaf? with you, | fie.

whereunto is annexed their La- |" * They are dangerom and fcaa-
mentable condition, that they | datou to Geds Church. *
Sball utterly perifo in their ewe! oEvery outward profelfur is
corruption, aed likewi/é receive | se atrue Chriffien.
the reward of the unvignteons

The Analyfis. The Dolirines, -

= oo

lefe verfes containe two *Fal/é teachers are laftiviow. 1
Ti 1, a ptopolition laide| > They aredeceltfun.
doymne in the 14, and beginning | -¢ They eadevour 10 make others
of the.15.verf, 2. a confirmation | al Rpstiaters of their wi
thereof laiddowne in the reft of | They dee fraudulently feduce
pores ce fre peedas men and women.

ition there are five lars] Sach as are dl

whereby thofe lawlefic libertines {elaced by theme
defcribed.-1, their lafcivionf-

48 Spots tie,
areand hb
mifbes, f por-
ting théfelves
with toeir
owne © decei-

The Text. The Anas. Chap.IL The Doctrines. pag
a

e.their deceitfulneffe, beguiling | |! They are Apefats from God.
un/fs ble foules wherein may be | ™ Such a withdraw their hearts

Verfe, . | confdered, the feducers compa- | from God, ¢g’c,are Apoffats.
15. Winco red co foulers or fibers, the fedu- | ® Such as forfakethe right way
have \ferfa- | ced compared unto fifbes ‘or | goe a/tray.
ken the * right fowles; the meancs whereby | ¢.4 man may know him/felfe by
way, and are are feduced, compared unto | the way wherein he wal keth.
gone @affrays |} hole daites wherewith fifbes and |» Covetoufueffe tie roote of all
following the fowles are taken, 3. their cove- | evill.
o wap Of Bs | toufneffe,an heart have they ex- | 4 Riches got unlawfully are but
laam tie foane ercifed wits covetous prattifcs., unrighteoum gaine.
of Bofor, wh® | . cheir unhappinefle, they are) * Baleam left inexcu/able.
loved tEP WS" | cur (cd children, or the children of | Oftentimes wife men are ta-
“es of (tae curfe. § - their Apoftafie, whi ken with mad fits
| ighteoufees. | have forfakestie rigit way.aed| * God cas extraordinarily open
| 16, Bur was aregone affray, wher’s t. their | the mouthes ef dumbe creatures.
\ - rebuked for averfion from good.2.theircon-} o Oftes tiofe thet Should be
| sis tpiquity: | yerGion unto evill, The confir- | guids uaro others,prove Seasbling
che ® dansbe mation 1s taken from the exam- | blocks.
{ aj% [peaking | ple of Balaam, who is de(cribed, ) 0 Godt ordinances muff be du-
» pith meses 1, from his name Balasm. 2.| ly performed.
i oy: sorbade | from his place of birth, Bo/or.3.
‘he! matees | from the greatnelfe of his finne, the way of Balaam. 4. from the
| -frke Pro- ground of his wickednefle , who loved the wages of asrig:) reoufies te
1 ‘net. $.frem the reward which he reaped hereby, be was rebuked for bis

intguity tne dumbe Affe (pealing with mans voyce, forbade the mad-
neffe of the Prophet, 6. from his Office,he was a Prophet.

oe re eee OE

The Analyfs. The Dottrines.

the 18.& 19.The propofiti6 con- | rhe courfe of gedlinefe, and at
eaineth two things, 1.the nature, | tive teaghn fall away.

& 2.the reward of falfe teachers. | 4 /t’s mot enough to begin well,
Their nature exprefied by atwo- | usle//e we contige é&° -
fold fimilitnde, whereof che | © Such es are overcome.

firft condemneth their barren- | besd-/aves thereuwte. 6)
nede andunfrutfulncffe, Tizey wo

are wells witnout watcr, che fecond their inconftancie and var
ablencfle, clouds t:rat are sarrizd wits temp2Q Fheir rewards -te

AEs Ge Fyn

Cee cc en en ee en pm
The Texte TheeAnalyfis, . Chap. 11, -TheDodtrines. Pag-
Swelling. sohow the mift of dar eaefe te ferved [for ever. Theconfirmation,
words of va- | wptieth thus much,thar as wells allure sure paflengers therean-
nitie,they ‘to, and clouds which (well by the winde, mike an offer of raine to
datture refreth the thisfty ground, fo thofe men draw many after them,.2s
hoping to attaine ‘Ene great ching by them, butwhen all comes to
all they prove -voyd and emptic, wells without water, clouds thas
are carried with a tempeft. Herein my be confidered. 3. the feda-
cers,falte teachers, apy compared (as the original word im, )
unto cunning fibers, and skilfull fowlers 5 ncwing both when,

and where,and after what manner to intangle fimple

aeffe,thofe

toat were

‘cleane efta-
ped from them .
that live in u a n

d plaufble doétrine} 4

frrour.
t9.Wiile 1 falleteachers, who freake great /aelling words of vanities pre-| i
they promife and

them Liberty,
tty tatm-
felves are the

* The offate of rhofe which ha~
ning the bf par of this ‘ving gone 4 creat way is chriffi-
Chspert a iption avitie,fall away is more dange-).
woe! enenatlte and mife- | rows ‘ioe theirs which sever
rable eftate of thofe which are | made any pepfefficn at all.
feduced, the pernicious | -
do€trine of falfe teachers. Jf after they have efcaped the pollutions
of the world, to’ c.the Latter end is werft with thems then she beg teeing,
ithad bene better for tirem nor 10 have keown the way of righteeufues,
ec. Ic containath thefe two particulars, 3,2 fitron.ver.20,
2,aconfirmation thereof,ver.21,22.In the ton two things are
to be confidered, :.the fubje& or s fpoken of,they whic havin
efcaped tbe pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the ind
‘Saviour lef ere ageine entangled therein and overcome.
Wherin wre have both pheir former eftate :under the pollations of the
world,and meanes how they were freed therefrom, the knowledge
ofthe Lord andSaviour Tefus Chrift,and their prefent, being againe
entangled therein and overcome, wher's both their femptaticn,
theia oaiding uate the temptation, ind by what meanes they fall
intothefame, The predicate or what is affirmed of them, vhatte
\atter

Saviouy Le/us

Cori tey

27s : .
The Text. The Anahfs, Chap.J1f. TheDoctrines.- pap.

tiem tian the, latter ead is worfe with thens 0922 tse b2gieniez, tg’ c. The coafiemi-
beginning. \tion is (et forth bya comparifon and a fimilitude 5 the comparifon
23. * For it\ beinz beewy-ene the finazs of kazvledge or prefamption, and the
had been bet -| finncs of ignorance, or infirmitie. Tos fimiliude wwofold, che
fer for them | fo:mzc inceraall,taken o1: of Pro.26. 18. the latter externall,idded
mertobave \ by oar Apo tle,e'ya taken fran ths dog w'tich returneti t0 bis vonsite,
kavwrethe } ris fcom the fow, wich bsing walbed walloweth iztire mire.
way of rignteou (ae fetuses after they bave knowze it,totaree from tue holy commarzd-
ment delivered unto tiem. 22.” But it ishapeed unto taens according to the true pro-
werbe : The dog ee is turacd to bis owne vomit againe, andthe fowt bat was walbed to
ber wallowing in the mire.

CHAP. III.

The third Chapter confifterh of two parts.Inthe former our eApoftle affir- |
meth and by confuting the Adverfarie evidently and cleerely confirmeth,
that the world foaklbave ascend, Chrift com: unto judgement, fromuerf, 1.
soverf-1@. Inthe latter,be deferibeth the forms: and manner of the fame,
from verf.10. tothe ond of the Chapter. The former part containeth thefe
particulars, |.a preface, verfit.2. Il, the error and opinion of thofe E pi-
cures and propbane perfans,together with the ground of the fame, ver[.3.4,
ITI. aconfucation of their error, drawne out of the fountaine of the oly
Scriptures, verf.5 6.7.8.9. The latter shefe, I, the forms: and manger of
Chrift s comming to judgentent and of the end of the world, verf-10, 11.13.

13. [J,anexbortation unto bolimeffc,and innocency of life confirmed al fo by
the anthority of § Baul,spos which eccafes be commendeth Apoftslike Do-
Erine,verf.14.15,16. 111. the conclnfien both of tbe (baprer, and Epifile ,
exhorting unse waschfullneffe,sneo perfeverance, unto the growth ix grace,
andinthe knswledge of eur Lord and Saviour le fies Chrif. ver fir7.Be .

AD A a

The Text. © TheeAnalyfs. ‘Dorines. Pag.
lt tle tte:

Verfe, Tek verfes containe the pre-, * The Preachers of Gods word 405.
1. ¢T nis fe face of this Chapter, thewing ought tenderly to affel their peo-
cod Epiffle the finall caufe of che writing | ple. e
(°b loved) j both of this, and the former Epi- bMiniffers m1Fu/e all meanes , 206
Lut. bd rite ftit, namely fir to renew the endevour every way for the °
wut:suin — fime d: @r:ne which they had! of.Gods people.
adersacnich — tecet cd, to admonith and t| © T'bis fecoud Epsfle is aoleffe| 46
fe. ¢eerpg — wen in unde thereof, verl.t.' canonical! tuan the forazr. °
; / 2. to d Pres-

The Text.

————_—$ $$ $$ $$$
+f 4.00 infteué chem in the “| d Preachers waft be ‘paincfull \ 4¢7°)

*}which .are éxiforced by a two- | readé Gods word unleffe wee be

of | che perfons, che latter from the nature of the things written: per-

+| things contiege as they were from): aed his inftruments, tranny
fhe

The Analyt. Chap.I1 1. TheDoGrines. — Pai

Grine of the Gofpel, as the onc-
ly true doSrine, confirmed by | * Preachers mu/? efpectally \4°7-|
the teRtimony of the Prophets, | ayme at thofe things which are
and of the Apoftles of Telus | sso/? profitable for tue people. 8
Chriftyverf.2.Jt confifteth of two | € Even Gods cle? have neede to |*°*+
parts. X- an incitation to receive | be pur te minde of rbeir duties.

the doftrine now to be delive- | 8 The dolfrine sof tie Goppet is |4°9"
redverht. 2. a perfwafion to | tie onely certaize and true de-
perfilt in the truth which before | rine.

they bad received,verf. 2 both | h /t's not enoug te beare or

acd diligent.

fold argument, the former | mindefull of te famz.
drawne trom the condition of| :

fons, both writer and hearer, writer, whole care of themand
love unto them was not {mall} hearer, whofe minde was pure,
and [9 was. nor to entertaine any other but pure and found doftrine.
Things written, backt «by antiquity and content of Scripare. The
writers aficGion, beloved, fachiulnclie,doe 2ow write uate yous dili~
gence, this fecond Epiftie, wiledome to ,Firre up your pure minds by
way of remembraace,being likewife pointed at.

the Analyfii, | The DoBrines,

Hele Verfes containe the fe-; * Bots preachers and people
cond particular which is to | fhould take notice of fcoffers and

be redinthefirlt part of | mockers.

this chapter, namely ap:ophe- | » There hats not beese any time

fie owching Epicures, which | /o peftred witis (coffers and fior-

deny the comming of Chrift |ners of religion, as tic/é Laff

Jefis, the end bf the world, the | dies. and 439.

revwal 1c ly an ¢ Scoffers Corners of velie "

nifhment of rasan . Tho gion Tee apehen ‘son tat

he deferiberh, 1. from the time, | “¢ There is luff and concupi/cence |42°-

wherein they would abound, és { in every one,

the laft dayes.2. from their na-) * Mockers of God have their |421.

ture, Scoffers » wall after hearts filled with ungodly lu/fs.

their owne luffs. 3. from their | €Mockers and (corners are va/-| 428

blafphemois {pceches, wisere is the fals and flaves to ticir owne

promife of his comming. 4. from | lu/fs.

their ridiculons reafon, tocon-| € There is not any point of reli- 1422.

firme their opinion, for fince| gion in a manner, more op,

the Fathers felt . afteepe all| and contradifted-by tie devill

Rake Onits

egg? Se a 2 a «™ tt —_— ,

The Texe..

hl sor fince
the Fathers
ellk afleepe,
Tall titngs
continue as.
fiey were’
: from tne be-
' ginning of tie
i Creation.

§-* For tists
hiey are wil-
lingly tgno-
rant of ,that
by the word
of Qod the
heavens were
0 f old ) asd ¢ he
earty landing
1 out of the wa-
ter and is toe
water.
6.> whereby
tie world that
then Wass yhe-
ing overfiew-
ed with wa-
tcr perisbed.
7.° But toe
heavens and
te carta
which are
now by the
fame word
are kept in
fore, refer-
ved unto fire
againf? the

ay Of judge-
ment and per-
dition of ua-
£°Y 8.

miatcer thereof was by the word of God, 2. about the deftrudtion of
the world, which is eycher paft,or to come,paft by watcr, to come
by fire. 2..an iffever ation of the truth laid dovene ver 7. declaring

and perdition ofunzodly men, be deftroyed Sy fire., In boch there

The -Analgfis. CWap.1It. ° he Doarinen: Pat) -

ota enema se eas
tie begtuning of the creation. 5. \' Chrifts fecond comumingto judze - |
{rom Se certainty hereof, fais | ment. '
know. h such as are caresll and Afi
ly minded are ridéevlon i ree
judging and rea/foning about points of religien. 1 Gods proviace
wonderfull pigion sre/ervation of his creatares. * Death is me
fleepe. | The wicked abufe Gods bleffings to tae difboneur of bé [-

1.378.

The eAnalyfis, The. Dettrines.

“=. = «-

Tee with the two following | * The word of Ged revealed 18
verfes containe the third par-- tie Scriptures istoe ordinary <2
ticularto be obferved in the for- , Qfpecioll meanes, bots tobe pre-
mer part of this Chapter, name- - y ie fromerrour, aed confute
ly a confucation of the preceding ‘all errozéous opinions. -
argument of the foremcntion b As by Gods decree the hea-
{coffers denying the comming of. vens and earth were created in
Chit. T © falfehood as.well tne beginning ,and thereajter toe
ofit’s propofitionas aflumption earth was drowned, fo by the
our Apoftle deteGteth ; the pro- fame are they. referved unto fire |
pofition was this, that if the dgain/? tire day of judgement.
world had already endured for
many ages, it fhould likewife endure forever, our Apoftle denyeth
it, becaufe as God was able by his word to create the world, and
all things therein, fo he is ablc by the fame word to diffolve and
deftroy it. Their Affumption yas this. that the courfe of nature is
ali one as st was from the beginning of the creation, this cur Apa.
ftle doth in like manner deny. Tne world that tien mw ({.ith he)
b:ing overflowed with water pcrijbed. The parts confidered are two.
1,2 confutationoferrour, layd downe in the 5..ac 6, verics con-
taining matter both of reprehenfion and inftraction; reprehenfion
of their wilfull,willing and affe&ted ignorance; intt-wdion in the
fare chings wherein they were willingly ignorant,nomely, 3, 1boue
the cre*tion of the world, which bo:i in regard of the manner and

aaones

chacthis world referved by Gods word, thall at the day of judgement

being three things fayd downe. 1. the creation of all things, wher’s

the efficient.the time,the matter, and manner. 2. the deftru&:on of
he old yworld, wher's the things deftroycd, che meancs whereby. 3: |

Text.

Verle,
| 8." Bar Belo-

yeates anda
thoufand
yeeres as one

perifb,bue
tnat all fbould
come to” re-
pertance.

ftroyed

The A nalyfs .

Hele verfes containe an An-

= (wer unto a maine objection
ofthole fcornefull Adverfaries,
"The objection is this : If Chn&

_be to come unto judgement,as ye

preach, and hee himfelfe hath
promited, then why doth hee fo
jong delay his comming, why

4 he not come all-chis while,
many hundreds of yeares being
paft fince the promite was
made ? Sure he is cither anwil-
ling,or if willing,yet unable to
accornplith his promife. The an-
{wer is twofold; The former
laide dowyne,verfe,8. taken our
jeares in thy fight are bat as

yefterday ,when it is paf?, which | Pe

the Apoftle amplifieth by the

like fentence. One day is with-

tie Lord as a thoufand yeares,
whereof accotdingly he would
net have us ignorant5 and there-
fore doth by a loving compclla-
tion cxhort us to the knowledge
of the fame. Beloved faith he)

| be 208 ignorant, coc. The latrer

laid -downe, verfe 9. fhewi
thetrue caafe why the Lor
doth deferre his comming, even
becau/e he is long uffering to me-
ward wot willing that any of ms
Should perifoy but thar alt of m
Sbould come torepentance.

Chap. 111.

‘the deftruction at the laft judgement, where’s the matter to be de-
: How they are now upholden ; che meanes whereby de-
-} ftroyed ; at what time 3 and the portion of the wicked on that day.

The Do@rines.

| The DoBrines.

* God doth nor meafure times
aed fea fons according to the cor-
rupt judgement cf maa.

* God doth zor through flacknes
deferre the promifé of bis cons-
mlag sbut Payetty rill the appoin-
t .

cd time
* God doth by his patience and
long fafferiag incite «s unto re-
ntance.

Owe 1450.

Tile fecona

teris layd

» tovefe inte
mBMsiatie | the do@rine thereof,

rinezra | at jaglane

The Dobtrines,

1.” See
-* Seeing POllow she ufes of the * The confderation of the un-
things spay!” |. ceding Doftrine of the Aaa | deubeed diffotution of he? thing
be diffotved, | imégement, being m number on tine day of judgement, fbenld
3F manner | SUS The t-being unto purity | iacite Ow unto bolingfe.
of perfons er | and piety, is layd dowyne in che! :
words which conGft of thele two parts. 1, an exhortation unto pu-_

ought yee.to” s: i
b: in all 5 rity and piety, layd dovine byway of interrogation, whet naerer
converge, of perfons cught yee to be in all holy conver (ation aed godlite/fe? z.the

and podti icafon of the exhortation, taken from the diffolution of all things,
Sedhines? | cing then that all thea things foall be diffevved (¥.

The Analyfis, The Dollrines.

TH. {econd being untoanex-) * We ougit wit) patience to ex-
peGation of the day of judg-| pe@,wait,and looke for the com-

ment, together with our prepa- | mig of thisd2y.

ration for the fame, is laide | >We muf? haffes the comming

downe in thefe verfes, wherein | of tiris day of Ged, or he/fen unto

thefe threc things are tobe con- | the comming thereof.

fidered, 1. what wee are todoe | ¢ The day of tre Lord foall bea

‘before this day, namely, wit | gloriomday.

~~ . pati dur ;

The Text.

4 diffolved, ©”
tne elements
fiat melt with
fervent heate.
13.Never se
effe we ac-
cording te bis
* promife loole
or ® sew bea-
vens, anda

14. * Where~
ere © beloved
‘feceng yee
looke for fsck
hing $, ©
c ¢ diligent
that yec may
be > found of.
hhias a2 *peace
without > ets
aad bis mc -
ee

mm Me we ne ee ee ee =

patience to expedt, wait and looke
for it, andte ba/fen the comming
orunte tne comming thereof. z.
whar fhall be done upon this
day. The heavens being on fire
Pall be diffotved; and the ele-
ments fball melt with fervent
heate, yea then there fhall be
zew heavens anda new earth.
3; what thall be perpettiall after
this day, wherein dwelleth righ-
reoufeeffe.

| The Analyfisy
Yise

He third ufe of the preceding |
unto inno- | we may inverit tiefe new bea-

‘doGrine bei

{ [halt be noting but riguteou/ses.

TheeAnalyfis, Chap. IYI. . TheDottunest'. Pag:

Tit fhallbe a day of exceeding 471. -
rerreur.

€ Upon that day the promises ef |47%-
God fbalt abjatutely bee fulfilled

and accomplifbed. .
‘The heavens aud the earth foal |47%- «

be changed from ne frate and
condition, wherein they are now,
even bee purified and refined by
e. | _
f In thofe new heavens the righ- 472.0
teous ball dwell, among whom .

The Dodétrine Se |

* 1776 muft be sow venued that AT 4.

may be found of bine in peace | leffe we be fofeusdofhim. _ . ;
without {pot and blameleffe.2.2{| *We muff labour aedendevour | 475.
reafon to enforce the fame, /ee- | £0 be iu peace. re
tag yee looke fer fitch things; | *WithGed. . . 4760"
even for new heavens, and-a| ‘With our neighbeurs. 478,

new earth, wherein dwelleth
tighteoufnefle. Herein foure

particulars are implyed. 1. the

datie whereunto wee are ex-

horted, to be iz peace, to be
witheut por and blameleffe.z.the
manner how we are to performe
it with diligence, even an extra-

ordinaric, earneft, ardent ende- | é

vour towards the atraini of
the fame. 3. che meanes where-
by to enforce it, our expefation
of thofe new heavens and new
earth, wherein dvvelleth righte~

tcou(nefle. 4. rhe motives indu~ |.

‘cing to the performance there of}

the former; from our ‘Apofiles -

love and care in urging it, bzto-

a Wt.) our feives. _ 479°"

be muff labour to be found ‘481.
witout por and blsmcleffe. |
a© Holy duties are to beperfor- |483> |
med with atldiligence. |. |.

“10's wot an eape matter t0at- 1489, f
Paine unto true peace, and fo to
be found without fpot and b!dme-

effe. :
© Their condition is miftrable |4°3-
which are at variance withGods\:
therr neighbours them/elves. _ a
« 29 doth well befeeme.Chrifi- 48 3.
ans to (ct themfelves about ghis
dntie. r
£ Our expefation af thpfe new (484.
heavens ‘an efpetiall furtherance
tat wee may be found ~witreut
RARK 3 7 ~ ~ Het

The Text.

Text.

Verte,
15.* And
account tiat
the long fuffe-
ring of tue
Lord is falua-
tion, * even

© gt our 4 be-
leved brother
¢ Paulatf,
according te
tie © wife~
dome given
unto bin,
Shath* writ-
fen uxto
Cf yo.
16,45 al/o
in all bir Epi-
lesefpeakix
te Woof .
thefe taings,
in which /ome
things are
_hard to be
= under/Food
wich tie y
- ¢nat are* ux.
‘ Jearned and
unffabie,
i sref? jag
they doe alfo
the* aroer
Scriptures
ato toeir
1 owne de-
fruttion.—

en a

The Anahfise

plifhment of the forcfside dutie Jhould éncite us tuerensh.

The Aualyfis.

efc verfes containe a confit-
mation of the preceeding ufe,
and that bothbya repetition of
the doctrine laid downe inthe
g-veifeywhich concernerh Gods
patience,as allo by an allegation
of che famc do@rin urged by the
Apoitle Paul in ali his Epiftles:
from which hee taketh occafion
to commend both him and his
writing unto them,which by the
unlearned and unftable were fo
much wrefted unto their one
deftruction. Herein thefe foure
parts are tobce confidered, 1.2
dutic, ¢ccount that the long -fuf-
ferieg of tae Lord is falvation.
2.a confirmation of this duty by
theteftimony of the Apoftle
Paul, who had written unto
them ef the felfe (ame things.
3. acommendation of Paul and
his writings Eves as our beloved
brotuer Paul alfo, (9'c.4.our A-
polties judzement touching the
writings of Paul, togecner with
the unlearned and unftable their
abufe of the fame, & other Scrip-
turcs, £2 w.ich are fome toings
hard to be uadcr food, whica toey
that are unlearned, and unable
wreft, astheydo alfo tac etoer
Scriptures, unto toeir owne de-
frruftios.

or bota, 1 Tne Scriptures are tage wre Fed,

Chap. il I.

ved. The latter Gods expectati- por and blameleffe.
on of the fame at our hands,im- : Our Apojfles care and love in

red in thefe words, found uf urging tis duty, fbould provoke
oie | ws fo tne performance of tie fame.

_ ©The Apoffles con/fent and a-
pree is toeis doctrine.

The Doétrines.

h Gods looking for the accom-

The Doétrines.

_* Chriffians fhould account that
the paticnce and loag-fuffcrance | °
of God tendet. to thetr falvation.

bres nced full that we flould be
inffructed inthofe tnings which
concerne our (alvation.

cThe fame points of dofrine
wich are profitable for oxe peo-
ple, are:profitable al/d for. ano-
ther.

4 Peter not alyamed fo reade
and alledge tne awritings of
Paul.

*Peter manifeffetis 20 fmall
wifedome and difcretion is com-
mending Paul. -

4 Peter by this his commendati-
onof Paul, manife/ret.s its love
unto bins,

f Paul by likctixood was Au-'
tuor of the Epiffle to tie He-
brewes.™

8 Pauls Epiftles were written

before the/e of Peter.
0 Sucias would profit by the |
Scripture mujé have a fasdified
ufe of them.

h Suc. as wreff the Scriptures,
are ettocr ignorant .or unfrable,

when tiey are made to

proue

The Text.

toings before ,
ic fbeware
lef yee bsifo
deiog d ted if
way wits
tae errour of
the wicked
‘fall from
def afuce
edf-affne (fe.
18h bur
‘growin |
braceyand in

fn TE EEEaen

_ TheeAnalyfis, Chap. III. TheDoétrines. P:

prove every thing,to coafirme any error. * The ignoraut andi lunftable f4o9,) °
offer vistence unto the whole Scriptures. | Such as pervert the Scrip- 1408.
tures, ref? themuntotieir owne deffrulticn. ™Tic Scriptures are 458,
not fo obfcuresbut that they may be underffood cf te faitafull.

Caan c ccc eee anne —|
The Analyfis. : The Doélrines. Page

Tee verfes containe the 4.{ "There are a great many which |s01,
ule of the preceeding do-| fatl away from their Chriffias

ctrine, which is untowarchful- | profefien. .

nefié,perfeverarke,the growth in} > Tve falls of others flould |5°>*

grace &¢, as alan Bphome of} make. me. more carefull of our

the whole Epiftle,wich the con- | /élwes- _ |

clufion both of it,and this Chap-|" ¢ 7t's exceeding hard and diff- |5°**

ter. InconGifteth of thefe foure| cwlt t0 goe on and perfevere iz

parts, t.an exhortation, beware | the cour/e of godiiaefe.

left ye clfo beingled. away with| «The ungodly by their erroniou |s02

the error of the awisked fall frem | doffriae tadeveur to withdraw

your owne fledfaffucife. 2.'the | minand women from the truth of

Reafon of the exhortation, See- | God.

ing ye know thefe totags before,| * Such as fuffer them (elves to be | 303,

3.the meanes whereby to per-| entangled by fal/e teachers, will

foxgae the forefaid dutic, bar | at length fall from tieir owne

gow ingrace, and inthe know fedjatinelfe. .

ledge of our Lord and Savieur| € Cnriffians Should ‘endevour

tefia Ciriff, 4 the clofe or | to goe cn in tive courfe of godiimeffe

fuut:ing up of the whole Ep:-

RieT. vance omen

Jor cucr,Smen. -

The

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A
FAMILIAR AND
laine Exeostt10Nnon the
fecond Epiftle of Saint
PETER

Leffed Saint Pt # R, having in}
%|| his former Epiftle partly com-
|} forted, and partly admonifhed
)}) the faithfirl in kis dayes. gro

ning under the heavy burt!

of perfecution , patientiy to en-
dure the fame, and conftantly
to perfevere inthe truth of God
which they had received, exe
horting them all to holineffe
of life, and putting them in minde of their mutuall du-
tic one towards another ; left after his death they might
befeduced by falfe Teachers, and drawne away by the cor-
Tuptandevill example of others, h¢e doth alfo direct this
his fecond Epiftlc unto them , exhorting and perfwading
them, having once received the hnow'ledge of the Gofpell,
and made profeffion of the fame, to confirme it by good

B workes,

The Cohe=
rence ofthis
fecond Epiftle |
with thefors
mer,

2 _ Obfervations fromthe coherence © Chap.1

workes, encreafing daily more and more in Chriftian graces,
continuing and perfevering therein , notwithftanding of all
lets and impediments,even untothe end, Whence may be

noted. .
Peters diliz Firft, Thecare which this our Apofile had of the Church
gence inthe - of God, hisgreat painefulneffe and diligence in executing
his miniftesj- | that Commiffion and Injunction which our Saviour prefcri-
allfun@ion. | untohim , as itis recorded by Saint feb», that beloved Difci-
Joh.21.15, | ple of Chrift, inthefe words: Peed my Lembes, feed wsy forep,
16,17. feed my foecpe: He was painfall in preaching , he is alfo
painfull in writing. Yea, theuigher he drew unto his end, |.

¢ was the more carefull for the good of Gods people ; hee

wrote unto them before, he Foth alfo write unto them
againe, and if he had livedlonger, he would no doubt ftill
haue imployed his talent for their good,
Vie. Herein indeed the Minifters of” Gods Word fhonld im-
ploy themfelves ; herein they fhould endevour with all their
{trength ; hercin they fhould be painfull and watchfull ; here-
unto they fhould by all meanes take heed , even by their
painefull labours and endevours in their feverall places, to
feeke the good and profit of G ops Church and chil-
dren. Hercin Saint Pas/imployed himfelfe al the time he
A&29.19, | Wasin Afa: Serving the Lerd-wish all bumslity of minde, and
20,21. | wath teares,aud temptations which befeR bus by the lying in
wait of the Lewes: Keeping backe nothing that was profitable un-
to them, but lbewing thim,and teaching them publikely, and from
honfeto bonfe, tefisfying both to the Lewes and alfe to the Greekes,

repentance towards od and {ai:h toward our Lordle{us (bref :
Ibid,28. Yea, he warned alfo the Hldersofthe Church, To take beed
wutothemfelves, and toall the flocke, over the which the holy
Ghoft had made thems over-feers to feed the Courch of God,wbich
be had purchafed with his ewne blond: that {o they following
his fteppes, might in his abfence benefit the ChurchofGod.
1 Tim. 3.153 | The like duty did hepreferibe both unto Tsaeorhy and Tstue..
aad ‘ Its not enough,unlefle weimploy our felfe about this worke.
me 1 charge thee therefore (faith Pas! unto Timothy ) before God.
2 Ting-t. | avdthe Lord [e/us Chrsf who foal judge the quicke and the dead .

: at

Chap.1: of this Epiftle withthe former. . . 3

| at bis appearing and biskingdome; preach the Word, be inftant
in feafon , ont of feafen, reprove, rebuke, exbert with all long
fufering and doftrine. | People ftand

Secondly, The neceffitie wherein wee ftand of frequent | 5 OP 9 ortrees
and oftenadmonitions: we have fo many pull-backs, fo ma- | quentand of-
ny lettes and impediments to withdraw us from godlinefle, | tcnadmeni-
that we have nced not once or twice only,But often to be put | '°™*

| in mind of our duty more & more to be grounded & eftabli-

| thedin thetruth of God. We have need of sine upon line, | 1f4.28, 10.
prece pt spon precept now alsttle, and then a litle. If ence wri-
ting had beene finficient, our Apoftle needed not have trou-
bled himfelfe to write unto thé the fecond time, but knowing
their neceffitie, and how behovefull it was for them, he ad-
deth unto his firft, this fecond Epittle. We doe often under-
goe new Crofles, and therefore have need of new comforts ;
we ate often affaulted with new temptations, and therefore
have need of new directions,admonitions,exhortatiens; ¥ea,
moft are fo glued unto their old finnes,as that they have need
ag aine and againe to be dehorted from the fame.

Great therefore is their folly which doe murmure and Uf.
grudge, ifthey doe not daily heare variety of new matter, :
though they themfelves continue in their old finnes , adalte-
ry covetoutneffe,drunkenneffe, and the like ; Itlikeththem
well tocontinue in their finnes , but to heareofthem more
than once (if once) they cannot endure,and therefore if hap-
ly the Preacher ( as its his dutie)doth continue his dehor-

| tations, or multiply reprehenfions, they inveigh againft him
as a bufi-body,ceniure him fer anignorant, aslacking matter;
not conlidering chat once drefling ofa dangerous wound is} |
not fuilicient to heale it; that they themfelyeshave not for- | S#il.
faken their former finnes, or(if forfaken them) are in danger
againe to fall intothe like. Thus ofthe coherence of this fe-
cond Epiftle with the former. Touching the Epiftie it felfe, | ' F
howfoever the authority thereof hath beene called in quefti- |
] 00,28 both Nicephorus and Exfebine doeteftitie, yea,and anto | Néeeph. lib.s.
thisday the Syrisxscoe nor admit of the fame; Yet is it no nejab vcelef
leffe Canonical ‘than are the other Scriptures :. containi re te see ©
Bs TANC

» eure

2 Pet 1.14.

The oceafien
of this Epiftle,
2 Petr.19,

2 Pet, 3. | 8.

Luk. 2.29.

a P¢t.3 330
“ihe

The argument
Chap.3.12.

Chap. + .3 «qn
Chap 165 064
Chap ¥.3 6.

Chap 21. &c.
Chap. 3.3.

Chap. 3.17.

The Occafter and Argument. Chap.1.

much heavenly and fruitfull matter, fuch as: is of great
weight and confequence, {pecially in thefe dangerous dayes.
Neitherneed any doubt of the authority of the fame , in re-
gard that it differeth fomewhat in {tile from the former, be-
caufe our Apoftie was now neere unto his end when he
wrote the me : as he himfelfe doth intimate inthefe words
nowing that [bortly 1 muff put off this my tabernacle, even as onr
Lord lefus Corist Lab ined co oy
Concerning it,confidcr we three things in generall ;_1 the
eccaGon, 2the argument; 3 thepartsofthe fame. ~
Touching the occafion, we find it two-fold ; firft,that he
might confirme them in the truth of God, again} all Here-
tiques and falfe-Teachers; thathe might exbore shem to make
their calling and eletisen [ure , that he might secite theme to grow
iw prace,and.in the kxowlegde of lefies Chri. Secondly becanfe
he drew nigh unto death,and therefore would leave them a
pledge of hisloue, ateftimony of holy Dorine, that as old
Simeon did {weetly fing befure his death, torthe good of
Gods people: fo this our Simeox might doe the like, Thus
he himfelfe witneffeth inthefe words, Yea,/ thinke it mecte as
long at 1 am in thse Tabernacle to ftirre you up , by putting you
inrememb- ance; ksewing thst fLortly I must put off this my Ta-
bernacle even as aur Lord lefus Chrift hath foswed me. Thus

| of the occafion. .

Touchingthe Argument. Its our Apofties purpofe to put
the faiehfullin minde of fuchthingsas appertaine to everla-
fting falvation, and therefore ‘having in few words confir-
medithem inthe hope of the increafe of the fpirituall gifts of
God beftowed upon them , he doth firft exhort them to
growin faith, and other ( brifian vertues; thento perfevere in
faith, and comtinue inthe confelfion of the doctrine delivrred une
totheme: adwzoni(bing them of falfeTeschers, bow to beware of
them, and how toknow them: as alfoto beware of {corners and
meockers, which deny the comming of Chri. Briefly he doth
exhort us daily to grow is grace, to efchew falfe Teachers and
feoffers,to walke worthy of that vocation whereusto mehave berue
called, taking beed left at any time we be led away with the errosr

V oft.

areata Rates EEA LS LT a

|Chapa: __Theparts of this Epiptle.

of the wicked, and{e fall frons our owne fiedfafinefe. Thus of
the argument.
"Touching the parts, they arethrees firft, the Preface ; {c-
| COndly, the Treatife or Body of the Hpiftle ; and thirdly,the
Conclufion.. |
The Preface islaid downe in the two firft verfes of the
ari chapter, containing both the Superfcription, the In--
"| {cription and the Salutation; or, the Perfon faluting, thePer-
fons faluted, the good which he wifheth unto them.

The Treatife.is continued from the third yerfe of the firft
Chapter, unto the fixeteenth of the third: containing three
Propofitions; Firft, touching the encreafe of grace, e{pecial-
ly of faith, which our Apoftle would not have to be dead,
but to be accompanied with Knowledge, Temperance, Pati-

| ence,Godlinefic brotherly kindneffe, Charitte , as progec-
cing not-from the hearing-of Fables,but of the Gofpell, which
he himf{clfe fo old and fure a witneffe (as being prefent with
|-Chrift at his Tranf-figuration ) did commend unto them
from the very Author of the Scripture the holy Ghoft.
Secondly, touching the efchewing of Seducers and falfe
Teachers, whom he doth defcribe from their wicked and
damnable doétrine ; from their fubtilty, blafphemy, follow-
ers,undoubted deftruction, finnes, uncleanneffe, difobedience
rahe Magiftrates, preGimptuoufneffe, covetoufneffe, and the
. | like.
Thirdly, touching the wicked manners of the laft age of
| the world,efpecially of thofe who would {coffe and mocke at
the comming of the Lord; whom fe reptehendeth, confuting
their folly by {hewing that there fhalltea judgement ; why
this judgement is fo long deferred , how our Saviour fhall
come to judgement, and that the godly ought to prepare
themfelves for the fame.
_. The Conclufion contained in the twe laft verfes of the
third Chapter,confifteth of a dehortation; ( whereinthere’s
arecapitulation of the whole Epiftle) an exhortation: and.
"a Thankefgiving : In all which our Apoftle as a faithfull
watchman and wife Counfeller, warneth them of their dan-

B : per, '

The parts,

Preface.

Treatife.

Chap,3.9,

Con clu@on.
car 3017s

EE yeaah

The Argue
meat of the

firft Chapter,

‘The feverall
Parts of the
fame. -

The argument and parts of the firft Chapter Chap. 1

.ger, preferibechthe belt meanes fer their deliverance , he
informeth them of things paft ; he fheweth them their pre-
fent condition : he provhecycth of the lafttimes.

Others doe otberwife divide this Epiftle, according to the
three chaprers thzrof ,conlitting of a three {quare army of ad-
verfaries ; firlt, of Hypocrites and difembling Chriftians ;
fecondly , of Antichrilt,and deccitfull Heretickes ; third:y,
of e4theifts and ungocl, Epicwres, The firft Chapter , de-
(cribing the fate of perfection, what the Church fhould be
in this world,vz, moft ftudions of vertue and good works.
The fecond fetting forth the corrupted eftate of the Church,
under Antichrift, as being peftercd with Heretiques and
falfe Teachers. The third thewing in what eftate it fhould.
be about the end of the world , vexed and troubled with
Atkeifts and Epicures. Bat the former I judge more plaine
and caffe, fitting the capacity of the meanell. Thus of the
whole Epiftlc in generall.

, Cuapr.I.

IN this Chapter our Apoftle confirmeth the
faithfull in hope of the increafe of Gods graces,
xhorting them by faithand good workgs, to
make their calling and election fure, whereof

"WS he iscarefull to put them in minde , knowing
that his death is ar hand; and warneth them to be conftant in
the faith of Chrift, who is the true Sonne of God, by the
cye-witneffe ofthe Apoftles, beholding his Majeftie, and by
the teftimoriy of the Father,and the Prophets.

Ttconfifteth of thefe foure parts; firft,the Preface,oe7/e 1,2.
{econdly, a Confirmation of them in the hope of the incresfe
of Gods graces,verfé 3,4. Thirdly ,an Exhortation untothe
ftudy of Eich, and other Chriftian duties and graces, with
divers reafbns to enforce th: fame,from verfe 5. to ware 16.
Fourthly , an Exhortation to be conftant in the faith of
Chrift, the Sonne of God,trom ver/e 16, unto theend of the

Chap-

. .
e .
.
.
a

| The Superfcriptions
Chapter. Thus of the particules refolation

2 Simos Peter, a fervant and an eApoftle of lefms
Chrift,se them that baveebtained like precious faith
with oy throughthe rightoenfue(fe Ged, and our Sa-
viour ( hrift , |

2 Grace and peacebe multiplied unto you, throngh the
knowledge of Ged,and of lefus ont Lord.

Thefe Verfes (being the preface) containe as well the firft
part ofthe whole Epiltle, as of this firft Chaprer. They con-
Gt of thefe three particulars. Firft, the Superfcription , in
thefe words,Ssavox Peter,a Servant and Apoftle of le(ns Chrift.
Secondly, che Infcriptionin thefe words, Te thems that have
obtained like precious faith with ss, through the righteen{nefe of
Ged andeur Saviour Chrift, Thirdly, the Salutation in thefe,
Grace and pease be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of
God, and of lefts ony Lord. The Superfcription fheweth the
Writer, the Infcription, the
. the Salutation, what he doth with unto them; of which
three in order. Concerning the firft, the Superfcription , it
containeth adefcription of the Pen-man or Writer of this
Epiftle : and chat firft from his name, Sisven,or (as its in the
Originall ) Ssweon ; {ccondly, from his firname, Peter.
Thirdly, from his offices, generall, a fervant, particular, an
Apoftle of lefus Chrift. : :
Toaching hisname Simon or Simeon, given unto himat his
circumcifion, it fignifieth obedient; whereunta according-
ly he did anfwer, he was obedient, in keaying all and follow-
ing Chrift : he was obedient in. feeding the Lambes and
Sheepe of Chrift: he was obedient in laying ‘downe his life
for the caufe of Chrift ; whencemay beinferred,that
Its she duty of every one of su toleade our lives according unte
@ good xanses given unto we at our Baptifne. Is thy name
Jom ¥ be gracious: Isit Simgn,he gbedient: Isit Andrew?
be manly : Isit Hanwab ? be mercifull, degenerate not fom

of this firft

Vert.

Three parti-
culars obfer-
ved ih thefe
cs.
ao
2 a
3 a

onsto whom he doth write, |’

Three partias
lars obferved
inthe firper=
‘{cription.

His name gis
won,

Matth. 4.20.

of Chrifti rs
to leade their

lives. enfwerae

ble anto their
Rew

Eis firname. Ch ap.1.

His firname
Peter,
Matth.14 16.

Gen.17.§.35
Gen.3 2.3 3 e
~Who Peter
was.

| Why our A
ftle prefixes
Z

2 Thefl.2:3 e

thy very name, left it in the laft judgement rife up as @ wit-:
neffe azainft thee. : '

Touching his firname, Peter, which our Saviour did ime |;
pole upon him, itis by fomeinterpreted,acknowledging, ty
others, knowne, by others, loofing ;.but-moft commonly

| tockie or Ronic,whichagrecth well with our Apoftle, in re-’

{pect of that his firme faith in Iefus Chrift. Neither is the
change of names unufuallin Scripsure, as Abram into ‘A-
brabam; Sarasinto Sarah; [aceb imo lfrael, andthelike. = |

This our Apoftle, by Nation wasa Galsdeas , borne in the
Village Bethfasda, whofe father was /ebn or Jona, a Fifher- -
man, and hisbrother, Andrew, of the fame proftflion , with |
whom he wascalled.

Ifany demand why ovr Apoftle doth here prefixe his }.
name: Ianfwer, fir{t,todeclare,that he was neither afraid
to deliver the truth, nor afhamed of the truth delivered; yea,
that he was ready both tojuttifie his writings, andto-fatisfie
to his power, all fych as would make any fcruple againft the
fame. Secondly, in regard of che hurt which commeth unto
the Church by nameleffe writings, which are worthtly to }
be fufpected, it-being theancient praétife of Sathan to de-
ceive the Church by counterfeit and nameleffe bookes, of
which Saint Pest writeth unto the Thefalossans: yea, and at |
this day, thofe hypocritesthat areaffraid or afhamed,openly |
to make confeffion of their R«ligion., doe powrc out their
poyfon in the. Charch, fupprefling their names: witnefic
thofe many feditious and heretical Pamphlets {cattered
abroad by Anabaptifts, Familifts, and others. Yea, hereby
he fheweth, himfelfe to be the undoubted Author of this.
Epiftle, whereof, howloever {ome doe doubr, finding the
penning more obfcure, and the file divers from the firft;
yet if we looke untothetime when Peser writ it, in-his olde
age with one foot in the grave; or to the things contained in.
it, no whit unworthy an Apoftles fpifie; or chiefely to his
owne-witnefle, word and warrant prefixed here; the doubt }
will be: eafity diffolved, and we affared that its. Saint Peters |-
Worke. — -

Touching :

Servant by office.

Touching his offices , generall a Servant , particular an
Apoftle of lefus Chrift ; the former being a name of humilt-
tie, the latter of dignity. :

Touching theformer, he nameth himfelfe a Servant. of
“Tefus Chrift, that is,a Minifter or Serviconr of: Chrift , in
publifhing his will by preaching the Gofpell, and not onely
a Servant (as other Chriftians) by. common profeffion.. And
this our Apoftle mentioneth, both to bring his doctrine in-
to greater requelt (.dostrine being fcldome effectuell when
the perfon of the Minifter isdefpited ) asalfo that it might
appeare, that in writing unto them ke did bat performe his
office, andthatthey were bound to accomplifh thofe things

Chap.1.

required of them.

and fo muftferve him whether they will or not. In particu.

lar, every true Chriftian is the fervant of Chrift, and fo

ought: to acknowledge: themfelves ,. endeavouring by all
meanes to pleafe God and his Sonne Jefus Chrift. But

4n fpectall, the Preechers of Gods Word, they ara-the Servants

Cor. Thus Saint Pand ftileth himfelfe ; chus Saint James;

s Saint Jede, and thus our Apoftle. Thus doth the Lord

Saviour ftile his pilciples thusdoe the twenty foure El-
ders ftile Gods Prophets; thus the Angel, at whofe feet
lobe fell to worfhip him, faid onto him, Ses thon doeit not,
! am thy fellow Servant, and of thy brethren theProphets yea,
thisacertaine Damofell poffeffed witha {pirit of Divination,
acknowledged, when following Pauland Silas, She cryed,

foew wexto-sa the way of falvation,

{peciall manner areimployed inthe fervice of lefis Chrift.
Other men may ferve htm, and yet walke in their Callings,
but Preachers havene other calling but this,even to performe
Gods will in the preaching of his-Word , wheseby foules

which he in his Maftersname, according tohis Mafters will

In generall,every man is the fervant of Chrift by creation, |

Saying , thefe wen are the [ervants of she. goose hizh God, which
Hereof this reafon may be-rendred, becaufe they after a |

may begained unto hisKingdome. ‘They are his warchinen , |

His offices ge=
nera.l,

that he wasehe

fervant of

Chrit.

D. The Prea-
chers of Gods -
Word are in
{peciall the
fervants of

file Mofess thusdoth he ftilethe Prophets, thus doth our | chan

2 Kings 21.8.6

Ter.7825,

Mat.10.3 4
Reu.! 1.t 8.
Reu.2 2.9.

A&.16.17%

Reafons

a Cor. 208 §:

Pfal.1 43.2,
I 2e

-| diments, which they fhall meete withall in the

Jnftruttion,
his workemen, his officers, his Rewards; his Ploughmen,
his Paftors,his Builders, his Ambaffadours,his Souldiers, his

-Overfeers, his Harveftmen; all is for him and his fervice,

whereunto they are called. Henceitfolloweth
For inftruction ; firft, thacthe Minifters of the Gofpell,

* | the Preachers of Gods Word oughroncly and wholly to im-

ploy themfclves. abuut the fervice of Iefus Chrift , whofe |
ervants they are after a {peciall manner. This the Apoftles
well contidered, when they faid unto the multitude of the
Difciples, [¢ ss not reafin that we (beuldteave the Herd of God,

‘to ferve Tables, wherefore brethren looks out among yor, [even

men of beneit report, (ul of the boty Ghelt and wifedome , xhom
we may appoint ever thss bufinelf:, bus we will give onr [elves con-
tinnally unte prayer and te ih: Minist:rieof the Word. Second-
ly, that the Calling of the Minifterie is both hononrable and
inefull, honourable, inasmuchas Minifters are the fer-
vants of Iefus Chrift, the Ambaffadors and Heralds of the
Living God, Stewards of the King of heavens houfhold,
admitted,as it were, into his Prefence-Chamber, and Coun-
cell rable, Guardians and Watchmenover mensfoules ; ha-
ving power to binde and loofe , to open and fhut heaven;
te be unto Gad the (weet favonr of Chrift, sx them that are fave
and ix thews that perifo: Sothat a Minifter and Pafter in his
place,(though out of the Pulpit) is no contemptible perfon,
but worthy of honour, his very name of fervant of Iefus
Chrift, being full of honeur and authority, wherewith even

King David more than once or twice ftileth himfelfe, as be-

inz a fervice, wherein is required buth diligence and faithful-
neffe ; diligence in imploying thz:mfelves wholly about their
Matters bulineffe, cheerefully undergoing , and valiantly
overcomming all thofe croffes , lettes, hindrances and impe-
rmance
of their fervice; faithfulneffe, in gaining Difciples unto Chrift
in feeking to pleafe and approve themfelves unto Chrift.

_ For reprehenfion , both of Preachers and of People: of
Preachers, that they doc fearefillly finne againit God , if they
doc imploythemfelves and their labours, other wife than in

Reprebenfton,
the fervice of Iefus Chrift, and thus alasdoe too tco many
in thefe our dayes imploy themfelves, fome being unskiiful,
others being unwilling to feed their hungerftarved flockes.
How many (pend and imploy the molt of their time in he2-

ing up of riches, making their cluldren great upon earth ?
how many doe live in {trite and contentioa with cheir neigh-
bours ? how many doe preach liesin the name of the Lord,
fowiag Cockle aud Tares in Gods ficld, even drawing away
Gods people with their erroneous and hercticall doctrine ?
how many live {candaloufly, abufing theinfclves by intem-
perancy; chiefeexamples of drunkennefle, prophanenefle,
idcerefle, pride, and the like monftrousfinnes ? OF people,
that they alfo doe fearefiully finne againft God , which doe
either defpifethe Preachers,or difobey their preaching , the
Preachersbeing his fervants ,their preaching his fervice;
and yet alas,thoufands offend every way, defpifing the Prea-
chers, difobeying their Preaching. Oh how contemptible
poore and plaine Preache’s are in the eyes of maft men,
may now juftly complaine with the Prophet I/aiah, thatebey
were wearied with min with the Prophet Zechariah , chat
they were wondredat ; and with the Apoftle Paw/, chat they
aregnide a fpeflacle unto the world, anito eAngels ,and to men,
made as the filth of the world, and the offefcouring of all things
unto this day, Yetare they thefervan:s of IefusChrift. See-
meth it usta you slight thing (faith ‘David unto Sas/s men )
to be « Kings fornes: Law ? Sofay I, Seemeth it unto youa
fmall thing to be after a {peciall manner the fervane of Iefus
C hrift. Heare what our Mafter faith of us; Ae that beareth
you, beareth m:, asd he that defpifeth you, defijeth me, and be
thas despifeth me, d. Shsfeth bim thit (ent me. The Preachersof !
the Word, they arethe Ambaffadours offefus Chrift: the :

Vato p

men of God, difpofersof the fecrets of God , yea, workers

together with God, how dareft thou thendelpife them? As

| their perfons, fo their DoString is no lefle snil-regarded, |;
what loathing, what conrearpt, what difobedience of Gods

Wordisamongftus, may beeaGily perccived, by comparing

mens practife with our preaching. Weinvite you unto the

| } marriage

Mat.1¢.3.
‘Lake 16,3 4

Vies of Con«
folation.
I

3
Pfal.ros.19.
2 King.9.77

4
Vfesof exhor-
tation.

Vato Prea-

chers.
In what
things Minie-

(onfolation and Exbortatin, Chap.1,

marriage of the Kingsfonne, but ye will not come; we tell
youagaine and againe, of your drunkenneffe , pride, hypo-
crifie, {wearing, covetou{neffe,and the like, but in vaine,who
regardeth it ? who hath beleeved our report ? doth not the

‘Drunkard continue in his.drunkenneffe 2 doth not the Swea-

rer multiply his oathes ? doth not che adulterer'goe on in his
whoredome ? asthe Oppreffour in his covetoutneffe? He-
rod will company with - Heredéas for ali obs Bapsis : the
Pharifees will remaine covetous , for all that Chrift fpoke.
Are we not the Minifters of God? are we not the fervants of
Iefus Chrift ? doe we tell you any thing but that which our
Matter willeth us ? but that which tendeth unto the falva-
tion of your .foules, if you would imbrace it? Why doe yee
then continue difobedient ? will ye {till 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 his Candleftick
om you.

For Confolation, fuch as are painfull in their Mioifterie ;
Firlt, howfoever che world refpecteth them, yet are they
efteemed of God, imployed by him after a {peciall manner

in his fervice. Secondly,the Lord protecteth and watcheth

over them, whereof both Saint Pas! and Saint Peter , had
particular experience. Thirdly , God will revenge all their
wrongs, even he which hath faid, Doe my Prophets so harme,
Thon {bale {mite (faid one of the children ofthe Prophets une
to Jebw, when he annointed him King over Ifraed) the houfe
of Ahab thy Master, that I may avenge the bloud of my fervants
the Prophets, andthe bloud of all the fervants of the Lord, of the
hand of lexabel. Fourthly they fhallobtainea glorious reward,
even the Kingdome of heaven.
For Exhortation, borh unto Preachers and people:

Viito Preachers, to performe the fervice of Chrift , and

to behaverhemfelvesas the Minifters and Servants of Chrift.

fterranet mas | Servants, we know mutt fpend the leaft part of the day

2 ‘el a
ives to be

the fervants of
Chrift.
Cal 7.22. -

about their owne bufineffe, imploying their time about their

Matters affaires; fo mult we: fervants oft be painefull and

faithfull, not with eye-fervice , but with finglewe[fe of bear So
| | °

|Chap.». T he Super{cription. 13

fliould we; fervants muft be affraid to difpleafe their Matters,
fo fhould we.Servants muft not murmure,nor grudgi a
about their worke, fo neither muft. we. Servants mnftnotbe || -

afhamed of their Mafters fervice, fo neither muft we. Ser-:
vants muft not.be their Mafters enemies, or have amitie and
familiarity. wick fuch asare, fo neither muft we. Ob that all
ofus could this doe, even behave our felves in every thing,
in our talking, walking cating drinking apr arell,and the like,
as the fervants of Chrifi !'-We want not motives to perfwade

| Motes to ins

as hereunto, we havea Mafter that is not onely able to kill | teem".
the body, but throw both body and foule into hell fire; a | fervice.
Matter that hath moft abfolute power of life and death over | Mat 10,28,
his fervants, we have a Matter that at alltimes beholdeth our
actions; ‘a Mafter that will render unto.every fervant accor-
dir.g to Kis worke ; a Mafter by whom we fhall be called to
anaccount, and to whom we mu give an account of our
Stewardfhip. 7

Voto people,account and efteeme of the Preachers of Gods. | Vato people.
Word, as of the fervants of Chrift, efteeme them, though
notfor their owne , yet for their Mafters fake. Its Gods
owne commandement : Receive theme in the Lord with all
gladneffe, and bold fuch ix repntation. And againe, Wee befeech | Phil.2.29,

I Thefis.12.

Jou brezbren to know thens which labour among you , and are over 13

jes iu the Lord,end admoni{b you,and to efceme thems very bighly
iu love for their workes fake. And againe, Let the Elders that rule
well, be counted worthy of donble honor ,effecsally they whe labour
t the Word and Dottrine. \oc not difcourage th m,either by
contempt of their perfons,or Dostrine, but further them fo
Much as in youlyeth, towards the gaining of your owne
foules unto Gods Kingdome+ Touching the later, he nameth
himfelfe an Apoftle of Iefus Chrift, thatis, Owe celled to bea | particularan
Planter end Founder of the NewTefiament among the Nuati- | Apoftle of
os. This was the {peciall fervice about which fe was ime | Jefus Chrift.
ployed, even the higheft Miniftrie inthe Church: hee-was | ry. notesofa
immediately called by Chrift ; ne was immediately by him | true Apoffle.
infpired with the true knowlcdge of Gods truth: hee was
not tyed unto any certaine ptace,but went hither and thither
aCe)

1 Tim.5:37.

The excefien-
cy of their ofs

1 Iohn 5.3.
Mat.16.19.
A&s 3.8,
A&s Zege
A&s 8.13.18
lohn 16.33,

Mat.19.28.

Why our A-
file mentioz
neth his Apoz

Heb 5.4.

D. Such as
enterinto the
Mimiftery
muf have -
‘their particu-
lar warrant
from Chrift.
A fervant and
Apoftle of

tefus Chrift.

The Super{cription.
to plant the Gofpell; all which were the notes of a new

le.

The exccl'ency of this cifice did principally confift in
thefe partic:lars. They were immediately called by Chrift
to preach the Gofpell through the world; they were fuch as
knew Chritt inthe flefh, and were eye-witneffes of his mi-
racles, and hearersof his Sermons; they had the Keyes of
the Kingdome of heaven, after a more {peciall manner ; they
had power to worke miracles, they had the gift to tpeake
with divers tonguesand languages, they had power by fay-
ing on of their hands togive the holy Ghoft, their doctrine
was free from errour, in the knewledge of the myfteries,and
high things ofthe Gofpell, they exceededothers: yea,they
had this {peciall prerogative, tobe Iudges of men at the day
of [udge ment;that is,by their word and dotrine which they
have preached, and the world refufed, fhall men be judged.
This his Apoflethip our Apoftle mentioneth ; firftin regard
of the falfe Apoftles,and fecondly, that it might appeare un-
tothe Church, that not onely he was in his Calling, when he
taught or wrote untothem, but that they themfelves were
in duty bound to receive his doftrine, as {peaking from
Chrift,an Apoftle, Ambaffadour or Meffenger from him.
This being moft certaine , that unleffe Minifters and Prea-
chers {peake as the words of Chrift , people are not to re-
ceive them, nor their doctrine, are not tyed or bourd to
give obedience thereunto.

Inthe words,zn Apoitle of Iefus Chrift , both his calling

and the Author cf the fame are fet downe, his Calling, an

Apoftle,the Author of his Calling,lefus Chrift; an Apoftle,

that is one fent, implying his Commiffion, and the warrant

ke had for the difcharge of his office, for without a warrant

no man ought to intrude himfelfe into the cifice of Minifte-

ry of Iefus Chrift,implying,that fuch asenter intothe Minifte-
ry, muft have their particular approbation and warrant from
him,he being the Mafter of bis owne vineyard , and Lord of
his Church. To conclude this Superfcription , in that both
thofe are conjoyned,a fervant and an Apoftle of TefusChrift:
cir

Chap.r.

the fame.

Secondly ,that sone can be good Teachers er Preachers wnleffe | te

be fir5t the fervants of ( brift.

The Fnferipti on.

Three things may benoted , firft, That st % not enough or fuf-
ficient for teaching or preaching the Word to be afervans of Chrift,
anleffe alfo there be afpeciall Caliug, Warrant, and-Commiffion

Thirdly, shat she chicfest offices of the Church, are for the (er-
vice of the fame are to be imployed for the good of the fame. Thus
of the Superfcription. Concerning the II. the Infcription,

To thems that bave obtained like precious faith with us ,t
the righteoufnelfe of God, and our Saviour (bri

ugh
5%. It contat-

neth a Defcription of thofe to whom this Epiftle was writ-

ten, which were the fame to whom he

fote the former,

as may be gathered out of the firft verfe of the third Chapter,

Chrift. .To you, which by the ordination

of chisfame Epiftle, in thefe words ; This fecond Epsftle I
new write unto you beloved, namely , to the ftrangers which
were difperfed throughout Powtms, Galatia, Cappadocia, Alia,
and Bythinsa, whether Chriffian Jewes,or Gentiles. Thofe he
defcribeth here from their faith,which isamplyfied : firft,
from the certainty of it, they had obtained it, that is, got-
ten it as by lot,asthe Word fignifieth, namely,through the
fingular providence of God, who had beftowed upon every
one of them, that meafure of faith which they had.
Secondly , from the quality and worth of it: it was of
like price with the faith of the Apoftles , worthy
of the fame refpe& that cheirs was. Thirdly , from the
meanes whereby they did obtaine it , even the righteoufnefle
of Chrift, that is,his fidelity and truth in keeping his promi-
fes. Him he commendeth unto them; firft, from the worth
of hisperfon,God; fecondly, from his office, our Saviour.
To you which have obtained like precious faith with us,
through the righteoutineffe of our God, and Saviour Iefus

and fingular pro-

vidence of God, have gotten true juftify ing faith, of the like
pricewith ours, of the like eftimation as ours, and that
through the fidelity and truth of Chrift, who is both God
and the Redeemer of his owne children, even te you wh

ich
are

BD. Such as
would enter

niftery muft

fervants ef
Chrift,
D. The chies
felt offices in
the Church ?
are forthe fers |
Vicethereof, |.
Three Partie
Culars obfere
ved ia the
Tafcription,
I

“The Jnfeription. : - Chap.1

Preciousfaith,

D. true juti- | precious fart!

ing faith is of

ear

“| a Petteze

Reafors

1 From the
caufes of faith,
Toh.5.29.

Rom 10.17,
1 Pog.

2 Fromthe
effets,

Toh. 32-4.
1S 9.
John. i 296

rToh.2z 1.
2 Chron.2o,

20.
Rom..2.

are the children: of Go p, the faithfullinC uri s
‘Hence five particulars may be obferved: - .
The firtt ig this, that
‘True jaftsfying faith sa of great price and worth, {tiled here a
o ‘4 -This our Apoltle. ellewhere confirmeth ;
that the tryall of your faith being much more precious than
of gold that peritheth, though 1t be tryed with fire.

Icmay bealfo confirmed by thefe particulars.

Firft,from tke caufes of faith, whereof the eificient is
God, by whom it is wrought ard preferved, it being the
worke of God that we bcleevein him whom he hath tent;
the inftrumentall Gods Word, by which faith is begotten
( faith commung by bearing , and hearing by the Word of God)
the Sacraments and Praycr encreafing the fame: the finall,the
falvation of our foules,this being the end of the fame:whence
Thus reafon, That w hich God worketh and preferveth, the
Word begetteth, the Sacraments and prayer encreafe , and
the eid thercof is falvation ,muft needs be of great price and
worth. But true juftifying faith is wrought and prefirved
Of God, begotten by the Word,encreafed by the Sacraments

; and prayer,and the end thereofis falvation ; therefore is it
of great price and worth. an
conidly, from the effects of faith: It deliverethus from
darkeneffe and Elindneffe. It delivereth us from thofe
wofull evils, which as fo many abhominatioas doe de-
file boththe underftandizg and affe@ion. Ic delivereth us
from the power of the firlt death, yea, from eternall deftre=
tion, Hereby weare prefervedfrom many fearefull difea-
fes inthe foule. Hereby we are preferved from the fiery
darts of the Divell ; hereby we are juftified ; hereby we be-
come the fonnes of God : hereby Chriftthe Sonne of Gad
divelleth in our hearts ; hereby weare faved, hereby wee
;have peace with God: even that peace which paffeth all

- anderftanding : hereby we are perfwaded that we have an

advocate withthe Father : hereby we reft on God , caftin
our careand burdenonhim: hereby arifeth true ff iritualt
joy, hereby God alfo is pleafed: divers the like effects are

recor |.

Verfe.1. The Fnfcription.
recorded,Hebr.t1. Thereforeis faith of great price and

worth. . .

Thirdly, from the fubject of fasth,or perfons which haue

faith, chofeare not every one, for all men have nor faith.
Onely the children of God are beleevers; as many as were or-
dained to eternall life, (faith the holy Ghoft ) beleeved.
Hence is faith named, the faith of Gods Ele@ ; Now if
onely the Ele have faith, ic followeth that its of great price
and worth.
Fourthly, from the properties or qualities of faith. Its
-| afaving faith ; Its a juftifying faith; Ies a fanctifying faith:
Iesthe faith of Gods Ele@; It hath great boldneffe in it;
Itsa Breaft-plate,Itsa Shield, yea, itsthe moft holy faith,
Inde 20. Therefore is it of great price and worth.

Fiftly , from the Obje& of faith, which is Iefus Chrift,fti-
led therefore the faith of Iefus Chrift: Therefore is it of
ErSielly_by comparing faith with oth graces, hope, 1

ixtly, by com th with other » hope, love,
bamilitic and the Li like® they are precious. Therefore j faith
| (themother grace,the Lady and Miftrefle on whom the reft
waite) of great price and worth.

Seventhly, by comparing it with things externall which are
accounted precious,gold ,fil
Thofe often prove hurtfall untothe owners, yet are accounted

ious, fo 1snotfaith. Thofe often forfake the owners,

ying from them, whenthey have moft need of them, fo

doth not faith. Therefore is faith ef great price and
worth. Hereof may be madea fourefold V{e.

For Inftruction; firft, chat faith is diligently to be enquired
and fearched for. Secondly, that faith is much to be refpe-
Ged and honoured. Thirdly, that fuch ashave obtaineth faich,

poffeffors ofa lewell of great price, of ineftimable value,

are
by reafon of which they are in an honourable and happy con-

For Reprchenfion ;fittt, unto fuch as cavillagainft faith, as
iffo much preaching and learning of faith were an hindrance
to good workes, and made men and women careleffe of all
: Cc yerie

ver,precions ftones, and thetlike. | 21

17
Hreb.11,6.

3 From the
fubje& of faich
2 Thefl,3 oe

AQ&.13.4.8;
Tietae

4 Prem che

Fekete 8.
Rom, 3.28.
A& 15.9.
Fatt.

I im 3. (Se
I Thell'5.8.
Ephel,6.16.
¢ From the
obje&,
Rom, 3.22.
6 Fromthe
worth of o<
ther grees,

7 From itsexs
cellency above
outward
things cf greas
teft wor

Viks of Res
prehenfion,
1

The Jnfcription. Chap.1.

Pietieand Charitie, whereas by the contrary , no other do-
Ctrine, maketh men more confcionable in performing their
duty towards God, and their neighbours,than the doctrine
offaith, from which all good workes doe proceed , and
whereby the love both of Godand our neighbors is wrought
in our hearts. Secondly, unto {uch as doe not labour or ende-
vour for this faith, who are blinded by the God of this world,
that the light of the gloriows Gospel foonld net shine utto thens.
Thirdly,unto fuch as {peakeevill of the faith; yga, mocke
and jeft both at faith and fuch as are faithfull. Fourthly, un-
to {uch as content themfelves with any faith , fained , dead,
temporary ,and the like, thofe being of no worth , the true
jaftifying faith, being that onely which is in sefpect with
God, moft worthy and precious. Fiftly , unto fuch as by |
too much ufe of faith abufe the fame, they profefle the
faith, they profeffe that they have faith; yet can they net
{peake two words almoft , but faith muft be one. Iewels
ufually are lockt up left they be foil’d, {poil'd, loft or ftollen,
faith isa lewell,ic awit be ufed asa Iewell , left the Divella
notorious pickpurfe fteale away the fame.

For Confolation unto poore beleevers, though with Pe-
ter gold aud filvor thou baft wone, yer needeft thou not be dif-
couraged, having the leaft dramme of: true faith , thou baft
that which is more precious than all the gold of the

Ww |
fuel Exhortation, let all of us Conceive and beleeve that
ich is precious,that thus we may love it, long for it, fecking
the fame, in the afe of the meanes pre(cribed of God , never
giving over till we obtaine it, and become poffeffors of the
fame. Thus of the firft particular. .
The fecond is this, that , _
Faith in al Gods children 0 aleke precious ; To them ({aith
our Apofile ) that have obtained like precions faith with us,
Alike, I fay, inprice, in worth, in nature, in fubftance, in
kind, though not inextentand meafure. There is a-weake
faith,and there isa {trong faith, and yet both alike precious,
Peter no doubt had greater faith than allor moft of chofe bad

to whom he wrote, yet doth he acknowledge that they had
obeained like precious faith. Some attaine unto a great faith,
w may be cOpared to a great flame,a great fountain,a {trong
mans holding or griping of a thing; Some againe have but
a weake faith, like a fparkle, likea drop of water, likea
childe holding of athing; the {parkle is as truely fire as the
flame is , the drop as really water, asthe fountaine is , the
childs griping,as the ftrong mans: even {o faith in the lealt
childe of God, though it were but as a graine of Mauftard
(eed, isas trucly faith, asthe fasth of the Apoftles, the faith
of she zreateft in the Kingdome of Heaven. So that faith 4,
alike precious to all.

This may be confirmed by thefe reafons, 1 becanfe there | Reafons,
is but one fasth:one Lerd,oxe F aith,one Baptifime , faith Saint z
Pat: aera God which rae giver or faith, is me) re~ Ephe- 45
fetter of perfcxs. 3 Becaufle by the leaft fasth, (if true) we }
become acceptable before God. 4 Becaufe it if faid indefi- | A&934-
nitely, that withous faith it sssmpoffible ro pleafe Ged, not} 3
mentioning -cither a gveat or a fmall faith. 5 Becaufe Hebat be
bh nae Fea fhall obtaine the felfe-fame rae Ieh,1.12,
ind fxbftance , though bappely, there m if-] §
ference in the extent and ae Ys ¥ 7
_ Ob. Then it feemeth, thae it is but vaine to labour fo ‘Ob.
increafe of farth feeing the leaft is /uffcsent. |

R. 1 Alttoaghthelea? were /xfficcent, yet fuch have no Sel.
true faith, which have net acare daily togrew andencreafe |
inthe/ame. 2 The morefaith we have, andthe /rronger. it
js, the more <b/e we thall be to refi? the Devil, the World,
and the Flefo. 3 The frenger our fasth is, the more profita-
ble suftruments thall wee be in the (barch of God , and thall
have the more comfort in the time of diffreffe.

The V{es of this point are thefe. ; |
| For Infir. 1 Thit people may attaine the like faving graces | Vfes of Inftuz
asare in cheir (Miniffers. 2 That Gods children dee all | *™
weareone Livery. '3 That Geds children qughttolove and | 3°
ofteeme one another. Vics of Repres

Fer Reprehenf. 1 Voto fach as extoll themfelves above. | henGon.

others,

Vic of Exhor=
tation,

| Obtained,
D.T

Gods provi-
dence we ob-
taine shat mea
fure of faith

{ which we

1 Coted2 If.

ip Rom.33,g-

| Ibid.c.

; Ephe.q.7.

Ufes.
I

cular,

a na ae a eel

-| On, weare oneand the felfe-fame Livery. Thus of the 2 par-

ficalar.

The Fnfcription: -Chap.1

others efteeming others in regard of them/elves as nothing.
2 Varo fuchas being refpettrs of valine, regard the rick,
but contemne poore Profeffors. What haftthou which others
havenot ? Festh in others , is of as great worth before God,
as thine. What feeft thou in the rich,more than in the poore!
Faith ws alike precious in both.

Fer Exhorr. Letus labour to be the tre children of Ged,
that fo we may attaine unto 4 like precious faith with others
of Gods children; that we with them may be of one conditi-

The third is this,that :
Every childe of God doth attaine unto that meafure of faith
which he hath, through the fingular providence of God, Ged is
the Author of «Z grace which we receive, who giveth to
one a greater meafure of grace,to another a leffe, according.
to his owne pleafure. Thisisimpliedin the word obtained, '
which ¢ I have already fhewed) fignifieth to obraswe by lot. :
This Saint Pasd fheweth. For Lfay,throngh the grace given.
Mt mee, to every MAN that % among you, not to thinke more
highly of hins[elfe than he ought to thinke,but to thinke fober-
ly, according as God hath dealt toevery man. the meafure of
fath. And againe, Havin then gifts, differing according to
the grace given to us whether prophecie,ler us prophecie accor-
ing to the proportion of faith. And againe , But untoevery
Ob of ws is given grace, according to the meafureof the gift of
Hence weare taught .
_¥ Notto envy the gifts of others, though they be better
than our owne. Seeing it is Ged which giveth both the
greater and tkelefler.
® To bethankefull unto God for that meafure of faith be-
Red upon us, itbeing his gift, not proceeding of our
Cives.

3 To bedaily fervent and carneft with God in prayer for

a further and greater encreafe of faith. Thus ofthe 3 part:

The

rfe:t. The Fnfeription.

The fourth isthis,that _—- oO
The chifdren of God obtaine faith through the righteou/-
nefje of Iefue Chrift, thatis, through his truft and. fidelity in
keeping his promifes, (it being an efpeciall motive unto Ged,
togive grace unto his Elect) or through she righteonfneffe
of ( brift imputed unte us, beRowed upon #53 For wee
never have attained unto faith, unlefle Corift had beene
faithful to beRtow the fame upon us, and to worke # in one
hearts. Neither yet could we hfaith have beene ja-
tified in the fight of God, but by the swputation of (hrifts
rightecufneffe,by which we are jufiified , accounted righte-
ous, and delivered from the git and punifbmeng of f
He being made nate us righteoufneffe; God for his fake be-
RLowing uponus, faith,Jove, and fuck other graces; yea, a
things,as Saint Pax! fheweth ; He that fpared not hi awne
Sonne, but delivered him np for us all, how foak he not with
hine alfs freely give us allthings? © .
Hence it followeth. a a
x That Gods promifes are molt certaineand infallible,that
what he promifed fhall be performed.
_. 2 That thebeft way toattaine faith at the hand of Ged,
is te urge him with his prow -_ -_
3 Thatthe confideration of Gods truth, and fddlitse in
keeping his promifessis an excellent meanes to encreafe fairb
as allo daily to confirme the fame. Thus ofthe 4 per-
The fift isthis,that _ os | :
Chrift 1s true God,the Saviour of the faithfull, of his owne
Evleét : where Ged is placed before Saviowr , to thew that
our Saviour mu ft be God.

That heis true God may bediverfly proved. 1 from te-
Bimonies of Scriprure. Thy Throne, O God, 1s for ever and

foal call his name Immanuel, God with ne. Of whows as -con~
cerning the flelo (brift came, who ss God, bleffed for ever,
efmen. So in divers cther places, where the name leboval is

ever. Behold ay. irgin foall concesve and beare a Sonne, and G

given to biw. 2 From relation: he s¢ the onely begotten |
C3 ~ Sonne

Three chings
obferved in
the Salutaci-
on,

for Chrift, giving unto them remiffion of finnes, jufiification,

The Salutation. Chap.z,]

Sonne of God: the expreffe Image of the Father. 3 From
the Epithees and titles given unto him, equall to God, Eter-
mall,the Author of efettson. The Searcher of hearts, andthe
like. Befide,both his worke of ( reation,Ioh.1.3. and prefer-
vation,(ol.1.16. together withthe worflip given unto bins
from time to time,doe maniféftly prove that he is God.

. That he is the Saviour of the faithfull,may be alfo diverf-
ly confirmed, by the tcltimony of Angels, by the teftimory.
of men, by the teftimony of God himfelfe.

Vnto the pei formance of this worke,, there did con-
ewtre three things in Chri... will to undergoe it , power to
compafic it, wight both of Proprietie and Prepingsitie
toundertake it, which were'sever found in ary other , but
in bine onr God and Saviour. Greatly theretore doe the
Tewes etre, which deny that our Savionr is come. Greatly
alfo doe the 477:ans erre which deny that he is true’ God.
Greatly alo doe 4d of «s erre,which lavour not to get him in
particular to be our Savsowr ; elfehow thall wee Yanqiith

evicertousover the world , fubdue finne, mortifie
the deedes of our owne flefo ? Yea,greatly doe a4 of ws finne,
whe finding the vertwe of his redemption , are notwithftan-
ding anthankefnil and difobedient. Thusofthe 3. partica
tar and {o of the Tutription. : oa
'. Concerning the III, The Salutation,Grace and peace bee
multeplyed unto you, throngh the knowledge of God, and Iefts
Chrift ome Lord: Jecontatncth a Narration of thofe thihgs
which our Apoffle wifheth unto them , which are three.
T. Grate, that is, the free and graciors favour of God,where-
by he doth accept, and sswell pleafed with bis chofen in and

adoption, and theVike fpirituall benefits , rhis being the wel-
pring whence roe) procecd, and whereby wee are ‘often.

to-be jeffid and Javed. 2 Peace, that is, an bappy
and profteroms fucceffe from God in all things, which concerne
onr happineffe, of fumle and body,either for this life , or that
which su to.come, but efpecially reconciliation and attonement
with God, sogecher with the tranquility of minde , and peace

, r)

mane eo. op oO Be

Verfe.2. T he Salutation.”

af con/tience, ining from the fame, at a fair rheteef. Neb
therdoth be fimply withgrace aud peace unto-shem, but that
they might ibe multiplyed unto them, thatis , contsnnwed , and
encreafed in and upon them. 3 Theacknowledging or kyow-
ledge of God,and Ic{us our Lord. \Whereby is meant not a
bare literall knowledge, as to know that there is a Ged, or
that there isa Chrift, and that this (rift is Lsrd of aé , and
the Askesbuc a ppirienall and faving knowledge; joyued with /a-
ving fasth,transforming the perfons in whom it 1s, to the fimi-
litude of it, evenas afeale leaveth its print u the Waxe 3
an experintentall knowledge, whereby ‘the godly feele, that
which they doc know, aknowledge which 1 joyncd wah obc-
dience anto Gods commandements. A knowledge which % joy-
ned with the fruits of geod workes, A kvewledge which 18 joy
ued with humility; Aknowledge whereby we doe truely and
effetinally beleeve God to be our Godaud Father, and [efi
his Sonne to be our Savicnr aud Redeemer, an ackuowledying
with confidence and traft. Through the grace of God, even
his gracious favenr towards us, wee attaine unto thes know-
ledge:for whom God loveth and accepteth in and for Chrif, |.
uponthem he beftoweth the true 4200/ed ge of bims/elfe, and
bss Son Iefues Cbrif?,from which confident and trae kxow-
ledge of Godand bis Senne lefus Chrift, therearifeth in our
hearts,that peace of conftience which paffeth all natural under-
flanding : So thatas Gods grace toward us , begetteth this
knowledge in us, even fothere iffucth from this ksowledce,
the peace which we have, both inwardly with God, and our
Owre con{céences, and outwardly with others. When there-
fore the e4poff/e wifheth thofethings unto them , it is as
much as if he had faid, Iwif you'the free and gracious fa-
veur of Ged in ( briff lefts, and likewife quietneffe of con-
ference in refpecét of Gcds favour, and éutward peace with all
the creatures ,. yea, and good fucceffe and profperitie inall
things, which may be continued and encreafed in and ween
Jyou,through your effettuall and confident fasth in God, and in
bis Soune Lefits Corifhs.. co bly P
The ab(exvations acifing feces berice;' are of theo foes at
“| Cc Ww

24 The Salutation. Chap.» |

whereof the 3 may be taken from ‘the pevfow which wifheth
unto'them thofe graces. The 2 fromthe perfoxs to whem
he wifheth them. The 3 fromthe graces he wifheth unto
them.
from the pers From the per/ox which wifheth unto them thofe graces,

thofe § as Such as have experience of the worth of grace,and peace in
haveexperiz - | themsfelves, defire alfo that others may be partakers of the
‘1 ence of the [ame.. Our efpoftle had experience of the worth of thofe
worth of graces in himfelfe, and theretore deficeth that ethers alfoof
Pthantdess | Geds people might partake of the/ame. Thus Afofzs, when
defire alfo lofona would have had him forbid Eldad and (NMedad to
ophecie, an{wered , Would God that all the Eords people
reemihi Trek Prophets,and that the Lord&would pat bis Spirit whem
| Namb.t1.29. | zhens. Thus David,Come ye children,bearken uuté me, and
ie oe Iwill teach you the feare ef the Lord. Thus Pant, Brethren,
ane he followers tagether of me, and marke themwhich walke fo,
as they have us for an example; for our comverfation ts in bea-
uen, from whence alfo we looke fer the Savionr,the Lord lefns \ -
Af,26.19 Chrift. And againe, J wonld ta God, that mor cnely thon
vw" | Cfpeaking to King ef grippa ) but 2/fo at thst heare me this
day, were both alo fisovd sogerber fuch as I am,excepe thefe
bonds. This agreeth with our Saviours fpeech, unto our Ape
file, When thon art converted firengthen thy brethren.
Pies. Henceit followeth, as
I, 1 Thatrhefe have ne true grace , which envy that others
foonld partake of grace, which ufe no meanes at all where-
by others may partake thercof.
2 That the beff way, whereby to make it appeare that wee
have grace, andthat God is reconciled ante us in b:s belo-} °
ved, 14 by our daily exndevorring in the nfe of rhe meanes’, to
worke tn othexs a love of grace, and of rhtw attonement to
God. Thus of the f/f. 7
: . Theftcondisthis,that . - on 7
D. The graces The Preachers of Gods Word ought. by their Jnbewtys and
eee) andevenrs,by their. wifes nual prayers, te pelt Outisinte weir
. ; ‘@ i

yeople |
_— +

Verle 2 The Salutation,

ethefe things, for which they foenld efpecially labour , \aboursand
Pe cadevost. Ths did the Prophets , thas abe eApoftles, pr ekee
| thus our Saviour himfclfe unto his Difeiples. Thefe things | and wi
( faith Saint Pas! unto Timethie ) command and reach. point out unto
Thefe things ( faith the fame unto Titus ) Speake and ex- chek eng |
| hort, andrebuke with all authoritie. Thus our e4poffle here, | for which they
| be wifheth unto them thofe things, for which he would | Should chietely
| havethem efpeciully to ° me endévour. |
Are not thofe Preachers worthy. of reprehenfion | Tit,t.15,
and blame, which having ignerant asditories, doc notwith- .
ftanding feldome inftrudt and teach them inthe grounds of I
Chriftian Rebsgien? and may not the like alfo be concluded 2
of many peop/e , which cannot endure that the Preacher
fhould beatupen that firing which doth moft neerely con-
cerne them, which being unable to digelt freng meat , are
ithitanding offended, if #s/ke be prepared tor them, if
the Preacher condefcending in wifedonse unto their capacity, | ~
doe principally handle carecheticall Dotlvine , informing
thenrplainely m the grounds of Chriftian Religion? © J
bew many likewifethere are w* living in contention cannot
endure to heare of peace, which living in whoredome,cannot
abide to heare of continent) » which loving drunkeune fe,
casnot atvay to heare of Sobriety, which vexing themfelves
with covetonfreffe, cannot endure to heare the Dotirize of |
coutentation , although thofe vertwes are principally to bee oe
| foughe after by them ?. Thus ofthe /ccond from the perfans Obfleryations
| to whom he wifheth thofe things, being the Elec? childrep from the per-
of Ged, who had obtained like precious faith with tha Apo | tetinoy
files, this one obfervation may be gathered,that |
Speritnall things doe onely belong unto Gods children. 2 Spiritual
Grace and peace.be multiplyed unto yeu, through the knew} onely
ledge of God,and of Jefus eur Lords: Give net that (faith our | unto Geds
Savieur ) whichss holy unte the degges, neither caft you yeur Maren
pearles before. Swine, left they trample shens under their feet. | Mat.r5.
And againe, Jt ss not meet to take the childrens bread, and
Caf it ynte dogs... |
The Reafens beveof arethele. % becaule God ath onely{ 3
Pir-

Maét.35-136

| Beta q.26 aa

The Salutation. Chap.r.

ab pale pp forthem. 2 Becaufe they are-onely cftee-'
med,and accounted by them. 3 Becantethey onely bring
forth good fruits,and worke effeCtuallyinthem. 4 Becaufe
they are promiled oncly to them. -5 Becaufe the seterail
man receiveth or perceiveth not the things which are of
God. :

Hence we arc taught, |

Y Thedifference which Ged maketh betweene the godly
and the #xgod/y ; unto the /atter he doth ( as did e4braban
unto the fowxes which be had by bus Concubine.) give gold, fil-
ver, and fach lske gifts, beftowing upon the former, fpiritw-
all and heavenly treafwres: the gifts and graces of his Spi-,
rst, which fade not away.

8 The happinefle of Gods children in every eftate and:
condition, what though vifited with poverty, affaulted by,

temptations, vexed ac the wickeds profperstie 3 yet I dare

fay thou canft not bute have comsfert., even when thou art!
thus affaslted. eAmnot I (faid Elkanab unto Hannah his
wife ) better to thee than ten fonnes ? And isnot grace ( fay
rto thee) better , and te be preferred before all thefe extward
tains ? |

3 The prefismption of the wagedly, which challenges:
right and irrereftu unto /pirituall chin sche word, the Sacra-'
ments, the promifes, prayer, Chrift bimfelfe, with the King-
dome of heaven, Lard, Lordopen tems, Said the five fools
Virgins, when asthey had noright inthe Bridegroome. It.

| is written of Zerubbabel, and Iefoua, and the reft of the Fa-

thers of Ifrael, that when the Adverfaries of Indah and:
Benjamin came unto them, faving. we will build with you,
for-we fecke the Lord your God , they anfwered them: J¢ ss
wot for you, bus for ustobnild the houfe unto our God. So
may we fay unto the ungodly, that they bave we hand in the:
Service of God, that fpirituall things beleng not unte them,’

from thy pretended inrere# unto /pi
thon canft make itappeare, that

erfe .2. The Salutation. . 27

and thatthy same is written inthe booke of fife; yea, nnto.
thee fhail'Ged fay. What haft thon te doe to declare mine Or-
dinances, that thou frouldef? take my Covenant in thy month,
Seeing he hareft to be reformed, and haft caft my words be-
tbee ? :

Pfal.5e.16,37

From the Salutation or things which hee wé/teth unto
thens,divers things may be noted. _ | from the :
The fiz is this, that unto then,

Spirituall things are the beft things. The eAfpoftles (as
this our -Apoftle here) endevouring for the geod of the
Church. and childresx of Ged, doc ftill with unto them fpiri-
taak thing s, implying the trath of this propounded trath,chat .
Pirituall things are the beft shings. Godisneffe (faith Saint
Paul ) with contentment s great gaine. Abd apaine, yee,
donbrleffe,and I count all chings but Mffe, for the excellency
of the kwowlede of Chrift Iefus my Lord. :

- Hereofthefe Reafous may be rendred. 1. Becaufe they
fervefor theexcellentef? part of max , which. isthe foule.
2 Becaufe they are the Saints properand peculiar treq/ere.
3 bey coun their F nature is sil seaahanrs 4 Becanfe
they remsnwe when temporall things doc vans away. 5 Be-
ay tiey are certaine by an abfolure promife. 6 Becaufe
they are both ssoft pi emto Ged , and profitable f or

. Hexrit followeth.

_g That ts our datie to endevour , elpecially for and
re tsof thattime.

time which we {pend i ne ad Ireksue thee es
J hing: sfobiwerle, thatwe tes Wess pe Leer. sone

The Salutation. ° Ghap.r!

; Ch.3 3422.
: 12.20.

The /econd is this,that | oe,
The grace and favour of Gad,isthe chicfef good thing to
be fought after, tebe wifsed and defired above all things in
the world, next to Gods glory. Qur eApoftle doth "here.
fore put them here in the firff place. This David theweth,
There be (faith he ) rbat fay, Who will foew ws any
good? Lord lift thon wp. the light of thy conmtenance
ee ms. And againe, Thy loving kindnef’ a6 better than
dsfe. |
This may be confirmed oy thefe Reafons. & Becaufe
we may be certaine of our owne falvation. 2 Be-
caufe we fall obtaine fuch other bleffings, as fhall be
needfull boch for body and foule, this being the caufe of all
bieffings which we receive. g Becaufe hereby we shall be
upholden in the time of trouble, help’c in the time of neede,
eventhen, when riches will /eave us , friends and chiefe
outward things forfakeus. 4 Becaufeh eves ontward
chings became Bieilings unto us, which eife would prove
wa |

Hence it felloweth,

1 Thatrhey doc badly inspley themfelves and thew time,
which preferre any thing before the grace and favour of God,
which doe more eagerly {eeke for other things, then for
thofe. Ofthis fort, I might name divers, of which fome
withthe rich max in the Gofpel,preferre their profits others.
with Hered, their pleafares, and others with e46/elom and
Flamax, their ambition, before the fame. ,

ings arcbut droffeand dengue. This is that treafive sx
the field, and that pearle, which when a man bath feund, bee
pig sald with all that be bath to parchafe st. doth offer
it, if we had grace in the #f¢ of the meaxrs tovmbrace it,
tvtn tobethroughly bambled for fane, with Manalfeb;to
goe unto Ged, by eur Mediatonr Chrift, as the men of T7-
rus and Silo did unto Hered, by Blaftus the Kings Cham-
berlaine 3 yea,going unto him with a refe/stiex to becosé

Sn
erfe .2. The Salutation. 29
his fervants, as did the Prodigal fonne. Thus of the fe- ; Lac.t5.19-

cond.
The therd is this,that |
Where there ss affurance of Gods favour, there 8 peace of B Where

that peace , which Chrift hath bought with his owne blond ; | favour,there
that peace which zs the omer of Fellow [bip with God ; that | 4 peace of
which hath its foundation on the promifes of God ; that | phikey. *
peace which followes upon great humiliation ; where I fay | CoL1.20.
‘there is aflurance of Geds tavour , there this peace is to bee | HP 5-5--
found. The very methodand order whicl? eur -Apoff/e here 1{2.6 1.3.
| ufcch,implyeththe fame. The like order and method, wee | Rom.z 7.
finde likewife obferved in other places of Scripture, Saint Gain 3
Pani direGtly affirmeth it, being guftified by faith, we have | Rom. 4,:
peace wsth God through our Lord lefus Chrift.
Hereof this Reafox may berendred, becaufe wherethere | p, fou,
is affurance of Gods favowr, there, there is alfo affuratite of °
the pardex as well of the gwi/t as the punt(hment of fixne,
the want of which aflurance doth wonderfully difturbe and
difquiet the confcience. | .
ence we are taught | -__
I That where there isnot an affurance of: Gods favour, Vis,
there can be no trwe peace of confcience; Ufayerne , becaufe .
in many of the ungodly, there may be a dead., drowfie, and
feared confeience, which may {ceme peaceable, when as in-
deed sf 38 nor. :
2 That the getting of this affurance of Gods favour, is
the oxe/y meants to quiet the confcience ; company keeping, 8
drinksng dranke., and fwaggering it ont, are bat filly
meanes.
3 That thereforeas wedefireto have the true peace of 3
confcsence, we mutt labour and endev our to be at one with
God, who may affure our confciences of the pardon of our
finnes, and {o feale the fame. Thus of the therd... Bemultiplied
Thefourth isthis, that | 3 D.God doth
Cod doth beftow his races upor: bis owne children, not all | byNegrecs be-
at once, but by degrees as be findeth them firand capable to : sect ee

; CE,
recewve

confcience, even that peace which paffethall underfianding ; | sance ef Gods |

ew 3

Zo The Salutation. Chap.r.

receive them. This I gather from the word msw/tiplied.
They have not that »scafiere of grace at firft,as they have at
laff, not that meafure of faith , of hope, of love, of kxow-
ledge,and of {ach Iske fpirituall gifts. Therfore S-Pasl exhor-
1 Thef 4.1. reek the Theffalonians to grow and to encreafe moreand more,
Erie(e.21. | S0allo writsng untothe Ephefienshe faith, in whons all the
building ferly framed together, groweth into an holy Temple
Ephefig.g. | ofthe Lord. And againe, Bat fet ss follow the truth in love,
and in all things, grow up into hims which ts the head, chat is,
2 Conet0.35. | Chriff, So allo upto the Corinthians, Having hope when
‘ your faith ss increafedywe foall be inlarged by yow. And unto
the Coloffians, That yee might walke worthy of the Lord,
Col.1.30. and pleafe bine sm all shines, cing freifull in all good workes,
and ixcreajing inthe knowledge of God. So alfo this our ef-
2 Pet.3.18. -| poffle concludeth his Epiffle with this Cle/e; Grow ix
grace,and in the knowledge of ony Lord Iefus Chrift.
Reafow. Hereof this rea/ox may berendred, even that wee may
(till find chat we haveneede of God, depending on him, and
running unto him, as well for thofe graces which we want,
As for the increa/z of the fame.
Vie. Hence we are taught .
1 t That 0 max or woman can in thu life attaine unte an
abfolute perfettion in Grace, unto which no more needeth te
| beadded. There isand muft be inevery childe of God adai-
ly groweband sacreafe therein, amsaltiplicationof Grace. .
2 That wee muft daily runse unto Gd forincreafe in
arace: itshethaewerkerh it, its he which sscreaferb the
e. For this canfe mut we make a good ufe of that which
wee have received, employing that talent well , thatmore
may be edded unto us; removing thofe impediments which
may hinder this growth , and daily mx/riplying the w/e of
the mscanes , hearing , prayer, and the like. Thus of the
onrth.
Through the The fife and /«f isthis,that,
koew ledge Grace and peace may be obtained, continued and encreafed,
| God of fer through the knowledge of God, and his Sonne Iefies Chrift.

ws eur Lev

FGrctend | Thisis manifelt, becanfe the efpoffle witheth here grace

erfe.2. T he Salatation.

and peace tobe maltiplyed through the knowled ge of Godand
bss Sonne Iefus Chrif. |

Here three things are to be noted, 1 That to attaine an-
tothe knowledge of God, we muft get a knowledge of Iefus
Chrif?; for no mancommeth untothe Father , but by him,
neither caw any know the Father, but they onely ro whom the
Sonne reveaterh him, 2 That through the knowledge of Je-
[us Chrift, we attaine unto the knowledge of God, hee being
the image of the invifible God, himfelfe faying unto Thomaa,

And againe, unto Philip, He that hath feene me, hath foene

grace and peace, con » encreafed, continued 3 even as
well the aflurance of Gods favowr towardsus in Chrift , the
tranquilisty, and peace of confcience, as the gifts and graces
of Gods Spirit, which he is plealed to beftow upon us, and
which likewife may be underftood in this place.

For the underftanding of this /4/,twothings are to bee
confidered. r What we areto know touching God and his
Sonne lefis Chriff, whereby the affurance of Gods favour,
peace of confcience, with the gifrsand graces of bis Spirit,
may be ebsained continued,confirmed,and encreafed. 2 8B
what meanes we may attaine unto the knowledge of Ged,
and bis Sonne Iefies Chrift. ,

Touching the former, that we may attaine the affurance
of Gads favour, peace of confcience, with the gifts and gra-
ces of Gods Spirit, we muft know that God hath elected us
in Chrif?,before the fonndation of the world: that God hath
loleved us,as to beftow bis Sonne lefus Chrift upon ne, that
he hath regencrated us by his holy Spirit, doth daily preferve
mt from manifold dangers, both fpirituall and temporal , and
thelike. So likewife we mut know touchiag his Sonne, that
he is Jefies our Saviour, faving us from the wrath of God, the
flavery of finue,and tyranny ofohe Devil , death and everla-

ing condemnation that he is Chrift, asnoinred , ta be oxr
King ,Prieft,and Prophet ; King to defeud us, Prieft to inter-
de for us , Prepber toreveale Gads will unto us: that hee

; is

ifyee had knowne me, yee foould have knowne wy Father aife, | Wb.
wy Father. 3 That through the knowledga of both, wee get | C

kriowledge of .
wee °
Ged.

What weare
to know tuue
ching God

and his Sonne
Chrift Iefizs,

The Salutation. Chap.r.

isthe Sonne of God, and {0 beloved of the Father,moreneere
and deere unto him; that heis ovr Lord, ruling and gover-
ning us by his Spirit. By all whitch we may attaine an affa-
rance of Favour, tranquillitie of minde, and encreafe of fpiri-
the tual graces. he ere
maeanes Touching the /arter, the meanes wh we may attaine
tahereby we the Cores of God, and his Sonne Jefis Chri 7 ye thefe
knowledge of | efpecially, 1 To getGeds Spirit into our hearts , which
Godyasdhis | may reveale thefame untous. 2 To be earncit with God in
prayer, crying for kncwledge,and lifting up our voyce for une
t derflanding. 3 Tobe diligent and painefullin fearch.ng for
| 1Gprzto. | it,/carching for the fameeven as for filver. 4 In being cons
2 verfant inthe due and daily perufall as well of the booke of
Prov.2.3, - | Gods Word, asthe booke of Gods Workes. In practi-
3 fing that which we know already. 6 In getting a know-
Prods ledge of ‘our want of knowledge, with true humiliation for
Yekn'a7. | the fame. 7 To walke with she wife, cvento keepe company
5 with fach as feare God.
6 Hence itfollewech
7 I Thatthe mainereafon why fo many complaine of the
Pro.x3.20. | want of peaceotconfcience , and of their not profiting in
Ufis. | Grace, and of their not beholding Gods favourable counte-
I nance and the like, is their not-growing and encreafing in
2 faving knowledge. 2 That fuch as want the true knom
ledge of God, and his Sonwe Iefia Chrift, arein a miferable
cfiate and condition, they have no affurance of Gods favewr,
no peace of confcience,no true and faving grace , and fuchis
the eftate of thoufands in thefe our dayes. Ignorance is fo
far from being the worher of devotion that itis the morber oj
perdition and deffruttion , whereby the Devill doth dai
gaine no {mall number. 3 That thereforeits our part and
3 duty ,as we refpe the favour of Ged, peace and tranquillity
of confcience,or our profiting in grace , telabeur and ende-
vour by all meanes poffible for this true and faving kyew-
Jedge, remembring { asa{purre to incite us to the
. hereof) that Je/is Chrift oallbe revealed from heaven with.
2 Their, | i mighty Angels,in flaming fire, raking vengeance on them

erl-3.Triall of Gods goodne/se what it works,exc,

that kxow not Ged. Thusofthe fift and /«/ point, and fo of
the Preface, the fir ff part aswell otthis Chapter , as of the
whole Epiftle. . .

3 eAecording as ha Divine power bath given xnto
us all things that pertaine unto life and godlixeffe,
through the knowledge of hime that bath called us ro

| ghory and vertue. oo.

Veri. 4. Wherebygre given unto ns exceeding great and
: precious promsfes, that by thefe you might be parta-
kers of the Divine Natwresbaving e[caped the cor~

ruption that 13 sn the world through lft.
‘| . -Thele verfes containe the fecond part ot this Chapter, vix.
the confirmation of themin the hope of she increafe of Geds
graces, wherein thefe ewo things are te bee confidered.
1 The ground of thisconfirmation. 2 The circumftances

obfervable about the fame.

The ground of this confirmation istaken from the exaneple
of God, whofe goodnefie and kindneffe cowards them, in gi-
ving unto them all things pertaining unto life and godli-

e,they hadalready tried. - |
The csrcumftances obfervable about the fame , are divers.
1 The givers Divine power. a The action, sath, given.
3 The gift, aU things that pertaine muto life and godlineffe.
4 The Perfons to whom, «atoms. 53 The meanes whereby,
the knowledge of tims that bath called us to glory and
vertwe. 6 The effe& of thofe benefits, orthe benefits
which we reape through Cun 1s 1, m0ff great and pre-
cious promifes are given nntons. 7 The end, that by them
we may be partakers of the Divine Nature, Gc. From the
ground of this confirmation, being taken from the experi-
ence of Geds former kindneffe, whereby our efpoftle would
have thew notto defpaire of further increafe, but te de-:
pend and waite upon that fame God, which had beltowed
upon themall that which they had ,. This 06/¢rvation ari-
feth, that Fhe experience of Gods geodneffe in beftowing grace:
pen us, isan efpeciall meanes te incite us to depend ana waite

According as,

Fincrof Gods:

wponkimfonshe growth and imveafe of the fame; yea, te| geodnlisin ff.
_—_ D depend

34 ~~. Eexperience ofGods goodneffe | Chap.1

b:flowing depend upon him for all thofe things whereof we Rand in need:
Oe ecall | 24 per{weded ( faith Saint Pas ) of thie fame thing that be
| meanesto ins | that bath begun this fame good worke in you, will performe st,
citeustodes | wxtiil the da of Tefue Chrift. And againe, And I was delive-
donhim — | red ont of the mouth of the Lion, and the Lord fhall deliver
ofthefame, | Me froms every evil worke , and will preferve mee unto his
| Phil,1.6. heavenly Kingdome. The Lord ( {aid David ) that delive-
a Tim4 17: | red me ont of the aw of the Lyon, and ontof the paw of the
1 $9m.17.37. OF EE p J me paw of
Beare, be will deliver me ont of the band ef this Philiftim.
O God afm) Father eAbrabam,and Ged of my Father Ifaac,
1 Gen,3 209,10, | ( faid Jacob ) the Lord, which faideft xuto we,returne unto
Il. thy conntrey, aud to thy kinved, and Iwill deale well with
thee; [am not worthy of the leaf of ali thy mercie, and of all
the truth which thon haft foewed unte thy fervant : for with
my faffe I paffed over this lerdan,and now lam become two
| bands, deliver me, I pray thee from the band of my brother,
f from the hand of Efas. : S
Reafens. The Reafons hereof are thefe. 1 Becaufe Ged beftoweth.
oy not grace upon a: whom he doth not /eve, and whom
_ 3 he doth fove,thefe he maketh to grow in grace. 3 Becaufe
‘Rom.11.29. |GOD is aschangeable , either in his ‘ove, in his power,
in his wsé/, or in his.gifts, they are withent Repen-
3 tance. 3 Becaufe the Lord did never forfake any, which did
Pfal.9.10, | pat thetr truft in him, 4 Becaufe by our d ¢ on Ged,
4 wedoe both teftifie our chankefulneffe unto God, fer what
we have received, and acknowledge our owne inability to
attaine any, beth which are the ready meancs to obtaine

ace,
L 1 Thatits our part and duty to take notice of thofe blef-

fings which God beftoweth uponus, that fo we may learne

: the better to rely upon him. Some doe’net take notice of

themat all; others, though they take notice of them, yet

| doe quickely forget them, Yea,andfome,though they doe.

- | remember them, yet remaine diftruftfull, and{o make not

:.. g -- {agoodnfeofrhem. 2 That no perfwafion, allurement , or |
“"- - § provocation, fhould withdraw us from ppttisg-our traft

what it werkes inthe godly,

and confidence in God: 3 That whofoever doth depend |
= wait upon God for grace, thall undoubtedly obtaine the
AM. :

erfe.3.

4 That therefore {eeing already we have received fo ma-
ny bicffings and benetits from God, as well peritxall as tem-
porall, we muft {trive more and more torely and depend on.
him : whereuntohe himfelfe by the multitude of his blef-
fings doth daily provoke every one of us. Thus of the.
ground of this confirmation.

The csrcamfances obfervable about the fame, are (as yee
have heard) /évex, of which it remaineth £0 {peake in oraer,
at the pleafure of Ged. :

The 1 cércumftance concerneth the Giver 11 Divine pow.
er; whereby fome doe underftand Jefiee Chrift,as he is God
and (Man, and that by his oxely power, hee giveth us all
| £6ings, which are requifite both to eternal! life, wherein hee
hath appointed to g/orifie us, and alfo unto gedlineffe, in that
| be doth fermi us: with trae vertue. But ethers, God the Fa-

ther, by whole power, faith is wronght in our hearts: every
good thing, and every perfett Cift, being from above,and com-
ang downe fromthe Father of light. Either expofition may
be admitted, both comming to one end |

* Queft. Itmaybe demaunded why he faith not God, but
the divine power? | | |

| eAnfw. Becaufe this is more fignificant and emphaticall,
fuchas that, the Lordof beftes, noting untoas , the abilitve
and might which this Giver hath, thereby the more to con-
firme our confidence in hime, in that he is ble to beftow fuch
things upon us, Godthen through Chrift w the giver of fpiri-
salt things, they proceed from him, are beftowed by

The 2 circamffance, concerneth the attion, bath yiven,
{peaking of the time which was pf , intimating unto us
thefe twothings, 1 Thatthe blefings which God bad be-
fPowed spon his Chutch, were yet free in bit minde. 2 That | Seweth
rhey were net parchafed by their merits, but were the gift of
God su-lefia Chrift.. |. _ athe
_ : D2 | :

that

God the Giver of bolineffe bere, Chap.

The 3 cércumsftance, conoerneth the gift,: All things whish
pertaine unto life and gedlixeffe, eventuch things 4s might
be profitable, either for retaining of godlineffein this life, or-
attaining of everlafting if in the Kingdome of heaven, a
gift proportionable untothe giver, fhewing

1 The exceeding great bounty of God towards his children,
he giveth not one,but all geod things.

- @ The difference which God maketh between bis owne chike
dren and others; anto ethers he giveth earthly things , but
upon bis owne childres he beltoweth fachshings as-pertaine
sntolifeand godlineffe.. .
3 Thatmany things are needfull unto Gods children,borh
fe their retaining of ‘gedlineffe , and attaining everlafting
Efe.

4. That /iesh - things-ac God beftoweth upon his owne chil~

dren, are to be inbraced and imployed, as helpes and furthe=

i , | ances unto life and godlineffe.

3 Thatlife and godlineffe are to be preferred before all
earthly things, for bbefefike orber things are beftowed upom
Me

6 That godlineffe precedeth esernall lifes and that eternal
life followeth upon godlineffe : allthe, seal. and none but t]

re | thallinherit fe everdafting 5 this life hereafter {uccecder

OL/. Gods gifts
apperrgine un-
to his owme
children,
D.God by his
Divinepower
doth freely bez
Kow upon his

an holy lifehere,

The 4 circumftance, concerneth the perfons to whom fuch
gift sare given. Not unto the worldling, not unto the exvi-
ows notuntothe Whoremenger , not unto the Drunkard,
but unto ss, even the Blstt chitdren of God, ‘his Divine
power hath given untons ald things-that pertaine unto life
and godlineffe.

From th2/e preceding circumftances , making one entire
Prepofition this cbfervation may be gathered, that

God by bis Divine power doth freely beftow wpon bis owne
children, allthofe things which may further them ix. their
tourfe of godinelfe here, and crowne- them in everlafting hup-
Psffe hereafter. That thereis a-Crowne of glory,a life ever-
Jafiing, none of you I truft will deny: onch firch as

live

Verle 3. and of happineffe hereafter. 27

live the life of grace, foall live the life of glory , fs noleffe
apparent, and that there are many things profitable for men
and womsen,to further them inthe courfe of gcdlineffe , that
they may obtaine the K ing dome of Heaven, and be partakers
of life everlafting, who doth not fee? Herein onely ftands
the difficulty, Whether God be able to beftow {ach things pon
ms, and whether he doth freely beftow the fame. The former,
blafphemous Rab/eketh, rebellious Pharach, and proud Ne-
bachadnezzar, did call in gueftion, yea, and even Gods chil-
dren oftentimes in the time of fomebeavy temptation , make
doxbt of and {o areprovoked unto defperation ; the latter
as wellthe Papif's asignorants amonctt our felves, doe in
effect deny, when as they aflirme that they obtaine bleffings
ieee their merits, fatisfattions, good workes, andthe
sRO. .
That God is able to beftow uponus all things which per- | Reafons pros
taine ynto lifeand godlineffe, may be proved from the ary ving that God
names and attributes of God, from the workes and msiractes | ¢
which Ged hath formerly done, from the daily experience
of Gods children in their obtaining of fuchthings , and their
many deliverances fromthe fierce affantts of Sathan, and
prefervationgn the time of trowble. That he doth alfo be- | Thathegi
ftow them free/y,the very word here ufed, bath given , doth | themfterly,
import, which Saint Pas/ likewife confirmeth, Being jx ftifi-
ed freely by his grace, through the redemption that 1 sn lefves
Chrift.. He gave Chrift freely, he giveth faith, love, repen. | toh.3.£8.
tance,and {uch like graces, yea, and heaven it felfe freely. 7
The examples of Pas/,Zacheus, the woman of Samaria, and
thoefe atthe right haxd,doe evidently confirme thefame. _{
Heereof his owne pw7poyfe, the good pleafure of bis ewne
well,may be a {uificient 7eafom, Lo ,
Hence it followeth, J. |
neff That without God we cannot attuine , either usto boli-
‘meflehere, or lappine fe hereafter, not any thing proceeding
from our (¢/ves, ( yed,though it were to give all our goods |.
uate the poors) could obcaine mes |
, 8: ThatGoed bath previded a reward for bisowne children,

D3 whom:

Ssrnil,

Through the
kaowledge of
hins chat
called vs to
glory and ver-
Cez8.

The Elect effeétually Chap.1-

whom likewife he doth fo direkt by his Spirit, that they attaine .
the fame, though in the meane time ( as the f/heedites before
they enjoyed the land of Canaan ) they miy meete with ma-
nifold croffes and affiitions. Sothat sts sot in vaine (asma-
ny judge ) te ferve the Lord.

3 That therefore we muft beearneft with God in prayer,
that he would be pleafed to beftow opon us, faith , hope.
love, repentance, andthe “ike: Together with all other
thsegs which may be profitable for our furtherance in godli-
neffe here, umtoeverlafting life hereafter. Hethat is to rra-
vaile unto farre conntries,mult before-hand provide for his.
journey. Hethatisto /aile through daxgerens feas, mutt be-
fore-band make histack/ings fure. So muft wee, we are to
travaile towards beaves,tofaile through the dangerous fea
of this world. We mutt therefore by prayer unto Ged , proe
vide‘ for things needful. | .

The ¢ circamftaxce concemeth the meanes, whereby we
attaine thofe things which pertaine to life and godlsneffe,
through the knowledge of him that bathcalled uso glory and
vertne, that is, true faith in lefus Chrift, by whom we are
effectually called, leading an boly and godly life here , and at
the length obtaiming everlafting bappineffe beveafter: unto
this ¢/fate are we called Wy Chrift, yeawe are hereanto cal-

led by his owne' power and glory,as the words are alfo rendred
Dy fome.
om this circumftance three ebfervations may be gathe-
red. . |
The frf# is this that

The Elett are effeltualty called by Chriff. Among
whom are yee alfo ( faith Saint Pas! ) rhe called of Iefia
Christ. To them ( faith Saint Inde ) that are preferved im
Tefus Christ, and called. When | fay,the Ele&t are effeltually

Called, I doe diftinguifh them from «4 orbers, both Pagans
living without the precinGs of the Church, and farneall Chri-
‘ftians living within the fame, both which arc in fome meafure
called, the former, by vayce and foand of the creatures, which
is faFicient to take from themeall exsa/t, though meen

Verfe.3. -: called by Chrift. 39

fellenoughto their fa/vation and coxverfion: The darter
by the outward preaching of the Word, by benefits,and affis-
jons. Of whom Solomon {peaketh in the perfon of Wife-| pros 24,

dome, I have called, but you haverefufed ; and our Sevionr
Chrift, Many are called, but few are chofen; borh May, are |M4t-t0-16.
called,but neither of them with effettnall calling, onely the
Elett are thus called. To whomthat of Saint Pas! may bee
applied whom he did predeftinate, them he alfo called ; that
is, fevered from the world of unbeleevers. To become mem- | loh.I5.19-
bers of Lefus Chriff by faith, tranflated them ont of the hinge | Colt-t3.
dome of darkencfle , that is, of tgnorance and finne, into t
Kengdome of Christ, that is , of faith and holineffe ; fingled
and drawed them ont from among the reprobates, making
thems to become that which they were not, even true beleevers,
members of Chrift 3Saints,fonnes,and heires of God, effelina
ally perfwading them tofeparate fromthe world, and receive
the covenant of Geds grace in Christ, and to devote them
Selves to holineffe of life, giving theme power to receive the
Word, to have faith wrought thereby in their hearts, and to
bring forth rhe fruit ofnew obedience ; regenerated , conver-

ted, quickyed andrenued thems, by bisWord working effelin~
ally in them. When(I fay) they are effectually called by | 1 ThefL2.13.
Corsst, Idoenot exclude the Father or the Holy Ghoft,from
this glorious worke, to whom elfewhere itis alto attributed,
to the Father by Sasnt Paxl, tothe Holy Ghost by Saint
John, accordineto that rule which is amongft Divines, that | Gal.1.6.
ene worke of the Trinitse which are without, are undivie | Ulohn2,200°

ed.
Hence we are informed,
1 Thatthe eftate of Gods Eleét, is exceeding both honon-
rable and happy, free’ is their di gnitie, great isalfo their fe-
Wiicitse, they are the Elect of God, effeually cal'ed by (rss?,
called to his marvellous light , 10 communion and fellow(bip
with him, to freedcnse from finne, Sathan, the World, and the
Flehzo aneitate of invmunitic, free’ pardon.and all /aftie, to
the esieriews Kingdome of heaven, which therefore is fliled | , qin 2.95
an holy and glorious calling... Hecewith every childe of God, | phil.g.s4-
_ v4

D may _F

Rom. 8.30.

Ufese
,

40 | The particular knowledge Chap. Ts

may exceedingly comfort themfelves in all diftrefles, inas
mach astheir eftate, ( howfoever themf{elyes may be out-
wardly perfecuted in this world, yea, inthe midft of croffes
and afflictions ) # honourable and happy. |

2 That as wedefire a particular affurance of our Eletti-
on, we muft firft of all get a particular afferance of our effe-
Ctwall calling by Christ, howfoever it’s the opinion of fame,
that 20 maninthis life can be certaine of his falvation . yet
hereby (contrary both totheir opinion and doctrine ) may
we get affurance ofthe fame. Vocation is the middle Linke
of the chaine, tying and knitting </effion and elorifization to-
gether. Hereby our electron fecret in it felfe, is manifcfted
unto our felvesand others. Itsa manifestation ot our eletti-
on, a fore-runner of our glorification. The best way ina
maine land to finde the Sea, is by walking along the fide of

any Rsver whichrunneth untoit. So it is our beft way by
| our vocation, totake notice of our election. Its the pernict+
ons dottrine of forse, that God doth effectually call all men,gi-
ving them a power to beleeve if they will: which contradi-
Cteth the holy Scrsprsres, whercit is {aid, Jt 15 not. given to
all to understand the mySteries of rhe Kingdome. And againe,
Thefe things arc hid from most of the wife of this world , and
revealed unto Bases. By this doSrine maft not we try our
Vocation, it will but deceive and {cduceus. For, ehis faving
Grace, may enter into a anc, bur not unto every Cstie, intoa
Citse, and notunto every family; into a famstee, and not unto
every per fon; oF two Prophets, WMofes and Bakhtin, of two
Kings, David and Saul, oftwo brorbers , Iacob and Efas,
of two e4posiles, Peter and Indas, the former were effetta- |
ally called ; fo were not the /atter.

The particulir affurance and knowledge of oxr effettuall
calling is not impoffiible, el{e, why fhould our «postie fay,
Give diligence to make your calling and elettion fare ? And
another e4postle, We know by the Spirit the things which are
given us of God. May nota blinde man difcerne, if his eyes |
_| be opened ? may not aman imprifoned know when he is fet
') at bberty ? may noconedifcernethe Aight from the. dxrke-

ne (fe 2 |

Mat.t 3,11.

Mat. 11.26.

Pa‘ticulie
knowledge of
our off Baal
calling is pof-
fible. B®

2 Pct I.¥o.
3B Cor.2,52..
Stmil.

aren eee aeetetnet ene enteeeeeeen feerennennenntnnntatteses-
exfe.3. of our effectual calling,pofsible. 4Y

we (fe? thelikemay befaid of our effecivall calling. 1 con--
f fle,that even Gods children are fometimes doubtful! here-
of,as after {ome groffe fixne committed by them,or in time of
fome Strong temptation, yet at the length get they an aflu-
rance of the fame.

Now that you may know whether you be effeé/wa//y cal~
led, and fo the elect childrep of God, take notice of thele ing |-
fallitde fignes of effectwall calling, 4 The difcerning of |
Gods voyce, from the voyce of others. 2 Anhearty and un-

fained love of Gods Word, with an obedient and dutifull hea- r
ring ot the fame, joyned with application, 3 An inward{ 3.
fight againit fiane,and willing confeffion -of finne-guiltineffe.
4A willing feparation fromthe world, with anunfained 4
farfaking of finne. § AloveuntoGeds glory, with an ha- 5
tred of the Kingdome of eAntichrift. 6 The due and daily | *v-37-t4-
exercife of fervent and earneft prayer. : 6

06f- Bot may fome fay, Iam afraid that I am not as yet Ob.
effetinally called, and {ohavenoaflurance of .my. ¢/edéon or
falzation. SO

eAnf. Thou mak therefore the rather. give diligence Sol.

temake thy.calling and election fare, endevouring that thine
heart inwardly may anfiwer the Lerd, by his Word outward-
/y calling upon thee, getting a willing minde , {tedfaltly to

leeve in the Lerd Jefus , with an endevour to pleafe him
in all-things,. getting thine Jeart changed, . thine. heart of
Ffoxe, changed into an heart of fief ; whercby thou mayeit
become pliable and tra‘table untothe will of God.To further Hel
thee hercin,take noticeas wellof thefe private , asof pub | of ileal
like belpes. Priesate humiliation, confeffion of finne , absts- | ling private,

nence fromfecret finnes, {uppreffing inward lnit, the fociety of
the godly; the avoyding of evill company the frequent reading

of the Word,arcdmeditation of Gods Law, with the<z/cheming

of all eccafions of finne. Publicke, the Word preached, Prayer, | Publicke.
and the Sacraments, by all which we. are made loath/ome

unto eur fe/ves, and likewife take hold. of Jefies Christ. The |
Lord ufeth not the like sseaes in the culling of every one. | God ealteth
Some he galled witheut meanes , 93. eAbrabam and P

{ome

ohn 11,28.

| fomeacthe eleventh honre. What knowelt thou,bow foone
| at will pleafe him effe&ually to call thee? thow muft waste

Hlelpes unto effectual calling,¢oc. Chap;1

fome he calleth by weake meanes, asby the preaching of the
Gofpel, fome he calleth by unlikely meanes,as by croffes and
affistisens ; yea,and {ome by contrary meanes , making even
their /isxes to turne unto their good s Neither muft there be
any time limited unte God, for the accomplifomext of this
worke, forfome he calleth at the fixt , fome at the math,

his zimve, andd upon him. Nay , as (Martha called
her Sifter y, faying, The Mafter ss come , and calleth
for thee: Solfay, that Ged % new in the Preaching of hes
Word, calling thee to forfake thy bypecrifie, Atheifme snfideli-
tie,coveton/neffe, drunkenneffe, and fick other thine abemi-
nations. Ohthat his calling may be effectuall in and unto

3 That finding our felvesto be effeltsally cakled,we ought
to be truely thankefull unto God, and his Sonne Iefiss Chrsjt.
Have we not caufe thinke ye to be shankefull ? Without rhs
fhould we not have undoubtedly perifhed¢ Without ths
wasnot our eftate miferable for the prefest ? and fhould it
not have beene moft mifcrable hereafter ? Did not the De-
vill feeke to keepe us in blindneffe and darkeneffe , as being
loath topart withus? and Ged manifeft his reat power

notwithftanding our Saviour was pleafed effeltwally to call ?
yea, and when we were fir? called, were We not cither vasn-
ly carnally, or wickedly exercifed? the examples of Pax/,
(Matthew, and others, confirme the fame. Oh then Ict us
endevour for thankefxlnefe,expreffing the fameby walking
worthy of the vecatiexs whereunto we are called; by living
as itbecommeth the called of God! Yea, letus finde in our |
felves thofe graces which accompany , and flow from our
calling , foch as, the opening of the heart, keemtedgestene
: ait

Verfe.3. The Ele& partakers of grace and glory.

| faith, incorporation into Chriff, juftification, peace of confcs-
ence, jay in the holy Gheft, hope of the glory tocome, fantli-
fication, repentance, the love of God,and our neighbour ,pati-
ence obedience, and the ‘ike. Thus of the firf.
The fecond is this,that
Such as are effetizally called,are here parcakers ef erace and
vertae, and foallbe hereafter of everlafting glory. ‘They are
I fay parrakers of grace and vertue bere: ot many,inftance we
a few,.They are partakers of faith. They are partakers of
Lanttification. They are partakers of Jove. They are parta~
kers of bope. Not to inftance more. Saint Pax! thanketh
Ged for the Romans hat thetr faith was fooken of throughout
the whole world. Yor the Corinthians , that in every thing
they were enriched by Iefies Chrift, in all-utterance, and in all
knowledge. For the Ephefians , in that the LORD bad
bleffed them with all fpirituall bleffings , in heavenly
places, x» CHRIST. For the Coloffians , becaufe of
their fasth in Chrift Iefia,and love which they had vnto all
the Saints. For the Theffaloniaus, remembring without cea-
fixg their worke of faith,and labour of love , and patience of

hope su our Lord Iefus Chrift. A\fo, becanfe their faith ded:

exceedinely,and the charity of one of them towards
cach orher “id bound ; alfo Gar heir padionce and: faith in all
perfecutions and tribulations, which they did endure. And
that they fhall be parrakers of glory hereafter , is noleffe ap-
Parant. Whore he doth juftifie (faith Saim Paul ) be doth ai.
fe glorifies ; Recesving the end of your faith ( faich this our
Apofile ) even rhefalvation of yew foules.
The Reafon is plaine, even becanfefuch are the true chil-
dren of God, belovedand refpected of him. None are effe-
Guallycatled, but the Eleft ; None are pattakers of trae

grace; but fuchas are effettwally called; Noneare,or fhall |

partakers of g/orée, but fuch as have beene, or foal be par-
takers of grace: arid None either have beene or foall be heere
partakers of grace,which either sew are wor, or foall be here-

wf Hence

Paar 7 Peeing foe Krome

D. Suchasare

effeQually

called are here

partakers of
ta

Bl ebeee

arter of Slory,

A&.11.20,

Rom,1.%,

Col1.4.

I Pet.1.3,

Rom,1.8.

1 Cor.1.4,

Eph. 1.3.

Col.3.4,
1 Fhefl3,3.

2 Theff,3.4.

Rom.8.30:
1 Pet.t.9.

Reafou,

Faith furthers grace and glory. | Chap.r.

Vfes.
I

‘Hence it followeth,

1 That by the gifts and graces of Gods Spirst within us,we
may be alfured, as well of onr effetinall calling, as of our un-
doubted poffeffion of heaven. Are we endued with the gifts and
graces of Gods Spirit ? Without doubt we are effectually
called, without donbe we fhall be perpetually glorified.
Whereas by the contrary, are we not partahers of graces ?
neither are we effectuatly called, neither fhall we without
then be glorified. :

2 That fisch doe in vasne boaft of their effectual calling,
which fill watke in their vasne converfation. Belongeft thon
unto Ged, and yet worthippeft the Devil! ? Walxeft thou
inthe way to heaven, and yetleaveft no wickedneffe unper-
formed? Doft thou thinketo be g/orsfied in heaven, and yet
dot the workes of thedansned in Hell? Its smepoffible, thon

eceivef? thineowne foule: if thou wert effeclally called,
thou wouldft yet live the life of grace here, that thoa migh-
teft livethe lite of ¢/ory hereafter. Thus of the fecond.

The herd is this,thae

By faith in lefus Chrift, we attasne unto thofe things which
may further us, both stewards grace and vertue here, and glery

creafter, But at many as received him, to them gave bee
power to become the Sonnes of God, even to them that be-
leeve on his Name. The life which Inow live in the fie faith
Saint Paul) Ilsve by the faith of the Sonne of God. Here
our bearts are purified. Hereby (rift dwelleth in our hearts;
hereby we doe overcome the world; and whereby cas we bee
more furthered, either towards grace or glory , than by ever-
comming the fame?

Hence it felloweth,

t That fuch as want faith in (rift, andcontinue fo, can
hever attaine, either unto grace here, Or glory hercaf-
ter. . |

2 That we mufttherefore labour and endeavour for.true
faith in Chrift Jefus, whereby applying his bolsneffe,ri ighte-
on/ieffe and obedience unto out selves, we may be furthered.
by the fame towards the obtaining of fuch graces.s 3% aces
urtner

‘erle.4.God beftowes many promifes on his children.
farther us,unto bolineffe here,and bappine ffe hereafter. Thus
Of che third. a | |

_ The 6 circaineflance,concerneth the effect of thofe benefits
given unto us, We have by them sof great and precious pro-
mifes, which great and precious promifes may be underftood

either as the. infiramentall canfe of om effettwall calling

( faith and the frudy of holineffe being wrought in us by the
prensifes of Godwhilft they are out of the Herd proclaimed
uato us, and diligently confidered by us ;) or,as 4 proofe and
reafon,that God through Chrift doth beftow upon us all things
which pertaine unto life and godlineffe, becaule of great
and precious promifes are given unte ms. Oras the.canfes of
all thofe benefits which we doe injoy; or finally as the effect of

the. benefits which we receive of God , efpecially of oxr effe- .

eluall calling by Iefus Chrift. .

The obfervatiens acifing from hence are foure.

Fhe ff is this,that .

God doth beftow spon his owne children, many promifes.
We are (faith Saint Pasi ) after the manner of Ifaac , chil-
dren of the promife ; And againe, Iefia Chrift was a Mini-
rer of the Circumecsfion for the truth of God to. confrme the
promifes made unto the Fathers. Andagqine Wherein alfe af~
ter yee beleeved, yee were fealed with the holy Spirit of pro-

mife. Sounto Timothy, Godlinef[e hath the promife of this |:

Life, and that which is tocome. This. may be proved alfo by
divers inflances ; God beftowedupon eLbrabams many pro-
mifes; upon thofe mentioned,Heb.1 1. many premife: : foup-
on aceb sapon Jofoxa, npon David, upon the Apofile. Paul,
as he doth «pon all hischildren. For the slluftrasiex of this
Dottrine, thefe three points are to be confidered , flowing
from the /ame ; namely,the giver, the gift,and the per/oas
to whom this ¢:ft.thofle promi/es arc beltowed. - .

- Forthes ithe Giver of thofe promi/es ts God, which he bad
promifed afore by his Prophetsin the holy Scriptures , faith
Saint Péxl. And againe,Pasl as eApofile of Lefus Chriff, 67
the will ef God, according to the promife of life’wbich is in

Céraft lefae , that is, fent of Ged to preach that hfe , wich

Neb,b5,13,"

The Giver,
Rommel 2.

Comfortable conclafzons from Chap.t.

. he promifed in Chrift lef, So unto Titus , Futo the hope of
eternall life, which Ged that cannot lie, bath promifed befere
the world began.

_ Henceetbe/? comfortable con: /xfions may be gathered.

t That thefe proneifes are profitable and needfull for ws, to
forcher ue inthe conrfe of godine fe. All his ords are ponde-
red, his workes done in judgement ; no rath, vaine, or unad-
vifed werd doth proceed from him. 2 That thofe promei/es
are undenbted figues and tokens of Gods love towards ws.
3 That the promifes of Ged are unchangeable, and foall be
undoubtedly performed in their time, he which bath promi-
Sed, te fully able to doe them; be that hath promifed, s faith-
fall, he cannst deny bimfelfe; be which hath promifed can-
not lie, all bis promifes are in Chrift Iefiu, yea, and Amen,
God is as well ableto performe them a8, as oe of them , and
therefore they are named fomctime in the fingular number,
the promife ; yea,to confirme usin the infallibilitie of Gods
promifes,we have the Werd of Ged, which is trae and ri ghre-
ous altogether, We have the oath of God, that the heires of
promife meighe have abwudant confolation. We have the Afs-
niftry of Chrift confirming thens unto x. We have thens [ta-
led ante us, both in the connfellef God, before the world
was,and in the Senne of Ged, and in the Spsrit of Ged; called
alfo the Spirit of promife. Soalfo in the twe Sacraments.
4 That so childe of God onght to denbt of Gods promifes,
but beleeve them,rely upon theme, and waste upon the fame,
Thus of the Giver, :

For the 2, the gift, promifes. Is this af, may fome fay;
which God beftoweth on his owne children ? 1 anfooer tog
are more than we deftrve, nay, they are fo much as Gods chrl~
ren need wo more, they bringing with thens all things need-
full. There’s a difference betweene the promifes of man, and.
the prensifes of God ; men may fie, men may repent, men are
deceitfull, men are changeable, many make faire prravifes,
but doe not performe them their promifes being but a8 wind
and/moake; yea, and if they metane te performe theirs prene-
fet (as all juft promifes are tebe kepe.) yer doe they fo “

Verfeg, Gods manifold promifes. . 47

| ay to performe them, that they doe not turne to the bene-
ht of their neighbours ; but God cannot lie, repent , change, | |
deceive, be us not flacke in bss promife. The promifes of God | % Pet.3.9.
are a rich Mine of fpiritnall and heavenly treafures, they
are a garden of precious flowers, of medicinable bearbes , they |
are as the poole of Bethefda, fit for all difeafes, forall perfons,| Niseg,.
and at all times. 7 . |
‘Touching thofe promi/es, dévers things may be confide-
red, asnamcly, the kinds of chem; the differences betweene
thens ; the x{¢ which may and ought to be made of them ; by
what meanes we may get affnrance of them; and how God
doth performe thems unto x6. a
Touching the kinds of thers, They areeither Legal/, or he dives :
Evangelicall ; {uch as pertaine unto this life, or [uch as per= | promifes,
taine uuto the lifeto come; promifes abfeluse , and promifes
condstsonal] ; promifes princspall, and promifes leffe princi
pall; promifes generall, and promifes particnlar ; remmiet
temsperall, fpirituall, and eternal, either of which diftinéti-
ons doth comprehend all the reft. Gods legall promife s,
when he paffeth his word for the giving ofeternall Lite, and
other temporall good things, upon condition of fw/filling the Lev.18.§
Lew: Evangelical, when be paticth his word for the geving | Galy.18e-
of Chriff, and together with bim, remiffion of finnes, righte~
‘onfue (fe, and eterzall Life, as alfo the bleffings of this Usfe,
upon condition ef beleeving the Gofpel, which therefore is
called , the promife of grace , of the Spirit of Faith, and of
Chrift. The promifes pertaining unto thu life , are either
Psrirnall concerning the/foale, fect asthe promifes ef Gods
graces s or temporall concerning the 4edy, {uch as health,
wealth, and the iske.
The pronsi(es appertaining anto the Life to come, areeteruall
life, the crowne of glory, with thofe joyes , which God bath
laid up for bis owne children. Promsfes abfolate, are fuch as
conctrne our fhi7steal/ and eternall Rate - oe hhefin er
eemperall, "The promifes principall acerighteon{neffe, rem /~
fon of fiunes, life everlaping, Ke the ike; the /effe prines--
pol; deliverancein affittions , faferie in dangers, peat

wealth, |

48 Comfortable ufeof Gods promifes. Ghap.t.

wealth, and thelike. Promi as general, arethofe that delopg
unte all Gods children, particular unto this og that. man or
| | womsan. Premifes temporall, ace fuch as concerne our bedies,
fpirituall ourfoxles, bosh inthis life : eternal fuchas concerne
both ody and femle, inthe fife to come. |
Differences Touching the differences betweene Gods promifes. The
beeween Gods | /egail arc made upon condition of fulfilling tht Law, they are
ahem made and directed to the perfox of every man particularly :
call, but the proms/es of the Gofpell are ficit direCted and made to
Cbrift, and then by conféquent, tothem that are by faith in-
grafted inte Chrifh-The legall alfo doe not proceed trom Gods
free mercy in (rift Iefies which the Evangelical doe; yea,
and the promifes of the Law, were ineffe » which the
Evang iced arenot. Betweene € vangelicall profes , there
isalloa difference, the pirstual are abfolnte, the temporall
fhall be accomplithed {0 farre forth as ood Serve for the glee.
Thecomfers | 77 of-Ged, and the-good of all them that beleeve. |
ear Touching the ¥/¢ which may and ought to be made of
may and ought | Gods pramsfis, it’sexceeding great, in all places, at all tenes,
tebemedeof | upon every eccafien, in profpersty, in adverfitie, intemptati-
fe. on, atthe howre of death, In projperitie, we are many times
Inprofperiy. | afraid of adverfitie ; we are many time entifed by the plea-
Sures of finne , we grow often dull,and negligent in the per-
formance of bely duties, we ace often proveked by the com.
pany of wicked mex to ungodly conrfes ; but by the promefes
| In adverftie, | of God, we get freedeme Gout them 42. In adver(tie,we are
grieved, difquseted, caft dewne, meved to diftruft in Geds
Providence, wetake on in fickeneffe, in poverty, in famine, in
thetime of the Pefiilence, atthe death of frsends,; but
Gods promifes,all are fweetned; whereby even 4B things
work tegether for the beft.In time of temptation,we are often
allured to diftrnft of the promifes of God, we are brought in-
to feare of endleffe condemnation, the devil doth perlwade
that our finues are paff cure, that we cannot obtaine.the. fa-
vour of God, thar we-have no truce and found grace, that see
are fallen away frome grace, that there 1 ne reward for per
forming of Gods fervsce, that we are already in bis pehfiew,

erf-4.Meanes ta get affurance of Geds promifes.

and {o rempred us unte ail manner of fines: but by the pro.
mifes of Ged , we are upholdeninal', To inflance but one
particular , whereas the ‘Devill would perfwade us , that
there és no reward for fuch as. endevonr to keepe the commap-
dements of God, if we take but notice of the. duttes required

in every Commamnlement, we thail finde difperfed here and 7

1 there,thronghout the Scriptwresmoit great and precions pro- -
wifes for every one of them. So alfo at thetsme of death, | v1 boure
wes are mightily «{faxired, but by the promifes of Ged, | o
we receive confelation. ee +. | Meanes wheres
. ' Touching the a{furance of thofe premifes,it isto be thus by to gotaflit-
purchafed: We mutt knew themwe mutt beleeve them; wee | premites,
mult apply them.; we mult bold our [elves unto the fame.

_ We may know them by the werd ; we may beleeve them,

if we confider of Geds love towards us, and power to beftow
them upon us. we may vip them, by fixdinga trne want
of them, and we may be/d our {elves unto them , by confi-
dering the danger wherein we 4re,if we be without them.

Touching the »anner how God performeth his promifzs | 31.) goa
unto ws, it’s not alwayes one and the felfe-fame. Vnto fome | formech re
he performeth chem realy, as unto David, in delivering | promifes,
hine from Saulsunto Jacob, in delivering him frem E/as;unto |
Hezekiahin reftoring him unto his bealth,and removing the |
hofte ofthe effyrians. which befieged Jerufalem., Viito
others againe; he doth net beftow the felfe-{ame thing, buta |.
better, as unto lafiah, not long life, as itssin' the 3 Comman-
dament, but eternal Life; umd othersagaine ‘he giveth pati-
ence, by all which be doth fill performe his premifes , hee H
memasning fasthfell which bath premifed. , 10.23.

For the 3, the perfons on whom Ged beftoweth his promé- | The pertens
wat, are the E/ec?, the regenerate; ‘Fley oncly areparta- | o« wrhopa Got
kextal Godewt folure Evangelical pramifees: The unregeri- | Peitowmerh ie

rate Which five isi their Annes without repemtance

9 they are i-.
Strangers fromthe covenant of promife. ‘Gods children , Ephe.2.1 20
aret, beveref rma The wick I confeffe may be a dal; “ze
infoay cfert to.be partakers of Gods promujéss.as whenthey |
heave thy, Raxd, roevivd the Sacrament; wadthe like's bey
a : D. t

5@ Gods promifes moft great and precious: Chap. 1.

they are not intended for them,. they are not profitable unto
them, they turne unto their further condemnation. Gods |
promifes are the childrens bread, not to be caff unto dogges :
they are precéous pearles, not to be caft unto hogyes.
' Hence we are taught,

Wf. _ Toendevor for an affurance that we are the chs/dren of God, |
and having obtained this affurance , tocomfort our ft lves in-
the meditation of Gods promifes,walking worthy of the fame.

Resfons why Thus having fhewed you the Géver, the gift, and the per-
God beitow- fons upon whom God oth beftow his promifes, take notice
piaberens chil? | ina word ortwoofthe Reafons why God beftoweth on his
suis | Children,(uch promi/es, they arethefe.

I 1 The aanifold dangers, troubles , aad miferies , which.
we undergoe in this prefent world , in which his premi/es
doe uphold us. -

2 2 That when we have the thing promifed , wee may not
aferibe the fame unto ehance and fortune , but unto Gods.
fathfulneffe,

3 What wee may perceive the great benefits which wee
have by ¢ drift. :
4 That we may fill goe on in the performance of holy
‘dutics, in fzsrh, ho scharitie prayer, and the Like. Seeing be
is pleated to afordus {o many promifes.

Now in that God beftoweth upon us,{0 many premfes,we.
are hereby tanghe, :

Uies To be truely rhankefoll unto 5 ba for his promifes, to ac-

7° | knowledge his /owe in giving them unto us , endevenring to-
performe thofe doties which hee prefcribeth unto as,in as

Web.10.23. ae as ne is faithful mbe bath promfed. Thus of the ff
D-Thepromi- | ‘The/econd isthis, that :
feswhich God| = The promifés which’ God befoweth upon bie ewne chiliren;.
belt pewesh wnee | are wwoft great and precsous. So called, both in refpe of the
chi eAfuthor -of them, Gud , who is the King of Kings, and
mofbgrr acd | Lord of Lerds; the ground of theme, Iefia:Chriff, for whofe
Reafont, fake we obtaine them ; the manzer bow they are civen.frecly
; ‘the meanes whixaby they are apprebended., faieky the ereet

See a a nt
fetl4. And the ufes tobe made of them. ge

and inefiimable profite flewing from them , and the exd why
they are befeowell x " vu that Lp may be partakers of the Ds-
vine Nature. Belide, they are of infallible t7#th 3 yea, the
deeds and evidences of a Chriftéan for his{al vation , and for
all other good rhings ; for,what elfe haveany of us to fhew,
whereby we may schaltenge heaven, vemifficn of finnes, and
| fiuch like prsviledges, buc onely Geds prennfes entitling us
thereunto? Whatfoever an oweth npon us is grear,
but his promifes exceed in greatneffe and worth, of
more worth than thenfands of gold and filver. : oo

Hence we are taughe : " Of

I Toperceivethe exceeding great love of Ged towards
usin beftowing fach,fo reat and preciens proms/es upon us,4
gift wherby appeareth the greatueffe and g/ory of the Giver.

2 To efteeme of the promifes.of God, as pearles of moft 3
| great. and precious value, | |

3 Toacceps with thankefalneffe Gods promi/es beftowed 3
upon us, neither contemning nor abufing the fame. Thus of

fecond obfervation. .

hereby in eveyding of finne ; in refifting temptati- | life and godli~
ons: in this growth and sncreafe of grace: in depending and | nefle.
velying upon God,and the like. oo,

Wherefore, let us endevour by a particular application.to Uft.
finde the vertue of Gods promifes in our felves, whereby we phrough the
may be furthered ig thofo things which pertaine unto /ife | him who

lineffe. Thus of the third. called us to

The fourep is this,chat | 7 : sell
‘- Thofe promifes are beftewed upon ne, in, and through the \ D.Godbes
mecanes of Iefus Chrift eur Redeemer by whem we are effettu~
apy cated, we attaine them in and through Cbri/t, in whom | in sna'a,

Geds promifes are yea,and eAmen. Yea, and without | the meanes
whoas,we can-obtaine no biefling at the hands of God , hee { Chrif.
being unto ue all in al things. 2 Cor, 1.20.

7 H2 Difclasme °

Cel,3, 34.

5a Gonifontable ends of Gods promifes. Chap. 1.
| Kft. | Difelaimewe therefore all felfe-righteowfweffe , all our

faeming good workes, all our /uppofed merits, andtake we
hold ot Cérift by a true and lively faith, for whole fake
pe excellent promifesare beftowed upon us. Thus ofthe
the. oo . .
Thatbythele | The 7 circamfbance,concerneth the end of the benefits beftow=
youre be ed upon t,0f our effectuall culling,& of thofe moit great and
rie Divine naz | Precious promifes, whichGod hath given unto us, even
turc,having ef» | that by chens we may be partakers of the Divine Nature, and
copss the ae So efcape the corruption that sein the world through luft, that
Erthemecid. | % that by them we may be regenerated and fantified , by the
through luft. | power of Gods Spirit dwelling sn us, whereby we may abftaine
frow worldly lufts, which ss onr mortification. This one place
of Scripture ( which 12.0 where elfe ro be found , either in the
Old or New Teftament ) trucly beleeved,and duly confidered,
may bea {ajlicient motive, to perfwade us to foriahe this
world with the pleafures of the lame, and to fet our hearts
On Ged and his Kingdsme : pointing out unto vs the worth
and excellencie of Sede promifes, yca, fhewing untous, that
Such as are not partakers of this divine mature, tach asare
iver conformed tothe.will of God, having his image repaired
within chem,bave ne right or sinereft unto the prom/fes of God.
This is not alight or {mall matter that Ged {hould fo retpect
us, wormes,duft and a(bes, vile wretched miferable,and finfull
creatures, in our beft eftate altegether-vanitie , aS tO COM
municate his owne ature mtons, foto-become ours, that
whatfoever he bath, may after a fort be faid tp be ows: and
togive us fuch frrength,asto be vsétorsons over out corruprl-
on through /s/t, by whom fo #sany have already beene foy-
ted. The more hard and diiHieule this Scripture. feemeth unto
“| us,the more need have we to runne unto Ged by prayer , that
Atwwofbld eed") he would be pleafed toopen our hearts, that we may beth
aflealting, underftand and beleeve the fame.
and of Gods The laft circumftance,I fay,concerneth the end of our éf-
promifes Bi¥e® | feétwall calling, & Of Gods promifes givenunto us, which is
Pi twofold. 1 That we may be partakers of the: Divine Na-
sure, 2 That we may efcape the corruption which s in the
* ’ i . world

PGL3 9.56

Verl'4. The godly partake of the Divine nature. 53
world threagh tuft. Bither of which doth afferd unto us one
profitabie f ervation. : |
The former this;that D.By thepros

mifes of God
given and*per-
formed unto
us, we become
partakers of
the Divine na-
ture, —

Ob.
Sol.

By the promifes of God given and performed nnto us, wee
become partakers of the Divine Nature. A fuange Dottrine
may fomse fay , whence thefe abfurdities {eeme to follow.
1 That we fhould be partakers of the Destse. 2 That wee

thould be of the fame effence with God. 3 That the satare
of God, were {ubje& unto: vanitse and corrsption , at leaft in
us,whoarefo. Ianf{wer.thatthe Divine Nature may beta-
Ken tw sanner-of wayes, either for the effence and (ub france
of God, or for the qualities whiclrare in him.
Touching the/ubftance andeffence of Ged, we cannot be
{aid to be partakers of the fame : for then allthe former «b-
Sardities would tollow.
Touching the qualsties and properties of Ged, they are of
two forts. oo
1 Such asare incommunicable. , |
2 Such asare communicable.
Fouching thofe which are iwconsmennicable, they are of
two forts, either thofe which are bere sacomusunicable , but
fhall be hereafter communicable ; {uch as tmmeutabilitie,
eterustic, tmmoxtalitie, ofthofe wearenot bere partakers,
but hereafter {hall : or thofe which are both bere , and thall
remaine hereafter inconsnunicable, {uch a8 omnipotency , sms~
menfitie, and the /:ke; of thofe we neither eve, nor fhall be
partakers. Such as are communicable; wee may partake of,
as of power, wifedome,knowledge, goodneffe, mereie , right
oufie fe holineffe,and the /ske ; which are put into our #<-
ture by Divine power, whereby we refemble God , as chit-
dren doe their parents, bearing the Image of his w1/edome
and psritse. So then when I fay, tbat by the pronnfes of God
given and performed unto us,we become partakers of the Di-
vine nature,we mult underftand not the (ubfance of the Dei.
tie, but the partaking of thofe qualities, whereby Gods Image
i refered unto us bere,and we become glorified hereafter, im-
mortal lnly, pure Sightious,and ™ like. Ce :
3 or.

| What the I-
mage of God
{ in man was,

-§ Gen.2.206

Gen.2.2 3.

Eph.4.2@:

Gem.2.3 96

How man tol
God.:
Gen.2.37 4

Gen 3.12,33.

What the Image of God.in man was. Chap.¥ |

For the farther underftanding of this Dottrine , thefe
foure points are to be handled.
1 What the Image of God in man was.
2 How (Man lof the Image of Ged.
3 Howshe promifes of God repasre this Image is Aan.
4 How the proms(es of God affure us ef happineffe, glory ‘|
smomortalstie,and everlasting life. | ,
For the : man might have beene called the Jmsege of God,:
in a threefold refpect. Inrefpet of the /ubfance of his
feale, whole nature is steal, inseligible, sucer porcall , 11-
mortal sevifble, which being but Oxe in man , endued with |
memory , cogitasion , and wil, doth in Saint efacaftines
judgement reprefent the Vaitie of the Godhead and the Tri-
witse of the Perfous. 2 In refpec& of the excellent gifts,
wherewith be was indued : his sinde was replenifoea with
fuch heavenly wifedowe, that he had a perfect keowledge of
God, of his will, of his werkes,and ofthe xature and proper-'
ties of allerearures. So that he conld give apt and proper

names unto the creatures, and knew whereof Hevah was

| seade, and with fuch free-will and power to obey God, that if

he woxld,he might have cominued in that efate , and not.
have finned ; yea, he was creased in vighteon{neffe and heli-
neffe; altogether without finne: 3 In refpe of bu dignitic,.}
domi nion,and eminence, above all other creatures, hee had
fuch an smperial majeftie, thatall inferiour creatures did re-
verence, and obey him as their King and CAfafer ; hee cal-
led the creatures, and they came unto him ; herein did Gods
Image of man, conift. |
For the 2,c Man loft this mage of God through fixue.Ged
gave efdam and Hevaha Commandement to eate of all the
trees of the Garden, the sree efknewledge, of good and evill
excepted. The Devill envying the felicitie and happineffe of
Adan, entred into the Serpent, and feduced Hevah, by whom
alfo her husband was {educed, whereby both did cate of the
forbidden fruit, and thereby became deprived of Gods Image.
Their fonte became Sained and po with free, their sund

| became darkened and sguorant of the knomledge of Ged, their

How the pro-
mifes of God
repaire this
imagcin man.
Gen. 303 $e
Cel.2 Je '

1 Cor.1.31.

2 Cor,§ .2¥.

Col.3.23, 22.

i Cor.1.2,

x Cor,3.8.

How the
mifesofGod - 7
af :'re-usof
everlafting
happinefle,
lo, 19.25.

a Cor. 4,25.

2 Cor.§.%.

| 56

A&s7.5-

Wfesof Infiru-
Aion.
I

The happy eftate of thegodly, Chap.s

life; now the nature of Ged is immutable and unchangeable
he cannot lie, fo alfo his proms/es are molt fare and confi ant,
without any (2adow of changing: our faith alfo doth appre-
hend and apply them, yea, and wee endevonr in our lives
and converfations to walke worthy of them , comforting and
encouraging our felves in the midft of trowbles, croffes , and
affisttions, by theremembrance of them. Therefore it fol-
loweth that they doe undoubtedly «ffwre us of the fame.
The Remembrance of Gods promsfe unto e46r aban touching
the Land of Canaan,did affure him of the fame, although he
had not therein the bredth of a foot; yea, this tame promife
upheld, J/2ac,lacob, Iofephthe Ifraelstes (chough they were
often in great trouble and diftrefle ) that at the length the
promife (ould be accomplifhed: fo alfo may the promifes
of God touching the g/ory co come, affure every one of us,
of . undoubted poffeffion thereof, we by true fasth apprebex-
ding the fame. Thus having cleered the DoStrine, follow the
Vics of the fame, which are for Inftruction ,. for Reprehen-
ficn,for Confolation,and for Exhortation. |
For Inftruétion, if by che promifes of Ged,ziven and per-
formed unto us,we become partakers of the Divine nature,
as it’s moft certaine, then it followeth, 1 That, /wch as |:
would be here partakers of srace, or hereafter partakers of
glory, muft know,beleeve, and apply unto themsfelves the pro- |
mifes of Got. Hereby we become partakers of the Divine
nature,veth bere and hereafter. 2 That Gods children ex-
ceed all others ,in dignitie, nobilstie, and bonoxr. Some boatt’
of their riches,fome of their places, fome of their 4srth fome
of their beavty, fome of their frengih, and the “ke: but is
ther eany comparifon betweene #hofe and the Divine na-
tere? Gods children, though they want thefe, yet have they
that which exceedeth all thofe,they are partakers of the Di-
vine nature. 2 Thatthe love and goodneffe of God towards
us in Chrift,ss exceeding great ,yepatring that in us through.
Crift, which we through onr owne folly loft in Adam.
For Reprehengon, 1 Votofuch as defpife and contemne
Gods promfes hhe unto the J/raclites which had more mind
. ‘ to

Verle4. partaking ef the Divine nature.
tothe flefy pots of Egypr, thanunto them ; like unto pro-
phane Efan, which had more minde pnto a mesfecf pottage,
chan unto thea. That which unio achilde of God is balme
from Gilead to refrefh them, aprecicus treafyre to enrich
them,/weerer than the hony & the bony combe.morerefpetted | -
than thoufands of Gqld and.fiiverthat they -feorne and reject.
2 Vato fuch as defpife the Divine wature , cventhe gifts
and graces of Gods Spirit betowed-upen his owne children,
cReeming falfehood more than trath, preferring profaneneffe
before bolineffe. 3 Vnto fuch as fet themfelves againft rhe
children of Gg od, reviling, back ¢-biting » belping, mocking,
{corning, perfecuting, and bafely efteeming of them; how
dar*{t tou doe thus? doft shou net belecve that it # « feare-
Sull thing so fall into the hands of the living Ged? doft thou
thinke that God will falfifie his promife ? 1 tell thee , though
thou wert as rich as the 7#ch man in the Cope thoughthou
hadf as’ sauct fubftanice as Job bad.rthough thon wentt in |
Purple and Scarler every day ;- yet a poere fervant of |
. Chrif is more re{pected of Gedthan thou art; yea, he will
€venge whatfoever wrongs and injuries chou doelt unto fuch,
they being partakers of his owne,of the Divine nature:

or Confalation hereby Geds children may be exceedingly
Cncouraged, again all troubles & ¢roffes whatfoever again
the feare of the Devil, the World, and the F/e/2 ; againft
the feare of falling away, and final eApoftafie ; againit che
Seare of the want of grace, and daily encreafé in the fame. I |.
tell thee,thog art,thau {halt be partaker af the. Divine wa- }
tare,here of grace, hereafter of glory: Compare the eftate
Wherein thou art, the eftate wherein thou- (alt be withthe
hate whereinthou waf, both eriginally in e4dam, and
allxally before thy converfion , and then cell me , whether
thon haft not,great caufeto rejoyce? Thon waft a firebrand,
of Hell, a flave unto inne, a captive of the Devill,a ftranger
from the /ife of Ged; now thou halt ‘Gods Spirit dwelling
withinthee, chouartachild of God, ingrafted in Chrift Ie-
Si hen one mace? of the Divine nature , ian me
then great caule af joy ? yea haw canft Aa GoMr Aged
haying Gach Reh ean ite Sen peels ‘ Woe :

3
Heh10.375 |

Matt.¥9 72, | ‘
Iob1.3. ,

Vie of Copfo~
lation,

*
> = = \e 2 ee em en et EE Coe) -_"” .

Gods promifes an e[peciall belpe Chap. T,

For Exhortation, 1 Let us endevour and labour by a parts-
"| emlar faith in Cor:ft, and application of Geds promifes, to
| finde our {elves partakers of the Divine Nature. 2 Let us
| efteeme, reverence , and refpe& the children of Ged which
partake of che fame, 3 Let us bee than'.efull unto Ged,
for this bappy and glorious effate wherein we are. 4 Letus
provoke and {tirre uperbers, now following their drunkew
ueffe, coveten{ne fe, whoredome, profanenc f*, ms lice and the
like ebomsswations, whereby they are partakers of the Ds-
vels nature, to forfake thefe,that they may be partakers of
the Divine Nature. Thas of the former.
The Leseer this,that :
By the promifeof God, we efcape the corruption that is in
the world ebrough luff. chatis, the wicked Iufis which wee
Carry about ws, or the corrupt dealings ix the world , procee-
dine from luff Great is our corruption, great is the pravitie
oxr nature, proceeding cither from the werd, which doth
by bad exaneples corrupt » withdrawing them from
Ged, leading them inte defirnttion , and withholding chem.
from returning; OF our ewne concupifcence , ourinbred Inf
unto that whichis evi#, which {0 enclineth the wsf, that
it okcth #t to content, whence follow the «4s of fane, |
which are evident teffimonies of corruption. There be alfo
in the world great corrptions, as have becne from time to
time in all fortsof men. So that what was faid of the ofd
world may be {aid of thie: The earth was corrupt before Ged,
and the earth was filed with violence. (Wagiftrates, Mins-
frers, Tradcfimen, all of all fortes, daily bewraying the famee
being frairs and effels of their originall inne. By the proms-
Ses of Ged, Y fay we are delivered from this onr corruption, a
fove-runner of defirntlion, even from that vicious and nangh-
| ty quality of finne,piritually waiting the fonle, being contrary
unto the Tea sdnefe andintegrity , wherein we were created,
proceeding frens the world and onr Infts.Iprove it thus, By "4-
txre there is no difference betweene the Elec and the Re
Probate, both follow their corruption , both are in the »
leading to defirattion, Yt is the promife. of Gud in Chri

erfe 4 against flefhly lufts. 59
effeEtwally to call all {och whom he bath eiefted, thisprensife |
| being performed, chey which but a little before follewed

their corraprien, werc in danger of defiruition, are now dée—-
livered fromborh, Againe, the Ele# being effeltually calm
led, arepomoreasble of them/felves to abfiaine from fixne,
and tore/ift their corruptions, than the snregexerate ,as the
examples of Peter, Noah, David , left unto ¢ elves but
for a foort tinse doe witneffe : what doth then uphold rhem,
by what meanes are they delivered, reftrained ? why doe
they not cocfent unto finne, as wellas ethers doe? why doth |.
not the werld and their owne /uf's, prevaile over shem in their
corruption, as they doe over others ? even the promifes of
Ged, whom he toveth once, be loveth alwayes unto the end,
he doth uphold them , bee doth reftraine them, bee giveth
them fasth to overcome the world, he giveth them frrength
to mortifie the ‘af of their owne nature, So that by his pro-
mifes we efcape thecorruptionthas in the world throngliluft

Hence we are taught Co

x Tolay hold on the {weet promifes of God, whereb
We may efcape the covreption that 1s the world throngh f, if.
Naturally we are prone and bent nntocerrnptions, they may |
be thunned and efeaped asthis Scripture fheweth. Be wee.
carcfull therefcre in the ufe of the meanes, not to give way
untothe fame. Hereby God is difbononredand grieved , our
profeffionfcandalixed, ous foules wounded, othersincited un-
tecvill, yca,ifthere were no other »otive to enforce this
carefulue ffe,this ne, Gods owne Consmandement, enjoyning
us to flie and founne evill,is {uiticient. :

_ 2 Thedifference betweene the god/y andthe wicked, both.
have sebred lufts, bork are Rirred upto fiane againft God by
thetr Ju ft : the world provoketh dcr, onely the wicked yeeld, | .
the premsi/es of God uphelding his ewne children. Jt is not

Of themfelves, eher by their owne Rrength and power, God
. whe never faileth fuch as relye spon fine , letteth them from

Tohn 13.36

2 John §.q.. -

Pil, 34:3 ¢0:

3.:

That our wicked /«/fs,our ¢ cence, orssinall inne,
is che foamra afts,our concep: (i riginall fi

aine both of eur satarad. corruption, and alfo
ever

~” Obfervations from the coberence _

1.34,

Two teus
lars obferved
in the third
part ofthis

.| Chapter,

2
A twofoldex-
hortation laid
dewneinthefe
verfes.
The former,
And befides
it, giving all
diligence,or
therefore give
even all dilis
gence’there=
unto.

everlafting defirntlion. It (cemeth onr friend, -but it is our
greatett enemy eves the caufe of alithefe innumerable corrup~
Bons which are inthe werldy: which therefore thould bee

;| carefully and: ferioufly refifted, efpecially, {eeing wicked
‘| men likewife take part therewith to withhold us under

fine , withdraw us from grace. Thusof the latter, and fo
Of the fecend part of thischepter,

ebe of

5 Avd befides thu, giving all diligence, adde te
Vert, Jo*r faith vertnue , and te vertuc kuewledge.

6 eAnd to knowled Ige,temperance ; and to tenspe-
rance,patience, and to patience godline [[e.

end to godlineffe brotherly kindnelfe; and to
brotherly Ene chartie 4 I ous

Thefe withthe enfuing verfes, unto the /ixteenth, con-
taine the third part of this chapter, wherein is laide downe,
an exhortation unto the fiudy of faith and other ( brifisan
graces, together with divers Reafons to enforce the fame:
the exhortation in thefe three verfess the Reafons in the
verfes following. |

The exhortation is two-fold; the former in thefe words,
and befides this giving all diligence, or(as they are rendred in
the Geneva Bibles.) Therefore giveeven all diligence there
unte. The latrer in the words following , adde to your fasth
vertne, and-to your uertne knowledge cic. .

Touching the former. , befide thes, giving all asligence, or
therefore give even all diligence therennto;\t may be confid
red cither as itdothcohere with the former uerfes , or with
the folowing words, It cohereth withthe former warfes two
manner of wayes, cither. generally, with both third and
fourth verfes,or particularly with the laft part of the fourth
verfe.

In general it cohereth with beth verfes thus; Ged in ite
te

Chap.j.

| erfe4. of thefe with the twoformer Verjes. 6%

telletb ws,, what be: hath done, and woth for us ; In thw hee
fheweth ss what he would bave sw to'doe for our fe/ves.
Hs doings towards é arcadmrable, his love unfpeakeable,
1 bw boxnty exceeding g7¢at , he doth of his free grace, and
Isue in Chrift ,beflow upon usaf things which pertaine nnto life
& godlineffe,grace here and gloryhereafter; ‘hedoth effets
dilly call us sw his Sonne Chrsft Jefus, by the effetival preach=
sng of bis holy and heavenly word he doth befow upon xs moft
great and precious promifes, rhat 2 them we may be par-
takers of the Divine nature, that by them we may be delive-
red both from our owne corruption, and everlafiing defiretts-
ou the fruits and effects of the decestfull world , of our owne.
flefhly lefts; our part isto give akdiligence herexnte,to.firive
and endewour bya particular application. and apprekenfion
to finde the benefit, the fruits, the effects of thofe gifts of |
Gedinour felves. = 89 = _

Whence fowre things may benoted. ~ * :

1 That,fecing Geddoth freely beftow upon his owne chil-
dren,thofe excellent b/effiegs, thattherefore wee fhould la-
Dour to apprehend the fame, to havea {peciall fenfe and fee= | bie6
‘ling, that God isour God, Chrift our Savionr , for whole | Ged.
‘fake-God beftoweth the /zme upon we.
' 2 That.by our diligent care, fiudy, and endevonr , in holy
‘duties we further our owne falvation. Although man Can |:
hot be properly {aid to beacaufe of his owae falvaticn, (st |.

‘being t onely morhe OF God, flowing from has mercie, NOt |) Sing
ONT merits) yct be-naay be.fpid to be a worker together with |: p.godbes
Ged in the fame, namely by apprehending and applying the | Aowethhis
grace of God, offered unto him, as a ficke man by taking sleGings upenr)
Wholefome Phy/cke recovercth health. apprchead |
3 -Ehat God doth for this canfe maniftft the riches of his.| them,andpar= 4
benngie and mercies towards us, that we may endeveur tq | tke ofthenn
‘apprebend apply and become partakers of thefame.

4 ThatGed dork by degrees perfect his worke of grace in | yy
‘hss owne children, having cle@ed them before rime, hee doth | fea ,
effe Bughy cali them ie time; he beftoweth upon them fuch of gracein his-
things 44 persasne ante life and gadbineffe, hee maketh them | gra.
| a parta-.

T be profit of mortification, Chap.1

-| mare te mortifie onr finfull lafis, we

partakersof the Divine watare , and that ¢ minde
che fame efpecisfly, he ftirreth them up ; by tema them
their dutie,about their diligence in the ule, and application

| o€the fame. Thusit cohereth sx general with ¢ 3 and 4

verfes. In particular it cohereth with the laf words of tha
former verfrs.which as by (cme they are tranflated,beving ¢f-
caped the corruption that s¢ in the world through Unf ; fothey
are'as well rendred by others,in that ye flee or renonnce,or
frasne from the corruption which ss 1 the world through Inft..
It may be thus laid downe, asifour Apeft/e had faid. It be-
commeth al you which are thechildrén of Ged, carnefily ro
fiudy, and diligently to endevonr for true fantlification, to
flee,rehonnce, and abfiaine from worldly Infts, that fo yee may
be more and more partakers of the Divine nature, Whence
two things may be noted.
1 That, sxleffe we becarefull to flee from the corruptions of
onr nature, endevorring and firiving every day more and
al never have any af~
furance of our acceptance with Ged. Mott necdfull is this
duty of sortificattos, whereby we become vilforions over
the fraites of our corrupted nature, even our fixnes, OUT
finnes Ufay,whereby weare defiled, and become loathfome
both before God and man; whereby we become free from
thofe ftrange punifhments, which are for the workers of
iniquitie. Oh how fearefull is theie eftate and condition,
which v3 ‘il in their Sunes, which doe not wertifie the Wh:
their fle, but give way unto their corruption! a prefage
of their defrathen ; what portion can they have of Ged from
above, and what inheritance from rhe eAinightie , frons on
high ? Shallnot Chriff be a fwift witneffe againt all feareleffe
and careleffe men, which being gasltie of vices , make ot
[peed t0 breake thens off by repentance? {uch al wot outer
snto the Kingdome of God.
2 That the worke of meortification is hard, laborions, and

gently, withonr whele endevowr; finne hath a Prong beart, |
| it

Ci ee

erfe 4.Vnto which other graces muft be added.

verte.

our faith,vertue,e-c. implying divers things.

Per{waded to become a. Chriftian the ric

the way of Chriftianity, that which they did was nothing.

2 That naturally we are fluggif> floathful, and dullin the
Performance cf holy duties, andtherefore have need to bec
olten roufed up,exhorted,perfwaded,admonithed, and war-
ned to performe our duty with af diligence. In remperall
things we are for the moft part too too carefall, weean ft
wp laze » and rife carly, but in pirstuall things (being fing.
ferds)we have need to be awaked. 3 That mecannet attane

labexy and travaile. The Husbandman,the Gardner, the
Mary mer the Sonidier, they mult take paines before they
frofperons voyage,and an bappy vsétory. So if thou wouldft
have wish verre koowlege, and the he Chriftian graces,
thou muft ¢ive <i difzence to obtaine the fame, |
she gifts and graces of Gods Spirstt are worth the

mines taking: worthy 1 fay, both inregerdef their xature,

it is not feone killed: It hath great forces, many adberents,
many 4elpes, and therefore we mutt give even all diligence
‘thereunto, that we may weaken it mcteand more, till ic dée,
till the dedy of inne be deffroyed. The Phstiftimss encoura-
aged one another to play the men, that they might vanquife
the I/rae/stes : encovrage we our /elves, encourage we one
another to play the men in our mortification and vanquifoing
ef fxne. Thusasit cohereth ia particular with the former

It cohereth alfo with the following words according to our
new Franflacion,and befides thie giving all diligence, adde to

& That se ss not enough to fice and abftaine from our flefaly
laft's,and fo performe the duty of mortification , unleffe alo
we adde unto the fame, faith, vertue knowledge, temperance,
and the like Chriftian graces. It is not enough to performe
one duty, lcaving the rcf undone. K ong Agrippa was almeft | ®;

wan thit came unto
Chrift, had many commendable things inhim, Demas went
a great way with 7asd, but becaufe they went no further in |

fel any of the graces of Gods Spirst without iligence, paine-| dilig

ine the end of rheir defires,a goed crop, Pore of fruit: a | D.

and.

obtaine the

| 1 Timg.8.
I Pet.3 Ge

D.As seare
not at alleo

D.Thediliz
gencewhich

Lawful pleafures not to be fought,¢xc. ‘Chap.t.

and in reguard of the recompence which we reccive by them..
In theis sature they are fpirstuall, they procecd from Ged,
they are the ornamcat of a Chriffian, they are xxchanyeable
and sasmsutable, they are molt excellent and precios, farre.
exceeding allthofe things which are in.mctbe/teeme amongtt
men: eventhe leaft meafure of faith,love,patience , and the
‘ske,being worth a whole world. The recompence alfo which
we receive by them, isexceeding great.godlineffe being great
gaine, having the pronifes both of this life, and that which
tocome. Thereward of faith is the /aluation of our foxles.
that is, the end of the fame ; foof love, of belineffe, and of
all other fpsrituall graces: |

5 That sesther the anlawfull pleafires of this world, are to
be fought at all with any diligence ,or the lawful pleafures and
profits thereof with all diligence. It is lawful to ule meode-
rately, both worldly pleafures and profirs, {uch as to cate,
drinke,and the lske, but to geve all diligence thereunto , is al-
together anlawfull. Icis lawfull to worke, but to cate the
bread of carefuineffe, unlawfull; onely [pirituall, beaventy
thingsareto be fought for, with all diligence. But now by
thecontrary, men beftew i their diligence, either upon the
profits or fable pleafteres of this world, Waa i whore-
dome,nfury, extortion, covetonfncfe, and the like, wholly
careleffe of heavenly /pirituall things. How many are flew in
comming to Gods hoxfe? How many deecome , which are
not /wift te heare ? how many heare, which are careleffe tx
obeying ? how many dee cutwardly obey, but in hypoorifie,
in meere formality, in/nkewarmneffe, or forfome by-refpett?.
how few doe imploy themfelves with ds/sgence about thofe
things which require all diligence ? .

6 That this diligence which is required, matt be tered,
both sward and oxtward, outward, inevery member of the
body ; inward in every faculty of the/oxle, as weare topray
with our monthes, fo muft we with our hearts. So heare
the Word,fo give almes, fo performe all other daties.

-Before I leave this post, it fhali be needful to refolve this
one queftion ; natnely, why God doth require of us this great

Asligence.

Verle 5.Why God requires diligence in our mortification, 65

diligence, either in the apprebenfion and application of bss be-
nepts,inthe mortification of our Iufts,or in the sncreafe of
fporuuall graces ¢
To the firft Lanfwer ;. that God doth reqstre this great di- Why God te
ligence in the apprehenfion and application of brs benefits. great diligence
1 Becanfe of the worth and excellency of hisbenefits. 3 Be- | inthe appre-
canfe of their inciticacie unto us,if not apprehended and ap- application of
plyedby us. 3 Becanfe ofthe great profite whichwe fhall | his benefits.
reape thereby, being by us rightly apprehended , and with I
all diligence applyed. 4 Becanfe of the great dsligence, 3
which Sathan and his adberents the Werld and the Flefo doe 3
ufeto deprive us of the fame. 5 Becanfe the workeis great,| 4
wee unweeldy , ourtime both foort and sncertaine, yea, and 5
not being dsligently apprehended, as they are diligently offe- 6
red, they are not afterward focafily attained. :
To the/écond, that God doth require this great diligence | \WWhy God rez
inthe mortification of ovr lufis. § Becaufe wee fhall meet cedilige
with great oppofition , with, many letsand impediments. fh the monifie
2 Becaufe,when thisduty is flackely and drowlily perfor- | cation ofour
med, it is fo farre frombeating downe finne, and killing it halts,
quite, that irdoth rather encreafe the fame; for whena man
Or woman, beginneth to forfake their finnes but flackly and
drowfily, they meet with divers /ets, which they confide-
ring,and fearing to lofe their wer/dly profits, or caruall plea-
fares, withthe dogge, Returne unto their vomit,and with the | Prov.20.12,
Sew that was wafoen,to their wallowing in the mire ; ail which |
thofe that with ad diligence, fer themfelves to this duty of
mortification in {hors time, pafle over. 3 Becaufe the more 3
diligently we mortifie our lufts, and fet our felves againit
our vices, the more eafily we hall overcome them,the mere
hardly thall we at any time thereafter be opprefled with the
likes. 4 Becaufe the fooner we are mortified, and finne| 4
dead in us, the fooner we fhall be quickned , and Gods gra-
ceslive inus. 5 Becaufe if we doe not thus ftrive againft 5
out owne corrsptions , and with our whole might and
hbeat downe our manifold vices , they will in the
end draw Gods judgements on ushere, and everlafting tor-
ments

Why God ree

iligencein
the encreale of
(pirituall gra=
ces,

I
2
3
4
5

Vie.

Thelatter,
addero your
taich, Xe,

The graces
commanded,

Why Ged requires diligence in his fervice. Chap.1.|'

\ ments bereafter. If we kl not finne, s¢ will furely 4:4 us,

if we doe not vangui fa it, it will furely venga us, and
make us bond/leves, 6 Becaufe thisduty uf mortificationis
not either ealily attaincd, or foone performed, it beinga
long tise before men can be per/waded to part with their
finnes,and along time before they can utterly bate,and whol-
ly abandon the fame.

To the third,that God dothalforequire this ds/igence in
the increafe of fpirituall graces. 1 Vhat we may hereby te-
ftifie our /ove and /iking untothem. 2 Becanfe he do:h not
alwayes continue the wseanes whereby to obtaine them.
3 Becanfe hereby Gods children are difcerned and knowne
from wisked men, they one/y having faith,vertue knowledge,
and the dike graces. 4 Becanfe the more we grow and en-
creafe in fpirstwall graces, the more we may glerifie God,
the more we may edifie others, the more'wee may benefit
our owxe foxles, the more we are refpected of God, the
more commended byhim. 5 Becaufe the more didsgextly
we fet our {elves about the excrea/e in fpirituall graces, the
more thall we be free from /izne, the more able to encoun-
ter all our pirstvall enemies.

Be wecarefull chen to give care unto the admesaitions of
Gods t¥ord, to employ our felves with all diligence , in the

apprebenfior and application of his benefits inthe mortifica-

tion of our /«fts,and in the excreafe of /pirstuall sraces. Thus
of the former exhortation, or if you will, the »sexner how

‘the exhortation next following is to be performed, together
with its ceberence , both with the precedixg and en/aing

uErfes.
Touching the Lattcr, adde xnto your faith, vertue; unto
your vertuc,knowledge,ec. Three thingsare to be confide-
red in general. 1 The graces which are commanded,
2: Theorder of their placing. 3 Their connexion and con-}
pling’together.
Forthe 1. Thegr.zces which are commanded , are eight,

. | faith, vertue, knowledge, temperance,patience, godline [fe ,bre-

therly kindye (je, charitse ; which may be reduced into thefe

three,

:
Verles. Aprecions cbuine of (briftian graces. 67.

| three, mentioned by Saint Pasi, godlineffe , rightesufneffe, | Tit.2.12.
| and temperance. Godlineffe comprehending fasth and paté-
exce; Righteon{neffe, comprehending vertue, knowledge,
brotherly kindseffe and charitse; Ttmperance,being the fame
grace hee mentioned. Thofe arefomany freps to heaven,
as there were eight freps up tothe Zemple ; {0 needful that

4 aChriftian canaot be without them: for if we looke up unto
Ged,how can we ferve bins, without faith and godlineffe; if
we confider our seighbours, how can weright/y performe

| our dutie cowards them , without brotherly kindneffe and

| charitie, and if welooke unto our /é/ves, how can we doe
things without pradence or kwowledge , how can wee ufe
things without temperance , or how can we fuffer affisction, |
but by patience ? Briefly, they are acompend of Geds Lew,
informing us Of our detée towards God, towards our /elves,
and cowards our neighberrs,

_ Forche 2, Theorder obferved is this.faith hath the prece- | The order ob-
dency, as the chiefeft,astbe Lady and AGsfireffe: the orhers ferved inpla=
follow as bandmasdes waiting and attending upon ber. It is ces oF ally ich
the roore,the gronnd, the foundation the mother of all graces, | faith bath the
without which they haveno beeing, and from which they precedency.
flow, as ftreames from rheir fountasne.

Whence we are taughr, Oe

t To conceive of faith, as of the molt need fall molt wor- a
thy and molt excellent grace.

2 Toftcive and endevour for faith, that we may partake 3

of the other graces.

3 Toaffure our felves by our faith, of the encreafe of o-
ther graces. :

For the 2. Allthofe graces are conjoyned and coupled | Gods graces(as
together,cither particularly one with another ; faith mutt
| be accompanied with wertne, knowledge, temperance, Gc. | linkedtoges

Becanfe elfe it were no true buta dead fasth. Agpaine, fash, | set
muft have vertue, even an honeft and good life accompanys

the fame, without which faith could not elfe be marifelted:
and Ca man Cannot doe well without difcretion, verthe

saaft therefore ‘ have Keomledge » and becanfe. kxowledze
> a

Egeksg.0.31.

AUMIe

True faith cannot fland alone. Chap.s.|’

availeth not without abpinence from evill, itmult therefore
be accompanied with temsperance, and that temperance may
the better exdare all oppofition and meiferies of the world , it
mutt have patience adjoyned ; and becaufe patience cannot
be without gedlinefe,that’s annexed to it, and becanfe godl:-
neffe ws principaly mansfefted towards thofe that are in mife-
ry, he addeth brotherly kindneffe, which excludeth that
Jeeming Piety towards the miferable done out of feare,
or fome other refped? : and becanfe brotherly kindneffe onght
te be founded in love, he addeth, as the end and conelufion of
all,(haritie, Thofeare a golden chaine fo coupled and linked
together, that the one cannot be without the other. No trne
fasth without vertue s no trae vertue without knowledge;
nOtrue knowledge without temperance ; no truc temperance
without patiencesno true patience without ged/ineffe; no true
gedliveff, without éretherly kindneffe;no true brotherly kind.
|| meffe withoutcharity. — Whence all of us are taught,

1 Nottodisjoyne what Ged hath conjoyned ; as farth,
from vertue ; vertwe, from ksowledgée ; knowledge from
lemperancte Orc , .

2 Fo try our fath by our vertue; our vertu: by our
knowledge; our knowledge by-our temsperance , by our pati-
EnCCCEC.

3 Toendeuour that faieh and vertwe ; vertue and kanv-
ledge, knowled ge and temperance, temperance and p.ttience,
patience and godlineffe, godtineffeand brotherly kindneffe,
brotherly kindneffe and charity, may {tillaccompany one ano-
ther. Thus in generall.

Come we nowto {peake ef this Exhortation inparticular,
adde to your faith, vertue, and to vertue knowledge, Gc.
Wherein our efpoffle requireth of us, the entrea/e of fpiri-
tuall graces, to joyne one with ansther ; to adde one unto
another; to minifter,fupply, and (afficiently furnife onr fasrd
withthe others : yea, toasdeand /xpport it with the fame,
for all thofe wayes the originall word may be ufed, whence
devers things may benated. :

‘ g Thatcrne faith cannot flana alone, faith without marks,

Verfe 5. An increafe in faith required, 69

(faith Saint Jamses ) is dead ; that faites whichis netaccom- | lem.2,20.

panied with vertue,knowledge,temperance, and the like gra-
ces, is but an sd/é,an emspty, an anprofitable faith vainely do
they boatt of fasth, which cannot manifeft the fame,by other
Chriftian graces ; In vaine doe the wicked beth of faith,
wanting vertne ; in vaine doe the ignorant boat of fasth,
wanting ksewledge ; in vaine doc drunkards and gluttons
boalt of fasth, wanting temperance; in.vaine doe the wagod-
4y boalt of fasth,wanting godlineffe; ss vasne doc the smpa- |
tient boaft of faith, wanting patience .s2 vaine doc the mali-
csous and envious, boalt of fasth,wanting brosherly kindneffe
and charitie, Wheretrac faith is, ehefe’ cannot be wanting,
Wanting tho/e, thou lackeft fairb, having sho/e thou haft ss.

2 That #0 child of God can attaine unto fuch 4 meafure of
fasth in this life, but be hath fll need co adde therennta,
Farsh in every childe of God inthis 4:fe is imperfeé?, though
not in regard of the /wbfrance and qualitse, yet in regard of
the meafare and quantitie. No faith fo great, but hath
need tobe greater: no faith {oftrong, but-hath need to bee
Srronger : wee mutt therefore not reft contented with any
meajuare of faith, but till preafe forward , with Saint Paul,
forgetting thofe things which are bebinde , reaching forth to
thofe things which are before. :

3 Thatwher God hath by his word wrought fasth in our
hearts,then he looketh that we foould grow.and encreafe.in the
fame, God dealeth with xs as the brsbandman doth with his
| freund ; he prepares it, he plewes it, he fowes it, he barrewes

t, then he looketh for encreafe; we muft be frastfell, not
Sfraitleffe ground. Faith is our talent, we mutt {0 employ it,
as that we may gaine five talents more.

4 That the more we attaineuntoveriue, knowledge, tem-
perance, patience, godlineffe, breshert) kindneffe and chars~
tie, the more our faith ss ftrengtbened,. furthered, confirmed
and encreafed.

5 That fo foone as faith 33 wrought in our hearts by the
preaching of Gods Word the Devil deb endeveur to wy Ate
vs of 6s, by aflaulting it,and going about toquenchthe

; F 3

D.Gods chil=
dren have Rill
Need ro adde
unto their
faith, .

Phil,3:13.

D. God would
have usto
grow in faich,

Sissi,

D.The more
grace we haye,
‘the more
is our faith
ftrengchened
and encreafed,
D. The Divell
urs by all

reve
°
And ':

Faith with other graces needful, Chap.1.

ly labour fer
grace,fhall obs
taineit.

I lohn 5.36
Note.

D.Thofé gras
ceshere menei-
oned are m
,exe:llent and
neceflaty,

| and therefore are we willed to endevour for other Chriftian

graces, to fuppert and atde the fanre.
6 Thata Chriftian muft not content himfelfe with one

_ | ged gift of the Spirst, bar muft labour for many fite like

unto the Cerinthians,who came bebinde in no good sift, and
Chriff himfelfe who abounded with feverall eifts.

7 That vertue, knowledge, temperance, with the other gra-
ces here mentioned, ave handmaids wasting wpon faith, which
muft be employed for the ufe and furtherance thereof. They
proceed from faith, aad therefore are to give their atten-
dance faith. |

8 That /uch as. ondevonr for vertue,knowledce temperance,
andthe like, ball undoubtedly attaine the fame. The Com-
mandements of God are not grievous. God doth affift the ds-
digent be blefleth their /ebours andendevours. This we may
finde by experience, in fome who having but {mall {tore of
learning , yet’ walking confesonably before God . begging
knowledge by prayer; in their practi/e, walking according to
their knowledge, its wonderfull in how fhorta time, whata
great meafure of fanclification,they have had. ,

9 That faith,vertne,knowledge, with the other graces here
mentioned are fo excelent, as that we enght to endevour for
them: fo needful as without which we cannot enter suto the |
Kin gdome ofheaven. Doft thou refpe& worth? they are
more worthy thanali the wor/d; doft thou refpe t neceffitre?
without them thou cantt not /ée the face of Goad. They are
the Chriftians wedding garment, they are the ornaments,
badge, and cognizance of Gods children. The Ephraimites
were difcerned from the Gileadines by their Ssbbolerh; Sanl
was knowne amongft allthe people 6y bis high fature, as Jo~
{eph differed from his brethren by his particoloxred coat :
So doe Gods children by thofe graces, differ from all-other

|| fores ofpeepte: wouldtt chou know whether either chou thy

felfe or others are regenerate ? thou maift difcerne the fame
by thisrx/e,which will not failethee: haftthou faith? have
they fasth,with the other graces here mentioned ? thou art,

4 chey erevegencrata s otherwife not. Thus of the dutse or

acls.}

Verlex. Faith the firft linke of tbis golden chaine.

allion, adde: follow the graces to be added, unto faith, ver-
tue zante vertue, knowledge; nnto knowledse, tempe-
LANCE, Ce . seed bie
Touching the particular graces here required, 4 thisgs are
tobe confidered, a hes they are, 2 the Reafons which
may move ustolabour for them, 3 the meanes whereby to

obtaine them, 4 the /ignes whereby to difcerne them , and | -

fir of faith.

Faith, Not toinfifteither upon the different eccepration
of this word faith inthe Scréptwres, or the divers forts and
kindes of faith, in this place it fignifiethafaving faith, com-
mon unto all Gods children, afially called and knowne by the
name of jafsfying faith. This sa firme and confant appre-
henfion of Chrift andvll bie merits, as they are promifed’ and
hie sn the Wordand Sacraments. Thisss a certaine con-

ence wrought in our bearts by the bely Ghoft, through the
preaching o the Gofpel, whereby we rofl upon God, certasnly
per{wadsing onr felves, thas not enely nnte others , but. ante
use particular, remiffion of finnes, and eternal life ss given
freely, by the mercy of God, threngh the merits of Icfine
Chrift. This is. true perfwafion of the heart ,crennded wpon
the promifes of God, that whatfaever Chriff bath wrought

for the falvation of man, be bath done it a well fer me , a for

_ [4x7 other, Thisis am grace of Ged, whereby 4 man

re apprebend and apply Cbrift aud all bis benefits wnto bim-
elfe,

Whence may be gathered,

3 That Gods Spsrit ss the worker of faithin the bearts of
bis owne children, according to that of our Saviour , This x
the worke of God,that yee beleeve in him, whom hee hath fent.

2 That the faith which Gods Spirit worketh in us, doth

Opretend apply the merits and righteoufneffe of Iefms
iff. ; ! . . .

3 That there doth proceed from this apprebenfion and ap-|

ation, a full affurance of the verrne of thefe merits which
ive doe appl |

. © |
Reafems to enforce this duty are divers, of which I have

Vato your
faith,

ing faith in,

Confelt.
I
John 6,29.

Realbas inci-
te

F4 {poxea\

De aa .

72 , Kertue the fecond linke: Chap.r.

I fpoken inthe firft verfes for the prefent rake we notice of
| Heb 11.6. thefe three. 1 Becaufe wsthont fasth it is impoffiblete pleafe
; : 2 || God. 2. Becaufe what/oever us not of faith, 1 finne. 3 Be
, om,.14.23-¢ ‘

caufe hereby we are juftified in the fight of God, andbecome
| bis chsldren.

The meaxes w to obtaine faith, are cither ontward
or inward; ourward,the preaching ef Gods Word, for fasth
commerh 2 hearing, and hearing by the Word of God; in-
ward, Gods Spirit, going along with his owne ordinance,
withont whofe b/efing the ontward are wholly xxprofrable,
and ineffeltnal. Thss alfo being wroxght inthe heart, is daily
sncreafed by adminifiration of the Sacraments and Prayer.

Rom.1o 7.
Inward.

The fig: The fignes whereby to di/cerne it, are both by the proper-
wore th, ties thereof, and the effecls proceeding from the fame. It’s

wndonbted and certaine, it's conftant and abiding, it’s frait-

falland effetinall ; yea, feeling our confciences aflured by the
Spirit ot Ged, chat the pasifoment of our fixne, is fully in
Coriff difcharged;.and that whatfoever he hath done for
wan ,appertaineth nor onely anto others, bat ever nuto us al-

fs isan evident figne and demonftration of faith. Thus of
faith. :

Vertue ; Adde unto your faith,vertae.

Ventue ig attributed, either unto Ged , and fo it is either
perfonall,as 1 Cor. 1.24. or operative, as (Mat. 22.29» OF
unto efagels, Rom.8.38. or unte the Heavens, Adat.24.29-
or unto men: and fo it is taken, either for God himfelfe,who | -
isthe frrength of the faithful, Pfal.r6.1. or for miracles,
CMat.7.22, of for frrengeh,Pfal.1 7.32. or for ax boneft and
well ordered life, as in this place,in which fenfealfo the Word
isufed.Ph:1.4.8. Thisisthat , whereby we live unrebukea-
ble, and ave yuftified before men. This comprehendeth all
kindes of good workes, meekeneffe, affabilitte , suprightneffe,
andthe /ike. By thisis underftood an honeft and goed life,
or an #niverfall praélife of al thofe graces which Ged hath

xt in ns, whereunto Saint Pax/ doth exhort us, wherewith
Ruth was endued, and the good woman inthe Proverbes.
Reafens to enforce this duty, are thefe; 1 becaufe it isa

proofe

WVerl6.
proofe of our faith. 2 Becaufle bereby wee abfiaine from

Knowledge the third linke.

uncomely,ba{e,and vile things. 3 Becanfe hereby wee draw
unto our felves the love of others. 4 Becaufe bereby Ged
isglorified. ¢ Becaufe where ths is not, efpecially in tuch
as are Pr ofefors, Religion becommeth fcancalized, for ver-
tue is the power of profefics, which being wanting in Pre-
Seffors, their profe ffion is of no validitie, of no force , yea, is
indeed, mesre hypocrifie , a fixmbling-blocke unothe saged-
4y;whereas by the contrary othing ¥, ill fooner convirce the
wicked, than for us to be vertuons;:y et (ime which will not be
wonne by the Word, will be convinced by a good converfaticn.
The meanes whereby to obtaine the /«me, are thefe. 1 By

tb gy 0) me Re,

Toh.15.8.
5
2 Tim,3.5.

x Pet.3.%6

confidering eut of Gods Word our duty to our neighbours. | Meaneswhers
2 By confidering the neceflitie of the performance of rhs | by to obtaine
duty. 3 By immitating thofe which have in this kinde,|™ |

gone before us. 2

The fignes hereof are apparant : who fo is truely vertn-
ox, hath both the approbation of Ged , witneffed unto his Signe wheres
coufesence, the approbation of his con/tience, of good pec- | byto difcesne
ple,yea, and often of the very wicked themfelves; Whatfe-| *%
ever things are true, whatfoever things are honeft,whatfoever ss

i things are juft, whatfoever things are lovely , whatfoever 3
things are of good report,on thofe they thinke, thofe they doe, 3
Thus of Fertue. - 4.

Knowledge, Andto vertue knowledge; nit)

This doth ssoderate and gnide onr vertnons atlions , and pra be
therefore is j oyned therennto. There isa ksowledge of God, | knowledge.
and a kwow/ledge of a mans felfe;anda knowledge ot prudence king
ina mans ontward carriage towards others. This /a/? isthat | “°°
which is bere e{pecially to be underftood. It is that grace,
whereby we doc circum|pettly and to good purpofe,with judge.
wsent ,dsfpofe eur felves and our affaires, 4

. Reafons to enforce this duty, are thefe. 1 Becanfe by st, | Reafonsto en
our.vertne is guided and diredted. a Becanfe without st, | forces
we could not but faile,in our outwardcarriagestowardsour{

‘seighberrs. 3 Becaufe by st, allthat-we doesmaytend unto 3

the good of our neighbours.

sxe seenecsse ty Pent pa

7 Temperance the Fourth linke. Chap.t,

Meancs The sseanes whereby to attaine st are diverfe; 1 Wee |
whereby coats | mult get the rae knowledge of Ged, whence this foweth, as

r from its fewstaine. 2 We mult ponder and weigh the car-
a. | tiages of others. 3 We matt converfe with the wi/¢ and
3 men of knowledge. 4 Wemutft ponder and weigh all our

4 actions by the rule of Gods Word, even the holy Scriptures,
2 Tim.3.13, | Which are able to mezke us wife to falvation. 5 We malt get
5 8 love of it, diligently fearching after the fame. 6 Wee mult
Pro,2-4, labour for bums:litie being fooles in ous own opinion,for the
PG 6 _ | Lord teacheth the humble bis way. 7 We mutt endevour for
L.2§.9. Gods feare, to which God hath made the promife of the Re-
P biheeg uz, | 2elation of bisfecrets, andto teach fich the way that they
8 foenld choofe. Lattly, we maft callupon God by prayer for
Pro.2.3. ‘the fame crying after knowledge,and lifting mp oxr veyce for
Tem 165, widerfianding : obferving that precept of the boly Gieh If
| any of you lacke wifedome Jet bim aske of Ged, that giveth to
at men liberally, and upbraideth nor, and st foall bee given
5B.
A figneto dis | This isealily di/cermed, the fees thereof are apparent, a
sme | an of knowledge, doth af things with judgement not rafily
inconfiderately,indsfcreetly, but {till in ad his actéens ,holdeth
himfelfe by therale of Geds Word.
Andtoknows | Zcemperauce ; Andto knowledge T ensperance.
ledge tempes This is amsoderation of the minde in the ufe of extward
What tempes- | 4/efings , whereby wee doe according to our knowledge ;
vance is. whereby we ab Paine froms Inft and wantenne (fe, from adu/te-
ry and swhoredemse, from gluttony and drankenne{fe, from ¢x-
ceffe in apparrell, and the like} whereby we ftrive againg the
falfe pleafures and provecatsens of this world, whereby wee
doe cenftantly follew that which by our ksowledge we
Judge to be bef, yea,bereby our knewledge is bercered, left
otherwife st might fomewhat /aveur of the fle.
| Reslomseoum- | Reafons to enfercerhis,are thefe. 1 Becaufe st furthereth
ian usin the rightufe of our ksewledge, without whicha mans
3 knowledge would be but te his further condensuation. 2 Be-
_ caule by thes, we become viGorious over the Divell , the
World, and our owns /nfs. 3 Inregard of the bere?
sheref,

———— .
erf.6.. Patience the fift linke. 75

sher of ,as it hath relation both unte our felves and others,
whereby both receive no {mall benefit. 4 Inregard of theevils

of sxtemperancy incident both to fewle and body. $
The meanes whereby thw may be wrought are thefe. | Meanesto at-
I By obedience unto Geds Werd, enjoyning it. 2 By saitation | *™**

of Gods Chsldrex practifing it. 3 Byadiligent obfersation t

and confideration as well ofthe temperance of the heaven, as :

of the very brute beafs. : 3

This may be ds/cerned,by our words by our workes by our | Signes to dit-
walking ,by our apparell, by our entward bebavsonr ; in all | serneic.
which satemperancy. fheweth it {elfe , hethat is temsperate

isfober and difcreet in bis words, in hisattions in his walking,

in his apparel, in his extward behaviour. Thus of tempe-

7 ance. ; :
Patience ; end to tensperance, patience. And te tempes
Patience is two-fold, ene cowards Ged, the other towards | *22¢t,patience,.

men, both tobe added unto t ance, “Patience towards | ;, Patience

God, is nothing elfe,but an 4umsble,meeke,and quiet [ubmit-

ting our felves to Gods cerre ttion,in what kinde faever he foall

thinke fit to chaftice ns.Of which Solomon, My fonne defpife Pro.3elle

not the chaftening of the Lord, neither be weary of bis corre- :

thon. Patience towards men,is that grace, whereby we mo-

derate our anger, conftantly continue sn that which Chriftian

patience doth perfwade, cheerefully enduring adverfity , tron.

eit €,perfecntion at the hands of men, forthe caufe of

Cor:ft.

Reafens to enforce both kindes are thefe. 1 In repard of .
the manifold croffes and trombles whereunto we are Fibjed, force roan
| which hereby become lighe and eafe. 2 In regard of the} 1

Breat profit and benefit which we reape by tho/? croffes, ac- 2

knowledged by David, and others of Gods children. 3 In Plal.119,73.

regard ot the honexr which we doe pive hereby unto God, 3.

in divers of his attributes, Will, juftice, Power, Wifedome .

and soodneffe. Of his il,beth commanding and approving | Rev.2-19.

It. Of his Jaftece, as acknowledging really, that all the fi

lions which we fuffer, are lefle without comparifon , t

our finnesdelerve. Of his Power both ever us, with which | .
a we

Neb,12.7.
4
Rom.$.17.

5
Tam.§.1Q.

Meanes where-
by to ebtaine
Ie

Signes te dif: .
cerne it.

r
Pfal.39.9.
Ifa.§ 3.7.

‘Mat.26.39.

3
* Ieb Yo2k.
4

_And te pati-
encc g li.
neffe,

What godlis
‘nefie is,

| ing Aims thatthofe afflidions which be layeth upon *, may

Godline/se the fixt linke. Chap.1,

we firugsle not, but quietly beare what he layes upon us,and
sn. us, fo fuftaining uss that we faint not under our barthen,
Of his »s/edome, in effeQuall acknowledgement, that he hath
his goodand holy ends of his fo dealing with us, theugh of-
tentimes not fo particularly made knowne unto us. Of his
goodneffe, in dealing with us in our chaftifements , as with
fonnes for our profit, that we may be partakers of bis bolineffe.
4 Becauflest s the patience of Chrift, he himfelfe com-
manding it, being the author of it, being a partner with us in
all our affli@ions. ; Becanfeinthe end al things foal rend
to owr good; andotPatience, wehave no {mall ttore of ex-
amples inthe booke of God, as of Job, David, Panl,chc.
‘The »eanes whereby this may be obtained , are the confi-
deration efthe neceffitte, conveniencie, and vtshtse of the
[ame. How comely, and cemmendable it is, yea, that our
finnes deferve the inflicting of greater croffes, than asyet
God hath laid upon us. _ 7
This may beds/cerned by thefe figures. 1 By not murmu-
ring inthe time of affli@ion, whereof we have David, yea,
Chrift himfelfe our patterne. 2 By fubmitting our wils to
the will of God in the very greateft extremstie of trouble,as
did.Chrift our Savioxr, in that. his agony in the Garden.
3 By bieffing Godin the very fire of afflictien, as ob did.
4. By making an holy and Chriftian ufe of all thofe crofies
which are laid upon us, whether proceeding immediately
from God, or ( through his providence and permiffion ) from
men, even by the fame, drawing nigher unto 4s , befeech-

tend to our goad, yea, that God would ( if in his wsfedome
he fee it fit) continue his band upon us, till we be as tryed
gold ont of the fornace. Thusof Patience. |

Godlineffe ; eAnd to patience godlineffe.

Thisisthe /cope both of onr patience , and of our other—
workes: namely, the worfbip and glory of God. This is «roam
earneft love of God ont of a pure heart, a good con fcience, anasal
faith unfained ftirring us up to glorify God,and to do good we—
tohis people. Thigcomprehendsth adoriti on, compdence invo—

a Catto 9

erf.6. Brotherly kindneffe the feventh linke.
cation and thanke/giving. This isa fincere defre and fomieie-

nable eudevonr after an univer fall conformitse to Gods revea-
ledw:l, -

Reafons co enforce it, arethefe. 1 Becaufe of its gaine,
godlineffe being great gaine. 2 Becaufe without st we can
not pertorme other duties aright, god/ineffe being profitable
for all things. 3. Becanfe by st we doe not afcribe unto our
{elves, the glory, and praife of any action, but yeeld all nxto
the Lord. 4 Becaute true godlineffe is afure marke of Ele-
ion, and hath beene the pradtife of all Gods children from
time totime. |

The meanes whereby to obtaine it, are by the confciona-
ble hearing,and carefull reading of the #ord of God , by the
imitation of Gods children in theirs gddly courfes, by daily
mortificationand patting away of fione, by béing carefull in
keeping of Gods Sabbath, by accompanying with Geds chét-
dren,by daily and carneft prayer unto Ged.

The moft evidentfigse whereby it may be difcerned , is
ior sn every thing we doe endevour to glorifieGod. Thus
Of gedlineffe.

Seater kindneffe; end to godlineffe brotherly kind-
Ree. ,

This ss that inward affetlion of lave, whereby wee embrace
the Chriftian brethren more neerely than we doe all others.
Love reacheth to all men,to whom it may doe good, but
érotherly kindne [fe onely to Chriftian brethren, untowhom
Of all other men, our love and beft affettions are due. Love is
asthe Hall,whereinto all commers are received, but 6rother-
“ykindnefeis asthe Partonr, whereinto more necre fiends,
and fuchasare of molt foecsal acquaintance are admitted.

‘This comprehendeth that fervice which we owe one to-

werds another that care which we ought to have one of ase- | ¢,

- Reafens to enforcethis dey, arethefe. § Becaufe wee are
bretbren,even the adopted Sannes ef God threngh Chrift,
new berxe of one and the fame mother; brought up fn the
fame familie, partakers of the fame inberitance. 2 . Becaufe

its

AM hy No

i @
One figne to
difcerne it.

Reaforsto in=
ce it.

I
Fphef1.¢
Gal q. 2G.
Eph ..¥g,!

2
Rom. 8,2 7e

Gen,13.8.

A&.7.26.
3

4
I Tohn 3.14.
tluh.¢.7.

I Ioh.3 o$9-
Toh.g.36¢6

I fol 20.
Meaacs wher-
by te obeaine

it,

Charitie the laft linke. Chap.1

its wafcemely for brethren not to beksnde one towards ano-
ther , for which caufe eAbrabam{aid unto Lor, Let there
be no wariance betweene ns for we are brethren ; which te‘{e-
fame reafon Wo/es ufed whea he would have pacified the
twe Ifraelites which ftrove together. 3 Becaufe the want
of this is offensive, both uato God and ged mex , greatly hin-
dering the progreffe of the Gopel. 4 Becanfe shu is a figne
that weare tranflated from death unto life, that we are borne
of God, that we are of the truth, that Ged dwelleth in ne, yea,
becanfe bereby we teftifie our Jove and affection unto God
himf{elfe.

Thesseanes whereby to obtaine it,are by confidering the
orc fitic and equitie of the/ame , with the benchts reaped
t

The fines whereby to difcerne it,are thefe. 1 When wee.
doe not murmure, grudge, or repine at Gors bleflings be-
ftowed upon them, :whether {pirituall or temporal.
3 When we doe patiently deare, and freely forgive mutnall
smyueriesand wrongs. 3 When we rejoyceat the profperitse,
and inthe focsetse of the god/y. 4 If weleveall the Saints,
as well poore as rich , being conftant ia our dove tewards
them. Thus of brotherly kindneffe.

Charitie seAnd to brotherly kindneffe,charitie.

Asbretherly kindneffeisto be referred to the ssward affe-
Elson, fo this to the ontward pratlife,and expre(fion of brother-
ly love : exceedingly preffed by Saint Paxd, 1 Cor. 13 13;
3. yea, hereby we may underftandthat very love which wee |.
eng to beare towards onr enemies, fo mach preffed, and fo
often required by ear Savionr. This is twofeld, one which
hath re/ation unto their foxles, another which hath relation

Ter£8.Reafons to enforce the former Exhortatin, = 99

‘| others. Charitie towardstheis bodées,is manifefted in thefe,
in commiferating their effate, grieving for their affisttions,
as wereade of Saint Paul ; in vifiting hem sn their diftreffe,
in feeding.the hungry, cloathing the naked, lending to the nee=|
dy, and the /ske.

Reafons to enforce this datie,may be thefe. 1 Gods owne
commandement, as alfo our Savioxrs, againe and againe rei-
terated, 2 The mifcrable eftate of {uch as live in hatred and
malice. 3 Theunfrnitfulnelle ofthe Word and Sacraments
unto fuch. 4 Becaufe /ove is a marke of our profeffion,
whereby we may be knowne to be Chrif?s Di/ciples.s

(Aleanes. to obtaine it may be the tame with the for-.
‘Mer.
The fignes are apparent, forgiveneffe of injuries, forger-
fulne fe cforonge prayer unto é cd fe tere wean fe
bilitse, andthe dike. Thus of Charitie.

Lhe Lordin mercie plant thofe graces in onr hearts , be-
flowing upon ns grace, whereby we give ak diligence to adde
thereunto, daily to crow and encreafe in the fame, manifefting
the fruits and effects thereof in our lives and conver{ation.
Thus of the Exbortation, :

Verfe 8, For if thefe things be in you,and abound,
they make you that yee foal neither be barren , wor
anfreitfall in the knowledge of our Lord Iefus

hrift.

Followethto handle the Reafons enforcing the former ex-
tations. They are of two forts,the former being drawne
the matter, to which ;the /atter from the Perfon by
whom they were exhorted. Of theformer there are five in
aumber , laide downe in the 8, 9, 10, and 11 -ver/es 3 of
the Latter ,fonre laid downe inthe 12,13 ,14,and 15 verfes,as |
( Ged willsng ) yee fhall heare.. |
Thefe words containe the fir/t reafen, taken from the effe?
graces whereunto he did exhort them, from the
pracious ufe and freit which they obtained sherel» If thefe ,
things be in you, ( or prefent with yon \and abound ( “hated .
oun, -

2 Cor. 11.29, |.
3.276 °

Reafonsto.ine
force it, ‘
Dent.G.§.
Tob. 3.34

2 .
1Joh.3.3 5.
3

4.
Toh,7 303 §-
Meanes to obs
taine it, a
Thefi
whercby to-
difcerneit.

Two fort: of
cafons ens
ing the
former Exhors 5.
tation,

Two partsef
this reafon.! /

Meanes to prevent unfraitfulneffe Chap.a-

abound) they make you, that yee foall nesther be barren ( or
idle )wee unfraitfall in the knowledge of owr Lord IefusChrift,
that is, 47 thofe graces your knowledge of Chrift foall be fur-
thered, foall be mansfefted unto orbers,to be fincere and true,
which otherwife would appeare to be but sdie, vaine, empty,
barren, and nnfraitfell. As thofe graces doe {pring from the
true knowledge of Chrif ; fo in like fort by them, the kxow-
ledge of Chrift, abonndeth avd encreaferh more and more,
even by them daily growing, encreafing and abouniing. |
The Reafon may be thus framed, J; if yee ought to be frait-
full and diligent in she kaowledge of onr Lord Iefus Chrift,
then yee ought to labour that thofe graces may bein you ,and |
abound, But yee ought to be frastfull ana diligent in the
knowledge of oxr Lord Iefus Chrift. Therefore ought yee te
labour that thofe graces msy be in you and abound. |
The eAfumsprion is laid downe in the laft part of the
verfe. The Propofitionin the whole ver/e, the reafon of
which is this, becaule where tho/e graces arc,they make frmit-
fulneffe in the knowledge of Chrift ; this, being an of

| thofe,or thus ;

rustfull in the knowledge of onr Lord lefus Chrsft , then yee
ought to labour for them.

But by thofe graces, being én you and abounding , yee are
made frmitfull in the knowledge of oxr Lord Iefus Chrift.
Therefore ye ought to laboxr for the fame.

This Reafon confifteth of two parts. 1 Adaty. 2 The
meanes whereby to performe this durie. The dsty, We muft
neither be barren,nor unfruitfall inthe knowledge of ony Lord
Tefus Chrift. The meanes whereby to performe this dstse,
tf thefe things bein us and abound, they will make us, that w=
feall neither be barren nor unfreitfull in the fame. Or’, We
have adwty in the former part,get thofe graces in you, aboun=—
ding in the fame, with the fraites and effeét of the /ame;inth &

If i thofe graces, being in you and abounding yee are made

_| fatter, they make you that yee fall neither be barren, nor snt—

fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Iefus Chrsf. But (as
I take it) the formser is to be preferred. 3 gol
Or

82 Thenature,end,and effetts of true knowledge.Chap.1

of this knowledge, where it is, it 18 operatrve and frairfull,
elfe is itnot the kuowledze of Chriff, buta vasne and empry
Mar¥.24. knowledge, like that of the #ncleane fpirit, I kn-w thee who
thon art, the holy One of God; like thatof the Gentiles,when
they knew God, they glorified him mot as God, neither were
thankefall. Befides, the kxowledge of Chrift is {o excellent,
Phil 3.8. that Pas! counteth a things dorgne tn compayt(on of it, yea,
lohn 17.3. ! | our Savienr Chrift faith » This ws life cternall,that they migkt
‘ know thee, the onely true Gea, avd Icfus Chrift whom then
haft fent ; yea, without ths, we canro: refi the affinlts of
Sathan,we can have no comfort againk the acca farions of our
troubled con{ctences, neither can faelrer gur {elves from the
violent forme of Gods terrible anger : all which by the fan-
2 Aificd knowledge of Chrift, becomceafic. 2 In regard of
. | the end why God beftoweth upon us the kuowledge of his
Sonne ; namely, that we may forfake that which wevill , and
Epis 4.22) chafe that which 1s good: putting off concerning the former
converfation,the old man, which 13 corrupt according to the
deceitfull luftssbeing renued in the ppirit of cur mindes, putting |
on that new man which after God ws ercatcd in righteonf{neffe,
3. and true holineffe. 3 In regard of the effréts which this
knowledge of Chrift worketh ; namely, a kuswledge of our
ditty to..ards God, towards our /elics, and’ cowards onr
4. neighocars; without w% we could net performe the fame.
4 Inregard cf the danger,ifeither we vow xcratail, er be
barren id/eand unfraitfull in our keowledge. If we know not
at all, wearecven 4 ready prey unto th: Deval: if we be: wre.
tuei.¢7.. | f7siefull in oar knowledge, we fhall be beaten with many |
Pripes, even that which we: foemetohave fball be taken from |
us our talent , beftowel upon another ; yea, if we be not
freiefell hercin, we foall bc cut off from CHR 1ST, and
utterly for ever remaine fraffrateof ail bis merits. and ver-
° tHe,
For the ils(ration of this point , note we two things.

° Rorel.2Ie

a, © ee es CE

Themanner I The manner, or bow wee orskt to know. 2 The matter,
ought to or what we ought tokusw. _
Ane +7. Texching the former, it mult not be idely-or unfraitfally,

ut
Cn aan ERR eee

Verfe8. How,and what we ought to know.

but to good purpofe, our knowledge muft not lie obfcured,
bat further both our /c/ves and others. Itmultbe fruitful,
yea, the more kuowledge God beftoweth on us, -the greater
frait he expeCteth from us. :

Touching the Latter, the matter which we ought to knew,
is oxr Lord Icfus, this kecwledge of him , comprehending
thofe other duties of fasth, hope, love, obedience, confidence,
joy, thankefulneffe, and theéske, which we owe unto him.
We mutt (0 kvow him, that we may finde and feele our felves

to ftand in seed of him. We mutt {0 know him , that wee:
| may apprehend him, and all his merits; wee mutt fo keow :

him, that we may snsieate him in hit-meckneffe, pattence, ba-
militie fpeeches, attions, and the lske ; We mult kxow himto
be our wifedome, righteonfneffe, fanttification, and redemsp-
trom; we mult krow him to beghe fecond perfor of the Trini-
tie, equall unto the Father, conceived by the holy Ghoft, very
God, and very maninone perfor. To hold my felfe to the
words of my Text, we mult know hima Lord, by donation,
creation, redemption; Ileus a Savionr, faving bis people from

their finnes; Chrift, Annointed, King, Prieft, and Prophet, |.

thes laft a Greeke word, asthe former an Hebrue word,imply-

ing, that he 2s the oxely Savionr, both of lewes and Gentsles,
yea,and inall thefe, Oxrs,our Lord, our Savienr,sar Chrsft,
King, Prieft,and Prophet.

The #/és of this pointare threefold ;

For Infirntlion, 1 It snot enoughtoknow Chrift,unleffe
we be fruitfull in the knowledge of bins unleffe wee joyne
| pracl:fe with our profefion. 2 That that knowledge of Chrift
which is barren and unfrnifull, which hath no prattife going
along therewith, which doth not particularly apprehend and
apply Chrift, is no true and faving knowledge of Chrift.

For Reprebenficw, 1 Vntofuch as defend ignorance, as | henfi

if it were the msother of devorion. 2 Vnto fuchas affeCtigne~
rance. 3 Vntofuchas ftrive for the knowledge of every
4 thing but of Chri? , chough Px#l himfelfe defired to know
wothing but lefus Chrift and himcracified. 4 Vuntofuch as
loath the meanes of ksowledge, 3 Vnto fach that thinke

G2 thar

I Gor, 1-je,

Vies of Inftru-
ier.
3

Vifes of Repre-

on, ,
g
2

3
I Cor.2,2s

4
5

54.

Vies of Exhor=
tation..

Aninfa'lible
figne of faving
knowlkdge

1 lohn 2.3

Iohn 15.9.
Iohn 1 §:1Ge0

Ma*.7. 223
1 Cor, 248,

oe © ewes OER ee

An infallible fiene of fa-oing knotledge.Chap.1.

that a gencr.il! knowledac of Corif?, i: fudicient unto falvati-

kaowing buta /ert/e, are verneewithitinding fo pafe sp, as if
their knor deter were (ch, whereuntoncthing needed to be
added, as if tucy 420 fo wach alreadie, that they need net to
feeke tor any mre kunvledge.

For Exhertution, 1 Getalove and liking of the Liayr-

4 dedge of Chrif?, that thon mailt not be ssfraitfall theres ;

confidering the seceffiric, the excellency, and the wrilitie of |
the (omc, the bippineffe ot fuchas have sr, the mifery of {uch
as want st. 2 Labour and endevour for the fe, in the ufe of !
the meanes, which arethe word reid preached or expounded,
catechi fing, conference, with {uch as have kycawiledge , prayer
unto Goud, and the ke. 3 Examine andtry vour feives, whe
ther as yet you have attained amto this (xorédee. I will give
youbut one figze, which is nfalirbie. if you doe keene the com-
mandements of God, then have you attained unto this know-
ledge. Saint Ichn fheweth it. Hereby we are Surewee kxew
him, if we keepe biscommandements, 4. Ve thou findeft chat
thou halt in tome meafiere this ksow!edze af Chriff, then do
I defire thee to manifeft the fame. by chy fr-sirfalneffe there-
in. Frus:furnefe ; whereby thou maieft manifeft thy /edfe,
to bea )1fc:ple of Chrift, whereby thou mailt (Peed , when
thou haf any fete unto God. Let us nor fatishe cur telves
with any meafere of knowledge, the crecte?. being lrele
cnough. We havethe means of Kuowledze. Let ns 1 time
make ule ofthefame, As our Stvso#r thal fav, unto many
verely I knors you not fol teare, it may be truly faid unto ma-
hy of you, verily yee know humor, inv reafon is tikeunto that
of the Apoft le {peaking of theter.s fiber hid kiciwexe, they
would not have crucifed the Lord of story. So if ye did truely
rao C kriff,ye would not /ve zs: i, follow the é743 of your
own beurt:ve would notentertaine mdi etek desukenres.
& follow prophanenes excrete visecdiines love caver Mfites .&
the ike: your pratile being frch iargucth directly that you
have not the kxowledge of Chriff. Thus of 9 try prefcribed.
For the 2,the msaaes whereby to pertorme this dwry,even
t

on. 6 Vato fuchas being inded sgvorant, or at the meft
{
|
|

= eee ee

tie.

1 Ifay,fuch 4s would be fraitfullin the knowledge of our
Lord Iefus Chrift, they muft get the fore-mentioned graces to
bein them, they muft get an aflured poffefion of the fame,
they muft have them alwayes prefent with them,alwayes ina
readineffe.

The Reafons hereof are thefe. 1 Becanfe where thefé are,

‘| they provoke and ftirre upto well-doing : either of them pet-

orming their feverall offices, according to their sature.

2 Becanfe having tho/e, we may ever find ew matter , to

learne touching (rift, to fet on worke our vertue, know-
ledge temperance, and the /ike.

2 fay, we muft not onely have thofe graces in us , but a-
bound, yea,(as I {aid) /uperaboundinthe fame. eAnd thu I
pray ( faith Saint Paal ) that your love may abound yet more
and more inknowledge, and in all judgement. And againe,
as yee have therefore received Chrift Iefus the Lord, fo walke
yee inhim; rosted and built upinbim, flablifhed in the fasth,
as yee have beene taught, abounding therein with thanke/gs-
ving. Howfoever prophane perfons may cfteeme fuch a de-
gree of firillnelfe, cxriofitie, yet mult not that dant us , frem
our abownding and encreafing therein.

Hence we are taught,

x Toendevonr by all meanes to.get thole graces , tows

thin sbe in

For ifchefe

How dangerous it 1s tolackegrace. | Chap.1
and planted in our hearts, that fo.we may befraitfull in the.
knowledge of Chrift; for this canfe we moft ebonnd in the «/é
of the sseanes, and imploy thofe talents well,which we have

| receivede

2 Notto content our felves with a bare few of thofe
graces, thinking it {uilicient totalke of them, or commend
them,and the like; butto have erwe and reall poffe/fion of tke
fame

3. That {eoing we.arc to abound in thofe graces every day,
its therefore needfull for us, betimes to get hold of the fame,
but alas,how many prefervetheir profirs and plea(ures betore
thefe ? how many defpi/e them ? how many pst off the /ce-’
hing after thes, from day to day? Doe not wee thus delay
but betimes get a particular affurance of the peffesion of
rhefe-that. daily aboundsug in the famewe may not be barren in
the knowledge of Chriff. Thus of the 1 reafon.

Verfe 9. But he that lacketh thefe things, ws blinde,
and cannot fee a farre off, and hath forgotten that be
was parged fom lis old finne.

Thefe wordscontaine the fecond and third Reafon, where-
of the former is laid downe in thefe words, he that lacketh
thefe things ts blinde, and cannot fee a farre off ; the latter, in
thefe , and hath forgotten that he wag parged from his old frxs:
toth being taken from the dangerous and mifcrable. conditi-
on of thofe which want the foremsentioned graces. They may
bethus framed.

The former,

If fuch as want thoft graces be blinde,and cannot fee a farre
off, yee ought to labour and endevour fer the fame. |

But {uch as waxt thofe graces are blinde, and cannet fee

pit of, Therefore yee ought tolabonr,andendevour for the
ante.

The fatter, |
Fle shat nameth bimfelfe a (briftian, and yer 13. tot endued
with thafe Chriftian vertncs, # forgerfull of the great bens fit

T°CEI~-

+ amqeenegUeeE Egg . ponerse tron ra EPS -

. \

erfeg. Knowledge compared unto light.

But yee ought wat to be foryetfull of this great benefit.

, Therefore ought ye to labour that yee maybe endued with
them,

Thefe reafoxs conjoyned unto the former afford us this
Obfervation, that God doth alure us unto the findy and
prattife of tho fe Chriftian graces, net onely by the grefite H~
Suing unto {uch as have them, but alfoby the danger befalling
anto (uch aslacke them. As he that bath them gasneth excce-
dingly bythens, fo he that fackeththem , lefeth exceedingly
through his want ofthem. Thoferwoare the maine motives
Which incite men unto the performance of this. or that
worke, hope of gaine , andfeare ef loffe. Propound we them
unto our felves in our fiudy after thofe graces, gaine, if thefe
things be in ws, and abound, they make ut,thatwe foall neither
be barren, nor unfrnitiul in the knowledge of onr Lord lefie
Chrift; loffe, sf we want thofa things, we are blinde, and can-
not fee farre off, and have forgotsen that we were purged from
oxr old finnes : that {o by ene of them, or both of them wee
may endevour for the fame. But leaving thw, handle we the
reafons themfelves contained in this verfe, as they lie in or-

Touching the former, it’s laide downe in thefe words,
He that lacketh thefe things is blinde, and cannot fee farre off.
The meaning whereof is this, that, /xch as are not endued
with the gifts andgraces of Gods Spirit here required, are
ignorant, lacking heavenly knowledge which ss the eye of the
mindc, uncapable of heavenly things, having their hearts and
wsinde fer upon the things of this world , which they perceive
t90-t50 well.

For the #xderffanding of which, two things are to be con-
fidered. 1 That our efpoftle compareth ksowledge unto
qe orlight. 2 Thathecompareth ignorance unto blind-
ne ffe.

1 Tfayhe compareth knowledge unto {ceing or light, Hee
that lacketh faith he,thefe things,se blinde , that is, # defti-
tute of srue and faving -knewledge. 1 Becaufe as fight is

| G4 nece

recesved, to wit, that hee was purged from his old finnes. |

An cbfervation
ofthe cohe-
rence of thofe
with the pre-
ceding reafon,
viz. That,not

to (uch as have
the forementi-

oned praces,but
al(o rhe dan-

unto
feng or light.
r

2 King 5.206

Two obfcrva-
tions ariling
from this fes
cond reafon

QI. “uch as.
want tke gifts

Jenorancecompared-unto darkene[se. Chap.1

neceflary for the direction of our ontward attions, fois kasw-
ledge for our direftion in the wayes of God. 2 Becaufeas
the light is beantifull, giving a certaine beawty and {plendor
unto other things, and the fighe is no mall ornament unto
men and women, as b/indxeffe no fmall defermitie; fois true
knowledge, not only beanesfullin it felfe, but beantifying
all fuchasareendued therewith. 9 As the fight or fight
is exceeding comfortable :- So is faving knowledge unto eve-
ry childe of God. 4 As bythe “ight, obteure and 4:4 things
are made manifcf?: So alfo by this/aving knowledce. ¢ AS
by the /ight men are hindered from the csmmiffion of thofe
eusls, whereof chey are not afbamed or affraid in darkeneffe,
fo alfo by this faving knowledge.

2. He compareth ignorance unto blindneffe. 1 Becaufe
asthey whiclvare blinde, cannot g#ide themfeives , but are
“ to fray out of the way, judging themfelves norwithftan-

ing to be inthe wey, fo alto the ignorant. 2 Becaule 28
blinde men have xeede to be guided and direfted:by others, fo
alfo the sgnorant. 3 Becaufe as b/inde men are deprived of
the comfortable fight of the Senne,and Gzht: So the igno-
rant, of Chrift the Sunne of righteoufueffe, the light of the
world. 4 Becaufe as the d/inde may be eafily wronged in
their meats, taking chatto be wholefome, which is: #nwhole-
fome. Sothe sgnorant in his fpirituall diet, taking that to bee
wholefome , which is wafoxnd doflrine. 5 Becaule as the
blinde walks onand fee no daxger , but thinke themfelves
fafe, untill they dropinto a pir. So the tgncrant, they goe on
in their wicked conrfe, untill they faddenly drop inte
ol |

This Reafon affordeth usthefe two Obfervations.

1 That{aeh as rant the gifts and graces of Gods Spirst,
aresgnorant in matrers of falvation, uncapable and xxable to
percesve and apprehend heavenly things.

2 That fech have their hearts and minds togeth:r upon
the profits and pleafures of this world. .

For the 1,fich as wane the gifts and graces of Gads Spirit,
are ignorant in matters of falvatson, uncapable and wnable to

percesve

ny A

elo. Want of grace,the caufeof ignorance.

perceive and apprehend heavenly things. Itis given ( faith
our Sausour ) xnto you ro know the myfreries of the kingdome
efheaven, but to them st is not given; but the naturall man

(faith Saint Pan/) percetveth net the things of the Spirit of | vation

God. And againe,baving the underflanding darkened , being
alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that % sn
theme, becan(e of the blindneffe of their hears, Thus were
thofe wi/e mex mentioned by Saint Pas? Thus was Feftue,
who hearing Pan! {peake of the things of God, faid, bee was
madde. Thus was Nicodemus before his conversion.

The Reafons hereof are thefe. 1 Bocaufethey are: Alinde,
-defticure of knowledge, yea, ¥i lfuly blinde ‘and ignorant, c/o-
fing their eyes Jeaft'at any time they foould fee with thesr eyes;
loving darkeneffe more than light. 2 Becaufe heavenly
shings are hid from them; hearing ( faith the boly Gheft) yee
frall heare, and-foall not underfiand, and feewmg yee foall fee,
and not perceive. 2 Becaufe they are fpiritually difeerned.
4 Becaufe. they be not receive the witneffe of God. 5 Bee
caufle they are foolifanefje to them. 6 Becaufe they neither do
nor will heare the Word of God, Why doe yee xot underftand
my fpeech ? (faith our Saviexr ) even becaule ye cannot heare
my Word. Sone of man ( faith the Lord auto Ezekiel) thon
dwelleft inthe midft of arebelions honfe, which have eyes to
fae, and fee not; they have earestoheare,and beare not , for
they are arebellions honfe. :

Hence we aretaught, - .

1 Tobewayle the wofull eftateand’ miferable condition
of thonfands in thefe onr dayes, in regard of fpiriteall mat-
ters, asblindeas Beerlés.

2 That the fpeciall caufe why fo few kas’ the things of
God, ts, their want of faith, vertue, and {uch Chriffian gra-
CES. ;
3 That carnall men are unfit Indges in matters of Reli fie
on, in matters appertaining unto Gods Kingdome, a biinde
mn Cannot: judge of colors, neither they of the Word of

od, | :

For the 2 fach aa want the gifts and gracesiof Gods Spirit,
ve

89
and graces of
G ods Spirit,

are ignorant in
seattersof fal=

The Reafons,
I

Mat.13.4§,
Toha 3.19.

2
12.6.9. ;

1 Co .14,
fohn $.1 I,
5
1 Cor.2.14.
6
Iohs8.43.

Exek,12.2,

Vie.
2

90 Want of grace canfe of worldly loves. Chap.1,

er rene en rr SS SRR
and gracesof , have their hearts and mindes whol Set spon the profits and
have their pleafures of this world: their set ceing farre off, chat is,bea-

| hearts & minds | venl7 things, argueth their fering nigh at hana, that is, the
wholiy fae ues | things of this world, as the Alele teeth under the ground,
on che profits not above, fo they, earthly, not heavenly things , They mind
ofthe woud, . | carthly things. Thew wifedome us carthly fenfnall and devil-
Phil.3-19. | 4if@3 Such aone was Nabal, therich glutton, the rich man

am 3.15 that came unto Chrsft, Demsas, with many others. ,

Reafens. The Reafoss hereof are thefe. 1 Becaufe they are whol-
I ly carnal and satura, 2 Becaufe they beleeve that true
2. ppine fe confitteth in chefe cathy things. 3 Becanfe they
3 onely which are endued with Gods graces , have overcome

the werld, and knew the vanstic of the fame. As Mofes, who
Heb312§- | choferacher to fuffer affliction with the people of God, than to
enjoy the pleafure of finne for a feafon, efteeming the reproach
‘| Of Cbrift, greater riches than the treafures in Egy pt.
Ufe. . Hence we are tau ht, ae ‘
To labour and endevour fer the gifts and graces of Gods
Spires, without which wecannot withdraw our hearts
this fle world, from the hurtful prefits, and vaine pleafares
of the fame; without tho/é thou canit not forfake thy dras-
kenneffe : thou cantt not ceale to be covetons, thou cantt not
perceive the fey of thofe chings wherein thou doft chiefely
Evek.t2.2;, | dslight: Yea, without chofe thou canft not receive any pre-
PK33033> | Ge by the Ordinances of God. The I/raelites heard the words
ofthe Prephees, but wanting thofe, they wonld not dee thens,
though with thesr mouthes they foewed much love, yet their
heart went after their coveton{neffe. Labour then I fay, for
the graces of Gods Spirit, be more painfull in feeking after
Luke10.42: | rhofe,( thofebeing that one thing that se need{ull ) bee lefle
- | carefullin feeking the/e earthly things, they being **c#r-
:] taine, and often exceeding bwrsfudl: are we not rangers and
| Pilgrims inthis world? why then fhould we fet our bearts
Mati15,2¢. juponthe things of this world ? what will st advantage us,
though we foonld gaine the whole worldsf we lofe our owne
Soules? eventhe whoke world, isnota werthy and fit object |
of our defires. If we have thofe graces, we are alwayes 4ap- |.

pie,

erfl'9.The perfons purged : time and manner-bow, or

pse , but when we die moft happy ; whereas being ¢ved- unto
this wer/d, we are at al times ina miferable condition, but
at death , (which undoubtedly will come, yea, bappely when
we are léaft aware of it) moft anbappy , The portion of world~
lings being hell, their reward everlafting condenmatien. Thus of
the former,and fo of the /econd reafon. |

Touching the darter or third reafon, it’s laid downe in thefe
words, end hath forgotten that he was purged frows bis ld
firmes, for the under flanding of which,three thugs are to bee
confidered. 1 The perfons whom God doth purge from their
old finnes, 2 Thetime when he doth parge them. 32 The
manner how he doth parge thens.

For the 1, the perjons whom God doth purge, areof rwe
Sorts, the godly, and the wngedty, according to that of Saint
Panl,Who gave bimfelfe for us,that hemight redeem: us from
all inigqustie, and purge neto be a peculsar people suxto bim-
Selfe, zealous of good workes:the sngedly according torhat of
this our epofle, for if chey after they have efcaped from the
Plthinefe of the world, through the ackgomleaging of: the
Lord, and af the Savionr Iefus Chrift, are yet tangled againe
per cin, and evcrcome, the latter end ss worfe wit lemithan
the beginning, and fch our of psftte here mentioneth.

For the 2, the time when they are parged, it’s bid and fe
cret. The godly they are parged, iometimes before their
baptifiwe, (as lercmsiahand Jobts Baptift werefanttified from
the wombe ) fometimes no doubt at their baptifine, Gods Spi-
rit inwardly accompan ing his owne ordinance, the outward
fgne of regeneration ; bute molt times after their baptifme,
when he doth effeé?ally cail them by the preaching of the
Word. The sncodly they are purged, when at their baptifme
they give up their zames unto Chriff, and afterward by the}
Preaching the Herd, abftaine from /ome frnes, though it |

burfor a feafon. we

For the 3, the manner how they are parged. The goal
they are parged both externally and internally, The waged.
Onely externally, when by the preaching of the Word inciting
them unto beline[fe, they dec in fome meva/fire forfake their

ines,

gotten that hee
Was put

from hisold
finnes,

Theperfons |.
whomGod -

purgeth, of
two forte
Tit 2,14.

2 Petet 20.

The time when
are 2
ged, ew
Ker.t 5.
Luc.3.g.7,

Man naturally defiled with finne. Chap.a°

finnes , wherin they did formerly wake, but yet neither
mbolly, truly nor conftantly who are therefore {aid here to be
purged fromthesr old finnes, thatis, to be juftified by Chrift,
not becaufe they were effectually jxftified. For if fo, then
withall they fhould have beene /asétified ; but becaufe jx /fs-
fication is freely offered unto them, & becanfe they make ac-
count, that they haue as good part in z¢,asany ether. Hence
may we conceive our «fpoft/es meaning to be this, .as if hee
had (aid, Hethat nameth bimfelfe a Chriftian, and yet is de-
friture of the forementioned graces, 1 altogether forgetfull
and snmind{ull of bis promife and vew , whith he made unto
God at the time of bis Raptifme,whers he was externally purged
frons bis innes, yea, 3 alesgetber unthankefull unto God, who
by bis Word meved him to ceafe from thofe hrs finnes, wherein

merly be had continued.

This Reaforn affordeth usfoxre profitable Ob/ervations.

The firf is this,thar - |

Naturally we are all polluted, and defiled with finne ; with
finne { fay, both Origimall, confeffed by Job, Who can bring
a cleane thing ont of filthine[[e? there 1 not one, by Eliphax
the Zemuute, What 1s man, that he foould be cleane, and bee
that s borne of awoman that be foould be juff? By David,
Behold, I was borne in iniquitie, andin fiane hath my mether
conceived me. eAftluall, acknowledged by the fie Elin
phax. * How much mere is man abominable and filthy, which
drinketh iniquitie like water ? By Saint Paul, Among whoms
we alfo had our converfation in times paft,in the lufts ef oxr
flefe,in fulfilling the will of the flefo, and of the minde, and
mere by nature the children of wrath as well as others. By
‘David, Wale mse throughly from mine iniquitie, and clenfe
mse from ney finne. By Ifatah, But we have all beene as an un-
cleane thing, and all our righteenfneffe is as filthy cloutss
Hence are thefe patheticall fpeeches. Purge me with by [lope
and I feall be cleane, wafo me and thal be whiter thanthe
fnow. Wah youand make you cleane. O Ierufalem, wafe
shine heart from wickedneffe that thon mayft be faved. In
that day there foall be a. fonntaine apened. te the bonfe of

Davi

Verf'9. Mannaturally defiled with finne.

David, andtothe Inhabitants of Iernfalem, for finne,ana for

uncleancnefje. This is excellently typified untous, ER; 16.
elle

; ‘That we are thus zaturally polluted and defiled with finne,

may be further confirmed by thefe Reafons.

1 Becaufe naturally we havea love unto finne , we affect
it, wee fecke it, we delight init, the drunkard loveth dran-
kenneffe, the envions man malicionfneffe , the worldly-msin-
ded man, covetoufneffe,cc. And therefore are defiled there-
with. That we doe {o affcé finne ; may be proved by our
diligence incommitting the fame, wee watch for swiqustie :
we drinke in tniquitie like water, weturne unto finnc, 46 an
horferufheth into the battell,yea, our heart ts defperately wic-
keds Finally fet todoeevill; yea, if we would but take no-
tice of our thoughts, words ind sworkes, we might finde that
for the moft part they are finfull.

2 Becaufe naturally we are enemies unto goodneffe, wee
are weary of well-doing, we thinke any time, any thing,which
we fpeud in the fervice of God , to be too /cng, too much;
we thinke /effe preaching , leffe praying, leffe devotion
might well enough ferve the turne ; and thus with Elsmas
the Sorcerer wee are enemies of allrighteon[ne fe.

3 Becanfe naturally we are children of wrath, and is there
any thing I pray you, which maketh us offen/ive unto God,
but oncly finne : even finne, which is enmitie againft God,
which provekerh the Lord unto anger, which feparateth be-
tweene us and oxr God, making him hide his face from-ts,
thar he will not heare,

For the zl/uffration of this pose, tivo things are to be con-
fidered.

1 That thi cur naturall contagion and uncleannc (fe is unt
verfall, |

2 That st can no orherwife be done away but by the blood
of Chrift.

_ 1 Lfay,that thes our maturall contagion and uncleanncffe
s untucrfall, both in regard of a// men, and in regard of
whole man: of all men,teltified by Saint Pasi Wher cfare 46

Reafons.

1f2.29.20.
lob 15.36,
Ter.80G«
Ter.37.9.
Ecclef\3.11-

A&.1 30100

3°
Fphef'2: 3.
Rom.8.7.;

Neh.9.26.

Pfak.73.46.
Ila $9.2.

06/,Car natue
rall unclean-
nc fic ig univer-
Gi,

Vies of Exhor=
tation..
I

2
Tohn 5-19.

Aninfallible
figne of taving
knowkdge

1 lon 2.3
4

Iohn 15.9.
Tohn 1 5: 1Ge

Ma*.7.233
I Cor,2,8,

An infallible figne of faroing knoteledge.Chiap.1.

that a gencrall knowledac of Cortf?, is fulicient unto falvati-
on. 6-Vuto fuchas being indecd sgvorant, or at the moft
knowing buta /stt/e,are yernetwithttinding fo puft xp, as if
their kvor fedoc were fi.6, whereuntoncthing nceded to be
added, as if tucy 42% {o wach alrcadie, that they need nct to
feeke tor any mre ku vwledge.

For Exbortation, y Getalovc and liking of the &::ar-
ledge of Chrift, nat thon mailt not be ssfreirfall theresa ;

confidcring the weccffitic, the excellency, and the stilitie of |
the fmsc, the bappine (fe of fuchas have it, themi/ery of {uch |

as want ét. 2 Labour and endevour for the /2me, in the ufe of

the meanes, which arethe word read preached or expounded,
catechifing, conference, with {uch as have Rnowtledse , priyer
unto God, and the /ixe. 3. Examine and try vour felves,whe-
ther as yct you have attained amto this Axowérdee. I will give
you but one figze, which is :nfallibie, tf yon doe keepe the com-
mandements of God, then hive you attained unto this know-
ledge. Saint Ichn fheweth it. Hereby we are furewee kxcw
him, if we keepe hiscommandements, 4. IF thou findeft that
thou hat in tome meafirre this kuowledze af Chriff, then do
I defire thre to manifeft rhe fame. by chy frsirfalneffe chere-
in. Freastfurnefe ; whereby thou maieft manifekt thy /eéfe,
to bea Dafezple of Chri, whereby thou mailt (Feed , whicn
thou haft any /s#re unto God. Let us nor fatisfic our felves
with any mcafure of keorledge, the ereste/?, being “ttle
enough. We havethe meanes of huowledue. Let ns in time
make ufe ofthefame. As our Saves fhall fav , unto many
verely Ikxor you not. fol teare.it may be truly faid unto ma-
hy Of you, verily yee know hin not, mv reafow is likeunto chat
of the Apoftle {peaking of the Jerse Mfthey bid kuowne, they
would not have crucified the Lord of aéory. So it ye did truely
kwow Chr: ft,ye would not five ts: 4%, tollow the /?s of your
own heart:ye would notentertaine malice ate t drankennes,
& follow prophanenes exereile vigcdiines love covet enfites,&
the /tke:your praMtile being {uch rt argueth dircctly,that you
have not the knowledge of Chri. Thus of § d.sty preferibed.

For the 2,the meanes whereby to performe this dary,even

Verfe 9.Whe are truely cleanfed from their finnes. 97
holy commandcment given.unto thems , according unto the

Proverbe, the. Dogge ss returned to his owne vomite, and the | 2 Pct.2.2Qe
Sow that was wafbed,to the wakcwing tn the mire: yea, after

they have eftaped from the filthineffe of the world, through

the acknowledging of the Lord, and of the Saviour Ic(us

Chrift, are yet tangled againe therein, and overcome: Thus

were Simson CWMagus, A meneus and eflexander , with o-

thers. Net «il upon whom afflictions and croffes dee onr-

wardly worke tothereformatson of their ves, are sswardl.

and effeéinally clenfed trom finne; then would it follow , that

‘Pharaoh had beene thusclenfed. Notevery oxe whom the

outward preaching of the Word moveth, to abftaine from

fome finnes, doe wxfainedly abftaine from the fame, for then

wauld they not agaszeretarne snto them, continuing in the
fame, as too too many doc. Yea, arethete not msany even /i-

ving in the { burch, profejing with us one and the tclfe-fame

God, and Religion, outwardly fubmitting themfelves uato

the Ordinances of God: abftaining frum publicke ¢voffe

finnes, which yet notwithftanding are exemsies unto God,
untorighteou/neffe, unto finceritse , differabling hypocrites?

Of whom fzekicl peaketh, For they come unto thee as the | Rzeck.33.3%,
people nfeth to come, and my people fit before thee, and heare

thy words,but they will not doe them, for with their monthes

they make jefts, and their heart goeth after their covetouf~

seffe; their bodies were in the Lempéle, their hearts , fer-

ving the Divi#,ofthis number were both Judas and Demas.

He is externally purged from his/innes,which is baptized,

which doth in fome meafire abftaine from them, and of this

fort there are many; but onely thofe are *#wardly cleanfed, |

w find the perwer of Chrift, working in them te the »ortifi-

catson and abolifing of finne, w® do fromthe very .bottome

of their bearts abher (in, w* dee with all their endevours {et
themfelves againft (x; which do truly and snfainedly grieve,

when they doe /izae,in whom fisne, hath not the domsinion,

doth not rade and raigne; in whom fixe doth daily more and

more decreafewaxeth every day more & more weake, thofe

onely I fay are effeétwally cleanfed from theis fixnese

his’.

98
Reafens.
t

Outward purging infuffictent to falyation,Chap.1.

This may be further confirmed by thefe Rea/ons.

1 Becaute ifall fuch as areexrernaly purged from their
finnes, were swwardl ly clenfed from the fame, then would it
follow that it were {uperfluous to looke for the s#ward wa-
fring ; but after this we are in {peciallto labour, the erber |
without ¢4ss, being infuilicient.

2 Becaufe it would follow, that all {ich which are exter-
nally purged were faved;which is ab/wrd.

3 Becaufe, we may obferve by daily experience, that ma-
ny externally purged, doc againe retwruc to their finnes, and
continue therein. |

Hence we are tanghe,

1 That st nor fufficcent unto falvation , to be sutwardly
wafhen, walefie we be inwardly clenfed from onr finnes : not

‘{uiticient in bapts/me to be wafoen with water, unleffe our
Soules be fprinkled and wafoen from finne, by the blood of
Chrift, either mut the ward accompany the ontward, or
elfe the ontward is but further unto oar condemnation,

2 Thattherefore we muft not content our felves with
the externall yntefie we do alfo find the saternal,we mutt
not attribate that unto the extward, which is proper, pecu-
liar and effentiall unto the sxward: as too-too many attribute

unto the Sacraments, the power of conferring grace, of jxffi-
fying, remitting fine, fantlifying and faving ; yea, are fo
{uperftitious, as that they thinke their chi/dren damned, if
they (hould die without Bapsi/me. Let us endevour to feele
the vcriue and eificacie of the sxward, whereby wee may
truely hare and abhorre /inne, fo that we would not ( though
st were for awhele world) yillingly and wilfully committ
fame : being carefulland watchful, not ro finne again{t the
blood uf Chrift, but to efeeme and refpeél it , as the precions
price of eur redemption. Thus of the /econd.

The third is this, that .

Such as doe nos leade their lives anfwerable ante that prc-
mift and vow, which they made in their Baprs(me, and acccr-
ding tothe light of Gods Word inciting thems unto holineffe,
foew thensfeluss forgetful of Gods mercies, and have forsutq

- - ten

eat en ei ee a

cece gp eg NSO

erfe 9.Vngodly livers forgetfull of Gods mercies.

ten that he was purged from his old finnes. Itis a great mercy

of Ged, chat by Bapti/me he doth receive us as mensbers of
jis forks, that he doth externally sngraft us into the myfticall
body of his Sonne Iefus ( brsft, that he promifeth to be oxr
Ged,our Father and preferver. It isa great mercy, when he

Seftoweth upon us, an knowledge of his word , a great mer-|

cie, when wee doe abftaine from any fixxe. Now when we
doe nat lead our lives according to thofe mercies, but breake
both that vor which we made unto Ged in Baptifme , and
| likewife returne axto our old finnes, trom which by the prea-
ching of Gods #ord, we did infome meafure 4b /hasne . wee
become forgetfull of the mercies of God. When Iofeph had ex-
pounded the Butlers dreame, he required of him that see
wonld remember him being reftored unto bis place , even fel-
Lscite for his deliverance: he being reftored did not follicite
Pharach for Tefephs delsverance,and {0 is {aid not to bave re-
mibred bim.Gad hath beltowed mercies vpon us , requiring
of ustoremember bim,ta be mindful of thofe mercies,we have
vowed to performe this duwtie, when therefore wee doe not
performe our vow and promif2, doe we not forget both him
audhis mercies ? We doe,not efteeming and confidering of
them as we oxght,not performing the conditien required of
us in regard of thofe mercies, not making that #/¢ of them
for which they were beftowed upon us,not returning prat-
Sesandthanke{giving unto God for the fame.

Be we carefull chereforeto liveholily, and xnrebskeably,
to performe our vewes unto God; left. we draw upon our
felves, the heavy judgementsot Ged. We have beene &ap-
tifed in the Name of Chrift, been partakersof the preachin
of the Werd, God in beth manifelting his mercies towa
us: live we not then otherwife,than it becometh Chriffians,
left iwee become forgetful of Gods mercies. Thus of the
third,

The foxrth is this, that

Gen.4.0.23 e

Ufe.

The forget-

| The forgerfulneffe of Gods bleffings and benefits 1s an heavy Bulnelfeof

and great finne. This isthe femme and fubftance of the Rea-
fon, namely, thas we onrhtte labour aad endevowx for thefe
oy H2 graces

cwervy and
greet Gane.

Forgetfulnelfe of Gods mercies a great fin.Chap.s

Pfal.78.13.
Pfal.104.13,
Verf.2 1.4

Ter.20320

ler,3.21.

Deut.6.1 Ze
and 8.32 e
Dant,8.39.
Reafons.

3
Vee

I
Ecclef.1 208.

graces, left webe forgetfullof the mercies of God. For this

fone the Lord dothotten taxe the J/raclites. They forgate
(faith the P/almi/t) hes atts and his wonderful workes that
he had fhewed them. They foone forgate his workes : they
waited not for bis connfell. And againe, They forgat God

heir Saviour which had done great thizgs in Egypt. Soby

Teremiah, Can a maide forget her ornament, or a Bride her
attire? Yet my people bave forgotten me , dayes without
number. Andagaine,e4 voyce was heard upon the high pla-
oes, weeping and fupplications of the children of Ifrael, for
they have perverted their way, aud forgotten the Lord their ,
Ged. Hereof the Lord did otten watne his people , left they‘
fhould forget him , threatning heavy jxdgcments againft
them, if they did forget his. | ,

The Reafous hercof are thefe, 3 Becauft it doth highly
offznd Ged. 2 Becaufe we become hereby unthankefull for
former mercies. 3 Becaufe wee doe hereby deprive our
felves of future bleffings, as being axthankefull for the for-
Hence then learne we

I-To-keepea catalogue of Gods mercred , whereby wee
may daily be the more mindefall of them , and fo performe
that dutse of remembrance which God tequireth of us: how
elfe can weperceive Gods love towards us, howelfe can wee
be withdrawne from fine ? |

2 Tobemindfall of Gods mercies towards us, which are
both many and great, ssercies in Baptif/ine, inthe Lords Sup-
per, in the Word, with varietie of others, ftrivingto betrue-
ly thankefull for the fame, Icft Ged complainc of #s; and of }:
ourgrofic unthankefulneffe, as it’s herein my Tcat, as being
forgetfull that we were psrged from onr old .finnes. Thus oF
the fowxah, and {oof the shizd Reafen. . |

To) Wherefore,the rather, brethren, give diligence
to make your calling and el: Elion fare : for if yeedoe

Vert. thefe things, yee foallnever fall. ?
ri For foanentramse foall be minifired unto yor
aboun-

rc ern regupen anne nee

erle 10.7 be fourth reajon of the former Exhortation. 101

aboundantly, into the everlatting kingdome of onr
Lerd and Saviour lef (brift.

Thefe ver/es containe the fourth and fift Rea/on of the fer-
mer Exhorration,both arifing from the great profit which | *#
wereape by thofe graces. The former, laid downe in thefe
words, Wherefore the rather give dsligence , to make your
calling and elettion (ure ; which may bethus concluded. Jf
yee ought to labour and endevonr to make your calling and
eleélion fure, then yee ought to labour and endevour for the
fore-mentioned graces. But yee ought to labour and endevour
to make your calling and clebion fure.. Therefore yee ought to
habour for the fore-mentioned graces.
| Fhe confequence of the propofition is laide downe in the
very firfi werd, therefore, implying, that the graces where-
unto he doth exhort us, are the proper effetts and fruits of or
elecison and vocation, yea,fure and certaine fignes , whereby
te difcerne the fame : the finding and feeling of Gods géfts
and graces within us, being the ready meanes , whereby to
be affured of ous election and vocation; foras there hath not
beene any e/ected and effectually called, which hath not alfo
beene fanéisfied, fo there was never any truly /anttifed,
which wasnotalfo cletted and effettwally called. oo
The Latter, laid downe in thefe words, For if yee doe thefe
things ye foallnever fall, for {oan entrance foall be miniftred
wuto you abundantly, mto the everlafting kingdome of onr |
ae and Saviour Iefus Chriff. It may bee thus conclu-.

If by thofe graces wherennte I doe exhort you, you may
Continue and goe onin that way, which at the length wil bring
you snto the Kingdome of heaven, even that erernall King-
dome of our Lord Iefus Chrift,then yee ought to labour and
endewour for thofe graces.
But by thofe graces wherennto I doe exhert you , yee may
Continue and goe.onin that way, which at the bength wsit bring
you into the Kingdome of heaven, even shat eternal King-
dowte of ome Lerd Iefus Chrift. oo,
H $ T here-

To make our (alling and Elettion fure,Chap.1.

Therefore yee ought to labour and endevenr for the fame.
The feurth Touching the fermer of thofe two reafons, Wherefore, the
reafon,where= | rather bretiren, give diligence to.make your calling and ele-
| Oruenpire Elion fure: Ie contifteth of thefe three parts. 1 An exhorta-
| diligenceto | ¢4on to make our ca'ling andeleCtion fure; in thefe words,
make your cal- | Give diligence to make your calling and elettion fare. 2 The
ling and elect | aeeanes whereby to come to this a{fwrance, laid downe in
; the word wherefore, namely , by attaining the graces before
mentioned, faith, vertue, knvwledge,c. 3 A two-fold mo-
tive to enforce this eschortation,the former laid downe in the
word rather, the latter, inthe word brethren, of thefe in o7-
der. : |
Touching the exhortation,twe things are to be confidered.
1 Adst7 to be performed, (Make your cabling and election
fare. 2 The manner how it is tobe performed , with great
iaduftrie, carefully , laborionfly, Gsome diligenceto make
your calling and clettion fare.

Concerning the dwty to be performed, it is to make oxr
calling and elettion fare, for the underflanding of which
three thingsate tobe confidered. I What our e4peffle
meaneth by calling and election. 2 Whatit- is te make exr
calling andeletlion{ure. 3 For whofecaufe we are to make
our calling and elettion fure.

What we are For the 1, by caliing, weare to underftand shat worke of
‘brotllingand | Clds/evering me frome the world of unbeleevers, to become
eeeion’ members of Chrift ;by faith,tranflating us ont of the kingdomse

| of darkene fle, even of finue and ignorance, intc the kingdome

of Chrift, that is, of faith and helineffe, fingling and drawing
ut out from among Reprobates , whereby we become, that
which we were net, even trae beleevers , members of Chrift,
Sasnts, Seunes, and Heires of Ged. Thisasa frase and effec?
Rom.3.3¢. doth flew from and follow our eleflion. For whom bee bath
predcftinate,them he hath alfocalled. By election two things
may be underftood, either that which 2 before time; even

Go.ts eternall decree freely chafing as fome eAngels: So alfe

a certaine nuneber ont of loft mankindtoobtaine falvation by

fasth in Chrift Iefies, unrothe praife of bis glerions grace; or
that

erfe 10. what it is. 103

that, which ss in time, even that werke which our effecinall

calling doth produce in us, whereby we doe feparate our felves

from the prattifes of others, abjtaining from their finnes, and

| conforming our (elves tothe will of God. —
For the2, to make our calling and elettion fure, isto con. | Whatitiste —

firme that decree of oxr elettion ( whichis firmely parpoted ling and elitlis

on God's part) to our owne hearts; manifefting both tt, and | onfare.
our effettnall calling unto onr felves and cthers, by the gifts
and graces of Gods Spirit in us , which foew our faith and ju-
Sification,as juftification mansfefteth our vocation, and st, oxr
eleElion, ©

For the 3, we are to make onr calling and election fure,not | For whofe
inregard of God, for with him, both it, andall other things ee weare
are snchangeable , according to that of thee‘poftle: TBe | calli 3

callingand |
foundation of Godremaineth fare, and bath this feale , The | <lebtienfure, -

Lord knoweth who are his, and let every one that calleth on 2 Timd.49,

the Name of the Lord depart from isiqustie; but partly in re--
gard of oxr felves, and partly incegard of others. In regard
of our (elves, that oxr mindes and confciences may be confir--
medin the undoubted truth of ovr falvation. In regard of o-
thers , that by pur good workes wee may tefisfie unto others
that we belang anto.God,and are of the number of bis children.
For as the tree is knowne by the frait., (0 are ‘sen by their
workes, Thus of the dary. :

Concerning the manner how it istobe performed, it is | After what
by giving diligence thereunto. The word inthe original, fig- | S200 may
nif-etha /peedy and quiche diligence, a laborious endevonr, | ourcallingand
importing, both thar we onght timely and {peedily to make | even fure,
onr callizg and elettionfure. And likewife that in performing
the fame, we muft not be flugeifb, larie, drowfie, negligent, |
but beftow travaile,paines, bows. fervency;yea,and onr be ft |
indeveur about the fame. ' D. Chriftians

From both,this one Obfervation may be gathered,that —_{ oughtearneft<

Coriftians ought earnefily to endevour for a particular af- yy to endcvour
Sirance of their ownefalvation, and by their goed warkes to pa ook
manifeft the fame, both unto them{elves and others. This one | their owe
point comptchendeth both the uty to be performed , the | ree eed.

4 manner

104

ks to maz
nifeft the fame
both wnto
t

ethers.
2 Cor.1.7.

a Thell.1.3 540
Iob19.25.
2 Cor.§.1s
2 Tim,4.7-
Reasons.
I

> Cor.13-9s

Rom,8.36,
I Toh.3 2.

Simi.

wi’ Particular affuranceof | Chap.a

the pofib:litie of obtaining this af*rance , whereof thefe

manner how it is to be performed, and the end why wee
onghtto performethefame, end our hope o yon ( faith
Saint Pas/,writing unto the Corinthians ) 1s ftedfaff, Know-
ing that a,you are partakers of the fufferings, {0 foal yee be
alfa of thetonfolation. The ( orinthsans asthey hdd this affu-
rance in themselves, {o by their patient /uffering of affliction,
they did man:feft the fame unto others. So alfo the Theffa-
lonsans Rensembring without ceafing your worke of faith,and
labaur of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Iefus (hrift,
ju the fight of God, and our Father , knowing brethren belo-
ved your eletlion of Ged. By this endevonr, [ob attained xo
afferance. So alfo Saint Past, For we know that if our
earthly houfe of this tabernacle were diffolved,we have a buil-
ding of God, an bone sot made with bands, eternall,in the
heavens. And againe, J bave fought a good fight, I have fins-
nifoed my courfe, [have kept the faith, henceforth there ts
laid ep for. me acrowne of righteon{neffe, which the Lord the
righteous judge will give me at that ay.

That we ought thus.to endevour for this 4//rance, may
beproved by thefe Reafons. 1 From the commandement
Of God, Examine your felwes , whether you be in the fasth :
prove your ownefelves: know ye not your owne felves, bow
thar lefus Chrift ss im you,except yee be Reprobates. 2. From

Scripturesare undoubted proofes. And the Spirit of Ged
(faith Saint Pan!) teftifieth together with our pirits , that
we are the Sonnes of God. Beloved ({aith Saint John) ow
are we the Sonnes of God, and we know (that is, are #ndoub-
tedly perfwaded by faith ) that when Chrift foal appeare in
Slory, we foall be like unto him, for we foal {ce him as be 15;
Soalfothe whole fifteenth P/alme. 3 From our owne care-
full endeveur about the things of this kife ; if we give dili--
gence to makethem/ire, (as they doe which dy boxfes or
land, which take Leafes , put ont money, or the lske ) then.
much more ought we te give diligence about this affurance,
as being sxfinstely of more werth than the other. 4 From
the sxconveniences whichaccompany the wast iof this «{*-
vance:

Verl-10.0xr Eleétion and Vocation required. os

rance, where it #, there can beno#/e made of the pronss/es
of God,in the time of afflittionand perfecution, Where st #,
there canbe no affarance of the favour of God: where st #,
there can be no true thankefulueffe unto God : yea, where it
#, there can be no progreffe in the courfe of godlineffe.
s Fsom the commsdiries and benefits which flow trom this
afferance, unto all {ech as have st. They ave wpholdenin the
time of affliion, I fhould have fainted (faith David ) wn-
leffe Thad beleeved to fee the goodnefje of the Lord sn the
land sf the living, They can with confidence and fasth in

Chrift Iefues, vefilt thetemsptations of the Devsll. They firive |.

to walke worthy of this affwrance. They cvercome the world,
and ws/ifie the things of this /sfe.
T he Vfes hereof are fonrefeld, |
For Inftruttion, It’s not enough for us to.have the name of
Coréftians, anda general knowledge of redemption by Chrift
| Lefus, ante ffe we Side a particular affarance of onr eletlion
and vocation. But how may weattaine unto this,may fome
fay? Ianfwer. 1 Thatwemay be affered of the trath of

our-vocationor effettuall cdiling , by thefe tokexs ; namely, | 1,

if ic be of God, if wee yeeld unto it, if we abborre and abftaine
from finne and wickedneffe, if we practife bolineffe and righ-
teoufneffe,ifby the voyce of God, we are ftill changed from
ore degree of grace to ancther, Finally, if by the fame we are
made fraitfull in goed werkes. 2 That wee may be affared
of our election, bythefe,nameiy, if we finde that the Word
of Gd hath come in power untous, if we finde that we have
faith to beleeve Gods.werd favingly, if we tinde that we are
trucly and effectually called, if wee finde our felves ended
with the gifts and graces of Gods Spirit.

For Reprebenfiox,t untofach as thinke it saspofible to be
Afered of ones {alvation, contrary to Jobs, I know, and Saint
Panls, we know. 3 Vato fuchas thinke that it’s /xffictent .
ta hope well, and not rrowble ones felfe further. 3 Vntofuch
as dos not endevonr at all for this. effexasce. 4 Vote fich
as thinke that it's a ereut fault to make quefticn of this a{fx-
Trance, OY atmMy time to desbt of thefame. 5 Vato. fic a as

| 105 -

5
Pfal 27.13,

Vie of Repre=
henfion,

I .
Tob 19-25.
2 Cot.5.1,:

V(c of Exhor=
tation,

D.Chriktiass
by the gifts and
graces of Gads
Spirit aflure
themfl ve of
theicelecét.on
and vocation.
2 Tim.4.7.

1 Theff.1.3 4.

Reafons.
Z

Iebn 6.47.
Iohn 3 Fede

Rom 3.7,

Grace giveth affurance of falvation Chap. 1.

doe rather by theig evs! workes than their good, affure them-
{elves beresf, whereof our Savsowr advertiled his D:/ciples,
faying, The time (tall cone, that whofocver killeth you, will
thinke that be doth God fervice. 6 Vototuchas are too c#-
rests about the election of others, being in the meanc time
careleffe of their owne, thoughthey are willed ¢» particalir
to make their owne calling and cletlion fare.

For Confolatien, wnto tuch as doc either endevou: for this
affurance, ox have already obtained the fame , what can bee
more comfortable, thanto beve ic? aad by what meanes can
we be more excouraged to get it, than by adilsgent cndcvoue
ring of the/ame?

For Exhortation, \ct us impley our {elves diligently about
the (ame, affuring our felves both of the. poffidsiity thereof,
and that without the see, we can have no trae comfort in
thinking of beaven, in meditating of the Lfeto come. Thus
of the Exherration,

Touching the meanes whereby to come to this afurance,
they are laid dowhe inthe word wherefore, namely , 67 attas-
nung the forementioned graces. Whence this Obfervatson a-
rilcth, thac

Chriftsans, by the gifts and graces of Gods Spirit planted sm
thesr hearts may afferedly perfwade themfelves that they are
sn mhe flare of grace, both eletted, andeffettualy called. Here |

by did the ef poffle Paul, borh dilcerne of his owne effate,
and of che cond:tson ot others.

By the grfts and graces of Gods Spirst in bimfclfc, hz was
a [fared of his owxe {alvation; by the gifts and graces of Gods
Spiret in others he.was affured of theirs.

The Keafons hercof are thefe. ¥ In segard of the premz~
fes of God annexed unto thofe graces ; being molt cerrarue,
infallible sas unto fasth, Verely, verely, I faynnte yon, hee
that belveveth on me bath everlafting life. Voto kyowiedce,
And this is life erernal (or the meanes whereby to ostaine
life ecernalt) te know thes phe enely true God, and Iefres Chriff
whom thon heft fent. Viito Patience, To them whe by patient
contsnmanes sw web-deing, (ecke for glory, and honour, and m
mortaletre,

Verl-10.Gods grace,(. briftians fareft Evidence.

mortality, cternall life. Vnto godlineffe, Gedlineffe ts profi- | 1 Tim.4.8,

table unto all things, having promife of the life that now 1s,
and of that whichisto come. Vnto Brovier’) kindneffe, And
whofocver fhall give to drivke unto one of thcfe little ones, a
cup of cold water oncly, inthe name of a‘Difcsple, vercly I fay
xnte you, he foallin no wife lofe bis reward, Vato Love, lf we
love one another ,God dwelleth in ns,and his love us perfeed in
1. 2 Inregardthatno wicked perfon ordained unto deffre-
Elion, can attaine unto any one of thefegraces. 3 In regard
Of the reffimony of Gods Spirit, witnefing unto fach.as have
thofe graces that they arethe Sonnes of God. |
Q. But how thall I know, whether this teffsmsony doth
proceed from the bely Ghoft ? Seeing even the Div: can
transforme bim{clfe into an eAngel 0 bight. SO
ef, We may know it. 1 By theperfwafton , Gods Spi-
ret dothneot fimply fay, that we are the children of God, but
doth per/iwade us unto the fame,refolving all ebyeEions whieh

we being {crupwlons, or doubting canalledge. 2 By the wan. | |

ner of this perfwafien, which is not drawne from our owne
workes or worthineffe, (asin the Devsss *faggeftiens ) but
from the alone love of q od in Chriff lefus.. Whereunto wee
may adde the effec?s of this perfiafion , wee rely apen God,
calling spon him, as adoptea children, eAbba Father. Wee
hate finne, wee endevenr to performe Geds will, wee labour to
g£oeon in Godlikefe, 4 In eae that (fechas have thofe
graces, are ingrafted into Chrift ave made mensbérs of him,
s Inregard ofthe neceffary dependance betwixt thofe graces
and ¢/eétion, as the linkes of 4 chaine, tyed and coupled toge-
ther : Wbon: he did predeftinate ( faith Saint Pal ) them hee
alfe called : and whom he caked, them healfo juftified; and
-whors he jxftified, them he alfe glorified. Santtification fol-
loweth jxfification, as st doth vocation, and vocation eletti.
on, oo.
Hence it followeth :

1 That we exghe bigh/y to prije andeftceme of thofe gra-
ces, as being our fureft evidence that we belong unto God, aicd
that Chriff isonr Redeemer. Such as defpite and contewine

tnem

107

M2t.10.42.

i Tohn 4.32.
2
3
Rom 8 16.

Dueft.

eAsfw...

108

A fpirituall kénred among /t Chriftians Chap. 1°;

Motivesenfpre
cing the fer-
mer exhertati-

on.

1 Brethren,
Three lores of
Brethren,
Gen.2¢.26.
Deut. 23.20,

them (as bogges doe moft precions pearles ) deprive them-
felves of this Evidence ,and yet alas, {uch are not afhimed
tofay, that they fall be faved as well as the beft , preluming
On Gods mercies, on their owne fppefed worthineflc. .

2 That we oughe ro make a fpeceall ufc of them in the time

of Sathans temsptations, when fuygefting and ailcdging that |

we are Reprobases, be would drive us into the Gulfe of defpe-
ratson, Thusre/iffing him by fhewing the teuth oft0/e gra-
ces within us, be wail flee froms us.

3 That we onghs by all mecanes to labour and endevour for
the fame, abounding daily therein, growin and encreafing in
them more and more, that thus we WAY MARE OKT calling and
cletlion fure, even have a part:cular afferance of the certain.
ty of our owne falvation. |

Touching the metives enforcing this Exhortatsen togive
diligence to make our calling and election fire , they arc twe,
the former, laide downe in the word Brethren ; the datrer in
the word rather,

For the 1, there are three forts of brethen ; brethren by
race,as were Efawand laceb; brethren by place, as were the
Lfraelites. Andbretbren by grace,as are all Gods children,
which /af # here meant. This word our efpeffle ufeth to
tnfinuate himtelfe into their refpects , thereby manifefting
both his bumilitie, bis mildne fe, and his affection , as

forcible perfwafions and motives to jucite them unto the per-
formance ofthis Exbortasion , whence. appearcth his grcat
wifedome and ds (cretion, in ufing fuch gentle mcanes to.gaine
their affections.

The maine thing tobe obferved,isthis,that

There is a privituall kinred and brotherbood among Chri. |

Shiaxs. Iwill declare thy name among amy bretisren, {aid Da-

vid. The brethren which are with me, unto the Churches of
Galatia, {aid Pan!. One 35 your Mafter, even Chrift, ara all
je are brethren, faith our Saviour.

- The Reafons hereof arethefe. 1 Becaufe we have one Fa-
ther, which is Ged: 2 One ALother, which isthe Chereb.
3 Ase begotten with one/ced, even the imneors ali feed sf ee

Wor

eee

Verl10.A /pirituall kinred among ft Chriftians.

Word. 4 Have one kinde of fpirituall foode, the Body and
Blood of Chrift. 3 Wave one Medtatour, C brift. 6 Have
one. inherit ance, the kingdome of heaven. . |
Hence it followeth,
1 That thes name 3s not to be at{dained , ay had in fuch
contenspt among ft Chriftians, asst ssin thefe dayes.
2 That eer sbilde of God hath abundance of ksnred.
3° That there onght to be no ftrife and contention among ft
Chriffians,as being brethren, we mult hove one another, live
together in unity and amity ; we mult take one anothers part;
rejoyce at one anothers welfare; grieving at one
gricfe, with Jofeph, with Atefes, with Nehemiah, and Saint
‘Paxl. Oh that we could performe thofe mutuall duties
which our /psrstwall alliance requireth |
For the 2.. It’s laide downe in thefe words, the rather,
which may. bee diverfly #xderfeod, either thus , Seeing
without thefe graces, wee cannot make onr caling and ele-
Elion fare, which thing ts moft needfull , we muff there-
fore the rather by thems give diligence, to get thie a[urance,or
thus, feeing the affurance of our election and vecations fo
comfortable, fo excellent abenefit , therefore the rather wee
muff. give diligence about the fame : Or thus, Seeing fo
aredeceited about their.eletiion and vocation,thcrefore
mnfiwe the rather give diligence to make the fame fare; or
thus, referring the words unto the latter part of this tenth
verfe where itis faid, for sf ye doe thefe things yee frall never
fall, becanfe thie diligence in making onr calling and eleilion
Sire, 13 a meanes to prevent falling away; we mufh therefore
the rather endevour about the fame.. Thus of the former, or
fourth Reafon.. Le _
Touching the Letter, or fift and /aft Reafon, it’slaide down
in thefe words, for if yee dae thefe things yee feall never fall;
for foan entrance foall be miniftred unto you aboundantly,sn~
to the everlafiing kingdome of onr Lord and. Saviour Iefus
Chnift, ©
For the ander fanding of which Reafon, wee are to take
notice of the setapbor here ufed by our -4poft/e, taken fon
. Te

I Theff-2.19.
20.
2 Cor.11.18,

29.
2 Motive,the |
b °

| Thefift Rea-
fon,

eee een aetna

1 Cor.9,24.

[am.3.2.

1 ( Saint Jawses echifyivg the fame, in many. things we offénd

Two parts of
the reafon,

The fist part.

For ifye doe

thefechi

thall never fall.
D.*uch 2s are

enducd with

The perfeverance of the Saints. Chap.t-

[ich as walking er running, doe by one or other accident catch
afal, whereby they are letted and hindred in their courfe,
The life of a Chriffiawisarace,a great prife ts fet before ns, .
even the celefiiall Ierufalem, the kingdome of heaven, the
throge and pallace of tbe great king. We mutt rexne, elle thall
We not obtaine 3 yoa, we mult {2 rune that we may obtaine:
many blockes and rockes lic inthe way , by thofe gifts and
graces of Gods Spirit, we doe at the length attaine the esd
of our defires, hereby anentrance being miniftred unto ts, t1-
torkickingdome. Though at fome time we may receive a fall
or éruife, whereby we may bein {ome fort letted in our
courfe, yet doe we sotfall away totally and finally. But as
they which being letted in their courte by af! , therefore
make the more fpeed, redeeming the time formerly loft:
Even fo, though at fome tines we fall through our fixnes,:

all, ufing the fame word which is here fet downe) yet doe:
wenot /ye fist/, bur hereafter (the fame working together ,
for the beft unto us) ule greater vircumppettion and more dsls-
gence.in the coxrfe of godlineffe , than formerly wee did.
Whente we may thus conceive of our efpoffles meaning,
asifhe had faid, By thefe gifts and graces of Gods Spirit, '
jee foall be preferved from totall avd finall falling away, sf
at any time yee doe fall, by thems yee foall be rasfed mp. agasne, .
and fo at the length obtasne the Rinedeme of beaven.

This Reafor conlifteth of twe. parts. The former concer-
neth the eftare of Gods children inthis life, they doe woz fall
away. The /ateer, their eftate inthe /ife. to come, they obtaine
the kingdome of heaven, and beth thafe, by deing of thefe
things even adding unto their faith,vertne,Grc.

Concerning the 1, their eftate in thislife, they foall mever
fall, that is, totally and finally, forin part, and for a time
they oftex doe. .

Whence this Ob/ervatson may be gathered,that . .

Such as are endued with the gifts and graces of Gods Ao
rit, foall never fall avay, totally and finally, Neither in ieir
Dottrine, by beleving and mainrawsing beresscall opines

which

Verf'10.T be certainty of the Saints perpetuity. V11

which are contrary unto the Word of God, or in their life and
conver{ation, leading the fame otherwife than becommerh the
Gofpel. There may be, I confeffe, evenin the bef of Geds
childrew,apartiall and temporary defeflion, bothfrom /ome
part of Dottrine, and fome part of Obedience, as the exam-
ples of Noah, Lot, David, Solomon, Peter, with others , doe
witnefle ; but this their defection and falling away, isneither
rotall nor final.

They may ( as one faith, ) bee ina dead fleepe, yet live:
faint, yet not fasle;be ficke,yet not #nto death ; weather-bea-
ten, yetnot wracked; langnifh, yet not peréfo, In them the
frust of faving faith: may be fora time /xppreffed, yet the
reote not /xpplanted, The aét of it may be fufpended, yetthe
habite not eff, it may be ecclipfedto our oof yet buslight
not /effened,or bis conr/e fade, Faith in them may at fome
times be laid to be diminifoed, in regard of the alt, operation, |
exrernall fruits, fenfe and apprehenfion of st, but not in regard
of the babite and fubftance of the /ame.. The Elect thus can-| —
not poflibly fal away. This truth may be confirmed by di-
vers teffimsonies of Scripture. He thatdoth shefe things (faith
David ) fall never. be moved, that it; be thas: performeth the
farementioned dutics foall never pevifo, but undonbredly bee
faved. Whofoever is borne of God,{{ath$.Johx doth not com-
muit finne, for his feed remaineth inhim, and he cannot finne,
(thatis, wnto death by falling away totally and finally: from
God ) becanfe he is borne of Gode And againe 5 They “ment -
ont froms ws, but they-werenst of us, fer if they bad .beene of
us, they would no donbe have continued with us, but they went
ont, that they might be mamfeft, that they were not all of us. |
There foall avife falle Chrifts, aud falfe ‘Prophets » faith our | Mat.2¢. 24.
Savisnur, and foall few great fignes and-worders : info much |
thar ifst were poffible( note, sf it were pofftble ) they frall de- |
eive the very Elect. Whencemay be concluded that sts im-

polfible that the Elect frould perifh, that thesr bappine fe foould , a
be loft , thar they foould fall away corally and firaly. Diversforts of |.
' +» The Reafone:of.chis Deftrive ase -of davers forts. The | reafonsp-oving |.

t may be taken frm Ged. The 2ftown Obriff- “The 3 fkom | ‘Scare

the gifts and
graces of Gods

pirit fhall nes |
ver fall away
totally and’
finally,

Plal.sg.$.

1 Toh 3.9.

1 Tok 2 39,

3
Ner.31.3.

Rom.8.39.

4
I Pet.1+5,

The certainty of the Saints perpetuity. Chap.1.

the Holy Ghoft. The4,from the Word of God, The 5 and
laft from the chsldren of God. Orbers might be preduced and
mentioned, but let tha/é inifice. |

The firft Reafowis taken From God , concerning whons
divers things are to be confidered, all confirming this porn ;
namely, 1 Hisdecree, 2 Hisksowledge; 3 Hislove ; 4 His
power. § Hiswill. 6 His promufes. 7 His Protection.
8 His Covenant. g Thegifts which he beftoweth on his
owae children, :

For the 2, the decree of God, its mentioned by Saint Pax/,
whows hee did predeftinate, thens he alfe caled,and whowe hee
Caled. thems alfa he juftified, and whomsbee juftified, them he
alfe glorified. Now,the decree of God % unchangeable ,-ims-
mutable. Therefore whofeever are elefed, (hall alfo be gle-
rified , ‘they feall not everlaftingly persje. And this our Savi-
omy confirmeth. Yee have not chefen mec, but I bave chofen
Jon, and ordained yox, that you foould goe, and bring forth
Sraite , and that your fruit foeuldremaine. -

For the 2, the kaowledge of God, mentioned alfo by Saint
Paul. The foundation of God flandeth {ure having this feale,
the Lord knoweth thems that are bu. Whence we any thus
Reafon, If the Ele may perife and fall away, then may God
erre sn his knowledge, be ceived in his judgement, but that's
smpoffible, therefore foall not the EleR perifo, and fall a-
way.

For the:3, the love of God, mentioned by the Prophet Ze-
remiah, Ibave loved thee with an everlafting love, there-

Sore with loving kindnefjehave I dravne thee. If Gods love
towards his owne children, be an everlafting dove, then is it
impoffible that his children fhould fall away sotally and fi-
nally : even fuch as areendned with faving graces : but the
former is moft certasne, (which Saint Pas! likewife confir-
meth.) Therefore alfo the /arrer.

For the 4: the power of Ged mentioned by this our e-fpo-
file, We are kept through the power of God, by faith, unto fal~
vation, which out Seviowr likewife confirmeth, 7g aan
ts able tq plucke chem one of my Fathers bande... |

For

- Verle 10.The certainty of the Saints perpetutty.

| For the 5, the wall of God mentioned by our Saviour Chriff,
This 6 the Fathers will which hath fent me, that of all, which
he hath given me,1 foould lofe nothing but fhouldraifest up at
the laft day ; and this is the will of him that fent me, that eve-
y one that feeth the Sonne, and beleeveth on him, fhould
aveeverlafting life, and [will raife him up at the laft day.
Now this being the wil of God , who us able to refift the
fame ?

For the 6, His promifes, mentioned by Ieremiah , Iwill
pat my fpsrit into their hearts fo that they foall not depart
from me. Now, Gods promifes are in Chrift Iefin, yea, and
Amen, even infallibleand undoxbred, he himfelfe being faith-
fuk which bath pronsifed.

Forthe 7, His protettion and prefervation mentioned by
Saint Paxl,Who fhall alfe confirme you unto the end , that yce
may be blamelefle inthe day of our Lord Iefus Chrift: where-
unto agreeth that of the P/alwsift, though he fall, hee foalkgot
be utterly caft downe, for the Lord npholdeth bins with bis
fend. And againe, The Lord upholacth all chem that love

£18.

For the 8, Thecovenant of God, made with bis owne chil.
‘Gren, mentioned by Leremiah, I will give them one heart; and
one way,that they may feare me forever; and I will make an
everlafing covenant with them , that I will not turne away.
rom them todve them good, but Iwill put my feare in thesr
hearts, that they foall net depart from me.

For the 9, The ifts which be beftoweth on bis owne chil-
dren, mentioned by Saint ‘Paal, Tbe Lifts and calling of God
ave wsthout repentance, having given them, he doth not take
them «way. By all which it followeth, that the Ele, that
they which are endued with the forememtioned graces, cannot
fad away totally and finally,cannot perifo everlapingly. Thus
Of the fiz /# Reafon. ,

Thefecend Reafon, may betaken from Cbré#,concerning

this poise. 3 The end of his comming intothe world. 2 The
end and merite of his death. 3 His love unto the
I 4

whom divers things likewife may be confidered, confirming | gy

Eleé.
The

6
Ter. 32.40;
2 Corz.206
Heb,10.23,

7
3 Cor,7.8,

Pfal, 37.24.

Plal 149.203

§ :
Ter.3 213 994060

>.
Rom, I329e

The fecend
id into

I
ob.3, 56.
I Toh.q.9.

B Tim, 1.35.

3
Col,3.21.

3
Toha 53 1

4
Ioha 177 2Qe

T he certainty of the Saints perpetuity.Chap.1-

4 The ixfeparable union betweene bins and them. § His |
care and watchfulne ffe over the Ele&. 6 His effettwall pray-
er for thems.

For the 1, The end of his consming into the world, it’s fet
forth by bim/elfe, that whofoever beleeveth in him thould not
pers(b,but have everlafting life, and by his beloved Difciple,
that we might live through him: confirmed alfo by Saint Paul,
Chrift lefts came into the world to fave finners. Therefere
whofoever beleeveth in him foal not fal away totally > finally,

For the 2, Thc exd and merite of bis death, {er forth by
Saint Pant: Aud you that were fomctimes alienated, and ene-
meses in your minde by wicked werkes, yet now hath he recon-
ciled, in the body of his flefa through death,toprefent yon holy
and unblameable,and unreproveable in his fight. This being
the end aud merit of his death, it’s impo ffible that thofe whons
he hath reconciled unto Ged, prefested holy and unblameable,
and unrepreveablein bis ight, foonld fal away totally &- finally.

Forthe 3, The love of Chrift nnto bs Elect, mentioned by
Saint lobn Having loved his evne which were in the world, he
loved them unto the end. Now if the /ove wherewith hee
loveth his Elec beean erernall and everlafing love, how is
it polfible that they foould everlaftingly perifo ?

For the 4, The infeparable union berweene Chrift and bu
Ele ; ofwhich our Saviour (peaketh. J pray xot for thefe
alone, but for thems alfowhich fball beleeve in me, through
their words, that they may all be one, as thow Father art sn
rac, and Tin thee, that they alfo may be one in mt, and that glo- }
ry which thou given me, Ihave given theme, that they may be
oneeuen at we are one,] inthee,amd thon in'me, thut they -
be made per fe tt ix one. Such beihg the xxion of the Elec? wit
hiw,they being branches of this Vine , members of this Body,
Stones built upon this foandation, it's smpoffible that they can
fall awaytotally and finally.

For the 5, His care and warchfulneffe over the Elett |
whereof he b:ns/e/fe {peake h: 4d J give unto them eternall

18. | défe, andthey foall never perifh, neither foall any man plucke

thens.out of wey band. And againe, Vpon this Rocke ( that is,,

faita.)

they may not fall away, they undoubtedly fall not fall away:
but Chrift prayeth for the Ele®,that they may not fall away,
to wit, totally and finally. The confequence of the propofti-
on is, evsdent, becaute the Father will sot deny the Sonne any
thing. By all which it followeth thac the Ele& cannor fall
away totally and finally, foall net perifo everlaftingly. Thus
of the fecond Reafon. .

Thethird Rea/on may be taken fron the hely Gboft, con- | branchedinto
cerning whows three things are to be confidered confirming | three particus
this posnt. 1 Hoss perpetual! manfion, and cohabstation with lars.
the Hichfill 2 Hs operation and worke in the faithfull,

3 ThetefPimony and wstnefe which hee giveth unto them,
in whom he dwellerh.

For the 1, hs perpetuall manfion and cebabitation in the r
fairhfnll, mentioned by Saint Iobn. But the annointing which | * loka 2.27.
Jeehave received of him, abideth in you, and yee need net that

man teach yo, but as the fame annosnting teacheth you
ofall things, and ts truth, and ss no le, and even as it bath |
taught jem ee foali abide in him. Andagaine, His feed re- | Ulohn3.9,
waineth in bin, and be cannot finne ( thatis, uxto death )
becaufe he ss borne of God. Whereunto Saint Pas! agreeth.
Know ye not that yee are the Temple of God, and that the Spi-
rit of God dmelleth in you. Now,the holy Spirit perpetuadly
dwelling in the faithfull, it’s impoffible they frould everla-
tingly persf>, . .

For the 2, The operations of Gods Spirit ix the faithful, 3
They are dsvers: he doth regenerate us. So ss every one that | Tohn 3.8.
4s borne of the Spirit, hee doth wath,fanctifie, and juftifie us. | » Cor.c.3.
Bat yee are wafbed, but yee are fanblified,but yee are juftified ;
sn the Name of the Lord lefus, and by the Spirst of God, yea, Tohn 16:13
he doth leade ns mta all.trush , and affift usin the porfor-

.I2 . mance.

| antes |

116

ment; 16,

The fourth,
I Pet. 1.23 e

1 Cor.35, 19s

The certainty of the Saints perpetuity.Chap.1-
mance of holy duties. Therefore cadnot the faithfull fall

AWAY.

ror the 3, Zhe teftimony and witneffe which the Spirit gi-
veth unto us, it’s mentioned by Saint Pax’. The Spirit st

Selfe bearceh witneffe with onr fpirits, that we are the children
of God. By all whichit followeth, that the Eleft cannot fall
away totally and finally. Thus of the third Reafon.

Fhe fourth Reafon is taken fromthe word of God, laide
downe by this cwr epoftle: Being borne againe not of cor-
rupteble feede, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which
liveth and abiderh for ever. Now the Word of God, being
thus permanent, and incorruptible, it’s smpoffible that they
which are begotten thereby, foould fall away totally and final-
4y, Thuscf the fourth Reafon. | .

The fift and laff reafon,may be taken from thie chifdren of
God, concerning whom five things are to be confidered. |-
1 Their miferable and wretched eftate, if they could fall a-
way totally. and finally. 2 The affyrance and perfivafion
whic they have of their owne/a/varisn. 3 The certainty
which they have of the grfts and graces of Gods Spirit with-
inthem. 4 Their vséberse over the Drve/l,the World , and
their owne corruption. 3 Their daily and earacft prayer ur-
to God; all which ferve for the confirmation cf. this
‘point,

For the 1, their msferablé and wretched eftate if they could
fall away totally and finally. For here they are molt /xbjef
untocroffes and troxbles, they aremolt exercifed with affs-
éson and perfecution, Now 2s Saint Pax/ faith in axsther
msatter,if in this life onely we Gave hope in Chrift,we are of all
men mofi miferable. So fay 1, the €/e# being here continu-
ally ina manner under the croffe, ifst were poffible tharthey
Should fall xway totally and finally, were the y not of all oth:rs
the moft miferable? |

For th: 2, The affurance which they have of their owns fal-
vation: If upon good grennd and evidence, they are able to
demonfirate this afferance,as in the former part of the verfe
they are enjoyned thereunto, then followerh it, chat they caiv-

, not

Verfe 10. The certainty of the Saints perpetuity.’ in

not totally and finally fall away, el{e were their affarance , no
dffurance, ucither Gods, graces, any true groand for this 4/[x-
YAnCe.

For the 3, The certainety which they have of the gifts and\' 3
graces of God. The reafon is fet downe in the very Doctrine
of the Text, if ye doe the/e things, yee foall never fail, wad may
bethus framed, Sach as have the gifts of Gods Spirit withsn
them foall never fall : but the Elett have the gifts and
graces of Gods Spirit within them, therefore they feall never
fall. Orthus, Such as are traely fanttified cannot fall away. }
Such as have the gifts and graces of Gods Spirit are truely
fanthfied. Therefore they cannot fallaway,

For the 4,2 hes victory over the Divell,the World , and 4
their owne corruption. If they are vittorions over thefe , then

-Clorious over thofe, over the Devil; above all taking the Eph.6,16.
darts of she wicked. Over the world, Ths « the vittory | 1 10h.5,4.!

. . . ee Gal.§.1 Se ;
-| [bse I fay then, Watke in the Spirit, and ye foal noe fut fil the :
Lnfts of the feta, Therfore they cannot fall away totally &-finaly.

For the 5, Their daily and carneft prayer anto God , from 5
which we may thusreafon. Whatfoever we aske fi God sn the | {ohn 16.23.

Mat6.1I Ze
fall away totally & finally,u agreeable unto Gods wih; therfore °

frver forme objeftions we arealledeed againkrthis Dotvine. | :

113 Objections againft Saints perpetuity anfwered.Chap.1-

gan
Objet. Ob. 1. But may fome fay, if the Ele could not poffibly
. fall away, then why are there fo many admonitions and
‘exbortaticns to {uch as frand, to take heea lcft they fall, and
why are there fo grievons commsinativns threatned again{t.

. {uch as doe fall away? |

Solus. | eAnfw. 1. Becaule the Ele may fall, though their fals
be not terall, or fivall. 2 Topaint out the fearefal ftate of

Neb.10.25- incurable hypocrites for whom finaing wilfully, there remas-

| neth no more facrifice for finne. 3 Toawakenthe/fecsre and
carelefe, that they may take heed unto themfelves, 4 Be-
caufe Geds childresx the more they take heed unto them- |.
felves, the more they make thesr calling and eletlson fure.

Obj. 06.2. Bat we reade of divers, which being great profe/-

a Petezes.22 | fori did totally and finaly fall away, denying the Lord that

°"* | baxghe them, as degges, returning ure rheir vemit , {uch as
| Demas, Hy meenaus, Alexander, with others. :

Solut. einfw. The gifts and graces which they feemed to have,
were nottr#e,but onely in foew. They were never trwe/y and
effetiualy fanilified, but onely in thesr owne, and inthe ops
ion Of otbers.

ObjeS. . 06.3. But did net David and Peter totally fall away, |.
in fo much that if their repentance had been prevented by |.
death, they fhould have perithed everlafting/y.

Solus. | Anfw. Bothef them did fearefully fall, were crievonfly |
wounded, yet neither was their fall fxal/ nor total’. The
feed caft into the ground,lies there bid fur a time, is it there-
fore dead ? the Sunue ecclipfed,, willie not therefore bine ?

Simil, the josp covered with waves, is it therefore pe7s/bed ? the fire

covered with a(bes, is,it therefore exringus(bed ? a man ina
deepe fleepe,is he therefore dead ? Thus was their faith at
thistime.

: Ojelt. Ob. 4, Butdoth not this Doéfrize opena doore to carnall

prefuneprtion and fecsritie, yea, libertie, aS it were unto wer

| to commit the like /iwxe ?

Solnt. efnfw. Itdoth not, it maketh altegether againtt pre/saep-
tron. fecuritse or defperation, yea,isthe chiefelt ftop binde-
ricg men from consmetting of finne, Th

erfe x o.Profitable nfes of the S. aints perpetusty.

_—_e

The es of this point ase fore fold.

\ For dnftratlion, 1 we may note from hence, a maine diffe-
-| rence betweenethe E/e@ andthe Reprobate, the chsldren of
God, and wicked men, and that,beth inregard of grace, and
the continuing in grace. They differ in regard of grace, be-
-caule the wscked have no trae grace, which the god/y have;
what wicked men have, it isbur in bypecrife, not in fxcersty;
itis but /censing and counterfeit, not (wbfantiall and reall ;
being cloudes withous water, trees withent fruits: but what
the god/y have, it is really, it isin fincerity. Though grace
in many of them may be/wwall, and faith weake, yet itstrae,

itisin fincerstie. They differ alfo in their continuance and

perfeverance in grace. The wicked doc not continue, even in

their feeming graces, whereas the godly , they continae and

perfevere, The wicked uponthe leaft occafton, change their
fasth into infidelsty, their love,into batred ; their patience,

Into tmspatience ;. thus fhewing themfelves to be éxé/¢ on a

Sandy foundation. Butthe godfy doe ever in the very timeof
danger and extremitie , abide in the truth, thus thewing

themfelves to be 4«:/t upon the Rock, As Extychus by his fal!
for thetime lay ftarke dead, and Els irreceverably breke his

neck fo the wicked fall away totally and finally. But the god/y,

(as Mephibo foerh by his fall becane ‘ame ) through their

fals, may become dame for atime, and halt, but not to their

rx.ne. The wicked they may fall away rorally and finally at

alltcmes : the godly at notsme, The wicked they may guste

be deprived of the favour of God, butthe godly, they cannot

lofe the fame. The wicked, they are in continuall danger of
deftruttion ready preyes unto the Devill,butthe Lord sphol-

deth his owne children. 2. That fuchas would be kept from

fisal Apoftafie, and faling away, maft get Gods graces plan-

tedintheir bearts, muft geta particular affurance of their

fanklification, juftification, vocation, and elettion, for having

thofe, they bail never fall away.

For Reprebenfiex, 1 Vntotuchasthinke it pofible for the
Etetl 10 fall away totally andfinally, whole folly, vanitie, and
blafpbemy, che former Reafons doc plainly manifeft. s Vn-

' 4 to

139 |

Vies of Inftru-

Aion.
cf

Iude vert 2 e

A@.20.9.

1 Sam.4..3 8
2 San.4..¢s

Vifesof Repre-
henfion

I
3

120 Profitable ufes of the Samnts perpetuity.Chap.1 E

tofuch, as alledging that they ave certaine of t beir falvation ;
gather the ground of their certasaty from their owxe merits
and deferts,and not frem the gifts and graces of Gods Spirit
3 withinthem. 3 Vutofuchasbeing donbefall of their falva- |
tion, in danger of falling nh doe sotmithfandine goe on
in theis evil counfes, not / OuTINE and endevouring for the
gifts and graces of Gods Spirit, by doing of which, they foal
never fall.
The ule of For Confolatsen unto all Gods children, affantted by the
temprations of the Devil, terrified by the prickes of their |
confcsences , caft downe through the confiderariox of their
manifold finnes, being endued with the forementioned graces,
they foall never fal. Thy finnes indecd deferve that God
Should bumble and terrifie thee much more, yca, torment
thee in the fire of Hell with the Devil and his Angels ; but
be is fasthfull which hath premifed, thou foalt never fall.
What can be more comfortable toa Malefattor, than a Par-
don of his offence? Whatmore welcome unto a CVarriner
in atemspeftnons fiorme, than faire weather? What more
defired of one daxgeroufly ficke,than Lealth? or of one led
into prifoxfor debt, which he is #nable to pay, thana releafe?
and what more comfortable, or welcome unto thee, than this
fwcet and melodious fpeech, Thon foalt never fel a-
WA).
tation For Exbortation, 1 Vato examination. I have even now
I laide open and explaned unto you, one of the/weerc/? comforts
that isin Gods Booke, looke yeeto it, confider well thereof,
whether or not it belongeth unto you: fure Iam , it pertai-
neth notuntothe blafpbemer of Gods Nawse, the prephaner
of Gods Sabbath,the murtherer,thiefe, adultererenvdicus per-
Son, yea, unto none that doth not truely repent him of bis fins;
being of this number, certainly this comfort dorh not belong
unto yox, but having the leaft meafure of faving grace, it
2 doth. 2 Vnto bxmiliation for our manifold fals from time
_ | totime, abouring and endevouriny to refermse whatfoever
.| is amiffe, and toconforme our {elves altogether to the will of
3 God. 3 Vintoaferious /edcwr, and diligent endevexr for the

gifts

erf.r0. Profitable nfes of the Saints perpetuity.

gifts and graces of Gods Spirit, whereby we may 4f/ere our
felves of our perfeucrance in wel-dosng unto the end ; yea,
unto the daily praétife of thofe graces, behaving our felvesas
temsples of the hely Ghoft, as members of Chrift, ag the chih.
dren of God, evenas {uch, which are upholden by the Spirit of
God, undonbted heires of the kingdome of heaven. 4 V-nto
thankefulneffe for that eftate whereuntothe Lord hath called
us, that being now /anthified by Gods Spérst, endued with true
faving grace, we can never totally ana finally fall away.Thus
of the former part of the reafox , even that which concer-
neth the efate of Gods children in thie life, they foal never fak
away, followeth to {peake of the /atter,theic effate in the
isfe to come, they. obtaine the kingdome of heaven,
~ Concerning the 2. then, their effate in the life to come, ehey
obtause the kingdome of heaven, even that. everlafting king-
dome ef eur Lord and Saviour lefus (, briftas it’s laid downe
in the 11 verfe, in thle words, For faan entrance feall bee
minifired unto you aboundantly, into the everlafting king-
dome of our Lord and Saviour fefus Chriff.
; In the fift verfe, Ged doth require of us, te adde wnto our
faith, vertne, unto our vertue , knowledge, Oc. to minifter,
Sapply, and furnifs our faith, with thofe other, graces: yea,
to aide and fispport it with the fame ; (asthe wordss the ori-
ginall doth alfo fi '¢sifie ) exhorting us withall re give all ds/s-
£ence, to fet our whole endevours, to {trive with might and
maine to the performance hereof, that both we may. obtaine
them, and they abound in-us. Now inthis verfe hee promi-
feth us, that if wee doe this labour-and endevoxr,toadde,
furnith, minifter,and fupply , aide. and {upport our fash
with thofe graces,doing what in us/zth to obtaine the /ame,
he will d/effe,belpe , and farther our labours and exdevonrs
oy beftowing upon ws, his Spirst, by adding unto our faith,
thofe graces which he requirethto bein , by ssiniffring,
furnifoinz, and fapplying them unteus , yea, by ading and |-
Supporting us continnally and plentifully, again{t the Devil,
the world, and the Fue :. which aboundantly /abosr. to
keepeus from getting them, and deprive usofthem, when.|:
we ©

Difficulties in performing Gods fervice, Chap.1-

we have get them, whereby at the length, wee being here
mensbers of the Church militant, of che kingdome of grace,
may hereafter be members of the Church triumphant, of the
kingdome of glory, even that everlafting kingdome of Chrift
Le{us, purchafed unto #s by bins, beftowed upon ss For his
fake, who % beth onr Lord and Saviour, Though of eur
felves we be weake, might quick/y fall away, and fo be depri-
ved of che kingdome of heaven, yet our God is ftrong, hecis
| peresfull, he will frernif us with grace, whereby wee may
walke in that way that /eadeth thercunto, and thereafter o
\ taine the fame. A fentence moh confortable, amotive molt
forcible to perfwade unto holy daties. The chiefef reafon
which menand women alleadge againft the performance of
them , is the dsfficwltse aad smpoffibiliry to performe them.
Mat.19.2¢. | Thus doththe coversns alleadge, [t 1 bard for a rich man te
exter inte the hingdeme of Ged. Itis now teo late for mee, to
withdraw mine affethions frone the things ofthis worldmy heart
13 fo clued unto it, chat it will be i an: fer mets withdraw
it, and therefore st s¢ but vaine end foft-t our for me to [et a-
bent it. Thisthe drunkard doth alleadge. It s smpoffible for
4 Blacke-More to change his colexr, or a Leopard his fpottes,
impoffible for a Deoege net toretarne nate his vomit, ora Sow
not to wallow in the myre. I have followed this conrfe, the
moft part of my time, my natural defires are bent unto it, my
fellow-comspanions wcither will forfake me , neither can I ever
fovfakethem, and therefore it willbe but in vaine for mee te
thinke of fobrietie. Thisdeththe prephaner of Gods Sabbath
alleadge, both for geing about his worldly bufineffes, and his
paftimes on that day, I have done thus alwayes, I foa hardly
[pare any time upon the weeke dayes, and therefore tt will bee
but in vaine for me tethinke of the firitt obfervarion of the
Sabbath. This doth the maticions and envious perfon alleadge
why he fhould not Jove his seighbour, There hath beene con-
tention berweene us, thefe many weekes or yeeres, he bath done
me fo many and fo great wrongs, that I foak not poffiblie love |
him, and therefore st wil be but in vaine for mero thinke hdd:
I can love hire: This doth the Adulrerer, this doch isk
Tihasefe

Verf-10.

objeéted and anfwered.

Thiefe, this doth the Swearer, this doth the Jdo/ater, chis
doth the Ignorant, this doth the /mspatient , this doth the
_Inspemstent, this doth every Sinner alleadge to keepe him-
‘felfe from yeelding obedience unto Ged, ( | appeate unto your
owe confciences, whether you have not thus many 4 time

foothed up your /¢/ves, lulling your felves afleepe in the bed |.

offecsrity.) There’s an anfwer unto every of your cbjecti-
ons, ( which is the gexeraB obfervation arifine from the
words ) that God will aboundantly further {uch in the perfor-
mance of holy duties which with ab diligence, fet. themfelves
about the (ame. No man can fet himfelfe about the per-
Sfermance of holy daties, but he thall meet with many and
great impediments, the Devil, the World, his owne corrnp-
tons, outward cre ffes, inward troxbles and the dike, neither
is any wan of bim/felfe able to encounter the leaf}. of thofe,
what then fhall we doe? Shall wenot fet our felves about
the performance of them atall, becaufe wee fhall meet. with
{uch dertes and oppofitions, which weare not able to refift ?
farre be ic from us : Onr belpe flasdeth in the Name of the
Lord, he will undoubtedly further us.inthe performance of
them, i€ with all diligence, we fet our felves about the fame.

i Likewife the Spirit alfo (faith Saint Pant ) belpeth our infir-

: meitics, for we now not what we fbould pray for as we ought.
It is God which worketh in us, bothto will and to doe’, of hie
good pleafure. eAnd Iwill give them oneheart, and one way
(faith the Lord by bis Prophet ) that they may feare mee for
ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them,
For this canfe, the father of the poffeffed childe faid, Lord I
beleeve, helpe thou my unbelecfe, For this caufe the eApeftle
Pan/ writeth unto the Corinthians, that God would alfo con-
forme them unto the end, that they might be blameleffe in the
day of our Lord Jefe Chrift ; andto the Philippians, Being
confident of this very thing, that be which bath beonn a good
worke in you, will performe it, untill the day of lefus Chrift ;
andto 7smothy, Confider what I fay,andthe Lord give thee
| uxderflanding ix all things. Thus did the Lord further Lydia
in faith, The Lord opened ber heart, that foco attended wnte
| the

323

For fo an en-
trance, &ec.
D.Ged will
abeundantly
further fuck in
the perfor !
mance of holy
duties, which
withall dilis
gecce,(etthems
felves about

Pfal.324.8,

Rom,8.36- |

Phil.2.13.
Ter.3 2.39.

Mar.9,24.

3 Cor.1.8.

Phil. 3.6.

2 Tim 2.7,

AX.16.140

a nnn eee

Gen.3 9.8.
3 Sam.25,32.
a

19.20
A&.16.15.

A&.7.60.

| fon or fault, for as much ache was fait
"| any erronr or fanlt found in him. Thus did hee further

| and it foal be opened unto yor. 3 Becanfeif Ged did not fur-

God furthereth his owne children, Chapt
the things that were fpoken of Paxil. Thus did he further
Dastel in his vertuons lifeand converfation, he did to wife-
/y and faithfully carry himfelfe in his place, rhat. alsbexgh the
‘Prefidents and the Princes, fought to finde \occafion agaiv/t
“‘Damel concerning the kingdome,yet +P could finde no occa-

Ul, neither was there

David in knowledge, bothtowards God, Ihave more under-
landing, than al my teachers, for thy teftimonies are my me-
astation, and towards his neighbour , 67 behaving himfelfe
more wifely, than allthe fervants of Sanl , fo that his name
was much fet by. Thus did he further the Erhsopsan Exnuch
in knewledge.

- Thus Jofeph in temperance, by abftaining from adalrene,
David by. abftaining from the marshering of Nabal and
Saul; and in withdrawing himfelfe from the company of
vaine perfoxs. Thus did he further Jeb in patéence, notwith-
ftanding of all hiscroffes and offes: Thus etboraham, Let,
and Lydsa in bretherly kinducfe,thatby forasble perfwafions,
they drew gauehs unto them. Thus did he furthér Ste-
phen in love, that whilft his exemsses were ftoning of biws , hee
kneeled dewne, and cryed with a lordeveyce, Lord lay net
this finne te their charge. Andas in thefé, fo I might inltance
about.prayer, hearing of the Word , receiving of the Satra-
ments, T hanke/giving unto Ged,and the /ske,that if wee doe |
diligently {et our {elves about them, God will undoubtedly
further us, ia the performance of the (ame.

The Reafons hereof arethefe, 1 In regard of Gods nature
mercifull, and pittifull cowards his owne children; ready an
willing to helpethem atalltinses. 2 Inregard of Geds pro-
mife, aske and you foal have, feeke,and you oak finde, knocke,

ther us, it were smpofible for us to be faved, having fo wany
CHNBLES, {o many lets, the-/eaft of which of our fel ves Weare
not 4b/e to vanquish.

Hence we are informed,
_ ¥ How ssjurions thofe are unto Ged,

W complaine

erfax. inthe performance of bis fervice. 125

of his bard dealing towards them , in prefcrsbing his Law.
What doth he require of thee, wherein he bim(e/fe is not
both ready and willing to helpe thee ? Pharaoh dealt other-
wife with the J/racites, ever whom he fet Taske-mafters: :
churlifo maffers deale otherwife with their fervants, ex-
acting more of them than they are ableto doe, but Ged re-
quireth no more of thee, than wherein he bim/e/fe will be/pe
thee, rather than thou fhalt peri God will xphold thee; ra-
ther than thou fhalt /eave good-duties wndone, the Lord will
helpe thee in dosng of them ; rather than we fhall »ot pray, he
will teach us bow to pray , as our Saviour taught bis Difci~
ples rather than Paxil fhall be difcourage in regard of
thofe that forfooke bim, G OD will afift, and . flrengthen
8993, ,

2 How wretched and miferable thefe are which will have
none of Gods helpe. God calleth upon them: but chey-will not
beare, he offereth tobelpethem, but they will have none of
his affiftance, they cheofe rather to continue in their angodly
and eviil courfes,' than to yee/d unto the veyce of Gods Word,
calling upen them. It’s tobe feared that {uch (and éf there
be any (uch among you, take notice of st ) fhallbe given over

ante a reprobate minde,unto an bard heart , whereby they
fhall everlaftingly perio. ;

3 That,whereas,we have heretofore omitted that which
is good, committed that which isevid, now we fhould exde-
vour to performe that which is goed,omit that which is eusll,:
affuring our {elves of Gods afiftance in both, Thus of the!
werds in gencrall as being a reafox Of the preceding Exhorta-
rion. Come we now te fpeake of the fame in particular. In
them two things are to beconfidered. 1 The reward which
God beftoweth on his cwne children, 2 The meanes where-
by they ebtaine the (ame. _ fe.
“Touching the former, thereward. which God beftoweth
on his ownecthildren, it’sa kingdome, even the everlafting

kingdome of onr Lord and Saviour lefus Chrift ; Feare net

Little flock, ( faigh our Sa viour ) For st your Fathers pleg-

Sire to siveyon the kingdome a kingdemse , not terre ial, |
ue

Exod.s.18,

dren,
Luc, 32-3 Ze

co OmPGEER be wena UE- Maer 8 + 7—: Oem « . ek.
tear en es pee eet ea ee °

Rom.14-17:

Plal.206¢
are effettmally nd
l wore /#?
mg cls3 PF

3
are

lyet
ds inthe following WO” *
ab get pave not WE

erf-1.0. Hope of glory an incitement untegrace.

from entring in; yea,by the growth in theft graces anaboun-
dant entrance is moreand more fupplyed.

Thus by knowledge are we entréd into the light of Chrifts
kingdome,and by encreafe in knowledge are weled into grea-
ter light. Thus by faith ave webrought to the prefence and
fellow frip of Chrift,and as our faith groweth, we encreafe in
that Silom lip. Thus by gedlinefe are we broxght to the.
Subjettion and obedience which is in Chrifts kingdome:: and
the wore we abound in godlinefJe,the further we make. en-
trance into his kingdome, Thus by brotherly love,and tempe-
vance and patience,are weentredinte the Gonder of Chrifts
kingdome, and the {weet affections that are exercifed there-
in ; and the swore that we encreafe in thefe bleffed graces,
the further we enter into the kingdome.

Thus by charitie, that is,by werkes of mercy are we brought
into the PrecinGs of the kingdome, and the more that wee
Srewinthefe werkes,the further weenter imtothe kingdome;
the like may be {aid of vertwe,

From thofe two pertienlars,thus explained unto you, this
general obfervation may be: gathered,t!

The confideration of that great and glorions reward , which
God bath prepared for hss owne children, foould incite and pro-

Geds Spirit, whereby we may be partakers of the fame glorious
reward, wheefire we (ach hee tpepl receiving aking-
dome which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby wee
may ferve Ged acceptably, with reverence and godly feare,
Agd againe we c d every one of yau,thanye would walke
worthy of Ged, who hash called you unto bis kingdome. Thus
our Saviour doth reafon: But love yee your enemies and do
§oed, and lend, hoping for nothing againe, and your reward
Sroall be great, and yee [pall be the chitdren of the Highef.
And againe, Whofoever foal giveto drinke unto one ofthefs
little ones, acnpofcold water enely, inthe name of aDiftiple,
verily Ifay unto you,be {ballin no wife lofe bis reward. Thus
Saint Isha his beloved Difciple; Looke to your felves, that
_| we lefe nevshofe things which we have wronght, but that wee

voke us, t0 labour and endevonr for the gifts and graces of | bath

receive ©

127

intite usince
race,
that are may

partake ofthe

Heb. 12.28,
1 Theff.z.126
Luc.6.35+

Maz.10.420

2 Toha 8,

\Verfe 11. The excellency of Gods Kingdome. 129

houfe: the fulneffe of jey : the joy of the Lord: the new,holy, P fal.16.11.
and firme ( itie of Ierufalem : the glory of Gods children: reft:
refrefbing : peace : bappixeffe: the crowne of glory, and the
like, Finally,from the properties, and qualities of the fame,
Glorious, powerfull, pure, bappy, permanent , patent for all
Gods children, an everlafting kingdomse , even the kingdome
of Chrift Iefius, As it isin comparifon with others, it excel-
leth; compare the rewards which kings give untotheir ( o#r-
téers berewith, though it were all that they bave, referving
onely untothemfelves Hope, as we reade of e4lexander the
Great: compare it with the rewards which (Maefters give
unto their Servants, Parents untotheir-childres, with the
£ifts which one friend beftoweth upon axether, gold, filver,
precioms foxes, and the /ske, they are in comparifon of sr , as
thofe Cities in Galilee, which King Solomon gave unto the
King of Tyrus were in histight, Cebul, dirtie, not worthy to
be compared beresvith. 4 Inregard of the meanes whereby
we obtaine.it. Which are the gifts and graces of Gods Spirst,
according to that cfour Saviour Chrift, Verily, verily,I fa
unte thee, except a man be borne againe, he cannot feet
kingdome of Ged, whereas without thefe there is no en-
trance into Geds kingdome, as Saint Pas! fheweth at large. |. 1 Gor.6.9,10
Therefore the confiderution of this fo need fall fo profitable, o | |
excellent a reward , which otherwife cannot be obtained,
fhould /#srre us up toexdevour for the gifts and graces ©
Gods Spirit, whereby we a/fo may be partakers of the
fame. | |
Henceitfolloweth. —s.. |
1 That, mot in vaine doth God bere make knowne unto us,
what our effate fhall be hereafter, if we be in the number of
his children; for bereby he doth but the more inflame and
ftirreus up toanendevour after Grace, to the performance
of hely duties , to walke marily of the fame. In temporal
things, there is nota more forcible argument , than hope of
great gaine, whereby the foaidser-is provoked to fight, the
(Marriner to undergoe many tempestuous flormes, the Hyuj-
bandman toendure the heat of the Summer, and the:colde of
K Winter,

1 Pet.5 ge

1 King,9,13.
4

Tohn 303.

T he utility of holy duties, = Chap.r.

the Winter, fo inbeaven/y things, there is nota more forei-
ble motive to enforce Chriftian duties, than the confideration | .
of that great, glorions excellent, everlafting, and unfpeakeable
reward which God hath laide wp for thofe that love kins.

, 2 That awe defire to be partakers of Gods kingdome, wee
muft endevour for the gifts and graces of Gods Spirit , and as
we doe defire to be endued with grace, fo in particular to be
diligent in meditating of Gods Kingdome Oh how much
blame-worthy arewefor our sot meditating of the fame |.
Oh how fools are they, which preferre finne before grace,
and fo by csntinusng in finne, and defpi ing grace, doe deprive
themfelves of Gods kin gdome ! This meditation, (if we would
be diligent therein ) would comfort us inthe midft of Pover-
tie, fickene fe temptations, affisilions, dangers, troubles, perfe-
cutions, tribulations, and the (ske trials ; even, that,norwsth.
franding of them all, we foall snberit Gods kingdome. Thus of
the fixft fort of reafons drawne from the matter whereun
he doth exbert them. :

12 Wherefore I wih not be negligent to put you al-

Vert, ayes in remembrance of thefé t ings , though yee

’ kuow them, and ‘bee eftablifoed in the prefent
truth. | - :

, Thefccond Followeth the (ecosd fort of reafons, taken from the pérfox
i nrewnuche of him which doth exhort them, being in number fowre: The
‘former Exhors | 1 taken. from his refolution, verfe 12. The 2 from his effice
tation. and judgement, verfe13. The 2 from the (hortne ff e of time
wherein he was tolive,verf, 14. The 4 that after his deceafe

2 they might hayethe fumme of Chriftian dottrine comprifed
3 by him, or havein remembrance thofe things whereunto hee
4 ded exhort thems verf. 15: |
‘The firft reas The firft of thefe Reafons is laid downe in thistwelfe verfe,
fon. taken from our Apoffles refodution,to adnsons[b and put them
in remembrance of the fame graces whereunto he had for-
merly exhorted them, | i,

Verle 12. an tncitement thereunto.
Tt may be chus concladed.
Uf after a ferious confideration of the neceffitie and wtsline
of thefe graces,J have fully refolvedwith all diligence alwayes
te put you in minde of the fame, then ought yee diligently ‘te
endevonr for thems.
But after aferions confideration of the neceffity,and nttlity
of thefe graces, have fully refolved with all diligence alwases
to put you in minde of the fame.
Therefore ye onght diligently te endevour for them.
Thar he did /ersox/ly confider of the neceffitie and stslstie
of thofe graces, appearcth from the very firft word, Where
fore, which having re/ation unto the former,cleerely impor-
teth the fame. That he did faely refolve with all diligence
to pat them alwayes in minde of the fame, is no lefle appa-
rant from the fellcming words, Iwill. wot be negligent te pyt
you alwayes in remenebrance of thefethengs , and therefore it
| followeth, as well from hss ferions confiderationof the xece/~
fiste and atilitée of thefe graces, as hisrefolution alwayes. to
pat them in minde of the fame, that it wae their part and duty
with all diligence te exdevour for them.
Now left they might have ebjecfed that they had kvowledge
and werealready f'2b/ifot and confirmed mthe prefent trath,
and therefore had not seed of {uch feper flues admonitions,
| he anfwererh that althengh they were thus grounded and fet-
led, yet he would wot be negligent to put them. alwayes te re-
membrance ofthe/e things, — : |
So then, the words containe areafen, of the former exbor-
tatsen including alfothe prevention of an objeftion about the
fame, Thereafon in thele words, Wherefore I will not be neg-
Ligentto put you alwayes inremembrance of thefethings. The
prevention of the obsechion, in thele, Though yee know them,
and be eftablifoed in the prefent trath, Sp a me,
_ Fouching the Reafon, swe things. are te.bee confidered. | Two things
1 The gromndof it. 2 The matter of ie. The grownd of iris | confideredin
| laid downe in che word wherefore.; namely, the benefit ‘and r
utility whichbe kyem would redoand unto chem by thofe gra- 2 -
ces. Theimacetr af sybeingour Apefites full, ab folate, and
4, K 2

pings»

The utility of boly duties. Chap.

determinate refolution, not tobe negligent, to pat them al-
wajes in remembrance of thefetbings. It’s in effe@,as if he had
faid, Seeing thofe graces whernnto I have already exhorted you
are fo proftrable and needful for you,as I have already foowen,
I willby the affiftance & help of God, dail y endevor alwayes to
pat you in meind of them,that fo growing, encreafing and conti-
ning inthem, ye may in particular be partakers of the great
The ground profit and benefit which doth redound fromthews. From the
of it. ground.of this reafox laide downe in the word wherefore,
Wherefore. | noting(as Lcold you) the benefit and sti/itée which our ¢4-
poftle had found to be in thof¢ graces, whereunto he doth ex-
hort them.

This o6/ervatson-may be gathered, that
D. There isnot There ss not amore forcible argument to per[wade unto the
. more forcible performance of bly duties,than to prepoune the utilitie and

Cs ade unto profit procerdsng from the fame. Fhis made him {o dsligent in

lyduties, | exhorting them herunto; and hereby likewife did he per/wade
meaod che pro: them untoa diligent performance of che fame, Thus Solsmon,
fis arifingfrom | Keepe msy commandementsand live. Heare infiratlion and
the fame, be wife, Bleffed ssthe man that heareth me, watching dail
Pe 433 at my gates, waiting at the pafts of my doores; for whe fafin-

° deth me, findeth life, and foall obtaine favour of the Lord. |.
Thus Mofes, If thon foalt hearken ditigently unte the voyce|
ofthe Lordthy GOD, to obferve and to dse all bis com-
madements: , bleffed foalt'thon be inthe Citie, and bleffed
Pfal 15.9. alfo in the field,oc. Thus David, Hee that dorththefe things | -
1Cor.9.2q. | Seal never be moved. Thus Paal, Sorsnnne that yee may 5
Yohn 8.33. | taine. Thus our Saviour Chrift, If yee continue in my Word, |
then are yee my Diftiples, indeed, and ye foall kpow the truth,
Gen.q.7- and the truth (hall make you free. Thus the Lord’ himfelfe,

If thon doe well foalt thon not be accepted? :

The Reafons hereof are thefe, 1 Becaufe xatwrally wee
affect profie, our mendes are snflamed, andkindled therewith.
Whence it is, that there # no enterprifefalmolt)fe dangerons,
mbich men dare votundcrtake, through the hope of yaine ; as
daily experience foeweth. 2 Becaufe the stilitie and profit
which proceedeth fromthe performance of holy duties , is

) = fuch,

Reafense .

~ 33a

Werle 12. gn incitement thereunto. 133

: | uch, that ét excelleth all other profits, both in the meafre, |
| inthe worth,and inthe contsnnance, all which are extrordi-
_| sary; which mnft needs be fo, becaufe elfe few would (asI
fuppofe) fet themfelveg about the performance of holy duties,
the paines being {o great, the smpediments {0 many , the fa-
boxr more than ordinary. And that thests/tie hereof is {uch
may be thus evidenced. Suchas have got faith,vertne,know-
ledge,cxc.Such as do diligently imploy themfelves heresn,are
reconciled xnto God,redeemed by Chrift affured of their falva-
tion,cannot fall away totally c& finally hall andonbtedly obtain
the kingdome of beaven. And who, I pray you, beleeving and
duely weighing thofe , andthelike benefits, but would for
fuch gaines, undertake even themolt dsfficals and laborious

aines ? -

Hence itfolloweth,that
As the Preachers of Geds Word, doe propound untotheir fe.

.| people the great wtélity and profit of faith, vertue, knowledge,
| and the /ske graces, and of the performance of {uch holy dutses

as God requireth of them, fo they thould thereby be incited
‘| unto an exdevour after thofé graces,uate the performance of
{uch holy duties. But alas how few are there which give eare
unte their words ; which doe not preferve the profits of this
'| world, before that récb, profitable and glorious reward,which
| God hath-latde wp for thofe that love him ? Oh that we could
truely conceive of this profit ! Of this great, sn peakcable,
| profitable, perpetual, excellent, and molt glorions reward !
Oh that we could be 4Bured with this treafure! enamored
‘| withthispearle. The Qusene of Sheba , when foce heard of | 1 King.t0.1.
the wifdome of Solomon, undertooke a long & tedsons journy,
1 The Shepheards when they were informed of the birth of | Luc.%16.
Chrift, went to fee bins, as alfo the three wife men. Weebeare \ MA2-1«
of the prafit of faith, uertue, knowledge,g-c. Why then doe -
not weeexdevear for the (ame ? They are worth onr paises,

we fhall be ficiently recompenced. They are excellent in
‘| themfelves, they will be unto us »off profitable. Vf any of
| you heare of a good bargasne, yee ftrive who ihall be firft:

NOt decesved, creat wthe gaine of godlineffe, God ss slive

: , K 3 r

a
i ”. -

——_—
134. Munifters muft not benegligent -Chap.t.

rall paymafter, a bountiful rewarder , thou fhalt not finde
him a iggard towards thee. Thus of the ground ofthe Rea-
fons.

{ The matter of this Reafon, is out eApofiles refoluticn , not
tobenegligent te put them alwayes tn remembrance of the
Selfe-fame things whereunte he had formerly exhorted thm.
Whercin thete points are briefely to be confidered. 1 The
vice which he aveyderh, negligence, in his callzng, determi-
nately, and abfolurely fetting downe his refclarion, that
hee would not bee negligent. 2 The vertne whereabout
hee doth fer himfelfe , dsligence in bu calling, for not to
be negligent in bis calling, to be diligent inthefame. 3 The
atlion, wherein he would be diligent : to admenifh them , or
put them in remembrance of the felfe-[ame graces, wherennte
he bad already exhorted thems. 4 His conftancse, and perfe-
werance therein, be wenld beinceffantly, continually, alwayes
carefull of the fame.

Forthe 1, the vice which he avoyderh, is negligence in his
caling,and thatin a particular branch thereof, namely, in
- | petcing them in mind, of thefe things which did cencerne their

| falvation, of thofe graces which he found to be beneficial
and profirable un®Othem. Iwill not ( faithhe ) be neg igemt
| to pwr you alwayes in remembrance of the fame things. From
this ail icular, which is but ene part ofa Minifters office,

I inferre this genera//,that

The Minifters of Gods Word ought not to be negligent in
their calling , a Minifter-is a foepheard, and theretore hee
mutt feed his flocke, like a foepheard ; he muff carher the
Lambes with bis arme, and carry them in his bofome,gently
leading thofe which are with yong: bets Gods meffenger, and
therefore muft cry alonde, and not fpare, lifting xp bi voyce
like atrumpet,te fhew people their tran{areffions,and the houfe
of laceb their finnes. They muf? preach good tidings unto the
mecke, binde up the broken-hearted, proclaime libertie to the
captives, the opening of the prifon tothem that are bound. They
weuft root ext and pull downe deftroy and throw downe, butl
and plant. They are watelmen appointed by God, and theres

7 ° fore

membrance of
thefe things.

1 D. The Mimic
fters of Gods '

I(a.g 8.2.

lfa.G3.3~0

Ter.3.306

1 Bzek.3 617%

Verle 12. in their (abing. #35

fore msuft give warning, They are labourers , husbandmen,

tutors, Ambaffadors, and therefore muft not be negésgenr.

This made Saint Paw/ {ay of himfelfe, Wee sunto me, 1f I! 3 Cor.9.16.

preach not the Gofpel: and unto Tissorhy, I charge thee there- | 2 Tita.qute

fove before God, and the Lord Ie{us Chrift, who foalljndae the |

-| guickeand the dead,at his appearing, and his kingdome: preach

the Word pe infiant infeafon, ext of feafon, reprove, rebuke,

exhort with all leng-fiffering and dottrine.
The Reafcxs hereof arethete. 1 Inregard of God,beenjoy-| Reafens.

{ ncth them thatthey fhould not be segisgent ; hee promiferh I
them his a/iftence and furtherance: he threatneth judgements

againftthe negligent : yea, and by segligence great difsononr

is done unto his same. 2 Inregard of them/elves they breake ry
their covenant and promife, made unto Ged when they enter

into that minftry; being zegligent, they are bad examples

unto otbers intheir particular calling, they draw apex them-

felves Godsjudgemsents, yea,their g:fts decayinthem. 3 In 3
regard of their people , hereby they continue in their funes,

hereby they excufe themfelves continuing in them, hereby

they doe everlaftingly perith. 7

Oh then let us by all meanes poffible avoyde this horrible Ffee
finne of carclefneffe and negligence , let us not bee

dogges, delighting in fleepe, let us not bee like anto rho/2,
which looke narrowly to the ficece, but fiarve the flocke ; ha-
vifig thei: Tsthes,care not what becommeth of the fawdes’ of

| chesr pesple: butletus even abhorre this peftiferous vice , as
prejudiciallunto Geds glory, pernicious unto owr felves, and
tending to the deffrctson of our peoples fonles. It is a finne |.
ina Shepheard, not to looke carefully to his feegpe , becaufe
the /ife of the creature isin his hand ; butit isa greater finne

} for a Afin:fer not tolooke carefally to his flocke, the foxles
of his peop/e being in his bana. :

For the a, the vertwe whereabouts he doth fet himfelfe is | » rue Preae
diligence sn his calling , for notre be neglsgent,as I told yOu, | chersof Gods
is to be diligent ,whencenote that | Word mutt bee

The Preachers of Gods Word ought to be diligent sx their di entin their
alling ; fay unto eArchippus (faith Saine Paul ) Take heede | Golg.17¢.
| Ke _

ante

136

Minifters muft be diligent in their Calling-Chap.1 |.

1 Tim, 3 ode

| “Timeg..3 30

2 Tim 2.15.

Reafens.
I

A&.6.4+ °

untothe Miniftery, which thon haft received ef rhe. Lord,
that thon fulfil it. And againe,4 Bi foop(or Preacher ) muft
be vigilant, Andagaine, Zill I come, give attendance to rea-
ding, to exhortation, fo"Dollyine, weglett not the gift that i
inthee meditate on-thefe things; grve thy felfe wholly to them,
take heede unto thy [elfe, and to the dotlrine continne in them,
crc. Andagaine, Study to fhew thy felfe approved unto God,
aworkeman that needeth not be afbamed , rightly dividing
the Word of God. Thus was Chrift in bis, thus were the ef-
pofides diligent intheir Calling.

The Reafons hereof are thefe. 1 Inregard of the great-
neffe of the worke, men and women are not eaf/y brought un-
to a /oathing of finne, untoa love of grace, mans heart us hard
a6 a frone, it will not be cafily mollsfied. The hammer of the
Word mult againe and againe, beate and bruifé the fame.
2 Inregard of thesncertainty of our Jife, the foorter and

| fewer our dayes are, the better fhould they be smsp/oyed. Hap-

py foall we be, sf when onr Mafter commeth, he hall finde us
well doing even diligent in exr cal{sng. 3 In regard of the
greatneft of our reward ,we fhall foine as Starres in the Fir-
mament of God, we fhallgeta crowne of glorie that fadeth.
not away. 4 In regard of the great benefit which hereby re-{
doundeth unto others, eventhe falvatiox of their fonles.
Hence it followeth,that ,
ents the Preachers of Gods Word ought to bee diligent Sos
thesr calling , fo people muft animate and encoxrage thens
suntothis carefulneffe. As Preachers are to withdraw their
mindes from the things of this wor/d,and all other /ets which
may hinder their diligesce,(as we readeof the Apoftles which
for this canfe chofefeven Deacons, which might take care for
the poore) andfothey might give themfelves contmually to
prayer,and tothe Miniftery of the Word: ) So mutt people
avoyde all fuch occafiens , asmay withdraw them from the
fame, miniftring untothems in all good things. IF we mult bee

diligent in {eeking your geod, yee muftlikewile be difigent |

about the fame; as we mult be carefull to preach, fomult ye

{be careful to bearezas we mult abfolutely refolve with our

eApoftle.

erf12. People have need of daily admonition,

et poftle not to be megligent in the performance of our dxtie,
fo muft you «bfo/ntely refelve, not to be wanting unto your
Selves, in the performance of yours. But alas, how many are
there,which preferre the negligent before the diligent,which
thinke the woerfe of their AZ: feers, even for their pasnful-
neffeand diligence ? yea, how many are there likewife which
require di/igence in their Paftors, but (as Pharaohs Taske-
mafters which exatted agreat number of Brickes but thought
st too much to alow fraw) grudge them thelr maintenance:
yca, and ethers there are alfo ( the more’s the pitty ) which
doe fo vexe their AMiniffers with Law-bufineffes , that they
cannot /?xdy, cannot performe that di/igexce which is requi-
red of them.

For the 3, the aéson wherein he doth refolve to be dili-
gent, Or not to be negligent,ss to put thems in remembrance of
thofe graces whernnto Se bad already exhorted them, whence

y be noted, that people have neede againe and againe to be
pat sn minde by the Preachers of Gods Word, of the felfe-
fame duties wheruntothey have been formerly exhorted, even
{ich as know their dutie towards God ana their neighbours,
and acknowledge the Gofpell of Chrift Iefus, with the snfallible
truth of the fame, have need to be put inwind of the felfe-[ame
things, wherein they have beene taught , and wherennto they
have beene fo often exhorted. For this caufe, the Gentiles be-

thems thenext Sabbath. Often did Afofes exhort the people

lites to returne untothe Lord, Often did David invite us to
thankcfulnef[e, and to praife God. Often did our Saviour
prefcribe his Di/ciples to love one another, againe and againe
enjoyning the /ame precept, in the fame werds,as alfo his be-
loved Difciple Iohn in bis Epiftles, Thushere our e<pofile re-
folved:to performe the fame, _

~ The Reafonshereofarethefe. 1 The negligence of moft
hearers in the perfarmance of thofe -daties wheretnto they
are exhorted. 2 Theirforgetfulneffe ofthem. 3 The many
lets and ispédiments which they meet withall in the perfe7-
mance of them. Hence

ties, wherunto

fought Panl, that the fanse words might bee preached nnto | 474
tolove thd Lord, Often did the Prophets call upon the [/rae- | 44

137 3

Exod 5.18.

D.People have
need againe
and againe to
be put in mind
of the fame due

they have been

10.12.& 13,
33.22.8019.

and G07 1Te
2 Iolm §.,

Reafons e
Bf

2
3

The worke of the Maniftery,a daily workeChap. 1

Hence it followeth,that | |
Fe. None onght to be offended with the Preachers of Gods
Word, for sBeir oftex and frequent exhortations unto the fanse
duties. It’s not laxineffe in them ( as many [appofe )but ney-
ligence, carelefneffe,and forgetfalneffe in your felves , who
have as much xeede to be put in minde of the fame things as
King Philsp had, of one to pat hins in minde of death every
day. Wfchou remaineft in thy fixnes, drunkennefe, malice,
covetou(nelfe, (wearing infidelity, and the /ske, haft thou not.
need againe and ayaixe to bedehorted fromthe fame ? yea, if
thou ffandef, halt thou not need to be often admonifbed re
take beedeleft thon fall ?
D.Theworke | Forthe 4, Hi conffancie or perfeverance,alwayes, whence
ofa ainibes note, that the worke of a Minsfter ss continuall, never at an
vrorke aver end folong as be liveth: whenhe hath fiadsed his Sermon,
atan end. . his worke is net thenat ax end, he mutt preach it, neither 1s
then his worke at end, he mutt pray unte God te give a bleffing
unto it, neither is it then at end, he matt prepare himfelfe for
another; befide, he mult vifite the ficke, snffruct the igne-
rant, flrengthen the weake, and the Like.
| Henceitfolloweth,that
Ufe. The worke of the Adinifiry 12a laborious werke, notan tdle
calling, astoo-too many flander it. It’s not the worke of ewe
“J alone wis the Sabbath, but of all the dayes of the weeke,
wherein we mutt prepare our felves, efpeciaky for the Sab-
bath, Many I e,through their seglsgexce and énd:/cre-
tion bring the Adiniffery into contensps, inas muchas on the
weeke dayes they doe whelly employ themfeives about other
bxfineffes, tending to profit or pleafxre , thinking that they
performe their dxtie well enough if on the Lords day , they
reade or preach a little, though erber mens labous; whereby
it comaeth to paffe that the ca#ing of the Afiniffery, is not
{0 efteemed,bononred and refpetted,asit fhould be. Howfoe-
ver,fuch as willeruely conceivethe satare of st , fhall finde it
2 Cors16, | tobedifficult and /aborions, whereof he may fay J¥20 #8 fief-
Theprevens | fcsent for thefe things. Thus of the Reafon. :
ionofanob- | Tonching che prevention of the objetlion, it’s aide downe |

? -

Verl12. There is but-one truth.

in thefe words, though yee know them, and be eftablifoed in ;

the prefent truth: whence the fame doctrine may be gathered,
which I have already obferved on the third perticalir of the
preceding veafen, andtherefore doe here paffe by the fame,

namely, that even [uch as kerow their dutie towards God and

their nesehbours, and acknowledge the Gofpell of Chrift Iefus,

with the infallible truth of thefame, have need to be put in.

minde of the felfe-fame things whercin they have beentaught,
and wherennto they have been exhorted.

red, |
acquainted,with the gifts and graces of Gads Spirit; Faith
verte knowledge, and the like, knowing their natxre , their
effects their worth, the great ufc of them, and the Ake;: the
sgnorance, of whsch, occafioneth for the mcft part our con-
tempt of them, for, who will efteeme of grace, but fuch as
know the worth ofit ?
2 Thatit’s Lawful for Minifters to teach or write , aswell
thi fe things which are unlear and well knowne, as thofe things
which are rare or leffe knowne, agreeable with the practice of
‘Saint Jobn,I write thefe things, net becanfe yee know wot the
truth , but becaufeyee know it. And of Saint Paul, It grie-
veth me notte write the fame things unto you, but for jou it %
Safe. They mutt chafe rather to profit,than to please, though
fomeknow , all knownet, yea,they that kaow moff,had need to
be incited unto more knowledge. :

3 Tharit’s nerenough to kesw the truth, unleffe we be eftx-
biifoed therein, we mult be fredfaft and xnmooveable ; as
we haverecesved Chrift Iefis the Lord, fo walking ix bins,
rooted and built up, and eftablifboed inthe faith ; rrengthened
and well grounded therein,

4. That,that’s the onely truth which was preached and pre- |i

felled by the eApoftles in the Primitive Church. There is
| but one trath and they had that trarh, delivered unto them, :
by smmediaterevelatton, confirmed by miracles, wherein alfo.
hey could not erre,that being peculiar unto their Apefttehe P
ae ence

Hence alfo divers other ebfervations may bee gathe- .
1 Thatsts the duty of Cbriftians to know and to be well

and be ftabli-
fhed in the pre~
fene truth, |.

« a
. .

06/.Chriftians |
muftknow :
and be well
acquainted
with Godse
FraAces, .

| 2

“Minifters §.

OFF Minit and 3 .

hinpomaiger

ings 7

Sc wellknown, .
I Iohn2 Ze |

Phil.3.15

O}/. We mult
net enly know
but be eftabli-
thed in the
truth: .

I Cor I 5 § 8.
Col.2.6.

The daily duty of Manifters. | Chap.t1.

Gal,1.8.

Hence it followeth, 7

X That, whatfoever Dottrine doth not agree with the Do-
rine of Chrift and his eApoftles, is not the truth of God, but
an humane invention, the Detlrine of Divels.

2 That we onght not to admit of ay Dottrine but that
which agreeth with the Dottrine of the eApoftles, and fo, st
of Popery, eAnabaptifise, Familifise, eAtheifme, lews{me,
‘Pagans/me,and the dske. Saint Pas/ himfelfe, faying,7 hough
we or an engell from beaven preach any other Gofpel unto
you, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be ac-
curfed. And therefore that wee ought to examine every
Doétrine by this rule, {o admitting or rejetiing the fame.
Thus of the fecond Rea/en.

Ten, Ithinke st meet as long as I amin thisT aber-
Verf. 13+ nacle, t0 fiirve you up, by putting you tn remem
TANCE.

Thefe words containethe fecond Reafon whereby our e4f-
poftle doth enforce his former exhortation. It is taken from
the confiderarion of the dutie , whereunto by reafen of his
calling and effice hee was bexnd. Icmay bethus.conclu-
ded.

— Afafter aferions confideration of mine office and calling, I
Jind that st r1jnft and equall , yea, a duty prefcribed by God,
that I foould by daily exhortations fo long as Ilive, fisrreycu
up unto the performance of thofe duties, wherennto I have al-
ready exhorted you : then ought yee to be provoked , to per-
forme the fame.
But after aferious confideration of mine office and calling,
I finde that it 38 juft and equall, yea, a duty preferibed by God,
that I foould by datly exhortations,fo long as I live, fisrre you
up unto the performance of thofe duties, wherennto I bave.al-
ready exhorted you. | 7
Therefore-onght yee. to be provoked to performe the fame.
That our efpoftledid ferionfy confider of his office and
calling, and what. did belong uate the fame , appeareth by his

OR'NE

ee eS aE ae nes SSianinetaatnneaseasesestlia
erf.13.Minifters duty, an incitement tothe people, = 141

owne confeffion, I thinke it meete, Icount,efleeme, and judge
stro be but my duty, when I doe thus put youin remembrance
| of thefethsngs. Now, how can one abfolutely refolve judge
and determine of a thing, unlelic be doe fir of all meditate,
and confider of the (ame? That from the confideration befound
thatit was his dutyand part, by reafon of bss office,te pat them
in minde of thofe things, fo long as be did Live, appeareth al-
fo by his owne acknowledgement, I thinke it meet, juft, and:
equall, fo long as I lsve to provoke you to good workes, to pro~
voke you UNtO an endevonr after the. gifts and graces of Gods
Spirit oy mine exhortations, And therefore that hee would
have them, from the confideration of his dutie towards, thens.
in firring them up, to performe theirs, in being firred up:
from the confideratson of his dutée towards them. in prove.
king and exhorting them tothe performance of holy duties,
to performe theirs, in being provoked and exhorted anto the
fame, isplaine fram the very coherence ‘of this verfe with
the former, noted in the word yea; for having ia the former
laide dowue his7efo/ssion, that (ecing be found thofe graces,.
whereunto he had exhorted them, to ie fo profitable and bonen.
fesail unco them, that therefore be mould. wat be ‘negli gent te
put thems alwayes in remembrance of thefame y he doth now
in this verfe fhew areafon of hisxe/oluties, even becaufe st
was his office, calling and dutie,to doc according to bis vefolun| yo vay
tion, by beth-which heweuld bave théto endevowr for thofe chin ke it meet,
graces, whereof he had refolved to pur them in minde , ag: &c,
well from the ##id:t7 arifing from them, as from the.dwtie | p,Theconé-
‘req uired of bimfelfe. Sf. 7 . deration of .
Hencethis gencrall obfervation may be gathered,chat- —_| theduty which
The confideration of the dutie which God,detb. require of of preachers
Preachers, ought te prouckg people unto the performance. of | ought to in-
holy duties. This isthe vey force of this -reafon , the very cite propleun
end and ayme of oug eApafile in this place. God dorh require | mance ofholy
of ss, to-winne your foules (0 warne you of your finnes ; to | duties.” —
feede you with the wholfome food of his word; to beget Ply Prot! 30.
unto God shrough the Gofpel : to travellin birth, till Chrifk
be formed in you: togive sur [elves wholly unto holy exerci-

A&.20.28-
J Cor.4.1 Ge
1 Tim.g.1§.

Ezek.3 3-3.
fes

142

As Minifters per forme their duty, .Chapvi .

Hab.2.1.
Rom 15.16,
2 Tim.4q1.
2 Cor.§.20.
1 Cor.qeI.
Phil.2.2§.

I Cor.3.9.3Q-

Mat.33.36¢
Mat.9.3 7
Ifa.z3.31.
I Cor.3 Ge
fa.o1.§.

I Cor.9.9.

Dan.J2.3.
Iohn 14.36.

[ Theff. 2.19.

I Pet.¢ ope
Mat. LS. Ig.
Ezek,3 2.64
Exck.3 4.2.
Mat.2§.30.
Pil. 3028.

) jou.

Ut.

| fes for your coed ; to ftand continually on the Watch-tower :
to/acrifice you xxto God: to preach the Word, being snftant
in feafon, ont of feafon, reprooving , rebuking, exhorting,
wath all long-fuffering and Dottrine : wee are Gods eAmbaf-
fadours, flewards, fonldiers labourers, busbandmen,bnilders:
wee are bis fpirituall fowers, redpers, watchmen, planters,
plowmen, rbrefbers, and all for the good, welfare, and benefit
of your /oxles; yea,that we may performe thofe dauties,Ged

| 4oth both allnre usby promifesand terrific us by threatnings.

Takea tafte of either, if we docendevowr rightly to per forme
thofe duties, chen we oak foine, as the brightne fle of the Fir-
wsamecnt, and athe Starres for ever and ever. We gather
Jruit unto life eternall, We foall gera Crowne of rejoycing,
whenthe chiefe Shepheard hall appeare, we foall receive a
crowne of glory, that fadeth not away. By the contrary {uch as
doe not exdevowr to perfornie thofe daties, they foal undonb-
tedly perife, Ifthe blind leade the blind, both foal fall in the
ditch, God requireth the peoples bleod attheir hands, awee
4s pronounced againft them, they (ball be call into utter darke-
neffe, whofe end ts defirutlion , whofe god vt their belly, whofe
¥lory 68 in their foame, who minde earthly things. Thefe and
many the like fentences are reeorded in the Scrtptures, no
doubt,as well for yours, as for or inftruction, that you duly
weighing ind coxfdering the fame, may endevonr toperforme
your dutie towards God, aswe areto perferme onrs towards

Towhomare we fent? is it not to you ? for whofe profir
are wet> be burning aud fhining Candles? is itnot for yours?
To what end are we appointed watchmen , labourers, worke-
men, teachers ? isitnot foryour good ? fhould not you then
receiveus; being fent : tearne, beingtanght , take warning,
being admonifoed? mult we fpend our selves, our time, our
labours, for your good, and yet will you sone of st P-nruft we:
be infant in{cafon, and ent of feafon to admonife you, and
yet will you not take beed of oxr warnings? muft wed as

Candles wafte, burne, and confumeaway to give -/srbt unt, |
you by our Dottrine, and convvrfxtion., and. wall notyton

wall

wT. Ge . eager o

v erf13. - —_fomuft people theirs.

walke according to the /ight , or embrace the fame? Shall
ak thefe things be in vaine ? fhallthe many exbertations of
God unto us to perferme our dxty towards yox, and fo. many
exhortations of onrs unto yow from God to performe yours
toxards bim, fhall all thofe I fay, be in vaise ? God forbid.
The more Ged dothadmont(h us, and we admonifh you , the
more doe you fetyour felfe about the performance of holy
duties, perf{wading your felves, that if yee doe performe
them, yee fhall be partakers of thofe promifes that belong
unto painefull, fatthfull, and diligent Paftors , even the eter-
nall crowne o [sey ; and if ye doe not performe them, yee
fhall be partakers of thole judgements, which are threatned
againtt iuchas are /oyterers and wnfasthfull inthe AZiniftery,
blind watchmen that cannct fee, dumbe dogges that cannot
barke, ignorant foepheards that cannot underfiand 3even #t-
ter darkeneffe, where there foal be weeping and gnafoing of
teeth. Therefore doe I befeech you in the feare of God, to
take notice of our dwtie towards you, that you may perforpre
yours towards God: let our painfulneffe {tirre up your pain-
frlneffe,\et our diligence provoke you to be ds/sgext, let oar
many and sftex exhortations, unto the performance of holy
duties, excite ycu unto the performance of the fame,

But, leaving this general, handle we the rea/on it felfe in
particular containing thele three things. 1 The ground and
caufe which moved our epoft/e to put them in remem-

equity of bis calling and office. 2 Howlong hee tound him-
{elfezied unto the performance of this dutie towards them,
even during his natural life, as long as [amin this Taberna-
cle. 3 The benefit which people receive by the often and
frequent admonitions of Gods Word, they are ftirred up, rox-
fea from their dulneffe, fecuritie , carele{neffe, provoked
unto the performance of holy duties. For Ithinke it meete, as
long as I amin thi Tabernacle to flirre you np, by putting yon

‘gn remembrance. |
_ For the 1, Thegrownd and caufe which moved our eApo-
file, to put them in remembrance of the forementiened graces,
| was

brance, of the fore-mentioned graces, cventhe fitnefjeand |

343

Ifa. $6.6 IJ»

Tehinke ie

144

D.'Thstonfiz
-] deration of the

equity and fit-

neffe of thofe

The fitneffe of our callings an incitement,Chapa |

was the dutic whereunto by reafon of his office and calling hee
wat bound, I'thinke it meete, having [earched ous my dutie,
confidered mine office and calling, [finde that I am tyed to put
Jonin minde of theferhings ; that I doe, but what is equall,
ju}, fir, and meeteywhen I endevour all that I can about the
fiane ; Iam called to bean eApoftle of Iefies (hrifta Preacher
ofhisWord,I have received particalar direttion from him
touching mine office, and therefore cannot doe otherwife , but
pet yourn mind of thefe things.
Hencethis ob/ervation may be gathered, that
The confideration of the equitie and fitnefje of thofe duties
which God requireth of us in our particular calling,t an excel»
Zent means to provoke and further usin the performance of the
Same. Lexplaineitthws, Our Apoftle of a Fifherman, was
called to bea Fisher of men, he was fitted with gifts anfwera-
ble unto the/ame,he received acommiffion from Chrift thrice
reiterated, to feed bis flocke ; Itwasfhowen him , that being
converted, he fhould ftrengthen, confirme, and convert others;
he confidering the equitie and fitneffe of this dutie, doth ac-
cprdingly endevour to performethe fame. Yexplaine it fur-
ther, If God call a man to be a feuldier, to fight againft the
enemies of Chrift, the confideration of the equity of this due
47, cannot but provoke him, to be conragions in fighting. IF
God calla man to be afervant (asmany of youare ) he 4ar-
gaineth for meate,drinke, and fo much wages , to doc fuch.
and (ich worke; ifhe doe dwely confider his dety, hee fhall
finde it to be ju/P and equal that as he looketh for his wages,
fo he fhould doe his warke. If God call aman tobe a C¥a-
Jfter,and to have /ervants under him, (as many of you have)
he bargaineth with his/ervants to entertaine them, andto
give chem fo much wages, for fuch and {uch worke,thre/bing,
ploming keeping of fseepe, or the like, ifhe duely confider his
duty, hee thail finde it equal and meete, that hee himfelfe
fhouldas well performe his dutietowards his /ervants , as
they theirs, cowardshins. This I might inftance in every o- |
ther particular calling, and fo prove, thatthe due confidera-
tion of the equity and fitnelfe of the duties required therein,

Pa » *
"oa
a
«qe
ve"

| .
[Verfe 13. to:performe the duties thereof. | 145

doe exceedingly provoke wnto the performance of the fame. By
this Jofeph was kept from committing adxdrery with his Af¢- |
flers wife: By this, Jacob performed truc and faithfullfervsce | Gea.39.8.
unto Laban: By this David was kept from Asking Sanl;By rele . Ie
this the e4poftles continued in preaching unto the people,not= | A&s21t50
withftanding of the contrary commandement of the Pharé<
fes: and by this every childe of God, doth overcome the ma-
ny and great difficlties in his calling, couragioufly and
chcerefully going oninthe/ame, acknowledging the dstées
thereof to be jxft and equall,and {uch as they are boxnd to
Ormece )
| P The Reafens hereof are thefe. 1 Becanfe hereby we take no- | Reasons.
tice of the awthor of our calling. 2 How God hath inhis|; 1
wifedome fitted #s for our callings. 3 Of Gods protection o- 2
ver #s,and the great comfort which wee have had therein. 3
4 Of the reward which we fhall have, if we be con/cionable 4
in our calling, even falvatson; as condemnation {hall befall
fuch as are careleffe and neg/igent therein.
Hence it followeth, | : Vie0
1 That tho(e are blamemerthy much to bee reprehendéd, r
whichrs#nne into callings, without any conxfideration, not fo 7
much as taking notice of the dwrses belonging therexnto. So
alfo thofe,which complaine of the toylefomsmneffe, laborionf-
neffe,and difficult y Of theirs, the pleafantne fe, eafineffe, and
gaine of others, although Ged hath fitted others, tor their
callings, and themsfelves alfo, for thofe wherein they are. If |
ary hac caufe to repine and complaine , certainely our epo-
file liad moff bis calling being fo laborious the danger where.
in he was fo great, and the enemies which oppofed th: mfelves
pant him, {0 many: but he vangmi fring all thofe difficulties,
oth acknowledge the equity ot his calling , and from thence,
provoketh himfelfe to the performance of the worke of his
calling, {tirring xs up, by his example todoe the /ske.
_2_Lhat according to our Apofftes practife in his calling, 2
we ought fo roeftceme of owrs, foto behave our felves in |.
oxrs. As he from the confideration of the equity of his cad-
ling did fiirre up himfelfe to.dmeni{> them , fo nuit wee,
. -L

unto

Aslongast
am inthis Tas
beswacles

2Corg.r.

OM. The frails
ty of our bo-
dics.

Tob 6.12.

How much
necd we have
of thehelpe
and afsiftance
of God,

Our mutable
and changeas
ble fare,

Mans fraile and brittle eftate. Chap.

untothe performance of the duties of our calling : art JaAd
qifirate , art thouan bonpbolder, art thou afervant, ast th
a trade/man, halt thou any office, cither in the Charch , or
the Common-wealth? take notice cf Gods goodneffe and i,
dome, in calling thee thereunto; of the gifts, wherewith h
hath filed thee for the difcharge of the fame, and thox fh
finde that the dxties, which thou art to performe in thy ¢
Jing, are juft and equal, whereby thox maitt be the more in
ted duely anc truely to performe the fame.

Forthe 2, the tse whercin he did refolve to put them
remembrance of thofe things, was, during his naturall life,
long (faith he).45 1am in this Tabernacle, that is, as long
Live. The fpeech is metaphorical, wherein our e4 pa,
doth compare his 4edy untoa Tabernacle, Tent’, or Pavi
on, a flitting habitation , or portible hoxfe, uled by way-
ring men intheir jesrney and /oxldiers in Warre, having
fixed feate, orfetled place. The fame metaphor Saint P.
alfo ufeth, For we Leow that if our earthly bonfe of this 4
bernaclewere diffolved, we hav: a buslding of God , an be
not made with hands, eternall,in woe heavens.

Hence divers things art implied.

1 The frailty of this bedy of ours, A Tent, Tabernacle
Pavillion isnotmade of any frong matter, having a few pe
for the timber and thinne cloarhes tor the wals ; aweake h
ging, quick/y taken downe, ea(/y overthrowne.- So this

1 dy of owrs, is but a pore, fily, weake, lodging of Clay, wh

by fickene ffe or pasne, is qusckely diffolved , ¢4fily overwt
Beet our firengeh sanot the frength of ftones , or ossr flefh
walle.

2 How much need wee have of the helpe and affifta
of God, asaTent er Tabernacle hath need of often repar.
ons, as being in denger to be overturned by wind, cut doy
by enemies; {o have we of Geds continuall protetion , as
ingin conrinuall danger of the tempettuons winds of Perfe
tion, thi fierce affaults of ous fpiritwall enemies.

3 Our mutable and changeable eftate, as Tabernacies
Tents, have nocertaine place of abiding, butare in ene p.

Verfe 13.0ur Tabernacles muyt be diff olved.

—— ee ee

to day in another tomorrow ; Soneither, can we Affure our
{clves of any, being as graffe, growing in the morning , cut
downe ere might, yea, otterpdriver to change our dwellings.
This Tabernacle of oxr bodses will not alwayes fiand ; God
willcertainly take st downe, #¢ fhall not cont:nne.

4. That cnr foxles in this world, are but as guefts, ftrangers
in our bodies, from which for a time they muff be fepara-
ted.

5 That ts thes world we are as Pilgrimes as Warriours,
in acombating eftate, or flate of warfare, warring againtt the
Devil, the world, and our owne correptions , rerrible and
fierce enemies. ,

6 That at the length we foall have a fetled abode, and fixed
habitation, inthe kingdome of heaven , even when this our
Tabernacle fhall be dsffolved,

From all which a threefold «fe may be gathered.

For Jnftruttion, 1 That wehave fell reafon, either to
pamper our f{elues fomuch, toextoll and magnifie our {elves
{o much, or to troxbfe our felves fo much with the rhings of
this world, for the maintenance of our bodies : what are
they, but filly Tabernacles? a little pasne,a little fickneffe,
any kind of death will quickly overturne them. 3 That wee
fhould be willing to have thefe our Tabernacles diffolved
Our joxrney ended, our warfare finifhed. 3 That we onght
with all fpeedand diligence to performe thofe dxties which
Ged reyuireth of ys, in as much as we are ancertaine when
our Tabernacle fhall be di: ffolved. |

For Confolation, untoall the affisttad and difreffed mem-
bei sof Chrsft Jefe, who groane here under heavy burdens,
intheirearthly bodies, brittle tents, fraile tabernacles, whole
Soule doth even long with the eApoftle Panl to be d:ffolved,
and tobe with Chrift Iefus; who are here perfecuted for the
canfe of Clr:f?: to allfuch I fayy be comforted, -rejoyce., thy

body 13 atabernacle,it-will not be long ere the pinne of thy ta-
bernacle hall be loofed,ere thon {halt be freed froms all tbytron-
bles, and be with onr Saviour Chrift.

For Exhortation, 1 Let us employ lefle cave about our

L 2 bodies,

———— ID ee a a a Ae: « ST Pret: ae,

In chis world
ourfoulesare
bui as cuetts
in our bods.
In this world
we are as Pil-
grims.

Ac ihe length
2fetled habi-
tation,

2 Cor 5° Ie

Vie of Inftra-
Aion,

Vie of cont
lati o-

on,

Phil.1.23.

148 Often admonitions of the Word, bow needfull.Chap.1.

VieofE xhors | bodies, more about ous fowles. 2 Let us fie and prepare our
tatiog, felvesfor aberter life. 3. Let us bumble our felves under the
I confideration of our fraile and britwle eftate, whenfoever any
3 ambitious proxd thoughtsarife within us. 4 Let us labour
3 and endevour whilft we are in this Tabernacle,to performe
4. the duties of our calling, {ecing we know not bow foone wee
may be called from the fame. Letusnot content our, felves
with fome few times performing the workes of our caling,
but refolve with our ef poftle, {0 long aswe are in thistaber-
nacle to performe the fame. Thoughthonart aged , as at this
time our Apoftle was, though thou haf performed thy
duty diligently ix former times, (asno doubt he did ) yet art
thou not di/charged, thou mult (2 continue unto the end ; euen
fo long as thou art in this tabernacle. Artthoua AGnifter,
thou muft continue thy msinsferial paines,eventothe death.
thou art married untotheamniftery, thou haft not received st,
with condition to leave it, or caltie off at thy pleafere , but
mult continwe inst, abide theres. The like may bee faid of
people, Solong as thou art in this tabernacte,thou muit heare
. Gods Word, meditate, pray, and performe the like dxties.
To ftirre you For the 3, the denefire which people reape., by often and
up ree | Wequent admonitions, they are ftirred up, provoked unto the
‘brance, performance of holy dxtses. To flirre xpdothimport, either
Col.2 130 deadxe(fe, fleeping drowfine fe dulneffe, flowne fe, or the like.
. The chstdren of God, before their converfion are dead'in their
finnes but God doth raife them up by the preaching of the
Word. Aftertheir converfion,they doe many times fall afleepe,
become flow, dull,and drowfie, inthe performance of holy
duties, from which Ged alfo by the adimonstions of his Word
doth rai/e them up, working powerfully by the fame upon
| their affections. And the I taketo be our Apoftles meanings
when he faith, 7hat be thought st meet to flirre them up, by.
petting them-in remembrance.
Hence may be obferved,that
D.Godschile |. Gods children have continuall need of the frequent and of-
tinuall needet | £4 4dmonitions of Gods Word, whereby hey ma) be ftirred
the frequent | wp and prevoked unto the performance of hely duties. fag
pr ALL é

-|Verfe 13.Frequent admonitions of the Word needful. 149

pratlife of our Saviour Chrift, and his Apoffles in the New admonition, of
Teftament,asalfothe practife of the Prophets inthe O/d,not whereby they
ceafing agasne and egasne, by their exhortations to ftirre up | may be ftirred
their hearers tothe performance of holy dutses , doth fuifici- uP to the pers
ently confirme the fame. holy duties,
The Reafoxs hereof are thefe. 1 In regard of the mani- | Res/ons,
I

fold oppofitions which we meet withall in the performance
of holy dies, namely, our satwrall correption,dulxeffe, and
drowfineffe, the manifold temptations of the Devill, the al-
Lnrements,entifenents, provocations, and evil examples of
the world, the repixing and rebeHrous lufts of onr owne flefe ;
the smpoffibility and difficudty which feemeth to be in the
performanse ot holy daties , our inabslity and weakneffe in
the performance of the fame ; all which ( and the like ) we
vanguifo by the frequent and often admonitions of Gods
Word, without which we were not 4é/e to prevaile againft

thems. 2 In regard of the. continuance and perfeverance 3
which Ged requireth of us, in the performance of holy duties.
3 Inregard of thofe motives whereby men aad women are} 3

moved to ferve God, which are hope of reward , er feare or
danger; Now, how can we duly apprehend esrher , but by

the freguent and often admonitions of Gods Word; they be-

ing the meanes, whereby we fallin ove with the fervice of .
God, goe on, and proceed in the fame. 4 In regardthat wee 4
cannot fo presifely exatlly circum(pettly, and diligently ‘per-

forme boly duties, but that we have till seeds to adde there-

unto. . ;

Herce may we conceive, :

I Gods great goodueffe towards us, sn continain among? Ve.
xs hes holy and heauenly Werd, whereby we may be flirred up| ?
from our dulneffe drowfinele,and laxineffe, unto the perfor-
mance of hely duties. When there was no King in Ifrael, eve- | Wadg.17.6¢
ry man did that which was right in his owne eyes: Whence
arofe great confufion, and manifold evils: where alfo there is
no vifton, the people persfo. Such as have beene ficke, know Pro.2 918.
beft whata great benefit bealth is, and if ever we had hadex-
persence Of the want of the Word, (as the I/raelites had) ws Amos 8,

; . ° Ww

Ss
150 TheWord to beobeyed, © Chap.r.
would efteeme the having of it, to be of incftimableya-
lue.
a 2 The great vanity and wickedneffe of thofe, which fheake

againft the frequent preaching of Gods Word, as if in thefe
dayes there were too much preaching, and Preachers did take
more panes than xeederh. 11’s tobe feared that fuch are ra-
ther dead than drowfie, that they could beas well contented,
that there were #0 preaching as feldome preaching.

3 g The great thankefulneffe which we owe unto God for his
Word; the great abligence which ws required of us in the hea-
ring and prathsfe of the VVerd. Oh that we could bec truely
thankefull tor the fame, obedient thereunto ! Oh let us while
we havethis Aight, walke according to thislight. Seeing God
by his VVord doth awake us, be wee rowfed up, left contina-
ing in our finnes, and neglefting to performe the fervice of
God, we be /eft unto our felves,and fo fleepe uxto death ever-
laftingly perifo. Thusof the fecond Reaforn.

Verf.14. Knowing that foortly I muft put off this my Taber-
nacle,cvenasour Lord Iefus Chrift hath fhewed
mee.

ThothirdRea= Thefe words containe a third Reafon,whereby our Apoftle
tong. enforceth his former exhortation. Itistaken from the bre-
uity of bis life, the foortneffe of the time, wherein hee was to
live, and may be thus framed. Ifthe time be at hand, wherein
| muft die, and fo ceafe to exhort you any more esther by word
of mouth, or other Epifiles, then yee ought to endevonr for
thofe graces ,wherennto I dee now exhort yon. But fo st that
1 kpow certatnly, and ane verily perfwaded, that I muff fhort-
y pat off this nsy tabernacle, even as our Lord Iefus Chrift
ath foewed me. |
Therefore yee ought to labour and endevonr for the
fame.

Or, we may conceive themas areafon, why our e4poftle
doth refolvenottobe negligent to put them in remembrance
of thofe graces,even in regard, thathe was foortly to dse, and

° , mav

erfe 14, whilft the Preachers thereof continue.

‘| may be thus framed. Jf the time be at hand, wherein I muft
die, and {0 ceafe to exhort you any more, then muft not I bce
negligent whilft I live to hr you up,by putting youstn remem-
TANCE. ;
But the time 1s at hand, wherein I muft die, and fo ceafe ta
exhort you any more. , |
Therefore muff I net be neglizent winilft I live, to fisrre
JOm Kp, putting you in remembrance,
Vnderftanding the words 40th wayes, two general ob fer-
vatsons may be gathered.
The fr/? is this, chat
People ought to be fo much the more diligent ,in obeying the
exhortations of Gods VVord, asin likelyhood they are to bee
deprived of the Preachers of the fame. Tet alittle while (faith
our Saviony ) 13 the light with you, walke while ye have the
light, leaft darkuefjecome upon you, for he that watketh in
darkpeffe,keoweth not whither he gseth: while ye have the
Light beleeve in the light, that ye may bethe children of light.
And now bebold (faith Saint Pas! ) I know that ye all among
whom I have gone preaching the Kingdome of God; foall {ee
my face no more; take heed therefore unto your [elves , and to
all the flocke, over the which the holy Ghoft hath made you
everfeers, The nigher the time drew,wherein Elias was to
be taken up into beaver, the more clofely did Elifsa follow
him unto his great profit. Many wayes doth God deprive
people of the Preachers of his WVord, fometimes by tranfla-
ting them from the place wherein they are, unto anorher,
fometimes, by raifing up adverfaries againit them , which
perfecute them unto the very death, fometimes by fickneffe;
fometimes by /xffering them to be filenced bans hed, imprifo-
ned, molt times by death, taking them unto bimfelfe. Which
way foever I fay, pesple are in likelihood to be deprived of
them, they muff be fo much the more diligent , in obeying the
exhortations of Gods VVord delivered by them,
* The Reafons hereof arethefc. 1 Becaufeit isa great and
heavy judgment of God,ta be deprived of painfull and faith-
| full Preachers, which few confider, but /ech as feele and fi
| L

na
4 the.

151

Rnowing that
shortly h cut
put of this my
Tabernacle,
D. People
ougheto bs
fo much the
more diligent
in in
exboreations
of GodsWord,
a likelihood
are te
deprived of
the Preachers
of the fame.
Toh.12.39,36
A&.20.2 Se

2 King.2.2,

Reafons.
I

2 King .3 3.34

Mat.13.58.
A&.2 8 2 8 ¢

Fhe loffe of a faithful Minster, Chap.1.

the fame by wofull experience. Thisis apparent, if either we
confider the werkes about which they 47e, or oxght to be ex-
ercifed, or the need which we have of them. Their workes are,
To preach the Word of God, and adminifter the Sacraments,
as the Levites and Prief's did inthe Old Teffament, ‘Peter |
and the efpoftles in the New, |

To confute falfe Dottrine and the Teachers of the fame, as
Elias and Ieremiah did in the Old, Paxl & Perer,inthe New.
Fo exbort: unto unfained: wepentance , and converfion from
finne, wherein both the Prophers and Apoftles were much
converfant. The need which we have of them,is no leffe ap-
parant, namely, that by thems we may be rowfed from onr fecn-
ritie, told of our finnes, informed of Gods will, comforted in
the time of diffreffe,and the like. They being alfo the horfes
and Charsots of Ifract; even {achywho many times by their
prayers, hinder God from proceeding in judgements againft
us. This the exampsples of AMofes, Samuel, Ieremic, David,
doe manifellly confirme. eA méongft all Gsds judgements in-
fiiBled here, there isnot 4 more fevere and terrible judgement
than this; even the removeall of painfull and faithfull Prea-
chers, This being a fore-runner of others , as was Lots
removeall from the Sedomites,. Noahs from the old
world.

2 Becaufe God doth many times deprive people of their
painfull, baborions Paffors , inregard of their difabedience,
and contempt of Gods Word, preached by them: This Saint

Matthew fheweth., Ad he did xot many mighty workes
there, becaufe of their unbelicfe; And Saint Pax! , Be it
knowne therefore unto you, thatthe falvation of God ss fent
unto the Gentiles, and they will beare it.

3 Becaufe oftentimes, when God doth remove his faith-
fall fervants the Preachers of bis Word, there doe facceed in
their places, dumsbe dogs that cannot darke , blind watchmen
chat cannot /ee, ignorant frepheards that doe wot under fland,
which will-not take parwes to feed the flocke committed anto
their charge. -

4 Becaule God doth oftentimes puni{o’ the contempt and
| difobedience

Verk14. What ajudgement it 6.

difobedience of his Word, by giving over the contemmners
thereof unto /enfle/ne fe, deadne (fe, bard-heartedne fe fecuri-
ty, and the /ske, For which caufe he doth permit {uch to be
their fpiriteall Relers , which will goe before them m all
manner of finnes, whereby the trath pf that Proverbe ap-
peareth, Like people, like Prieft.
The V/és of this point are twofold.
For Reprebenfion, 1 Vnto {uch asdoe not efeeme of the
Preachers of Gods Word, thinking them indeed a charge and | henfi
burdex unto them, whereof they would wiingly be cafed ,
and from which they would with their hearts be freed,
contrary unto the praci/e of the Heathens, and Idolaters-
How wete Baals priefts efteemed by Iczabel ? the Priefis | ¥King.18.19.
of the Greve by Ahab? The Egyptien Priefts by Pharach ? | Gen.g7.22,
How are Popifh Priefts efteemed by Papifts ? Heathen
Priefts eftcemed by Pagans? the Mahometan by Turkes ?

And yetalas,the trwe Preachers of Gods Word,even amnongh
Chr iftians, as fpettacles unto the world,as laughing and ga-|% Cor.4.9,
g focke unto others. 2 Vato fuchasdoe not, whilft God 3

ain
doth continue the Preachers of his Word amongft them,
make #/¢ of theis/aboxrs: They will doe but what they 4if,
they will embrace but fo much of the Word , as maketh dittle
againit them, being contented to hearethe Word, (as Herod
d ( but #willing to part with theis finnes, as Herod would
not part with Herodias, It may befall {uch one day-(asunto
Saul, whofoucht alfo Samuel when hee was dead, whofe —
| co#n/ell he did not regard whilft ke was not alive) that they |" Sana,28.814
would be glad-to have thefe Preachers againc, whom they for-
merly defpifed. 3 Vnvo fuchasarefo farrefrom being dé/:-
‘cent in embracing the admonitions of Gods Werd , by how
much they arein /tkelibood tobe deprived of their Pafors,
hereby putting on a refolution to continue in their finnes,.
Thefe or the like {peeches arethen uttered by them. We
have beenlong plagued by this man; we could not take our
paftime and pleafure,but we are fureto be reproved by him:be
was fiill envezing.cor asling againft onr good fellowfaip,merry
meetings and the like ; we foall now have alittle more liberty

then

Mar.6.20.

Vfe to be made of the W ord preached,Chap.1-

than we had, Efaw refolved that after his fathers death
( which in his conceit drew nigh) be would kill his brother Ia-
cob. The Philiftims rejoyced when they bad Sampfon in their
hands, whom they determined to 4:4. The [/raelites, fup-
pofing AZ;/es had beene dead, fell cotheir Idolatry;but Efaws
refolution was abhominable , Samspfons death proved the
death of thoufands of the Philiftsms, and the I/raelites Ido-
lary tended to their owne rwine. So, if thou refolveft after
thy Paffors death, to fellow after inne, thy refolx-
tion's abhomeinable , if thou rejoyceft ar their death , thy
joy fhall be rarxed into /orrew, thy wickedneffe, fhall tend un-
tothinedwne defiraction: what gaine thinkelt thou to get by
the remsovail by the death of thy Paffor, that thou fhalt then
without controllment,take thy pleafwre in drinking whoring,
{wearing profaning Gods Sabbath, and the like, isthis all ?
It isevenasifthou didit fay, By the death of this man, I fhall
without any controllment runne headlong unto defiruttion. As
thofe children commonly preve worft whichare /eldomseft
rebuked or corretted,(aseAdonyah, whom his father had not
difppleafed at any time,in faying, why baft thou done fo? as
allo the fonnes of Els) even fothofe people prove moft ‘scents ~
ons and wicked, which want pasxfull and farthfull Preachers,
to inftrx& them in the wayes of God, by admonifhing them
of their /ixs,and threatning Gods judgements againtt the (ame.
| = For Exhortation, untoevery one of you, make #/e of the
Preaching of Gods Word, whilft ye have it, yee know not
how/one yee may be deprived of the /ame, all men are »s0r-
tall, {o are Preachers. The ‘Divell doth oppofe himfelte a-
gainft al! mankinde , more efpecially azainft paincfull and
fasthfull Preachers. Your sontempt and difabedience of
the Word is great, how juftly may God punifh you, in
depriving you of the fame? There was a time, even
inthis Land, whenthere was a famine of the Word, when
the Word for the /carceneffe thereof was rare, when faith-
full Preachers were but a fer, when there was no pablike
honfe allowed forthe fervice of God in the Land; when
every Paris hadan Idolstrous Pricf, to mamble a few blaf—
phemous

Verkr4. whilft it continueth.

phemons Mattens in an unkpowne tongue, when true hearted
Chriftians were forced to forfake their owne hoxfes, and
wander hither and thither , when they were hunted wp and
downe like Partridges, when they were glad to meetin
Ships, in upper private roomes, in woods and caves to heare
Gods Word, andreceive the Sacraments , when they were
cruelly burnt in flaming fire for the teftimony of Chrift Iefus;
fuch times were , {ome few doe yet remember them, many
alfo of the pofterity of thofe holy Martyrs, being at this day
alive; who can tell, whether it may not pale Godin juftice
to punith our greatcontempt of his Word,by the /ike or werfe
times? cAnscbrt in other places prevaileth , compafing
about theTents of the Saints, why may he not adfo amongit
us? The greater canfe we have of feare, the more apparent
our danger is, the better »/e muft be made of the Word , the
more refeé? given untothe Preachers thercof. Thus of the

Thefécond is this,that

Preachers ought to be fo muchthe more diligent in perfor-
sing the workes of their calling, as in likelibood by death they
are to be difcharged of thefame. Thus Mofes; thus lof>na;
thus Samael ; thus Past, according to that of our Saviour
Chrift, 1 nenft worke the workes of bins that fent me, whilft it
i day, the might commeth that no man can worke,

The Reafons hereof are thefe. 1 Becaufe they know not,
whether even then, they may not sesvert fome unto God,
8 many evenat their deatbhavedone. 2 Becaufeafter their
death they cannot performe the werkes of their calling.
3 Becaufe hereby their reward fhall be the greater , howfoe-
ver,aboundantly recompencing their labours,

But a/.s,there are too too xy, who being negligentat all
times, grow efpecially molt careleffe towards their /atter
end, as it then when they are to worke moft, they were tolive
idlely, Thus did not Se/omon,who wrote the booke of Ecele-
frafiet, when be was aged. Thus didnot Pax/, who wrote
divers of his Epiffies, when hee was aged. Thusdid not
Chrift bimfelfe, who did efpecially exerci/é his Miniftery is

156

The certainty and truth of Gods Word-Chap.1.

Mat.24.3§.
Numb, 2.3.39.
2

3
4

the three laff yeares of his life. Thus did not or eApofile,
as this his re/olstion fhewed. Thus of the fecond.
Touching the Reafox in particular, twe things are to bee
confidered. 1 Thecertainty which our 4poft/e had of the
prepingnity of hisdeath, Knowing that foortly I mufi par off
or lay downe this my Tabernacle, whether by revelation , or
immediate infpiration, or after any other particnlar manner,
[doe not determine. 2 Aconfirmation,or proofe of this his
certaine per fwafion,even as onr Lord Iefics Chrift hath foew-
ed me, Whether our e4peftle herein had reference unto that
fpeech of our Saviour, mentioned, Joh. 21. 18. is likewife
uncertaine,as I take it. Butour Afarginall Bible quotation,
referres us to that place. 7 ae
: From both parts conjoyned, three obfervatiens may be ga-
chered.

The f7/ isthis,that

Gods children may undoubtedly per[wade themfelves of the
certainty and affurance of thofe shings, whereof theyhave a
warrant from ( brift Iefus.” Thas the efpoff/es according to
the promi /z of Chrift, waited for the Comforter. Thus alfo
Chrift promifing to affitt his Apoffles, they were hereby em-
bolded to give teftimoxy , and beare witnelfe unto the
truth.

The Reafons hereof are thefe. 1 In regard of his truth,
whereof we have divers reffimsonies. Such are thefe , Jans
the way, the truth, and the life, eAllthe promifes of God are
in Cbrift left yTea,and eAmen: Heaven and earth foal paffe
away, but my word foall not paffe away. God ss not like man
that be faonld lie, or like the Sonne of stan, that hee foonld
repent, 2 In regard of his power, he is ab/e to performe
whatfeever he hath promsfed,wharfoever he willeth. 3 Inre-
gard of bis ove unto his (bxrch and children , manifefted,
both in their prefervation, and their encmies confufion.
4 In regard of the experience which every child of God hath
in particular of the-trath of his Word. They found ital
wayes an «adoubted truth, they fonnd it sever con

tra ry.
7 rien

7,”
OM

Verl-14. The certainty and truth of Gods Word. 15

Hence it followeth, that

Gods children may undonbtedly perfwade themfelves of | Pfe.
the certainty and truth of the Word. If Chrift faith st, wee
may, and ought to fay by faith, wee know it to be true, as
Martha faid unto our Savioxr( being by bims inftruGed in the
Déttrine of the Refwrrettion) I know that he foall rife againe John 11.2:
at the laff day. Hereof we may mance {peciall #/e in the time
of aeed,tothe comfort of our owne fcxles. Are we in trowble?
call we to minde the promifée, Cali spon mein the day of tron~ Pfal.§o.1§
ble, fowill Ideliver thee, Arewe allaultedby Sathans temp-
tations ? Call we to minde, that Ged ss fasthfull, who will not | * Cor.to,]
Jaffer us to be tempted above thaiwe are able to beare; Are |
wevifited by affisctions ? Remember we , that »sany are the Plal3 415
troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth bins ont.of
themall. (0 confirme us in the t7«th of this point looke we
into the very times. wherein we ‘ive, arethey not the very
fame , whercof our Saviour Chrift long fince foretold us, | mat.24.6,
there being now Warres and rumours of Warres , Nation a-
gainf? Nation,and Kingdome againft Kingdome , the Huf-
band againft the wife, and the Wife againft the Husband , the
love of many waxing cold. Thofe and the like things he fore-
told, which are now accomplifved, the ref* fhall be in their
owne time, whereof wee may undonbtedly per/ade our
filves, Antichrift fhallbe deffroyed,the Lewes {hall be eonver-
ted,the Gentiles called : there fhallbe a general refurrc Elion,
a gencralday of yrdgement Heaven {hall be rendred unto the
fodly , Hell uto the wicked, Chrift hath faidit,wee may and
mult brlecve it. Thusofthe firf. The/fecond isthis,that | D.Wemu

We muft all dic, muft of neceffity lay downe this our Taber~ die.
nacle, It ss appesnted unto men ({aiththe Apoftle )once to die,
1s there not an appointed time to man upon earth (faith {ob ) | 10b7-1.
are not his dayes alfa, asthe dayces of an hireling ? what man Gel.8 9.4!
she that tivesh and fhall not fee death ? ({aiththe Pfalmift ) | !#.°9-4
Shalt he deliver his fonle from the hand of the grave? I nud
not ftandlong in proving this pe/#t, our Owne experience
doth fufficiently confirme ic, net frength, not beasty , not
riches, not Nobilitie, notany thing can free us from this

Serjeant ,

The univerfality of death. Ch ap.1.

Serjeant. Wecannot flee from it, bribe it , or by for ce ex-
pell ir, when the 4ppotsted honre is come, allthe Phyfcke, all
the riches of the world is not able to prolong /ife, the leaft

[pace of time.
Reafens. The Reafons hereof are thefe two. 1 Inregard of Geds
z decree, as it re{pecteth both the E/e& and the Reprobate.

2. 2 Inregird of mans fnne,the wages thereof being death.
Rom.6.23. How much thenare fuch to blame, as doe not fo much as
Vje- thinke of death ; asdoe not prepare themfelves for death, as
doe fet theirwhele endevonrs about the things of this fe :

as are anwilling te die, yea, trembleand quake at the very

name of death : as doe net take notice of their fianes , which

are the caufe of death: as marmmnre and grudge againht God,

when their husbands, Wives children, friends, aretaken from

them by death: as intime of fickseffe doe for the preferva-

tion of their 4ives, {end unto Witches and ule other snlaw fll
meanes. Die we muft,why thetideewe not daily thiake of

death ? why doe we not prepare our {elves for death, in the

Tohn 19.43. | | very midft ef our delights,not being unmindfull of the /amse ?
| Lefeph of eArineathea had his T ombe in his Garden,typifying

untous the very fanse thing. When we lic dewne in. the eve-

meng refe ep int morning cate our usciwals, aad the like,

we fhould ftillssedstate of eur death, as being uncertaine

whether we fhall againe ri/e in the morning, lie dewne in the

evening, eateor drinke any more. Thus would not death

feeme firange untous, nay, we would rather defire it, as

_ | whereby we might ceafe from finne, poffeffe the kingdome of
DY heaven? Thus of the fecond.
. Vato Gods oy: og. .

children death The third is this, char

is apaflage Vuto Gods children death ts a pafjage from this world nnto
from this the kingdome of heaven. As Warrionrs or way-faring men,
the Kingdome when they leave their Tents and Tabernacles , doe then goe
othe:ven, ‘| unto their dwciling honfes: So when the Taberuacte of our
Ssnsl, bodies is taken downe, the pinnes thereof /safed, wee become
inheritors o1 heaven, ishabstanis of that feme habitation,

Luc,16.22, | eternad building. From this unto that, death isa paffage. No
fooner doe Gods children die, but their foules. are conveyed

int

erfir BC omfort in the death ofeur godly friends.

159

into beaven, by the holy eAngels: Verily Lfay unto thee (faid | Luc.23,43 ,

our Saviour vmto the penitent thiefe, ) To day foalt thon be
with me in Paradife.. :

Hence we are informed,

I Of amsaine difference betweere the godly and the #7-
godly in their death; unto the former, its a paffage into bea-
ven, unto the /atter intobel. Therefore ( asit feemeth Jeven
Baalama wicked men defired carneftly te dye the death of the
righteous.

2 That Chrsftians, may have great comfort in the death
of their deceafed religions friends pushands, wives, children,
parents, or the ike: thou hat no reafon by grieving to feeme

ferry for their diffolution, they being now mexsbers of the

Ofe.
I
Num.2 3,10,

Church triumphant, death being unto them a paffage from

earth into heaven.

3 That we ought to endevoxr by all meanes poffible to
make it apparent that we are Gods ¢hildrex that fo both wee
our felves, and others may have comfort in our death; chat
unto us, its buta departure, adsffolution, a putting off ac it
were of our cleathes, a paffage from this tranfitery life, into

| Gfe everlafting. Thus of the third , and fo of the third.

Reafon.

Verl. 15. Moreover, I will endevour, that you may be able af...
ter my deceafe,to have thefe things almayes sn re.
membrance.

Thefe words containe the fourth andlaft reafon, whereby
oure 4poftle doth entowce his former exhertation.It is taken
from that care which he had of them, thateven after bis de-
ceafe they might have the fumuse of Chrifiian dottrine Compri-
fed by bims, It may be thusconcluded. —

If I doe and have refolved fik to inploy my whole ende-
vours, fo long as I live, bath in praying for ‘you, and writing
untoyon, that yee may be able after my deceafe te have
‘theft things alwayes su remencbrance, then yee. ought new so
yeeld sbedience nure the fame, that faye may be the better a-

ble after my deceafe toremember them. : But
Wn

A groffe errour
§. of the Papifts

about [nvoca-

tion of. Saints,

goed
of their peop!
but for mee °
time to come;
A&.20.2 5,
26-32,

* Catelé(nefferequiredin Preachers .Chap.1

But foit 2, that both I dee, and will upon every occafien , fo
‘long as I live, employ my whole endevours , both in praying
for you, and writing unto you, fo that ye may be able after my
deceafe to remember them.

| Therefore yee ought now toyeeld ebedience unto the fame,
that fo ye may bethe better ble after my deceafe to remem-
ber them.

Whaence by the way we may take notice of a groffe error
ofthe Papifts, who would from this place eltablith their
Invocation of Saints, as ifour e4po/tles meaning were , that
even after his deceafe, bee would not ceafe to. put them in
mind of thofe duties; whereas even fame of their owne writers,
according unto the rrarh,doe expound them of our eApeftles
endevour fer thens whilft he did dive, that it aught be the Ger
ter for thems, when he was dead. Such fandse foundations
hath their Popes (upremacy, auricular confeffion, Purgatory,
prayer for the dead, the Aafphemous facripce of the Malle.
tranfiubfiantiation, thesr feven Sacraments : their communi-
cating under one kinde, together with af their other sdolz~
trons and ridiculous trumperies ; being trycd by the toxch-
frone of Gods Word, they prove the [apex itsons inventions
of mans braine: which even thefé which are but me.z#ly of
ted, Babes as it werein the Schoole of Chrift, by the Word of
God, in thefe bright day es of the San-Bine of che Gofpek may
and doe daily ds/cerne.

T his Reafon doth afford us foure profitable obfer vations.

The fir is this,that

The Preachers of Gods Word, ought uct onely to be Carcfwl
for the prefent good of their people, but al/o for the time te
come. Iwill endevenr (faith our epoftle ) that yee may be
able after my deceafe to have thefe things alwayes in remem.

brance. Thus the Apoftle Panle , having called the Elders
togetier , and told them what wonld befall auto himfelfe -
namely , that they foould fee his face no more , hee did re-
quire them to take heed snto-the flocke committed unto them,
to feed thems, and be watchful over the fame, even as be bad
been for the face of three yeares. Thuswere ALjfes, Iofiwa ;
Same

« 23m

+ which fometimes contradi& the farmer in their Do

—eaeeee se

fion,did thrice enjoyne Peter to feed his flocke, as he himtelfe

had doxe, whilft he was with thes. Yea,both Chrif and his
| Apoftdes have left in record the effate and condstion of thefe
times wherein we live, for our good which now dive in the
fame.

The Reafons ereof are thefe. 1 In regard of the dsese
which they owe unto God. 2 Inregard of the dstie which
they owe unto.Gods pecple. 3 Inregard of the denefit and
profit which they may doehereby. 4 Inregard of their pee-

ples dangers, which commonly is greater after their Afiné- |

frers death, than whilft he is alsve; the Divell,che World,and
the Flef,then takingthem at advantaye. § Inregard that
oftentimes bad Preachers doe faeceed in the places of sere

ine,
moft times in their 4sfe and converfation. 6 Inregard that
hereby their sames fhall be had in a refpectsve remembrance,
asare now the ames of many holy men, who by their wri-
tings which are of many hundred cares fianding , doe new,

| no {mall good untothe Church of God.

How much then are they to be blamed, which doe neither
endevour for the prefer, nor for the fatwre good of Gods
people, whichare neither beneficsall unto Gods Church b
their confcsonable preaching, nox profitable writing , though

gifted for both. Obthat we could as well smitate the Pro-
phets and eApofiles, in minifteriall care and painfulneffe; as
we /ucceed them inthe funtlion of the miniftery | Thus of
the /econd.

Its the duty of people, to call te minde the manifold exhor-
tattons +f the Word of God, delivered unto thems by the. Prea~
chers of thefame, now deceafed, and to leade their lives ace
cording tothe fame. Thisis implyed in thefe words,7 0 bave
them alwayes in remembrance. Thus the Difciples: When
therefore he was rifen fromthe dead, his Difciples remensbred
that hehad {aid thus untethem, and they beleeved the Scri
ture, andthe werd which Jefus bad faid. Thus our pole

| Thenrensembred I the Word of the. Lerd , bow that bee faid,

lobn

561

Vj.

To hevethem
alwayesia re-
rauce.

D.People nuk
be te
the cxkorrati-
onsand admo=-
nitions of des
cealed Preae

chers.
iohn 2 «226

AR.21,56.

162 How to keepe in mind the. Word preached.Chap.1-|

' , Lobn indeed baptized with water, but ye foall be baptized mith
the holy Ghoft.

Reasons, The Reafons hereof are thefe, 1 Becaufe.the Word prea--

1 ched at axy one time ferveth not onely for the rime prefenr,
2 bur alfo for the sine to come. 2 Becaule God will call people
to an accennt about their hearing, judging them by that Word
‘which they have beard preached, haply, many ycares before..
> 3 Becante bereby they thall make the bc/t and mcft profirable
afeof the Werd, yca, manifeft both their confcsonable bea-
ring of st their dilé gent pratisfe of st, and exceeding delight
in the fame : yea, and hereby hall excesrage others to bee
more painfull and faithful in their wsxiftery. Ohthente ds-
Ligent hearers for the prefent, that béreafter you may alfo
make «/¢ of the fame, yee have heard any a~Sermen alrea-
dy, ca# them to minde, yea, pray unto Ged that be would:
when yee have moff need bring the /<me to your remem-
brance. And that yee may the better remember what ye heare
now delivered unto you, ule preparatsen before yee come to
thebearing of the Word , ute circunmsfpettion in hearing ie,

‘ ule repetition, meditation and conference with thy fellow-reli- |
Stous-hearers; after the bearing of the fame, what thou bea-
reff, put in prathife, doing nothing bur by the warrant of the
Word:Stil! praying unto God,that thonmaift make aconfciena-
ble daily «fe of the fame.. Oh that we could be truly bumbled
for our forgetfulne ffe of too too many Sermons already | Oh
that we would be perfwaded that it’s a dety which Ged him-
felfe requireth of us, to be msind/xll of his Word! Muchdoth | .
the Devil endevour to ffeale the Word out of our hearts, 1
and much fhould we endevoxr to retaine the fame thercin, |:.
dayl}; iss our felves what we doe now remember of [uch
and /ch Sermons which we haveheard preached, fe many

_| weekes, or fo many yeeres before, by Gods fasthfull Min-
| flers, alive or dead. Thus of the fecond.

D. Bythe The therdischis,that

Word of God - By the word of God revealed in the Scriptures, we are ir-

Seciptareswe | /7xtted and provoked ento the performance of h:ly duties, For

areinftmA&ed | how could they have ‘had thofe things alwayes in remem

| rance

Verle 15. The Word continued a pledge of Gods love. 163

‘brance, if they could not have made ufe of this Epifile Cent
unto thems, and of the other- beokes of the holy Scréptures,
whereby they were made able tohave them in remembrance?
This the P/almuft acknowledgeth, Thy VVerd 1s 4 lampe an-
to my feet, and a light unto my path. ThisSaint Pan! thew-
eth, For whatfoever things were written aforetime, were
written for onr learning, that we through patience and com.
fort of the Scriptures, might bave hope. And againe, Now all
thefe things happened unto them fer enfamples , and they are
written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the werld
arecome, And againe,e 4a Scripenre ss given by infbiration
| of God, and ss profitable for Doftrine, for repreofe, for cerre-
Elion, for inftruttion in righteonfnege. For this canfe are we
enjoyned by our Savieur , te fearch the Scriptures , for in
them (ith he)ye thinks to bave eternal life , and they are
shez which tefisfie of me.

This may be further confirmed . :

1 By the tstées whichare given unte the VVerd, raine,
meat, milke,and light in darkeneffe: a fharpe (word, a ftaffe
and the dike : all whichasthey are fartherances in temporal

things, {ois the VVerd untous in fpirituall, ;

2 Bytheeffetts of the VV ord, it xonrifoerh us: icheateth |

Us, itfanthifierh us ; it quscknethus ; it enlightneth us; it
preferveth us from finne and the dike.

3 Bythe matter contained in the VVerd , confilting of
perfwafions , diffwafions, threarnings , reproofes, promifes,
duties towards God, towards our neighbours and the like :
without the ksowledge of which wecould not performwe holy
Abies.

Hence it followeth,

1 That God doth exceedingly manifeft bus love towards us, }

by beftowing upon us the Scriptures, whereby wee may aright
ferve him. _ k.

2 That the true canfe why fo few doe dsligently empley
themfelves about the performance of holy duties , confifterh 1»
his that they neglet the reading of the Scriptures, ox f they
Tade sheng; them but /uperficially, os that shereby they
ay M2 .

and p rovok«d

unto che.
tormanceef

holy duties.
Plal.119.195.

Roua.1 §.40

3 Cor.1Q. 12°
2 Tima. 3,16,
Toh.§03 9e'

Proofes,
I
ma. $§ X00
at,2 Py
ray

PLA1.107.200
3

Vje.
£

NR a eT ea acacacccccaaa raed
r64 . .Holy duties alwayes to be remembred.Chap.t.

may maintaine their erroxrs, and {o continne and goc on in
| cheir fxnes.

3 3 That, they are b/ame-worthy, doe highly offend God,
which {peake againft the reading of the Scriptures, which
detaine the fame from the Lastie, which jeere and msocke
fuch as ase converfant in the reading thereof, or fuch as bring

. their Bib/es urto Gods box/e.

4° | 4 Thatas wearedefironsto performe the fervice of Ged;

fo we mufkt difigentiy.reade and meditare of the VV ord of
Ged:. many have Cardes and Tables in their bon/es, but want
.1. | | Bables, as ifthefe, not thes were profitablefor the fervice of
Ged. Oh the worth of the Scriptures: oh the great profie and
wtilitie of the fame ! even Kings have accounted them their
Motwesincis | chiefe/? companions. To incite you unto the Jove of rhems,
8 unco the confider their awthowr, their rxsellency ; their infallsbslity,
Scriptures. their #tilstie,che prattife of Geds children from Sime to time,
with the horrible blindneffe and palpable ignorance which
was in the dayes of Popery, and is now in Popi/s places,

through the want ofthem. Thusoftherhird. .

7 | | The fesrsh is this,that fe 7
D.Reoplemsft | Tt 1s tor [ufficient for Chriftians, once or fome few times to
par tN | fee tbemfelves about the performance of holy duties, to-heare,
holy ducks, | "@2de,confider, or meditate onthe VVord , and the like, but
Sc, they muft doc it often, have thefe things alwayes in remem-

brance. The Béreansreceivedthe VVord with all readineffe
Theff'<.36 of minde , and [carched the Scriptures daily, whether thoft
FNS NGe Yt rings werefo. Rejoyce evermere (faith Saint “Paxd) pray
Gol1.3, withonr-ceafing, inevery thinc.grvethanks.. This was agrec-

ble unto his owne prath{e, alwayes praying for you.
Reafousi The Rea/ons hereof are thefe. 1 Becaute there is xo time,
r1 wherein Ged ceafethto be geod untous. 2: Becaufe no time
5 can ke {pent berter. 3 Becaufe ne excrcs/e can be more profira-
3 blé. 4 Becaufe no worke can be more delight/tme or plea
4- fant. 5 Becaufe the oftner we performe the fervice of Ged,
5 che mere like weareunto the bleffed. eAngels, and glorified
WITS.

OW But if J faquid dos thus, whet would become of ‘my
7. my worl al

oo
Verfe 16. The certainty of the Doctrine ofthe Gofpel. 165

worldly bufineffe? I anfwer, that even in performing the | Solus.
morkes of thy caling. thon maift performe this duty.

Oh then,letus dz¢/y and du/y, fet our {elves about the per- Ve.
formance of Gods fervice let us both on the weeke dayes and
Sabbath dayes employ our felvesabout the fame , let us thus
manifeft our /ove towards God, thus /aboxr for the good of
our owne foxles. Thus of the fourth and /aft reafon , and fo
of the fecond fort of Reafons, enforcing the former exhortats-
on, taken from his owne perfon, and {Lo alfo of the third part of
this Chapter,

Nerf. 16. For we have not followed cunningly devifed fables,
when we made knowne unto you the power and com-
ming of our Lord Iefus Chrift : but were cye-wit-
neff of his Majefty.

Thefe with the enfuing verfes unto the end ofthe Chapter, chink
containe the foxrth and aff part of the fame ; namely, an ex- | containingan
hortation unto conflancy in the faith of C hrift, and confeffion | ¢xhortation
of the Doltrine which was delivered unto them by the etpo- fc conttancy
files. This exhortation ( though not plainly exprefed , yet | Chriftywith
directly smsp/yed ) is backt by.a twofold argument , whereof | atwofold ar-
the former is taken from she exsellency of the matter, where- eekethe
nnto hedoth exhort them; the /atter, trom the certainty of | Came,
the Same. Theexcellency of this Dottrine , islaid downe in The fir

. thefe words ; The power ana Comming of our Lord Tefas e
Chrift,which comprehend all other things which concerne our
Saviour Chrift : Yea,the fismeme of the whole Gofbel , a part
being put for the whole. By the power of Chrift , underftan-
ding hrs Divine Nature, whereby he did #sany miracles ;
as by his comming, his Incarnaticn, or firft comming in the
fiche. The certainty ofthe fame is made apparent by three | Thefcond,
redfons. 1 From his owne,and the teftimony of two other eA-
poftles, lames and Iohn, inthefe words, ‘But were eye-wit-
neffes of bis Majeftie. 2 From the teftimony of his Father,
inthefe words, For he received from God the Father, honour
and glory whew-t here came fuch avo cero him, from the ex-

M 3 cellent

_4 The preventt-
on of an obje-
downe in this

16 verfe,

'; cellent glory: This is my welbeloved Sonne in whem lam well

| beed , as unto a light that foineth in a darke place, sntill

_| taftscke perfons, becanfe even the excellency of cur Dattrine, |

Differences betweene = Chaput.

pleafed , and this veyce which came from heaven we heard,
when we were with bim inthe holy Mount. 3 From the te-
“Pimsony of the Prophets,in thefe words, We have alfo a more
five word of Prophecy, wherennto ye doe well that ye take

the day dawne , and the day-ftarre arife in your hearts. This
he doth empisfie, by fhewing how their prephecies areto bee
under ftood, and by whom they were moved to prophecy , in
thefe words, Knowing this firf,e@c.

This certainty of the Doétrine of the Gofpel , is amplified
by an Antithefe between st,and the fables ot Philofophers,or
falfe teachers, laide downe in this fxteenth verfe , wherein
our Apoftle preventeth a main objeCtion againtt his Dottrine,
namely, That feeing the eApoftles were unlearned men, the
might therefore be eafly deceived, andfeduced by falfe tea~
chers andfe inftead of true propound falfe.dottrines xnto them.
Others alfo might have thought that they were curions and
fantafticke perfons,and fo didutter for truth, whatfoever they
concesved is their braine: As others, that sf the Dolrine |
whichthe eApoftles did preach, bad been a true dottrine, they |
would have nfed more eloquence, and bad more wifedome of |
words. Our eApeftle anfwereth, Wehave not followed cun-
ningly devifed fables,when we made knowne unto you , the
power and comming of oxr Lord Iefus Chrift , but were eye-
witne ies of his Majefty, as ifhe [hould havefaid, Yee need
not feare our being deceived by others, feeing we relate no-
thing touching Chrift, but what we have feene with our eyes, |

heard with our eares: either needeth our Dettrine

Seemse frange unto yex, as proceeding from curious and phan-

mbich we bave.made knowne unto you, may cleare us from this
Sisfpicion , being concerning the pswer and comming of oxr
Lord lefies Chrift; as alfo yee ought not to reqe® or rsifcon- |
cesve of our dettrine, in regard of its fimplicity, and naked-
waffein outward (oew becanfe we are to preach the Gofpel, not
with wifedeme of words , left the Croffe of Chrift fooxld be
made of none effel. . The

Verle 15.the Dottrine of the Apoftles,and others. 167

Phe parts tobeconfideredare three. 1 Adifference be- ) Threeparts
tweene the Deélrine of the efpoftles of (hrift, andthe De- eimvedin
Brine ot Philefephers, Pagans, Heretiques,Pharifies , Sa- I
duces, and other falfe teachers, in thefe words, We followed
not deceiveable or cunningly devifed fables. 2 Theend of 3
the eApoftles office and calling, to make knowne the powcr and
comming ofthe Lord Iefis Chrift. 3 How tarre our Savi- 3 @
exr Chriff did manifcl himfedfe untohis Apoftles , With oxr
eyes we [aw his Majefties :
For the 1,the Doéfrine of the Apoftles of Chrift , doth
differtrom the Deltrine of Phitefopbers, Pagans, Poets, He-
retiques, and the like. 1 Inthe Teachers. 2 In the thii
taught, 3 In themanner of the teaching. 4 In the end, | ceconci
why itistanghr. aeata ele,
1 Firlt I fay, ie differeth in regard of the Teachers , The | Difference
Apoftles were men immediately called by oxr Savienr Chrift: | dearine the
extraordinarily infpired and endued with gifts, /eparated and | the Apolties
Set apart for the performance of that office wherennte they were oe ift,and
calted,confirmed,fetled,gronnded, and efablifned inthe truth ofaken tee
ef God, By the contrary ; thefe etbers,Philofophers , Here- I
| siques, and falfe Teachers, bad no calling from Chrift, went
| before they were font, being [uch ac were carried about with
every wind of Dotlrine,
2 lediffereth in regard of the matter taught. The De- 2
Grine of the eApoftles is true, theirs is for the moft part
falfe.The De étrike of the Apsfles hath his d and war~
rant fr6 God,is the D offrine of God,is not deceivable.by art
or canning devifedibut theirs hath its ground and warrant fr5
thumane reafon, or is of theDivels invention,is deceiveable,
and with great art and cunning devifed. This wemay
ceiveslearely by comparing ina few inftances , the Detirine
Of the ene, with the Dodrine of the other. The Steicke Phi-
Jofophers taught, that there were more gods than one : that al
things are guided and ruled by chance : The E, pcre: taught,
that there were divers gods confifting of bumane Sy
which did nothing were eo elofie, both of themfelves and 6
thers: of whom mankjnde bad no uf. That the bappinefe of
M4 man

168 The pernicious doctrine of. bereticks.Chap.1'|

man and beaft was alike; generally they did al deny the Refur-
vetlion ofthe dead. Heathenifo writers they teach, that Jups-
ter in the forme of a golden foowre of raine, begat Perfeus of
Danae ;that Efi alapins by Phyficke railed the dead : that
Hercules brought divers captives from bell ; yea,and Cerbe-
rus.bound with a chaine. The Hearhenifs Poets, they are fuk
®@ of (uch ridiculous fittions. The Jewes theyteach that Chrif
frallbave a temporal kingdome in this world, wherein the
Lewes fall beare great rate and dominion: that God hatha
Secret retyring place, ta which at certaine ‘times hee nfeth to
withdraw bim{elfe every day, where bewailing the defolation
of Ifract, and the miferable difperfion of the lewes, with ma-
_ | ayseares, he doth beforew himfelfe, that in hw anger he {ab-
Mat§:¢2-. | verted the Temple and holy Citse. The Pharsfes raught,Z hon
AG.23.8: foalt love thy neighbour and bate thine enemy. The Sadaces
held that there was no refurrettson, nesther eAngell nor pirit:
Simon Adagus,one of the firft Heretiques , tought them who
followed him, to fall downe before Images, and in fpecial to
worfbip his owne Image,and the Image of Helena, a certaine
woman who accompanied bins from: Afia to Rome< Menander,
who fucceeded Ssnson, taught, that the world was created 2.
Angels, and that he bimfelfe was fent front above to fave t
world, and that by vertne of his Baptifme , men fhould be im-
mortal, even in this world, in fuch fort, that they frould nex-
ther waxe old, nor rafte of death. Ebion taught , that Chrift
was wot God, but onely aman begottenby lofepn, and that the
obfervation of Mofes Law was neceffary unto eternal life.
Cerinthas taught, thatafter the rcfarretlion from the dead, | -
Chrift foonld have an earthly kinggome in this world, & that
the fiebjehs of Chrifts hingdome foould cate and drinke, and
marry and kecpe holy dayes. The Papifsteach, that Images
axe tobe adored, that the Saints departed are to be invocated,
that AMfaffes areto be celebrated for the dead to bring them
owt of Purgatory, andthe dike. Our: Arminians teach sn-
ver{ak srace;the total and finall Apoftafe of the Saints. Our
Famits ts teach that Chrift was a finmer on bis yonger yeares,
and that be dyed for his ovene finnes. Mabomet in his Ala-

yon

a a aa AAA aaa aaa

Merlin. The pernicious doétrine of hereticks.

rom teacketh, that it was permitted unto him by God, to lie
with any woman, that hell hath {even gates , that he went to
heaven, to receive the Law. Adde unto thofe our Englifa
Play-bookes, and Tale-bookes, which fable incredible things
of Pars/mus, Parifimenos, Palmerin de Olsva,and {uch like.
¥ hofe Doétrines being compared with this of the Apofiles,
there’s no correfhondency betweene them. Ths being trae,
warrantable,the very Wordof God: Fhofe being cunningly
devifed fables, having no truthinthem , but mecrely forged
and framed, pleafing and plaufible to unregenerate and pre-
phane perfons, as fables are delightful toan xnfanttified care,
ea, wholly snprofizable , as are fables unto fick as doe
care them. . : :
3 It déffereth inregard of the manner how it is taught.
The Doétrine of falfe-teashers is full of humane eloquence,
cunningly devifed, their heart and art confpiring tegether
to deceive fimple people. They themiclves being decestfull
workers, yea,lying in wait to deceive with cunning craftineffe,
Their words and workes are full of flattery , sufinuatson , and
deceit ; yea, for the moft part they firive both in their /pee-
chesand writings to broach their Dotirine under 0b/cxre and
hard phrafes, nncouth atid firange wer ds, whereof few of the
Common people can judge, asis apparant by the writings of
H.N. But inthe Doétrine of the e4poftles, there is no fal-
tacy, no flattery, no humane pexfwafion, no dec esveable diffi.
mulation,ne wifedome of words no thew of bemane learning,
what they teachand propexnd unto us, is cleathed with fin.

plicity, yet fo as the.children of Ged, doe perceive therein an |,

heavenly and divine Majefiie.

4 Itdsfferethin regard ofthe exd why it is taught. The
drift of fal/e teachers, isto entangle men ‘and women with
tKeirervours, to withdraw them from the performance of
Gods (crvice: but the exd why the edpeftles did teach , was

to withdrew people from their-vanities , to excéte them to |

ferve the Living God,we preach anto yen ({aid Pani and Bar-
nabas) that ye foonld tnrne from thefe vaine things , unto the
living Ged which peade beaven qndcaxth, the fea, and all
rhixigs that in thems are. Thus

169

2 Cor.11.13. 8

Epl.4.14.s

| A& 14.19.

170

D.Preachers

yer che trash

of God.

: fer.26.1 fo
Dan.13.2-
‘Mal.2z.G0

: Mat.2 201 §¢
| Rom.9.Je
2 Cor.7-14s
‘Dan.l0.21.
2 Cor.6.7.

Minifterseo preach nothing but Gods truth, Chap.1.

: ought to deli-

God,torefu/e profane and old wives tales,

Thus yee fee what difference our Apoffle maketh between
his Doftrine and the Dottrine of falfe Teachers. They fol-
lowed deceiveable, cunningly devifed fables which be did nor,
nor the ether eApoftles.

Hence diversthings may be obferved.

1 That she Preachers of Gods Word ought te deliver unre
shesr people nothing, but that which 1 the truth of God ,where-
of they have a warrant in the Word of God. Thus did the
Prep tsin the Old Tefteteent, and thus did the e4poftles
in the New, as our eApeftlein this place. Of « truth ( faith
Teremy) the Lord bash fent me wute yon , to fycake all thefe
words inyexr cares. And new (faith Damel unte Darius )
I foew thee the truth; The Law of sruth (faith Malachy of
Levic) was in bis mouth, and iniquity was net found in bis
Lippes. The Déftiples of the Pharifes, together with the
Heredians,faid unto (brift, ,we kwew that thou art
true, and teacheft the way of Gedin truth. I fay the trath in|
Chrsft (faith Saint Pant )/ lie nor, my confcience alfo bearing
me witneffe, in the bely Ghoff. And againe, We fpeake all
things to you in truth, Thos our eApeftle here , we have not

followed cunningly devifed fables. Hence it is, that the Word

is filed in divers places, the word of truth, the Scripture of
truth: Sotrae, that there sno ise, no contradsction, we falfe-
hood to be found therein : Yea, the writers thereot have
dealt {o fincerely,as that they have not concealed their owne
sufirmities but acksowledge them in their writings.

The Rea/oxs hereof are thefe. 1 Becaufe unlefle A4ins-
frers deale truly and fincerely inthe preaching of Gods Word,
they lofe their reward, yea, fhall be liable toa car/é,for adding
to, or detratting from the perfect will of God. 2 Becaufe its
a great motive to Gods peopleto bearken to their Minifters,
when they are convinced in their con/csences, that they deale
fincerely eene Gedand them. Yea, this the boly Ghoft

ireth of all (AGuifers to wit, To be found and fiucere
sn the difpenfing of Gods wi, to fheake the things which bee
come found Doftrine,se be faithful difpofers of the fecress of

| The

erf-15. To Rules to difcerne of every Dodtrine. 191

This, asic may ferve for exhortation unto the Preachers
of Gods Word to be carefull that they deliver nothing unto
their peop/e, but that which isthe rra#th ef God, fo it ferveth
al{o,partly for repr elenfomsinto fach Preachers as trax/greffe
this rade; partly for direction unto people to examine every
‘Dottrine which they heare, by this rule,

For Reprebexfion unto {uch as would be accounted the | vie ofReprev
Preachers of Geds Word, and yet doe not preach the | henfion,
Word of God, but theis owne seventions , a doctrine of
Devils ; and if at any time they fpeake the zrazh , it is but
in policy, that at another time they may be beleeved , and fo
the more cafily deceive: many {uch have beene from time to
time ; fuch werethe Prophets of Baal,the Prophets of the
Groves. Such are our Popi/>.Pricfts, our Remonfirant Prea-
hers, they doe not deliver the tr#th ef God. They fay, thas
faith the Lord, when as the Lerd hath not fent them. They
{ophifticate the Werd of God, by the mingling of their owne
cratchets and {nbtile Jfiathon to deverve. And herewith
indecd (the more’s the pitty) they /educe many, ef{pecially
which turne away their cares from the truth,and are given un~
tefables. Vie of Dires

For Diéreétion unto people, every Preacher ought tode- | Aion.
liver the truth of Ged unto yox. Many,partly through sgno-
rance, partly through exvy and ssalice doe i ow Tares inttead .
of Wheat, offer poyfon in of honey , preach themfelves
when they fhould preach Chrif'. It concerneth yow then to
have fome few direélions , whereby you may try the Pirits
whether they are of God , and difcerne fal{chood from rhe
truth, as all 2 not gold that piflereth , ah ws not Mauficke
that faundeth, fo all u not truth which ss propounded as truth.| Tyrorwks —
At this time! will enely prepeandanto you two rales,where- | whereby to ,
by you may difcérne of every Doétrine. The firftis, the rule
of faith laid downe in the 12 efrticles of exr Creed, where- \ &rine,
by we are ranght whit tobeleeve. The fecond is, the rule of
isfe, lade downe # the ten comsmandemsents , whereby wee
are taught what to dee which rwo area compend and abridge-
ment ot the whole Scriptures , for in thole twe conlitieth

whole

eT
1¥2 Doctrines the more plaufible the more pernicious,Ch; 1.

whole Chriftsansty. By thefetwo rules may every ordinary
bearer judge of shat which he doth beare, (for the learned
and {uch ascan reade,may make ufe of the whole Scriptures
2 for thas end and purpofe.) If the posts of Doctrine delivered
be concerning matters of fasth,they may be examined by the
Creed: If concerning matters of isfe, by the commande-
Ments .
To make this plaine bya fewexamples. If a Pap:ft did
preachunto you, that inthe Sacrament of the Lords Sxpper,
| there is the reall Body and Blood of Lefiss Chrift , you are to
examine bis Dobtrine by your Creed, ( st being a Dotlrine
concerning faith )whereby you fhall find-that st « 4 falfe Do-
rine becaule Chrift bath afcended into heaven, and.there
fitteth at the right hand of God. If hee fhould preach that
Images are to be worfespped, you fhall find this by your
other rule, the ten commandemsents to be falfe, it being ex-
prefly againit the /econd commandement. If you did heare a
Tew denying that Chrift wcomein che flefo , you might con-
‘vince him by the/écond Article of your Creed; ifa Liberséne,
| urging carnall and flefoly pleafures , youmight convince fim
by the feventh commandement.
: D. Thefedos 2 That the Doérine which in outward appearance feemeth
| in omteward ap- moft plaufible ys not. alwayes. moft wholfome. The Dottrine woh
pearance feeme | is molt cunningly devsfed,isfor the molt part fabslons. What
‘| moft planfible Dottrine more plaufible than the Doétrine of the Papif's,
mofl whole | Famsilifts, cAnabaptifts, tending tocarnall and flefoly liber-
fome. | ty, which the corrspr natare of man doth molt affect? ; and
What Dottrine more divelifE, dangerous and fabalons , than.
thesrs?
Whyfalfe Queft. But why doe falfe Teachers thus garnifh their
preaemde Dotirine why doe they oe in plaine tearmes expreffe it?
nihtheirDo- | etaf. Becaufe if fal/e Doctrine were apparent init’s
rine, owne colonrs,few or none wouldregardit, and therefore as
fiffers put bast upon the hookes, thereby to allure the Fs/ees:
And thefe women whichare moft /icentious , and have leaft
goodneffe, paint themf{elves, to draw Gaeffs unto them: So
doe they eadevour by fine phrafes, eloquent words , fi ugred :
fpeeches

orfs6. The § wmme of the Apoftles Doétrine, °: 1°73

fpeeches, tomake their Doétrine planfble, that {o they may
deceine. Whereas by the contrary, truth in it {elfe is {0 excel-
lent, that it/elfeis /uffiiciens to commend it.

Wherefore I counfell you to fufpect that Doctrine which Ofte
is molt plaufble unto your corrupt natwre,-to fafpe& thofe _
T cachers which lebour more for fie words, than found mat-
ter as thofe which /eeke them/felves not Chrift Iefus , diffe-
ring in their fpeech from the language of Canaan, the fimepli-
city of the Gofel;yea,pray unto Ged ro epen your eyes,that y¢ |
may perceive the fy and fandy fanndettons of Popery, Fam~
lifme, errianifiwe, and the lke , whereby you. may sather
chufe.with the 4Zertyres,to lay downe your /rves-for the
Teftimony of Chrift Iefie , than walke inthofe damuable
Wayes. : _ .

3: That the Doftrime af fakfe Teachers is deceiveable, they | 2 The Bo,
deceive both shemfelues:;. and: athers., blind leaders of the | Teachersig

W hence we aretanght, Coe

To beware'of them : to be circumppett ich webecanghat| Ate Fs
unawares, even, fame more whan ordinarily learned; more | ere y'...
than ordivari/y ( im ontward Thew ): religuns , have beeme | :.+s ~
caught by their beites, entangled-with theic errewrs. They j*-* *
compaffe Seannd Land, faring neither for, paines nor charges
to ex/arge the Devils kingdome ; be we baile on the. Rocke;
that br veny gates of Filet ‘Whdy HOF; prevaile over 45.1 hus of

Cfrfee OR a tee ph oto mesiot
‘y. Forthe 2. thetad of the eApafties pfire-and CHRE 5 FP When we
make knowne the power 4nd commnny: of - on Lord Tefias, the power and {|
Ghrift; which they accordingly -pertormed by. preaxhing | comming of
the Go/pel; accerding to that consrhandement of .Chrift. Wiep | cur ton, Se
we made knqwne untoyou the pawer and comming of our Loxd °
lefis Chrift : that ta,when-wepreachedunto you of the firf Hy
comming of Chrift-in the flelo according as it. was prophected
of him, and of his wonderfull powcr in workjna miracles , hea-
ling the ficke,vaifing the dead, cafting ont nucleane fpirits, ¥-
vercomming.the world; vavqusfhing the Devil 5 :tahing away
finne,reconciling-n4 nyse Code» Be SANA ol Ge “y wD
co, ence

174

D.Such as
want che preas
ching of Gods
Word ase ig-
norast of

€ ing of
Chrift, Cy

Gal.4.39.

fame, as every man and wonan, yea, even the Ele them-

condition of Txrkes & Pagaus,who have nopreaching at all,
are !
it any wonder. for bow can they under fiand withent a guide?

to Ged; for his
: | Preachers and preaching ofhis Word amongtt

"114 they imsploy theit whole endevoxr about the performance of

{ Which is ignorant of Chrift, truely fe know him, it is tomake

_ phim den himfelfe, coforfake hss pleafures, to eppefe the vani-
.

| he) of whom I cravaite in birth againe, wutill Chrift be for-

{ Crit : chough ne doubt,he met with diversfess and inspe- | .

The Apoftles painfull intheir Mixiftery. Chap.+

Hence divers things may be noted.

1 The miferable eftate of {uch as want the preaching of
ods Word ,they aresgnorans of the comming of (brift, of

the pewer of Chrift, and fo ofthe pai kt of Chrift ; and
therefore our Apefile faith, thas be Apswne auto thems
thofe things, implying, that they were formerly ignorant of the |

felvesare satwrally. This avay be confirmed by the wofal

and of Papiffs, who wane the facere preaching of the Word,
norant of the Gofpel of lefie Chreff , neither is

bow can oy heare, without a Preacher?

Wherefore,we have great caufe co betruely thankfall un-
wonderfeil love towards o8,in centinuing the

us , whereby

We may attaine the true ksowledge of God , and of his Sonse
defies Chrsft. a

2 The faithfulueffe and diligence of she Apeffles in the

perfernance of the workes of thesr calling, they made knowne

the power and temmine of our Lord lefi Chrift. Their (one

as there calms was extracrdisary {0 were alfo their pases:
as Ged called chem-to be the efpeciall saftraments of mani-

fefting, or making knowne the myfrery of the Gofpel , fo did

the fame. It’s a very hard taske,toteachaman er 4 woman

thes of the world,and the like, which therefore isco

Saint Pas! unto a worwans travaite, Mylittle children {itt

mediu you. This bard taske, this laborious travasle, did our
file undertake in teaching the power and comming of

dine:nts,as the Preachers of Gods werddoc.. =~

erf£16. The Summe of the Apoftles Dottrine, 175

By whole example, both Preachers and people may learne Ofte
to be fasthfwll and diligent in their callsng.

3 Their proficiency in the Schoole of Chrift ,the profit | D.By the Apos
which they made by the efpoftles labours , they ‘earned they eed :
the knowledge of Chrift. By the eApoftles labours , the com-
ming and power Chrift, was made knowne wuto them. They | ofChrift,
had the Ordinance of Godamongft them , even the preaching
‘| of she Word, they did accordingly make «fe of the (ame; bewmg
ignorant of ( brift, they learned to kgow him.

Whence we may dearne, to yeeld ebedsence unto the Word
preached, to make #f2 of the fame, whilft it is continued
among ft 18; God hath fent his Preachers unto ss,as hee fenr
his eApoftles unto them, we are ignorant, asthey were. The
Preachers of Gods Word take paines for our good, as thee4-
4 poftles did for theirs oh then let us make ufe of their Labexr s,
which if we deenot, Ths people to whomeur Apofile wri-|
teth, thalf rife up in jadgemsens avainft us.. |

4 That the Doctrine of the “Apofites doth concerne she pewer
‘and comming of oxr Lord Iefus Chrift, which is the funsme of
the Gofpel, pointing out, toch the bumanity , and “Deitse of
our Savsonr Chrift. '
Tonching the comming or manifefation of Chrift in the.
ficf,rw0 things aretobe confidered. 1 Thecertainty of it.
2 The Reafons of the [ane.

The certainty of it isapparcnt, both by prephecies prece-
ding it, by wstneffes avonching it, by circumffances confir-
ming it; prophecies by lacob, Aficha, Daniel, and the other.
Prophets, witneffes the e-ingels, Shepheards throws? men,
the Apofttes: circumffances, the time when he was borse,
when the Scepter was departed from Judah, inthe dayes of
enyafius Cafarsthe place where he was berne, Rethichem,
his Afother g Virgin. : .

The Reafoxs were to fulfill: the Pxemife of God, to free:
us from finne, deliver us fromthe Devill , fatufie Gods Ine:
frice, reconcile ns unto God , beffow upon asthe parit of
adoption. | :

Touching the pewer-of Chriff, rwe things alfo may be con .

hdered.

Ofe.

D.ThePo 7
@rine of che

Iefus Chrift,
The certainety
of Chritts
commingin
the ficsh. |

Gen.g9 IIe :

Lue,®.J-

Reafons of the |
{ame¢.

¥76 — The Dottrine excellent, profitable, neceffary.C

Gidered. 1 The certainty of st. 2 The Reafomi
‘ | fame,
| Th a ceetainty The certainey of it is apparent from shefe werkes
comming. hewrought,which #o other could doe ; yeayby the:
1.9.6. on even of his adverfaries , hec being the mughty G
TereSo.3¢0 | Prong Redeemer, :

ofthefame, |. The Reafons ofthe manifeffation of the fame, wer
| .inregard of Aim/elfe, partly in regard, of #2 in re
Aimfelfe, to manifelt his Deitie; in regard of me,
might/eve and defend usand that we mightrepe/@ ot
in

im.
This I fay, was the Doflrine of the Apaffles . whi
‘angle anto their hearers, about which they emspleye
eS.
. Hence we may perceive,

The Doftrint} The exceloncy of thie Doétrine. It is concern
| oft Apotie power and comming of (hrift. It may be ameplifie

; sruth of it, the antiquity of it, the wsiver/ality of it,
ene ofthe Apoptles among themfelves, the anther
Dektrine, their warrant and gronnd for it, the fiebjel

“1, | the variety of matter comprehended therein.
Profitable: {The atilitie of shis Dottrine, being profitable fa
Sion, ‘chenfon con/slacionsand exbertasion,
3 Theseceffity of this Doftrine, inasmachas ow
Neceflary, doe yet deny thecomming of Chrift , many alfo def
pewer, and not afew, though beleeving borh, yet not
conceiving of either. Thus of the/cond.

Butweseeyes | Forthe 3;how farre our Saviowr did manifeft hk

witneflesof | unto his Apofles with oxr eyes we faw hit ae, >
humajelty: | hisexcellency and glory whereby he did manifeft himnfei
the Sonne of Ged, and Saviour of the world. There w
jeftie in Chrift, even whilft he lived upon the earth:
AMajefty was in fomemeafure vifible. The Apoftles fa
im at divers times, and after divers manners,
Soom it at his firft publicke manifeftation, in his Life
steath, by bis Refierreftion, at his Afcenfion, They fa
his words : they [aw it inbie workes, they faw it sm b

geft uve and countenance. They [awit with the eves of their
ody they faw st with the eyes of faith. But in ths place , our
Apoftic {peaketh of hs ewne, together with Lames and Iobns,
Seeing of Chrift, whilft be was tranfigured before shems in the
Mount ;as we may perceive out of the 18 vere of this

| Chapter, where it is {aid, and this voyce which came downe
from heaven, we heard, when wewere with hime inthe holy
Mount, In this place | fay, thofethree Apoftles beheld the
glory and Majefty of Chrift. 7
4 Whence twothings may be obferved. .
r That God after a fpeciall manner doth reveale himfelfe
| #2t0 hss owne children, which he doth not xnto others, yea, of-
ten he doth after a more fheciall manner reveale himfelfe nnto

| inflances. Of Henoch,Noah,Mofes, Abraham, Simeon,with
others do fufficiently confrme;and thus alfo in this place,un-
to Peter, James,and Ishn,Such as are moft familiar with Ged,
God ss moft familsar with them: Suchas doe molt acquaint
themfelves with Ged ; God doth moft acquaint himfelfe with
them. Our Savioxr doth not#ow manifett himfelfe after the
Jpeciall manner as he did untothefe onr Apoffles. Yet not-
withitanding,if we will <cqsasse our felves with bine, and
watke in his wayes, being bumble and meeke, bis Spirit foal
refi upon 1s.

2 That Geds children bebela and gf erve that in Chrift,
which others doe not. The Princes of this world knew him
sor, Herod when he/aw him, defpifed hin, fet him at naught.
But the Apoffles they (aw bis Mayefty their eyes were opened
to thensst was given to difcerne,

Pray we therefore unto God, tq open ons eyes, whereby we
thay behold the excellency of Chrift difcerne his glory, even
beftew upen us atrweand lively faith, whereby weo may
perceive that in ( brift,which worldings deenot.

N Verle

Some few of his children than unto others , as the particular.

\Werle 1-7.God fpecially reveales bimfelfeto hy children: 177

Of: thetransfis
guration. wee

ON -God afcer
afpeciall mane
ner doth re~

Ofee

B.Gods chils
dren behold
and obferve
that in Chrift
which others
doe nog,
lohn 1.10,
| Cor.2.
L.tu6.2 3 E To
Ofes

(e connitt

e chrifts Mayes) ° the
sefty unte ther

Mesh) Coit

Verde 17. The Apoftles Doétrine.fure certaine, trues

noted in this particle ( fer ) plainely declareth. 2 The Per-
fens, giving and receiving honor & glory:giving God the Fa-
ther, {litled the excellent glory , as being abfolutely and wo ft
perfectly glorions,the God of slery, yea, Glory in filfe : recet-
ting clus Chrift the Sonne of God, the Saviour of the world,
3 What the Father did beffow upon the Sonne,and whatthe
Sonne received of the Father, honexr and glory, that is,en he-
nour able and glorious teftinseny , whereby his excellency and
(Majefty did plainely appeare unte bis Difeiples. 4 At what
time be recesved this bononr and glory of the Father , at the
Transfiguration. § The manner how he received this tefs-
mony, by avoyce from heaven. 6 The awatrer , or toftimony

it felfe, Thess 2 my beleved Sonne, in whom I am well pleafed.

Of theft, briefly, and in order, at the pleafire of Ged.

For the 1,the Reafon whereby § 4p:/t/es did apprehend, &
were induced to coneeive of the Excehency and Majefty of
| Chrsf?, was the teftimeny which Ged the Father gave him
from heaven, after a mirachlous and extraerdinary manner.
This did both induce them to apprebendand cencesve of the
Majefty of Chrift and likewife embeldned them , to teftifie
what they had /eexe, and to pablo that for erath, whereof
chy had [o fureand certasm ground. Whence may be no-

t That the Deérine of the Apoftles concerning the Ma.
jefty and Excellency of Chrift,ss woff fire, certaine and true.
They doe not re/ate any thing unto ¥e, but that whereaf they
have/ifficsent ground and warrant,as our Apoffle teftifiet
inthe formerverfe, We have not followed cunningly devifed
fables when we made kuowne unto you the power sad commin 4

of onr Lord Iefus Chrift,but were eye-mienelfes of his Maje-
fty. But might fomse fay, Were yee not decesved ? Was it
not fome cownterfeit or tmaginarie fhew which ye bebeld?
What could yeefee inhim , but bafeneffe , sgnominy , in-
frmities ? Our Apeftle anfwereth , Wee teftificrnothing,
but that which sw truth, neither were we deceived our felves,
neither gee we about to deceive others; we didfee his Majefiy
whilft he was transfigured before xs, The teftimeny which

N 2 Ged

179

Chrifts teftimony ,a confirmation of faith,Chap.t.

Godinonr hearing, gave bins from heaven doth affurcdly per-
{wade us of thetruth of the fame.

2 That the faita of thofe Apoftles concerning the Meffiah,
was confirmed by thisteftimony which God cave unto his Son
from beaven. They did formerly beleeve.in Christ, they had
many fets and pull-backes to svithdr aw them from their faith
in Chrift. Ged doth miracalou/ly confirme the fame,for their
fakes Ged gavethis Teftimony unto his Sonne , from Leaven,
evento confirme their judgement, tvouching the ALcffiah
and their-faith in bsm, wher eef they made x/e accordingly,
beleeving and teftsfying, that hee was the Sonne of God ,the
Savsour of the o arid,the onely Medtater betweene God and
Man. ,

Of the formier poixt ,thefe #/¢s may be made.

I Tocfteeme and reverence this Defirsne of the fpo/tles,
touching the Excellency and Masel of (Christ , as being a
DoGtrine of truth, having anandembted warrant and ground
for the /ame.

2 Toconforme our felves and our Doélrsve, unto the |
Apostles and their Dofrine, being carefull not to propound
or deliver any thing for trat#, which is not the tr#th of God,
whereof wee. have not a warrant out of the Word ‘of
‘Cy0d. ‘
] 3 Torejectevery Defirine, which we finde oppofite and
contrary uutothis Dotirsne of the Apostles. Though ax An-
gell did preach it ; thougWwxlestudes did beleeve it ; though
it might feeme tehave forcible arguments te confirme it , yct
let us reje@t it,as contrary to the undexbted truth of God,
here delivered by the Apoffles, which had the perfetl know-
ledge of this myStery,and were our Saviours most faithful
witme |pes. -

Of the Zerter,thefe

t Toadmire the Jove of God towards his owne children,
in affording them fuch meaxes to further them in their fa/-
vation. This love of God,as it was manifefted unto the pe-
Stles at that timc, fo have we expersence hereof at this rsme.
This History being left in record for our inftraciion.

2 To

J
a ee

Verfe 17. Jn what refpects God is a Father, 481

ee ey ee

2 To make the fame «fe of this wonderfull worke of God =

here recorded which the Apeftées did, w" werepre/enr at the

dosx ¢ thereof, namely, to apprehend, beleeve and coucetve of
the Excellency and Alajesty of Chrift Icfiss. .Asour Savionr
{pakeuntothe peeple, after they had heard the woyce from
heaven, (1 haveboth glorified st, and willglersfest azaine )
This veycecame not becanfe of me, but for your fakes;loL fay,
| that this voyce here reperded,was alfo for onr fakes , that wee
may beleewve i: Christ Iefus. Thus of the firs?.

or the 2, the Pex/oxs here mentioned are God the Fa-
twer.the mosh excellent and glorious God, giving , and [efus
Cirist his Sonne recetvin ¢ OF him sbononr and glory. Whence
divers things may be noted.

1. A proofe of the Trinstse,,or (at lealt) a plaine preose of
tye perfons, the Father and the Sonne, united in ont efferce 3
| the Father begertting the Sonne, tho Sense begotten of the
Father, fcom all erernitie. TheFather giving, the Sonne re-
| corz ing honeur and glory. -
2 That asthe frft perfon.of the Trinitie,is a Father to all
1 by creation, and to the fatthfuk by adoption, fo ishe unto
‘Chrift, by.a twefold generation, edernall , as he is che Second
| perfonin the blefed Trinstie,which generation, who 18 able to

declare? temporal, asheis aan, for the power of the High-
eff overfhadowed the bleffed blef[ed Virgin, therefore that ho-
Ly thing which was borne of her, was tated the Sonne.of God-
And hence is hee named Father. In:this place, even’ the
| Father of our Lord. lefta. Chri. Whence divers prof

Joh.12,28.30,.

He received
from God the
Father, —

The perfons
giving.and re-
caving

A proofe of
the Trmity.

In what re-
(pe&s Ged is
a Father.

I{a.§ 3 8

Lucl.3 Se ——

table tafiretlions might be:drawne, which fhall be
Jed Godwilling in the /a# part of the verfe, where they
doe more direttly arife. - , ce —_

.. Lhelove of theF ather tothe Sen.ke beftoweth upon him,
| Sexonr and glory. Whercinthe Sen could glorsfie the-Father,
either by dosag or /uffertag, therin he did glorsfix hime, and
wherein the Father could g/orifie che Senne, therein hee did
| géorifie him. They fought the matwall bexoxr and glory one

of another. The Father.elarified the Sonne, the Sonne glori-\.
fied the Farber. Them thet bananr me. ({aid God) Iwi ho~

N 3 nour,

3182

F rom the ex-

cellene clory.
D.God ismott | &

excellent and

PfaL8.1.

Plal.g§.3.
P£al. 104.33.
Pfal 138.9.
'n what re-
fixes Godis

peoft excellent
_and glorious,

Jn whatre/pects God is most gloriows.Chap,1.

noxr. Chrift did greatly bonear the Father , andthe Father

ave both bonoxr and ¢/sry anto Chriff,
4. That God ss moft excellent and glirious , and thercfore
Riled here the cxceHent glory notonely glorious, but ever glo-
ry it {eife;yea,che excellent glory,as noung his abfolatenc ffe,&
perfection zx elory,as cllewhere he is naaitd, wt/edome, mer-
yD) ftrength, and the ke, implying his abfolure perfection in
thofe things attributed to brms. That God us moft excellent and
glorious may be proved by manifald tcfimsomies of Scripture, .
O Lard, onr Lord ({aithDavid ) how excelent 1s thy Name
in all the ecrth, who baft fer thy glory above the heavens! And
againe, Gird thy fword spon thy thi gh, O moft mighty with thy
glory, and thy Majeftse, And againe, The glory of the Lord
foal endure fer ever. Andagaine, Yea, they frall fing in th
wayes of the Lord, for great x the glory of the Lord.
The Lordis molt excelent and gloriexr, both in regard of
bimfelfe,and in regard of others. In regard of bim/felfe, he ts
glory it felfe, effentially glorious. Inregard of ethers, what
glory they Lave, tt is derived from him. The Lerd is moft

.} excellent and. glorsoxs ia his perfon, in his Name, in his love,

Deut28.58,

Col.1.13.§
lobn 3.16. .
2 Cors.20.

Exod.15.7,.

: Plat.g2.5 ¥

}

Dan.7. 27e

ments, overthrowing them, that 7z/é «p againtt him; molt ¢/o~
¥ Pet.¢.4, |

in his promi/es, in his Word, in hisjadgements, inhis Works,
inhis Rewards, in his Kingdome, in his Power, in his ‘Place |
of habitation ; yea,in every thing which. may be attrrbuted
unto bins, He is #0ff glorious in his perfen, being the Ged of
Heaven aud Earth, the Maker and Preferver of all things.
He is moft g/eriom in his Nanec, that thon maycft feare(faith
Mofes) this glorious and fearefull. Name, rhe Lord thy God. ¥
‘He ismott glorsoms and excellent in his fore, both tdwards
his Sonne Chrift lefus, {tiled the Sonne of hss Love, and to- |.
wards ws, for his /ake,lo /oving us,asto beftow bins upon ws, 1}
that thrangh bis death we might live. Heismoft glorions in
his promufes., they all being in Chrift Iefus, Tea,and Amen,
molt (wre and infalsble; moft glorious in his Word, conver-
ting {ome, confounding otbers, MOK glorions in hrs jxdge-

| rious in his workes, thofé pointing aut his g/ory; molt g/cr:-

ows in his rewards, be towing on his owne children,a crowne
&

Verfe 17.The Father beftowed glory on the 5 one,

2 ee Ee eee eee

of glory: molt glcrions in his kingdome, which endureth for
ever, whefe g/ory is manifefted by the workes of God. Molt
| glorious in his power, he being able to doe whatfoever he wit-
Leth; molt glorsons inhis habitation, he dwelling in the midft
of excellent glory, yea, of tuch glory as becommeth his great-
aeffe : he dwelling in that light which ne man can approach
unto. Soalfoinevery thing which may be attributed unto
God, he is moft excellent and glorious.

Hence it followech,

1 That glory and honour doth belong unte God; hee him-
felfe being itiled by the P/almiff,che King of glory,

2 That whatfoever glory is im the Creature , it proceedeth
from God the Creator, and that, sf there be fisch glory in the
creatures, {uchas the Sunne, Moone, flarres , and the like,
much more doth the Creator exceed sn glory.

3 Thacwe ought to feare and reverence this glorions God,
both in our thonghts, words, and workes, doing ai to the g/e-
7 of God, endevouring alwayes in every thing to glorifie
him; he isa fearefull God, a confirming fire, an everlaftin
burning. Oh that we could thus lorife this glorions Ged!
that fo with oper face (as inacleere glaffe ) wee may behold
the glory of the Lord; yea, that the Lord may arife “per M6,
and his glory be feene npon us. Thus of the fecond.

For the 3, What the Father did beffew upon the Sosxe,bo-
wonr and glory, be received of bins an hononrable and glerions
effimony wherein God the Father did publikely avench him
for his Sonne. Whence two things may be obferved.
| 2 Thatehss tcftsmony which God the Farber gave unto his

Sonne, did redound unto his honour and glory, tor hereby-hec
‘was acknowledzed to be the Sonne of God, hercby the Church
‘Was commanded to heare him, and berebythe Apofties were
fur thes confirmed in their faith on him, yea, confidering §
the fafhion of his countenance was changed, ¥ his face did fhine
as the Sunne,that his rainsent was white and gliering,that a
-Lright cloud overfoadewed him, that Mofes and Elias talked
a sth him, that {uch.an audible voyce was beard from heaven
Leaching bin, how couldshey be but the mare confirmed in
, N4 .

183

rf Tim,6.3 6.

Ufes

I
Pfal.24.8.:
. 2

2 Cor.3.18.
Tla60.3.

Whatthe Fa-
ther did bez

ftowupon the
Sonne,honour

and glory.

D. The eeftis
mony which
God the F a-
ther gave unté
his Sonne,did
redound unto
his honour and

Ory. ;
Rian a7.s8ce.

their!

134.

The Father alwayes carefull of his Senne,C hap.1.

D .Ged be-
ftow:th upon
his children
fuch thingsas
doe molt tend
unto their
good,

Objekt e

Solat. .
Mat.11.2:7,
Mat.28.18. -
Hed. r 0.§ é
Pfal 22.130.
Mat.12.28.
foha 5.22.
Luc.22.29- *
The timewhen
he received this
honour aod
glory of the
Fathee when
rhere camea
voyce, Kc.

D.Gotiwas .

alwayes ca:e*
full of Chrift,
Pfal.z.7-
Ufe.
D.God hath
his owe time
wherein he
wil! honour
his clad TeR,
ye.
The manzee.
how Chrift .
scceived this
Telimony
when there
-cameficha
| voyce, &c.
Gods power
| and wifedome

'manifefted
jhercin,

their faith ? how could they but the ore glorife him?
2 That God beffoweth upon his owne children, fuch things

| as doe moft tend unto thesr good, as here in the glorifying of

Chrift, whereby the Apoftles did the more efteeme of him,
the more beleeve in him; yca,and wee now the more confir-
mcdin the truth of that Article of our Creed, that Jefis
Chrift is the Sonne of God.

06. Butdoth not ths derocate from the glory ef Chriff, |
being very God, inthat it is {aid that he received honour and
glory from God the Futher 2 for what need had he to receive

ononr and glory.froms another, being very God himfelfe?
| Anfwe. As God, he received nothing from Ged the Father,
but his /ubfffence or perfonalitie, but as he was man,fo he rve-
ceived all things from the Father, as he him/felfe acknow-
ledged,a body, prefervation, his power to worke miracles , as
thecafhing ot of the Dévils,andthe like. His great anthtri-
ty, in having a jadgement committed to him , yea, his king-
dome,or glorification... Thus of the third. i

For the 4,the témse when he recetved this benor and glory oft

| the Father, even whenthere came [uch a voyce from heaven,

namely whil/t he was teansfanred vefcre his Difciples which
being compared with Gods dealing towards Chrift, both be-
fore and after this rime,implyeth,

1 That God was slwayes carefull of him, a great comfort |
unto the mensbers as he was carefull of the bead fo will he not '
be nnmindfull of 0s the members.

2 That God hath bis time and feafon to put honour upon '
his children, though for atime he fuffer them to be debafca |
and fcerned. Weltee it ia this example of Chrif?. The ex.cm-
ples allo of Jefeph, David, Mor decay doc confirme the fume.
Sceke wee not bonsnr by anlawfull meanes, God inhis due
time can beffow it , cfpecially that honour ro be bis children.
Thus of the /cxrth.

For the 5, the wanner how Chriff recesved this Teftimse-
ny, it wasby a voyce from heaven whence may benoted,

AS well the pawer as wifedome of God, his power tn fpra-
hing, tn peaking frombeanen, his wifedome ix exercifing both |
oO, | the

NT Sana

ech, The Fathers teRimony of bis Sonne.

the eyes and ear es of the eApoftles at one time in the fame
attion, their eyes by an extraordinary fight, which they had
never feene: theireares by an extraordinary voyce which
they had fe/dome ( if ever )heard before. Thus did it plea/e
God to glorifte his Son rather than he fhould want honor, God
would donor him,by extraordinary meanes. Thus of the fift.
Fer the 6, the matter or Teftimony it felfe, Zs ss my be- |."
loved Sonne in wham I am-well pleafed, whereunto the three
Evangelifis, Matthew, Marke, and Luke, adde,beare him,
This 18 my beloved Sonne, in whom I am well pleafed; Geare |i
him:w words our Apoftle might leave out , aS being sece ae
rsly smplyedin the former part of the fpeech.(For if Chrift be
the belovedSonof God,then certainly we ought to beare him)
| Or elfe, becaufe 4e knew that they were expreffed in the fore-
mentioned places,on whsch this Serspture hada neceffary, de-
pendance,rhey being asa Comment to explaine To%.. Every
Word of this Tefismeny, feemethto be emphaticall. Tu1s,he
| whom the wor/d doth defps/e,rejell,contemsne, This your A4a-
rer, the Sonne of the Virgin (Mary, reputed the Sonxe of.
lofeph, even thts man who is prefent before yow 518, at this
prefent really truely, wndenbredly, M¥.SONNE, cocquak.con—
[sbftartiall, and coeternal, with oty fclfe, my saturall and
onely Sonne, as God; my Sonne by the grace of union, as man,.|'
my Sonne,who am whe Lord of Lords, the Maker of heaven
and carthe MY BELOVED SONNE, a8 being moft worthy of.
all orbers tobe beloved, as being my vaturall Sonne, begotten
of me from cverlafting , as being infinitely filled with the
finfe of my love,as being the meaxes whereby my ‘ove is
derived unto others, and the Y become beloved , as being one. |
whom I havein refpect of his humane nature, adorued , and }-
qualified with g/frs above all orbers. INV HOM , 11 which |
bcloved Sonne, the Sonne of my love, I, which ama ure,holy,
mighty, aud jealoxs God,av VV ELL P.LEASED,Fefs throngh- |.
ly faricfied, and fully pacified laying afde my whole a:pleae;
(are and wrath cenceived againit you, for frmne. HE ARE-|
H Int, withthe cares of your feart, with the eares of your |:
body ,beleeving.and zeelding obedience ynta bim, heare lim,
ot ° v

186 Chrift both God and Man in ene perfon, Chap.1-

by /wbnvstting your felves unto bine, ag to-an heavenly. and
perfeet Schoolmafter, whole Difciples yee are; heare bins , as
being an 4bfolwte Lord, ihe beloved Sonne of God. This ss
my beloved Sonne in whons I ans well pleafed eare bim.

This Tefimony confifteth of fowre parts. The concer-
neth the per/on ot Chrift, Thse 18 my Senne. The2, the diffe-
rence betweene Chrift and the ether fonnes of God , in this
. | word, defoved or, moft dearely beloved. The 3, the benefir
which.we recesve through Chrift, In whom [am well pleafed.
The 4, the dety which we ewe unto Chrif , or the manner
how we ought to <pp/y this benefit, beare him.

Concerning the 1, the Perfor of Chrift is defcribed in
thefe words, This ss my Sonne. Which point out his’
manhood, his godhead , and the uxten of both in one perfox.
His manhood, in the word 76s; his gedhead, inthefe words,
ss my Sen,even my xatural Sen;the anson of bork inthe whole
phrafe, Thse ss my Son. So (brift the Son of God is both God
and man, in one perfon,pe could not effe have beene the Re-
deemer of Mankinde, the Mediatour betweene God and Man,
. | For the Redeemser muft be both man, becaufe seax had finned,
and Geds juftice didrequire, that that /awe nature, which
had funed, fhould be punifeed for finne. God , touphold and
fuftaine the »saxbeod, to evercome and vanquith death , to
take away the weight of fixne, to pacifie the wrath of an sxfi-
nite God, to deftrey the tyranny of the Devel , to reftore the
Tmage of God in us.

- Hence it followeth, . |
_ ¥ That Chrift sa perfetl Redeemer, the onely Mediatour
betweene God and man.

2 That the death of Chriff ss a fufficient price fer onr re-
demption,he being not onely wan , but alfo God, the blood
which he fred being ftiled the blood of God. .

3 That we are of secre kinred and alliance unto Chrif?, he
‘having taken upon him, even owr nature, become man ike nn-
to 6, in al things, finite onely excepted.

4 That therefore we mutt beleeve, as well, that he is max,
as God, yea, beth God aud man in one perfor , relying up

Verf17.God well pleafed with us,in and through (brift.s 87

"hime as our oncly Afedsatour, difclaiming all other edvoeates,
etugels,Saints, merits, and the like; comforting our felves
in the 4 f[urance of the ver tue of bis death , and being care -
fied not to difsononr our bodies, fecing even Chrift hath taken
upon bins Our watnre. ' . 3
But kaving this, note we further, thefe points. | |
I That God dosh acknowledge hime fer bis Sonne, whem the | Obf,God did
world wonld not take notice of. The world jadgeth by the. | f° age
outward appearance, as Samuel did, in viewing Efab,butshe | Sonnewhom }
Lord judgeth erherwife.. It was prophesied of Chrift,be beth | theworld =]
neither forme nor beauty; when we foall fee him, there faa would
be ne forme, that we fhould defire bim.. Yet doth the Father
tefline of him, Thess my Sonne, implying, that, he ss set
. | afoamed of bis owne children, bem poore fagver, deppifed ,con~
‘| temned, derided by worldlsngs,as the examples ot Lazarus,
the peore Publican , with others, doe weneffe. Such. are hot
alwayesina miftrablecafe whom the werld dothreed,nay,
rather thofe are moft muferable whom the world doth moft
fawne upon. Compare the condition of E/sas with the-Pro-:
phers of Baakthe eftate of Mordecai,with Hamans,and ‘you
hall find thetrath of etthers vt
@ Thatxo man can attaine uutoa trae knowledge of Chrift:
Tefis, unleffe hee be inftrutled and tanght of GOD,
as the efpoftles were at this time, bya weyce from heaven,
T his 14 my Sonne. Pray we theretore into God,that he would
be pleafed co beftow upon us; the true krowledge of Chrift
crucified, which ofour felves we'cannot ebtaine, bot by his | cr
“graciousdire ion. | | tote
3 Thar Ged ts the Father of Chrift Iefus , by nature athe
‘i ri by the grace of wnion as he 1s mean. Thus of the
rit. ; _— a
Corcerning the 2, the difference berweene.Chrift, and the
other fonnes of God, inthis word beloved, be is beloved , fo
are we, but be in bimfclfe, andfor bsm/felfe, we in bim , and
for his fake, according as hee bimfilfe’, faith, J befeech’.
thee good Father:shat as thou baft loved me, fo thon wilt love
them, and give them the fame glory thon giveff me. This is
| plaine

Ufe.

Vf.
06f. Ged isthe

Father in and
for himfelfe,
man in and for
hisfake. -
{ohn 37.23,26

488 God well pleafed with us,in and through ( brift.Chap.1 J

Pn en DOD

Reafon. plaine, even becaufe there is sothing ir. us, wich deferveth
Gods love, nether can we juftly challcuge as <#rs, any thing
that wehave,dgowledge, beauty, frength, riches, ot the like;
onely 1 and tbrosgh Chrift, we enjoy them. He is beloved

Feb,3,2, . of God, after an efpectaill manner, as being the brightse ff cof

| Geds glory, she expref[e Image of his perfox; as being mo

srinecent, who never tranfereffed the ik of .ne Father at

’ any time, finsfoing the werke which was civsi him to aoc,even

Tom 19.37." |. ying dawsse his life, that he might take it upagaize. He was

, > | awayes beloved ot Ged, yea, even then, when hee ieemed to
‘ bee mot forfaken, as he banged uponthe Creje. Though

-God suffered: bins to live fo poore in this world, {odcfpsfed fo

wronged : though he fuffered Aims to die {uch an gnomini-

ous death, yet.did he /ove him, ontward things being no evi-

; . | dane figne of Gods hatred. :

Fife. Hence we are taught, _

I | x Toadmire Gods love towards ss, inthat he would give
his Sonne whom hee /oved fo dearely fer our redemp-
tion.

2 “a Tabe carefull left we offend Chrift lefts , the beloved |

| of bie Farber, left we draw upon our felves, the heavy judge-
‘ments of Ged, the hatred, wrath, andindignation of the Fa-
-. . . | ther, Thus of the fecond. |

D. God is well Concerning the 3 , the descfie which wee receive by |

pleated with » | Chrift, Inhine God w well pleafed with us he was firft weil:

' theomgh preafed with bimsrefpe@ing and cReeming highly of Ams, ar |

Chr, all times: and /ccondly,sn bis is well pleafed with us, be bs xg

| aie | 2 propstsatson fer our finnes, whe hath made pence the: ¢ 9
ee Se tn blood of his Croffe, and reconciled alb things in f-s7 os
cud earthy
tence we may conceive,
"3 Afans miferable ehtate without Chrift. Godis diizizc-
sil with Aim, there’senmitie betweene God and bim. ibs

Tobn:t7+4,

.
L]
ve
’
=
a
~

|
" | avas the effare and condition , even of the 4/7? of 2: i,
“PRRs fo: 'y ratuve we werethe children of wrath.as Wei wea os.
" | Dhisis the eftate of a¥ fuchas dive without Chriffooy uc!
| hcuaver is every émpenitent Ginner, every man_ arc Weundn:
Wout 4
arta a tact a en a ne

|
!

which /iveth in Siene, whether malice, Pride, Whoredeme,
Covetonfneffe,or the /tke.

2 Thatthere are no other meanes, wherebya finner may bee
at one with God, and reconciled unto him, but enely by Chrsft
fefus. He is the abfslute and perfetl Mediarour, both of
redemption, and interceffion, He isthe Lamsbe of God that ta-
keth away the finnes of the world. He is the facrifice and
burnt offering, which fmelleth fweetly in the noftrils of God,
Fe 18 ony Advocate with the Father,the propitiation for oar
finnes, in whomme have redemptian,through bis blond, even
the for gsveneffe of finnes, On whom alone we mutt re/y, dif-
ciming all others, if we looke for any reconciliation with

od.

3 That,being accepted of God,throngh Chrift,we become bis
adopted childrenyecenciled unto him, juftified in his fight.
God is jx/8 whe will notregutre two payments for our debt;

Chrsft having fatisfied Gods juftice tor ns, God becommeth |

pacified towards us. ‘Thus of the third.

Concerning the 4, the duty which we owe unto (4rif
or the wanner-how we muft apprebend the preceding benefit,
bysbeanis r bins, which (chougt not bere ) # expreffed by three:

vangelifts, Whence note, that /uch as would receine any:
bencht by Chrift, muft beleeve in him, give care unto him;
be rule by him ; become conformable unte bis holy and bea-

venlywik. Thus of the fourth, and{o of the former proofe, | Chrift

which concerneth the AZajefty of Cbrift.

Touching the atter proofe, which concerneth the »anife-
feation of this Majeftie of Chrift unto thee Fpoftles, its laide
downe inthe 18 verfe inthefe words, and ths voyce, which
came from heaven, we heard when we were with him in the

holy Moxnt. How was it poffitle, but that they fhould take

notice of it, fecing there was fach an extraordinary and mi-

raculous voyce,from heave proclaiming # they them/felves ,
attentive and diligent in viewing it, and { 4riff himfelfe had
taken then apart into that'CMountaine to manifeft it unto
thems ?

In this preofe three things are to beconfidered.. 1 Thesr

hearing

Verl'1-7.By bearing (brift.we are reconciled unto bim. 189

(

2
Toh. 1.29.

1 Tolu2.%.

Col.3.1g..

D. Suchas
wonld receive
any benefit and
profit by

ift mutt

heare him.,

‘ —

D.We ought
to heare Gods
Word readily;
carefully, cc.
AA. 37.

A& > 16 el Geo
Toha 1 0.27.
Tohn 3.47,

Ufte

mafter, thus bearing him, whom Ged willed them to beare:

How to bearetheWordof God. | Chap.t ,

hearing of this voyce, and this voyce which came from heaves,
we heard. 2 The time when they did heare it, when we were
regether with bins. 3 The place where they did heare it , in
the holy Monnt.

For the 1, dud this voyce wee beard. Te heare in the Scrip.
tures, Gignifieth efpecially ewe things, either a fraitlef[e bare
hearing, whichis oncly with the estward fenfe of the care,
as wicked menhearethe Word preached ; ora frestful and
effetinall hearing,when there isa wiking affent in the inde,
to the Word preached, with a free purpofeto obey, as Gods
children heare the fame. Thus did the eApefiles heare this | :
veyce, the immediate Word of Ged. They heard it, readsly,
carefully, attentively. They beleeved, and gave credit to
that which they did beare. They yeeldeda willing «fen in
their mindes thereunto, with a firme purpefe, tobecome obe-
dient tothe fame. They beleeved that Jefe Chriff was the
Sonne of God, the Savsenr of the World, they did /wbmie
themfelves to Chrift as qo their beaventy and perfett Scheole~

neither were they smeindfall of what they did beare,bat con-
tinually rensembred the fae, and therefore , even many
yeeresafter,befaith, Aud thie veyce we heard.

Hence we are taught,

1 Howte beareske Werd of God.

2 What uft te make of the fame ?

Touching the former We exght te beare the Word of God,
(as the Apefiles did this veyce from beaven )readily carcful-
ly attentively, beleeving and giving credit unto that which
we heare, yeelding a wiling afjent in our minds,therennte,
with a firme purpofeto obey the fame. Thus heard thole three
thenfand whom Peter did convert;thus did Lydia beare the
word preached by Pax! , thus doc { brifts foeepebeare: yea,
and all they which are of Ged, doe (thus ) beare the Word of

God,
Hence it felloweth, that
When we come unto the bearing of Gods Word, we muft bee
carefull, and take heed bew we beare. Not any date more
oppefe

ee eS

acne nt nnn near dosns on.
ferl18.Theufe which we muft make of the Word, 191.
Ct ee Se AERTS 9

oppofed by the Divell, not any dutie more needfull unto fal-

vatiex,not any dwtie requiring more circum |peétion, though

Ged doth net now Peake unto w,as he did unto the Apofiles,

by a voyce from heaven, yet doth he feake unto us by his

me fengers, of wham he hath (aid, He thar heareth you , hea. | Luk.10.16. /\.
veth me; and he that defpifeth you, defpifeth me, and he that

defpiferh me, defpifeth hsm that fent me. Not every hearing

isthat which plea/erh Ged, fuch.as beare anreverently,drow-

Sty, of cxftome, for feare, without faith , witheut are/elnti-

on to prattife what they heare , fhall net receive any benefit

by the Word, as thofe [ewes did not, who heard the words of

the Prepher , Their hearts being inthe meane time fet upon | Exek,33°31,
covetonfneffe. |

Touching the /atrer, the «/@ which wee ought te make of | O4/- Wemut

the word preached, is, to remember the fame. Thus did our | Wore ber the
et poftle, it was many yeeres after the transfiguratson, when | ehed. pe

he wrote thss, he kept sn wsinde, what hee did beare. (Ay

Son, (faith Solomon ) forget not my Law, but let thine heart | Pro.3.1.

keepe my commandements. Andagaine, Up fonne keepe my
words, and lay up my commandements with thee , keepe my
4 commandements, and live, and my Law, as the apple of thine
eye, binde them xpon thy fngers, write them upon the table of
thine beart. Let the word of Chrift (faith Saint Paul) dwell | eo, he 16
in you richly,in all wifedeme. Receive (faith Saint James) | tami21.
with meekneffe,the ingrafted Word. Rind up the reftimsony | | 8
(faith the Lord,by I/aiah )feale the Law among my Ds fcsples. 6.
That we ought thus to remember, what we doe beareet the
Word preached, may be thus evidenced’, becaufe often the | Reafew.
Word doth net worke at the very time when it is preached, but

bath its operation long after.

Be wee therefore diligent and carefail, {o to heareGeds| Ufe.

word, that we may remember and {till call the fame to minde:

ufe we tothis ena and parpofe,f uch neceffary helpes , as God

affordeth us, fuchasrepetstion of fuch things as wee have

heard; godly and religions conference with {ach as feare God,

with a daily prathi/e in omr lives and converfation. Maffers
muft be carefull to ad meni fe their fervants about this dxtie;

- Parents

P £0.7el,

The benefit of Chrifts company. Chap.r.

Parents their childrez; ( atechifing thea in the porats, which
they have beard, we know not,what ved we may have, of
Many points of Dorine now delivered unto us, lec us there~
fore record them in the t2b/es and note-booke of Our heart,
thar when we thall need them,there we may reade them, and
fo make a/¢ ofthefame, Thus ofthe firf.

For the 2, the tsme when they did heare it,when they were
together with him, that is, with Iefus Chriff. Whence may
be noted, that Gods children receive no fall advantage and

When we were
together with
im.
D.Gods chile
drcem receive
no (mall bene-

fit by cheie profit by their converfing with Chrift , by their famssliarsty

with Chat ; | with him, Asat other times being in his company they recei-
ved profit, both ppirituall and temporad ; {oat this time, they
were made partakers of this glorsens and beaventy voyce, he
Was every way beneficiall unte them, every «étion of his,ten-
ding tos heir good, his dife, his death, his transfiguratton, his
refurrethion,and the dike.

Vie. Be me therefore converfant with Chrift , whitherfoever
we gee, with whos ( though not beds/y asthe epoff/es) wee
may daily convers by faith. And then undoubtedly Ged will
manifeft himfelte unto #, beftowing upon ws, the ksewledge

In the hel Of his Sonne. Thus of the fecoud. .
Mount, - For the 3, the place where they beard this voyce ? in the
boly Monat, ({appofed to have beene Thabor) fo ftiled , in
_ | fegard that Ged for the time /antFified the fame by his pre~
xed. 3ofo | fence,as he did that place wherein he firlt appeared unto Mo-
Vi, - fogs unto lofoua. | hoofe fach a pd
our Savi- xefi. But why did our Savseur c ucha place, td
raid dagen "| be Trae figu before his eApefles ?
a Mount, enf: i Becaufe the place was moft private, freeft from
I thofe things, which might difratt their cogitations,
2 and <ffetlions, 2 Thateventhevery place might put them

in minde, to minde there nothing, but that which was /4ea-
venly, that the egssnency of theplace might put them in mind,
to /ift their mindes up unto God , and to have their mindes
above , in this 4e/y bufineffe.

From this circumfance of time divers things might bee

‘noted.
O bferve

| Verle2zo. - Godsprefencefanttifieth

Obferve we oncly thefe two.

1 That when we prefent onr {elves before God, our hearts
and affeclions ought to monnt xp on high. :
4:9 That whitherfoever the Lord cammeth,he fantlifieth rhe!
frame by bis prefence.Now the Lord is alwases prefect with his’
owne children, therefore proteffing our fe/ves to be Gods
children, we muft not podurethe places wherein we are by
‘our finnes, e{pecially Gods Sanctuary his holy Temple , by
fleeping,gacing, and thelike,making the bonfe of prayer, a
denne cf theewves. Thus of che third, andfoof the /atrer
proofe. wy. |

Verf. 19. Webavealfo amore fure werd of prophecy, where-
unto yee doc well, that yee take heed, as unto ol: ght,
that foineth ina darke place, uatill the day dawne,

, Aadthe day-ftarre artfein your hearts.

_ Haying alrcady proved the certainty of bis Delrine, beth
from the teftimony of the Apoftles themfelves, andthe tefti-
mony of God the Father from heaven, he doth now in thefe
words confiime the fame by the teftimony of the preceding
Prophets, unto Whom the Jewes did alwayes give mo
credit, and greatcft refpett, Wee have alfo ( {aithhe)
Y, amere{nre word cf propbecte,as if he fhould have (aid,

“enced not diftruft me in commending the Gofpel unto you,
| for befides our owne,and the teftimony of God himfelfe , ovr
Dottrine hath alfo the tcftimony of the Prophets , whom you
admit without any acception, They teftifie and beare witne[fe
unto the truth of the Gofpel which we preach, Search them di-
ligently; our Dottrine agrecth with theirs: theirs, fouts tno
ont ours, neither ours, theirs : for as they confirme cach otner,
by each others teftimonics.

ofthe Prophets, a more firme or fure Dottrine? for wasnot

that voyce which came downe from heaven, the veyce sf God
himfelfe, than the which what could poffit/y be more fire ?

\ prefence,

Qu. But why doth our e4paftle name the Doffrine ; In what rez

Some anfwer , that ere the comparative is taken for the! firme Do-
pefteve,

593

ec ge ere Cs nem

in the prefence
of God our

‘1 mindes mutt

Ob/ Being in

be liteed up»
| U6/ ‘Whithers [
foever the
Lord commet!! t
he fanSifieth 1
the fame by his

Ufe.

A confrmati:
of his do& ine
fromthe Te:
Rimony of the
preecding Pro
phits.

| fpe&t the Doz
ctrine of the

| Prophets was

‘a morefure or

riAc:

paptive f
dof th Prophets
n he, fuperdattee >
Bi

wort

Ly of the (ame, ch
ke place entill rhe day ¢

SE ee

Verfe 1 9. The Old and New Teflament agree.

195
For the 1, We have alfo a more fure word of prophecie, two We bave alfo
obfervations may begathared. See
The fix? is this, that ) phecy.
Zhe Do&trsne of the Prophets laid downe inthe oldTefta-'| D.The Do-
| sent, confirmeth,confenteth and agreeth, with the Dattrine rine oF rhe .
t of the Apofiles containedin the New, Our Saviour confir- firmeth, cons
meth it, Search the Scriptures, for in thems yee thinke to have | fenteth.and
eternall life, and they are they which reftifie of me. Saint Pasl Dew
confirmeth it, perfrading the lewes which were at Rome ,con- \ of the Ape:
cerning Jefus, both ont of the Law of Mofes, and ont of the | Kes.
Prophets, from morning till evening. Our Apoftle confirmeth 10h.5.3 9.
it, exhorting unto holsneffe, from that precept in the Law,Be | 9 28
ye bely, fer Lam boly. Vhis will be more apparant by compa- meds
ring Scripture with Scripture, places of the Old Teftament, | 5 Pet.r.15,
with places of the New, andthat in particular , concerning | Lev.11.44.
Chrift, his birth ; Vato you ss borne thse day in the Citic of | tuce.ry.
David, a Saviour, faith the New , For unto us a child
i borne, unto us a Sonne ws gsven, {faith the O/d. His Mother 1120946.
a Virgin : Before they came together , foe was found with | Mat 1.18
childe of the holy Ghoft , faith the New, Behold a Virgin : te, 7.14,
I fall be with childe, and foallbring forth a Sonne , faith the | Ma
! Old..Uis Name, and thon fhalt call his name Icfis for he Ball | ~ rB2T.
| fave bis people from their finnes, faith the New. efnd they | 2.7.44.
fhall call bis Name Imarncl, which being interpreted , 6 God | mar.3.17.
with us, faiththe Old. Ths 16 my beloved Son, faith the New:
The Lord [asd unto me, thonart my Sonne, th day have 1}.
begotten thee faith the Old. Thedske may be faid of the rime
when he was borne, Luc.2.1.Gen. 49.10. The place where
he was borne Luc.2.11. Mich. 5.2. The perfons of whom
hecame, Luc.1.32.Rev.5.5.[/4-11.1. Ler.r3.5. Reth.4.18.
The werkes which our Saviour did, Luc. 7 22. I/a. 35.5.
' T mighténflancethe fame in many other particulars , as his |
. viding unto Ternfalem on an eAffe , the bad entertainment
} Which he had of his owne Nation, his being setrayed by Lse- ;
| das, his death, the piercing of his fide, the caffing lots for his |
garments his Difciples forfaking him, his refurrettion , his |
eAfcention, and the /éke. All which together with many i
" O2 | other |

ewe

Pfal.2 7,

196

Reafon.

D.The Word
of Go: isof
unfa lible
} truth molt
fare and cerz
taire.
Mat.5 19.

Mat.z 035+
Eph.t.13

| tam.138,

| proufes,
I

; 3
Oly Tf 2 30°

The Wordinfalliblity true. Ck

other things recorded of our Savionr by hise-4poftte's’
New Teftament, are confirmed, confentand agree ‘wit
Sams or the like fentences of the Prophets,in the Old,

And needs muft it be fo, feeing God which cam
who is truth it felfe,is the Author of both, and our Ss
Chrift in the New, was mot carefull to accomsplifo and
whatloever was foretold of him by theProphetsin the :

Henceit telloweth.

1 That rhe Delrine of the Gofpell is moft trae, ancie
excellent as being confirmed by the Scriptures of the O,

ftamcnt they fhewing that Chriff was to come , as the
That he sscome, both concurring in this, that there s6b
way, both for Iewand Gentile to attaine everlafting
aeffe, one Chrift both for the one andthe other.

2 That the Doétrine ef the Prophets laid downe int
Teftament,is an efpeciall furtherance for the underftan
tke Dottrine of the Apoftles inthe New.

3 That as we wonld throughly know the New, wen
diligent inthe diligent reading and meditation of th
Thus.of the 1 obfervation. [Thefecond is th:

The Word of God contained in the Old and New Tef
is of infallible truth, moft fure and certaine. Oar Si
confirmed it, Verily I fay unto you, till heaven and
Paffe, one jot, or one tittle foall in no wife paffe fromthe
will all be fulfilled. Andagainc, heaven and carth foa.
anay,but my words fhall not paffe away. Hence is the
ftitcd, the werd oftruth ; confirmed alfo by miracles
{ested with the blood of thonfands ot Martyres.

This ¢rwth may be diverfly confirmed. 1 From th
thor of t,God,he God of truth, yea, truth it felf:, +
wsfedome and power ic infinite, and therefore both kes
and is able to bring to paffe,whatfoever he willeth. 2
the matter contained thercin,the immutable and every
Sufficient fiamne of Pierierightconfnelfe, and divine w,
3 From the efftés when tt workeft inus,being. 3, K
ledge,and fo truth inthe wnderftanding.2.the truth of «
3 Trach inthe heart, without bypecrifieor guile, in th

for

a ee ee]

exferg. Doubting reprebendgd.

formance of Gods fervice. 4 Truth in our converfation,and
-behavionr towards men. The »/fes of this point are. fowrcfeld.

For Infiruttson, 1 Whatfoever the Lord bath fcken in
the Scripture, # true, whatfoever he hath prowsifed or threat-
ned, fhall undoubtedly be accomplifbed in his owne time.

2 Whatfoever ts laid downe in the Word, ought to be belee.
ved by ws, asthe undoubted trath of God, though it make
both againft our profit and pleafure. 3 That we ought to
labour and endeavour to feele the certainty of the Word in our
Selves, that it may be untousa/are Word, whereby we may
attaine unto the ksow/edge ofthe trath, be guided and dire-
Fed therein.

Fos Reprehenfen, + Vnto fuch ascall the trach of the
Scriptures into qucfiiox, doubting, or cayelling again{t the
fame. 2 Vntofuch as preferre fables ,or any other bockes,
beforetheSersprares. 3 Vutefuch as difobey the voyce of
Ged, laid downe in the-Scriptares , notwithftanding of the
certainty of the reward, if they did obey it, of pumifment,

we fra be the light of Nature and confcience, {0 dee we the
ligh of the Word, that we may firue the more freely, how
many admire,commend, affect , acknowledge the srath of
Gods Word, which doe not obey the fame? whefoever thou
ast, if thou be one of this order, thou fhalt one day feele by
experience, the rrath ofthis Deéfrine, continuing smpenstent,
| thon fhale ever/afingly perifh. _

For Confolation, unto the children of God, which beleeve
the Scrsptares , which ref and repefe themfelves upon the

which delight in the bearing, reading, and medstation of the
the fame. They are the Word of truth , moft ssfabible , {ure
and cerraixe, Artthoutrenbled when thou confidereft the
Many rronbles of Gods Church? remeraber a moft /xre and
certaine Word, the gates of hell foall not prevaile againft her,
And againe, That many are the troubles of the righteo™s,
but the Lord delivereth bins ont of them all. Art thew much
afaultedby many grievous temptations, fothat thou keewef

03 \ sot

197

Vfeof Ilafruz
&ioa,
I
2

_
3 °

Vie of Repres
henfion.

I
+
3

Continuing in their dsfebedsence. And {uch are many of us ,as |

Vicok Confe=
lation.

many {weet and comfortable promifes contained therein, |

Mat.16s8.
PLal,3 4.18)

198

3 Cor.10.33-

Rom,8.!.

Vfe of Exhor-

tation,

Whereunte yce

doe wellrhat

yeetake

heed,

Geds Word traetoall. | Chap.r.
not what conr/e to take ? remember,a moff (are and certaine
word, God faithful, who will not fuffer thee to be tempted
above that which thou art able tobeare; Artthou «fraid of

‘| condemnation ? remember, 4 soft fure and certaine word..

There no condemnation to thems that areis Chrift Iefss.The
like may be faid of other particalars. |
For Exbertation y. Vnto {uch ascontinue in their finnes,
confider that the Word of Ged is moft fwre and certaine :
and therefore in témse make your peace with God : be reconcs-
led unto bins in the blood of Chrift , otherwife, thon fhalt
find by experience the certainty of Gods Word, in thy frre
and certaine confufion. Many a time haft thou prephaned Gods
Sabbath blaphemed his Name, abufed thy felfe by intempe-
rancy,in giutreryand drankennefemade the members of
Chrift, to be the members of an harlot by adultery and
wheredowe, thus defyling the Temple of the holy Ghoft.choa-
ked the motions of Gods Spirit within thee , through thy
coveton{neffe,and werldly-mindedne Je, defraudedand wrong -
ed thy neighbexr, by crnelty, oppreffion,n{ury, theft,and fuch
anjaft dealings, seg/elted both pxblike devotion in the boxfe
of Ged, and private in thine owne familie, briefly gone afray
from the wayes of God, repent therefore and amend, elfe ( as
I faid before) thon fhalt find by experience the certainty of
éds Word in thine nutter confufion. 3 Vntofuch as are the
children of Ged: continue, perfevere, goe on in beleeving
the Word of Ged ; admit no Doéfrine which doth not agree
with the /ame, inall thine aclvens follow the (awe, be guided
and ruled thereby, Ic'will not dece:ve thee, its a moff fre and
certaine Word; Thus of the 2 ebfervation, and fo of the firf
part of the ver/e.
For the 2, wherunte yee doe well that yee take heed. Our
eApeftle doth in the fame,commend them for their centinz-
mg in this ‘Deéirine, inciting them nnto a ferther attendance
upon the fame, as if he fhould have faid, your hearing, affen-
rng and obeying the doftrine of the Prophets,your continuance
and diligence therein, your waiting and attendance upon thc
hearing andrcading of the fame,( fer all thofe are in the ort-
ginall

ee ee Ce ee , :

Verfe 19.An encovragement far well-doers.

ginall word, to take heed, implyed ) + pras(e-worthy , com-
mendable, profitable, yea, acceptable én the fight of God.Here-

employ themfelves, as being the Werd of God , and fo worth
thesr attendance, and likewile themselves , which did care-
fully fearch,reade,and heare the (awe. His commending their
prefext attendance upon the Dotlrixe of the Prephets , im-
ortech, that wet onely they had done well formerly, sn taking
cede therexnto,bur alfe faonld dec wel ftiktetake beed unte
the fame. | | 7
The O6/fervations arifing from hence are twe.
The firft is this, that
Such as doe well, ought to be confirmed , and encouraged in
their well-doing. Thus was Ruth by Boaz, all the Citse of my
people, doth know that thow art a vertueus woman, Thus
was Nathanielby our Savionr Chrifi behold an Ifraelite in-
deed sn whom ts xo guile. Thus was Cornelius by an eingel
of Ged. Thy prayers and thine almes are come up for a me-
moriall before God. Thus Saint Pas! confirmedand enceura-
ged,both the Corinthians , Now I commend you brethren,
‘that you remember me in all things,and keepe the Ordinances
a I deliverodthems unre you. The Philippians,notwithftanding
ee have well done, that yee did communicate with my affsthi-
ont. Andthe Theffalensans , Yee become followers of us , and
of the Lord, having received the Word in much affiittion, with
joy ix the hol Ghop »{@ that ye were enfamples te al that be-
deeve in Matidonia and Achasa.

Thus alfo our Apefein this place.

The Reafons hereof ase thefe. 1 Becanfe of the many Jets
and saspedsments, which {uch as doe well , have to withdraw
them from well-dosng, {ich as fle (oly lufts, sxward temprati-
ns, outward croffes and affistlions the evil exaneple of world-
lings, their inticements and allurements onthe one part,their

mocking flandering and reviling on the other , the feemsin
difficulty in the performance of holy dxties,the Apoftafe i
backefisding of many Profe ffors, the bad reward which they

O4 moft

in he doth both commend the/xbjecl, about which they did |

have many time even from thofe to whom they have beene

D.Such as doe

1 Cor.3I.22

Phil, 4-34.

1Thel1.6. |

Resfons.
Z

en 2

202

onthe heati
and readi “s
of the Wor

of God.

P roafs,

Deyt.6.3. | and take heed to doeit, that st may goe well with thee. Search

ee
a

Perfeverance required in bearing. Chap.1

to heave the Word of Ged, unleffe we beleewe stand alent
therennco. Our Savienr confirmeth it, and they that are be~
fide the way, are they, that beare,afterward commcth the Di-
vell, and taketh away the Word ont of thesr hearts , le they
foonld beleeve, andbe faved, Yea, if hearing were fufficient,
not many Chriftians (hould becoxdemned. 2 [ts st enough
to heare and beleewe the Word of God, unleffe we doe alfe abe
the fame, bleffed are they that beare the Word of God, ( faith
Our Saviour ) andkeepe st,and be ye doers of the Word ( faith
Saint James ) and not hearers ouely, decesving your owne
Selves, for if any beara the word, and doe it not, be is like unto
aman that beholdeth bis narerab face ss a glaffe , for when he
hath confideredbimfelfe be goeth bis way, and forgerteth im-
mediately what manner a onehe wat. 3 Its not enough to
heave, believe, and obcy for a time, unleffe we continue in ta-
king heed thereunto. "This our Saviour telleth us, xe they
that are onthe fiones, are they which when they have beard,
recesve the Word with jey but they have nerootes, which for «
while beleeve,but in the tine of temptation goe away ,of which
number was Hered, he knew that Iohn the Baptist war a juft
man, and an holy, asd reverenced him, and when he heard bim,
be did many things, and heard kins gladly, but in vaine,he did |.
not perfewere, Tothis end our Saviewr {aid tothem that be-
teeved in hins, if ye continue in my Word, (hearing, beleeviag
and obeying the fame ) ye are verily my Difciples , and foal
knew the truth; andthe truth foall makeyoufree,all thofe I
fay muft concurre, hearing, beleeving obeying the Word, with
perfeverance in attending upon the fame. Such as doe thus
take heed untethe Word . doe that which is pras/e-werthy,
and commendable in regard of men, profitable and beneficial
unto themfelves , pleafant and acceptable in the fight of
od.
This may be diverfly confirmed, 1 From the many pre-
cepsand exhortations givenus in charge, to beare , beleeve,
sbey,and attend uponthe bearing , readin és , and preaching
of the Word of God, {uch asthefe: Aeare therefore, O Ifrael

the

; erf'19.The contemners of Gods Wigrd cur fed.

203

the Scriprures, Let every man be fwift to bedne8' From the | Toli-4.39.
soAny Comminations & threatnings againit fuch asdo not per. | 181-19.

forme the dutie. Suchas thefe. Bat sfthon wilt not obey the
voyce of the Lord thy Ged, to dee, and to keepe ak his com-
mandements,and his ordinances, curfed foal thon be,cc. And

2
D Ct. .1F0

ine, Bat if yee will not hearken unto me, and will not doe all | Lev.26.34.

thefecommandemsents,1 wil even appoint over you, terror ,con-
fumption, and the burning argwe. Ks G od blefied Davsd,Cor-
nelinus, Lydia, the Apoftles, with ethers that tooke beed unre

| the Word.So be inflited judgments,on Pharash lerobeam, A-

haz, Ahab,with others,contemsning and difebeying the fame.
8 From the commendations which the Scriptures give unto
Such as have thus taken heed unto the Word of Ged, vnto the

Bereans, Thefe were more noble than thofe in Theffalonica, AQI7.13.

in that they received the Word, with alreadineffe of tuinde,and

[earchedthe Scriptures daily, whether thefe shings were fe.

Vato Lydie. And 2 certaine woman named Lydia,a feber of | n16,16.

perple, of the (srie of Thyatira, whsch worjespped Ged, beard
sa: whofe heart the Lord opened, that foe attended unte the
things that were fookers of Pal. Vnto the former Prophets,
vs which falvation the Prophets have enquired and {carched
diligently, which prophecied of the grace tbat fhonid come nn-
te yon. Vnto Cornelins, Now therefore are we ah Were pre-
Sent before Ged, to heare all things that are commanded thee of
God. The very mentioning of this their praéis/2, ts no {mall
commendation unto them. 4 From the digmitie,excellency,

_and agilitie-‘of the word of God. The dignity of it appearing

from the asthor thereof, the xatare of it, the matter contai-
ned therein, with the antsquitee and perpetusteeof the fame.
The excekency , from the bappy condition of /#chas have #t,

_ | the asi/erable eftate of thofe which want st. The «titty by

the many fimslitudes whereby it isexpreffed, fuch as meate,
drinke, weapons, waters, and the like, by the often resterated
exhortations to heare it,67 the many judgements which have
beene suflicted onthe contemners thereof, and by the many
profitable effects which it bath, and doth daily prodxce.

s From the glorious «werd which they attaine unto , that
. shus

I Pet.¥.10033.

A&.10.33.

4,10:37-28
ces d ab¥e

—

and wicked men

on. If Ge4 hath consmandee 6"

4 wpon the v6 ing and hearing of the
smagements ag conf she

Wheok Repres
henhen

som €
‘egke heed wnt? t
Vile of Exhor- preferring the fame pherewnto-
tations Exhortatson, Be error aged so. BOOT perfevere
hearing peleevinS x dobeying the word of God, in 401ng th
tho

Verfi2: The Word afhininglight. =. 20

thou doefta good worke, thouart a well-docr. This worke is
both /awfslland seedfxll, both pleafant and profitable, fet thy
‘ felfe about the fame. No time better {pent.no worke bringing
fach commodity, Ged rewarding it, both bere and hereafter.
Thus of the 2 cbfervation, and fe ef the 2 part of the vere,
For the 3, 46 anto alight that foineth ina darke place, un-
till the day dawne, and the day-fiarre arife tn your hearts.Our
eApoftle herein doth both commend the Deétrine about | 24atkeplace,
which they did employ themfelves , and likewife fheweth | dawne,and-
how long there was to bee an wfé of the fame. The for. | the daysfarre
mer inthefe words, 46 wnte a light that feineth in a darke uae wo
place. The latter in thefe, untill the day dawne, and the day- a
Starve arifein your hearts, Thefe words are by dévers di-
verfly expounded. Some underftanding by a darke place, the
time before the comming of Chrift,,and by the dawning of the
day, thetime when Chrift was manifefted in the flefo, wher e~
in there was amore /#Zand open knowledge, than was under
the fadowes ofthe Law, concluding frem hence, that the
Doftrine of the Gofpell, is much clearer , then the Doétrine of
the Prophets, theirs being compared unto « dampe, or Candle
fisuing ina darke place, andthisunto the dawning of the day, |
and morning flarre , bringing a fuller manifeftatson of the
truth of God, thandid the Prophets , they being 4 Candies,
which gave light unto the blind , untill the brightnef[e of the
Gofpell beganto foine. Tobacké which expefirion, might bee
alledged, thatthe word sntill,which feemethto make agasn/
it, doth /omsetimes fignifie an indeterminate time, wihout
excluding or foutting out /accecding time ; Whence it would |
follow, thatalthongh they did attend upon the hearing and |
reading ofthe Prophets, untill that clearer Dotirine of the |
Gofpell were made knowne unto them , yet even afterward;
they might make #/eof the fame, Others, underftand by 4
darke place, the whole courfe of onr life, whilft we are in this
world, wherein the Word of Godin general, the Dotirine of |.
the Prophets in particular asa Lantherneleadeth us to CLrift,.
and pointcrh himunto ws, wherefore we fhall have cortixua
ufe, untill the day dawne, that is, the day of judgemint come,

the,.

Astintoa lighe
t thineth in

I Cor.13.%2.

Toh,§ .J2e

D.Gods Word

( is alight chae
fhincth ina
darke place,
Pfal.119.10§

Pre.6.23.

Toh,3 34.

Gods Word 4 light , Chap.1 ;

ledge of God, and [ee hime face to face: of whichthe edpoftle
Saint Pant {peakcth, For now wee {ce through a glaffe,
darkely, but thenwe foall fee face to face, and the day-jtarre
arife in your hearts, chat is, and esther Chrift , who 1 called
the light , and brought heaventy light into the world, manifeft
himfelfe moft perfectly unto ws, or the light of py be infu-
Sed into our hearts. Whereby we foall know God, as wee are
knowne of him, In which Expofition, the word sntill, noteth
a determinate time, with an exclufon or foxrting out of the
Succeeding time: for till the day of judgement there ism/e,after
that day, there thall be #o further «fe of the Scrsptures. OF
thefe so ( onritting to mention ethers ) I preferre the /aft ;
becaufe they to whom our Apeft /e wrote, feeme to have had
at this time, a great meafure of knowledge, this being the fe-
cond time that he had writes unto thems. And therefore (as
I {aid before) I take,that our Ape fle by the former words, as
unte a light that foineth in a darke place , commendeth the
‘Doétrine about which they didemploy themfelves , and by

the latter, untill the day dawne,and the day-ftarre appeare in|
| your hearts, fheweth how /ong there wasto bean w/c of the i
fame, °

Touching the former; As unto a light that fosneth in a
darke place, Ie containeth a commendation uf the Word of |
Ged , from the prefit and wtilstie which wee reape thereby
throughout the whole cowr/é of our dives, namely, that wee.
are thereby guided, diretted, and enlightned.

Le 13 a6 alight that fhineth ina darke place. Thy Word({aith

. David ) 84 Lanthorne wnto my feer, and alight unto wsy
path. The marginal note being this, Of our [elves we are bur
darkeneffe, and cannot {ce , except we be lightned with Bods

Word. For the Commandement ss a Lantherne , and inffru-

son alsobr, faith Solomon, by the commeandcment ({aiththe

Geneva note meaning the Word of Ged, and by txffrudson,

the preaching and declaration of the fame, which commit-

ted unto the Church, This u the condemnation ( faith our Sa-
vionr hat light 1s come into the world,and men loved darkee

neffe rather than light. This|

the day of eternity wherein we foall attaine a perfeth know |

Veikig. Gods Wordis alight. : 207

a
This may be sonfirmed by divers reafons. 1 Becanfeasthe Reafens.
| fight is moft needful for the direttion of our adkions, fecing I
| they which walke is darkeneffe know not whether they oe:
| foalfo is the Word of God m the performance of holy duties,
f Wwishout w we canot da/y perform either our 4#ty towards
: God, o'r felves, or our neighbours. 2 Becaufe as the fight
| is exceeding comfortable unto them thatare in darkene fe. So
the Word of Ged, unto all Gods children in the darkenc ff of
this World. 3 Becanfeasthe ght which frinerh in darke- 3
neffe, dcth not partake withthe darkeneffe , bot expellerh the
fame, {foalfo the Word of God. 4 Becaule, asthe light difce- 4
vereth the foulneffe of the roome or place where it (hineth,
difcovereth whatfoever danger formerly lay Mid there,
whcreas peradventure there was not any formerly fuppofed
tobe there. Soalfothe Wordot God. § Becaufe as by the 5
dighe fhining in darkeneffe, the things which are /of, appeare
and are.foaxnd. Soby the Word, we which were loft are found.
‘6 Becaufe as the fight fhining in darkeneffe, maketh men 6
| afbamet of many their darkeand obfcure workes , whereof
| inthe darke they were not «fbamed. So by the Werd wee
become afhamed of finne, which we free/y committed in the
time ofignorance. 7 Becauleas the light , the more it ¢n- 7.
creafeth, the more darkeneffe excrea{ith, making even thofe
things which were formerly obfewre,light. Se the more the
Word encreafcth, the more finne and tgnorance decreale ; yea,
and they that were darkeneffe,become light inthe Lord.
Befides, fir/y may the Word be comnared to fight : For,as The Word
light isan sncorraprible thing, even {oisthe Word. Though light °
the 4 ght (hine upon a ffenkixg donghill, yet itis not corrsp- t
ted: Sothe }Vord thongh it be peachedtoneuer {0 bafe per- | ¥ Pet.1.23.
fons, yet receiveth no tainryre or infelticn. And asthe /sghr, 2
inrefpect of the obje hachacontrary effeé?, for fhining up- s
ona dead carkafe, it caufeth it to fred the more odion fly sbut.
fhining upen berbes, it maketh them the. more fragrent:even
fothe #’ord, is the /avonr of death nntodeath unto the Repro-
| ate, but the favour of life nnto life untothe Eleft.
I may fay further, that the excellency of the Word is toch,
that “
nen nee

208 The Word excelleth light, Chap.1

The Word —j that although the /sghe be an excellentand g/ertens creatare,:
excelleth the | yet in dsvers particulars, there is no correfpondency-between
ight, . . . ;
I thoferwe. For 1,there are divers placesot darkeneffe in. the '
hollow parts of the earth, which no /igée can pierce thorow,
which the S#s did never difcover,but there is no darkeneffe' |
if ic were as palpable as the darkeneffe of Eyypt, to which the
2 Word of Ged cannot fhine. 2 The/ighr though it be profita-
b/e unto them that fee; yet doth itnotendightes the blinde,
but the Word enlightneth even thre 4/snd, making them to
3 behold the ihings 6f God. 3 Thelsghr decayceth; butthe Word
- “| of the Lord endarcth for ewer. So that, itis not onely, as a
Light that foineth in a darke place, but much exceedeth the
fame. . a
Vie. Hence we may perceive. , ;
I The marveslous and fuperabundant love of God towards
ns n thefe times, who ( pittying our miferable condition , as
having through our finnes, inv olved our {elves into palpable
and groffe dertene{fe) hath beftowed upon us [uch a cleere
‘ight of bss Word, in{o much that if we compare oar tines,
with preceding ages, the /ight which we have doth as farre
exceed theirs, asthe Sanne doth a Candle, vhat they faw
through aglaffe, as it were, wee fcecleerely. Weare in
° darkneffe, we are in danger of darkeneffe,yca,we have darke-
ne fe withiu our felves, The world is full of darkeneffe. In
Hell there’s everlafting darkeneffe ; yca,and we have with-
in our felves,the darkeneffe of ignorance infidelitse and finne,
our hearts being blind, obfcure, and darkencd sis not Gods
love then to be admired , who hath beftowed upon us the
light of his word, whereby darkene {fe may be expelled , wee
preferved and delivered from the fame ?
2 2 The miferable cftate as well of Infidels and Pagans
which want the preaching of the Word,as of carnal and x#x-
regenerate L: rfans which having it, are not obedient untothe
fame, they ave in darkencffe, rangers fromGed , which can
no more 4:/cerne the things of God,than ablind man to judge of
colonrs.
3 That /uch as are unworthy of this light, which doe either \
: veferre

(ener eneeremezenremmuppernaseutnearnmarannemnenenacecemgnnearrenl ee

Tolso. Wemultlabourflich. ao |
Vere 20. We muft. labour for light, 209
P

ee ee ———_—

referre their owne judgements before it, or refufetobe ruled

| by it, or are unthankefull forthe fame ; or mingle thse light

with their owne inventions, or fet them/elves againf? it , la-

bonring by all meanes to extingnifo the fame.

4 That all of 5 msuff endevour to become the children of

fight, having our hearts enlightnedby this light; being ex-

- lightned, not te re.inthraH our {elves in darkeneffe: but to.
walke as the children of light, our light fo ns before men,

that the ‘y beholding oxr good workes, may glorifie onr Father Mat. §. 16;

Eph.§.6,

which is inheaven; yea,being enlight ned,and walking hone ft

ly as in the day, we ‘mutt pray unto God, that he alfo would be

pleafed to enlighten the arkeneff of others seven the darke-'

meffeoffuch poore fonles as arcunder blind watchmen that

cannot fee, dumbe dogges which cannot barke,and {o going on

in your blindne ff ¢ edi ignorance , love darkeneffe more than
| Leght,

5 That we oughtto make «/2 of this /ig4r, whilft it plea-
feth Gedto continue *t amongft us, as not knowing how |
pg

Rom. 33. T36

Ioh. 3039.

foone we may be deprived of the fame ; how foonethe dark.
neffe of erronr, herefie , and ignoranse may over-{pred the
land, how foone this Candle of Gods Word may be put under
abufoek, { meane cither extingnifred, or bid in a corner , as
inthe dayes of Popery, Oh that wecouldbe truely thanke-
| f## unto Ged, for this cleere Sun-fbine of the Gofpell, Mo/es,
‘who unto the [ewes was covered, iguntoxs , #nvailed , the
legall types are nOw accompli fed, a greater knowled ge "hath
befaken us, then there did former ages, and fhould wee not
make xfe of it, fhould onr thankefulneffe beleffe, yea,in moft
none atall. Thusoftheformer.
Touching the /atter, untill the day dawne, and the. day-

R | Barre arife in your hearts. In thele words, our eApoftle
fheweth how /ong we areto make #/¢ of the Word of Gud,
even till the day of judgement come, when we fhall receive a
perfect knowledge of God, and Chrift Tefus hrs Sonne , the
Sunne of Righteou{ne fle, foal fillus with gliry, and fully mani-
fet himfelfe unto ns.

Whence n two things may be gathered. th
a

ufecfthe
Scriptate

Reafen.

Ofte

D.Whatfoever
is now impet-
fet inus thall
then attaine

pe rfeGtior e

3 Cor, 13-9e
Reafon.

Ufee

Rey.22 20-

i How the
Scrspture is
‘ eo be under=-

froud

Of the Saints future perfeEtion, © Chap.1.

x That, after the day of judgement, there (-all be no more
ufe ofthe Scriptures. They areas alight ftining in a darke
place, anrill the day dawne, yea, they (hall be of Lome s/e,
even upon this day, but after the jadgement is ended, there
fhall be no more #/2 ef the (ame. :

The Reafén is plate, becaufe then there fhall be no #/e of
reprehenfion, exhortation, infirnttion, and the like. The wic-
hed cannot repens at all, neither the godly frune any more,
Therefore sow whilft they may profit , and areu/efall , we
muft make #/2 of the ame.

2 That, whatever 13 now imsperfi Cl in us, fall then at-
taine perfection, when this day dawneth, the day-flarre foall
arife in our bearts, Weknow (faith Saint Paul) in part, and
we prophecie in part, but when that which s perfect is come,
then that whivh ts ix part foall be done away. :

The Réafon isevident, becaufe that which now bixdererh
our perfeélion is done away, to wit, finne, for thex fhall wee:
ceafecofinne, How muchthen fhould we /ong for the daw-
ning of this day, this comfortable and joy full dawaing , that

| the day-flarre may arife in our hearts? that mortality ,

put on immortality , corruption, sncorruptibslitye. Ob comse

Lord Iefis. Thus of the latter.

Verf.20. Kowing this firft, that no prophecie of the Scrip-
ture 16 of any private interpretatson, ,
21 Forthe propheciecame not in old time by the will
of man: bat holy men of God fpake > as they were
moved by the boly Ghoft.

Thefe verfes containe an amplification of the preceding
Teftimeny, which concerneth the Delfrine of the Prophees,
wherein chefe swe things are to be confidered. 1 How their
Prophecies ; yea,how the whole Scripture isto be uxderftoed.
It is not of any private inter pretarian armsotion, that is , st #
nitro be expounded according tohumane fenfe, according tn
this or that mans fancie or opinion, as if any man of bimfilfe
conld ri ghtly underfiand the Scripture, but Scriptures muft

\Verfe 20. The Scriptures require interpretation.

beinterpreted by Scriptures, and the knowledge of them beg-

ed of God, as contasning things , which he onely can reveale.
The Scriptureisto be read , but fo that we aske of God , the
gift of interpretation, {eeing he that 1 the eAuthor of thofe
writings, 1s alfo the snterpreter of the fame, 2 By whem they
were moved thus to prophecie, which is {er downe , firft xe-
gatévely, in thefe words, The propbecie came notin old time,

but boly men of Ged fpake, as they were moved by the holy
Ghoft, as it he thould have laid, Althsugh men were the Pro-
phets, yet their prophecies were not humane, they did not xt-
ter thens of their owne accord, or accerding unte their owne
fancy, bxt thefe godly Interpreters and Me ffengers, were in-
fpired of God, from whom commeth the true sutcrpretation of
| the Scriptures, They fpake as they were moved by the Holy
| G40f. Thole their motions were in very good order ( asap-
] peareth by theis writings ) farre different from the motions

come,

The obfervations arifing from hence, are fowre.

The f-f isthis,that |
4) The Scriptures require interpretation and expofition,

whereby we may find out the true fenfé and meaning of the
| fame. ‘I prove it frem the prac of Exra and the Levites,
| Dhey reade inthe books of the Law of Gad diftinttly, and gave
| she fenfe, and.canfed them to wnderfand the reading. Of
Our Saviour rift; whpaccompanyingthe tke Difciples in
theirjemrncy s0 Sesmaus, hogan at Mefesaud at all the Pro-
| poets, andsuserpneted wnto show in all the Scriptures, the
bhings srbich mere written of hsm. Of Philip, who epenrd bis
month and. began a: the fame Scripeyre ( which the Ewwxch
Xead)axd preached watohim Iefut. . oo €
|. The Reafoctnhereofaredis ers. 1 In scgard of the mat-

ter, these contained, being prafasnd and deepe, {tiled by Da-
| ond wander fell things. Suchasarc une wuitie.of the Godbead:
| che 7riviqgaPae? erfons; the Croatian of the world: the

aacannationnlf Chrsf,amithé like. .2 daregord of the man-
| | P 2 ner

By whem the
cel res
were infpired ;

onat any time by the will of man. Secondly , affirmatively, \,

| Of the prophawe foxthfayers, and forereders of things to |

Kaowing this
firh, dc.

peerpretation, |
O. TheSczip-
turesrequire
Interpretation |

and exspofition. |:

Neh. 88.
Luc.23 27.

A&8.35.
Reafons.

I 1
Pfal,139.18.,

The per/picnitieof Gods Word, ~“Chap,1,

| wer of writing, many abftrnfe phrafes are therein, divers He-
braifies, Grecifmes, fundry Metaphors, Allegories, Ironies,
with other tropes.and figures. 3 In regard of thofé which
docerroninfly handle the Scriptures, to maintaine their be
refies, and {o deceive fimple people that they may erre with
them. 4 Inregard of our owne natural blindneffe, whereby
of our felves we become #ucapable of fpiritnall things,asthe
1Cor.214, | Apaftle Pan! witnefleth, and the 2xample of Nicodemus fut-
Toh. 364+ ficiently confirmeth. 5 Inregardthatthe Scripewre is that
5 rule, according to which all our aftions are to be /quared,
which therefore is tobe made perfpicwens and plaine nnto
Us, left orhermife weranine headlong unto our owne deffrafi-
1 Cor. 12. 30° | on, for which caufe there were in the Primitive Church,
fachas had the gift of interpretation ; and for thiscaufe our
Luc.4.17, | Saviour Chrift, having read in the Sysagogwe,the 61 of
Ufriah,and 1 verfe. He clofed the booke, and gave it againe
to the Minifterexpennding the place wnto his Auditors.
This ferveth partly for Reprehenfion, and partly for Ex-
hortation. .

For Reprehenfion, unto fach as either complaine and ftwm-
ble at the perpicwity:or difficulty of Gods Word , Sinning ¢i-
ther on the right or the /eft hand, not remembring that in
regard of the perfpicusty thereof, it may be compared te a
Foard,evex which Lambe may wade, and in regard of its
difficultie, toa Seain which an Elephant may /wimme. Truc
Ae xt 15. | it is, chat its bothbard and plainc, diffiest al prinak

but differently, Its perfpicuens and plaine to tritualla
man, he difcernerh al things, unto bins is given of God, the
Spirit of Revelation. Hereby the eyes of his wnderftanding
are opened, unto him the preofennd myfteries of the Scriptures
bp are wnfolded,he may difcerne them tobe/e,though he cannot
Fts4e | fuelly conceive how they fheuld be/z, untefuch , the Words
joe alight unto their feet, and a Lanthorne unto their patbes , n=
lightning the eyesof their uderfianding , as it giveth uto

the fimple foarpene {fc of wit and to the child, knewledge and

diferetion. By the contrary, its bard and diffewss unte the
carnal and nararalman. Sach holy things oclong “r uute

eS 5

PGL.119.105.

erfe 20, Fhe Divels policte.
hogs or dogs, Ifit be hid st ts bid to thems who arc loft in whom
the God cf this world hath blinded thesr nsindes. Its bard,
but unto them who being unlearned ard unflable, wreft the
Scriptures untothesr owne defiruétion, where by the way,we
may obferve the exceeding policse, and /ubtilty of the Devid
about this poist.Such as are #nlearned, he withdraweth from
the fudy of the Scriprwres, making them be/eeve that they
are {o hardand difficn/t that it willbe but /o/f /abour,to em-
ploy any time in the ffudy of them, which /effon too too ma-
ny, have too well/earned, Againe, fuch as are learned hee
maketh to costemmne,and defpifethem, becaufe of their per-
picusty, and platnaeffe. They are notlo bard, but that the

umble and obedient heart may conceive them, neither fo

péfaine,but that they have need of Jnterpretation.

For Exhortation , as weil unto #s all in geseral/,as unto
both Preachers and People in particalar.

Voto usall in generall.1 Let us reverence & efteem } Word
of Ged laid down in the Scrépturesas needing interpretation,
2 Letus not carforily or carelefly reade the Scriptares, but
with great diligence, care and circum{pection , remembring
that there 12a certaine divine Majeftie in the Word: that
the {hell muft be broken,to the end we may eate the kernell,that
sf we would find, we muff feeke as for gold, and fearch a for
treafres. 3 Let usbecarefull and diligent inthe #/eof the
meanes, whereby we may atraine unto the ander flanding,and
knowledge of the Scriptures, taking notice of the fandamen-
tall points of Chriffian Redigson, that ‘ fexfe be made cen-

trary unto any of thim, obferving thappe of the place, to-
gether with the circxmftances going’ Wyfore, and commin

after, comparing one place of ScripraPe with another. Thole
which are Lard, with them which are more plaine and perpi-
cuous daily praying unto God, that we may fee the wonders of
bis Law. 4 Letus learneto be thankefell unto God, tor the
meanes ofksomledge afforded unto us inthis age more plen-
} tifully than in former times, namely, the holy Scrsprares ‘in

expounding the ame. -

our vslgar tengne, with many goed and profitable bookes
Pz a Vnto

213
2 Cor 4.3.

2 Pet,3 160

A policie of
pete

Note.

Vies of Exe
hortation in

PGal,119.08.8
4

214 Mans Wit cannot iuterpret Scripture.Chap.1.

Vato Preachers , to be diligent in the private reading
of the Scriptares, ufing allthe belpes , whereby in pablike
they may éxterpret the fame, but efpecialiy prayer, whereby
_q their reading may be fanélified , and they afifted by Gods
| | Sparit.

Pato People, to attend upon this ordinance of preaching,
to reverence and cfteeme the fame, to conceive the neceffity
of Preachers ; praying unte God both for #s, andycur/e/ves,
Thus of the fir/t.

The {ceond is this,that

The Scripture us not of anyprivate Interpretation, that is, |-
{uch interpretation, as any by their naturall wit , or naturall
| gifts, Joall give upon the Scriptures without the helpe of Gods
Spirit. The Scrspture is not to be inter preted,or expounded,
according to the fascy, or liking of every perticular perfon,
yca,we may account and efteeme every saterpretation, which
ss not according tothe Werd of God, to bea private motion or
interpretation; not but that private particular perfcns , aay
rightly expound the Scriptures being ileminated by the Spr
vst Of Ged, which otherwife sone are able to cox-
ceive. :
Hereof among{t mary others, there may be rendred a two-
fold reafon. 1 Becaufe thus, any thing might be made of the
Scriptures, as anofe of Waxe,it might be turued every way.
For by the (e/fe-fame place of Scripture whereby we prove
the performance of Gods fervice, eAtheifts and carnal Li-

No prophecia
of the Scrip=
turesis of any
private inter-
pretation.

D. The Seri
tare is no!

of any private
inrerpretation.

2 bertines would prove anexemption trom the fame, 2 Be-
caufeasmen were np eAuthors of the Scriptures: So
neither of them/{ef eee can they be the Interpreters of the
fame. i

Cer Hence it follo weth.

That isthe Expefitson of the Scripture, we mwft not rely xp-
on onrowne judgement, fancy, or conceit, much leffe wreft the
. | Seriprures according to our owne minde, for confirmation of
our erroxions opinions. How many having skill.in tongnes,
likewife good fore of Logicke, Philofophy, and Rhetoricke,
thinke themfelves /xfficsent for the underfianding of the

; Scrip-

Verle 20. The Scriptures were not made by man. 215 |

we ee ee 1 oe

Scriptures? yea, how many having in a manner no learning
at ail, yet dare enter into the CMiniffry , meddle with the
-mokt dsficule places of Scripture , through the prefumptso
of their heart, preferring their own opinson before the judge-
ment of thofe which are endued as well with pietse , as lear-
ning ? How many alfo of the wx/gar, expound the Scripture
according to their owne meaning thereby to continne in their
errours ? How many allo rely and depend uponthe snterpre-
tation of others, without any further fearch? if Hserom, An-
guftine, Ambrofe, Bernard, thes or that learned Father fay
st, they doc beleeve it, though we oxght to admit wo expofiti-
on or inter pretation of any perfon , (how famous foever they
{ceme to be) snleffe it be backs by the Word of God confirming
the fame, yea, thole holy Fathers requiring to be no further |
beleeved, then they agree with the Scriptures, agreeable unto
which, is that of Saint Pasl. Thoxgh we,or aneAngell from
heaven, preach any other Gofpel wnto yon, then that which wee
have preached unto you,let him be accurfed. And henceit is,
that the Bereans daly fearched the Scriptures , whether the
things which Paul preached were agreeable to the fame. Thug
of the /ecend.

The tbsrd is this,that mo

(Manwas not the eAuthor of the Scriptures, st came net
| 87 the will of man. Though holy men were the Pen. men, yet
were they nat the Asthorrs of the fame. They »7sre nothing
bat by the inspiration of the holy Ghoft. They did not write
Orfay, Thus faith Mofes, Samuel, Navid, Hasah, oe. But,
thus faith the Lord, yea, the falfe Prophets, that they might
Gaine cred:te unto their falfe prophecies, did not avouch
them/elves,but the Lord tobe the e4uthor of their vanities, |
faying, thus faith the Lord,when the Lerd bid them fpeake
nofuch thing. Saint Pas/ doth directy contirme this pesne,
but Z certifie you brethren, that the Gofpel which mas preached
of me, is not after man: for I neither received st of man , nes-
ther was Itaughtit. | :

That man I fay, wasnot the efarbour of the Screprares,
may beconfirmed beth from the nature of the Scrsptares,

P4 the!

Gal.1.8,
A&.17 s¥I,

For the Pro-
Phefie came not
1a Old time

by the will of
man,

D.Man was
’ROtth Aue -
ther of the
Scriptures,

" Gal.7.2 Te :

~~.

Proofes.

216

Amos7.145
Mat,g.18.

Ufere
1

The Scripture very perfect, Chap.r.

the ssatrer contained thercin,and the condition of thofe
which wrore the fame. :

Touching the xatwre ef the Scriptures, they are holy, pure;
perfelt, heavenly , and therefore could not procecd from
Srsfull mar, for fuch as the canfe ss, fuch the effetl muft needs
‘be, andtherefore, sf man had beene the eAnthor of the fame,
they svonld lave beene corrupt impure, imperfell, feperfinoms
infame places defettive in others, which to tay of the Scrip-
sures were great blapphemy.

Touching the matter contained therein, it doth no lefle
confirme the fame, fox it ferteth out the corrsption of man
by/inne, the fount aine and originall thercof , the panifoment
of the fame, both in this 4ife,and the /ifeto come. J¢fetteth
‘forth,aud layeth open moft admirable and profound things,
farreabouethe reach of humane reafon. It doth not give w.
unto any one fine, but clearely forbidderh all, yea , the ih
and phrafethercofisplaine and fimple , without affectation,
and yet full of grace and Adajeftie.

Touching the condition of the Pen-men or Writers of the
Scriptures, though they were men of Ged , having their cal-
Jing from God, ftanding manly for God, fantlified of God,and
Set apart to this holy calling of Prophecie and Apoltlefhip ,de-
vent and holy perfons, as cur eApoftle termeth them here, yet
were they but men, fubjec unto humane frailties, as were
others, yea, moft of them were #nlearned and plaine men,
Some of them being 4eardeen, and gatherers of Sycamore
fraits, as waseAmos. Qthers of them being Fifhermen, as
were the Apoftles, how then could they ##vent {uch wri-
tings,as the Scriptures are, by their owne braine ? yea, even
many of the chiefelt Prophess did very unwillingly undergoe
this office,as Afofes, H/aiah,leremiah, with others,

Hence divers conclufiens may be gathered.

3: That the anthorisie of the Scriptures doth nor depend mp-
on man.

2 That 9 mancan attaine unto the true knowledge of the
Scriptiores, of himfelfe, without the illumination and infpira-
tion of Gods Spirit. . .

: 3 That

Verk21. God the Author of the Scripture.

gz That so wan ought either to adde nto the Scriptures,
or ra take any thing fromthem, both whichare frequent in
the Pops Church.

4 That « falvatron doth not come of our felves , fo alfa
the meane leading thereunto, which are the Scriptures.

5 That we oxght not torecesve the Word , a6 the Word of
man, refpecting the fame, according to the perfon,or qualsty,
or wi(edome of bins that doth dedsver it, fecing it came not by
the will of man. Thus of the fift.. ,

The foxrth is this, that
Gods the certaine and undoubted Author of the Scriptures,
a poim worth onr attention, profitable for our infiruction., a
truth whereof none-ought to be ignorant, a thing mokt ne-
ce {lary to be keowne, than which, there is no posne of greater
confequence in Divinitse, which feemeth to be implyed in
the words, kxowing.thes fir(?, that is, in the fir place.
I prove it,by the Y ¢fsmeny of the Prophets; for the month
of the Lord bath fpakenit. Say unto them , thus faith the
Lord God; of the efpoftles ; Now we have received, not the
Spirit of the world, but the Spirit which u of Ged , that wee
might know the things which are freely given to.us of God,
which things alfo we ficake,not in the words mich mans wife-
dime veachith, but which the holy G hoft reacheth, Comparing
Spirituall things, with fpirituall. And againe, all Scripture uw
given by infpiration cf God ; of our Saviour (brift, For Da-
vid himfelfe fatd by the holy Ghoft. The Lord faid unto
Lord, fit thou on my right band, xntsil I make thine enemies,
thy foorftoole.
This may be cenfirmed by dsvers fortsof reafons.
- 1 From the cbfurdities woh would follow;if Ged were not
Author of the Scriprares, viz. that they are imperfeé? : that
they are fabulous: that they are not the asthenticke rule of.
fatth = tat we have not Gods well revealed unto us: that face |
faile which ferve God according to his wl revealed therein,
whichto thinke, were great smpietic; to {peake blafphe-
mie. | |
-2 From the matter of the Scriptures, laide downe in the |

Law,

Ifa 68.04.
Ezek.12.28,
1 Cor.2.12,
13.

2 Tim.3.16.
Mar32.3G- :

Reafons.
I

218 The Teftimonies of the Scripture, Chapt.

Law, and inthe Gefpe/, favouring of beaven/y and celeftiall
puritie. The Penmeen and Writers thereof, not fetting torth
their owne glory, nobilitie, or vertues, but dire@ly and plain-
ly acknowledging their owne erronrs and faslts: which they
hone have done, unicfle they had been guided by the bo-
| 47 Geof.

3 Fromithe Properties of the Scriptures, being. moft an-
cient, as containing a continued hiftory from age-to age, for
the {pace of 4000 yeares before Chriff, even from the degin-
ning of the world. Molt tre, as is cleere by the con/ent of
one Scripture with another, and the accomspl:foment of thofé
things inthe New, which were foretold in the Old Tefta-
ment. Mokt perfeét,as being the abfolute rule of fasth , tea-
ching both what to deleeve concerning God, and how to be-
bave oxr felves according to the ill of God. ‘Molt powerfull,
commanding the whole man, body and fexte , more affecting
the beart of man, than all bumane writings whatfoc-

ver.

4 From the effects which they worke in men, both godly
and wicked. Godly, both in their converfion, and daily con-
Selation, Wicked, both in their confsfon,-and in ¢Xtorting
| from them a coufeffion of this trath,as when the Ds ved cen-
fyfled chat Chrift was the Sonne of God.

_§ From the Tefimenies confirming them,which are twe-
fold, internall and externall 3 the external being of no value
without the internal. Internall, the Teftinsony of Gods Spi-
rit, of which Saint Jobs fpeaketh. Bat the eAneintsng which
yee have received of him, abidethin you, and yee need mot that
any man teach you, but as the fame Annointing teacheth you all
| things, and 1s truth,and 18 no lie, and even as it hath tanght
you, yee foall abide in him. Thisisthe/wreft and moft s#fad-
‘UibleT cftimsny, and this weobtaine by being trucly obedient
unto the Dothrine taught, and daily prayer unto God, a gift
whereof none partake but /wch as are Gods children, Exter-
nall the Teftinsany of the Charch; the Teftimony of the
Iewes; the Teftimony of the very exemies of che truth ;
the Teffimsony of baly Martyrs ; the Teftimony of Heathen

Writers; |

Verf-21. The prefervation of the Scriptare.

Writers ;. the fame being a//o confirmed by CWMiracier.
6 From the providence of Godinthe prefervation of the
Scrspteres, notwithitanding of the many malicious exemsies
which ave and dee endevonr by all weancs poflible to /xp-
preffethem, yea, wholly to extingus {> the fame. At the com-
‘mandement of Antiochus, they rene.in pieces the bookes of the
law which they found,and burnt them with fire, lehoiakim cut
with a Pen-knife, the Rollewhich Baruch wrote, at the mouth
of leremiah the Prophet, confuming the fame in the fire that
was on the Hearth. In the dayes of Ducene Mary, what
publike Proclamations were there againft the beving or
reading ofthe Scriptures ? what privie fearches ? what pub-
lske executions ? what burning of Bibles? yet did the Lord
{till prefervethem , notwithtianding of all their malicicns
pradiifes. By al which it appeareth that God s the certaine
and undoubted Author of the Seriptures. -
| This ferveth partly for Reprebenfien,and partly for Exhor-
tation, °
For Reprehenfion, ¥ Vutofuch, asneither beare ,reade, | Vies of Repre-
fearch, beleeve, efteeme, or obeythe holy Scriptures. 2 Vn- | henfien,
to fuch as preferre before them, the wrstings of others, Fa-| —
thers, Councels, Heathen Anthors and the dske. 3 Vnto}
fuchas would havethe Anthority of the Scriptures to depend
upon the Ghurches approbation. 4 Vuto fuchas alleadge
thet the Scriptures are sesperfell, notfaffictent unto falvati-
on. 5 Vintofuchasaitirme thatthe Pope hath power to di-
[pence with the Scriptures. 6 Vuto fuch as hinder peo-.
ple from reading the Scriptures. 7 Vnto fuch as call
in gucftion the truth ofthe Scriptures. 8 Wntofuch as edde |.
thercunto,os take from the fame.

For Exvertation, 1 Letus learne to adnure the wi/e-
deme and goodne fe of Ged towards xs in the writing of his
Word,and prefervaticn'of the fame. For hereby we arc the
more confirmed in the undoubted trath of it, asall make sc-
count, that things done in blacke and white are moft (ure.
Hereby its the better preferved from being. corrupted. Here).
by we havea remedy apainft ont »atwrall for gerfulneffe, Eder -

1 4acl.¢6.

aie a

Ox) a”

Vices of Exhore [-
gation,
: of | |

229

The Scriptare muft chiefely be imbraced.Chap.1:

by we difcerne errours and herefies. Hereby wee take notice
of the polscée and /iebriley of the Devsll , transforming bins
Selfe often snro an Angell of light. And hereby the wil of
God is made more common, for bookes and writings may both
eafily be difperfed whether the voyce of the Teachers cannot
come; and alfo beread inprivate by Chriftians, when they
are apart from their Teachers.

Let us obferve the dsfference betweene the Scrsptures,
and all other wrstings.

The Scriptures alone are free from erroxr , all other wri-
tings are fxbjesE unto errowr ; yea, many are full of er-
Ours.

The Scripsures areto be beleeved on their owne Word,
becaufe we know, God {peaketh with us in them: others a-
gaine, they have credst onely fo farre as they confent with
the Scrsprures, and are confirmed by thems.

The Scriptures onely are perfeel, wherexnto it isnot law-
ful co adde, from which its wicked to detraé. .

3 Letusbedsligent in bearing, reading fearching medita-
ting, beleeving eftecmeing, obeying, and leading our /sves an-
{werable unte the Scriptures, being thankefuk unto Ged fer
them, affuring our felves of the undoubted trath of the fame,
and rejecting every Doctrine which is repugnant there-

Great comfort might we finde in this practi /e , whether in

'| profperitée or in adverfitie,, the Word being «rule wuto-us,in

bork,

4 Letusfandfor the Scriptures, neither rejecting tho/e
which are admetred intothe Canon, neither receiving thofe
which are Apocryphall , not admitted into the fame ; yea,
though beth the writings of the ancient Fashers., the deter-
wination Of divers generall Counce/s , and the prath/fe of
AMany /earned men , might /ceme to induce us theresnte :
for the authoritie of the Scriptures, doth not depend on the
approbation, exther of Fathers or Conncels. This were a re-
proach unto God, asif the Astboritie of men were greater
than his owe, or, as i€ we were to beleeve him far mens

‘cau

Aameiiimenuprm, »

Verfiz1. Prayerneedfule 221

canfe, net for his owne ; yea, the Church her felfe 1s faid te
be builded xpon the foundation of the Prophets and Apoftles, | Rph.z.20,
even the Doedtrine delivered by them.
- g Seeing God is the Awthor of the Scriptures , letus 5
bee carne with 4im in Prayer, that be would bee
pleafed by his Spirie, tereveate unto m his
Wil contained therein.

. C8
9.

avreApeftle baving inthe /aft pars
ofthe former Chapter , confirmed
the truth of bis Doélrine by a
threefold Teftimony + Namely, by
his owne,and the Teftinsony of two
other Apoftles which.were-pre/ent
atthesransfiguration of Chrift ,by
| | the: Teftimeny of God tke Father,
TS}) whoin « voyce from Leaven ceftifi-
a ed of bimslaying,T his uc my Beloved
Sonne, in whom Lanswell pleafed sand by the ¢.ftimouy of the
former Prophets, whofereteld, and confirmed the /elfe-/ame
things, doth in this Chapter, yeeldu reafow of his former
Dotirine, Chewing the casu/e why he did thus ftrengrbem and
confirme them, inthe truth and certainty of the fame , even
becaufe he forefaw,that they were to be affaubted by a number
of falfe Teachers, whe fpringing mp fromtimeto time , wonld
oppofe the trath of his Dottrine, endevonring by all meanes,
to withdraw thems from the fame. This is apparent from the
very firft words ofthis Chapter. But there were falfe Pro-"
phets alfo among the people, ene as there alfo foall be falfe
Teachers among you,asif he fhould have faid, a formerly
under the law, whilft the fiate and policie of the lemes was yet
‘anding, there were not onely true Prophets , teaching theme
. the

Ube coherence f
ter with the °
rMere

ee nema etree ene

224

Athrecfold
duty required
of Preachers.
I
3

D. They muft
take notice of
falfe teachers,

Mat.7,19.
A&.20,28.
I Tim. Se Ge
Reafons.

2
q Tim, 3. Ze

The dutie of Preachers. Chap.1 |

the truth of God, whofe Dottrine they were torecesve; but al- |

fo falfe Prophets oppofing themfelves againft the truth of God, |
whom they were wot to beleeve ; even fo alfe there fhali bee |
among younnder the Gofpel falfe Teachers , which privily
will bring in falfe herefee commanding and gaine-faying the
trath which I have tasght you, endevonring by all meanes to
make you fokow their pernicious wayes. Them , you mufi not
receive, or beleeve. The Dottrine which I have taught you, 1
the truth of God Ihave {xficsently confirmed t¢ uhto you., I
have the more endevonred to fettle and ground you therein, in
regard of fuch profane and blafbhemous feducers, {uch pernics-
ous and hurifnll falfeTcachers, which will oppofe st , and goe
about to withdraw you from the fame.

From this our Apoftles prathife, the Preachers of Gods
Word, may learneathreefoldduty. ‘

1 Totakenotice of falfeT cachers.

, 2 Togive their people warning of them, wher they perceive
them,

3 Tobe fo much the more carefullin Rrengthning angl con-
firming their people in the truth of Ged, as%e likelsboug they
are to 5 affunlted by falfe-~Teachers, as did Elias of the Pre-
phets of Baal, Micasah, of Zedekiah, the fonne of Chenaanah,
Peter, of Simon (Magus ; and Paul of Elimsas , the Sorceror,
according to that of our Savionr Chrift, Beware of falfe Pro-
phers. ThatofSaint Pasl, I know this, that after my depar-
ting fhall grievous Wolves enter in among you, not [baring the
flocke, alfa of your owne felves, foall men arife , peaking per-
verfethings,to draw away difciples after them,therfore watch,
And againe, Fron fich withdraw thy felfe.

Whereof a threefold Reafon may be rendred. 1 In regard
of themfelves;becanfe God hath appointed them watchmen,
Seers, of whom itis required, that by the wvigslent ; wherein
if they fasle, they themfelves are in danger to bee fedsced,
2 Inregard of their people, whole foxles are committed to
their charge, who for the mot part want the gift of difcrets-
on, the tree trial of pirits,and fo may ea/ily be decesved.3 In
regard of fale Teachers, who privsly creepe in, watching for

Oppo

exrfler, © Markes of falfe Teachers. 22K

opportunitie to feduce the imple, who for the moff part are
moft carefull, when the Preachers of Geds Word , are moft |
careleffe.

Ob, The Propbets and Apeffles had the gift ef Prophecy,
the Spirst of Revelatson,they could difcerne the Spsrits, who
were trae, who.were falfe Teachers; this we want, there-
fore it feemeth smpoffible tor the Preachers of Geds Word to
, 4s{Cerne them;ox take notice of them.

__ nf. Although F reachers be not properly Propbees and
God doth not reveale.himfelfe nnto thems in vsfons and
.dreames, ashe did unto Propbers, of old,and tothe Apeftles
yet eventhey, may difterne of a falfe Teacher ; thatis, of |-
Sach none, that maintaineth an errour which overturneth true
fatth and Religion, which is 4 fundamental errour; who
doth endcvou to withdraw men from the trne faith and Re-
ligiton, perfinading them both in private and publske to
'| @cleewe what bce teachtth, fuch'a one I fay, the Prea-
hers of Gods Werd,way difcerne by thefe markes ( for as our nt
Saviour taith, by their frmit they may beknowne) 1 He is | MAE7-16
not called of God, but ag Inde uffirmeth, ereepeth into rhe | 1.3, qe:
Cburch, liketbofe of whom Loreety writeth, Lhave not fent \ ler.14.14.
thems, neither did.J camusaad tens , yet they. prophecy sm msy |

Name, 2 He delivereth and maintaineth corrupt Dattrine,
contrary tothe. Dotirsne of the Holy Scriptures , the com-
meandements of the Law, and the: promifes of the Gofpell,
3 Hedoth inhis teaching and. preaching., aime at his ewne
glory, nes/erving the Lord, but his owne belly. By thefe
tokens I fay, not onely Preachers, buteven people Itkewile
(as they arebound) may take notice of fale Teachers. 2}
fay, 20 give warning of fal(¢T cacbers, when they doe perceive
them, accordiug to the praétife beth of the Prophets and

ob.’

Marks wheres
by to difterne
a falfe Teas
chers.

3
Rom.36, I 8.

D « They mult
givev arning
of falfe T ca-
chers, when
they dor pers
€xive them.
Reajon.

Apofties. re oo, Coa a ;
Whercofthefe Reafoxs may berendred,. 1 Thatthey may
make it dppeare, that they ate faithful fhepheards,for he that
is an birelsng and not the foepheard, whofe owne the focepe are
not fecth the Welfe comming and leaveth the facepe , ana fiy-
eth, and the Wolfe catcheth them, and {cattereth the facepe.
| 2 That

Jf
Toba WOelZe ;

226 The carefulneff[e of Preachers. Chap.z.

2 2 That by this meanes they may fave their ewne fon les.
Ezck.3.19. | 3 Thactheir people may the betrer arme and prepare them-
| felves again /xch ; left they be extangled by them.
D.Preachers 2 Ifay,te be fo much the more careful in frengthenin
much the more | 44d confirming their people in the truth of Ged, as sn likelt-
carcfallin hood they are to be afantted by falfe Teachers, and Gods truth
ae ark to be oppofed by them. This was Sain” Pasls prattis[e. And
their people,as | 7eember (faith he) that by the pace of three yeares, Iceafed
inkikelihoed | not to warne every one night and day with teares , and there-
wey ae be | fore writethto Timsothy: If thow put the Brethren invemscm-
Salie Teachers brance of thefe thines, (hat is, of feducing fpivits, departure
AR.20.31. | fromerhe faith and the like thon Sonte be a good Minifter of Ie-.
rn atte fia Chrift, nonrifhed up inthe words of fatth, and good Do-|

Pode rine, wherennto thon baft attained. This was our Apoftles
prectife in this plece, asalfo che gedlies in the dayes of Sands.
perfecution, and the prattife likewife of the holy Martyrs :
in the dayes of Qneene Afary, A duty never more nee ful!
thay acw, in theie dangerous and perilous times, in this laf
| age ofth: world, the Divell new having great wrath, as
1 Pet.§.8. knowing that be. bath but a foort time; Now chiefly being as.

a xoaring Lyon, going about, and feeking whom hee may

devonxr, now Heretskes and Herefies aboun ing every
where. |

Vie The Lord is mercy open env eyes that wee may difcerne
them :: guide cur tonenes that we may give warning ef them ;
and fisrre up our affections more and more towards exr people
that we way dilicently and carefully confirme and frengthen
them againft the day of tryall. Thus of thecoberence of this

Chapter with the former. |
Necargumene | Ixthss Chaprer, our Apoffle foretelicth of falfe Teachers,
ofthis Chape . | oer ing the inspietse and punifoment,both of them and of their
cer. _ | followers, from which the godly fhall be delivered : as Lot was:
ext of Ssdome, defcribing the manners of thofé prophane and
blafphemeus feducers, whereby they may be the better knowne

| Fhreeparta | andavoyded, ~~

| Herein thefe three particular parts are to be confidered,
1 . | 3A Prophecy ofthole falfe Teachers,wherewiththe Charch
7 both '

Rev.32.1 26

Verle 1, The Church alwayes oppofed by Heretickes.

both was and ss now troxbled , together with feme neres,
| whereby they might be knowne, as alfo the certainty of their

de firattion, from verfe1,toverfe1o. & A deferiptien both

of the dsndes and manners of chofe fal/e Teachers (rom verfe
| 10, to verfe 28. 3 Adeclaration of the wofull ¢ftare and
condition of {uchas are feduced by them , from verfe 20 unto
the end of the (bapter.

Verfe 1 Butrherewere falfe Prophets alfo among the peeple,
even as there foal be falfe Teachers among you,whe
privily fall bring in damnable Herefies, even deny-
sng the Lord that bought them , and bring upon
thems(ilves fwift defirebtion.

In ehefe words three particulars are tobe coxfdered, 1 A
Prophecie of thole falfe Teachers, wherewith the ( barch of
¥ was tobe tryed; together with a confirmaticn of the
ame, There hall be falfe Teachers among you, even as there
were falfe-prophets among ft the people. 2 The fady where-
abouts thcy would employ themiclves,whe privily ball bring
in damnable berefies even denying the Lord that bought thers,
j The frase which they were to reape by thofe their dawna-
le herefies: bringing spon themftlves fwift deftruthi-
on.
Concerniug the 1 There were falfe Prephe:s alfo among
the people, even as there foal be falfe Teachers among ft yon.
Asthere were falfe Prephets ameng the Iewes, which did
oppo/e themfelves againit the trwe Prephets of Ged affirming,
what they denyed, denying what they «firmed : {othere thall
be fal/e Teachers.among yew, who will oppofe Gods faithful
Min ft ers ; contradi ing the erat b preached: by them.
Whence may be ebferved,that
The Church of Ged both under the Law and under the Gof-
pell, before the birth of (hrift, and fince bis eAfcenfion from
the beginning of the world unto the end thereof, bath bene, ss,
all hes fontsed and troubled, with falfeTeachers : with
as tn mateers of Religion, obftinately oppefe themfelves
Qa

againfs,’ .

227

Three particu-
la: sobferved
in chele vesles,

But there

were falfe pro=
phetsalfo a-
mong the peo- |.
ple,even as,
there thall be

a ee
228 Falfe Teachers beforeChrift. © Chap.2.

azgainft the truth of God, revealea in his Word , and preached

by his Servants. Yea, comparing the time of the Gofbell,

with the timse of the Law.the time before Chrsft was borne,

withthe sénse fince his 6srt, we may finde that the Church

hath been more troubled fince bis manifeftation into the world,

than before. Before,( as Phslaftrius recordeth ) there were

but 28 berefies : wirhina foort rime after , there were 129.

to which Saint efsguftine addeth fome mere. Before the

Falfe Trae che | OP*MAE of Chrift, there were,the Dsvell in Paradife , Ba-
cornering oF "| aam in the dayes of Atcfes; the Pricfts of Bae/,inthe dayes
Ehrift, of Elias; the Pricfs of the Growes inthe dayes of Aficaizh:
Gen.3-4. Shemaiab, inthe daycs of Nehemsiab: Hananiah inthe dayes
iKiegte og. | Of Leremiah: Amaz:ah, the Prieft of Bethel in the dayes of
yKiog.22.7, | ef9os, with others, who werefal/e Teachers ; and preached
Neh 4-100 hereticall and erronious Dotirine.: But after his Afcenfion,
Arses a Oe they began to excreafe exceedsegly their number be comming
. | in a manner inanmerable, even in the very dayes of the Ape

files, chev b2¢a to fpring up. ;

Fal Tea- Inthe fir? ( entury cr hendreth yeere , were Simon Ma-
chersfincehis | 48, Adenaxder, Ebton, Cerinthus, andthe Nicolaitans. In
Atceauon, the cond, here were Saturninus,Bafilides,Carpocrates, Va-

lentinus,Marces, (olorbafjus, Heracleon, Gnoftict, (erdor,
Martion, Tatianus, Encratite , Montanus. In the third,
there were Arto/prita, Alogs, Adamians,T hesdatiant, Met-
chifedeciasi, Bardefianifie, valefy, eApsftolici, Origeniani,
Artemen, Helcefaite ; The Novatians , Sabchians, Nepors=
ans, Samofatcuians, Manichees., Hieracite. In the fourth,
thcre werethe (Meletians, Arrians, Anomians ; (Macedo-
mins, Photinsans, with others. I might thus goe along
throughovtevery £exturse fuccceding thofé: yea, notwith-
| flanding the cleere light ofthe Gofpel, now preached , Here-
tick-s and herefres, Alp Teachers , and falfe Doftrines doe
plentifuely, abound; Papi ffs, Famslifts, Anabaptifts , Remon-
firants, with the Ake fedwcing fpirits, cunningly broaching
theirerroars, their Dofirinesot Devils. And as this ba
beenc and #, fo foal it be rhe condition of Gods Cherch untill
Mat.2 4.244 "I the ccm ng of Chrift. There foall arsfe (taith our mre i |
. as alfe

ge er en

Verte 1. The feducin 2 fpirits of Heretickes.

aud wonders info much that if st were poffible, they foalt dem
ceive the very Eleét. Now the Spirit fpeaketh exprefly (faith
Saint Panl )that inthe latter times forse foall depart from the
faith, giving heedto feducing fpirits, and dottrines of Devils,
fpeaking lyes sn bypocrifie. And againe, that inthe laff dayes,
pcrillous.times foall come,crc. For of thu fort are they which
creepe inte honfes, and leade captive fimple women laden with
fianes, and led with divers lufts, whichplaces as they might
have becn app/yedto times before ors, fo they may be ap-
plyed unto enrs., and. may bee <//o underftood of future
times. mt |
The Reafons hereof are fowrefold. x In regard of ‘God,
that his Love, Ws/edome, Power, and Jnfice, may be mans-
fefted unto ns, his dove, in exeresfing us thus, lett otberwife
we fhouldranne on in fnne; his Wifedome in confounding
the pollscse of the adverfaries ; his Power in preferving his
owne, and punifoing thole adverfaries ; his Infiscein giving
{uch over, to be deluded by falfe Teachers , which will not
be obedient, and conformable. unto the trath. How many
even of Gods children havebeen at frife in the time of peace,
who have in dangeroms tines banded themldves together
again(t falfe teachers? A manifeftation of Gods love , how
many Of Gods dearechildren have beene in danger to be én-
trapped through the fubriltse of their adverfaries (as was
Latimer ) whom God {o guided in their axfweres, asthat
their efdverfaries could not get advantage of them?. A
-| manifeftation of hiswifedome. How many of Gods children
have beene in danger to be feduced by falfe teachers ; whem
God hath preferved ? a manifeftation of his power, as alfo in
the covfafon of divers: Heretskes and falfe teachers , fuch
as.erim , who braft infunder, (as Indas did-) his bowels
gufoing ont , as having troubled the bowels and peace ofthe
Church of Ged ; Moxtanus and his two madde Prophereffes

| burnt by the King of Perfia; ‘Palins Samefatenus , who
was frricken with 4

3 who

. fall 2C. brifts, and-fal/e Prophets, and {hak (hew creat fignes..

which banged themfelves. ASenes , who was ft yed, and |
leprofie; exfmazéah the Pricft of Bethel,

52g

1 Tim,4.3.

2 Tim,3 .Ie60

Resfons.
I

‘2087.17

ler.28.37

2 Theffi2. 135
132.

Oppofers of true Religion, Chap.2.)

who dyed in a polluted land, whofe wife became an Harlot in
the Cstie, and bus fonnes and danybters fell by the fword , and

_ | bis Land was divided by lane. Hananiah, who dyed the fame

yeere, as having made the people t:utlina de. Finally, Saint
‘Paul {aith; And for this caufe, God fall fend them ftrong de-
Lufiens, that they fhould beleeve alie, that they all. might bee

| damned, whe beleaved. not the truth, bat had pleafure in xn

righteonu{ne (fe.

2 Inregard of the Devil, whole malice and tyranny to-
wards mankinde is fo great, that as by ethen: meanes; So in
[pecsall by this, he feekesh toundoe them; ye, he doth more
prsvately by falfe teachers than he doth by open per/ecatson,

» | | (as the Ecclefiafticall Hiffory witneffeth ) through their /#6-

silty catching the sguerant , the saconftant , he neglin
gent, the carious, with/xch as are givento the /#ts of their

| flee

A&.20.3%

i Cer 11,19.

.1Joh.2.19.

3 Inregard of falfe teachers whole prideenvy vaineglory,
conceit of their owne /earning, wit, kwowledge, and the like
driveth them forward to this coxr{e, wafer them up to
fpeake perverfe things, even to draw away difciples after
them. . |
4 Inregardof the Charch.. 1 That fixcere Chriftians
may be ds/cernedtrom Hypocrites. For there muf? alfs be he-
refes among you( faith Saint Past) thar they which are ap-
proved may be made manifcft among yon. T bby went owt({aith
Saint Joh» ) chat theynsight be made manifefi, that they were
not all of ms. 2, Phat Geds children may be the more care-
full in the performance of Geds fervice, preaching , praying,
reading of the Scriprwres,and-the like, as alto the more wsth-

ramen from fane, leit Godin Inftice give them over unto
Seducing fpirse3. 3 That the excelleucy of Gods truth, may
the better <ppeare, being conspared with the dattrine of falfe
teachers, . mg

_ The x/2s of this point are threefold.

For Jnfirwétion, {eeina the Church of Ged hath beene, 1,

and all be affau'ted by fal/? teachers, it followeth. 1 That
there.is no [wsall difference berweene the cfiate ef Gods Church

: .¢ in

= AACE RE A CEI AO A Le ,

aR a enseeearbasarsieasamaaemmnetsndit
‘Werler. — Oppofersof true Religion. 231

im thie life, and her condition inthe life to.come. There foal
be no hypocrstes, or wicked perfons there, no Lares amongtt
‘| the Wheat, as bere, no danger tobe feduced by fal/e teachers,

there, no feare of Heretiques and Herefies ,ashere. 2 That 3
Gods truth #% meft excelent; although through the syrausy
of the Devs from time to time it bath beens mightily eppe-

| fed, yet.doth st fsé continue, as it Mall dee untotheend.{

3 That the Charcheschicfeft enemies, arethey which are hat- 3
ched eveninthe bofome of the Church , snnaturall children, |
pearcing the bowels of their Afotber, fit and ready inftru-

| ments to accompli fo the Devels will ( which is the esensy of
sankind Junto the defrettron both ot them/elves and ethers. .

4 That we ought robe watchfal and careful at all times,left 4

we be féduced and estrapped by falfe teachers.

For Reprebenfion. x Voto fuch as call in gucfison the Vin of Repres
treth of our Relsgion, in regard of the eppefitson which is
made againft it, not confidersng that even from the beginning
of the world, it bath beenc oppafed, neither rensembring , that
from hense it would follow, thatsbere were ne true Religion,
in as much, as there ss no religion, which 1 mot eppefed, yea,
in /ome points, by fone of their ewne SeQ, asmay bee feene
amongh Papifts, efaabaptifts, and others. |. ,

Now as their difagreement amongit shem/fe/e#ts doth not
prove their: Religion. to be trae , 10 the oppofition which is
made «¢ainft Ours, doth not prove onrs to be falfe: Nay,
by the fame, wemay be the more coxfirmed in thc wath of

Oxrs ; thusrefolving with ourfelves. That muff needs bee
the true Religion, againft mhich the Divell by fad(e teachers,
hath from time to time oppofed him{elfe, imspugning the fame.
But our Religion hath beene thus oppugned, Therefore ours 1 3
the true Religion. 2 Voto fich as looke for a pure , xn[pot-
ted Church in this world, which wasthe erroxr of one Sta-
philus, who defineth the Charch to be « company of people,
in which there arena diverfe opinions , no fects, no {eifmes,
from which the rigide opinions of our over-juft Separatifts doc |yot ..
much défagree, 3-Vorofuchas remaine ignorant , careleffe, 3
and negisgent ms thefe dayes of danger, are there not now

Q4 many

True Chriftians oppofers of Fleretickes.C hap.z:

many falfe teachers 2 arethere now every where feducing ppi-.
ritt, eAntichrifis adherents? Is it then time to fleepe ?
H time towant knowledge ? how fhall we prevent them? how
| fhall we free our felves, from being feduced , if not by care-
‘| full watchfulneffe, by the knowledge of the will of God ?
4 Vitofach as have-beene the Diveds infiruments in treu-.
1 bling the Charch of Ged, by whom hebothhathand doth {o }
| much prevasle, Doft thou goe bcyond many others in the
| gts of nature, learning,and the /ske ? thou oughreft tote
{0 souch the more thankefull unto God for them, employing
the fame for the geod of his (burch. Thine Apoftafie is the
occasion of the fad of many, of the raine of thoufands ; for
what fay they? Sach 4 one mbe 1 a great man, learncd, much
refpefled, and the like, preacheth {uch and [uch Doklrine,
which you gaine-fay, may we not at well, (yca; rather ) bees |
leéve bimthan you? ksoweth not he the truth as well as you?
doth not be love bis ewne fonle, as well as you doe yours ? and
the like. So following their blind guides they peri with [
them. 5 Vnto fuch as doe not eppofe themfelves againft
falfe teachers, notwithftanding their ofpeftion unto the
truth of God, Mofes fet himfelfe againit fannes and Jam-
bres ; Elias fer himfelfe againft Baals Pricfs ; Peter againtt
Simon Magus; Panl againkt Elimas; Iohnagainit Ebion;
Auguftine againht the Donatifts, and CAlanachees; nolefie
caufe have we to fet our /é/ves againit fal(e teachers , the ene-
mies of Gods truth. 6 Vntofuchas being daily warned, and
willed to take heed wnco themfelues , doe netwithftanding
fifer themfelves tobe fedtwced, as daily expersence thew -
eth.

For Exhorration, 1 Let us be truely thankeful/ unto God,
for his great goedneffe and love, manifefted towards his
Charch in preferting her from time to time , notwithfan-
ding of thofe her /wbrile and dangerous enemies. 2 Letus at
alltimes be watchfull and carefull, letat any time wee bee
feducedby falfeteachers. 3 Let uslabour.forthe Spirit of
difcretion, being daily converfant in the reading of Gods
Word, that we may she better try the firitn4 Let us la-
: L our

ferf.3,- The fubtlty of falfe Teachers. .

cour and endevour in time, bothto confirmed our, felves and
others in the trath of God, yea,to reduce thofe, which are

Doblrine rem embring, that Heretickes are withdrawne fren
the way of truth, ave enemses andbinfphe mers of the truth, are
| Sout ont of the kingdome of heaven, are corrupted in their
mindes, are trleacue withthe Divell For thiscaxfe, letus
beware of pride, vaine-gl ory, felfe-lowve, felfe-concest of wit,
learning, judgement, elognence, or the like, following the
geod countell of the Apoftle Panl, let nothing be done throng
Strife or vaine-glor but 8 lowline ffe of mind let cash efecme
other, better thant mfelves.6 Letus manfully conrageox ify,
and valiantly oppofe onr felves againkt fal/e Teachers, Ma-
gefrrates,Minifiers, and people, in their feverall places; that
fo. we may sot be/educed by them,may both/ave our felves,
and others. Thus of the fir/t parricxlar, aide downe in thefe
words : Butthere were falfe Prophets alfo among the people,
even as there fhall be falfe Peachers among you.
Concerning the2, The fivdy whereaboutthofe fal/e tea-
chers were to employ themtelves 3 whe privily foall bring in
‘damnable herefies, or (accarding unto the Originall deadly
herefies , even denying the Lord that bath bought them. ‘In
which words, we may both perceive the properties of falfe
teachers, and the Natare of their Dodtrine. Their proper~
‘| tees being 1, diligence, anda fubtilty in broaching their er-
ronrs; diligence in that they bring them in, even into the
Church of God, to which formerly thej-weré unknowne 5 ube
tilty in that they doe privily briny thems in, The nature of
‘their Deétrine s being both dangeroxs : as being a damnable
or deadly dottrine, an hereticalldottrine,a dottréne comtrary
tothe wi/l of God, revealedin his Mord, impious, the da-
| thorsthercofidenying the Lord that.bought them , Chriff Ie-
Sis by whows they were redeemed, which words ase not to be
underftood abfolnte/y, as if they bad beénindeed redeemed by
Chrift,or Ghrift bad
of thefe ewe abfardisies wouldfollow, that, “either the Elect

wAAy

already feduced. 5: Let usbe carefull and watchfull , left at:
any time the Devsll afe us, ashis Infiruments to teach falfe

$33

Phil2.3,

Who privi
thal tie
damnable or
deadly herefies,
even denying
she Lord that
bonghe them,

effectually dyed for them, for then one | |

| The true (burch és not Hereticall.Chap.2.
Oe ,

totally and finally fall away, or, that Chriff dyed for Re-
pribates, both which are fal fr but they arete be aaderfeed,
either according te the judgement of thefe fale teachers who
no debt thought and aifirmed that they were redeemed by
Chriff,or,according to that opinion whsch others bad of them,
thinking that they were the childress of God, or according te
the rule of Charity, which fhould be in every one of us, even
to eflecme every particular perfon tobe redeemed by Cbrift,
| hich imbraceth and profeffeth the Chriftian fasth, in whom
we doe not fee abfolute fignes, andeusdent markes, that hee
hath finned that finne which to death; becaufe although for
the prefere they may walke otberwife than decenemerh the
Gobet : yet weknow not how foone Ged, which hath the
carts cfall men in his hand, will-turnetheir beares: the cox.
dition of Gods children before their cenverfien being the /ame
with the wicked, all of ws, being by mature,. the children of
wrath, or finally in regard that in alarge fenfe,allto whons the
GePeX commeth, may be faid to be bought by bins; yea, all
|-2men, becaufe the price by him payed, is [ufficrent to ranfome
all; neither is ic by any default therein,that any perith, but
through theis owne wickedneffe and snbelsefe.
_ From rhs particular, fowre ebfervations may bee gathe-

The firft is this, that

D.Errenteus Erroneous and Hereticall Doftrine , 1s not the dofirine of |
Do@rineis | fhe true Church, butintraded and brought in by falfe tea~
arine ofthe Th be d nfirmed
This ma sver fly cO ed. ;

tet ceric 1 From the wag the Churches ‘Dollrine , together
andbrought =| with the foundation of the fame. The Doflrixe of the ( burch
then tet | isa found Detirine, according to that of Saint Pax! , Hold
Proofes. Saft the forme of found words which thon baft beard of me.

@1 And againe, Speake thom the things which become found “Do-
2 Tim.1.130 ] frine. Andagaine, Is Doflrine.joewing wncorrupt ne (fe, gra-
Gag i. | Ulf, fincersty, found fpeech , that cannot be condemned. The

foundation f, is, Chrift Iefus, for ether foundation cast
#0 man lay, than that laid, which ss defils (rift. ME then
the

‘

Verf1. Lhe true Church oppofeth Herefie. |

Chrift be the fouxdation of the fame , how can herefie pro-
ceed from thefame ? doth a feuntaine fend forth at the fame

evvies, either aVine figges? canthe Church be both of Ged,
and not of Ged? Every prrie (faith Saint Jehu ) thareonfe/~
Seth that Iefus (brift is come inthe flefo, is of God, and every
first that confeffeth not thas [efus Chrift us comein the flefs,
snot af God. It the (burch be of Gsd, (as its moft certasne )
thenisit not the Asther of Herefes..

rine of Heretiques. Itsthe Dottrine of the {burch ,¥ Lefts.
Chrift 1s the perfeét \Mediatcr both of Interceffion, and fatts-
fatisen, Itsthe Detirixe of the Charch , that the Bread and
Wine are not transficbfiantiated into the Body axd Blood of
Chrsft. Its the Dottrine of the { barch,. thatrhexe are onely
two Sacraments , ordained and inffituted by Chriff ; that
marriage t honourable among ft all men: that the Elect caw-
| wot fall away totally aud finally : that Chriftsans ought to bce
| fabyelt to Magsftrates, Rulers, and fuch as Ged hath fet ever:
thems: that our Savioxr Chrift.s both God and man. in ene.
perfen, all which ase oppofed by Heretickes,fome oppofing
one,f{omne anether. Therctore is sot their doctrine , the ‘Do-
. ttrine of the Church yea, how is it poffiéde that #¢ fhonld be,

and yet continue: onr Savionr himielfe atfirming,that sf a

Kingdome be divided againfi it felfe, that kingdonse canuet
ftand ; and if a honfe be divided againft it felfe, that honfe

cannot and, — | | .

3 Byaparticular Indsition of all thofe berefes which
havebeene from the beginning, | willenftance bur in a few.
The worfbipping of Images, had its originall from Simson Ma-
gus, the fir/? Heretique after the A
‘berefie of the plurality of Geds, had ics eriginall from Valenti-.
nue.Cerdon and AMarcion, were eAntbors of the opinion of tae.
Gods, denying the srath of Corifts buns udture, and of b as

of Cbrift. Lasianus was the dathor of the/et? Encratita. So

2 By comparing the Doéirive of the (harch, withthe do- |:

uffersng. The Ebsonstes and eArtans » the Divimssty -

235:

a ee
the D oftrine of the Charch be found and wholefome , and if lsae3.31.

| Place fweet water and bitter ? canthe- Sage tree beare Olive |

Mar 3.24.

cenfien of Chrift. The |

The diligence of, falfe Teachers Chap.s,|

called, becanfe they abfiained from Wine, and cating of. flefe,
and creatures quicksed with a fenftsve life. condemning
marriage, ang blapbensing the Epsftles of Pant. The like |’
may betaid of-other berefees, (uch and {ach were eAsthors of
thens, from whom their fokewers were deneminated,e Arians,

Manicheass, Novatians Pelagians and the like. Therefore,

the Church was not Anther of the fame. .

4 © | °4@ Fromthat very tstle which Saint Pas! giveth unto the

1 Tim.3.3§, | Church, ftiling ber, the pillarand greund of truth. If fhee

be the psilar and gronnd of truth chen can the not bethe pillar.
and grownd of errenrssitisistraded and bromghs i by fal/e
teachers, .

Henceit followeth. .
Vie. § That we ought to effeeme of falfe teachers , a6 intruders,

I as of fach as bring in (alle Dettrine intothe Charcsh.

3 2 That we onght not to admit the Dottrine of fal/é .tea-
chers, as being repugnant and contrary untothe Dotlrixe of
the Church. | |

- 3 Thatthe Dottrine of the Church ( which is the onely

3 truth of God ) is of greater antiquity, ot longeft continuance
and Banding. Heretickes commonly boaf of the eAntiqusty
Of their Doctrine, yea, alleadge that their Dolrine is the
truth of Ged, the Doblrine of the Catholicke Church , but
comparing the one and the other together we may eafily find,
that fal/e teachers are intruders, their Dollrine privily

"| | brought snare the Church. Thus of the firf. .

B-Faleta’ | The /econd is this,that

‘dilivent and Falfe teachers, are both diligent and fubtle, in breaching
fibbleinbroa- their erreurs diligent ,fubtsle » which privily foal bring sn
{ ching their = | damnable herefies. |
“er a fay, they are diligent in broaching their errours , dili-
Diligent. gent in word, diligent in «fon: Sparmg neither charges,
Mat.zz.15. | BOT Paiwes to bring sn their errowrs asthe Scribes and Pha-
| réfees, they compaffe Sea and Land to make one Profelite, and
whenhe is made , they make hime twofold more the child of
| Hel, than themfelves. This oray be confirmed fromthe pra-
Bifeofanciens Heretiches , Simon Magu, Arius, Manes,

“3 Pelagsut,.

Verf-x. The fubtilty of Heretiques.

Pelagius and by the praftife of falfe teachers in thefe dayes,
Tefustes, Seminary Priefts , Anabaptifis, with others. As
there are, fothere bath been at all times, a number of faith-
full watchmen in the bonfe of God. As wow, fo hikewife in
every preceding age, there bath. been made great oppoftion
againit herefies, and heretigues. Not without great danger,
and much dsfficedty have berefies beene intraded and publike-
ly profeljed ; vea,anumber of falfe teachers have beene by
godly (Magi ftrates condemned tothe death , executed for
their erroxrs: yet notwithftanding doe they yer conrinne
(asformerly)dsligent and induftrions in broaching their er-
rours fowing their (sckle and Tarcs in Gods field,

Neither isit any wonder, feeing they are the cheyce plants
of the Divels Orchard, the moft perfect and learnedft Schol-
ler's of his Schsole, the chiefeft agents in his fervice: yca,in

Some meafnre,the onely proppes which uphold his kingdome,
neithér could they gaine any credit unto their Maper > if
they were not diligent both by word and decd.

2 They are fubtile in broaching their errours , and there-
fore are here faid, prévily to bring in their damnable herefies.
This our Sevsonr tclifieth: Beware of falfe prophets which
come to you in fheepes cloathinz, but inwardly they are rave~
ming Wolves. Andagaine,bat while men flept,bis enemy came,
andfowed Tares among the wheat, and went hisway. And a-~

gaine,there fhallarife falfe Chrifts and prophets, and foall freve

foal deceive the very Ele, This §.Paulconfirmeth,and thar
becanfe of falfe bretoren, nuawares brought in, whe cance tn
privily to fpy ons onr liberty. Andagaine, for of this fart are
they which creepe suto houfee, and leade captive filly women
laden with finnes. This alfothe eApoftle Inde witnefieth, For

here are certaine men crept inunawares. So, they are /bsile
inregard of cheir-entt,7, in regard of ther Doélrine, both are
dotie privity, Bhey enter not in by the doore into the foeepe-
fold, out climbe.sp fome other way; an evident jfigne that they
aretheevesand rebbers, This I may confirme allo from the
very practife-of fulfe teachers inthefe our dayes le[nites,e4-
Gite - 7 pabaprifts,

great fignes G-wonders infomnch,( that if it were paffible)they.

237

Subtile,

Mat.7.ry

Mat,3 3.256

Mat,24,24,
Gal, 2 .de

2 Tim, 36,
Jude 4,

Ioh 10.3,

betel Oi Lhd SE NN

eens lg LAR TSS ae I TS SCS a easter

Falfe Teachers to be avayded. Chap.2.}

nabaptifts, Familifts,and ethers. They are molt /wbtile in
broaching their errenrs, having learned the Deéirine of
equivocation,and being expert therein: whereby they may che
more eafily deceive, 8 being feduced théfelves feduce others.
Hereot may be rendred a fixefeld reafcn.
1 Inregard of the satare of their doctrine , it is evsll ;
yea, I take, that even their cox/ciences, untill they be (eared
as with an het yron , informed them of the fame. Now our
Saviour telleth us, that every ene that doth evs , hateth the
light, neither commeth to the light, left his deeds foonld be re-
proved or difcovered. .

2 Inregardofthe oppeftson which they knew will bee
made agasuft thems, and their doctrine by the Preachers of
Gods Word. OO

3 Inregard of the daxger which happily may take bolde
on them at the firft publication of their Dofrine, whereby
their Doétrine not onely may bee quite extixgusfbed, and

crahed inthe very feel, but their perfons likewife indange-
eC

4 Inregard of fuch fasthfwi watchmen as are in the Church
which are carefull to prie into every corner to difcover
them.

5 Inregard, that the /onger they continuc ##4s(covered,
they may pervert the mere, gathering in the meane time a
fae by which they may bee able to refift fich as doe op-

efethem.
P 6 In regard thar whilft they are wxdifcovered, they may
difcover whatfoever flandeth in theic way, and take notice
of /achas are chicfeft onthe contrary part , obferving their
nature, jadgement learning friends and the /ske,all which may
and them, in great freed afterward.

Hence we are taught,

t That fal/e teachers are exseeding dangerous they want

| neither wé2 nor meanes to bring their parpefes to pale , they
areanwearied in their evil wayes , they are indufirions and
diligent in broaching their erreurs , fubsileand crafty in con-
cealing the fame. They are skitfal hunters, knowing how to

cover

Verf.1.

cover their pirs, expert Fowlers, knowing where te fer and
how to hide their sets; wary Fifoers, knowing how to
trimme their hookes. An open enemie it not halfe fo dange-

Herefie damnable.

roms, At Ax

waknewne enemy, a forraigne enemy not halfe fo

danger ous, 98 a domeftique foe, from whem we expect ne fach |

matter, Never was David in io great danger, as when 46-
folemand eAchitopbel confpired againit bse, the former his
Sonne, the latter tea uppesil fiend ncicher hath the Church

been at any time more endangered, than by fuck as have pre-
tended love untothe welfarethereok.

a That every one of us ough tobe diligent and indufiriens
in the performance of geed dutses , fering falfe teachers are
{o diligent, in dosng chat which js evil, their diligence may
incite oxrs: yea, confidering their diligesce and fubtiltse , it
ands us in hand.to be watchful, wary, and sircatefpelt wife
as Serpertt, carefull, left at any time we be féduced. For this
canfealfowe muft wot familiarly converfe with faife Team
-| chers, obferving that conn/cd of Saint Jobn; If there come any
NTO YOu bring net thie Dotlrine, receive him not te
houfe, neither bid bine Ged feed. 3
"3 That rhe'precife time when erreurs crepe inte the Church,
cannes abfolutcly be determined. Thus ofthe /econd.

The third is this,that |

Herefies which falfeT eachers intrade and bring inte the
Church , are danmable and deadly, which privily bring in
damnable and deadly berefies. Hence are they called doctrines
of Devilsslies pekenin hypecrifie. This Saint Pas! fheweth
elearely, eAnd their werd will eat as doth a Canker : ( er
Gangrene) of whom is Hymenass and Philerm.

y are damnable and deadly in divers refpe&ts. 1 Be-
caufethey are odsons and batefull inthe fight of God. 2 Be-
caufe they withdraw men and women from Ged. 3 Becaufe
they praceed from the Devil , the exemvy of mankinde , the
breachers of the fame, being men of corrupt minds, reprobate
concerning the faith, baving their conftience feared with an
hotsron. 4 Becante they are contrary to che truth of God,
evealed inhis Word, centrarytofoundand whelsfame De-

ct ine.

2lolnzo, .

D.“lerefiesing

D.Falle Tea-
chers by brings
ing infuch
damnableand

deadly here-
fies, dehy che
Stn

them.
Inde 4.

Chrif is de-
nyed two man-
nex of wayes.

Maus 8!

lob 31,24,25, | thofeswardty
2 6527 32 | e

—

How to judge of Here ftes. Chap.2..

rine, ¢ Becaufe they bring death and damwation as well
on the fedacers as the perfons feduced. ;
Pence we are taught, |
. How to efteeme of errours and herefies whichare crept ints
the Church ,even.as of dansnable and deadly dofirines. Such
asarc condemned by. Gods Word fuch asbring ssevitable and
undoxbted deftrattion upon the followers of the same. Be not
deceived in your jud ¢nvents, admit not that for whelfome w
is poyfinable food how pleapne {oever herefes {eeme, yet are
they dangerous and deadly fhiathen, avoyd themdeath ts in
the pot.it thon doft meddle with thew, thou fhale find by tx
perience that theywilh be as the pey/or of aspes byte as a Coc-
katrice,wonnd as atwe edged fword. Thusof the third. :
The fowrth isthis,that
Falfe Teachers by bringing in fuck damnakle and deadly hex
rafies, deny the Lerd that bought them, even Chrift Iefiu the
SonncefGod. =
This is witnefled alfo by the eApeffle Iude , Vagedly men
they are, turning the grace ef God into wantonneff[e, anddeny-
sng the onely Lord God, and our Lord Iefiss Chrift.. |
For the epening up of this Dottrine, three things are to
be confidered, 1 the fewtral wayes whereby Chrift 1 demy-
ed, 2 After what manner thofe feducers deny hin. 3° In
what parricutars they-performe the fame.
Touching thei, Carift us denyed two manner of wayes,in-
wardly,and outwardly, Jswardly, when men and women doe
iw their hearts {coffe the Religion of Chrift, having their
hearts farre frows bins, when asin the-meane time, they dee onte
wardly profe fe chemfelves to be bis Difciples , of {uch the
Lerd {peaketh by his Prophet , our Saviowr obferving the
Same of thefein his dayes. Ths people draweth nigh unto me
witheheir month, and honoureth me with their lippes , but
their heart ssfarr from me. Soalfo when mex vainel Aref
in sn baa gs, not trufting and repofng all confidence sn
Ghrift, they dm) Chriff, as Iob cleerely theweth: yea, all
eny Chrift, which remasne impenitent, mbich
frometheir very hearts dee not beleeve in him : of which fort
, ’ Teremiah

hee ASS A ea SS TA AAR Se ats
erfe 2. How feducers deny Chrift. 241

Teremiah complaineth in be time, They have denyed the, ler§erte

Lora, and aia st us mot he, neither fhalithe plague come upon |.

us, neither foall we [ee [word or famine. Ontwardly, Chrift x |

denyed twe manner of wayes, by werd and by deed. In word

and profeffion, and that both of Pagans, Jewes, and Chrifisans,

‘Pagans, who are not fo much as withis the skirts of his

Church, outward members of the fame, who (with Phara- | Exod.¢.2.

ob ) fay in the pride of their bearts, who is the Lord, that we

Hooula know him? Iewes,who deny him to be the true MUe/-

frah, the Saviour of the world, (hriftsans, and that esther of

frailty and snfirmitie , or of prefumption and knowledge, of

frailty and ixfirmitie.as many fearefull Profeffors, when

they areamong the Pagans or Papifts , cruell enemies unto

the Copel of Chrift, through feare, either of the, exe or rhe

other deny their Religson; of knowledge and prefumptien, and

that either about his Deity, as Cerinthus , Ariss, Sabellins,

his hamanitie, as¢( Marcion and Cerdon ;the xnion and pro- |

prietieof his two natures, as Extyches , and Neftorins ; his

properties when he is not accounted omr onely Redeemer when

his glory us given unto frockes and ftones,as by the Papifts,

| his Word, when it ws not acknowledged, when it 1s untrue...

ly taught, when it is blafpbemed, whenfome things are added

unto it, (ome things taken fromshe fanguag ln deed and attion’

Chrift is denyed by hypocrites, by tous worfhippers

by prophane andlicentious livers, b cfliders and Apo.

flates.by fuch asturne the grace of Godiuto wantonneffe, by

temporizers,fuch 4s.in the tivse of perfecution , fiye when the

1 Wolfe commeth, helding their peace , when shey foonld boldly:

confeffe Chrift conragion/ly preach his Gofpell. |
Touching the ». theft le users deny Coriff, not spenly or Afcer what

publikely, as the Turkes and Jewes dee, but frandulently and oa ial |

privately, profeffing themfclves in the meane time to be fia-} Chrift.

| sere Chriftians,who although they profeffe shat they ku

God, yor su their workes they deny bins, being abomi leavd

difobedient , and unto every good warke reprobate. Their

denyed isreall, thei: profeffion hypocritical.
Touching the 3, fal/e Teachers doe sn divers particulars|

| R

manifest _ *° :

Tit'l 6.

—

242 Heretiques deny Chrift.

Chap.a

manifeft this their denyal of Chrift. 1 By broachin ¢ abroad
doftrines contrary to the Doélrine of Chrift. 2 By withftan-
ding the meanes of that power of Chrift, whereby he would
fantlifie their hearts unte obedience. The merit of his Re-
demption is welcome to them, but they will not have to doe
withits effcacse, which /anflifieth and renueth the inward
man, /wbduerh finne, and gxickneth the life of God in them..
; By denying him obedience, whichas toa Lord is dee unto
im: they are the exemies which will not that be foould
raigne over them, who foall be brought and faine before him.
4 By their swpenstencie, waxing worfe and werfe, deceiving,
and being deceived.
Hence are we informed. .
tr Of the miferablecftate of falfe Teachers; they are dee.
ers of Chrift : now our Saviour faith, He that denyeth mee
efore men, I will alfoldeny him before my Father which 3 sn
heaven. Herewith did Perer npbraid the Jewes to draw them
unto repentance whens yee denyed,({aith he) in rhe prefence
of Pilat, when he was determined to lee him goe, but ye denyed
the holy one,and the jn(t, and dered a wurtherer te be gran-
ted untoyox. Suchare /yers-and Antichrifts , who ss 4 lyar,
faith Saint John) but be that denyerb that Iefus the Chriff,
88 eAntichriff. nyeth the Father and the Senne. Its
‘the comsmendatiom™ Church of Philadelphia ( whereof
fabfe Teachers ave bers that foe did not deny Chréft.
Thon baft kept my Word, and bef net denyed my Name.
2 How cerefol we theuld be, left eisier through Satans
| febrilty,and che corraption of our owne nature , being fedé-
cers, or feduced, we become denyers of Chrift Iefns , and{o
déréng upon our fefves both pemporal, prritual, and eternal
judgements Oh let us not deny bm in profeffion,for ifwe deny
‘him, he alfo will deny us. Let us not deny him , by denying |
J any article of Chriffian Religion, or any part of heavenly
‘and wholefomse dottrine, for thus fhallwebe pusifbed as ene-
swies of the truth, Let us not deny bim in conver{ation,bearing
the world in hand that we keow God, Butby onr workes de-
-[ aying bim, making a foew of gedlineffe, butin exr lives denying
e

Verwkat partis
eulars fale teas
chers deny
Chrift.

3-
Lue? 9.377
4
2 Tim. 3-13
Vie.
I
Mat. 10, 33.
A&.3.33-

1 Ioh.2.22.

Rev,3. 8.

Verle 1 . God detefteth Hypecrites . 243

the power thereof. For ef all ethers’, the Lerd cannot away
with bypecrites. Let us not deny hins by traffing in any thin
befides bins, whether Strength, riches, wifedonse, boxour, an
the /ske, for he end ih when all pel ais vanifo away. Heb.6.6.
Let us not deny himsby revolting , backefiding , and fakin 3
away from the profeffion of his loriome Goel into any other Heb.to.t9.
Religion, whether Poper'y, Indaifme,Pagani(ise, or the like,
for tims (hall we eracifie unto our felves againe, the Sonne of
God, and rake 4 mocke of hims,it being swspoffible , that we
can bereftored agaimpshrough repentauce. He isa Lord, let
usnot with fal/e Tethers, deny him obedience. He is a per-
felt Mediator betweene Ged and Max, Let us not with fade
‘| Teachers aferibe unto any other meanes,as to Angels,Saints,
merits, andthe dike. This glorions worke, that bonexr which
is his due; be isboth God and (Max in one perfor , let us not
with fal/e Teachers gaine-fay the fame ; he isthe obj of.
our faith, let us not deny hinsby continuing insnfidelitic; what
theugh others deny im, 2s too too many doe, we muft net
Solow their example. Oh let us not deny hime any manmer of
way as we have already tootoo many times. Haft thou
made a foew of pietie and geodneffe, but in bypecrifie ? Haft
thou lived /candalou/ly, notwithf{tanding of all thy profeffion
tothe contrary? Dott chou not yeeld obedience unto the will
of God ? dottthou not dsily grow imgrace ? thou art a de-
nyer of Chrift, repenttherctore , be the fervant of Chrift,
not of cafomse,but of confcience, deny not bins , left be deny.
you; deny not hinswho hath beene fo kinde unto you, who
hath redeemed you-by his owne precions blood: oh bewaile \
and lament the Jenerall apoftafie and backe-flsding in thefe
ous dayes, that now when the Gofpel fhineth {o cleerely,
Chriff Nhould be fo much denyed, fo many feducers, fo many
Seduced, fo many lsving in eftheifme and Epicurifme , even
{ asif there were no Chri. Though others deny bins , yet let
us acknowledge him, refolving in thefe dangerons dayes ( as
the holy Martyrs did in the time of per[ecution) to fand for
the defence of Gods truth, not forinking from Chréft, though
for the fame we were to lay downe ons lives. Thus of the
, | ' R 2 | fourth,

244°

DeStruttion the rewardof Heretiques.Chap.2

And bring up-

on themiclyes

{wife deftrus
Aion.

D. The ree
ward of herez
tiques is Cwift
deftructiqn.

fourth, and {0 of the fecond particular, laide downe in thefe
words, Who privily (ial bring in damnable lercfies, denying
even the Lord that bought them,
Concerning the 3 , the fr#it which they reape by thefe
their damnable hercfies, they bring upon themfelves, (wift de-
firuétion They haften Ged,asit were to inflict his judge-
mentsupon them, yea,and fpeedi/y are they inflicted, even be-
fore falfe Teachers areawate ; Gods judgements doe upon
the /adden feaze upon then,
The obfer-vations arifing from hence He swo.
The frf is this,thae .
The reward of Herctiques 1 fwift deftruttion,. Gods judge-
mets are oftwo ferts, fuchasare inflicted ia this Life, {uch
as fhall be inflicted in the dife to come ; both which may bee
nnderftood terc. The judgements which are sxflifted upon
them here inthis /ifc, arg divers, (ome ordinary {cme extra.
ordinary ; Ordinary , as when they are deprived of theer,
goods, lofe their credite and reputation, areimprifened , con-
demned,and are by the courfe of Law executed for their er-
rours, Extraordinary, when they Rre given over unto all
manner of wickedne fi when jad gement upon judgement doth
take Lold on them, when their confciences torment them, Hel
gapeth fcr them, Death feaxcth npon them at uxawares.
Arius brat afunder, his bowels sufhing out. Afontanns,
Paulus Samofatenus, Manes, Mahomet, divers ofthe Pope:
of Rome, have wnnaturally cnded their dayes. So alfo the
are not free from judgements, upon body, foxle, name , cftat
poftcritie. The Judgements of God in the life to com
are moft fearefull, for if the wicked foall be tormepted «
cording to their workes, then falfe Teachers, being wicked
the very highcff degree, multendure the very excremitie
torments, This 1s the portion of their cup; this ts the frai
their labours; this us the reward of their errours.
Hence it followerh,

. 1 That God will not fuffer heretickes to gue unpuni
He 1 a jx{? God, whoas he brough: judgements en Pha
Saul, Adonizedek ,eAchan, Agag,for their horrible:

| Bees, even when they feared no fuch¢satrer, fo. will hee in
his owne time bring /wift deftruttion. on falfe Teachers.
‘| They may flosrs/> for atime, but intheend defiradiex {hall

Booke ot the Afartyres, doe fufficiently confirme.

% That therefore we muff be varefull to founne the compa-
"7 of falfe Teachers, (asthe I/raelites were to depart from
the Tents of Corah ) \eit being partakers with them in their
1 herefies, wee alfo pertake with them in their defirsétson.
Thus of the fix, | |

The /écoxd ss this,that |

Falfe Teachers bring upon themfelves this [wift deftruttia
on. They them/felves acethe Authours of their owne miferics,
their owne workes condemne themfe/vess The further they |
doe rwnne in their herefies, the sigher doe they draw Gods
judgements upon themfelves. By the fame meanes , whereby
they thinke to gaine moff, they lofe off, as Spiders they ate
taken in the /ame webbe which they weave. They are acceff2-
ries, and fhall be punifved as accefaries unto their owne
death,unto their owne acftriction.

Hence wearetaught. ,

1 Toadmire Gods Iuftice in the execution of his Inftice
on fuch canning Merchants, deceit(all workemen, falfe rea-
thers. — |

2 Toafcribe unto fal(e reachers, themifelves the caufe of
their qwne defiruttion.

3 Tobeware of the Dofirine of falfe teachers, as procee-
diog from /#ch,whichare their owne greateft enemies, which
bring xpon them/felves deftruélion , deft
and fonle. Thus of the fecond, and fo of the third particular,
laid downe in this ver/e. |
Verf.2, end many feall follow their pernicions wayes by

aon of whom the way of truth fhali be evill fpo-
en of. :

3 And through coveton{neffe fall they with fained
: oR 3

Ee EP ag Gp aaa

feaze upon them., As the remarkeable examples of Steven }
Gardiner ,Dottor Story, with divers others, mentioned in the |

ruction both of body |

3 erfe 2, Falfe Teachers bring deftrattion to themfevg.245

y |

Num,16.27

D a 3 alfe ; Teae-

chersbrin gup-

on themfelves

fwift deftrus
ion,

VY.

words,t

Two pfrticas
lars obfe: ved
inehefe ver{s.
Falle Tea-
chersdefcris

bed,

From ebe

‘ number of
their follows

crs.
The cffe& of
their do@rine.

The ground
of chefame.

The madnefie
of their edu-

crs.
Their end and
ayme io (edu-
cing. .
Their punithe
-mentreizera*

:
34687. FalfeTeachersdefcribed. Chap.2
ce TTT eee

words, make merchandife of you, whofe jndgement
now of along time lingreth not,and their damnation
. flumbreth not.

Followeth in thefe wer (ts, a further defcription of falfe
Teachers together with a repetstion of the pamtifiment, which
fhall /2az: on them. They are deferibed, 1 from the num-
ber of their followers, and msany fhall follow their pernicsons
or lafcivious wayes.

2 From theeffed whichtheir Doélrime worketh, either
in themfelves, their followers, or in others , by them , or by
reafon of them the way of truth us evill poken of, that is,esther
thev and th é- followers, or carnall unregenerate perfons , by
reafon of thems and of their followers, foall curfe, revile , re-
preach, fcoffe and mocke Chrift Iefus , who 1 the Way the
Truth, andthe Life, or the Dottrine of the Gofpell, which
the way. of truth, whereby we are dircfled towards the attai-
ninz of Chrift.. }

3 Fromthegroswnd and casfe of their heretical doftrine,
of ae dil:gence and /xbtsitse in breaching thefame, Csve-
tomfireffe.

qf rom the warner of their feducing,it is, through fained
words.

5 From their endand aim: in broaching their errowrs,that
they may make merchandize of thofe whom they doe feduce.
Their punsfoment, its againe reiterated whofe judgement now.
of along time lingereth not, and their damnation famines
nit. Thole judgements which God hath of old ord.sined and
prepared for thems, fhall sxdoubtedly ( how profperous foe-
ver their efatefeeme to be ) be inflsifed upon them, they foal }
be condemned and tormented with the Devill and his Angels

world without end.

_ Touching the former, which containeth a difcription of
falfe Teachers ,it confittech (as yee have heard ) of five par-
ticulars, of which I entend now atthe plea/ure of God to
{peahein orders =
Concerning the 1 sany.foall follow thrir perniciens,or (aS

; itd

Verfe 2. Falfe drétrines very fruitful.

-——~w— —— oes

247
its read infomse copies ) lafcivicus wayes, that is ; many oad nicious or le
be feduced by them: many fhall embrace their dotlrine tene| NU W%
ding to deftruttion and wantonneffe. Their dettrine fhall not | D. The Dos
ce F witle fle, but exceeding fraitfxll: through their diligence Grife offalte
and wbeslty, they {hall pervert amulritude ; their /cheole thati ding Frwitfall,
be throughly furnifoed with Schollers. They fhall not want :
Sach as will beare, beleeve, maintaine, countenance, and affift
them in the broaching of theirerroxrs. One would thinke
that the very ature of their dodlrine fhou'd drsvemen from
thems, as being damnable, burtfnll, pernicions, and deadly, but
by the contrary, even hereby they araw difciples unto them,
mary following their pernicious wayes ; Was not the docirine
of Arins damnable, who denied the Dietse of Chrift ? yera
number both of (oxrtiers, Bifoops, and others,embraced the
[ame, for which within thefe few yeares, even in this fame
Land one was burnt; neither yet is bisherefie dead..Was not |
| the dodfxine of the Nicolastans damnable, which .was that
Wives might be common fo every man, as well as to their Hy f-
bands ? yet eves in the Church of. Pergamns s-.there were a
number which held this doBrine; was notthe dottrine of Ba-
laam ( who taught Balak, to caft a humbling blocke 6 fore
the children of Ifrael, to cate things facrificed to Idols, and to
commit fornication ) dansnable? yet even there, alfo there
were /ach as held the fame; was not the dodfrine of Sabellins
pernicious, denying that there three were diftin® perfons in
the Gedbead ? yet wantednotée a number of follomers.. The
like may be affirmed of Pelagins ,¢ Manes, Appoltinens, Do-\
nares, With others, But leaving sermer times, we our {elves
in thefe dayes, fee the accomsplsfiment ‘of this Prophecie,
what a xamber of follewers hath eAntichrift the Pope of
Rome ? are there not even whole kingdemes, which weare the
marke of the Bea? ? which dew theit keee unto this Idola-
trons Baal? whata sultitude of folowers-have lefwites and
Seminary Priefis, his Agents invevedy Countrey:? Yea,what
anumbcr of Recufants are here, even atnongtt oar felues,
which dayly partake of their Popif> trumperz? 1 could in-
france farthes the great xxquber of Anabeprifis Familif?s, Ar-
: 4

MENLANS ,

Rev.2 8 £6

248

Reafe OMS 0 |

In regard of

a “gtr

Io regard ef
the {:duced

Ignorant.
} A@.22.3-

]
Ne
Iu

aN
Curious.

Tim.gq.3-

the Teachers.

‘beingeithet.

Whom falfe Teachers feduce. | Chap.2

minians With ethers,by all which ic would appeare,that »a-
ny-follow the pernicious wayes of falfe teachers , but that the
former are {ufficsent. '

The Reafons hercof are partly inregard of the Teachers,
part/y.in regard of thofe whomthey teach, and-part/y in re-
gard of the defixine whichthey doe teach. |

Touching the Teachers,they are (as ye heard in the for-
mer verfe) both diligent and fubrile in broaching their er-
roxrs, They fow their Zares,whillt the howfbelder: fleepeth,
They cxeepainto bexfes before men be aware, as Theeves &
robbers thty ue their opportunity. They can snfixaat théelves
by e/ofne and tickling words ; ‘hey can accommodare them-
felvesumoevery mans vaine, (wearing with the Swearer,

fwaggering with the Swaggerer, drinking with the Drun-
kard, and the /ske. They can oxtward/y pretend great zeale,
contrition bumilitie which things baveindeed a foew of holt»
neffe, yea,ehey will not (pare tocomsped fome, threaten others,
by gifts, correpting,and flattery alluring agreat many, what

1 wonder chen,though they dvawafterthem many Difciples ?

yea,no more wonder, then for a skilful ffber to catch many
floes, askilfull Fowler to catch many Sirde.

Touching the per/ews feoluced, they are for the mof part
sgnerant, negligent inconftant, curious, lafcsvions , contem-
ners of Gods Word,rcfpeBers:of mens perfons ll which may be
eafily {educed. .

1 Lfay,the sgnoranr,they may be eafily fedwced;becaule they
wiht jwdgerent;ard fo may bevsade po beleeve any thiag, nor
knowiog cither her they 40,0r mhae to de,not being ab/e to
difcerne the ri ight from the wrong, Vea, with Pas! before his
converfion,ont af a prepoftereni & blind xrale,perfecuting the
wathotGod " | _

. 2:Sneh'asarecarelcife, fecnre,and nesligent, they may al-
fo be feducdd, as [ecure Lachiuwasunanares d-ftroyed by the
tribe of Dam: becaule they prepare not -defenfive weapons to
make refifance. Its no more. wonder thas {uch are feduced,
then that an “prepared hou{e be rob’d,an xnwalled City taken.
3 Suchasasccarions , they dikemife may be. feduced, of

: they

Verf'2. Whom falfe Teachers feduce.

whom S.Paxl warning Timothy. The time will come, when
they will not indure found Dottrine, but after their owne lufts
foak they heapeto themfelves teachers, having itching cares.
Evaescurionfly did undoe her. Davids cariofitee was the oc-
cafton of hiscomsmstring adultery with Rerhfreba. The oxrs-
ous are delighted with novelty bearing of any frange doctrine,
they are by and by defirous to heare the teachers themfelves,
to xeade their beokes, and the dike. By which meanes , many
of ail forts,who will#eeds reade Popifo.bookes fec the ALaffe,
conferre with Pops Prieffs,are daily feauced.

@ Sochas are tnconffant, they may be eafily (educed , like
the mexltitude which onthe one day cryed Hofannz, on the
other, crucifie him, They are as clouds carried about of winds,
ready to extertaineevery gheft y weoeth thé, Arian, Anabap-
rift, Famelsft,Papi ft alloy ing all Religiens, abiding in gone.

5 Such asare/a/tsyions,wantom, felily minded , they may
4

be alfo/cduced,becaufe they like them Gef#, which promi/e
them moft “erty.

6 Thecontemners of Gods Word,they may be alfofedsced,
it being j#f with God, to give [ach over unto themfelves,
who turne away their eares fromthe trath, to turne them u1-
to fables. Be, bth,

- 9 Such as are refpeclers of mens perfons, they are alfo /y-
ableunto this danger ; For fulfe teachers pretend more puri-
ty, <etle, learning and humility, than others doe. Now, the
multitade confilting, for the molt part of sguorant,negl:cent,

Word, refpetters of meus perfons, luchiallo being the comsmor:
objeEt of falfe teachers. Itsno wonder that many follow their
pernitions wayes, .

frefely and carnal iiberty, itsalafcrusiemeand wanton dottrine,
| They allxre through the lnfts of the flefo,through much wan-
| ronneffe, premifing liberty nto. fuch as follow them , which
dottrsse of all others,is moft pleafing unto the corrupt mind of
man, Whichcannot abide the found Dolrine of Gods word
as contraditting their pleafures : no wonder then though that
mAny follow their pernicious or lafcivians wayes. Hence
1 a nant

cursoms, inconftant , lafcivions perfan, contemnens of Gods |

Touching the dofirine which they teach, ittendeth unte | the do@rine:

- teach,

+49

Gen.3 245

2 Sam,11,3.

Inconftane,
Mat.21.9,}
Mat,27 +326

ludes2,

Lalcivious,

Contemmers of §
Gods Word.
2 Tim.g.g,

Relpedtersof
mens perfons,

In regard of
wiick they ,

Mat.28eI9e

Mat.7.13-

A&.19.2%

2 Timnqel Se

Simm!

The corruption of Nate. Chap.2.

Hence may we behold.

1 The great corruption of mans nature, how prone and
bent st ss unto that which ss naught. Though the Word of Ged
be pure and whelefeme, though it be the ordinary meanes of
Our-conver fron, though the Preachers thereof,have their war-
rant ftom God ; yea, a commandement from God to preach
the fame; yet how few are there, which yaad obedience there-

unto ? How few are there in every Perso, of whom the 44-

| #ifters of Gods word may fay, they dee con{cionably walke in

the wayes of God? whereas by the contrary , although fe//e
doctrine be pernicéousand hurtful: although fal/e teachers
have not their warrast from Ged, but are intruders, yer
many follow rhesr pernisions wayes. , .

a The truth of that our Savionrs {peech;' Wide ss the gate
and bread ss the way that leadeth to defiznetion, and many
there be which goein thereat, ~ eH.

3 Thatwe onght not te regard orrefpect Kelizion , accor-
ding as the multitude doth, for than we fhonld fellow « mal-
titude inevill. If Lot, if Noah, if Elia had followed the mul-
titude, they could not have pleafed Gog yea, if wee fhould
Now follow the sndtitude, wethould- eakno Religion , the

moft part being meere Arheifts,vain sgepeelith are they, w
Judge of Religton ing ro the mux/rstekde, as if the mx/ts-
tude did make the Charch:tor we may find 4s well by § Scrip.

tures, as other writings, that the Sef were alwayes the feweft
sumber, Whilft our Savienr Chriff was upon earth , there
were but a few which followed him; few, {ay , in compari-
fon offfich, as were with the Scribes and Pharifees. Whilft
Paul was at Ephefiae, almoft the whole Cstse was fet againft
him by meanes of Demetrinsa Silver-fmith. At Pauls firft
anfwer, Ne man food with him , but all men forfooke bins,
yea, experience fheweth, that /ich things as are moft precéons,
are moft {carce.

How carefsil ail of us fheuld be, efpecially ALagsPrates
and Minifrers in eppofing themfelves again{t fal/e teachers,
confuting and chndcmning their evronrs , left cing wink’
at, many be feduced by them. A foabbed focepe , may in time

infec

Verl-2, Falfe Teachers blafbbheme the Truth. aay

infect the mole flocke : afew weeds unregarded, may in time .
over-ranne a whole garden: a little Jvse fuffered to grow,
may in tsme fhoyle the growth of the tree: a yong Serpent,
may in tsmebe a dreadful Dragen. So, if Hererickes and
fale Teachers be net curbed in time, they may doe a world of
mifchiefe. Thus of the firf. |

‘Concerning the 2, the effed which the De@rine of fal/e
Teachers worketh inthem/elves, in their followers, and in
ether carnalland unre generate perfons : by them, or by rea-
fon of them the way of truth x8 evil fpoken of. Theswords may
be fie/y underftood either way. :

s Thas, that
: Falfe Teachers fpeakeevill , or blafpheme the way of truth,
‘Shri ft, and bs holy Gofpell. Thusdid Hymenaus asd eAlex-
Ander, whom Paul deliverednto Sathan , that they might
learne not to blafpheme. The like Saint Jobs» witneffeth of the
Beaft,\ he opened bts month in blafphensy againft God,to blaf-
phemse bis 8 bis Tabernacle, and them that dwelt in

By(whom or)
whom the Way
of truth thal]

Pe evell fpoken |

D.Fdlforeas

one blaf.
me the w

oftruth Chri

Gotpell,

¥ Tim.1.28,

° Rives 3.66

heaven. A int, he faith, [aw a woman fit xpona Scare,
let coloured bedft, full ¢f names of blafpbemy. Did not Edison
Apeake evs of (brift and his Gojpe#, when he denyed the
Deitie fC urs T ,ailirming that hee was onely man be-
gotten betweene lofeph and Mary,and that the obfervation of
Mofes Law, was nece fary to eternal life, and that 9 part of
the New Teftament was Canonical Scripture, except Saint
Marthewes Gofpek ? Were not Cerdon aud MLartion blaf~
phemers of Chrift, by denying the verity of bis hunsane na-
ture, and the trath of his [ufferings ? Did not Tarianxs , by

condemning the Epiftles of Pant? and according to Saint
Tobus former prophecse, doth not eAntechrife the Pop: of
Rome, blafpbeme (briff and his glorious Gefpel? doe not his.
eAgents blafpheme the fume, by detratting from Chrift , and
‘aferibing interceffion to Angels Sdints,and the /tke..

Hirzefanay be rendred athreefoldreafon, 1 Becaufe they | Re, font.

are Antichrifts,oppofite and contrary unto Chrif?, fo repxg- I
nant, that there can be no communion bet weene them , fo long

as they maintaine {uch postions, 2 Becaufethey arenot 46/e +
. . to

Rey, 37 3.

Tes lawful to
infli& death
upon Here.
tiqucs ,perfi-
fhing in their
herefies.
Scripturefcons
firming it.
Daut.13 9

Death due to Heretiqnes. Chap.2.
to confate this his doffrine, this way of truth, lske untothofe !
men, which whenthey mere {chorched with great heat , blaf~ |.
phemed the Name cf God, andrepented not to give him glory.
This is often laid-downe in the d00ke of the Martyrs , that
when the Perfecuters were not able to confate thesr anfwears,
they then raged,railed at them, feoffed and mocked their Re-
digron. 3 Becaufe hereby they would (as often it commeth
to pafle) withdraw fuchtrom (brift,and true Religion which
profeffe,and havea liking tothe fame , by working in thems
at batred of Chrifaad his Doétrine.
Hence we may perceivé.

1 Howperntcious, tmpions , and damnable falfe teachers
are, itcannot content them to be wicked, unleffe they exceed
in the fame , unleffe they doe direétly oppofe themfelves
againft (bri? himfelfe, and the trath of God, revealed in his
word,werest not a/awcy part tor 4 poore mean [ubjett to [peak
again{t the Ksng,;much more to cxrfe him, {coffe at him,
make ajeft at his/andable Lawes? much more isit to be ad- |
mired, that poore creatures fhouldrife xp againft their Crea-
ter, filly wormes, againkt Chrif?, the Sesne of God.

2 Wow Magifirates ought to deale with falfe teachers,
evenas with blafphemers of Chrift , and true Religion yet
herein there is great wifedome required , fer fome blafpheme
of £g nerance and infirmsitie,others of kxowled ge and pre/ump-
tron, fome being adasenifocd and per{waded to leave their cr-
rours, relent, others will not take with any admonition , dai-
ly waxding worfe and worfe , by all meanes endevouring to
Seduce, infec others. The formser are gently to be extreated,
the Zatter rigoroxfly to be handled, yea,to betaken away by
death, if they coxtinge in their bercfte. This may fceme fome-
what barf and creel, therefore I will endevour to prove it,
both by the Teffimony of Scripture , by examples both
Out of the Seriprares and Ecclefiafscall bifories, and by
reafons grounded both upon the Lew of Godand Natwre.
The Tefiimonies of Scriptare are thefe two, the, former , but
thos foalt {urely kill him, thine hand foallbe firft spon hime to
put him te death, and afterward the hand of all rhe People, send

. . then

; ;

ene
qrf2. Falfe Teachers put to death. 253°

thon foalt fone bimtwith ftones, that he d ie, becaufe hee hah ©
fought td thruft thee away from the Lord. “Lhe larrer, and he Lev.24.16,
that blafphemeth the Name of the Lord,he fhall furely be put

to death, & all the congregation fea certainly ftone hins.Scrip- Scripture exe
ture examples are thefe,lehn deftroyed thePriefts of Baal. Io- ane Se
| fah lem all the Priefts of the high-places , that were there 2 King.10.25. |:
upon the Altars : yea, Nebuchadnézxar,an Heathenifs King, \ 2 King.23.20
made this Decree, that every people, Nation and language Dan.3.29.
which fpeake any thing amiffe, acainft the Goa of Sha rath,

Aefach andetbednego,foall be cut in pieces and their honfes

fhall be made alakes. | -

The examples of the Ecclefiafticall Hiftorie, ate of (oxftan- Evamples our |
Sftsne the Great, who did {fo fet himfelfe again the Arrians | nica AP ial
and Jd:laters, that he fared not euenthe Ralers of Provin- | ries,
ces. Of WVartianand Inftinian, who in their Lawes ordai-
ned noleffe prmifhment for falfe teachers. Of Valentinian,

Grattan, and Theodofius, who were/evere in this kinde; yea,
and in the dayes of Lucene Elizabeth of famous memory,
were there not/evere ffatutes inated againft Popifh Priefts,
which were accordingly pat in execution ? Neither is thes |
without great reafon , if either we confider the diBonour | Resfons.
which they doe unto Ged, the wreng which they doe unto
themfelves, or the bart which they may my doeunto others.
. Further, in the inflrébing of purtoment: for fences cominit-
ted, there ought to be fome correfpendency, bctweene the
fault and the punifoment now what fault cane greater than
‘| obftinate herefies, and therefore ho v can it be o:herwile pe-
nifoed, but by death. If any foeepe of the flocke be ssfelted,
mult st not be removed fromthe flocke ?if any member of the |.
body be infeéfed withthe gangrene, mutt snot be cat off be-
fore itendanger the whole?The like reafon may be rendred of
this panifomsent to be inflicted on falfeteachers. Whence it
appeareth both how commendatle {uch Mari ftrates are |
which handle them roxgb/y, and how much /2 ch are to bee
aifcommended,which conniveand winkeatthem. If we were
in their hands, as they often fall into ears , we thould not /o
efcape asthey do; witneffe that great perfecution in § dayes of

~LHeen?

Bafphemy againft Chrift. Chap.2

8 weene Mary, witnefle the great dasger wherein man

ae ocehea are which travasle beyond the (eas. Thed-

| prattife cowardsss contrary to Law, fheweth us what wee

fhould doe unto them according to the Law. -Oh that they

were more ftridtly /oek’s unto! thallfuch as d/appbeme the

King be punifbed with death, as its jaft and equal? and fal

soft which blafpheme the King of Kings, elcape/cot-free ?

yea, {carce be reproved , nay, apholden, countenanced, com-

mended, entertasned,referted unto , Ged forbid, The people

of Ephefies had had jult can/e vo have rifen up agaialt Pau,

( astheir Towne-Clarkes {peech implyeth if he had 54/pbe-

medtheic Goddeffe. And have not we canfe to sppofe our
Selves againt the blafphemers of the Ged of heaven ?

3 That falfe Teachers are not the men which they pretend
themfelves tobe; though they make a /oew of zeale , a pre-
feffion of Chriftianity , yet axe they indeed blafphcmers of

brift, and of his glorious Gofpek.

D.Suchasare 2 Thus,thatfuch as are the followers of falfe Teachers,
‘the followers fpeake evill of Chrift. and of his Gofpek. They are apt{chollers, |
chers(peake | They gauschely smerate both the fpeeches and atkions of their
evillotChrif | Teashers, beng made Prefylites by falfe Teachers, they are
Phan Gol- | made twofold more the children of ek than them{elves. The.
7 Preverbe is verified inthem, like Paffor, like Peeple, like
Mafter like Scholler; asthefeducers, fo allo the feduced

{peake evill of Chriff, and of his Gofpel. Menander the

Scholer was no leffe, yea,more blafphencons, than Simon ALa-

gushis Mafter. Marcus, no lefie blafphemons than his A4-

| fter Valentinus, Sabellins no leffe blafphemous than his Ma-

frer Noetus. Wlereby as by a moft evident token wee may

difcerne fuch as are feduced, even by their fokowseg the

manners of thofe by whem they, arefeduced , as the Scribes

and Pharifees renounced Chrift, cryed, crucifie hsm, did re-

vile and mecke hiss, fo did their fokowers. Commonly chi/- |

drer refemble their parents in countenance and conditions,

imitating them in /wearing Jying Pealing , and the léke ; fo

doe the feduced refemble their fedacing fathers ? {aying.and

A&.s.9, deing asthey are diretled by them, folewsxg them in evsl, as

5-9 y ah newens

Saphirudid her husband in di finenlation. Hereof

erf'2z. Blafbbemy againft (bri.
Hereof may be rendreda fowrefold reafon. 1 Left they

gion, 2 leftthere fhould be given any occafiox unto others to
hope that yet they may returne from their vomit , and give
eave unto good counfel, 2 left they fhould feeme to be bad.

[cpokers inthe divels {[choole,or Mill toretaine any correfpon-
‘| dency with Chrift and true Religion. 4 That hereby they may
gaine credite and reputation with their Teachers, and fellow

mies of (rift then thens(elves. Hence weare taught.

by fal/e teachers, and fo become blapphemers of Chrift , and

| reprebenfion ? nothing his very enemies acknowledged , that
they found xo fault in him, that never man [pake ashedid, and
‘the Apoft/e witneffeth of the Ge/pel,y it is nhe power of Ged wn-
£0 falvation te every one that beleeveth. Should not we then
be circumspetiro avezd the traps &cbasts of fal/e teachers Jeft
‘we become blasphemers of Chrift,and his gloriens Gospel.

3 Thuethat By reafon of the bad life and comverfation of
falfe Teachers , the Apoftafe and backe-fliding of their fal-
{ lowers. Other carnal and wuregencrate perfons doe sheake
evill of Cbriff, and of hisholy Gospel. Hereby an otcafion is
offered’ unto themt to fumble at the dotlrine of Chrift Iefics,
toreje and deSpife the way of trath. This may be confirmed
by the praéti/e ofthe Spanifo Priefts and their fofowers in
the eft Indies for thefe many yeeres, as their owne hiftorians,
report. Throngh their bad isfe and converfation,their where-

like, the Infidel Indsans continued in their srreligins relivion,
abborring, curfing blaipbeming Chriftinity and Chriftians.
But,confidering 9 thofe fal/e teachers are hypocrites, male
a faire & goedly foow of an ontward profeffion,we may for out
_{ better edsficabsén; conceive the doflrive more generally , thus
that Through

fhould be sphraided with eApoftafie, and inconflancy in Rels- |)

difciples,as being no /effe the children of the Divi , the ene- |.

his Gofpe#. There is no fine which doth /o much offend Ged)
as this June of blafphemy : none {o beloved of the F ather, as |

is this Sonne of his /ove; he will not thenleave this sxe un- |
punithed. What isthere in Chrif or his Gofpel, mdrthy of |

dome, crselty oppreffion, theft, drunkenneffe, perjury ,and the.| pel.

255
Refi.
I
2

3
4

Te be exceeding watchful and carefull, leR we be /educed |.

Mat.27.24,
Tolh.7.4.6-,
Rom. of Ge ;

D.By reafon
of che bad life
and.converfa-
tion of falfe
teachers,the
Apoftafie of
their followers.
other uarege-
Netateporfons
take psn
to fpeake evill
of Chrift and
his holy Gof-

256

D. Thggugh

‘| the Anmnate,

hackeflidins,

and eviil life

of Proteflors

Naregenere ts

.| and carnal '
rfons, pea ce

Prillet Chrift,

and hisholy

Uji.

ApoStafie anoccafion of blafphemy. Chap.2,

a, |
Through tic eApoftafie, backefliding, aud cvill life of Pre» |
feffors, unregenerate ind carwall perfons, freaks cvill of Chrift
and his hely Gofpell, By thes deed ({aid Nathan unto David )
than baft given great occafion unto the enemies of the Lord to
blappheme. eAnd when theyentred into the heathen , whether
they went ( faith Exekiel) they prophaned my holy Name , for
the Name of God 3s blafphemed among rhcGentsles through yon
faith Saint Pasl. Hence he writeth ance Timothy, Let as ma-
ny fervants as are under the yok?, connt their owne M. fers
worthy of all honour, that the Name of God and bh Dollrine
be not blafphensed.Sounto Titus , tat they mayteach the yong
women to be difcreet, chafte, keepers at home, geod, obe-
dicnt to their owne husbands, that theWord of God be not
blafphemed. Thus, when fwch, as profeffe themfelves
Chriftians, enemies unto wickedneffe, doc thofe things
which ave azainff their profeffion, as follow drankenneffe,
whoredome, ox the like naughtsneffe, they give occafion unto
unto ethers to fpeake againit their profeffion: for what may
they fay. Such one maketh a great fhew,he or foe, cr they
pretend great pursty and fincerity,yet there’s none more proud, |
vaincglorions, covctons, malicious, lafcivions, and the like,
Such asare thus, dee they not give occafion unto the enemses
of Godto blajpheme?
Hence we are taught.
Sotecarry omr felves, as that jufily no exception may be ta=

—a

. | ken againft us, let not ous profeffion and practi/e difagree,

Rom.2.2 I @

Col.g.5.

make not a ow of that which isnot within thee. Thou
which teacheft another teach alfothy fedfe; Thon that prea-
chefh aman fhould not feale, doe not thon fteale, Thon that
fayeft 4 man foould not commit adultery, doe not thou commit
adultery ; Thon that abborreft idoles, doe not commit facri~
ledge; Thon that makeft thy boaft of the Law, doe not by
breaking ther cof,difoonour God:
Oh my beloved, I befeech you to walke circum|petlly to-
wards them which are without, we have many eyes bcholding
us, ready to prie ( if they could) into the very fecrets of our

bearts. Doe nothing therefore, but that whereof you havea
WAarvan

erfe 4. Covetoufneffethe ground of Here fie

warr ant, from Gods Word, walke fo, as that you seed not care
who behold and ebferve your aétions. Benot either blaphe-
mers of Chrift, ox anoccafion unto others to blafpheme.1 here
is not (I fuppote) «7 of you, but if yee were demaunded,
whether yee beleeve in God, whether yee are redemed by
Chrift, whether yee docebherre finne, whether yee are the
trucfervants of God, duc would an/wer ; yea, chen | fay un-
to every one of youin paiticular: ( andletevery oxe cf you,
take s¢ unto your /e/ves) why doe yee not /sve accordingly?
why dot yee not abffaine from fwearing, theeving, whore-
ring, profaning of Geds Sabbath, drunkenneffe , ufury , ma-
lsce, coveton{xeffe, and .our other manifold fiames ? Is it a
Small ching in your eyes, that the great, glorious , and feare-
fuk Name of Ged, fhould be by reason ot you, evill Poken off

257

It fareth with ws, aswith many fimple beaffs, which being | Sesil.

purfued by Hunters, hide their beads, thinking that then !

they cannot be pied. Sodoe we often/iune, thinkingindecd !
that é¢s not perceived,even as of theDsvell,who isthe inciter |
of men and women unto fz,had not his Pres in every corner |
to bewray st,¥ profe fig may be fCandalized therby. Thus of 2-
Concerning the 3, the grsand and caxfe of their berefes,
of their diligence and fubesltie in broaching the fame , Cove-
toufnelfe, and through covetcnfneffe, foal they with fained
words, make Merchandife of you. Theword inthe eriginall
fignificth fomsetioses an infatiable difire of having more;
Sometime an affettation of that which ss chicfeft in any thing,
whether bonosrs, riches,or the like. Sometimes, deces ving,
or rather that which s made to circumvent or Arceive, orthat
wherein one ts deceived, as§.Panl seth it, Left Sathan foould
get advantage of a5, or cirenmevent us: where Sathan meta-

may be firly taken in them all, for falfeteachers in broaching
abroad their bereticall dotlrine , snfatiable dcfire to enrich
themfelves, ambition fly affect b-nonrs and cftimation of men,
fraudulently corcumvent poore foules,turning them from the
truth of Ged to belgeve lies. But rctaining the #/xal fienif-
‘cation of the word,as it: here rendred,I fay that
| 5 Conctonfa

phericaky; is compared untocovetons Mifers, In this place it |.

Through Co-
vetou(neffe,

2 Cor.2,t1,

hale 5

258

D.Covetoul~
neffe is the
greund and
car.fe vf all
thefe errours
whiciare
broached as
bread by talfe
Teachers.

J Tim.6.1 Os
Tit.s.15-

‘Phil.3.19.
{ude 1101 6,

Rey.26 34e

WNceh.6, I Oo
Mic.3.1 "e

Ifa §6.13.!

Luc 16.3 ge

Mat.21-32,33 | in the Temple the tables of money -changers, and the feats of

Covetosifneffethe ground of Errour. C hap.2

Covetoufne fe (eventhe defire of having more, or the snor-
dinate love of money) isthe ground and caufe of all thefe er-
renrs which are broached abroad by falfe Teachers. Idoe
not deny, but that there may be allo many otber canfes, in
[ome more predominant than thy: {uch as pride , envy, impa-
ciency felfeconceit vasne-glory, orthe dike, and in others,
Concurring with thes, yet in the oft , thes, even coveton/-
neffe.is the chiefe. They doeit through coveton/neffe. (ove-
toufneffe worketh this effect in them, Saine Pas aihirmeth it,
The lowe of money 2 the root of all evill , whsch while forme co-
ueted after, ny have erred fromthe faith. Andagaine,whofe
mouthes muft be ftopped, which fibvert whole honfes, tea-
ching things which they ought wot, for filthy ncrefake. And
apaine, Their god ts their belly, they minde earthly things.
Of uch Saint Inde writeth, Wee sto them for they hane gone
in the way of Caine , and runne greedily after the errour of
Balaam, for reward, And againe, Having mens perfons in
admiration, becaufe of advantage, Why did Balaam teach
Balaktocaft a fiumbling blocke before the children of Ifrael,
to eat things facrificed to Idoles, and to commit fornication,
wasitnot (as ye heard Iuderr.) for reward? he did st
through covetonfreffe. Ithis heart had not beene covetens,
he would neither have andertaken {uch a long jonrney , nor
given pexnicsens comnfelagaintt the people of Ged. For this
caufe Shemaiah did prophecie falfe things unto Nehemiah,
thereby to pat bim tn feare, even becaufe Teb:ah and Sanbal-
lat had hired him. Hereofare we informed by the Propher
Micah, The heads thereof judge forreward, and the Priefts
thereagtcach fer hire, and the Prophets thereof divine for
money. Of whom allo the Prophet Ifaiah {peaketh, They
are greedy dogoes which can never have enough, and they are
Shepheards that ¢.nnot underfland: they al looke to their
owne way, every one for pis owne gasne, from his guarter. Thus
were the Pharifees and thereforederided our Savionr Chrifft
{peaking againkt coveronfneff[e. Thusalfo were the Priefts,
who through coveton/neffe {uffered them that fo/d & bought

them

> en ere

that fold Doves, thus making the houfe of prayer , adenne of,
theevcs. Thus finally doth eAntichrif the Pope of Rome,
doe Lefustes, Seminary Prichts, and other his Popifh agents,
through conetonfnef they teachfuch pernscions blafphemsons .
| and bereticall doftrine,as they doe. This maketh the Lard to
| {warme with fuch a walsitude of thofe Locufts. This msa-
| keth them compuaffe both Sea and Land. This maketh them
Afpsreto Bsfooprickes, Cardinalfoip ; yea, to the very Chaire 7
Of entichrift , the Popedome, What moved Samp/fon a | A&sand Moz'f
.Monke of S. Frances of Mallaine , (who had gathered fo | °#™ent*
many thowfands of gold indivers Coxntrtes, by his Popife :
trunsperses,asal the world greatly wondered at that menfter )
to profer above the fumme of 12000 Dackats in one day
to buy the Popedome ? ambitions coucton{neffe, What mo-
ved ( ardinall Wolfe {o carneftly and importunately to affect
the Popedome ? (info much that he threatned to worke the
Emperour great wee, becanfe he bad it not) ambitious cove.
touxfneffe. Thisisthe groundand caufe of moft errours in
Popery ; yea,ifit were not for this, Antechrifts Kingdome
would quickcly falls ic being the very pillar which spbol-
deth and maintasneth the fame.- Thisis the original of their
Purgatory; Auricular Confeffiow; Prayer for the dead; of |
their Popes Supremacy and Prerogatives ; of their Pardons
and Indulgences; of their Sacraments of Orders, and Pen-
ances of their Sacrifice of the Maffe; of their Religues
and Canonization of Saints,and the fske; whereby both sow
- | and in former ages, they have beaped up iiinumerabieriches,
This may be ferther conbrmed by the'e three Reafons. Reafons.
r Becaufe the moft part of theerresrs whichthey seach, tend I
to the enriching of themfclves, as | have a/ready inftanced in
Popery. 2 Becaule where there ‘is no hope of gasne, they are 2
even fow,and snwilling to trouble chemicives , witnelle the
condition and cftate ot fi:chi as are perverted by falfc teachers,
they are forthe soft part, fuch as are wealthy, ard have geod
eRate. 3, Beoanfe falfeteachers (thoughlearned ) ave de- j
Sfisente Ot fpirituall under flanding, dullig heavenly things, an
evident and direftooken,that they are covetons.
-_ Sz

There-

rr
260 Covetoufneffe the roote of allevill. Chap.2

Therefore the Prophet Ifatah faith cf thofe dumbe and
greedy dogges,that they could not under ftand, vend: ing there-
of this rea/on, for they looke all their ewne way, every one for
bis gaine from bis quarter, for hisowne advantage , for his

owne profit.
| 2. But may fome fay, why is Covetox/ac fe ratkerthe canfe |

Ang. and ground of herefies than other vices? ef. Becaufe as Saint
1Timé10. | Panl freweth, Jt « the root of allevill. One fiane ma; b: the
caufe of another, as envy of murder, drunkenneffe of whore.
Geng12. | deme, and the /ske,but coveton/nelfe.it ssthe roore of all evilf,
loth.7-21 And if of a4, than much more of fal/e dofirine, as th was
tudg.16.18- the ground of Labans unkindne [fe to Iacob>; of eA chans ta-
; an oil king the execrab/ething ; ot Delilaes be raying of Sam/in ,
UKing.21.16 | of the /onnes of Same! perverting of judgement ; of Nabals
2 Ring.§.20- | churlifhneffe towards Dawid; of Ababs taking poffe(fionof
Ma&A9220 | Naborhs Vineyard; of Gebers receiving of gifts from Naa-
Mat 26.15, | athe Syrian, contrary to his Afafters will ; of the rich |
A&.5.36 mans forfaking of C rift of Indas his betraying of him; of
AG 1925+ | Ananiasand Saphiraes diffimulation ; of Demetrius his np-
ABT. roreagaintt Paxl, of Deneas his forfaking of bins; of Feliz,

his derasning of brim in prsfon, and fending often for him, and
thoufands the like; fo alfo its the orsgénall of falfe De.
etrine.

Hence it followerh,

2 That falfe Teachers doe not of confcience or defire they
have teadvarce Gods glory , teach {uch damnable dottrine,
take [uch paines by Sea and Land to broach the fame; but of
covetonfneffe. Their covetows hearts incitethem to #/¢ fuch |
wayesand meanes, whereby deceiving ethers, they may moft
snrich themftlves. This madethe AZonkes of Boxely to frame
fuch an arrificiall Image, which/imiledat the Aberall, frowned
at {uch as offered fparingly. This meaintnined that poodly
forine of Thomas Becket, the Arch-traitor at Canterbury,
This was the yresnd of thole /appofed miracies, done by
Roods & Images in this Land in the dayes of Popery, § poore:
Simple people travailing thither (as offen in pemaevee they
were enjoyned their purfes might pay sribure for cheir jemrny.
a i . . T mt

Vi.

I.’

Verle 2, . Howto avayde Covetonfneffe.

Thisis apparent by this one pratti/¢ of thesrs, men well ¢tf-
ted, without money ihall not have any /piritualk remsticn
Boyes, yea, ignorant perfons having ¢?, doe e46/y obtaine the
fame ; is there any confcience here? any defre to glorific

2 Thatthe cfate and condition of falfe Teachers 1 excees
ding wofuh and miferable, They thinke themfelves the onely
happy men of the world, yet who more miferable then they?
miferable m regard of their /oxtes, of their bedyes, of their po-
frerity, of their geods, in regard of this fe , and in regard of
the Lfe te comes and ail through coveton/ieffe. They are ene-
mies to their fowles , hindring the operation of Gods Spirit
therein, expofing thems unto all manner of tensptation , unto
all manner of fins, piercing them therow with many forrowes.
They are exensses unto their bodies defranding them of thofe
good b/effings which they might eajoy ; yea, oftentimes pre-
voksng God to fhorten their ésves,as witnefleth £/ay for their
coveten{nefe,I was angry and mot, They are enemies unto
both, depriving both of the Kingdome of heaven. They hurt
their pofferity,as did Gebers. He that 1s greedy of gaine, bein
troublefome to his ewne henfe; Andif God hate covetonfise fe
inevery sax, mach more in the trachers of others, which
being in rhemoccafioneth thefad of many. -

3 Thatevery one of ns foonld by all.mecanes poffible avoyd
and foun covetonfnefe,it being the ground ofevery error and
herefie. To prevent this, meditate we on Gods Commande.
ments,on his promifes,on the ssworthineffe of things coveted,
in regard of their savertainty ,8csafiffictency on the fhortnes of
our /:fe, praying alwayes with David , chat our hearts may
net be fet uponcouetenfnefe. Thus of the rhsrd:

Concerning the 4,the manxer how falfe Teachers doe 1#-
frare and feduce theix foHowers, itis through fained words,
reafons which in appearance feeme to be good and fubffanti-

| all, but indeed are not, nothing /effethen trve , nothing «//e
| but deceiveble. This the Apoftle Paul fheweth. For they
that are fuch, ferve not our Lord lefis Chriff , bur thesr owne
belly, and by geod words and Faire freeclets deceive the hearts
of the fimple, and writin g unto the The ffalomians, hee faich,
° ' 7 § 3 or

: — 4

1 Tim.¢,9,10

fa $7017.
1 Cor.6.f0«

Prov.%§.27.

How we may
ayode cove-
toufnefle,

P(al.119 3 6.
Threugh fais
ned words,

Rem.16.% 3.

262 Falfe Teachers ufe fained words. Chap.2

enna SaaS aaa aaa aaaeaaaaeacaaaaaaaaaaacaaaaaacasacaacsaaacaaaaasaasaaaaaacasaaasaaaaaamaaaataee
y Thefl.2.5. | for nesther at anytime xfed we flattering words , as yee kxovy,
nor a cloake of Covetonfucffe. Godis witneffe, falfe teachers
2 Sam.1§.36 | Inperverting their followers,imitate Ab/aloms prath{ein fe-
_ ducing the people. They would not feeme to be, that which
Simsil. indeed they are. Asthe Crokadsle by weeping andthe Hyena
by imitating a bumane voyce, kill thofe: which otherwi(e-
would founne them, So falfe teachers with fained words per.
Prov.7.§¢ vert mes aud wemen, as the whore inthe Proverbs, they wfe
: faire (peeches to bring their pernicious pur pofes to pafie.
Ioh.7.48- Thus would the Scribes and Pharifees have withdrawne
the officers from Chriff, are there any ({aid they) ef the Pha.
rife; which beleeve on him? Thus in our dayes are thox/ands
Seducedunto Pepery, and ether Seéts. Falfe teachers ule the
{ame reafon which eAbimelech unto the Sschemites, to make
Tudg.9.2- him King, whether 13 better for you, that all the fonnes of Ie~
rubbaal, which are feventy perfons raigne over you,eitaer thar
one raigne over you? Is st not [afer for you (lay they ) re pray
unto Saints,to beleeve as the Church beleeveth, to follow your
pleafures, and notte trouble your [elves about the Scriptures.
Its enough for yourto heave Mafe,tofay over your breviary,
and the like, by which meawes qultitudesare daily turned
from the trath unto fables, Fained words makes them/e
faine, that thereby they become waadring and loft (eepe,
Why falfe tess | Onc f&y But why doe they ple faised words ?
chers ule fai- pic/*
ned words. einfiv. Becavic hereby unperceived, they may deceive the
morc. Ifthey did plasne/y declare their epixsons, they a:¢€ fo
monftrons that few wouldembracethem. Therefore doc tney
fivceten their bitter pels, with {uch fasned faire words. For
this caufe even a samber of their followers, are in moft theses
ignorant of their opinions. Ifthe booke were not baited , t
net were net bid, the pit were not covered, they could not
catch fuch frere of fives and fowles, feduce fo many fmple
Soules, asthey doe; yea, andthe nature of peopleisfach , thae
they are moft c<f/y withdrawne from the strath by this
1 | secanes, which falfe Teachers perceiving, doe {peedily take
the advantage, deviling fuch words ,.as may beft fir their
humeurs. Henceit h.
r That

erfe 2.Falfe Teachers canning Merchants.

1 That falfe reachers are meere hypocrites. 2 That {moot
words are not alwayes the moft found and whelefome. 3 That
we ought to [uspecl thofe dettrines moft which are msft gilded
and painted ; cruthit felfe needing no colours to fet st ont:allis
not gold chat gliffererh, allis not truth that is delivered for
trath. Wemutt trie before we traft: difcerne the /pirits whe
ther they are of God er not. Thus of the fourth. |

Concerning the ¢,the end and ayme of fal/e teachers in
broaching abread their erronrs, that they may make merchan-
dife of their followers of fachasare feduced by them. As
Merchants in merchandizing , aime at gaine , at the en-
riching of themfelves. So falfe teachers aime at gaine , in
the feducing of others. They make (Werchandife of
| thems, They pil and poll them as xigh as poffibly the

can, And rbrengh coveton[ne fe foal they with fained swords
make merchand:fe of you, asf he fhould have faid, Threngh
their infatiable and snordinate defire of money, foak i (un
Icfle yee be aware ) make their beff advantage of yon, by fran-
Aulent and fained words inriching themfelves to your sespr-
versfoing and detriment. They thall with alittle parnes, with
a few /weet and fagred words, gaine you to be their one,
and being theirs,you you all bardly be rid of them fo /ong.
as you bave any goods remaining. : ”

This is moft apparent in Poperse,notany Se inthe world

hmore canning merchants: or to. whom this defcription
of falfe teachers, doth mote properly belong; our Apoffle fee-
ming especially to ayme at thems. The moft /aboxrions and
[ubtile Merchant may learne of them both diligence and /xb-
esltie.y They know what wares arcin greateft requeft , who
are moft defiroms of them, what time is beftto feéthen, bow
te ceme by more when they have put away thofe which they
had. Other merchants occupie themfelves about fome cer-
taine kinde of merchandi(e , wool, filke, cloah, finffe, cc.

the baptizing and ringing of Bells ;from theis dssfenfarions

tO marry in times prohibited by them, in degrees forbidden,

by Geds Lew; fromthe Jewes, whole Synagogues they tol
S 4 erat

rere |
ergy of

othe the

mot cunning .

AMerchants,

Inftanced in .
ivets cu

lars. pare

but they dealeinewery thing. They have their geines from | _

264.

Such as are des
firots:o0 be
farther infors
med of Popih
Wares,may
reade Afufiun
le in his
Common
Places pag.
206. :

Tt, wundina
Romans Ponti-

bss Tes,
Sscersotes,
Altariasfsr Aa,
corona tents,
thera preces,
celum eff Gez
nihe,*.
Desvfane, M4%

“+909, Calswnsa

$at.l.3.

Popi(h Wares. Chap.2

lerate; from Shewes publikely allowed ; from the Reliqne s
of dead men, for the oft part connterfeit,and {uch like. O-
ther Merchants fell thote things wo* they have fir? boxghe,
or obtained through their Jndxftrz, but they cither (el rhofe
things which are not their ewe, or which are not at ad. O-
ther Merchants{ell reak commoditiesunto their caffomers,
permitting them the free xfe of the fame, but they often (eA
the very afpect of athing,{carce permitting their followers to
behold the fame. Other Aderchants doe commonly fell one
thing to exe man, but they fell one Maffe e tO any MeN, yea,
many times they have fo mex/tiplied the Reliques of Saints, as
that chey have made Afonffcrs of them, with divers bands,

feet, andthe like, thereby to encreafe their gaines, Other

Marchants do fomtimes reft and ceafe from their bxfineffe, bur
they ref notat 44, being moft éxfeat thofe times , wherein
through their seanes others are molt sd/e. Other Merchants
have certaine places, where they yeerely keepe their Afart,
conveying their wares thither, not without great charges,
but they, wherefoever it feemeth¢scd unto them, ang fo:th
their wares,making any place famous, by their connterfeire
Reliques, and forged miracles. Other Merchants doe expofe
their wares to fel, without compelling any to buy them, but
they compell men and women to buy theirs, under paine of
Excommunication, and finallcondemnation. Finally, whereas
in moft places, any man may bxy and fell, and fo play the
Merchant , ts not fo among{t them, Vuttion and fhaving
mutt precede, which without money cannot be obtained, and
are they not then cunning Merchants ? Doethey aot make

merchandize of theirfellowers? Are they not more ready |
torece:ve, than to give? At Rome which fhouldbe the place
of bc lineffe, the feace of bine which aifirmeth bimfelfe to be |
the Succe fur of Saint Peter, ( butis indeed the /xcceffor of
Simon Alagus )whatis there elfe but ALerchandifing people
for their mony (ifthey have any )fhallthere have Agums Des,
Caucifexves Holy Water, and the like trafh. What elfe I fay
1s Rome, but the place whereia Temples ,Priefis, Ahars, holy
things, fire, frankincenfe, prayers, Heaven,yea, God himfelfe

mtr derer. |

Verl3. . — PapifhWares.

are faleable ? There, the Drunkard , the Whoremonger, the
murtherer, for money may be abfol ved; yea, which is more)
chaffe and continent Prices are compelled te pay tribute for
Coxcabines, which being payed, they may <bfaine or not
abftaine, as they thinke good. Doenatthey make sserchan-
dize of theis followers, whentkey devifefuch Lawes, where-
by themfelvesare suriched, their followers impoverifhed ?w%
is moft evident in Pepery. How many have through their
per{wafion, endowed their Popif Church , with faire lands,
thereby difinberiting their children, depriving them of their
due patrimony ? How wany have through their msecaney,
through their fasned alluring and entifing fpeeches, beftowed
their eanes for the upholding of Popery,themfelves becom~
ming profeffed Alonkes.? How many rich Genrlewomen
have beeneadxred by them to become Nxanes, whereby
they have get inte their bands, all their /ebftance ?
. Informer 4e@es, even in this fame /and, how did they ro
the fimple people of their money, by their (Meffes , Pylgri-
mages, Offerings, Dirges,and the éike ? Had they not then
An their poffe(fiox,even the molt plea/ant bef, and fatteft pla
ces of the whole Laud, w are now employed u nto better ufs?

-' Blence we are taught,

& That fal/e teachers arenot the true fervants of God ;
doe altogether differ from the praéfife of the Holy Apoftles,if
they were the fervants of Chrif, they would more end vour

Ufee

to gaine men unto Chrift,than to gaine of them, by withdraw- |

sag them from Chriff. The fpeftles abftained from being
chargeable, even in thofe things wherein they might have
beerie chargeable. Ihave coveted xo mans Silnor ,.cr Gold,
or Apparell,( {aith Saint Paw!) yea, you your [elves know that
thefe hands have minifired unto my neceffities , and to them
thas were with mse. And againe,For ye remember brethren eur
labour and travaile ; for labouring night and day ,becaufe wee
wonld not be chargeable unto any of yen, we preached unto yor
the Gofpel of Gods And againe, Neither did we eate any
mans bread fer nought; bat wronghs with labour and tras
vaile night and day,that we might not be chargeable unto any
of y0H. | The

AQ.20.3 3.

1_Theff-2,9.

2 Theff,3 ,3,

.
a

Falfe teachers mujt beavoyded. Chap.2.
The éthe doe we reade of the holy Prophets, Mofes
faith, Ihave not taken fo much san Affe from them. Samn-
elfaith, Behold, here amI: beare record of me before the
Lsrd,and before bis anointed: Whefe Oxehave I taken? or
whofectfe have I taken? or of whofe hand have I received
any bribe, to blinde mine eyes therewith, and Iwill refere.
st you

2 Thatwe ought ca be exceeding carefull left falfe teachers
doe intrap us,and fo we become their merchandife. They are
toocanning for us ;they can buy cheape, and [eh deare : it is
beft for ws to have no dealing with them, leit by bargaining
with them, we mpeverif our (elves, and become flaves un-
tothe Dive#: Letus I fay, have no dealing withthem ; let
we neither 6xy nor fell with them; for if we dee, they will un-
doubtedly circumvent me: If they bxy of us, itis our /oules,
which they s#fec? by pernicious dofrine, than which , what
loffe can be greater? it being our Saviours {pecch , What ss
a man profited, if be foal casne the whole world , and lofe bss
owne foule? or what foal a man givess exchange for bre

Soule? If we bxy of thems, its nothing elfe but /wperfstions:
vanities, for which wee mutt pay full deare. And thereforei
I fay againe, it’s bef for a not to have any deeling with
thew, Thus of the ff, and fo of the former defcriptson of
fable Teachers.

Touching the /atter ; their pani/oment, its laide downe in
thefe words, Whefe judgement now of a long time lingreth
not, and their damnation flumbreth not, that is , thofe judge-
ments which God hath of old,erdained and prepared for them,
foak undenbredly be infltted xponthem:; which our pele
declareth, part/y left the diy minded fhould be offexded at
the exsward prosherity of fatfe teachers, beholding their r#-
ches, their greatneffe, the eftimation wherein they are with
the great ones of this world, partly that every one of us,may.
be aware of falfe teachers ; left being partakers with them in
their fiaxe, we alfo partake with them in their punsfoucent,
both which may be /earned by this their panifoment. Though

| they feed delicately, and gee delicionfly, and flew in wealth

exce

Verl.3. Falfe Teachers are fures f judgements.

exceedingly, being </fifed and conntenanced by the men of
this world, yet motwithitanding Geds judgements , {hall
feaxe upon them, and who duely comfidering the fame, would
be offended at their prosferity? and {eeing their jadgensent
lingreth not, their damnation flumbreth not, have not wee
jult caufetoremeve and withdraw our felves in time, from
the Tents of thefe wicked mes, This connfek gave Mofes
unto the people; Depart, I pray you, from the Tents of thefe
wicked men, and touch nothing ef theirs, left ye perifh ie ak
their finnes, Thiscowu/el gave Lot unto his fosnes in Law,
Arife, get you out of this place, for the Lord wil deftroy thie
Citte. This connfellis givenby Angel from heaven ; Ceme

that ye receive not of ber plagues. The fame is implyed b
the 4e/7 Ghoft in this place omy

The o6fervatéon arifing both out of the words themfelves,
& trom therepetition of them ,they being already mentioned
in the fxf? verfe.is this,that _

Gods judgements {eall undoubtedly , and moft certasnly
feaze uponfalfe teachers, smpenitently going on tuthesr evill
conrfes, judgements, temporal, Pirituall, upon foule , upon
bedy, inthis 4fe, in the /ifero come.

Touching the jadgemsent here mentioned, calledalfo dam.
nation, \take it chietely meantof their finall ¢fate, of thofe
terrible tormests , which they {hall {ufferin ed, although its
cleere enosgh,that even Gods jadgemsents take hold on them
in this prefent life: as the examples of efrins , Samofatenms,
(Manes, with erhers,doe fuiliciently prove 3 yea, even in
thas life (hall Rome be rxinated. Her plage forall come in one

death and mourning, and famine, and foe foall be utterly
burnt with fre, for rong isthe Lord, who judgeth ber; and
the Kings ofthe carth, whe have committed fornication , and
hived delictouply with ber, foal bewaile her , and lament for
her, when they foal (ee the fmmoake of ber burning , flanding
| afarte off,for the feare of her torment, laying, las, alas,
that great Citie Babylon, that mighty (stie : for sn one bonre
is thy judgement come. eAutichrif? that falfe teachers ihr

the

out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of ber finnes,ard

265

Num.36.2 § e

Gaen.! 9.34.

Revi 3.4.

, Rev.18.8,9,
50.

268 Falfe teachers burt themfelves. | Chap,2

aThefl2.8. | the Lord confime with the Spirit of the mouth, and foall de.
fry with the brightneffe of bss comming. Wee ( faith Zechas
)

riah) unto the idle Shepheari, that leaveth the flocke, the
#ach11.17. [word foall he upon bit arme, and upon hie right eye ; hisarme
foal be cleane dryed up, and his right eye foall be ntterly darke~
> Tim ned. Godwill not fis4letthem alone, they fall proceed ne
*3°9° | further, their folly (oall be manifeft unto all men asheirs alfe

HAs

Reafen, The Reafon of the certasnty of this their pxnifoment ma
be taken from the decree of Ged; whereof Sain Inde maket
lade vereg mention. when he {aith, that they were ordained of old,'to this
° condemnation, of old, even before all worlds ; whofe condens-
nation , albeit it be of God forefcene and ordained , yetare
they condemned, not becaufe God hath for efeene it, but. be- |
caufe them/elves in their time, wfe meanes, whereby they de.
Serve jut condemnation: and foby their wickednefle bring
to paffe the eternall counfell of God, teuching their defrratts.
on. Now the decree of God is moft certaine, firme, conflane,
ind fable; and therefore fal/e Teachers foal andenbtedly be

prnifoed.
Hence we may perceive,
Ofe. 1 That God doth take notice of the finnes of falfeteac hers?
I though they fleepe and flumber in finne , yet their judgemen’

“ingreth not, thewr damnation flumbreth not. —
2 The miferable efate of falfereachers , notwithftanding

a of all thofe pleafures which they enjoy, their Aowre-glaffe
runneth; their judgetsent lingreth not, their dansnation fism-
breth not. |

3 3 How much, fal/e teachers are enemies unto themfelves,

by continning in their imspenitency , they draw upon thems
Selves heavy and fearcfull jndgements.

4 4 Theeguity of God in theexecution of his judgements on

falfe Teachers , as they baften the damnation of others. So

God hafteneth theirs: their judgement lingreth nor , their

damnation flunsbreth not. *

5 5 That judgements both bere and hereafter, doenet feaze

on fale teachers at unawares, by chance,and fortane , oe are

effe

| phems downe to

Verf:3. Examples of judgement on Heretickes.

effects of Gods decree, infi&ted onthem by the Providence of

God, for as God bath before ail worlds decreed the eleching
of fome to /alvatson: {o he hath decreed the refufall and re-
jecting of ethers to cendemsnation) among whom falfe Tea-
chers are the chiefe) as divers Scriptures doe tefifie,

Verfe 4. For if God pared not the Angels that fened, but
caft them downe to Hell, and deliverea them into
chaines of darkeneffe, to be referved unto judge-
ment , OC. .

Oar efpoffle having inthe /atter part of the preceding
verfe, reiterated the panifansert which fhall be inflicted on
falfe teachers, dothin this andthe enluing verfes, unto the
tenth, confirme the fame by a threefold example. 1 Of the

Angels which finned, verfe4. 2 Ofthe firft world, vorfe 5.

3 Of the Sodomites, which vexed juft Lot, with their filthy

converfation,verfe 6,78. Fromthence concluding , that as

God wil undenbredly preferve his owne children , both from

deftruttion, and from being feduced by falfe Teachers. So he

will sdoxbredly infill hes judgements: upon the ungodly,

Whether /educers or feduced, in the meane timereferving

them unto the day of judgement to be punifbed,verfe 9.

In the verie our Apoffie proveth by an example taken
from the eAngels which finned, that Gods judgements fhall

certainly and undonbredly be inflicted on falfe Teachers. For

(faith he) sf Gea pared not the eAAngels that finned , but caf?

ell,and delivered them-wuto chaines of darke-
nelle, to bereferved unto judgment he knowerh how te referve
the xujuft unto the day ofiudgement, tobe pumifoed. The rea-
fon may be thus framed, If God fpaved not the Angels that
finned, but caft thems downe to Hell , and delivered them into

| chesines of darkeneffe, to be referned unto judgement, rhen will .'

not he foare falfeT eachers, which privily bring in their dam-

.| nable heréfies. But be fpared not the Angels that finned.

Therefore will he not [pare falfe Teachers.
The Reson followeth , the confequence is undeniable.

1 Becaufe the Angels were more ‘glorjous and ewsellent
creature

269.

The certainty
ot thofe judge-

ments which

shall be infii-
Ged en falfe .
teachers cons
firmed by a
threcfold Cxz
am; le,

The firft exe
ample taken.
from Angels

that finned. -
The fitneffe of }
the example,

P{al.8.5¢

270 Different punifhments on the godly and ungodly. Chap.z.

creatures, then man, mans condition being ssfersoxr unto
theirs, according to that ef the P/almif?, O Lord what ss
man that thon art [o mindfull of him, thon baft made bim lit.
tle inferionr tothe Angels, 2 Becaufe God 1s jaf and equal
in the execation of his judgements , who cannot abide /fizse
in any ; whence it followeth,that, 4s he manifefted his Inftice,
in the inflstting of hss judgements onthe Angels which finned.
So (he being alwayes jutt ) will mantfeft hesjnflice in the pre
nifoment of falfeteachers.

Ob. But aay fome fay, by this reafon it feemeth to follow,
that sone are exempted from Geds judgments; for tf he pared
not the Angels that finned, he will not fpare others which finne
againft him. And therefore that even the godly themfelves
ia as much asthey doe,fimme againft Ged, fhall have judge-
msents ioflited upon thens ?

Anfw. 1 Thatalthough Ged punitheth his owne children,
chaftsfing them for their finnes ; yea, and formetinse to oxtward
appcarance dealeth more hard/y with them , than with the
very wicked, yet is there great difference betweene their ps-
nifoments,both inregard of the tse, kindc ,wsznner and end of
the fame. Téme,the godlses afflictions are in this “festhe wsc-
keds (though bere alfo they be afflicted ) inthe 4sfe to come.
Kindes, the godlses ordinary, temporal , and fometimes alfo
Pirituali: the nngodlies extraordinary, everlafting. Manner,
the godly are punifhed in mercy: the angodly injufisce. End,
the god/y are punifhed for their amendment, to drive them
unto repentance: the sngedly for their further confufon.
2 That Gods pedgements would undoubtedly feaze upon «8,
fothat no flee conld be faved, if it werenot for Cars Iefme,
through whom wee are reconciled unto Ged, accepted of

ims.

3 That our Apoftle doth {peake here of smspenirent per-
fons, fuchas the Angels which finned were, and mof falfe
Teachers are, nec of the penitent » who faning againft God,
humble chemfelves before God, moxrning for the fame, by
their bamsliation, avoyding and preventing chofe judgements.
which feaze on smspenitent perfons. . .

| Thus

Verl4. Falfe Teachers are to bed. ftroyed.

Thus by this Rea/on it folleweth not that Gods judgements
foall undoubtedly feaxe on his owne children, becaufet ey fea-
zed onthe efngels which finned; but this followeth , that
as God pared not the eAngels which finned,fo he will not (pare
falfe teachers continuing im their ungodlinef[e. Thisis the ve-
ry driftand {cope of our Apofflein this place, from which (as
alfo by the other two following examples ) we may certainly
perfwade our felves of the undoubted deffrattion of falfe tea-
chers. Though their followers are many , their ¢fimation
great, their herefes applauded themfelves countenanced , and

{ the 4ske: Yetlet us not be difmayed, if God pared not the
Angels which finned neither will he [pare thofe bale, ignomini-
] oms,vsle wretches. He is the fame God equal, juft and righte-
om.Heisnorefpecter of perfons. 7
Oh that both fedscers, and fuchas are/educed, would but
in time fetthis exansple before their eyes / Oh, if that every
_one of us, would duely. meditate and weighthe fame, that fo
we might neither fumble at the outward profperity of falfe
Teachers,or multitude of their folowers, neither yet become
feducedby them! yea, would to God that every one of us
did /et the fame befere our eyes, to withdraw us from our
‘particular ixnes! Oh that the adulterer, the drunkard, the
covetous perfon, the envious, the fwearer, and the /zke,would

27r

D.F alle tea<

Ofer

but coufider the fame, thus reafoning with rhemfelves , Jf'|-

God fpared not the Angels which finned,neither will he fpare
me imspenitently going on in finne, coveton() ne(fe,drankenneffe,
malice, or the lske. By thismeanes we flaould be (as witha
bridle.) reftrained and withdrawne from finne. Their pride
fhould teachusto be bumble; their rebellious contumacy, to
be obedient: theis apoftafie, to perfevere in the truth of
od, | :
4 Thus of the coherence of thefe words with the former,
as being a proofe or confirmation of the former. a
Inthis example of the Angels which finned, three things
aretobeconfidered, 1 The perfons which finned and were px-
nifoed,the Angels. 2. The finne or fall of the Angels , im-
plied inthe word fisned. 3 Their puniflment, shey were caf?

anwne

Threepartis
culars cenfides

redin thisex-

ample.

Per): verance in goodne/fe.

downe to hell, delivered unt< chaines of darkenefe,ts be refer~
RorifGod « | ved unto jndgement. hich finned he Aneel
ont "| Concerning the 1,the perfons which finned, :ere the Angels,
Rundlcher whofe sffces wasto be the muffengers of God, to ftand roxnd
finned. about him as attendants, rcady tO ve fent torth at his plea/are
for the execution of his will in all pares of the world. This
was their effice in the creation; hereunto they were fitted and
1Tim.§.21. | deputed,which the Elec Angels (as Sai: t Paul ftitech them )
doe now wholly performe, They are invifitle fubftances,ba-
ving being, life, fenfe,and underflanding , and are xot meere
qualities motions curl affettions or bad cogstations asthe Sa-
duces atirmed. Thofe evsi fpirses may even yer fitly be ter-
med eAngels, that is, meffengers: For uch lo God {ends as
me ffenyers to doe hiy w://, for prebation of the godly, and for
plaguing the xngodly, (0 oft as he pleafeth. Astouching their
nature and (ubftance, they are of Ged, by whom of nothing,
they were crested good , glorions and excellest. Thofe I fay,
even thofe ¢/orsomsand exceicnt creatares, were the perfons
which fanned, were the perfons which firf ror finne were pu-
nifbed, which were caft downe to hell, which were delivered
into chaines of darkeneffe, ts be referued unto judgment,
D.None ean The ohfervations a: iting from hence,are three
perfevere in The firf ischi,, chat
Bondnelle, Nene can perfovere in goodneffe , whom God doth not np-
doth notup- | Aol by bis holy and heaventy fpiret. The Angels that finned
hold by his were created good, without any finne at all, yet being eft
holy suet unto them/elves, they kept not their firft cftate, they left thew
vOR | owne habitation, the finned againit God their Maker. This
may be farther confirmed, by the exansples of eAdans and
Exah in the fate of sanocency, of Lot , David, aad Peter,
who being /eft unto themfelves for atime, did fearefuhy
«| fall.
Th: Reafon.t | The Reafon is plaine and evidenr, even becaule Gods Spirit
isthe grownd and cau/é of our perfeverance.
Ufe. Hence it followeth,
I 1 That the effate and condition of wicked perfons s6 exces
| ding wiferable,inas mach as they are not spholden by. the
nf. pers

Chap.2°

Verfe 4. Not to be puffed up through any gifts.
Spirit of God, and fo dae daily fall away, from God, frem |

273

their profcffion, from their Redigron, from the ovt vard per-
formance ot good workes; Notwithfianding all their fasre
Joewes, yetcanuhey not perfevere, as wanting the ffi ftance
of Geds Spirit , though re/yinz upon their owne ffrexgth,
the; boaft with Peter, thatthough all others wonld forfake
Chriff, yer they will not, bit {till eZeave unto him, zdhere unto
Chriftian Religion, yet thal they fal away, as did prend ;
Pendleton (tor all his 6ragges ) unto Idolatry and fuperftiti- | A&ts and Mo-
on. Nenher inthe meanetime is God to be blamed in that hee | ™!™e2"%
doth not beRow his Spsrit on wicked men, becaufe he-is an
abfclute Lard, not bond todoc any more, than he himfelfe
willeth. -
2 That the effare of Gods children.is exceeding happy and 3
bl: ffed,as having Geds Sprrit beltowed upon them, wicere-
with they are upholdex,to chat they canuot fivally and rotal!y
| fall away. , :
Ob. 1f the Angels in their ssmocency and excellency fll
“wholly and xtter/y trom God, mich ravi mey finfed men
“though beleevers) whol: fall fron God, and. atterly cut
themfelves by frase from ( br: ?
Anfy. There’s not the tu + reafun of the grace of creati- | Sodus,
on,as of tne grace of regeneration, for that commeth farre
thort of thes: by the former wre creature ha ‘a power, cith.r
to land or fall, to abide with God, or depart from him, this
power being in st felte;butby this Zatrer, fuch feare of Ged
{> put i-0 the hearts of the regenerate,that they tha | nog de-
part from God,and this power of uot fadeng is in them indecd,
but not frog: themfelves. |
3 that we maft therefore daily pray unto God that hee 3 |
wold beftow ks holy Spirit xpon xs,con tuing hin with us,
that «cmay perfevere unco the end. ‘I hus of the f/f.

Mat.26.33.

The fecond is, that D Noneevght
None ought to be puffed ap with any gift, esther of body or 0 ue “ae

mind, wherein they excell others. The Angels at their | cisher £ body
| creation were ercelient and glorious creatures, whofe glory | orn andes,

«rei . + Cree, | wherrin bey

| & exceilency is oftenexpreffed in Seriptares whole mann excelloziers, |

ieee eh

Ufen

D.Wo beauty,
glory or ex-

F leacy of the
creature, Gan

-| exempt it fiom
the pun!fhirent
of finne falling
thercunto,

TT TED
274, Noexcellency in.us exempts from puni/hment.Chap.2}

upon Ged, isa part of their glory, as it fhall be of c#rs, when
after the vefurretlion we foalt-be like ante them: yet notwith-
ftanding they fell away, by their owne freewill, through their
cwne defanlr, averting themfelves from God , and revolting
from bis /ove,and from obedsence dueto him. Nome,I fay,
onght to be puffidup with any gift either of bedy or minde,
wherein they excell others; Becauleif Ged doe but withdraw
his prefence, even thofe will twrne unto their owners rusne.
Goliahs (trength 5 efchitophels wifedome ; Abfaloms bear-
ty ; Nabalsriches,confirme the fame.

Be we carefull theretore left thofe gifts whereby wee may
and fhould moft ¢/orifiz God, turne unto the difbonour of his
Name, knowledge, wifedome, learning, beauty, f rength, and
the /ske. Did the e4ngels fall, notwithftanding of their ¢*-
cellency, feare we, let we allo fall. Let their finnetcach #6 to
be carefull, left we alfo Sune : letus/*fpe our owne weake- |
neffe, acknowledge our tmsperfetlion , evenin our bef gifts;
Thus working ont our falvationin feare and trembling. Thus
of the fecond.

The third isthis,that

No beauty, glory, or excellency of the creature, can exempt
it from the punsfbment of finne, falling therennto. What crea-
turemore excellent and glortoss than were thofe Angels, yet
no:withftanding they finuing, God infiicteth his jadgements
on them. Pharashand Nebuchadnezzar, preat Kings. Hoph-
niand Phineas, the Lords Pricfis, had experience hereof.,
yca,God doth more feverely infiict his judgements upon fech,
than he doth upon sthers, asthe Cedars of Lebanon are more
[ubjell untothe fierce windes, than the liw fhrubs of the Val-
ley; and high Caftles and Towers more endangered by Tem-
pefis,than the low Cottages.

Hereof may be rendreda threefold Reafon. 1 Becaufe God
isnot are/pecter of perfons, will not beare with finne in any.
2 Becaule God isjaf in the execution of his jad gments,thofe
which are sadwed with greateft gifts, being bound unto erca-
teft thankefulneffe, an to leade their Lives molt carefally-and
confcionably. 3 Becaufeelfe there would be given Aderty

and

Verle 4. Angels finne, why little mentioned “275

oe eae aE

and freedome to finne. Let us be carefull therefore not to fre
tend any prerocative or priviledge, mrefped of our gifts,) Vie
theieby rocentinus in finne, butto empley them to-the ¢/ory| °
‘| of God, affuring our /e/ves that if we doe fiane againft God,
| they fhall not be able to exempt us from p#nifbmsent.
Thus of the third ebfervatsen , and fo of the firft partics-
lar, - a
Concerning the 2, the fall and. fisne of the edngels , the | That finned.
ground and cafe of thole judgements which were inflifted
upon them, implyed inthe word finned, God fpared sot the
Angels that finned. : | °
Tonching thi: fad or finne of the. Angels, the Scripture | why che
fpeaketh Paringly,and that not without-rea/on, becanfe they | Scripture fpeae | '
cannot repent, they cannot turne,there is xo hope of falvation Saari ae
for any of them hich fel, as there was forman, whole fal finer ofthe”
and remedie, whole mifery, and deliverance from the fase | Angels
are {0 amply recorded. Itsthe posicre of the Devel to with- |
drawmentrom the meditation of points #/éfull , andtofirre | A policy ofthe
them up to a carious fearch after thefe things which nei- | D:vell- |
ther we oxght, nor cax know, whereof there is no-#/e, fuch
as, what day the Angels fell, whatnumber of them fell, what
was their finne,and the ske. Wherein wee are conduffed by
Scripture , therein we may fafely meditate, of fuch things
freely fearchand enquire. This fal or finne of the Angels,
though it be #0 where exprefly fet downe in Scripture, yet
is it in »sany places olanced at: fuchas thefe, Behold he put
no truft in bis fervants,and his Angelshe charged with folly.
‘Yee are of your father the Divell,and the lufts of your father
Jee will doe, he.was a murtherer frows the beginning, and abode
not in thetruth, becanfe thereisnotruthin him. Not a no-
vice, left being lifted up with pride, befall into the condem-
nation ofthe Divel. The Angels which kept not thesr fir | lude6.
chlate but left their owue habitation , hee hath referved tn | -
everlafting chaines , under darkeneff[e , unto the judgement
of the great day. From which places it appeareth that the
| fie whereby they did offend God,wasefpecially pride through
| which they fell. fron their firft eftate, and left their owne
' | T2 habitation,

Tob 4." 8 .
Joh,8 oFtpe

I Tim. 3 Oe

-. | gy Sam. 18,

276 The Angels how permitted to fall. Chap.2

Mfa.te.s3.§ — , babstation, voluntarily departing frem their origenad condie
pzere2 8 125 tion, neither franding in that Image of God, wherein they
Lucrois, | we ecrested, themilves being the cccafion of their owe
1Tim3.6. | fall. Its probable thatthry afpired tobe dske unto Ged, in
3 power and anthority over ak the creatures ywherenmo fome
ight is giveninthele margixal quctarions Farther vie can-
not determine, uniefle We iould iay shat a man by his fol
breke al the ren commandements, {o, that divers fines did
concurre in this their fal; chat event ove inftent of cheir
declining, “he: £. ‘Linto all manner impietie ard ancodline fe,
interal! wilful rebellion againkt God their onely Aizker.

Whattoer er their fimne was, its evident enovgh both by
Scripture an] expersencesthatihey finned and are fallen , ard

Why Godpere thet of the mfclves. ;
mittes the Ans | = This God permitted,rot oncly thereby to fhew bis wrach
gvisro fall. againit finns, in their everlafting paines, but allo to pansfh by
them inthis Life, che #aged/y yea, and allo to try or exer-
| cife the godly by temptations. God I fay, doh by them not
" onel. exercife his owne catldrei iy humility and patience for
Piah 78.49. their ben fie ashe did 156, Pasl,ana others, bat allo doth by
| them » punith the ungodly, as hee did thee vyptiwies, and

Saal,
Ufes Hence we are taughe,
I 1 That pride es exceeding dangerous jas being by all likcIi-

hocd,the fame of the edagels s the crommdof their net fan-
aing inthe trath.

ae 2 Thata: cfthe Ange/s there were fome thit fel, fo there

TIM 20¢ | ore orhersliiled the Elec eAnacls, which food in their fixft

efute,lefrnot their owne habitation; by whom even Gods

chiltren now aesnftruled inGeds will, and direcied in his
wayes, acccemiorted and envonraged wn their feare and per-

plexitie, are guarded defended, and protected i afflsclson , di-

fireffe,and miftry.

— 3 3 Thatthsfcewd parits being throneh their fall become
enemies uno God vile devour by all means toferthemf-lves
agai-(t che chs/dren ot God,< hichetherefore hhould rom/e us
up from fecarity aad carslefneffe, ftirre us up uato vigslancy

aij

Verle 4. The punifhment of the bad Angels.
and | watchfulneffe , | Icft wnawares we become a prey unto
them. Tothis end we mutt prepare {pirituall weapons,as well
defenfive as offenfive, whereby refifting them , they may fise

| fiom as. Greatis their agilitse, their /ubtéltie , their power,

‘| great day when Gods wrat

their msalice,fe much the mere had we nced to be watchful.

4 Tobewaile thofe fixes in our telves, which occasioned,
the Axge/s ruine, pride, envy, rebellion: Apoftafe, or the like,
The efngels finned ; Let bins that fandeti take hecd left hee
fall, Thus of thefecond particular.

Concerning the 3, their panifoment God caft thems downe
to Hel, delivered them unto chaines of darkeneffe to be refer-
ved unto judgement, This pani foment is twofold ; that which
concerneth ts life, and that which cencerneth the 4ife to
come. Touching their pwsifementin this life, it is twofold,
1 They.are deprived of Heaven. 2. They aré caf downe into
Heh. This lapis amplified by theirestertacsment there, and
by the end why they were put there; theit entertasnment is
chaines of darkeneffe, by chaines we may underdétand either
that mighty power of Ged, whereby they are bridled,asin thefe
words of the efpocalypfe, The eld Dragon was bonnd for a
thonfand yeeares, or. the gasltineffe of the .Angels , which by
the tenonr of Gods judgements, bindeth them ower to defira-
Elson,and by darkseffe we are to underftand the wrath and an-
£67 OF God, she want of bis bleffed faveur,or the extreame mi-
JSery,whereunto the ew pirits and backe-fliding Angels are
Subject. The end why they were putthere,to be referved in
durance,snto thejnudgement of the great day. Touching their

ee eee

277

I Cor.10, ¥2 |

punt{fbment inthe Life to come, They fhallbe judged, the ful-|.

neffe and extremity of torment fall feize upon them, even f-
nalland eternall condemnation. -
Their condstion ismoht eiferable and terrible. The ppeech

is metaphorical, borrowed from condemend Malefattors, as |,
they lie falt tied in-bands And.coards., in ateathfome dungeon |’

on flinking prifen, till they be thence drawne ont to execution;
So are the Angels which finned delivered unto chaines of darke
nefle,to be referved unto judgement ; even the judgment of the

; Soak fal om thew to the ful,
T3.

me ee th | a eu 5
.

7 ;

where-}. -

LD
298 ~ °° Thepunifhment ofevillangets. Chap.2
=———<—$— $—
whereunto that fpeech of the wxcleane fsrits in the Gofpel,

Mat.3.29¢ feemeth to have relation, Art thon some to torment me afore
: the time ?
Ob. Ob. It feemeth the Divels are not refervedsn Hell {ceing
Tob t ode both Scrspture and experience, thew the contrary. The Di-
1 King.22.22.

vel accufed Iob swasa lying [pirst in the mouth of Ababs

Eph.a.z. _ | Prophets ; tempted Chriff’ ss Prince of the ayre; as 4 rea-

I Pet... ring Lion, going about, feeking whom he may devour; yea,

| MareesDe | one man was poffeffed witha Legion,

Solnt. e4nfw. It feemeth at the firf they are caft into Hel,
from which at certaine times, and upon certaine occafons,
Ged permitteth them tocome out for the execution of his wsl;
as Rev. 9.3. and 20.1. :

Vie. From whence note we,
a 1 The wocfull and miferable efhate of wicked [pirits , they
ate referved unto the judgement of the great day. .
3 2 The end why hell was ordained ; tobe that place of bor-

rer and terresr, wherein wicked pirits, and ssgodly perfons \-
thall be tormented, world without all end.
3 3 Thatthere frallbea day of judgement; wherein wicked
prits, and ungodly livers foall be judged; though st be not
yet come, yet st fhall come, whereof wee may xndonbredly
per{wade our felves; and therefore fhould /@ live here, that:
onthe day of jndgement, ous condition may bec happy, tree
from thofe torments which fhall/eaxeon thofe wicked {pi-

rite Thus of the third partienlar, and {oof the firft exams-
ple.

Vert. 5. end pared not the old world, but faved Noah the |
eighth perfon,a Preacher of richreou/ue fe, bringing
in the floods upon the werid of the ungedly.

The fecond Thefe words containe the /ceond example , whereby our
examplotaken |.efpoftie proveth his former pofition , viz. that Gods
from ih judgements foall certainly and wndonbtedly be inflitted upon
falfeteachers, and {uch as are feduced by them. Itistaken |
fram that general deluge which Ged in the dazes of Noab.
eae brought

' a
»

—_

3 | brought upon the ofa world ;wherein all mankind was drow-
| nedsexcepting Noah himfelfe and his wsfe, his three fonnes
and their wives. Itmay bethus framed. If God fpared not
the old world, but brought in the flood spon the world
of the ungsdly, then will he not foarefalfe teachers, and
Such as follow their pernicious wayes. But hee fpared not
the eld world, but brought inthe flood npon the world of the
ungodly. Therefore wil be not fare falfe teachers , or their
followers, The Reafon followeth. 1 Becanfe fadfe teachers, | TheStuclit ef
and their followers, walke according to the manners and fa- | ‘2 amelie
fions of the old world, delighting and dcfilsng themfelves sn :
and with the felfe-fame fisnes, whereunto the people of the
old world were given. 2 Becaufeif Ged did not {pare the 3
old world,and yex did sow {pare fale teachers, walking in the
felfc-fame fines, it would follow, that he were vniaf arte
fpeFer of perfoxs, not {uch an enemy unto‘ fnxe now,as he was
formerly ,or chat men and women now; had a greater liberty
to inne, might more boldly commit the fame sew, than for-
merly, which toaitirme were monffrons impiety and berrsble
blafphemy- - . ~
From the example as ye beard from the former) wee may | |
undoubtedly perfwade onr felves, that Gods judgensents foal
be inflitted upon falfe teachers,and their followers; he is the
fame God, with whomerhere 13 no fhadow of changing , he was,
he +, and for ever wé# manifeit himfelfe to be an enemy unto:
fane, and finfull perfons. |
This example confifteth of twe parts. The former concer-| Pwo parti
neth the deftruétion of the ofd world, inthefe words, and fp4- | lars confidered
red not the old world, but brought in the floods upon the world a thisexam=
of the ungodly. The latter, the prefervation of Noah, \"*
and his fanmssly, inthefe words, Bat faved Noah , the eighth t
perfon, a Preacher ofrighteon{neffe. a
-{ Concerning the 1, three things are to bee confidered.
I The perfons punifhed , the o/d world. 2 The ground or
caufeof their punifoment , implyed in the word , xngod/y.
3 The punifomens it {clfe, God branght in the fleed upon

them
T 4 For

—————EEEiEEEeE . — —_ - . aeemet |
280Maultitude of finners exempts not from puni(hment.Cha.2

ee
The perfons For the x, the perfous punijbed were the old world , {0 cal~
poled, led not becanfe Ged made a new world, but becaufle the world
old feemed new, fo few being preferved, and{o many deftroyed
Stiled alfo the world of the ungodly, inregard of thicir gene-
rall apoftafie from Ged, their ds obedience and contempt of his
mora preached by Noah, thofe I fay , even the people which
lived in the dayes of Woah , were the-perfons upon whom,
God inflitted this fearefull judgement. In other places of
1 Sam.2§.28° | Scripture we have examples of the feverity of Gods jxftice.
Nee eee: fometimes upon one particulars pexfon, as upon Nabal. Somce
Ioth.7.24. | time 40th upon bashand and wife,as upon eA nanias and Sa-
Gen.19.24. | phiraSomtime both upon husband, wife and children,as upon
Corah, Dathan, Abiram, Achan ; fometine upon a whole
Cétie,as upon Sodome ; Sometime upon an whole Nation,
as uponthe Egyptians, upon the e4msalekites ; yea, upon the
Iewes themfelves, when they were vanquifhed by the- Ro-
manes. Buthere we find a generall de/nge , oVer-(preading
the whole earth, all minkind drowned therewith , God fpa-
ring neither o/d nor yong, rich, nor poore, aterrible and fcare-
Full example of Gods 1 fice Whence may be gathered that,
D.Evenarul- Even a multitude of finners partaking together sn finne,are
tirade of not exempted from Gods judgemenn: he foared not the old
rogether in © | world, wherein no doubt there were many milions of people
finne are rot of: every age, frate and condition. As they banded'themfelves
exempted from together againft God; So God did fet himfelfe again them,
ments, | as amongit them/elves there was an sniformitie in fiansng
againtt Ged, fo they had an sssiformity in punifoment from
Ged, their mudtitude was neyther frelter nor (afegard unto
them. Thismay be confirmed by divers other examolts. The
Exod.12.37. | //rachtes when they departed out of Egypte were 2bour
* | 600000.that were men pelideschildren,of them allnot above
two entred into the dnd ef Canaan, even Caleb the fonne Ie-
phuanch,and lofowa the fonne of Nuns Of the men of Bethfre-
15am619. | melo that looked into the Arke of the Lord, there were
$0000. and 70, men, whom the Lord fisete, that they dyed.
2 King.19-3§ | Of the eA fyrians which bcfeged Ierufalem,6lafpheming che |
Lord God of heaven, an Angel of the Lord went out and
{mote +t.

world ®

Nuc. if Se 26.

a
.
e

Veri.5. Reasons why multitude exempts not. 28r

a
Smote in their camspe, 185060. The Syrians.which blappbe- 1 King.20,23
med the God of I/racl, laying sheir Gods are Gods of thehil ‘a9e
therefore were they flronger then we, bur let us fight againfi |
thems in the plaine, and {urely wee foallbe Pronger then they,
even thofe J fay, notwithftarding ‘they filled the whele cc nn-
try, were flaine of the children of lfvasl, ( pitching before
thems like two litele flockes of Kids):0 the number of 10000 :
footmen in one day. Woe (faith I/aiah)co the multitude of ma- | Way-17,32,.
ny people, which make a wefe iske the pnoyfe of the Seas, and |
tothe rufting of Nations, that makearujoing like the rufsing
of msiyhty waters, God foal rebuke thew,c-¢. Though the Sede-
mites though the. Epbefans were waxy in number , though
the Prophets of Baal fided the houfe of Baal from the one
exdtothe ether, yet did Gods. judgements /2:e_ upon them.
So bere, although of the o/d world, che number,no donbt,
wasexceeding great, yet their maltitude was no [xficient
foelterto free chemftrom Gods judgémients.. .. oe
The Reafonshereofare thefe. 1 Becaufe whena multi- | Xea/ons.
tude of finners doe partake together in fisne, GodigmoR| — 1,
di fhonoured, his Sabbathes mot prophaned, his Gefpel molt
frandalized , his threatnings \eflerefpetted , his judgements
leffe xoted, his Ward aadfervants malt contemued, 2 Be- 2
caufe there isleft /st¢/e or mo hope of any future amendment,
there being amongit a multitude, {o many provecations unto
jfinwe one infecting anothér,drawing them on unto the com-
mitting of the fame. 3 Becanfe, though all the werlddid 3
combine theinfelves togetheragaintt God, yet are they not| .
ableto withfiand his judgements; yea, though they were
all deffroyed, God ss able of the very tones to raife xpchildren | war.3.9.
anto ebrakam. Oftentimes Kengs are glad to paffeby, and ~w
winke at many enermitics of their rebellions fubjells , partly,
not being of /#fficsent firengsh and power to punifh fo many, .
partly keing unwilling, fo much by their overthrow. to wea-
ken themfelves, but ic is otherwife with God, hee hath
both ‘abslitie to pumife the tranfgrefers, af the Law,
neither necéeth hee to feare the want of them , hee being
able to raife up . etbers.. more profitable Lnfiruments

. ~~

282. Thefoundationdf the multitude. Chapa

4: forthe «dvaxcementof his g/or¢) in their pleces. 4 Becanfe
"| commonly, where there's a multitude, there is alfo fecwrsty
and carele/neffe,an-evident figne of (ome enmsinent judgement.
As the people of Lachie being fecwreand careleffe were upon
ludg.18,27. | the /iedden deftroyed bythe Tribe ot Dax: fo when finners
become pareleffe. and fecare, (as where there's a multitude,
doe ) then doe Gods judgements feazéuponthem. This
Erek.22,29, | the Prophet Exekiel witneflech. The people of the Land have
ufed oppreffion’, and exercifed rebbery , and have vexed
the poore and needy , yea, they have oppreffed the firanger
wrongfully, and Ifonyht far amean among thems that foould
make up rhe hedge, and ftand in the gap before me, for the land,
that I foould not defirey st ; but I found none. Therefore have I
powred ont mine indignation upon thems, I have confumed
| them with she fire of ney wrath, their owne way heave I recem-
5 penced pon their owne beads, faith the Lerd God. 3 Becanfe
| It weresnjuftice in God to punith fne in fome few, in the
tneane time pa (fing by and wswksny at the finnes ef the mu/ri-
uae.

Ue. Hetice it followeth,
I I That/ich as fafeion themselves according te the multi-
tude, judging things lawfull or unlawful , according a the
wubriinde doth, beleeving 4s st beleeveth, leane unto a fandy

and brittle foundation, which will deceive them, when they

have moft need. And yetalas, of this fort are the greateft

aumsber of men and worsen in thefe our dayes , chsldren lear-

mine of their Parents, Servants of their Mafters; one of

| another , all manner of impiety, fwearing whoring drunken.

weffe, and the dike. Seldome fhall we finde one alone in a
Conntrey, Parifs,or Familie, given over unto sngediine fe,

who hath not others tocesntenance him inthe fame , which

will /weare to what he afirmeth or denyeth ; vea, fodivelifo

are we, that if any one will out of thepit of He2, bring new
fathions, devifexew oathes, and the /ike , he thall net want

fuch as will endevour to ont/trip him in his owne isvention:

well, yet notwithftanding thus folowing the altitude in

il, wee come to judgement. Let multitudes band

—wp>

Verly The example of the multitude. imfufficicnt. 283
ne ene

themfelves together; let them take counfell againft the Lord,
and againft bus Chrif. Gebal and Ammon, and eAmalek,
Gog and Magog, Turke and Pope, with erker the Charebes |
enemies: God doth buc/ax¢g them to /corne , and will in his |:

owne time inflict his judgements upon them.

2 That the example of the multitude ss an infufficient are

went either thereby to excnfe our owne finnes, or to draw

others inte finne, and yet is not a little nfed to ether end.
Some excufe theis fuxes bytheexample of the ssultitude;for,
fay they , fash and fach dee thus live, and why way.not I?
have not they a foule tofave aswell as I? but this ie all-one,:
asif a thiefe fhould excufe his theft by telling that thera were
divers other theeves befides bimefelfe; 1 fuppofe fuch anexcaufe
would not /erve his turne. Is there any. 0 mad,as would ‘wil-
lingly, be sweprifowed,. banifoed, or executed , becanie. fiech
things kavebefallen others? neither hauld we fo much bate’
our {elves, be enemies unto our owne {alVation, anto. thruft'
our felves inte Hef with the. avnfpitude. Others alledge che
example and prath/{e of the madtitade to draw men. end wo-
men into fisne, as the bleedy. Perfecyters inthe dayes of
Ducene DMarie, Gardoar, Bonner; with ohirs, they wled. tbs
as their cine argument, Anc.xof ad the mori of pwr, Religs-
on, doe not the King, the neene » the Mobilitie,.the whole
Parliamens with anuniforme confent embrace the fagee ?

3 That we aught net so fafashs our felves dike unto the 3
world, or casferase sur'felvasvencdrding to she cuftempe of the | Rom,12.2,
multitude. My Senna ( faithSelamon,) sf inners detentife|
thee, confent thow net , Let us nor, 1 fap; : folloyy;the
multitude in evil. The tswes wherein we dec.dow Weeare| —
evs, we-have plentifnll frere of {nohas offend Jn eves . kinde Préy,3.3@,
of fiane, druskewne ffeguilsce whorerhewmecoyesinfnelfe,fwea-}
ring, and the dike. . Besar piiercforedo-much the more 477,
walking circumnfgr lly, becenfe the depds.areevik 4. fur:
our Telves; cif Gedidotli not pareeventhe online scl Epbes.1s.

her will hoipers parnickder’perjons fusing againQunian; have
ve heard winch ronltcrnae.jet neta hismerspess, Tel wee
be partakers tdgtlier ier peerffavent.s.Igt-ae. 30, tits fone

Seams Of

288

upon man-
kinde.uncill
thae God ferd
them.

. | The matter,

the food.
D @ odhath
viriety of

"| judgements

zo infl1& on
the workers
of iniquitie.
Gen.19.29.
TI Sam.7.] 0.
Exod, I qe27e
numb.2 5. 32,

Ofte

D Ged in the
exccution of
].is mdgements
doch nos deale
alike with
every finner.

2 Sam.7.14.

if.

Therime afore
the [pace of
Froycares.
O.Ged will
not alivayes

W hetce as the wicked may be terrifi-d, tothe god/y may re.|

Gods judgements not alayes alike. Chap. 2

cesve much comferr,tha troubles cannct take held on them, |
til! God will, which when hee wallerh , Thall terse to our |
great good, all things working together for the befi to fach as |
lave God.
The matter was a flood of water, Whence note, |
1 That God hath vartetse of judgements to inflict on the |
workers of iniquitse,even judgements both any and great,
heisthe Lord of Lords, the God of etrmies, ail creatures are
at his command.reaAy to execute his wih, fire to deftroy the
Sodomites ,Haileftones to beat do une the Phs/s/tims, the Sea
to overflow the Egyptsans, the Earth tolwallow Corah, Da-
than, and Abiram, a flood here to drowne the world of the sn-
odly. . |
s Stand we thercfore in awe of this G24, It us bumble om
felves under bis mighty band; even in this Land wee have
had within thete few ycares experience of divers heavy judg-
ments, plague, famine, inundation of waters, and the (ske.Let
thofe ftirre us np torepentance,let us finne no more,left 4 worfe |
thing light on us. |
2 Titat God in che execution of his judgments doth nor deale :
alske with every finner ; Some he hand th more hardy, chan |
others: fomehze dothexercile dozer under treables, Athan |
others: and there are not a few, whom by his jadgemsents he |
doth setter/y deftroy, as this prefint example fheweth : he!
dealt orherwife with Sam, than with Solomen , he rooke his”
merry from Saal, in mercee asa loving Father chaltifing Se- |
lomon, |
Whe-ce we may learne even to befcech. God, through :
Chri ft Fefies that ithe hath parpofed to lay his red upon us
(as he hath already laid it ucon others) he would be pleafid
to caaftsfe us with the rad of men, ashe did Sslomen, even out
ofa fatherly pitty and cowp.ffisn, not xtterly to deftroy us , as
he did the 94.4 world,
The tse wis after the fpace of 1 2oyeres. Whence notethtt,
Thouth God bcare with finners for along time , yet at the
length ( they remaining sespesit ent ) bis judgements (hall bee

ixfl ttked

Ver. 6,

infisEked upon thems : as manifold exameples inScripture({uch
as that of the Sodsavsres, that of the J/raciites in the Wslder-
neffe , that of the Jewes before their deffruttson by the Ro-
mans) doe confirme. .

Whence we may fearne not to prefume upon Gods pati-
ence,.and long fuffering, concluding frou fence, that becaufe
God hath borne with us for a /ong time, he will therefore fxd
beare with us , notwithftanding of our great fisnes. The
contrary rather followeth, that becaufe he hath {pared usfo
tong, and.we have notwithitanding contsnsed in finne, he
will therefore affuredly enter into judgement agasnft uss be-
ing jealous of bas owne glory , and who cannot 4bsde-smpeni-

tent funers. .

Gods judgements are equal.

eee

The equity of his punifoments; it's likewife apparent, as|

their foules were drowned inthe pleafires of finne , fo now
were their bedses by a floodof water, Oh the equsty of Ged !
He 18juff in all his wayes and holy in all his workes, the exam-
ples ot Pharach, Saul, Adonixedek, -Agag, withothers doe
evidently confirme this Point. Deate not with us, O Lord,
according to the rigour of thy jnfiice. Thus of their punifo-
ment, and fo uf the firft pare. ,

Concerning the 2, The prefervation of Noah and his
Family,inthele wo: ds, but {faved Neah rhe cighth perfon, a
Preacher ofrs ighteoufnc fle; in whichuords; three things are
tobe con(.dered, 2 The perfons preferved. 2 The danger
from which they were faved. 3 The meanes which Ged
ufed in their prefervation,

Forthe 1, the perfons preferved , were Noah and his
Wife, hisshreefonnes and their three Wives ; eight perfons
inall, of which eight Neab bimfelfe wasa Preacher of Righ-
teoufneffe, ( as having for the {pace of 120 yeares ficcerely
preached GedswWerd,unco that difobedient world. calling upon
thene to abftaine from fine, and returne unto Ged by repen-

tance )and Cansa wicked perfon.

. Hence may be noted, a
__ 1 That Gedinthe execution of his judgements spon the
wicked, 1s carefull of his owne children, ashereof Ngab and
V IS

290

1 Y

his jodguents
upon the wies
ked,is earefull

D.The numz-
her of che ged-
ly few.
D. The holte
nefie of the
sdly thall not
buried in ,
iviOB..
Mat.26.¥3-e
D.Thke wie-

_ -

"Wicked fare the better for the godly. Chap.

his Familyinthis generall Delage. >i

2 That rhe children of God being compared with the mul-
titude of wicked perfons are but few in number: as Qee but
eight perfons, ( yea,of thole one a Reprobare ) profeffing Geds
truth, there being belidea world of ungodly.

37 hat the holy life,and godly conver{ation of Gods children
Soak nor be buried in oblivion, but even after their death re-
corded tarheir everlafting praife and commendation; as both | |
that of Mary Magdalens powring oyntment on Chrsf? , and
this ot Noah being after {0 many thonfand yeares declared to

have beene a Preacher of ri ghteox{neffe,doe confirme.

4..That wicked perfons fare the better for the company of
Gods children, as Cams being with his father and brethren in
tre Arke,andas the Sodomites did whilft Zot was amongft
them.

5 That in moft Societies and Companies , the wicked are
mingled with Gods children, Cain inthe houfe of e4dam;
Lfmael inthe honfe ofeAbrabam ; Elan in the boufe of Laat;
Indas amongtt the D:/ciples of Chrift, Cam here in the Arke
with his father. : |

For the 2, the danger from which they were faved, They
were faved from (Bat. gencrall deluge , wherein all others
perifhed. .

Whence may be gathered, tint

God in the miaft 3 danger , can preferve whomfoever hee.
pleaferh from the fame. Here was an horrible great and fearee
full jndgementy whereby all fle perifhed, thofe eight onely

The examplesof faced , Iofeph, David, Saint Peter , Saint
Panl, withothers whom God preferved inthe very midft of
imminent dasgers,confirme this point. |
This ferveth part/y for confolation, and partly for exber-
tétson, .

For Confolation unto all Gods children, whom the Devs,
the World and their owue Lu fts, doe daily perfecute. Be not
difmzyed or difcouraged, the fame God who preferved Noah

| from dvowning,is able topreferwe thee inf midt of dangers.

— =- w= -— ee. ee ee

Ver, 6-Mennes of Nowks prefervatian? wofold:

For Exbortation unto every one ofus, Let us endeyour
tobe the children of God. Being Geds children, let us fetter
our {jyps under his proreétion, affuring our fevers, that if
he bY on our fide, nothing foal prevaileagainfins. ' 2 |,’
Forthe 3, the_aseanes whereby Neah and his: Fanstlse
were preferved, they were either ostward or inward; opte
ward, by the Arke, inward, by Faith. Ged commanded
Noah to make an efrke , he beleeving Geds promife, and
obeying his commandement, was prefervedthercin. |.

Sonxtime the Lord preferveth wsthent meanes , yea,.con
trary to meanes, Sometimes againe by very /mall and weake
meanes, ashere,whofoever were out of the 4rke ,. perithed,
all that were theress were faved, |

* We muff nat tye God unto meanes , but how /mad or
weake {oever the meanes be, relye upon the promife of Ged,
performing what he commandeth, {o afluring our {elves of
the accompli fhment of whatfoever he promifeth, -- *. -

This 4rke may bea fit T7peof the Church, Whofoever
depifeth mee foall perifo, whefaever are the true members
thereof foall be preferved from the fearefull deluge of Gods
wrath, Thus oft he fecond example. __ o

Verfe 6, efud turning the Cities of Sedem; and Gomorrah

into afhes, condemeucd Necws with an overthrow, ma-

live ungodly, —

Thefe werds containe the third or laff enfample , whereby
our e-fpoftle confismeth his.former poftion, wiz. That Gods
judgements foall certainly and undoubtedly be inflitted on falfe
Teachers, and their folewers. Itistaken trom: that borrible
and fearefull defiruttion of Sodsme and Gemsorrah , and
may be thus framed. Jf G OD {pared sot the Inhabitants
of Sodome and Gomorrah, but turned their Cities tnto

an exfample untethofe that after foonld live ungodly; then
will be wot [pare falfe teachers aud their followers: But bee
oe _ V2

king thems.an enfample, smberhefe chat after foonld |
es Co Sct ate _ -

| afbes and condenened them with an overthrew , making then |

fpared :

The meanes -
wherby Noah
was prefeivec
in chs Arke.
Heb,11.6.

Alfotn what |.
mannerGod [:

preferycth,
Vie.

The Arkea

Tasch

The third ex- |

292

The fitnefle
of the exam-
ple. :

Foure things
confid<cred in
thiscxample,
I
Dent.29.23.

Gen.i9.25.

BD.Such asare
partakers to-

Fellow finners partake in puniloment -Chap:3. |

fpared not the Inhabitants of Sodeme and Gomorrah, cc.
Therefore will he not fare falfe Teachers and their followers.
The Reafen followeth, becanfe asthe people of Sodemse and
Gomorrah did grievoufly off'nd Ged by their continuance
in finne, notwithftanding of the waxy warnings and admoni-
ticns given by Lot;cvenfalfe Teachers and their followers,
dog offend him in the /e/fe-(ame kinde ; for the Sodomsres
were net more given to carnall and fle?/ywhoredome, then
falfe teachers and heir followers to fpiritxall fornicazion.
Therefore if Ged {pared not thofe,ncither will he {pare rhe/2.

From this example we may allo perfwade our felves of
the wadonbred defiruttson of falfe teachers and their follew-
ers, If God pared not the Sodomsites, but brought defiruttiog
upon thems, and their Cities , neither will be foare Anab
tsfts, Fansilifis, Iefuites, Seminary Pricfts , with others t
dike, bur ws in bis owne time bring fome fodaine defirnftion
xpon them.

In this examsple thefe fowre things are to be confidered.
1 The /ebjed of this pantfement, the Cities of Sodome and
Gomorrah, whereunto we may adde Admah, and Zeboim,
by which we may underftand as well the (7tses themfelves,
astheir Ishabstants, for foit is written, And he overthrew
thofe Csties, and all the Plaine, and ail the Inhabitants of the
Cities, aud that which grew upon the ground. 3 The canfe
or gronwnd of their pansfament, implyed in the word #ngedly.
3 The pansfoment inflited upon them. Their Csties were
turned into afbes, and condemned with an overthrow... 4 The
end why God inflicted this sadzement on them,chat they might
bejan enfample to thews that after foonld live ungodly.

Forthe 1, che /wbjeé of this punifpment, were the Csties
of Sedeme and Gomorrah, Admah, Zceboim , together with
the Inhabitants of the fame, the whole land of the Plasse and
whatfsever was therein, Thofe I fay,were the /wbject of this
punsifoment.

Whancedivers obfervations may he gathered.

1 That {uch as are partakers rogerher in finne, foal be par-
takers together of punifoment, The preple of Sedome, Ge-

ne S morrab ,

see a Sr eS SN
er, 6.Followers of others finspartake their puni(hment 293
morrah, Admah, and Zebcim, did ( asit feemeth ) follew getherin fin,
one another in fine, and therefore did all partake together i0| togetherin
panifoment, which Saint Jsde-clearely exprefleth. Even 4¢ | punithment,
Sodome and Gemorrah, and the Cities about them , which in \ Xud.70,
lske manner as they did, committed and followed firange fief,
are fee forth for an exunsple,and (uffer the vengeance of eter-
nall fire. : .
The two preceding examples: with the [/raelites com-
mitting Idelatry the Benjamites partaking with the men of
Gibeah, the Priefts of Baal, Ahab, and Iexebel , fiding to-
gether, confirme the fame. :
It ferveth partly for reprebenfion , and partly for exbortats-
on. |
@ For Reprebenjien, unto {uchas partake with wicked pet- | VfesotRepres
fons intheir fiznes, and yet would not partake with them in | henfion,
their psxifomsents. Is it noteguall that they which partake | .
of the-sevagined gaine, of the {ceming pleafires , fhould alfo
partake of the certaine /offe of theundoubted pasne. By Law
fuch as are acceffary unto murther, are puxifoed as the mur-
therersthemfelves. Though thou art not the /nventer, yerif
thou art the fofower, though thou art not the'firf#,which haft
committed finne, yet if thou doeft comeit finne ; though
thou art not Sodome and Gomorrah, yet if thon art. Admah,
and Zeboim, Gods jndgensents (hall allo {eize on thee; what
though thou art not the fir? Swearer, Drunkard, Adutterer,
Covet ous perfon, Lyer, Thiefe, or the “eke; | Nesther art tike
tobe the lat 2 (asit’s in your comsiwon, though DevilifS
proverbe) yet if thou wadkeft in tholefawes , thou fhalt. not
avoyde punifhment. : _
For Exhortation, as ye would not partake of thofe judge-
ments which fhall be isflifted on the angedty , be not parta-
kers together with them in faze, doenot foto them in
|| their wickedneffe. If I fhould demand every one of you in.
particular, whether yee would be drowned , with the ofd
world, or barnt toathes with the Sedowiress 1 know, you
would anfwer, that you would not wsling/y have {ach judge-
ments inflided on you, abfaive therefore from thofe finnes,
° | V3 which

Vit of Exhor:
tation, -

294

Fi0v.2-3 g.

Prov.2.22-
Prov.3 -3 3e

Prov.§ -4-

Prov.6.32¢
Proy.1§+2Je
Proy.36.1 8.

Prov.t3 of.
Prov,28.8.

I Gor.6.9.

I Tim:§e32.
Revi 3.46 .

not onely up
on the : (elves,
bue all eh:ings
chat helong
wnto thea.

Net to partake with the wicked in finnes, Chap.s.

which brovght thefe judgements on others. It’s written of
the Prange woman, that her boufe enclineth unto death, and
her pathes untothe dead,none that gee unto her returne againe,
neither take they bold of the parhes of life. It’s written of the
wicked, That rhe wicked foal be cnt off from the earth , and
the tranfgreffers foall be rooted owt of tt, That the carfe of the
Lord s1n the houfe of the wicked ; Vhattheend of the Har-
lot is bitter as wormewood, foarpe as atwo edged fivord whofe
feet gee downe te death, and ficps take hold on Hell; andwrh.
whos whofoever committeth adultery , lacketh underfan-
ding, deftreyeth hss owne foule. Be not given untopride, Tbe
Lord will deftroy the houfe of the prond, Pride goeth before
defirnttion, and.an bawty fpirit before afal. Be not
kers with others indrankenne fe, tor the drunkard an glint
ton foaliceme to poverty. Benot covetous for, be rhat by
Viury and unjnft gaine encreaferh hu fubfiance, foall garber
st for bie that will pittythepeore. Bricfly, the Apsftle Paal
faith, Kwow yee not that the unrighteous fhall not inberit the
Kingdome of Ged? Be mot deceived: ncither fornicaters,
nor tdolaters, nor adulterers, ner effeminate, zor abufers of
thenefelves with mankinde, wor theeves , nor covetous , mor.
drunkards, nor revilers, mer extortioners , fhall inherite the
Kingdome of God. Should we not thenbe carefall co aveyd
thoicand the like fines. Wouldft thou not bepaxifoed with
adxlterers? Be not an adulterer,partake not with the sxged-
fy in their wickedneffe, as thou wouldft not partake with
them in their paxifoments. 1t was Saint Pex!s counfell unto
Timorhens, Be nor partaker of-other mens finnes? Yt was the
voyce from heaven which Jobs heard, (cme ont of ber my
people, that yee be not partakers of her finnes, andthat yee ree
ceive not of her plagues.

2 That the fires of msen and women bring Gods jadgments,
wot onely upon themfelves,in foule and body but alfe npen thew |
children, upen their Cities, upon their houfcs , npow rhe Lend
whercin they live , upon their goods, and [uch things as be-
long antorhess. This, with the preceding exansple of the old
World, as alfo the exanmeples.of the Egypriazs, the Moabites,

the

a”,

{ the efmalekites, and eAchan, confirme the /ame.

Whence may be perceived,as wellthe sarure of fixee,how
odions it is in the fight of God, as that carefulnefe which is
required of ws in avoyding the fame, in as much as that there-
by we wrong not ene/y our felves , bet {uch perfows as are
mof deare unto us, even as Trastors through their Tres/ox
J taint their whole b/oed,

3 Thatse'sx/wall for wicked mente have fuch as flow them
inthesy wickednef[e, Sedome and Gowerrah goe before,e44-
mah and Zebosas follay their persscions wayes,a pont which
our times doe fuiliciently confirme, 1f Demsetrins {et him-
felfe againft Pax! , hee fhallinot waut the craft/imen to
i him;a Draskerd fhall not lacke companions, neither
weh as follow other Sunes.

Oh the prowenzfe of Mankinde unto fave ! Oh that wee
| were as sarefull in the smitation of the vertues of the godly,

and religions; as the wicked are in their savitation of the #n-~

4 That neither the multitude of finners, partaking toge-|
. ther in Gnne doth exempt thems from Gods id gpemsentio eitber |

295

erfeb, Ungudlymen follow others intheir fenness -

Cite

yet the beauty, glory, or excellency of the creature , doth ex- | exemp

wnte.

This example proveth it, neither the sumber of the Sodo-
mites, neither the pleafantucffe of their Land freed them.
from panifoment. But of this former!y.

fpect of the sumber, of their habitation, of their riches , and
unto Ged by their ebedience unto his consmandemenss , but
sbey proved wholly anthankefull, rebellions, inbborne , dife-

Thisfane we haye caufe to bewayle in ovr felves. God
hath beftewed uponns, manifold blefings and favours, A
Land flowing with milke andboney , abounding plentifully
with every neceffary for ss, more Pecsally wee have

: V4 Gods

emipt st from the puxifament of fnne , being [abject there-\

the Jéke bleflings,fhould have expreffed their thankefulneffe |

any their out-
ward privileds

5 That fuch as foould be moft hankeful unto God, for the | fame
meoft part, prove moft anthankefuk. The Sedomites ig re-

296

_« Phatthe Sedomites fines were,” Chip, 2.

The ground
of their pu -

nifkment im-

| plyed inthe
word ungeds

What the fias
of the Sodo-
qites were.
Gen.13 33°

Gen. 1! 8 py X67

Gen 3 9g

Thid.ver.9.

Ibid.ver.1.5-
Ibid.ver.3.4.
1{a.3 Fe
Exsck, I 6 4. 9 ®

Lwk.17.28,

Gods (ots inviting us dayly unto repentance , Gods Word
plentifuliy, plainely and peripicuonfly preached. amorgtt us,
and yct alas doc me-remaine wuthankefuk. Oh that our eyes
.were opened, whereby we-might both persesve-our smgrati-
tude,and amend the fame. Thus of the frft.

_ Forthe2, the ground orcanfe of their punifiwent , their
many and great /innes wherewith they offended the Afajefise
of Ged, as is implyed in the word , anged/y, For the ope-
ning up of which poist twe things are to be confidered.
I What their fixmes were. 2. How. great and odsons they
were. oo, ,

Touching the former,the finnes of the Sodemites are men-
tioned in divers places of Scripture, Butthe men of Sodome,
(faith (Wofes ) were wicked,and finners before the Lord ex-
ceedsugly, And againe, Becanfe the cry of Sedome and Go-
morrah ss great, and becanfe theirfiune ws very grievous; And
againe , but before they lay downe, the men of the (stie,ever
the men of Sodeme compaffed the houfe round, beth old and
young, all the people from every quarter. and. they called mute
Let, audfaid unto him, Where are the men whishcame. inte
thee this night ? Bring them ont wnta ms that weemay know
thems. Whem Lot having admonifhed, they an/wered. Thus
one fellow came into fojonrne , andhe will needs be a Indye,
now will we deale worfe with thee, than with them , and the
preafed fore upon the man, even Lot, axd came neere to breake
thedoore, Afterwards being by the eAage/s {tricken with
blindueffe, they wearied shemfelues to find she deore: yea,
Eot having {poken to his fonges in Lam, about the defirath-
on of the Citse, he feemsed. as. one thar macked. The thew of
the countenance ((aith Ifatab ) doth witneffe again them,
and they declare thesr finne as Sodome, and they hide it not.
Behold ( faith Exekiel ) this was the iniqusty of thy fifer Se-
dome, pride, fulne ffe ofbread, and abundance of idleneffe was
inher, and in her daughter , neither did foe flrengthen. the
hand of the poore and necdy, and they were baughty, and com-
mitted abbomination before me, therefore Itooke them away,
as Ifawgood. In the dayes of Lot ( faith our Saviour: ) they

cate,

etf.6.'The greateffe of the Sodomites finnes.
eate,they drauke,they bought, they fold-, they planted ,, they

et pofile ) inthe enfning verfe, withthe filthy converfation
of the wicked, forthatrichtcenaman dwelling among fi then,

day with their unlawfell deeds. By all which icappeareth,that
the fanes of the Sedomsstes were efpecially, 1 pride or hangh-
tinefje, 2 fulneffe of bread, that is, exceffive eating and drin-
‘king, 3 tdleneffe, 4. anmercifalne fe, and contempt of. the
peore. $ Fornscation, adn(tery, and the wuxatarad going af-
ter firange flefo. 6 Security and carele(neffe. 7 Impudency
in funing, & Contempt-and difobedience of chofe heavenly
Admonstions preached by Lot. Thofe] fay were their fanes,
the groxnd and cane oftheir defiruétion. Thus what their
Ammeswerei . - o. _ — :
Touching the /atter, the greatneffe of their fivnes. This
might be declared by fhewing the evils of pride,drunkennes,
Sluttouny, idlene fe ,whoredemse, fecnrity, tmpudency in fin-
ning and contempt of ow Word; (ot which Goa-wiling ,
yee fhall heare ) but fur the prefent conceive we the great-
| #effe oftheir fane from thete particulars. 1 ‘Becanie they
are {aid to be finners againft the Lord exceedingly, that their
was great, their finne: being very grievoms. 2 Becaufe
they were given over untofo many divers and feverak finnes,
as well intheirc commnvication, as converfation. 3 Becaufe
thofe their fanes- were wniverfall, they béing al ivfected
therewith, fiom the higheft unto the /ewe/f#, both yorg-and
o/d,if there had been but res righteoms perfons amongtt them
they had not becn deftroyed. .4 Their smpudency in /inning,
forhat they did not Side their fixnes, were not 4feamed of the
fame.-5 Their {coffine and mocking ar the threatnings of
Geds jodgeencnts , whoreof they «were. warned. by Ler.
6 Their. contismance intheis evil wayes.. Allthofe crcans-
frances 1 fay, point ont the grestne ffe of the Sodomites fnxes,
‘whereof feme alfo wereeven againe Natere. This I {peake
hot,as if'any Ameer were in their owne nature (mal, for if we

éuslded.; They gave themfelves. ever to fornication. (faith | Inde 7.
Inde ) and going after firange flefa, he was vexed ( {aith-our | ; pet.2.7,8.

in feeing and hearing, vexed-hss righteous fonle from: day. te

397

The ts:

nite i

nNnes partis
cularized.

«298

The Sodomites fies. - Chaps.

doe confider or conceive of /innes, asthey are in thene{elves,

} not any finne is /msal, or to be /e accounted ; yea, and every

iW ATS

Sinner, when he finneth /eaff, yet doth greatly offend G

Even the leaf sdle word, or waxdring thought, deferving
death and everlafting condemnation; but by way of compars-
fon; in which regard one fase may be much greater then
anetber, Thus were the finnes of the Sedemises exceeding
great » which were the greusd and cawfe of their deftra-

Hereof may be made a threefold ufe.

For Jnfiruttion, it pride, faineffe of bread, sdleneffe , sm-
mercifulne fe andeontenspt of the poors, wncleanneife , where
deme, fecurity, impudency in fiexing, with the contenspe and
difebedience of Gods Word , brought defirxéiex upon the
Sodomites, were the ground and cau/t of theirarrecoverable
fall, and finall everthrow, then it followeth. 1 That thofe
fiunes are odious and abbeminable in the fight of Ged. 2 That
we ought to be exceeding carefull, left as any time we fall in-
to thofe fisnes of the Sodomstes. 3 That God ifieth

'| his wercy towards »,in{paring usfo foxg,which are.fo much

defiled with thole finnes. 4 That thofé are in a dangeroms
and miftrable cafe, which give themfelves over uato thofe

For Reprebenfiew, 1 unto fuch asimitate the Sedomstes in
their wickedueffe. Thus doth Renee , fpsrisually called So~
dome, the fixkeand mother of abbeninations , tolerating all
manner of filthineffes yea,even their Popes finning again
nature, as Hifferses record. We alfo doe smurate them in
all or moft of their vices, in pride,in drunkenneffe,in glut-
tony, in sdleneffe, in contempt of the poore, in wheredewe , in
Security, in impudency in finning, inthe contemspt and difobe-
diense of Gods Word. Thofe vices being no Icfle common
amongit #s, than amongit them. So that what J/atah {pake
untothe Jewes, may be applyed unto ws, Heare the werd of
the Lord, yee Raders of Sodeme, give care unto the Law of eur
Ged, yea people of Gomorrah. % Vatothefe which in their
judgements sondemne the Sedemiies, and theirvices, who

. no tw

sho

Verl.6. Not toimitate the Sedomites finnes.

a a)
nt with{tanding in their pradli/t follow the fame. 3 Vito 3
thefe which after afuperficiall kinde of fearch finding them-
felves in fome fort free from thofe fisnes of the Sodomites;
docprefently conclude that judgements fhall not take hold
‘onsaem. Ob the policie of the Devill, tofuch I fay , thatic
foall be eafier for Sodeme and Gemerrah sn the day of indgo-
meent, than for them. For it is not exemgh to abftaine from
thofe, if in the meane time we follow ethers. One finne wn-
repented ts fufficsent to bring afinnerto Hell. It’s not enoxgh-
to abfaine from open ssspsety, to live cévify, not to be dran-
kard, oppreffor, (wearer, covetons per{zn, or the éske, ifinthe
meane time there ke not a confcionable walking before Ged,
in the per formance of holy. duties. Though thou abfiaincft
from the /imnes of Sedome, yet if thou doelt. not prefir by the
Gofpel, if the Life of grace be not within thee,if thou haft not
this power of godlineffe; thy judgement fhall be greater at.
-the day of inde ement, then was the Sodonmstes. 4 Vntofach
as make a mechs and jef at pride, drunkenneffe, whoredome,
tdleneffe,and the /ske. This was not the praéts/e of Lor ; hee
was vexed and grieved at them. Thefe brought deSrattion
upon Sedeme ; and unleffe they be repented for, and {0 pardo=
ned, they will sxdexbtedly bring Geds judgments upon # in
our finall defiruétion and overthrow. The Lord in mercy)
open onr eyes, and touch eur hearts, that we may tn time re-
pent and be grieved for-the fame.
For Exbortation, « unto examination; Ycn have heard
} what the finnes of the Sodomires.were , and that becaufe of
them, the Sodomites were deftroyed ; be pleafed therefore to
enter into a narrow {earch of your felves, that fo you may
know, whether thesr finnes,are not yours: Indge your felves.
lef ye. be judged, defcend into the very betteme of your
hearts, admit no excx/e, which will not peffe for carrant,.
before the Judge of all the world. To further you into this
fearch, You mutt impartially make, «pplication of Geds
werd, take notice therein of the divers fgnes and markes
whereby chole their fizaes may beknowse. 3 Vnto bumi-
lation, if after a arrow fearch of your felves, you find your
ge elves

- Mat, 1e3§-

290

his yadgments
upon the wies
ked,is carefull
ot his owne

D.The num-
her of che ged-
ly few.
D. The bolic —
nefie of the
sdly thall not
buried in ,
oblivion..
Mat.2 6 of 3 e

ked fare rhe
better for the

ever he plea~
feth from the
fame.

D.Tkewie> —

Wicked fare the bette for the godly. Chap.d.

his Familyinthis generalt De/age. 8°

2 That the children of God being compared with the mul-
titude of wicked perfons,arebut few in number: as Bee bur
eight perfons, ( yea,ot thole one a Reprobate ) profeffine Gods
truth, there being beltdea world ofungodly,

3That the holy life,and godly conver{ation of Gods children
foal not be buried in oblivion, but even after their death re-
corded totheir everlafting praife and commendation; as both
that ot Mary Magdalens powring oyntment on Chrift , and
ths ot Noah being after fo many thon/and yeares declared to
have beene a Preacher of righteoufne(fe,doe confirme.

4.. That wicked perfonsfare the verter for the company of
Gods children, as Cam being with his father and bretbrex in
the Arke, and asthe Sodomires did whilft Lot was amongtt
them.

5. That in moft Societies and Companies , the wicked are
mingled with Gods children, Cain inthe houfe of etdam;
Ifimacl inthe bonfe of Abraham ; Elan in the houfe of Lfaac;
Indas amongft the Difciples of Chriff, Cam here in the Arkg
with his father. :

For the 2, the danger from which they were faved, They
were faved from fat. generall deluge » wherein all others
perifhed. |

Whence may be gathered, that

God in the msdft of danger , can preferve whomfeever bee
pleaferh froms the fame. Here was an horrible great and fearee
full judgement, w hereby all fle perifhed, thofe eight onely
excepted. oe

The examples of Faced , Iofeph, David, Saint Peter , Saint
Paxl, with others whom Ged preferved inthe very midft of

| imminent dangers,confirme thts pint.

This ferveth part/y for confolatson, and partly for exber-
‘ttson, '

For Confolarion unto all Gods children, whom the Devil,
the World and their owne Lufts, doe daily perfecute. Be not
difmzyed or difcouraged, the fame God who preferved Noah

"| from drowning,is able topreferve thee in} mid’ of dangers. | .

——_— “PS & = @re-en

ty Veet Bator [i
cltey | “ation,

ee, Whofoever
"hh, whefaever anette im
FP’ therved f
US Of ch

Me
0m the Searefull de luge
<n

eng ey y
CCOnd trample,

OF, Ma
onl

302

Gen,19.2¢.

DeutJ29.23-

lude.7.,

-| D.Great
finnes bring
great sudges
meats,

“Uf

Great finnes bring great judgements. Chap.2

accufed them unto Ged. God condenneth them for the fame.
Their pastfhment isamply recorded by Alofes. Then tbe
Lord (faith he) rained upon Sedeme and upon Goemerrah,
brimfione and fire from the Lord ont of heaven, and he opera
threw thofe Cities, and al the Plasne, and all the Inhabisants
ofthe Ceties, and that which grew npen the ground. And
againe ; 4nd that the wheleland thereof ubrimffone and fale,
andburning, that 1 not fowen, nor beareth, nor any grafe
groweth therein lske the overthrow of Sedom and Gomorrah,
Admab,and Zebcim, which the Lord overthrew in his anger,
and inhis wrath. So Inde alfo{peaketh of the fame, evenas
Sedome and Gomorrah andthe Cstties about therein lske man-’
ner, giving themfelves' ever to fornication, and going after
range flefo, arefer forth for an example, fuffering the vew-
geance of eternal fire.From which places it appeareth, that
their paxi/oment, was not onely temporal, but is likewife
eternal. Ascheir bodses were burst with fire, together with
theic Cstriesand geods; So fhall they both in body and fenle
be tormented in the fire of bell, witn the D-vsil and his As
gets, world without esd. Ged punithed them with an veeer
defolation, a fiza overthrow, he turned their Cities into
A fees. . :
Hence diversthings may be obferved.
1. That great finnes bring great judgements, The Sedemats

| were great finners, therefore God condemneth them wth ax

overthrow,turneth themfelves, and their Citties snto Ajees.
The examples of Er, and Onam, Nadab and Abihu,Jereboam,
and Ahab, confirme the fame. Be we careful therefore to
avoyde, finnes & efpecially fech as do moft dishonour Ged, |
& offend his msajeftze,not that I would have a7y to be careleffe
even of /ach as feeme/mall, for eventhe /eaft finne, : defer-
veth the greatef judgements that can be tasagived, as being

| committed againit the majefise of an infinite Ged, neyther’
-| will God paffe by the deaf: finne ssrepested. Ob rhat our

adulterers, drankards, fwearers, extortioners, and the dike

{candalous /ivers, would but take notice bereef, what fuch

great fiones bring great judgements, eS oe
2 4 That

Perti6. Gedis rgnallin execution of judgenments,

\&e That God 0 equall in the execution of hue judgements.
Thus dealt he with the Sodemits. Ged doth recempence their

own way xpon their owne heads, as they burnt in; xanartnrad | |,

Iuft one towards 4xother;, Soby fire were theyand thar Ci

withdraw us from every finne, left Ged in juffice requite us

in the fame kinde. “Drankards have often beene drowned , |:

murtherers killed, oppreffers become poore, whoremongers

received {uch difeafes from their wheres, that they could ve- |... me
ver berid of ; decesvers beenedecesved ; yea and often thefe.

which have ufed smsprecatsons, withing that they were ban-

ged, that they never poke neore, that they sever Birred, if

{ich and fuch things be not true, have indeede beenc banged,
deprived both of fpéech and /sfe. Tremble at Gods judgements,
left in juftice he mecte with yon.
3» That Geddesh differently deale with his owne children,
and with wicked men sn the execution of bis judgements: for
the meoff part, ors are punifhed inthis 4sfe, but neycher is
the manner, nor the continuancealike, The godise are chafts-
fed in love, the wicked in anger, the gedlses punifhments
end in this “fe, the wickeds continue world withont emde ;
judgements inflicted upon thems in thu life, being but fore-run-
ners of thofejudeements, which foal be snfi:tted upon thems
hereafter. The Sodemites were notonely paxifbed with tens-
poral fire, but alfo fire eternall. If the #agodly efcape pa-
wifomsemt in this life, they fhall be fire of it in the “fe to:
come.
Hence we are taught, |

To dewasle the efate of wicked men,to refraine from wick-
edneffe,to pray to God,that we may not be psxifoed with the
wicked: Ohlet the meditation, and confderation of this point
withdraw every one of you from fisne, why will yee die O yee
howfe of Ifvael ? why will ye have Geds judgements powred
outupon yew? doe: yee not tremble at the jadgements to
come? Gedhath here verin inf jadgements, doit thou of-
fond hien'? daftskioulye fiveaxe fteale, preface Gods Sabbath?

art’

ments.
tied tarned intoafres. Theexamples of addowikidek, Phan|-
veah,Sau|,feab,confirmeth the fame ; let this hea meanes to | |

393

D. Ged is
equall in the
exe Caution of
is Judge-

D. Gad in the
execution of
his sudgements
doth different- |-
ly deale with
his owne chil-
dren.and
wicked pere

fons,

Exch.3 3. 1.’

ZO4

The ende why
God infli-Qed
his judgements
upon them that
they might be
an exampleto
them that after
fhould live
ungodly,

D.Gods rudg-
mentson the
wicked are al-
fo for the ad=
monition a
inftruction

of ochers
‘Prov.39,2§.
Prov.24.3 Oe

Deut.39.38,

Dent.21,2%.

3 Cov.30.5-

Ibid.ver.3 1.

Chap:

art thou an adulterer, a covctons per{cn, proud, vainglorions,
or the 4ke,as God can here (if he fee good) mecete with
thee by fckene fe, pasne povertie,or the like affisétions, (o thal
he andonbredly (it choucontinneft inthy panes) meete with
thee in che fe tocome, when then foalt [uffer the vengeance
of eternal fire, Thus of che 3. Forthe 4. the esde why Ged
inflicted this jad gemsent upon them, that they might be an ex-
ample tothem shat after fhould live ungedly, that is, that
others taking notice of the judgement which Ged snfistted spon
them. for thesr finnes, might abfaine from finne, lei the lske
judgements feafe upon them/elves.
Whence may be gathered, that
Thofe judyements.which God inflitteth on finners, are nat
onely for thesr punsfhmsent bur likewife for the admonition aud
infirection of others, Smite a fcorner ((aith Salomon ) and
the fimple will beware, that is, the fimple will beware by ane-
thers punifhment, And againe, I went dy the field of rhe fletb-
full; and by the vineyard of the manvoyd of underfianding,
and loest was all growne over with thornes, and nettles bad ce-
wered the face thercof,and the ftone thereof was broken downe,
then | faw and confidered st well. | looked upon st, and receio
vedinfirufiion. eAnd the Indges (faith AL:js) foal make
sngusfition, and behold, If the witneffe be a falfewitne fe, and
hath teftsfied falfly againft hisbrother, then foall yee doe mute
him, athe bad thonght to have done unto bis brother, fo foale
thou put cust away from among you, and thofe which remaine,
foall heare and feare, and fhal henceforth commit no wore any
[uch evil among you. Andagiine, and al the men of the Ci
tie, fhall fione him with frones that be die, (meaning the Stub-
borne fonne) So foalt thom put cvill away from among you, and
all Ifrael foall heare and feare. Thisthe Apoftle Pand confir-
meth. But with many of them Gedwas not well pleafed ; for
they were overthrowne in the Wilderneffe, now theje things
were our examples, tothe intent that we Pronld met luft after
evill things as they alfo lufted, and againe,they are written for
our admonition, kpon whom the ends of the world are comse.For

this canfe Queene Vafors was punifhed, that a others might
give

Gods judgements on others, teach us.

‘Ver. 5, Gods judgements on fome,teach others. 305

give their husbands honour, both to great and mat. This Hof 1.2
| made Judab loath to give his younger fonne Shelath asa|

husband to Thamar, becaufe of the (adden and nuexpefled | Gen. 39. 11.
ecath of Er,and Onan, his ro Eldes fozses, her toruner 4u/-
‘bands, .

The Rea/on is, becaule God by fuch Examples, doth thew | Reafen.
untous his Severigse againft Sinse, they being as it were
Ocular or reall Sermons ayaintt the [anes of the Sennes of |-
men, an |

This ferveth partly for reprebenfion, and partly for Exhor- wet Repre-
tation. For Reprehenfion. 1. Vnto fuch as make no #/é

Of che punifoments inflited upon ethers. 3. Vato the Pa- ’
péfts which with-hold the Scripexres from the /astse, where-

by they are unacquainted with thofe jxdgements of God ,| . >.
there recorded. 3.. Vito fuchas consplaine that they want| © 3

mecanes Of infraction, when as notwithftanding the whele
Earth can produce examples of Gods judgements inflited
upon every kinde of Sinne, drunkenef[e , fwearing, Pride,
coveton(nefe , murther, malice, Perjurie, andthelike: by
all which they may receive inftrutbion, a t ect Exhor
For exhortation.Seeing thofe judgements which Ged inflid- vor

eth on finners are not onely for their punsfomsent,butalfofor the
admonitionand ixftructsen of others, learne we therefore to

receive snfirutlion by them, oven by abjftaining from fuch |

finnes , a6 brought thole judgements upon them. To this end
let us frame for our owne bewfi a Catal: gue or Geds judge-
ments upon others, taking not.cc of the fevers examples,
which cither divine or human hiltories, yca or our owiae
experience cin afford unto us, Art thou adrankerd ? re
member Benadad and his two ani thsrtie Caprasses. Art thou
covetcns ? xemember Gebrai. Artthoue prophanzr of Geds
Sabbath ? gemember the tap that gathered ftitkes thereon.

| Ast thou 4 backeflider? comumber Lots #°ife.Art thou prowd?
remember Nebuchadnezzar. Artthon 4 Lyar? reaember
Ananias and Sapphira., Art thou e4mbstsom ? remember
Haman. Neither are we axelyto, take narieg of Geds judge-
ments inhicteduponthe godly forthcir finnes, but even

es yy thefe

ee ade anges ee nw ae EAPO ANT

1 King 2041".
2 GA. 5.270
Numb.1$.3%
Gen.19.26.

Dan.g. 33.
A&.§ § 08. |

Hefter. 7, 20° |

-4
ee

| 30%

" Geds power inprefervatjon. Chapa

A proofs of

| Gods power
in the prefer-
vation of his
owne Chil=
dren caken
frem che ¢x<
ample of or.

Two paittof
the fame, his. -
preervation,
and commen=

thefe whichare. snfutted upon Geds owne Children, 2s on

David, Salonen, Lob and etbers, for even they alfo are write

ten fer our fake.Thas of che fearth,o {o.0f the third example,
9. And delivered jnft Lot vexed with the filthy con-
verfation of the mscked,

Verf.8( For that righteous max dwelling among them in feeing

_ and hearing, vexed bis righteous foule from day to

daywith thesr wnlawfull deeds.)

Our 4pofle having in the former werfes prowed that Gods

one judgements fhallfeafe xpow fale Teachars and-their followers,

doth in thefe ver/es prove, that Ged doth preferve his ewne
Children, as. mell from the evill manners of witked people, as
from thofe judemenss which commonly accompanie the fame,
The ground of his preofe he taheth from the example of Ler,
whom God. delivered from that dreadfud. and rerrible &é-
ftruction of Sodom, It may be thus framed;/f Ged preferved
Lot 48 well from.being infected by the filthy converfation of the
Sadomastes, as fro that terrible defirn Elion whieh feafed on thé,
then willbe alfo deliver his Children in fuch danger, but rhe
former is true, therefore alfothe latter;The Reafon followes,
becaufe God # x0 refpel¥er of perfons, neither de/pifeth any
uf his owne Children. lf wce bee in Chrift, have with-
inus the /eaff {parkeof faving grace, endevouring to frante
vur dives aad a€isons according tothe rave of Gods word, we.
are neere and deare unto him, who will takecare as well of
4, as of hisfervant Lot. |
This proofe confifteth of two parts. The former con-
raineth Loes prefervation, in thele words, and delivered jaf
Lots The lat r, Lots commendation, in thefe words, vexed
wits the filthy conver faticn of the wicked and againe,sn freeing
and hearing vexed his righteons foule from day to day, with
their unlawfull deeds, he dwelling amsong ft them. :
The Obfervations arifing from both are fosre.
The frf isthis, that |
Ged dosh preferve and deliver the righteons fram thoj>
judgements which are infislted sepos the wseked, rh Ged

.
™.
~
o - .

-
‘

Ver. 7. The godly which termed righteous, 307

rained fire and Brimftene upon the Sedemires, turning their righteous
| Citties into Apes, and condemning them withan everthrow,| fromthole
| yet he delivered jaft Lat, Behold (faith the P/alwsij?) hse 7 vhech dre ine
ss uspors thews that feare lim, cud super them that truft intr
mercie,to deliver their foules from death, and to preferve
thesin famine, andagaine, Tw porre man cryed, and the
Lerd beara him, ad faved him out of all bis troubles ; and
againe, many are the trombles of thevighteow, bur the Lord
livereth him out of them all. This aito may bee confirmed
by the examples of Abraham, Jofeph, 0b, David, Mordecay,
Peter, Pant, with varietse of others. They were righteom,
and fowere no leffe preferved, then Let was.

LQucft. But how can any be fayd to be righteons,or in what
refpetts is Lot here termeda juft and righteous man?

Anfw. Neither Ler, neither any otherscan be termed jsf
Or righteens as being wholly without fane, or anfwering the
perfe jultice of God, for thus onely is Chréft jaf and righte-
ous; butboth 4¢ was, and aZothers of Geds Children are
termed juft. 1.. incegard of bie ortheir juft dealing in their
particular calling. 2. in regard of thesr walking in the ri¢h-
teous wayes Of Ged. 3. in regard that they are Santlyped
by Gods Spirit,and have the righteon/neffe of Chri? imputed
uponthem, and thus in Scripture are Lot, Nah, lob,Za-
ebariahand Elizabeth named jultand righteor.

. Obje, But the rightesu are not alwayes delivered from
| thofe judgements which are ixfitéted uponthe ungodly?

Anfw. When God {ccth it deft for his owne Children, to
be delivered, he doth even vifibly deliver them , as were
David, Hexekiah, Mofes,and the ske;bue when he knewerh
that fistlsens may tend unto their greater good,he dotheven
Simite them withthe fame, as he doth ethers, but differert!y,
them in /evie,others in wrath; preferving thems even int
wid of trenbles; So vhat their troxb/es thail not worke
their evexthrew,yeaand if be take shem away by death , hee
doth st fer thei Oak Gd oo ; | b Why Goa

weft. Goa tous prefer eliver the'} Way Go
ee ; x2. Anlwk —-

Pial.3 3.18.

Pfal.z4g..6
Pfal. 34 19,

Tawhat a
eee

are
termed righté-
Ouse -
I
2
3

06,
Sel.

on ote nee 288 een eee ee ~~ wets ees =e he

5.08

: ‘ I
2

3
i In separd of
bisfelfe.

J
Pfaf.5o0.1 Se

2.
Deut.7.83

3
Efay. 63.9"
Iudg.10.16.

> ie
Ezek. 16° J*.
In regard of
his Coddren, 3
1°
Pfal.91.14.
r 9

Sa NE eR EP OS LLL IY - .- «
ee
a
2
wu
Ld
oa
©

3
4
In regad cf
the wicked.
I

3
Uf.
I

Marks ofa
; righteous man
‘ if
Mar.6.%0-
2
3
lob. 17.9.

b}
Pro.28.7.
&

“= <b

(

“Marks of a righteous men, Chap. 2.

—e oo —

1 infds 1. in regard af Lim/clfe 2. in regard of ltis (As/-

| dren, 3.in regard ofthe wicked. Ja regard of bimfelfe, 3.

Be caute be hath premifed todeliverthem, call upon mein the
| day of trouble; Se will I deliver thee. 2. becauie hee lowerh
| them. But becan{e the Lord loved you, and becun{e hee wenld
| keepe the Oath whsch-he had fworne nnto your Fathers, the
| Lord hath br ongit Jou ont with a mighty hand, and delivered

yon ont of the houfe of bondage, from the hand of Phareah

King of Egypt. 3. becaulc be doth Symspaths/e with them in

their rronbles. In all thetr troubles (faith [/atah) he was tren-
bled, Hu foule was grieved for the miferie of I/rael.. 4, for
the manifeftarion of his pewer, that all the world may know

that there 1s a Godin Ifrael, 5, that thereby he may reape be- |
nourand glorie.

Inregud of his Childres.1. becaufe they love him. 2.
becaufechey put their srw and confidence in him. 3. becanfe
in trouble they call upon him. 4. that bogh they and ethers
alfo may be excouraged to depend upon him, of

In regard of the wicked. 1. left they fhould have occafiew
to blifpheme the grorious mame of God. 2. leaft they fhould
sofale over the godly, and trample themunder fooote. 3. that
they may alfo fearne to repent them of their fisnes , and |-
foroud themfclves under Gods proteStione.

Hence we are taught. _

1. Toget a particular affurance that we are juft and righ-
teous, that we are of the number of Gods Children, having
our aanecs written in the booke of life : that thus, we may bee
affured of Gods pzotection. |

Queft. Py whatacanes may lgecthisafurence 2°

Anfio. By thete infallible marks 1. univerfall obedience
unto all Gods commandementsnot unto one alone,or fome few.

Like unto the obedience of Herod,2. A particular and fpeti-

all ayme in every thing atthe advancement of Gods glory. 3.

perfeverance in well doing, 4. Brotherly love, 5. Boldueffe
ss Gods canfe 6. ixward Sanllification accompanied with
an oxtward con{cienable perfermance of the daties, of cur
general and particular calling, as they have relation omo

Se TY AS

ee San

God, our neighbours, or our felves. | |

20 Intime of troubles, whither earward, or imward , ifi-
rstuall ox temperall, to ranne unto God for ayde.

3 - To afcribe the boxonr and glory uf our deliverance, nn-
to ° :

Zz Nos to eppe/e our {elves again Geds Children, s as
much asGod by his {pirituall providence proseteth them.
Thus ofthe 2, Obfervation.

Thefecondisthis,that |

The converfation of wicked perfons, s filthy, and their deeds
unlawfnll, flebse inthe eyes of God : of good men wholly 4b-
herred, Vulawfull, as being againft the Law of Ged , the
lawes of men, the law of nature, Such is the converfation,
Such arethe deedes, ot drunkards, whoremongers, gluttons ,
| and the like, compared therefore in Scripture to Hogs and
Dog ges, whence it followeth.

2. That God cannot abide the converfation and deeds of |

wicked men, they are abbomination in his fight, and no won-
der ,in 46 much as be is a pure and holy God, whole Nature
i rhe aveife from inne, which # wholly smspare and
ltby. |

id That the conver [ation and deeds of the wicked are not.

to be imitated. Noman mutt pretend. chem as apaterne or rule
whereby todireé his coxr/es; their thoughrs., their words,
their workes, are aliogether Poluted, and fo not worthy
smitation. They are ugly, loathfome, abhominable , {uch as
dare not abide the cleere Jight of the Skane, tuch as the wic-
ked them{elves often are afoansed off, fo not worthy commen-
dation, who fo folowerbthem, and «ppreveth the fame,
maketh Goda /yar, and is arebell againtt his Majeffy. He
that tomcheth pitch foal bee defiled therewith, ana whofe
mae with the wicked foall partake of thesr wicked-

nelle, ;

3. Thartherefore as Gods Children ought to ab/taine from
converfing with the ungodly. following the example of Da-
vid who did net haunt with vaine perfons, neither kept com-
se with difemblers, fo the ungedly wut in time /eath their
fitkineffe,

Ver. 7 ‘pe conver [ation of Wicked per fons filthy.

319

3
Pflal 26.4

X 3 eee

31a

D.Gods chil-
dren are vexed
with the filthy
converfation
ot rhe wicked.
Pfal:319.

136.

Mazth.2 3.37.
Heft.4.1.
Naas, 2507.

Reafons.

thatthe former are the fervanes of Ged, che latrer , carnal

Godly vext by the wayes of the wicked. Chap.z.

filrbineffe,abftaine from their «x/awfnd deeds. Oh that your
eyes Were opened, that ye might perceive the filthineffe of
Anne '.Oh that your bearts wouid refe again{t se, whereby
you might Psnne it asa loath Jfome,and sgly Toade' How-
foever tho: eftcemeft of finne, it is certaine that finne is leath-
fome and wg/y, remove from #t the {ceming pleaf{wres which
accompanie st, and thou fhalt plainely percesve, undoubted
judgements attending +t, pull off itseover, and thou {halt die
{cerne its vglineffe,the Dsvel painteth it (as whores do their
faces) that it may bee extertained, being in sts owne Ature
loathtome, as they are. Thou loveit to have thy face, hands,
and o:her parts of thy body essere, endevour efpecially for
swward fanthification. Thus of the 2. Ob/ervation.
The rhéd is this, that. :
Gods Children are vexed withthe filthy converfation of the
wicked. de even vexethetr fortes from day to “4 with their
unlawful deedsyivers of waters({aith David gufo ont of meine
oe becaufe they keepe not thy law, Ob how the infidelity, difo-
edsenco , and other fnnes of the Jewes troubled our Savi-
our Chrift fromtime totime! Ob how Hameans pride vexed
goed Mordecay!Oh howthat abhominablea?of the J/rachtifp
man with the Afidianstifs wonsan vexed good Phinees | Yea
no doubt even in thefe dayes, as the ungodly doc witsyng!
and willingly by their Sénnes , ayme at the vexasion of. ‘1
Children, {0 hey are indeed wexed at the /ame. ,
The reafons hereof are thefe. 3. becaufe Ged: heereby
d:foonered, 2. becanfe hereby the Divels kingdome is en-
creafed, 3-becaule hereby Gods word is defpifed. 4. becaufe
heercby others are encexraged cofune. 5. becaufer ey bebola
and perceive them to continue in finne, and {oto approve, and
dike of the fame. 6. Becaufe they kscw not how to reclaime
them from the /ame.
Hence we may perceive,
r. A maine difference betweene the ged/y and the xxgedly;
the Gedly they greeveat the finnes of ethers; the ungodly,
they make a aft and laugh at the fame. An evident marke,

{Ver. 7. Dangerous dwellmg with the wicked.

& snregenerate perfons. This * the angedlies practife, even in
thefe our dayes;lct thems behold a drunkard,ftaggering & ree
ling toand tro, Ice them obferve a man or women given un-
to waineglorions pride,la{ctwiou/neffe and the /tke, when sx-
deed, they have can/é to weepe, they jeff at the fame.
2. How we ought to be «felted with the #agedlies conver-
4 {ation and dceds, we mult be vexed with the/ame,we muft be
greived with tbe fane,our griefe proceeding from our fove
unto Ged ,our Zeale and fervent defire to glerifie God , our
gritfe being forcible and fervent , peircing even our feales,
and ssward parts,ncither grieving Onely for {ome fmad time,
but trom day to day, neither onely when wee fee God dif-
foamed » but when wee beare any thing tending to the
ame.
3. How 4:feratly wicked thefe are which doe of purpofé
1 finne by drankcwne rs [wearing, filthy communication, and
the /ske, even that thereby they may vexe Gods children;
well, They cannot chafebut be vexed at {uch doings, but woe
unto thens by whem they are vexed ; they [ball have theirre-
ward, even perpetual vexation in the fire ofhek. Thus of the
3. obfervation.
. The foarth is this,that - |
Its hurtful and danger om for Gods ebildrente dwek amengh
wicked perfons. Let dwelling amonytt the 5 odomites, vexed
his righteous foule from
wee unto me (faith the Pfalmif) that I remaine in Mefech,
and dwellin the Tents of Kedar; my fexle hath too long dwelt
with him that batethpeace. Theexamples of Abraham in Ge-
rar ,of [aac amonett the Philiftiss, of Iofephin Egypt.con-
firmethe fame.

The reafons hereof are thefe. 3 Bécanf they fhall bea | ok

faulted by evillcounfels and examples, 2 They halk be en-
dangeredin their con/cienses, lives,andefates. 3 They fhall
be many times taken away in the fame common calamstse,
which taketh beld on the wicked. This ferveth partly for re-
prebenfion,and partly for exberrarion, |

_ For Reprebenfiow unto fuch ac affe& che company of the #- VéeotRepree

te day with their unlawful deeds: | se

giz

Vfe of Exhort,

Ob.
Solut.

The benefit
which sven
the un odly
reape by che
com ‘aie of
Gods Cail-
dren, ,

lob. 22. 3,9.

The eonclufi=

on of the prez
ceeding dos

Arine.

| from Sodome fire aid brineftone contumed the Citie, wheg

The company of Gods Children profitable. Chap.2)

godly,»s liketo dwelt amongtt thems,often removing from fac
places, wherethey are sot,to fuch plases where they are,
whofe fokse is fomuch.greater then theirs which remove
from healthfell to xnwholefome dwellings, asthe welfare of
the foxle isto be preferred unto the welfare of ihe body,

Forexh.station, let us as much as in us lyeth keepe onr

felves frem this, untoward generation, neyther Affecting the
Company, gor imitating the conver/ation of the wagodly, Ob.
But the angod/y are fo many their nwmber {0 great,\o difperfed
thatin #op/ace wecan be free of them?e An. It as yee thou art
not (etled,thou maieft make choyee offuch 4 place, wherein
their sumber is leaft, it already thou arc feted, having the
sinifery of the word, and dwelsng amongft /#ch in whom
thor doeft not fee evsdens fignes of reprobation, I fuppofe
thou art uot boxnd toremeve but being /o.periecuted among
thems, asthat chou cantt not /ive in peace thou maift get thee
ante {me other place.

Luft. But may the wicked fay, we defire them not to
dwell among:t #, we had rather have their reome then their
company? . :

Anfw. Howfoever thou efteemeft of thens they are. the
horfes and charets of Ifrael, they keepe off Gods ju gements,
the. fland inthe gap,and make up the breatch, when Neah
enued into th: efrke, the fleed came, when Lot remooved

God had by death takenaway. his Prephers, deftradétion came
upon the J/raelirs, happy arewe fo long as Gods children
continue amongft #s The ignorant foal deliver the Iland,and
st fall be prsferved be the pureneffe of thine bands, faith Jeb,
thern.can‘tg she eof isthe, that God will deliver a whole
countrey from persil,even for tne je mans fake. Thus of the
fourth obfervation, | So

Ver(. 9. Tbe Lerd knoweth howto deliver the godl out of
’ tempration, andtoreferve the unjuft nate he day of
pusemcnt to be punifed, |

|. Thefe words containe the cosclafen of the preceeding
Dottrine

Verkg. 3 Meanes of the godlies delivery.

DeoGrine, touching the defirnétion of the augedly , and pre-
fervasion of che godly If God faved Neah in the time of the de
luge, It God faved Lot, when Sodome was defroyed, then he
kecweth how re deliver the gedly ont. of temptation, but the
former u true, therefore alfothe latter, Againe, If be fpared
net the Angels that finned, If be fpared net the old world, sf be
turned the Cities of Sadome and Gemorrah into afnes, then
hekneweth how toreferve the unjuft unte the day. of jxdge-
ment to be punifeed, but the former ts evident, therefore alfe
the latter,

This conslnfew confifteth of. two parts. The r con
cerneth the prefervation of the godly, in thefe
words, Zhe -Lerd knoweth how. re. deliver the godly ont
of temptation, The 2, concerneth that defredtion, of the
wicked, in thefe words, and t9-neferve the nnjuft unto the day
of jndgement to be prnifhed. Or (according to the. Genewa
tranflation ) to referve the unjuff unto the day of judgement,
under punifoment. As the fermer doth minilter aboundant
goyes untothe godly fo the /atter,may breede nof{mall terronr
upte x#god/y livers. As unto the godly, their godlineffe is
gainful; fo untothe wicked, their wickedncfe is hurtfxl.
Though God for a time doth pasiextly beare with the wicked
that-chey may repess, fuffering his owne Children in the
arcane time to be tempted , tobee exceedingly affitted and
troubled ,yet'neither have the. wicked canfeto rejeyce, neither
thi godly tobe difconraged , for the Lerd kseweth how to de-
Usver the godly out of temptation, and to referne the uxyuft
unto the day of jndgensent (under puxifowsent) tobe panifbed.
He being moft wifeyaff and goed, knoweth, mbat, when, and
how every thingis to be dene, both tosching the prefervatsos
of the godly, and defiruction of the wseked.

Foushing the former ; The Lard knoweth how to. deliver
the godly one of temptatsons, that is, the Lord hath berne long
prattifed in (aviny and deliversng tha righteons : he ts not ig-
norant, both when ind bow todeliver them: he wanreth net
varierie of meanes for their prefervation, when hee himfelfe
wiketh, Heecan-qusckise fee them at isberty., hee: Knaweth
what

313

Two parts of
the finnc.

prea kin
te deliver the

godly ont of
temptatior s,

314

The godlies deliverance from temptation, Chap.2:

what troubles and temptations willbe mci for their profits :
he kxeweth how long it foal be fit teexercefe them with shofe |
sroubles, he knowerk how te wphold them, whilf they are
affstled; he knoweth Low by temsptationte worke thesr goed :
as through is providence and permiffion, crefjes and troubles
doe ceaze upon hisowne Children, for their good, fo when
be wileth, becan; and when he feeth st fit, he will free and dan
liver thems frem the fame.

For the underftanding of this point, thefe fexre particue
lars are to be confidered. 1. the deliverer, 2, the perfons den
livered, 3. the groand of their delsverance, 4. the matter
from which they are delsvered.

(Concerning the 1, the deliverer is the Lord, The Lord
knoweth hew te delsver the godly out of tentation, even, the
Lord by whofe providence and permiffion the godly are temspe
ted, trenbled, ox affitted: Touching bin tw things. may be

| noted, 1. how ft a deliverer he is, 2. the dsverfe wages

whereby he doth deliver.
He is a fit de/iverer, yea of all others the fisteft , if either
weconfider his skid, his will, his right or his power; bis
skill both abeue that natwre of our tronbles, the canfes of
them, the ssanner and meanes, how they are to be cared; his
will ,as being grieved at our troxbles alwayes wslling and de-
frou to doce us geod ; his right, hebeing our creator, wee
his creatures, more efpecially, hee our Father and wee his
Children; his power » a8 being able to doc whatfoever hee

willerh.

The wayes whereby hedelivereth or preferveth and keeper
his owne Chsl.:renfromtronble, and temprations are thefe,
1. when by death he calleth them out of this /:fe, before
judgements doe come, luch as plague, famine, marre, cApti~
vity, and the/ske, of which Efayah{peaketh, Tbe righteens
ss taken away from the evsll tocome. OF which good Jofab
had experience, to whom Haldah the Prophete fe {ent this
meffage; Behold Iwill gather thee (laith the Lord) to thy
Fathers,and then {halt be gathered to thy grave sn peace
neither foall thine eyes fee allthe evsll thas [will bring “pen
this

9. Meanes of the godlies delirvery.

lace,and spon the ssbabitants of the fame.s.when he doth
clon fly recerve him in that very midkt of danger ,or dels-
hem from fuch dangers, as have takes holdon them, of
sh the Seripenre aboundeth in examples. How often did
thus delsver and preferve both David and Pas! ? How,
1Afofesand the I/ralstes ? How often the Patriarchs
bets and eApoftles ? lofeph from his envious brethren,
afcivious miffreffe ; Iacob from covetous Laban , and
d-thirlticE/an; Elias fromthe armie of the Syrians ,
the tyrannicall cruelty of idolatrous lexabel; Peter,
1 sprsfonment,andimminent death! 3. when kee be-
'eth upon his owne Children {uch a meafire of Piritn-
msfert . and patience, whereby they are wpholden in the

F of troubles, yeaand manfxlly encountering with them,.|

pute the fame; whereby they bwmblechemfelves under
mg biy hand of God ; not murmenring at his chaftifements
vi 54 fabmitting themfelves unto his #58, of which
td, lob, Paul,andabove all ous Savior Chrift ; are evi-
examples,

scerning the 2.the Perfons whom the Lord doth deliver
‘eferve and keepe (the original word, fignifying beth)

he godly, thatis, (asthe werd inthe erigsnal# doth fig- | god

)they which rue) and-veligionfly werfosp God ; which
vour to frame their lives according to the rule of Gods
4, which are fantlified by Gods pirtt y& cleathed with the
ts andrighteonfneffe of Chrift, thofe I fay, are the per/ons
m God doth preferne and deliver, there being betweene
and thems {uch a /ympathy , that be will not fuffer thems
overwhelmed by troxbles.

ncerming the 3. the groxwd of their de/swerance is Gods.
ledge, whereby,we may underftand, his snfinite wife-
,and power extended towards the deliverance of his
¢ Children, his (peciall providence and proteétion, where-
2 watcherh over them, and iscareful for their good. As

Theperfons
delivered or
preferved,che
Je

The grounds .
of the delive-
rancee
Gods know-
ledge.

seweth when it will be def, and with what reds to chaf- |

bis owne Children {o he kreweth when and how to deli-
them: He being {sithfal whe wsil not fieffer ns to Pevemp-
te

I Cor.}0.3 Je

The matter
froma which
they are deli-

vered tempta-
tions,

Hew God
ecmpteth,

Exod, I Ge 4.

ludg. 2.224

Deut, 13.3.

2 Chron.32..
$1.

Severall fores of temptations. Chap.

ted, above that weare able, but w:ileven give the iffue with
the semptassan, that we may be able to bear: tt.

_Concernsng the 4. the matter from which they are delswered
iStempration, Temptations, arcortws furts The temptatson,
of trssil, and the temptation of perdscion, ig regard of the
different effe , which they werke in the perilous tempted;
unto the ged/y, they are triads, uato the “xeed/y , they are
fearefuh punsfoments, fore runners of ther everlafting per-
ditt .nwof che former fort of remsprationsyeven {uchas befalthe
Children of Ged, is our eFpoftle io be underftood in this place, } °
Thofe alfo are déverfe, The ged/y fometimes are tempted of
Ged sometimes by Satan; fomecimes by mensand fometimes
by their owne /#fts, Out of all which, she Lord knoweth bew
to deliver them.

1. [fay. The Lord isf{ayd to tempt them, or torry and
prove them, that it may-be kxowne whatis inthem, whether
good or bad, This he doth dsverfe wayes, fometimes,by pre-
fpersty, of which Afofes {peaketh, beheld, Lw:k canfe bread
terasne frombeavente you, andthe people [hall goe cut and
gather ; that, that 1a{ufficiens for every day, that I may preve |
them whither they wil walkein my Law , or not, Sometimes
by adverfitie, of which in the booke of Jadges. J -will no
more caft out before them any of the Nations , which Iofoua
left whenhe died, that throngh them I may prove I{/rael,whe-
ther they ws keepe the way of the Lord, to walke theres , as
their fathers kept st, or not: (ometimes by falfe Prophets, of

which Afefes {peaketh fram God: Thow frale nst bearken
nnto the words of that Prophet, or that dreamer of dreames :
for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether yen love
the Lord your God, with allyour heart and with all jour
foule : Sometimes by permitting cher to fall into fome one or
other finne, as David in adulterse, Letin inceft, and the/ske.
Therefore is it faidof Hexekiah, howbeit sn the bn fine ffe of
the ambaffadors of the Princes of Babylon, whe (ent unto him
to enquire of the wonders that was doxe iathe land » Ged left
his, te trie him. that he might know, all that was in kis beart.

Thus I fay, God proverb us, not as though he had secede of
. an

4 .
fy

Werk g. Several fores of temptations. 317
, Many trial to kom any of xs all, but that we ous {clves may
thereby kxew the betzer what is iss, and laying afide.all
arrogancs and-vaine perfwafien, humbly fubmit oar felves
| untu Ged. Which way foeverthe Lord doth tempe us, hee
aymeth therein at our good, Which the Apofile lames |
uuiciently proveth, favinp, Bleff ca es the man that endureth
temptation, for when he sstried, he foall recesve the crowne
| of dife, which the Lord bath promifed to them that love him,
2. Satan is {aid to tempe thegodly, and be tempreth when
he movethus to leave Ged, and chat obedience , which wee | Hew Satan
owe unto him aay way, when he proveth and inciterh us un- | Meech.
tn fane, by all meanes poifivle, when hee fifters us by fubtie
Suggeftions , thatall grace may be feaken out of our hearts,
and nothing left, bat the braxne and chaffe of corruption.
Thus was our Saviour Tempted, Thus was David tempted
when he pumbred the people. And of this Saint Pax! {pea- | Mat.g.y,
keth. For this canfe, when could ne longer forbeare, I fent,
that I might know of your fasth, left the tenspter had temp. | 2 Sam. 24.1,
ted yox,inany fort. Touching the manner how he tempteth, | * The3-5-
itis esther by affeming urto himlelfefome outward (ape
and /skeneffe, or by prefenting objects unto us,. or by snflz-
ming the corruption of our sature , or by snjeding evill fg
Seftons. . Touching the mateer of his tesprations, it is di-
verfe , for whom hee cannot-overcome one way , hee ende-
voureth to vanquith another way, yea he feldome cealethto
tempt, thar by his affiduitie, he may weariethofe, whom hee
Cannot vansqnife. Themarterof bis temptatsons may be re- | -
duced unco two heads, for either he tempteth injndgement.to
erroxr and herefie rin life,to fin and impiety’; he tempteth. in
profpersity to carnall confidence, vainglory, aud worldly plea-
Sures; in adverfitie, to impatience, diftruft., and defperatson,
‘perfwading ns,thac there is sething in Gedout jaffice:chat we
are ediexs and abbomsinable inthe fight of God; that we want
fasth ; that we are reprobates, that our finnes cannotbe par-| —- -
dened > and the bike. .
_ $e The Godly are remspted. by men, and that-estber when Manager
they /ecke matter and eccaion agiinit them, for which te
: repre- |

I?m, 1.12.

338.

How the god-
ly are tem
by cheir lufts:

Jam,3.14.

D. TheGod-
ly in this pre-
{ent world are
{abjed& to
temptations.
1 Pet. 3.6.
Heb. 12.6.

2 Pet.5.8.
Tob. 16.3 3.
As 146220
2 Tim. 3.12
Pfal.3 4.19.

Pee.2.11,

Heb, 130 36.

The godly fubjeét totemptations. | Chap.2}
reprebend and accafe them , oc when they doe openly per-
Secute them, taking from them both their gseds , their geod
name ({o much as inthem lyeth) and “fe. ,
4. The gedly are tempted by their owne /s/fs (as every
msn is) when they ave extifed and meved to finne, and
drawne afide of their ewne concapifence , of which Saint
Lames {peaketh, but every man utempted, when he 1 drawne
away of bis owne Luft, and entifed ,from thofe possts thus de-
livered, tare ebfervatsens may be gathered.
The firf is this, that |
The Godly in thse prefent world are fubjelt to temsprarions,
yea (as our Apoftle writethin his firf Epiftle ) sure mansfold
tenmsptations. Godtempreth them;for mbomtie Lord leveth,
be chaftsfeth.and {courgethevery fonne whom bee recesveth :
Sathan tempreth thens , for asarearing Lyon hee conti
gocth about, fecking whom he may devoure, The world remp-
teth them, according to our Savisers owne fpeech, Js ¢
world yee foal have tribulation, confirmed by Pas! and Bar-
wabas, which exhorting the Di/ciples to continue in thefaith
Affirmed that threxgh many affitttsons we muff enter inte the
king dome of God, and againe, writing snto Timothy he faith,
yea and all that will live godly in Chrift Icfus, foall fuffer
perfecutions, according to that of David, Many are the
troubles of the righteoms. Their owne /ufts likewile /teketo
enfuare thems , therefore doth our Apoftle befeech us, re
abfiaine from filthy luffs which fight againft the fente,
This may be confirmed by the examples of all Gods Children,
which have gone before # from the very beginning of the
Werld , untill this prefent time. To inftance 4 few. efbra-
haw is renowned for his faith; Jofeph, for his Chafirie ;
(Mofes, for his meekeneffe; yet were not free from temp-
tations: David for his xprightneffe,Iob for his patsence, Ion
fab for his xeale,yet were not free from temptations, yea our
Savionr himfelfe was not exempted from the fame. Had not
others alfo trial of cruel mockings,G- [cornings,yea moreover
of bonds and smprifonmsents?were they not flexed, (awen afun-
der, tempted ,flaine with the fwordididthey not wander abent

, {Verko.: The godly why fubje&'to temptations.
ste Sheepe-skinnes aud. Gaate-skinnes, being deftitute, affistted

tormented ? wandred they.nct sn deferts, and in mountaines

and in deus and caves of the earth. :
The Reafons hereot ara fonrefeld, in regard of God;
themfelues ; Satan; and the world.

In regard of Ged.1.becaufe hx Jeveth us,2-becaufe he would
prove us,3.becaute he would ssanifeft his /ove & power in our
de liverancea becaufe be w osld have ss to dr..w wigh ante him.

Inrcgard ofour/elves, 3. that wee may become like un-
to Chrsft, 1. ihat our vertnes may be exercifed, 3. that wee
may be emsbeldned to fer ve Gody4. that we may not bce con-
densned hereafter, 5. that we may bee weaned from the plea

fures of this world, 6. that we may abfiasse from jane, 7.
that we may be fantisfied partakers of his belineffe. 8. that
‘We obay keepe bis Commandemsents.

In regard of the Dévef who hateth us, and fecketh our
overthrow, endevoureih by all meanes poffible to vere us,
trenble we, and bring croffes upon #6.

In regard ofthe world , which tikewife hating us, doth
not ceafetoperfecare us foi righteonfnefefake. ..
. The wfes hereof are fourefold.

For Infiruétion 1 that croffes and tronbles are no figne ef | ch

Gods hatred , or of reprobatsen, as by the contrary , oMt-
ward profferitie ts no fipne of Gods love or of elettsan. For

even the bylieft have had molt ereffes the wickedef mott pro- |

Shericy, 2 that we onghe net to be alhamed of thofé,which are

exercifed under troubles: butto remensber shes that are in.

bonds,as thongh we were bound with them, and them that are
én aftétron,astf we were alfo afflifted iz the body. 3. that wee

en gh to afford all the helpe and comfort wee can. one to an-
other. |

by praying, | raja , exhorting , confirming,
and thelike. 4. thatime,owght to prepare our [elves for tron-
bles, affuring our (Rpes ‘that the godly «this prefent world
are fubjett to remptations « a |
"For Reprebenfion 1, Viito fuch, asin thetime of profers-
re, do not fo tindh ae-drcame of aever/rse, facre anlike ud-
to carefwil-marivets, which inthe: vinte of acalave ; prepare n
‘ | cir

319

| Roafen.
Ja regard of
God.

I. ;
Pro, 3.11.32, .
2

4
In regard. of
our ({tlvés.

3
3
4.
5

Heb. 12, 30,

The godly why fubjeé totemptations. Chap.2

their rack/ingsagaintt che enfuing forme. The neglect of

this confsderation, occafioneth their murmuring, grudging,
and impatience, when trebles, whether poverty, fiche e, or

2 the /ike {eale upon them, 2. unto fuch as Fumble at the croffes
| and troxbles wherewith Chriftians exe exercifed; which re-
fafero walke in thefe wayes of God, becaute of thofe tres.
bles, like unto that rich was that came to Chriff, who would
not deny himfelfe, take up Chrifis Creffe, and follow btm:
Vaine and foolifh man, Gsd in his infiatte wifedome hath ap-
pointed that thronch many afflictions we muft enter inte the
Kingdon of God, how then dareft thou oppol: the famset
either muft chou chus,elfe halt thou *ever enter into beaven.
3 3+ unto fuch as doe judge of men and women according to
their profperitie and adverfirie, concluding , that Ged loveth

the former, hateth the datrer, as bimsclech judgeth chat
Gen, 21,22. | God was with Abraham, becaufe he did outwardly prefer,
and Gedeon thought God was not with him/elfe or the [fra-
Indg.6.13. | e/stes,bccaufe they were fo oppreffed by the CAMidsanites; '
Thofe are falfe rules,for(as I haveiaid before even the heticf |
have had mott croffes; the wickedef,preateft prefperitie. |

| For confolation unto Gods children groaning under the

Vieof Cenfo= | heavie burden of temptations. Thouart no otherwife tron. |

Mat. 19.2 3.

| tation. bled, then others of Gods Childzen,his beloved ones , have |

becne before thee. Thy lot is butas theirs was: thou doft
but drinke of the fame cup,whercof they dranke ; yea wherc- |
of thy CALafter, thy Lord, thy Savicur, did drinke: was '
there ever any fo trowbled as [am fayeft thou? be was, and |
othershavebin: had ever any fo great trials as Ihave, fayeft
thou?se had others alfo much more, rhow haf noe yer refifed
unto blood, But I foall never be alle to endure (0 many-tron-
bles? through Chriff thou fhait venqyife them a4. Thine
affisttions (hall nottesd unto thine AMM but unto thine ex-
ceeding profite. Thou fliait be there ld tried inthe fre,

«| and learne torunne the path of GOM¢-C dileggndenents.
VfeofExbor-| For Exhortation 1. Letus (affuring our felves that rhe
tation. godly are (ubjef unto temptations ) ever prepare our {elves

I | for tronbles before theycome. Tethisegd, wee maftsake

Co, 2 te

ee all

Ver..9. ‘God knowes bow'to deliver the godly.

to heart, whatfoever calamitie , we obferne to bee laid upon
ethers, trying how we were able to beare it, ifthe like befall
our /e/ves, asto havea long and tedious ficknefle, to bee sns-
prifened and reviled for the caufe of Cérif', to have our ba/-
bands, Wives, Children, Friends, taken away by death, and
the /ske , thus obferving our ewne wants, and smperfeétions;
and fo amending the fame, preparing with all fasth, prudence,
prayer, patience ,comrage, perfever ance, and the like Chrifti-
an weapons, whereby to vanquifh our owne corrmption, that
we may hold out,not fares under ourtresb/es,2, in the time
of temptation let us. behave our. felves as the Children of
ga: oth Ged tempt us? let us beas gold tried inthe fre;
the Divell sempt us? letus refit bine, thar he may flie
frem mu, and refift him by the Word of -Ged , faith, and
prayer 3 by which weapews we thall sfluredly prevaile ; doth
the world tempt us? let us oppofe our /2/ves againft it, chat.
by faith we meay overcome the whole Worlds, doe our owne
Laft's tempt us ¢ let us not yeeld, but dayly (abdwe, and mor-
tifieche famee Thus of the 1 obfervation,
. The fecond is this, that
The Lord kneweth bow tedelsver the godfie ont of Temp-
tatiex. By him Abraham , Ifaac, Inceb, lofeph ; thel/rae-
lites, Mordecay, David, Danies; with thoufands others
have beene delivered. He knowerh, as being molt i/2, even
wifedome it {elfe , as being melt powerfxl , even power it
felfe. He knoweth at what: time it willbee ftref# to deliver
-| hisowne Childress from their troubles , and likewile bowre
bring the fame to paffe according to his owne will, for
his Childrens goed. He wanteth not diverfe wayes and
meanes toworke their deliverance , he can worke by weake
meanes , without mggnes, yea contrary toall meanes , for
their good, 7 iy) , 7
And seedfull it Ripftgm bce fhould-kew how to deliver
them. 1. becanfeusiiee
or fortune, but through his pected. providence, 2, becaufe
they are unable to helpe ehew:/{-/=es ont of the fame 3-Beraufe
they put their wbdletruft and confidencein him, 4. becaufe

doe not Seafe upon them by chance |

g2t

D.The Lotd
kneweth how
to deliver the
godly out-of
temptation.

2
3
4

e Y the

322

And to referve
the unjuft uns
to the day of
judgementto
be punifhed
KC.

D. There thall
b: a day of
judgement
wh: rein the
unjutt

fhall be puni-
fhed.

Pfal. 9-7
Heb.9.27%

Ged kn wes Low to deliver the godly. Chap.a,

the Died tceketh by his temptations , to deffray them, and
the werld to adde affisétion, unto affisson,5. Becaufe their
exemics arccruellas Lyons,craftie as Foxes.

Hence may we perceive.

1. The wonde: fall power cf God able to remsve even the
orcatcit temptation, and w hich is ot /ongeft continuance,
able to delswer the Godly even froma world of encnsies , bane
ding themfclves together apainft them,

a The vanstie of the xngod/y in fetting themfelves againft
Gods Children, devifing by all meanes how to croffe them,
vexe thea, trenble them, and #adee them , as though they
were sfer then God, more powerfull then be is.

3 With what alacritie and cherefulneffe the Godly may
undergoe their tronbles, as knowing that not onely God is the
author of thems, and that he iafliéterh them for the bef, bat
slfochat they thal! ecntinne no longer then they may tende un
totheir goed, and thit eboth eas and will delsver them in
his ooze die time. Thus ofthe 1 obfervation, and fo of the
former part of the verfewwhich concerncth the prefervation
ofthe godly.

Tonchivg the datter s the deftratlion of the ungodly, and
to referve the unjuft unto the day of jndoment (under punife-
mentor ) to be punifoed,it containeth thefe ee things.

1 That there foal be aday of jxdgement wherein the unjnft
foall be punifhed.

2 Thatthey are new referved ander punifoment ante the
judgement cf that day, both which the Lord knorweth how
top rforme, he kiioweth how to referve them unto the day of
judzement, he know eth how to pxai chem at that dav, he
can doe it, he sd doc it, he keowerh how to accomplith the
fame, .
Forthe 1 There foal be a day of judgement wheveinthe une
jut foall be punifbed, divers places of Scripture confirme the
fame, The Lord hath prepared his throne for judgement , faith
David,,and he fhall judge the world is righteen{neffe. It is
apposnted (faith the Apoftleto the Hebrewes ) fer all men once
to dye, after that commeth judgement, confirmed alfo by &

‘ Inte,

ex.9: There fhalt be aday of judgement ~ 323

| Inde,and Henoch alfothefeventh from eAdam prephecied of :

thefe; bebold the Lord commeth with ten thonfand of bis Tudes14,

Saints, to execute judgement wpon ah, and to convince all that

are unzedly among thews,of all their wn odly deeds, which they

have nngodly committed ; and of all their hard peeches which Toh.t 2.48.
odly finners have fpoken again(t him. This is ca'led the cate

tafe day Aday ofwrath, The day of our Lord Icfiss Chriff, | 2 Pet.3.12,

The day ef God, ‘The great day, the day of revelation, Reve, | inde 0.

20.13. as alfe the day of judgement ,Rom.2. [:

That there thailbe fuch a day, befide thofe refimonies of | Proofes,
Scripture formerly allied 3<d,may be proved. 1 From mans
refurrettion. a Fromthe end why Ged created him.3 From
thofe reafons for which God hith appointed the fase, which
are the wanifeffation of his jafisce,and declaration of his mer-

. This our Creede confirmeth, yeamensewne confcience
after the commsi ffon of finnes,affenteth thercunto; the drow-
wing of the ofd werld, the overthrow of Sodomand defirahi-
on of Lerufalems, with the particular judgements which Ged
inflicteth on every man by death, being feadowes and types
of the fame.

_Hence it followeth. Ufes.
1 That of allcreatures, wicked and unjuft perfuns are moft I
miferable, being ssbappy, evcn in their greatclt bappineffe.
Oh how both the world is deceived of them, and they of
themfelves | though they <bosnd inthe things of this.werld,
yet thall they come into judgement, they are referved unto
the day of judgement te be puxifhed, .

a That 4 wxgodly,unregenerate perfons, ougkt in time ‘to
take notice of this jadeement, not putting it off, as if there
were not to bea day of udgement,of deterring their repen-
tance, notwithftandthg of che fame, but in téme feck'nz to
be reconciled untoGod, through,Cbrift. Ch that yee would
| in time confider ths, before it be roo dare, in time returne
untothe Lerd your God, The very terroxr of this dey fhould
incite thee hereunto, Ifitbeterrsble to behold one Garning, |
| ifrernible, the fangs of conftgence; If Felix trembled hea--| r&&r4.25-

ring of the judgements to come, If Gods children have beene)

Me Y2 affraid Te tae

ANWR WY.

Aad to referve
the uniult uns
to the day of
judgemeneto
be punifhed
Me.

Ged kn wes Low to deliver the godly. Chap.a,

the Divell (ceketh by his temprations , to deffroy them, and
the world to adde affliction, unto afiiction,5. Becaule their
exemics arecruellas Lyons,craftie as Foxes,

Hence may we perceive.

r. The wonderfull power cf God able to remssve even the
orcatc{t temptation, and which is of /onge# continuance,
able to delswer the Godly, even from a world of enemies , bane |
ding themf{clves together apaintt them.

a. The vanstie of the wngod/y in fetting themfelves againft
Gods Children, devifing by all meanes how to croffe them,
vexe thea, tronblethem, and #adee them , as though they
were wiser then God, more powerfull then be is. |

3 With what alscrirse and cherefulneffe the Godly may
undergoe their tronbles, as knowing that not onely God is the
anthor of them, and that he inflifterh them for the bef, bat
alfochat rhey (hallecntinne no longer then they may tende une
totheir goed, and thit Seboth cas and will deliver them in
his omxe due time. Thus ofthe 1 0bfcrvation, and foof the
former part of the verfe which, concerncth the prefervatien
Ofthe godly.

Tonchire the duster ; the deftruttion of the ungodly, and
to referve the unjuft unto the day ofjndament (under puns fo-
mentor ) to be punt fhed, it containeth thele two things.

1 That there foal be a day of judgement wherein the unjuft
foall be punifhed.

2 Thatthey are now referved under punifhment nrto the
judgement cf tht day, both which the Lerd knoweth how
to performe, he kvoweth how to referve them unto the day of
juagement, he knoweth how to pxsif% chem at that day, he
car doe it, he ws doc it, he keoweth how to accomplith the
fame, - ;

For thet There frall be a day of judgement wherein the un-
jut foall be punifbed, divers places of Scripture confirme the
fame, The Lord hath prepared his throne for judgement, faith
David,,and be fhall nage the world in righteon{neffe. Ic is
apposnted (faith the 4peftleto the Rebrewes ) fcr all men ence
to dye, after that commeth judgement, confirmed alfo by $*

® Inac,

a ee ee

er.9: There fhall be adayof judgement. 323

Inde,and Henoch alfothefeventh from eAdam prephecied of .

thefe; bebold the Lord commeth with ten thonfand of bis Tude.14.

Saints, to execute judgement upon ak, and tocenvince all that

are ungodly among them,of all their ungodly deeds, which they

have xxgodly committed ; and of ailtixir hard fpeeches which Toh.12.48,
odly finners have fpoken again{t him, This 1s ca'led the Cons.

laf day, Aday efwrath, The day of our Lord Iefies Chrift, | 2 Pet.3.12,

The day ef God, ‘The great day, the day of revelation, Reve, | ude 0.

20.13. as aifo the day of judgement ,Rom.2.9.

That there thailbe fuch a day, befidethofe tefimonies of | Proofes,
Scripture formerly allcd 3<d,may be proved. 1 From mans
refurrettion. 2 Fromthe end why God created him.3 From
thofe reafons for which Ged hith appointed the fawse, which
are the manifefiation of his jufiice,and declaration of his mer-
cy. This our Creede confirmeth, yeamens ewne confcience
after the commifiew of finnes,affenteth thereunto; the drow-
ning of the old werld, the overthrow of Sodomyand defirni-
on of Lerufalem, with the particular judgements which God
infli@eth on every man by death, being foadowes and types
of the fame,

Hence it followeth. | Ufes.

1 That ofallcreatures, wicked and unjuft perfuns are moft I
miferable, being wsbappy, evcn in their greatclt bappineffe.
Oh how both the world is deceived of thems, and they of
themfelves | though they «bond inthe things of this.wer/d,
yet fhall they come into judgement, they are referved unto
the day of judgement te be punifhed,

a That a/ ungodly ,unregenerate perfons, ought in rime to |

take notice of this judeement, not putting it off, as if there

were not to bea day of jndgement,of deferring their repen-

tance, notwithftandthg of che fame, but in tsme {cck'nz to

be reconciled unteGod, chrough,Cbrift. Oh that yee would

| in time confider ths, before it be roo dare, in time returne

untothe Lerd yoor God, The very terroxr of this day fhould

incite thee bereanto, If itbeterrible to behold one burning, |.

| ifrerrible, the frings of confegence; lf -Felix trembled hea-| n&ar4.25-
ring of the judgements to come, If Gods children have beene|

ee ¥2 affraid ee

AWPRr WY

324

udg.6.12.

Luk.21.3 4

D.Theunak |. Forthe2 The anjuf are now referved ander punifoment,
wn cederpee sento the day of judgement. By anjeft, we may underftand a

nithment
to the day of
jedgement.

The sngodly referved unte punifhment. Chap.:.

affraid ac the fight ot one good Angell, how great flrat! bee
the terrour of thisday?what quaking and trembling amongh
wicked men? beholding the Judge in fleming fire accomspanied
with his glorious e4ngels, ready to pronounce fentence
againtt thems? mot fearefull (hall thy cafe be, whofoever
thou art, bar continueft in fane without repentance, a day of
acconnt will conse, wherein, if in this 4sfe thou makeft not
thy peace with Ged, vengeance fhall feafe upon thee. This
day is yucertaine,to teach us to bee comtinnally prepared for |
the fame. Certaine itis that it will net be /ong ere it come, |
molt of thofe fignes which preceede it, being fulfilled. Such
asthe anjverfall preaching of the Gofpell, the cruell perfeca-
tion ef Gods fervants, the general apoftafe of men and we-
men, therevelation of entschrift,warres rumors of warres,
famsne,peftilence carthquaks in divers places, fale Prephets, |
and f. [/e Chrsfts, deceiving manie, the calling of the 'Iewes,
the coldweffe and fecxritie of the world, the aking of she
pawers ef heavens, ecclipfes ofthe Sunne and Meene, and the
iske, Is itany reafon that we fhould deferre our repentance,
and put ér off from day to day, asthough there were notto
bea day of [nd gement.

3 That howfoever God for a time may beare withthe [
wicked, yet at the feng he will pay shem home for al; pum
nifoing them on this day of pantfoment.. Mocke not God, he
will not be ssecked ; hs that already {pared thee. thefe many
yeares, provoke him not now untoanger throngh thine sms-
penstencie, left thou be brought intos* agement Oh treafare
not up wrath upon thy [elfe againft the day of wrath !Remem- | -
ber that exhortation of our Savionr. etnd take heedeto yeux
Selves, left at any time,yourbearts.be overcharged with fir-
feeting and drunkenne(,and the caves“of thi life,(marke it
well) and that day come xpon yew axawares, Thus of the

Sich impenitent perfons.as are eyther already dead, or at thts
prefent alsve. : | my
nef}.

er. 10. The wicked referved for punifhment.

-
e

Buch. What punifement hive wicked men that are
dead? 3

eftnfw. Let Divesteliycu. They cre tormented in the fire
of bell, they have not fo much water as to coole their tongue.
They have no hope of any redemption or deliverance from

thence, yea their fiunes cleave unto their boxes, lie downe with

them inthe duff.
LQuef, What punifhment have wicked men which are
alive, doe not they How in wealth, abound in riches, have

— [ thiswer/dat wil?

_ inf. Even whilethey Ave they are punifoed, and if it

| were nothing elfe, itstheir pastfoment to be referved unte

panstfoment.

duet. Butis there 20 way tocftape ?

enfw, Whither fhould they fire, God being both omni-
prefent,and ommipotent; shough they hall call unto the monn.
taines to cover them, and to the bills to fal wpon them, yet
fhall they not have their defire: Lknow no other way where-

325

The puniih-
meat ofthe
wicked when

they are dead.
Lue, 36.24.

‘Yob.ze. 3X.

The punlth.’
mentofthe .
wicked whilft |’
they ave alive,

The onely
meanes where |.
by they may
e{Cape Punifh=

ment,

by they may efcape , but by fasth in Chrift, and anfained re- |

pentance, whillt they are here a/ive. 1f they trade notin this

path, the Lord,which is moft wé/¢, and moft powerfull, know-
eth bow, toreferve them under puisforsent to be punifved. Their
prefent greatnes,and cunning pelicse {hall not free them-from.
the fame. . |

. Hence it foHoweth —_ |

t Thatthedjagemexts which the Lerd inflidteth upon

the szgoey whillt they are a/své, and after they are dead, are
but fore-raners ofthole everlafting tormseats, whereof they
fhall partake onthe wy of judgement.
_ 2 Thattherefore tey onght to amend by fuch tempora']
jadgements.as are sfisted on them, humbling: themfelves
under the mighti¢hand of Ged, thatthe day of judgement
may be unto them a day of joy, not of borror, or terror. Thus
of the firft part of this Chapter. -

‘Verlere. Batchiefely thems that walke after: the flefo in the

luft of uncleanne fe, and defpife government, prefump-|

Y 3 Snows

a ee 9

ng pe TTC SSS

titing of th: ec
part culars,

hree perticte
lacs obferved
in this verfe.

Their puaith-

2
Their kinds.
Epicures.

Libertines.
In regard of.
their sudyéty-

ment,

In regard of
\eheis praQife

Punlfhment of falfe teachers. Chap...

tions are they ; felfewikled ; they are not affraid to
fpeake evsll of dignitses, 7

. From this ver/é unto the Ye. is fer downethe /econd part
of this Chapter, containing a deferiprion both of the kinds
and wanners ot thole fale teachers, together with divers re-
petstsons of their #t(erable and wofull efate, of thofe manic

QP:

horrible and terrsble torments, whichare prepared for thems,'|

all which are dbriefely recorded in'this fame verfe. I Wee
have their puns /bment,inthefe words, but chiefly sheme that
walke after the fefo, which having relation unto the lef part
of the former verfe (which concerneth the miferable
of saya ft livers, chatin this life, they are referved under pa
nifoment, unto the judgements of the great day, and upon that
day foall receive fentence of condemnation, to be punifbed )
note wzto ws that the cffate of talic teachers is much more
dangerous, then the condition of other ungodly perfons. 3 We
have a deferipeion of their kinds, which may be reduced into
two orders or rankes, for eytherthey are Epscures,or they
are /ibertins;epicures, which walke after the flefo inthe luft
of uncleanneffe, thatis, which fet and order the courfe of their
life, after their owne corrupt affettions folowing thems as their
wides; which rus'after flefoly and filthy lufts ; which as
ruit beaftswaxe wanton ; which obey the flefa; which ferve
their owne belies ; doing whasfoever ss pleafing in their eyes ;
whichare given over santo anrcafonable,and unnatural 2 $
whereby they are altogether defiled s which As bruit beafts
(defpiling /awfiiland honeft mariage ) Isve according te their
owne appetite and defire, contrary beth toreafen and judge.
ment: Libertines, and that both in regard of their judze-
ment,and in regard of their practife, In regard of thicir jdge-
ment, They depife goverment, that is, (asthe eriginall word
fienifieth) rhcy conceive an evill opinion af all lor./farp, gover-
mint, civill power,and dominion, they teach and beleeve the
Chriftians under the New Teftament, are io longcr to be une
der magiftracie, and anthoritic butcheir necks to be cafed of
thatyoake. Inregard oftheir pratlife, They are net affraide
te

{

— ae ee oe ee en ae el

Ver. 10. The qualities of Libertin:s and Epicures. 327

2 ew ——- - —:
~— _—

to peake evill of dignities,:ha is, abthouga they cannot fhake
off government. (tornidchey,will ther, they muft needs be
.| under amtherity) ye they doe manifi ft rherr malice againf it,
inreviling them that er: in authority. They are not affraid of
Gods judgements which may ju fily feafe on them for their con-
tempt. They feare not to {peake evihcf Kings, Princes, Magi-
Sirates, be they never fo grcatixauthority. ‘Vhey {care mst to
carfe them,both inwardly inthewr hearts, and outwardly with
their mouths, thouch the Lord hath fet them in his owne roome
and place, fitting thems wth fpeciall and peculsar gifts,an{weoe
| rable cocheirplaces, bonourirg them with more then ordi- | pay 92.6,
naric titles, {uch as Gods, Lords, and here glerses,or dignities.
Of both iads chere isno {mall number in the popifs Charch,
yea itfeemsth that our Apoftfe in this place, d sth elpecially
ayme at thems, for as onthe one part, they walke after the flefs
sn the luft of uncleanneffe, condemning marsage inthe clergy,
which the Apoftlenamcth bonowrable amorgft all men, \ea- | Hbt-46
ding theirs tives in fernicaticx, adulrerie, inceft, and Sodomi-
trie, 6 astheir owne bifforians record) fo onthe orber pars,
they dehife government fpeake evill of fach as are in antho-
rsty, ailirme that the Clergie exempted from remporall
lawes, and therefore Icft this prefent Jere fhould make any
thing againft them, they underitandby-Geverment, qur Savi-
virsr Chrift, and his vecar (as they call him) the Pope, with
fuch as are in authority ander him, whereby thev would in-
| ferre, that Proreftants ave thofe Herericks heve fpok-« ef, in
that they-defpife, and preake evil of tha Popes government.
3. Wehave athe satwre and qualities of thafe Epicrrer, 3.
& Libertins (et downe.'For 1 chey are prefumpraens ox bold , | ume nature
they dare doe 417 thing thoughnever {0 dangerous, or wick- pour as F
ed. Are they not eld which dare (contrary bothto Geds | Libertimes,
Law,and mans Law )publichly dive in abominable flr bineffc? | Preluaptions.
are they nor bold, which dare not onely (peake againik go-|- -
vernment wut exrfeit snot onely fe, but s7sre again it; not
only fo, but pst violent bards on the Lords anneinted, wit-
neffe the violent deaths of divers Princes, and great men,
Their faves ase-finnes of coxtamacie, proceeding froma
Y 4 ftubborne

|) 330.

i—7— we «= —_ “an one meas Oi Gar = =e aye =r

Lt aamene

“refléc and nature, that he was not afbamed, not onely to play

.to fec fourth the praiféand csmscudarios of that beallly is-

‘for their pratléfe, itis altogether fi/thie, and abominable, Af. |.

free without panifoment, the Remifo clergie walking {till af-

Vncleanneffe of Popifh Clergte. Chap. a}

dicaring the faire of that filily/ce; fo farre forgot both 6»

che filthy Sodomsre himfelfe and to boa openly of the fame,
buta‘fotooke npon him moft impudently, 1n Jealiaw mseter

iguitie, faying, that be himfelfe never. nfed- other, And as.

ter that Ax/elaus efrchbs hop ot Canterbery (as witneffeth
Malter Fex in his acts axd monamsents) had by an a. inhi-
biced Pricffs to marrie,the vice of Sodomse quicklie followed
‘hercupon, infomuch that dayly complaint was made upon
his of the fame, who therempan made an aff againtt st,which
was quickly called imapaine , and fothat carfed ‘vice pofled

ter the flef>, in the Inf of uncleanucffe. 1 his fecmeih to have
beene the caa/e tkat they made at fo many 4bbies, vawles un-
dir the gresnd, leading fromthe bse to. the N
Which never wasveric farre off; even that they might the
more ccurely walke aftcr the flefo, in the luft of nncleanneffe.
witne fle hereof the wickeal and execrable life of their redrgi-:
om: Orders: full of all fedstie,-and found out by Xéng Hem |
ry the cighth his vifrors,and in their owne regifhers aifo re.
corded,to horrible to be beard {o incredibleto be beleeved, fo
ffinking before the face of God and man, that no mervaile it
is if Gods vengeance from beaves provoked, would not fuffer
Onc flone or monument of thofe abhom:inable houfe?, to be
anplucked dowrie; witneffe this rcalme, witncfle hereof the
heads of 6200 murthicred iafants, which in the dayes of
Gregorie the 4, were found in ‘a certaine pord, I might
likewile inflancethe examples of divers Bifoops, Deans,Cardi-
nals, ven in this fame land, which in the dayes of popery
did thus walk after the flefo inthe luft of uncleanneffe, but
what time would not ferve to relate a!], nay thofe feeme net
worththe regarding,feeing evenof the Popes themfelves,
which ftile them{elves the vicars of Chrift; and-that shey
cannot erre, £0 monffrom things are by credible authors ree
corded, as that 13. of chem were open adutserers, 33 pee
: ¢

Verf10.- —-» RRomes-filehy sincletme fe.

like whoremongers,1 t.notorious Sodomites,4, incefixens per-
fons, 7. which by the meanes of Harlors attained tothe pope-
dome one which wasa woman, whoas foce went on preceffion
died in childbed, 4. ‘which were baxds,14.-w were begettes
in whoredswse,& did themfelves live accordingly.7, And is
not Reme it teife (which the papifts ftile the mi freffe of the
world, the wonder of the earth, the eternal citie ) the finke of
all finwe, Of whons that of the Prophet may be fayd; Jn thee
have they difcovered their fathers nakedneffe; in thee have
they humbled her, thet was fet apart for pollution; and onc

hath committed abbomination with his neighbours wife, and |-

another bathlewdly defiled his danghter inlaw, and another
inthee hathbumblea bis fifter, bis fathers daughter. Thefe
Stewes aceinevery fireet, whichthe Pope (out of his owne
former experience. nyo doubt, of the secefiry thereof) tolerats
for <#, but efpecially that his Clergie may avoyd that fonle
and deteftable fimne of marriage (as they accountit ) which
amongft them isheld a greater inne, thento 4e with other
mens wives,or twenty whoores. There their Prseffs , and
Cardinals (haplaines,even at soone day goe to wheores, by
whom the Pope yearely receivethno{mall gasne.

That falfe teachers doe thus walke after the flefh inthe luft
of uncleanneffe may be further confirmed by thelercafans.
t becanfe they mixde earthly things, the things of the fle’;
They (faith Saint Pan!) that are after the flefo, doe minde
the things of the flefo. Tnatthey doz mindz the things of the
flefh,as their owne conftéence can tell thea sswardly = fo by
their words and workes, it doth evidently -enough appeare

ontwardly, for neyther doe the one or the other, favour of | -

heaven or heavenly things. 2 Becaufe by their doétrine they
magnifiethe flefs, and by they examples they provoke men
and women to accompl: fh che defires of the /2me. That they
docthusis evident enough, for they teaeh. that wee necde
not be fa ftrifl inthe performance of Gods wer fhip, ach asthe
hearing of the word, the receiving of the Communion, the
fantlifying of the Sabbath, Theytellus, that divers fines,
are inthesr owne nature veniall, that Pricfts by igening
, : fc

Ezck.3 2.10.

— ne,

332

Kom.6.16.

Vfe of Infitu-
ti0Ue

The mifery of
fuchas walke
after che Aefh,
I
Ram.7.3,

2
Rom fi 3 e
3

Rom. 2.13.
3 Cor,15.§

Not towatke after the flefh: Chap.2}

{wch penance as they fee fit, canabfolue fromthe fame, and|
they themfilves sve accordingly. % Becaule they doe not
oppofe themfelves sgainft their carnal and filihy /efs, but
yeelduntothe motions and affethons of the fame, Therefore
(:sccerdinge to Saint ‘Pals rele , ksow yee wer,
that towbom pee yeeld your felves. Servants toobey , bas fer~
vants yee areto whom yee obey) fecing fale teachers yeeld
unto the motions of their /«/s, yea and that readily, they
walke after thefame, .

The ufesof this pointare two twofold. -
.. For-Jnftrattion, Behold rhe wiferable, wofuil, and wretche
edeftate of fulfe teachers, they are fuch as walke after the |,
flefh, in the Inft of uncleanneffe.

Lueft. Bur what hart reczive they hereby; may forse fay 2 |

anf. 1 They are not in Chrift lefus , they have no fel-
lowfs:9 or Cominnnion with fim, they are not members.
of thisbedy, branches of this Fine, féones built ipon
this fosndation, which Saint Pax! confirmeth, where ,
hedcfertbe fuchas are nC hrift Telus, tobe fuchas walk !
not after the fleh, but afterthe Spirit, 2 that their cafe ts |
fearcfull, becaute they cannot pleafe God : every thing chat |
they eake , thinke, or doe, diiplesfing bim: This alfo Saint |
Paul confirmeth. So then they that are inthe flefo (that is, |
walke after the flefo) cannot pleafe God, 3.. that they fhall |
have no part with Godin his Kingdome, but be partakers-of |
the fire of Hell; with the Divell and his Axge/s, this like- |!
wife tho fame. Apoftle contirmeth, for if yelive after the flefa |
pe forall dye, andagame, now thisI fay brethren, thar lef.
and blood, cannot inherit the kingdome cf Ged, arethey not
then in a wofsdland tcarefull cafe ? Imagine that it were your
owne cafe, would ye not account your selves miferitle, be-
ing out of Chriff? being cdiomsand detefable, in the fight of
God? being aflured of everlafting torments in Hel ? The
fame is the cafe of falle Teachers, they are outof Chri? :
difpl cafing unto Ged; fhall partake of Hell torments, andy ct
who but tvey 2 they rejoyce in their evil conrfes ; they boaft
of their ancleane{[e they pamper their fle/b, that they may

ba)

Verk10, Meanexto avoyd walking after the flefh

-be i more able to watke after the fiefo, inthe luff of unclean.
ne {le. , : .
For Exhortation: Doe not thus walke after the flefo> give
not your felves over to macleanneffe by adultery, fornscation,
and other fiethly /w/fs, imitating and following the ungodly
prattife, of falie teachers. |
Objet. Ithanke God,willfome fay , Iwalke not after the
flefo, \ come to Church; beare the Word; receive the Sa-
crament; faymy prayers giveunto the poores offer wrong
unto zone, and the /ike. , : os
, eAxfw, Thou mayeft doe all thefe, and yet walke after the
fle namely. t. if thou doft them out of a cosrupt carnall
minde, and impure confcience, {ecking thereby to pleafe thy
Selfe, and orher men. 3. if in doing them thon aymeft at
thine owne profit and prayf/e, not Geds glory. 3. if thow
doeft them rather of caffome, then of confcéience, and obeds-
‘ence to Gods Commandements, thou art a walker after the
flee : howfoever thon cloakeft the fame, with appearance
and joew, of fasth, obedience of the Kord preached , good con-
{céenceand the lske. |
weft, What fhould 1 doe that I may not walke after
t he CPI « ;
ya 1 walke after the Spixit, obexing the gracions mo-
tions of the fame. 2. mortifie your members which are xpsn
the earth, fornication, uncleanneffe,inordinate affection , evill
concupifcence aadcovetionf{ne fe which is Idolatrie. 3. warre
nqt after the flefo, Rriving againtt the. gracious motions of
Geds Spirit.4.make not provifion for the flefh ro fulfill ebe lufts
thereof. Thus the Apofle Paul walk’t. Though be walk’e
in the fle/, yer be walt not after tke fleth,, The time paft of
our life may fuffice tte bave wrought the will of Gentiles,
when we walkit in laftivionfneffe, lujfs, and the like, let us
therefore no longer /ive the refi of our time inthe ficfh, to the
lufts of men, but tothe will of God, Thus of the. 1.. obfeyvar
£390. -
‘The/fe ccond is this, that - .
. Fabfetsachers defpife gonernmens, and axe net ery
éake

Vie of Exher-

Signesto
knew whe-
ther we walke

after,the flesh,

maynot walke
afeer the Aeth.
|
2
Cel.3.§.

3
2 Cor.16.3 ®

4
Rom.13.34.
2 Cor.10.3. .

| Pete o

D.Falletese
chersdefpale

334

governmicnt,
and are not
affraid <h )
ipecke evill of
Thofe which
are inauthori-

Rom. 53 el » o
7°

r Pet.2.13-

-| ment of evill doars,and for the praife o

Rom,! 3-120

2 Pet2.156

4 Taftanced in
Antichrift and
his adherents

Whofe do-
rine.

Chap.2.

Falfe teachers defpife government.

fpeake evill of thofe which are in authoritie. Take one proofe
tor all. Likewife alfa thefe filthy dreames defile the flefo, deo
pile Dominion, and fpeake evsilof dignities. This may bee
underftood generally of all falfe teachers, as well Anabape
tsfts , as others, but morc {pecially, of Amtichrsft the Pope of
Rome, and his Romi/h Clergse, who both defpife Govern | °
ment, and doc {peake evill of fich as arein anthoritie , here-
by deciaring himfelfe tobe that man of finne , the Sonne of
perditiontovetuld by thz Apoltle Paw, be o¢pofeth and ex-
alrcth himfelfe , above al that iscaked God, or that 1 wor.
foiped hereia manifellly contradsthing the word of God,which
faith; Let every fonle be fubjett to the higher powers , and
againe, ye mnft needs be fubjell, not onely fer wrath , but alfe
for con{cience fake, and againe, render therefore to all shes
dues, tribute to whons tribute is due; cuftome , to whom ca-
fonse; feare,to whom feare; honour, to whom hononr. And
againe, (bmit your felves to every ordinance of wean for the
Lords fake, whether st be to the King , as {upreme , or unto
governors, as untothems that are fent by him for the punifo-
Scheme that doe well, yea
hereby they doe dire@ly fight againtt God , hiswék, and his.
Ordinance, for the powers that be are ordained of Gow , and |
whofoever refifteth the power, refifteth the ordinance ef God :
yeaitis his ws, that wee foonld [ubject onr felves to thefe
which are in authority.

That e4nrichriff and his adherents doc desfife goverument,
and refif? civill Governers, {peaking evil ef them, contr
tothe will of God reveaicd inhis word, may bce proved both
by their doctrineand pratis/e.

Touching their doctrine 1c is mol blapphemom , as may
be inftanced in dsverfe particulars, as that the Pope Lord of
the whole world; that o mortal! man can judge the Pope;
that he may doe, whatfoever ho willeth, that he bath obtai-
ned she fulneffe of power ; that there 1: 4s much difference be-
tweene the Pope anda King,as betweene the Sunne andthe
Afoone ;that Churchmen are not to bee fubjel to fecnlar:pew-
ers, that the Pope of Rome + fapreme head of the Chrach;

- tha

ees
Verf-to., Popes praéticexgainft Emperors. 335

that the Pepe can free fubjelts fromebetr allegeance,and oath
of ebedience made snto their Governowrs ; and the
lske.

Touching their praéts/e, it isno lefle abbominable, then | pesQifecon-
their doftrine, John the 22. boaftingly faid, that s¢ was in bis | firmethe
power,and bis right both to creat and depofe Kings and Empe- | fame.
rours. Inn:centinsthe 3, did not ceafe to perfecute Phsisp,
as being ae fled by the Princes ot Germany, againt his wsd ;
boafting that either be wonld take Philips crovene and King-
deme from him, or Philip foould deprive bim of his Popedome.
Alexander the 3. fet his feere xpon Frederike the Emsperours
necke, abufing this place of Scripture, thou foalt tread ypon
the Lyon and Adder. Clement the 6.toldthe Orators of Lo- Pfal.9%1 30
dovicw,thathe would nor pardon their Mafter, unleffe hee
would firft refigne his empise, himfelfe, hischildren, and all
hws goods into hu hands, and would pronsife not toclayme any
of thems againe,but by his favoar. Martinus the 5. held out
his feeretobe ksffed by Sigifmund the Emperen:: Adrian the
4. was offended ac the Emperour Frederike , becaufe hee
held (his left) not his right foore ftirrmp, Stephanus the, 2.
depoled (d:/derske the King of France, placing Pspisns in
his rowme , vhom he /iffered to fall downe before kim on
the ground, to kiffe bis feete, andasa lackey to leade bis horfe
bythe bridle. Hildetrand hired atraisoar co kilt Hearse.
the Emperosr,as he was at prayers, be allo fo perfecuted him,
that hee made 4im with his wife and Child,co come barefoot.
in the depth of Winter, tobed pardon , making bim waste
tor the fpace of zhree dayes betore hee would 46/c/ve him.
from his unlaw full excemmunication, Of this xamsber were
Thomas Becket, Bifhop +t iher, with others in this fame fan,
who would not yeeduntotheir lawful princes. — | |

That fal/e Teachers doe defpife Government; and .fpeake Reafons rn
evill of {uch as are in antheritie, may bee further confirased point, ©
by thefe reafons--1. becaufe they denie them their dxe, I
2. Becanfe they thinke not themfelves tied to obcy their 2
Statutes and ordinances, .3« becayfe they doe both by their 3
detirine and example,withdraw others,from performing their
" ; 1.1

336.

Rom.13 Ke

2 Cor.2@.3.

1 King, 2.27
2 Kifig.23.16°
Mat.t7.2$e
Lul.23.3.
A&.25:11,

Falfe teachers defpife government. Chap.

1. I fay, they dense, or withhold from them, their due, thae
is, both their prayers for thems, and their /xbneifion unto
chem, theic prayers for then, both that they may be exds-"
ed with all needful graces for their place, fach as are wi/e-
dome, Inffice, rensperance, xeale, anddelivered from all dane
gers, whereunto in their places, they arefubje. Such as are

Traitors, flatterers,and the ke. Their {bmi ffion UNtO them
both swardand oxtward: Inward, inbaving areverend and
durifull cfimation of them in-regard of their places; out
ward, bothin word, anddeed. In word by (peaking reve
rently boro ante thene, and of thems; in allson, obeying their
Lawes, fupplying their wants. Falfe teathers,\ fay, inall thefe
refpects, withhold from Prénces their dee.

2. They thinke not themfelves tyed to obey their Matutes
aud ordinances ,witneflethe dayly writsngs of Pepi Pricfs,
and ethers Popithly affetted.

3. They withdraw others alfo from the performance of their
due, asdayly experience fheweth. Thus they defpis/e Gevers

‘ment, and fpeake vill of {uch as are sn authoritse.

The Reafons hereof are thefe. 1- becanfe Kings and
Princes arethe principall /er and barre , which hindereth the
Propagation of their erronions and heretical dottrine. 2. be
caufe they havenot the tre feare of God before their eyes. $e
becaufe they judge the Clergietobe exempted from feca-
‘bar jurifdillion, which is as well contrary to Gods Word, as to

| naturallreafon. For Geds Word doth generally require /ub-

je@ion in all, every foxle muft be Subjelt., yea in st, wee
have diver/e examples of Prinees excrcifing their authority,
over (barch men , “David appointed the erders , and offices
of the Levites, Salomon removed Abiather from the Prsef-
hood, lofiah burned the veric bones of the Préefts upon their
Altars,and alfo purged the Temple,andreftored the Paffover,
Chriff himf{elfe was /xbje to the autloritie of Princes , ke
Save tribute anto them, and appeared at their Tribunal,
Paul alfo was fiebjef untothem, and ufed their power, when
he appealed toCefar. Te’s allo again{t »ararall reafon that

Citizens or members of the Commeon-wealth ~hould bee «x-
empted

er ee al

Wer.to, Falfe Teachers oppofite te Magi/trates.

Le mpted from/nbyeRion tothe rules, and /awes of the com-
men-wealth, Thisalloferveth both for saftruttson, and ex-
bortatson.

For Jaffruthon, If falfe teachers doe depife government,
and fpeake evill of fich as are + anthePitie, then it followeth

commonwealth, and thercfore thc CAlaetfrares and Gover-
nexrs, both may and omght to cali tem co a acconnt 2.
that we ought not to imstate falfe seachers either in their
jadgemen:, or pratlife. 3. That they are edions and abho-
minable inthe fight of God, direétly ref fing his ordinance.
God faith, thon foalt not revile she gods (or Indges) ner
| cxrfethe ruler of thy people. They lay,we wil dee both. God
faith, give unto Cefar , that which 1 Cafars : They notwith-
ftand:ng withholdit. God faith, let every fonlebe (ibjett ro
the higher powers, They fay, we are exerspted, wee ate free
| from all temsporall jurisdiction , and will not bee bowed to
any. :

For Exhortation, y. Let us abborre and founne falfe tea-
chers ,with their abhominable dodtrine and praitife touching
Magiftracie, 2. Let us give unto Cefar, thofé things
which belong xnto bin, Let ys both pray for bins , and /ub-
mit our felves unto his‘geversmsent , to effet which, cone
fider wee. 3. The exccllencse, and 2. the meceffitie of ma-
giftrates, Their excekercse appearcth. 1. from their aa-
thour,God,they are ordained of God,2,trom the titles which
God giveth unto them,asto be called gods : to bee called the
ebildren ofthe moft high nur fing fathers and nurfing mothers,
Geds msimifters.So heerc dignitses, or glories.3 trom their aK-
theritieand office to be /xpreme or chiefe Governonrs,in their
dominions, forth: tcrronr of the wicked , and enconragement
of Gods Children. : .

Their xece it se alfoappeareth two manner cf wayes. 1. By
the miferable ac wofull flute oF {uch as want them, 2.
by the bappie eftate and condirion of such ay have
them. 3

- : arn wen + owe -_

1. Thatthey ate ssprefrable, yeadangerous members of thie |

_ That rhe eftate of shat people is wiferable, which are sider

l MO re

337

Vie of Inftru-
ction,

2
' 3
Exod32- 28.
Mati2.23.

Rom. 13.36]

Vfe of Exhor-
tation,

2
Motivesto en-
force obedi-
enccuato mao
giftrates,

3.2.6
Their excel-
lencie.

{
Roam.13.3.

2
Exod.22.38,
Phol.2 2.5,
1fa.49. 23.

3
Rom. 12. he
ths rece: {tie
of mag: ats,
I
r

en enna
338 Obedience to Magiftrates. Chap.

no civil government appeareth by the J/raclites., amon
whom when there was xo King every wan did that which
was right in bis owne eyes. In thofe dayes (Micah had an henfe
of oa and fo was an Jdelater; The men of Gibcah fore}
ced the Levites. Concubine ; The Bewiants by raking |
their pare, became partekers. with them. in their vik

d, Ane °

That the eftate of that people is buppy which have thems,ep-
peareth by that of the spoftle; for Rulers are wot a terrour to
good workes,but ro evil wilt then then not be affraid of the pe-
wer,doe that which 1 good, c-rhon halt have praifeef the famw
for he ia the minsfter of Ged ce thee for geod but if then deg that
which isewil, be affraied , for bee beareth nat the fword ix
vaine, for be ss the Mimifter of God, a.revenger te execute
wrath upon him which evil. In which words the Apeftle
fheweth that withowt Rulers , weither can vertue be counte-
nanced,wor vice panifoed. | :

Obje. But many times, Kings, Princes, and Gevernenrs,
occafion the deffrattion of their Cowntry ?

Anfw. Although for the fawes of a land , the Lerd doth:
many atimefend them ev® governers, yet the abafe of 2
place, doth not take away the Lowfull xfe of the fame; yea, if
it were not for thens, and their /awes,hew could wee feade 2
guietrand a peaceable life? whichthe e4peftle Pax/ dothin-
timate w hen he faith, exhort therefore, that firft of all , fp-
plications, prayers, interceffions , and gining of thankes, be.
.| made for all men; for Kings , and all that are in axthoritie,

that we may lead a quict and a peaceable life , in all gedlinefe
and boxeffy. Submit wetherefore owr [elves unto thew. Itis
‘the will of Ged, wee moft doe it, even of cunfcience, fer the
Lords fake. Abftaine from fwearing, breaking of Gods Sab-
bath, adultery, murther, theft, afarie,as being not onely
forbidden by Gods Law , but by the Kings, agrecable to the
fame, Frequert the honfe of Ged, bereverent and diligent ‘mn
heaving thc Word of Ged, be frequent inthe receiving of the
Sacrament, pecforme your dutie oxe towards ancsher , as be-

ing commanded both by Geds Law, and the Kings. Bat 2-
.. _!a§

Tudg.17 Ce

Tadg.17-§
| Te 2 $0
J G20 ys

Happy by ea-
joying them. |
Rom. 33 36

5 Tim.2 Jeter.

.
- s
ra
.

cr.10. Falfe Teachers prefumptuous. 339.

lasit appeareth by our words and aélions, that wee doe but

lithe carecjther for God orthe King, how little are thofe

atures regarded , whichconcerne /wearing, drankenneffe,

wheredome, theft, our dayly experience can tellus, theft fins

being {o common, as if there were neither Ged nor Kseg. | Prefamptuons
Thus of the. 2. obfervatsen, are they ,{elfe-

The third is this, that DI Fall teae
Falfe seachers are prefumptuens , and felfe-wiked , ehersare pres
arc bold and fiand upon thesr owne conceite. Takean ex fa

or twefor the preefe heccof. Zedekiab the Senne of Cheng. | 24 idéewile

Tes.28.3.23-

boughs the gifts of the boly Gheft, for mony. Such were Ari- | AG.8.18°
wt, Atanichers , Entiches and formet hereticks. Thus are the
Pope and his PopiClergie boldly intruding them/elves even

Cane

That fale teachers are prefumptuons and {elfe-willed . may | firming it,
further appeare by chefe two Reafens, 1. Their readsne fe I
to accomplith their owne ford and frivolem decrees fiatutes,

and Cenens. 2, their wmwilingneffe to admitof any opinion 2

gnant unto their ewee, or not deviled by themfelves, |

They are readse and willing to accomplith and performe

theis ewae,as pleafing themfelves, proceeding from shem-
[elves They are amwiliing to leane unto ethers, either tree ,

as is the will of Ged revea'ed in his werd , or falfe,asbeing
devifed by others, and therefore we reade of diverfe Popes,

which fo fueneas they were ferled, abrogated the decrees of

their Predeceffors,as not devifed by themfelves ,.muchuke

the ancien: Lewans, which wonfd not worship Chrz/t., be-
a _ 24 oe 1s ganfe

340 ‘The grievous punifi:ment of fatfe Teackers.Chap,2

caufe be was not firft confirmed by them, and acknowledged
A@sand moz | aGod. Jn Scotland there was a great {chs/me, about the Pater
r WNEntse Nofter,towhom it fhould betayd. Iu this land tKere was |.
aprcatcentention about the conception uf the Virgsn (Marie
betwecnethe Frascifcans and Dominicans. At che exams-
nation cf Wriscm Wood ducllinginthe Pars cf Strend by
Reckeftcr, tuch contention arole bery cene Detter Kenal, and
Dekter Chadfey , about the prefence of Chriff in the Sa-
crament , the one aitirming that be was there in quantitie and
gualitie , the other denyingthe fame, eth being {fo (elfe
willed and handing upon their owne conceipt , that they femed
atthe month, and (:sthe bifforie records it) the ene was
readicto {pit on the other: face, fothat inagreat furie and
« [rage they rofe from the judgement feate , by which meanes
God eclivered his poore fervast , which elfewas like, ei
Co ther againft his confcience to absure, os to bee cruelly
Ufe. burnt.
Oh then, let us be carefull, that neither in thse wee doe
follow fal/e teachers, Boe not pre/amspruens, as they are,
land not upon your.owne coxceit, asthey dee, gineering
this exe thing (a finticient motive to enforce this exhorta-
tion) that we were not borne for onr felves , ave mot to phesfe
our felves , but the Lord lefus. Thus.of thethird Exbor-.
sation.
But chiefely, The fewrth isthis, that :
&c. Falfe teachers, which walke thus, are-chiefely and fpecialy
hk, | referved of God, unto the great day to bee punifbed, A\l ober
walkeehus,are | UNjuft and wicked perfons , are referved unto the judgement
efpecially tes | of that daz, but more {pecially fad/e teachers: They are not
‘hmene. | recorciled unto God ,they are aliens and frangers tohim in
ai "| this 4ife; They fhall have no part or portion with béme in the
a Cor.35.50. | fife to come. Flefs and blood (faith Saint Pas!) cannot ani
rate the Kingdonse of God , and againe, whofoever refifeth
KomeIg.2¢ | phe power, rofteth ed ordinance of God, Nat receive to
Pia.s.21e | themfelves, condemnation. Andthe Prophet'E/«ah faith,
woe wuto thens that are wife in their ewne eyes,and prudent in
thesr onse fight, T heir pani foment fhal be greater if net in qua-
btie,yet in quantity. The

er.11, To defpife Gorvernment bowgreat 4 fin.
* The Reafens he eofarethele swe. 1. Gods juftice which

Will render unto every one according tothesr workes. 2. their
deferts, which finne with an bigh band, whichare the canfe
_| of ether mens finnes. -

Hence we are tanght

Not to leade our lives as fad/¢ teachers doe, left being par-
takers, with them in their wncleanneffe, intheir sontempe of
government ,‘intheir prefumption , in their felfe concested-
weffe, wee partake with thens in their pasifomentswhich thall
exceed the pursfomsens of others, Thus of the. 4.0b/ervarion:
and fo of this ver/e.

Verf- 11. Whereas Angels which are greater im power and
might, bring wot railing accufation again theys, be-

Sorethe Lord. |
Our Apofile having in the preceding verfe fet downea
‘| defcription of the kinds of fille roachers , namely that they

are either Epscures which walke after the flefo, inthe inf of
uncleanneffe, or libertins which defile govcrument , and are
not affrasd to Peake evil of dignitses , doxhnow ixthis ver/e
aggravate and anplific the fine of thofe libertins, which de-
ife government, and ppeake evill of fuch as are in anthoritie.

the Apoftles which aregreater in power andwmight tring not
railing accufavion againft.thems before the Lord, much leffe
ought thofe to depift them, or foeake evil of thems. But the
former 13 true, Therefore ould net thofelsberstines preake esl
ofthem. The words aeby dsverfe, diverfly read, and accor-
ding to the different reading, divesfly-wnderftood, fomeread
them thus, whereas the Angels which are greater in power and
might , doe not beare the execrable judgement that 15 againft
thems, that is, the evil Angels, who are more able to beavre
punifoments then feeble and weake man, yet beare not the

minrmsuring againft thew, for which caufe itis calle
excerablejndgement.; then asuch lefe-will thee fenfwall men,
Z Oo

This he doth by inferring the exampie of the Apeffles. If |

judgements of God againft thens , but dee execrate them uy
dt

Ver.11. Zo defps(e Government howgreat a fin. 34

The Reafons he: cofarethcle we. 1. Gods jaftice which) Resfens.

Will render mute every one according tethesr werkes.2. their| 1

deferts, which inne wich an bigh band, whichare the cax/e | Rom.2.6.

of ether mens finnes. 2
Hence we are taught

~ Nortoleade onr lives as fai/e teachers doe, leftbeing par-| Uf.

takers, with them in their wxcleanneffe, intheic sonrempr of

government ,intheir prefsmption , in their felfe concested-

ne fle, wee partake ‘with thems in their pansfoment;which fhall

exceed the panifomsens of others, Thus of the. 4.0b/ervation:

and fo of this ver/e. oo : :

Pees

Verf> 11. Whereas Angels which ave greater im power and
might, bring sot railing accufation again thegs, be-
Sore the Lord. |

Our Apefle having in the preceding verfe fer downe a

defcription of the kinds of falfe reschers, namely that they | An aggrava-
are either Epicares which walke after the fle , inthe lu of | tion of the
uncleanueffe, or libertins which depife government , and are
not affraid.te Seake evil of dignities , doch now sxthis ve7/e | hiking gever-
aggravate and assplific the fane of thofe libertins, which de- | ment.
[pile government, and Peake cvill af fach as are in anthoritie.

This he deth by inferring the examp‘e of the Apeffles. If

the Apoftles which aregreater in power and-might bring not

railing accafation againft them before the Lord, much leffe

ought thofe to defpife them, or fpeake evil of them. But the
former ss true, Therefore frould not thofelsbertines fpeake evil

ofthem, The werdsateby diver/z, diverfly read, and accor-

ding to the different reading, diverfly:snderftood, fomeread

them thus, whereas the Angels which are greater in powsr and

might , doe not beare the execrablejndgement that ts againft

thews, chat is, the evill Angels,who are more able to beave

puuifoments then feeble and weake man, yet beare not the
judgements.of God againft chem , but dee execrate them vA

marmuring againft shew, for which caufe itis called z
excerableudgement; then mush leffe will shee fex[nall men ,
| Z 3 O

=m: ‘

“

342

Yqb.1.GeLlo .

lob.2.3.

1 Chro,31.1:

Rev, 12.10.

Fo defpife Government howgreat a fin. Chap.2

of whom he fpeaketh, be é/e fo-bave rhe judgements thas
will come spon thems. Others read them thu,whereat a gugels
which are geater in pewer and might, bring not railing accu.
ation aqainft themfelves before the Lord , although amongft
the Angels there are [cme cheefer then orbers, yer they doe net
fpeake evsll one of anether, defpife, grudge, and murmare one
at ansther, But moft commonly they are rendred, as 1 have’
now readethem , whereas Angels which are greater in pe-
wer and might , bring- net railing accufation again them ,
before the Lord. Falfeteaches dare doe that which the very
Angels dare not, the Angels which minifter before God.
though they be much more powerfell and msghty , then mex,
yet doe not they 4ifpraife magiffrates (although they doe
condemne their vices and iniquities yet doe they not (with
falfe teachers) blame the asshersrie and power which is given
thems of Ged, and that our «4poftle underftande th by Angels
the elet Angels, may appeare in the ssnrh verfe of Saint
Indes Epiftle, and therefore sbey evre which underftand this
place of evill Angels for how can wicked fpirits abftaine from
peaking evilleot Magifirares, Gods vice-gerents, whent
ceafe not rocanfe, blafpheme,and fpeake evsll of Ged kim/felfe;
yea we reade of Satan, that snaday, wher the Children of
Godcame, and ftood before the Lord, he came alfo among
them, accufed Ieb, an upright and jaft man (a Magiftrate no
doubt) besny the greateft of all the men of all the Eaft.
sretch ont thine band (faith he) and tench all that be bath,
tofeeif he will not Claipheme theetothyface. Hee moveth the
Lord againft hins to deftroy him without acanfe. Neither isit
nnlikely, tuat the Divell which tempteth ALagiftratesto
fine, (as he tempted David to number the people) dothalfo
aceufethem unto God, (though many times f4//e/y)he being
{tiled, the accu fer of the brethren: which may as well have
relation unto ALagiffrates in particwlar,as otbers ia the ge-
nerall, yea it were a wonder, that the Divell and his Angels
fhould reverence government, not {peake evill of We-
giftrates; Magifgrates under God ing the prinespall
meanes, whereby vice is panifeed, and Sathans fervice

ne tect meneame

crt1, How the Angelsrefpedt Magiftracy

defpifed, yeathofe wicked Pirits being the cax/z, that both
falfe teachersand ethers deipife Magiftracie.

The obferwations ailing from hence, are toe.

The frf is this, that ;

The repetts which Geds hely eAngels give inte Magifrats,
ase condenme falfe teachers in their contempt of them. 1
proove it thus. lf rhe prathife and behaviour of falfe tea-
chers, towards Magiftrats, be contrary antoghe prathi/e and
bebavionr of the holy Angels, thenthe pratts[e and bebavionr
of the bely Angels dee condemne the prattife and beba-
viour of falfe teachers, becaufe the holy'eAugels canner
pane, doe nothing but what is agreeable unto the wth of Ged,

and are a/regether ruledby the direltion of his Spirse. But | _-

the prathife and behaviour of falfeteachers towards (Magi
Strates, sscontrary auto the prattife and behaviour of the holy

. Aagels, which may bee thas proved. 1. falfe teachers dee | of

{pife them , which the boly Angels doc not. 2 fallereachers
o¢ not confider the exceencte,and eminencie of their pla-
ces, which the holy 4sgels doe. 3 -falle teachers revile them,
curfethem, eakg evik of them, which the boly Angels doe
NOt, 4. falfe seachers {ecke their.rwree, and deftruttion by all
meanes poffible,contrary to the pract:/é of the holy efuge/s,
Therefore the pralti/e ch behaviour of the holy Angels towards
MagiBrass in refpeBing thens,doth coxdemne & reproeve the
pracisfe and behaviour of falfe teachers in contemning thems.
That fal/e reachers doe del pile Adagiffrates, revile, curfe,
and {peake evillofthem, neither confider the excellencie of
their per fons , nor envinencie of theis places , bur feeking by
all mseanes poffible their r#ine, is evident enough by the
Dettrsne and prattéfe of the Pope and -his Popifh Clergie,
Tefusts,Semenarie Priefis, and others (as indiverfe particn-
larst have formerly (hewed } who are neither «/bamed to
writeagaingt their axthority nor aftraidro refit the fame, (pea.
kingevil oftheir Lawes, comemning their places , reviling
their p:7fons. That the 40/7 e-fngels: doe not thus behave
themfelvestowards AZegiffrates.isno leffecleere. They doe
' not defps/e thens, they doonotreuile, curfeor freake. evill of
us ZS

343

Whereas Aa-
gels,&c.

D. The refpeft
which Gods
holy Angels
giveunto Ma-

y
Angels.

I
9
3

them,|

344

1 King 22.20.

Ve.
7

How the Angels re/peét Magiftracy. Chap,2

them, they doe notfecke their defirattion , they doe duely
confider both the excellencse of their perfens , and emssnencie
oftheir places 5 They bring not (aith our Apefle) rasling
accufaticn again thems, before the Lord, Although th
behold their «étvens and doings, and ebferve- much wick
ne ffe in manic of them, yet they bring not casting accu.
fation againft shem, they doe not difratfe or blame, |
the power and asthoritse, which God hath given them, they
did not fet thcmfelves againfi thems, though at this sme
wherein Saint Peter wrote this Epifle, (perfecasson bemg
by shemeraifed againftthe godly) they might feeme to have
had {ufficient gresxd for the fame. Although heb was
wicked, one which had /olde bimfelfe to werke evil in
the fight of the Lerd, an Idolater , a foedder of suno-
cent blood, and what mot, yet none of the bely Angels
brought any railing accufatisn again him, his Adaferthe
Dive whom he bad fo long ferved, wasthe devsfer andac-
comsplifoer of thofe meanes , whereby hee did fad. “Yea éme-
pofible itisthat the holy Angels fhould bee ctherwife difpe-
fed towards Magsfrates, (or they are without finne , and
this contempt of Afagifrates isa fin, they know that govern
mentis the erdinance of Ged, and that Magiftrates are his
viceegerents ON earth,
Hence may we perceive
1 How snexenfable falfe teachers are, which having the
very Angels aS a patterne going before them, whereby they
may learne their dury cowards sagiftrates, yet follow. not
the fume, atthe great day, this patterne fhall be a wstneffe

againtt them.

2 How prefumptnuous and felfe-conceited they are, which
had rather follow the conceits and devices of their owne
braine, then imitate the holy Augels, which dare doe that,
which the holy Angels dare nes; which are not affraid to
ds/parage government contrary to Geds will, which the holy
Angels doe reverence according to his will.

3 Thedatse which we owe unto CMagifrats, even to
iusitate the prath/e ofthe holy dagels, not depitug them,

erfit; | Of the power of the Angels.

but reverentlyeteeming of thems, learne we by their exam-
ples to performe this datie. We have parternes on earth, we
have examples from Heaven, {0 willing and readie our God
seo further us in his wayes, Thusof the firlt obfervatios,

. The fecondisthis,thac = :

The Angels are mighty and powerfull creatures. They are
creatnres of a Subfiftent nature(and therefore not secre quae
lities cogitations,and motions, raifed by Ged in men,or bapa.
pyevents,procecding from God, which was the erresr of the

the warld, asthe P/almift witnelfeth. ‘For be commanded,
and they were creased, andthe -Ape(ftlePanl, by bim were ak
things created mbich are in heaven, and-which are in earth,
things vifible and inusfible, whether be thrones,or dominions,
or principalities er powers. That they are mighty and pewer-
full creatures, is noleffecicere. The P/a/nsiff alfo witnefleth
it, bleffe yee the Lord yee his Angels, that excel in frengsb,
or that are mighty in firength. Hence they are called the
hoft of heaven; and by the eApoftle Panl-s principalities,
and powers might,and dominion, writing alfountothe The/-
falontans he faith, The Lord Iefus foal be revealed from hea-
ven with hr mighty Angels, or (according tothe original )
the Angels of hts power, whichthe fgnification of the xame
Gabriel, the firength of Ged, evidently importeth. Thus
here being- compared with-men (although never fo mughry
and pewerfally they are fayd to exceede them in might and
power. Thactthe Angels are michty and powerfall creatures,
nay be further confirmed by thefe examples, When the So-
domites preffed fore upon Lot, and came mecre to breake the
doore of the honfe, the eAngels {mote them with blindne fe,
berth (mall and great, fo that they wearied themfclues te finde
thedoore. When the Eyyptians purfieed afcer the [/raelstes,
the Angel of God, which went before the camepe of Ifract, req
moved and went behinde them, and the pillar of the cload
went from befere their face, and flood bebind them, whereby
the Egyptians conld net come at them, When Jernfalem was
hardly beficged by the 4 ffyrians under Rab/eceh, their Gene-

rai

Sadnces ) created bpGed of nothing, inthe “ry beginning. of

tares. .

Pfal.248.5,
Col.1.14-

Pfal. 103.20,
| King.22°19,
Col.1.16.

Ephe.1.21.

Gen.19,1 Te

Exod.14.19.

2King.39.35 e

The power of the Angels h:w requifite, Chap.

rab, after the prayer of Hexckiah, it canse to paffe that nighr,
that the Angel of the Lord went ont and {mote in the canepe
2 Chroa.31. | of the Affyrsans 185000, and when they arefe early in the
21. morning behold they were all dead corpes. The Lord fet ax
| Angel which cut off all the mighty men of valeure and the lean
. | ders,and captaines in the camspe of the King of eA fyria, fo be
A&.12.7. returned with foame of face te his owne land, When Peter
was imprifoned by Herod, bound with two chasnes, watched
by Souldiers within,and Keepers without, as a focepe appoin-
. . ted for the /laschter, beholdan A ngel of the Lord delsvered
AQ.12.23. him: when Herod in has pride had taken the bononr due te
God, immediatly the eAngel of the Lord {mote bim, and he
was eaten of the wormes and gave up the Ghoft. Finally wee
reade, that there was warre in heaven » Michael ona hu Ane
Rem. 12.7.8. | £elsfoughe againft the Dragon,. andthe Dragon fought and
7S his rine oa prevasled net, neyther vas rhbair place

| found any more n heaven.
Needefull it And that they fhould beth is very expedsent, it eyther
is that the Ans we confider the office about which they are employed, or the
werfull and | "ede which we have of them. Touching the office about
mighty crea- | whichthcy are smployed, itis forthe accompls/bing and main-
ree adof taining of thefafety and falvation of Geds elect, by whom
heir chice.. they are delsvcred out of danger, defended againft theaffanlts
of Sathan,and hatred of wicked men. This the e4poftle fhewe
eth, are they not al miniffring Spirits fene forth to ninifler
to thems that foal be beires of falvation? This office they per-
| Hebstirg. forme both in oxr life, at onr death,and afcer our re/wretlsen,
In our dfe by directing, protetling defending comforting, hel.
pingand ftirring ns upto performe holy duties, for our fakes
alfo executing Gods jndgements upon the wicksd, to which
purpofe the P/alm:ff ipeaketh,be foail give his Angels charge
over thee, to keepe thee inak thy wayes, they thalibeare
thee npin their hands left thon dafo thy foote againft a fone.
At our death, waiting ter our foxles ready to carry chem unto
heaven, whichalfo they dee, at our refurreGson, gathering
togethcr our dsnes, {eparating us fromthe sxgodly, leading
us into the kingdeme of heaven, Ic-is not then expedsent,

that
EE Te

Pfal.gisl I.
12.6

Verfat: How tocenceive of Gods power.» 247

that they fhould bee powerfull and mighty creatures?
Touching the seede y hich we have ot thems, it appeareth | 2 In regard of
two manner of wayes. 1 By the walrtstude of thole dangers the neede a
whereunto we arc /ubjeé?. 2 By our owne inabilitie and weak= | beyect chem,
nefle to belpe our fclves. Touching the daxgers whereunto | bei -
we are fubject, they are of divers forts, and of every fort 3
man) > Many temporal, many /piritwal dangers; many pre- | Subje& to max
ceedsng fromthe Divell, many fromthe world , many from | 57 4aegers.
our owne /xffs , fo thatas David faith , many are the tron-
bles of therighteons, we may fay many are the dangers of
of thersghteons. cr
Touching our owne s#ability and weakencfle to bedpe our | Vasbleto
felves, it’s no leffe apparant , ex perience doth every day thew | gives,
it, of our felves wee are wmable co refift the leaf one temspta-
tien , or avoide the leaf? one danger, being defended and de- .
liverd, we may fay,nor unto ws, not unto ne, buut unto thy | Pfal.115,
name give the praife, Vp.
Hence we may learne I
1. Tocenceive of the might and power of God,by the might
and power of the Angels, for if therebe fuch Adajeftie, emi-
nencie, might and pewer in the creature : what maje/ty, emi-
nencie, might and power, isinthe Creater?As the Queene of
Sheba conceived of Solsmonsgreatneffe, by theorder, app--
ref,and fitting of his fervanes, and the like, fo by the crea-
tures Thay we concesve the greatnes of the Creater. 49:
2 To behold and admirethe vanitie and folly ot (ach, which
doe oppefe cheanfelvcsagain{t God, and againit his children,
as areueyther affraid, nor afbamed to commit abbomsination
inthe fight both ot Gad and man, The woman,faith the Apo- |
file ought to have power on her hend,becanfe of the Angels, So | * Cor.11,10
may I fay, that /ach wretches foonld be affraid te finne againft
Ged sn regard of the very power of the Angels which are Gods
minifiers to execnte vengeance on the ungodly.
' 3 Tobesncoxraged and comforted, againtt the mamnfold 3
affaults of Saten,.the world and our owne fief, we indeed
are weake, thofe our enemies ffroxg, but the.dnge/s are much
‘more powerfall whofe minsfry the Lord ufeth in our prefer-

vation,

Pfa!.3 4. I 9.

348

Pfal.34.73 7
Pfal.9i.3ts

4 .

a a |

The bruti(bneffe of falfe Teachers, Chap.2:

vation, The Angel of the Lerd, {aiththe P/alasft encamperb
round abent thens that feare him, and delivers them, And
againe, be will give bis eAdugels charge over thee to keepe thee

snall thy wayes, he hath variety of them, thowfand thon.

fands of Angels,for our geod.

4 Tobe ffrasd to pane agiint God, who hath {uch power -
fall 8 mighty 42gels (fettators of mans wickednes)to exe
cute Vengeance onthe ungodly. Soallo to put onr traf and
confidence in him, whole might and pewer appeareth in his
mighty and powerful creaturcs,being thaxkefed unto him for
this his powerfull guard beftowed upon ss, to preserve and
defend usfrom our powerful enensies, yea and daily praying
unto bins, that his e4ngels may pitch their Tents ronnd about
esr Tabernacles. ; se decth

That even power an catuef[e doctin not ex trom
cbodience uuto Gods will, ead from bis fervise, tor eecathe

| mighty and powerfull e4ngels, are obedient unto his wel,

A defeription
of the ab

. | minablelife
and corrut

| manners of

thefelawlefig
Libertines in
foure particu:
ars,

accomplith his Censmandements. :

Merl, ra. But the/? as natural brave beajts, made tebe taken
and deftroyed foeake evil of the things that they un-
derfland nor, and foall utterly pertfe in their owne
Corruption, :

Verl.13. And foal receive the reward of unrightcon{neffe,
as that they connt i¢ pleafiere ro riete inthe daytime :
frets they are and blemifoes, porting themfelves
‘with their owne deceivings, while they fea with

yon,

In thefe and the ex/wing verfes our efpeftle goeth on in
the fame argument, lively painting out the /ame perfons,
mentioned inthe former verfe, defcribing by divers evident
notes and infallible markes the abhominable /sfe, and cor-
rupt manners of thofe lawleffe libertines whereby they dnaw
uponthem/elves Gods heavy wrath and indignation. In thefe
4 things are to be confidered, 1 their drwrifoneffe, 2 their
ignorance, or rafoneffe, 3 their intemperancie, 4 their y-

| cir

poersfe.

Verliz, The bratifhneffe of faife Teachars.

—-< oe oe

Eheir brutifoneffe, They are as natural brate beats , or
brute beafts led with fenfmality , anc thar in diverfe particu-

lars. I. becaute they fazvas not cf the fpsrit ; they performe

fled with their filthy and fichhly /effs : they are not gover.
ned by counfell, rcaton, or Gods Spirit ; but are carried by
‘their owne appetites to verforme ficthly /nfts. As beats with-.
ont rea/on or wit , follow their natural appetste , fo thefe
wicked men, detlitute of the Spirit of Ged, onely feelee to
fulfill their fexfwality, 2, as beafis defpife .every thing
whole «fe they know not, or which “efugnerh theit nature,.
‘even fo fulle tcachers, and their followers , {peake evill of
thefe things which they underfiand mot, which repugneth
their corrupt doctrine, and wicked conver/ation , {uch as the
Word of Ged, holy matrimonie , civill geversment ,. andthe
like. 3, asbrite beaftsare made to bec taken and deftroyed ,
Ged having permitted unto mankinde, a free and lawfull #/¢
of the/ame, for the foedeand nonrifoment of our bedies , {0-
are they veffels made to defiratlion, and appointed to this
jwdgemeent. According to that of the wi/z max, The Lerd
bath made all things for himfelfe, pea even the wicked for the
day of evill. 4, a8 brute beaffs fare themfelves to their
owne defirnétion , whilltthey géve them/felues to fil their | -
bellies, tor the love of meate bringing them({clves intodan-
ger, even fo falle teachers, deftroy themfelves asbeafs, with
thole pleaferes, wherewith they are delighted. Their owne
‘wicked manners, bring them untodeftsuction , they (all #t+
terly.peri{h in their owne correption, threugh which they fad
into the /msres of Sathan. They in folowing their owne cor-
rupt affeftsonxs, are taken of the D:ved by their herefies, and
afterwards deffroyed forever. 5..asbrute beats caft them-
felves many 4 time into dexnger,when they #eede not, fothefe
men »iksng/y caft chemfelvcs into Satans fares , willingly.
haftening their owne perdition. 6. as brute beafis ( efpeci-
ally fuch as are wilde and ravenons ) deftroy thofe whom
they take; fachas Lyons, Wolves and the /ske, and are for the
Saneby memjultly deftroyed : {0 falfe, teachers which by
ae : cir |.

no Pirituais dwtie zs cy dive as filthy Hooeges. altogether de- ie and dea

350

Bxod,21,28.

| Tud.v.10,

VA.

The World full of beafhs. Chap.

their wicked /ife and pernicious dedrine , corrupt fimple
fowles , bringing them to dcStruttion, fhali receive the reo
ward of wnrsghteoufieffe , Chall bee jullly punifhed of God ,
for the fame. Asit was appointed in the Law, chat if an
Oxe did gore aman or awoman shat he died, the Oxe was te
be ftonedte death, and hua flefo net to beeaten. So hath God
decreed, not to ki&the bodies (alone) butto deftroy both
“the body and foule of thefe which gore not the bedy but the
Soules of menand women , wounding them even unto the
death. Thus yceleethe bratifoncfe of falle Teachers, ag
rate beafis , they areled with fen/walsty ; as brate beafts
they are madetobee takew and defiroyedy as brute beafts
they fpeake cei of rhofe things which they underfiand net ;
a bruite beafts they thall perifoix thesr owne Cerruprien, as
brate beaftsthey (hill receive the reward of uarig hteou{neffe
as bratebeafts they want the knowledge of {pirituall and
heavenly things; as brute beafs, they doe corrupt thems.
Selves inthefe thing which they bnew naturally. Asbeafts
they areled by sature, fenfe and appetise , unto
judgement,reafon, or -difcretion. Theyare bratifo in their
words, intheir workes, in their thou ghts,in their defres, They
liveas beafts, dye as beafts, bring danger upon themfelves as
beafts as beafts, cannotrid themfelves of the fame. Such a
beaft was Cain, Efan, Nebuchadnezzar, Ngbal, {uch beafts
are our Druskards , Whoremongers , Proud, vaineglerions,
perfons,and {uch like prophane livers. | :
The world is fall of bcafts, {ome crack, fome craftie, fome
filthy, tooke into thine owne heart, whether thou alfoart not
one? artthou a drunkard , an whercmonger, a theefe, anop-

| preffor, a Liew, a flanderer of thy Neighbour or the lke?

thon art in the account of Ged.a beaft, ycache same may bee

fitly givento thee whofemanners thou dolt whoily folew.
Artthou an adsdter 2? thou mayeft bee compared unto a fed-

horfe.Art thou an eppreffor, or per/etuter ? thou mayeft bee
compared to a Lyon or Tigar: art thou adrankard? thou

mnayft be fisled a filthy Hog art thoua contentious perfox?thou
ma.ft be compared untoa sarring dogee , as negligent he
nifters

The ignorance of ‘Falfe Teachers.

mers, uno dumbe dogges,thatcaunet barke, = -

Be we carefafnot torefemble brute beafs in their bre-
sifenefe, left we perio in our owne corruption. Neither let
‘us imsitate falfe seachers , intheir brutifeneffe , for astheir
dofirine is a detiriue of unrighteonf{neffe fo they Mall receive
the reward of unrighteox/neffe, According to their workg ,
their wages (hall be payed themtothe fui. In thele er dayes
there are whole floekes of dangerons beafts , more dangerous
then theft with whens Paul fought at Ephe/ae ; famelifis ,
Auabaptifs, Papsfts, with ethers, be we warned to beware
of thems, for moft certaine it is , that they are made for the.
mat part tobe taken and deftreyed , hob perifo ix thesr owne
corruption and receive the reward of anrightecu(ueffe. Thus
of their bracifne (fe. _ |

Thesr ignorance, andrafoneff[e. They fpeake evil of the
things they underfland ver, Theargument maybe thus framed. | 22
For aman té give fentence, and condenme that whith bee
knoweth not, nov underfandeth, sa point of great tgnerance ,
folie injuftice, and rafone§c,but thefe men condemning Ma-
Siftracie, condenpne a thing which shey doe not know , or ws
derfiand, and therefore avejnfily accufed of ignorance folly jn-
§ wPice, andrafoneffe. Neither onely dec they peaks evil of
Magiftracie whichthey dsew not, butalfo ot the Word of
God st felfe, and of diverfe the molt fxbftantia& principles,
and articles of our religion. . |
_ This their fee is very axcient , and doth yet continue.
In the “yes of the Apo files thuarfelves, the.Gentives accoun-
tedthe Doftrixe of the Gofpell, but fsotfoaefe; the sees
an offence ; and yet neither of: them ke -what és was. De-
mctrins a filver Smith, having for che lave of gaine , raifed
anuprere again{t Paxl, {ome cryed exe thing , {one another,
for the «fembi:t was confufed., andthe wore part kyew net
wherefore they were come.tegether. The lewes knew not
Chrift, (for iP toey load knowne bins, they would not have
| #racified she Lord of glory )yet they ceafed not to fpeake evil
Of bins, fome naming him adeceiver,fome calling him Beel-
eebrob, and the tke. In the deyes.of Queene Afary; the holy

ee, MAYETES .

erf.a2.

352 The ignorance of faife Teachers. Chap. 2}

martyrs were reproched, reviled, condenmed by fxch as

Tob. 21.14.

neither ksew thems, nor what points of docirine they meain-
rained, yea and wow alfo (as formerly) we are accounted and
ftiled Heretickes by the Papi's, when asthe of ef chem ne-

ever kpew our delirine , nor heard what wee could fay for

our felves, neither are we our {elves free from this fame vice .
We freake evsk of thofe things, which we underftand not, If
aman make cen/céence of his wayes , aud endevonr to pleafe
Ged he ws prefently banded wih reprochfull and diferacefak
names, by /wchas doe not know, confider, or underfiand ,
what paritie, fritiaeffe, and fxcerity, Ged doth require of
us: Arethere not'a number which fpeake againtt the #rs&
keeping of Gods Sabbarh? which thinke that exbaminatson
before the receiving of the hely (omsmsunson is more then
needeth, which thinke that often preaching , maketh people
leach it: which thinke thofe Preachers too mice and bufe,

| which require-kwow/edgein every Communicant > doe they

not fpeake evill of thefe things which they underfland not ?
‘Of men and wemsen there are twe forts; Some #xderfiand,
fome doe not aaderfiand: of fich as dee not under fiand there
are twe forts, {ome of frastty neglecting the seanes by which
they fheuld igre, fome of prefiemption , not unely wittingly
‘but welfely , contemning truc ksewledge, of whom we may
readeinleb. They will none of the knowledge ef Gods wayes.
Such doe not onely refulé to ksow Gods revealed will, need-
full to their falvation, but wilfully embrace fancies , aad /w-

| perEstions in epinions,efpecially in /wsh things as they rei-

ther dee nor can ander ftana,fuch are thofe ere meant. They
advauce themfelvesin things they never faw. They tpcake
evsll of thofethings which they dee not underfiand, they «x-
derfiand not things, esther in their right canfes,as that they

_| preceede from Grd , or in the de meafure of their werth,
‘rightly.difchargieg them from {pirituall b/efings , oc how to

wfe-them aright, according to Gods ‘will, and yet doe they

| Peakeevill of them.

Let this teach us, to get knowledge in the fiz# place, that

i een

rightly kxowing things, wemay accordingly jadge of chem. |

_. _~—

wow?

er.13. The intemperancie of falfe Teachers. - 353

There isa naturall kvew/edge, arcafonable ksowledge , anda
{pirituall knowledge, this /a/t is that for which we mutt feeke,
without wich we cannot conceive,cither of things /pirirxall,
or of things temperall as we fvenld. Thus of theirsgnorance
and rafoneffe. ;

Their intewsperancie, They count st pleafure to viet inthe | 3. They'count
day time, er they count it pleafure , dayly to live delicionfly, | pleafureto
in whick werds we may confider boththe judgement, and
pralisfe of thofe men, their judgement , they thinke has true | And foareinz
bappine fe confifteth in temperad aud earthly pleafures, inthe | temperate.
enjoying of the thsags ef this fe. Whichthe very heathen
Orater confuteth, for faith hee , sassy fay that pleafare the Talkie.
| chiefeft good, bi beech feemeth to be the voyce ofbeafts , net |.

of men. Their pradtife « accerding to their jadgement, /i-
ving delicionfty rioting inthe day time, From bork which
we may perceive cleerely, that they minde nothing but the
fefo,andto watke after their owne lufts, yea this phrafe im-
porteth the perwer{ne feof their opinion, their tntemperancie
of life their sdleneffe, asal{o their smspudencse in inning , as
being paft foame : our Savionr celicth us.that every one which
doeth evil, bateth the light neither commeth to the light, left
hue deeds foould be repreved or difcovered , and the Apoftle The
Paulreleth us, that inhis dayes, thojethat were drunken ,| ° “507.
were drunke in the sight, but thofe, asbofting in their #xged-
line fe, not afoamed.of their fuse, connt it pleafure to riete sin
the day time. Thisismolt apparant in Peperie, the chiete
} psdars of it, living smtemperasely; impudently , and idly,
their whole /sfeis Pampering of theis bedsess they connt st
pleafuretelive delsctonfly, toriote sn thus day of the Go/-

Tok.3 .20.

+ earn we from hence to 4bftaine from thofe their ungodly Ufe.
sewrfes, placenot your felscéty onthe things of this 4fe. Bee

mot Epicures in eating and drinking, nature is contented with

alittle,and where there 1s leaft versety, theres moft health ,

moft freedome from Acknefle. Remember Nabal: call to | 1 Saw.25.36.
minde Soden: be not forgetfull of the rich gturten : bee a- Ezek.» 5-49"
fhamed sow to riet in she day time: bee afhamed of whore. uC. FOKFe

Aa deme, ;
(ne TP

354

4. {pots they
areand blemi-
thes {porting
themfelves
with their
owne decei-
vings while

they feat with

hypocrite,

Iude.y.32_

| fill plodding, how to snric

The hypocrifie of falfe Teachers. - Chap.2.

dome, drinkenneffe, Pride, and other abhominations; But
alas how mucl doe-ménand women tranfgrefle this rale ?
how much doe they refemile falfe teachers, Godsenemies > I
feare, thatihere are t20 tos many of us, culpable of this

"vice; aitthou a drunkard ? art thou an adulterer? aglutton?

given unto any kiade of sstemperance? thou doctt with
fallereachers riot inthe daytime, \s thine heart {ct upon
the things of this world? doeft thou feeke the wor/d , more
then Ged 2 doeft thou efeeme prineto be gediineffe 2 art thou

thy felfe, though with thy
neighbours hore? thou art arsotons perfon, andunlefie in time
thou repenteft, (halt haveno part or portion with Ged, in his
Kingdeme. Thusof their sstensperance.

Their. hypecrsfie ; fpots they are and blemifoes , fyortin
themfelves with their owne deceivings , while they feaft wit
you, that is, when as by being amongf the chriftsans
ss the holy banquets which.the Church keepeth, the
wowld feeme by shat meanes te be trae members of the
Church, yet they are indeed but hers and blemifees.
In your holy feafts they. fitt as members of the (usreh,
whereas indeed they are but pots, and fo deceive you, of whom
Saint Jnde alfo.{peaketh , thefe are Pots in your feafts of Love,
when they feaft ml yon without all feare feeding themfelves,
In the primitive Church it wasa exftometo havea featt be-
forethe Lords Supper made by the Comssexnicants , unto
which fome broug hthony,fome bread, fome wine,fome milke’,
and every ene according to their absiéty contributing /ome
thing thereunto, called therefore /eve-feaf's , becaule they

_ | were herein toreftifictheir mutuall eve among thenefelves ;

as alfo to the peore who hereby werereleived, and to the mi-
niftery it fette, which was by theft feafs partly maintai-
ned. Vatothole feafs thefe fal/e teachers came, extwar
{ceming tebe good Chriftians, but inwardly delighting them
Selves with their owne deseivings, whom Ged difcevered to
be counterfeits, foes, (orrecks) and blores. They came shat
they might hide their villanie : by comming God did bemray
their knaveries —
From

eee rereneneneestnstpngeeunetatnstecad-aounangenneeeenennueneneeeuse n=

Verfr3z. | Fale Teachers recks and pots.

From this circumffance diverfethings might be noted.
x. that falfetcachers would “ad eefeemedand accoun-
ted of others true members ef Gods Church, and therefore

many outward 4xtses.

2, That falfe seachers, hewfoever they would blinde the
eyes of the werd, yet are not ignorant of their ewne hypocri-

Ce ° ,

f 3. Thatit dothrejoyee falfe teachers exceedingly tebe ace
counted holy devout and religions: they. delight in their de-
COSULNGTS.

4- That God wil bewray hypocrites, notwithfanding of all
their faire pretences. Asrocks and foots, cannot becbid, fo
fhall not their bypocrife,

5: Thatfalfe teachers are dangerous and {candalous te Gods
Church, dangerous, as being rocks; fcandalous, as bein
Mets , and blotes ; no leffe unfeemely thea are thofe whick
cleave unte the cloathes of drunkards:

6. Thatall /ach as profe fe themfelves members of Chrift,
arenottrie Cbriftians. :

But leaving chefe,learne wee from ths their bypocrsfie and
fraxd to endevour for wprightnefe and fincerity; wouldeft
thou be accounted atrue d Chriftian? be lo indeed ,
wouldeft thou beaccounted a member of Chrift? beloindeed,
Art thon otherwife ? Ged will atone time or ether bewra
thine bypocrife. Haft thou beene a fer and Slemify unto Geds
Church ? by tenerepentance wafs 1c away. Haft thou beene
afwearer, drunkard, adulterer, covetoms perfor, (apply it
every one ofyou untoyour felves) thou haft beene a blor,
aber, avecke repent and bee grieved for the fame! Oh let
the glory of Ged be deareunto us| difgrace not weour pre-
Seffien by living (candalon/ly as fpottsand blotes:for this caufe
lec us alwayes pray that Chrift our bead may [antlifie us land
cleanfe wg, by the washing of water,throngh the word, that hee
may make usunte him{elfe a glorious Church ,not having fot
or wrinkde,or any {uch shing bus thas we may be holy and with-
out blame. . ‘ode ° yo Ce,
| Aa 2

they. will even conforme themfelves to the performance of |

Verf. |

Epk.§.26.
27e

. | _ , a
256 The lafcivion/neffe of falfe Teachers. Chap.z

Verf. s4. Having eyes: full of Adultery , and that cannet

: coafe from finne, beguiling unflable foules : anbeart

they have exercifed with coverenus prathifes ; curfed
Childres.

15. Which bave forfaken the right way, and are gene
aftray, follow the way of Balaams, the fonne of Befar,
whe lowed the wages of unrighteou{neffe.

16. Bur wacrebuked for his iniquitie : the dumbe Affe
peaking with mans veyce forbids the madneffe of the
Prophet,

Tevo partices

tars fee downe Our Apofle in thefe verfes, goeth on in the fame an gi.

inthefevertes. | ment, lively pasmfing, and pointsng out the (ame perfons, 1 hey
2 confift of rwo parts. 1. a Propefirion, laide downe in the 14.
2 and beginninp of the 15.verfe: 2.4 confirmarten thereof, laid
downe in the reff of the 15, and 16. verfes.

Fiveparticus, Concerning the 1.the propoftion. Ix conGfteth of adsverfe
larsinthe o | particulars, whereof the 1. concerneth their /a/civion/we fe,
by thofe tawles | Faving efuk of adulterie, and that cannot ceafe frome finne;
libertines are | the 2. their decesrfulneffe, beguiling anfiable.foules, the 3.
defcrib.d. their soveron/neffe, an heart they have exercifed with ecve-
tons prattifes; the 4. their anhappine je, they arc curfed chil-
dren, or children of curfe, the 5.. their Apoftafe, which
have Lorfaken the right wey , and are gone aftray, Of thefe

invrder, ce Sa, yO,
ope Thesr lacivionufueffe. Having eyes full of adalterie , and
vioteed} has | SPAt cannot ceufapoon, fre, wheres we have both the A:nde
ving eyesfull | Of it, adx/rery, the febjeE of it, their eyes, the meafure of it,
ofadultery | fell, having eyes fuk of adultery ;theic pregre/fe in it, and that
and thet fom | Cannot ceate fom finne. In which werds our Apeftie condem-
Ginne, neth the/e men , asfhewing, even in their besavionr and

countenance, aninfatiable and unmecafureableluf? , asif hee
fhould have {aid they doe alwayes thinke of their whoredome,
‘and adulteries, their [uff can by no sscanes be fatisfitd or wea-
ried; they are intemperatly and vistently carvied. after their
owne (uff ; their mindes being blinded , and bearrs bardnesd

| - . en
Ver.14. The lafcivioufucf{e of falfe Teachers. 357

iu fiune. Adultery being rected in their hearts, doth entward-
ly bewray it felfess thesr eyes , which ave full of the fame ,
whith fet themfelves about nothing elfe, bust bew te accom-
plifo their inveterate and inbred vikanic.

The vice herereprehended is adultery , concerning which
three things aretobeconfidered. 1. what it is. 3. how st
committed, 3. how hurtful and dangerous it is to man-

Tonching che 1.what st #4? improperly it may bee taken for | What adulte-
ak manner of uncleanneffe about the «é of generation , as | 7 ix
namely , incef, rape, fornication, Sodemsée, and the like, but
properly itis the fune of svarried perfons , when either the
| husband forfaketh the conspany of his wife, and cleaveth un-.
| to another, orthe wife being falfe anto her owne busband
doth proftitnte her ¢edy unto vether,or when both the ba/-
| band and wife are fanltic herein, Ged punifhing the exes} ~
'! Gane, by the ethers; cither way (I take it) it may bee taken
° in this place.
Touching the2. Adnltery may bee faidto bee conmited, | Howitis
diverfe manner of wayes;, efpecially two. Lewardly and | °°
extwardly; Inwardly in the beart affetfions, outwardly
jin the bedy and members thereof. Of the former, our Savi-
our {peaketh in thefe words , whofeever looketh on « woman | Mat 5.28.
te luft after bers bath committed adultery already with ber
inhss heart, Hereofthereare three branches.3. When the I
heart doth not reprehend os carbe from good judgement ,
the folly, sudifcretion and wantonneffe of the outward menm-
bers , eyes bands, tongaxe, and the like , but confexteth rhere- 3
unto.2. when the heart is delighted, and fected with thofe
objets , wherewith the onmtward fenfes are entangled. 3. 3
| when the Sears ftriveth, labonreth, endevoureth, defpifeth,
feeketh all oceafions, whereby to performe the act it felfe of
uncleansffe, a3 did Potiphars wife towards Lofeph; Tamar
towards Indah; and e4mnon towards Tawar, The /atter
even the ostward is a foute and effec of the smvard. It is | Outwardly.
comitted,fometimes reallie before Ged, but not before men,
namely when the afFis extended but by ome meanes or one

; Lo: on A a 3 : af

cane aenRSEEe enna lel

.
.

“358

Elae3 166

fulland dans
gerows it is,.

Pro 2039

How hurts;

Chap.2

difappesnted,as before, God,Potiphars wife wasa nadsltreffe ,
and Abimiléchanacelrercr though neither of them com-
mitted the outward aé& of adslrery, thus are they in the tight
ot God adalrerers which eithes delight to heare flithy',
beal:ly, and lafciviens ra/ke , fongs and bakads , or which
foeake thusth:mftives, o: which alsare and proveke others,
tocommit fel’y, or which give ¢s/¢s and bsre unto others to
become saxghe with theiv, or \ hich ule prond, vane, and
gandse apparrell, whereby to extuxgle others with their
love ; er which goe many a mile for nothing elfe but to /ee
and to be /eene, or which nic wanton gefare , making a tsx-
kiing with their feere whillt they walke in the frreets, going
with fretched out necks,c¢. Sometimes apaine , it is com-
mitted really botb before God and man, when the outward
all doth accompany the fecrct intention f the heart, the rife.
neffe of which dayly experience eeweth. * on
Touching the 3. lt is many wayes hurtful and dangerous

unto mankinde, I will infift onely in one, here expre fled,
nainely, that /ach cansot cesfe from (inne, which Solewsox
morecileerely expreflech: None thet goe into her returne
againe , nesthcr take they hold of the path of life; aw horrible
and fecrefull jadgemeat : this our owne experience confir-
meth, many a mar once giving himfelfe to this vsce can hard-
ly be withdrawne from tt : One time, or one whore doth not |
fuilice him, but at diverfe rinses. and with diver/e whores, he
committeth vskany, neither doth hee cea/e tiil either his
frength, or goods or beth bee confumed, or till Ged (as of-
tenhe doeth ) bring fome Jeath/ome, filthy , and incurble
difeafe upon him.

LQueftion. Doe not adulterers repent, and fo are faved ?

Anfwer. God forbid, but that of {0 many there fhould bee
Some penitent, but they are afew number, and no wonder , 4e-
canfe they coatinue in their fixne, and though for atime, (it
may be before the oly Comsmexnion , or in the time of {ome
pablske or private. calamitic) they abfaine , yet with the
dagge they dev Againe resyrnennto their vomit.

: Ohthenéeware of this loathfome, horrible, and filthy

—forme-

ts pdalterte bey danverous. a

Mal.2, Tq

| fed, andrejoyce with the wife of thy pews , Let her be as the Pre.$.3% '

er breafts fatisie thee at

Pro,2.2 7°

1 Car.G.9e

Pla.119-370
lob.31.3. |

z Sam. Yr. 2. |
Gen. 32.7.

Ifa.:.15.

'
y
it

D Wicked
tolmake ochess .
partakcss

| reeds having thegsft of continenctetoutest,wantm

Deceitfulneffe of falfe Teashers. Chap.2

condemneth. wandring syes (asa figne that they were not
chaft ) inthe daughters of Zion. Thofe doth the Dived
chiefely /e+/¢ on,as whereby hee may efpecially exfware the
whole an:.Be watchfull alfo over thine eares,over thy taf,

_| over thy tangue, over thy feere, abftaine fromall provecasé-

onsuntolnft , from.every appearance of evitls hecpe rhine
heart mith alldiligence 5 efchew idleneffe, remember that the
pleafure of this vice, is fhort, the ends bitter, Shuane the ec-
cafious ofthis finne, efpecially folitarineffe, or being aloge to-
gether. Teconclude thisposne, Lexhort you that are wemar..
CO ar |
ries and youthat ate married render dime benevolence one ¢0
the other, drinke waters aus of thine owne cofterne and
running waters ont of thine owne wel. Thus of the /afcsos-
enfue lle.
Their deceitfuluefe,begniling anfinble fortes. The Phrafe}
is metaphericak, whereinwe may confider three things. .
1.the Seducers, 2. the Sedused.3. the meaxes whereby they
arefeduced. Thefeducers acecompared tofowlers or Bhers,
Gs the eriginal word smplieth ) The feduced unto fif—es or
wles; the meanes whereby they are. feduced , unto thofe
baits wherewith fifMes and. fowles aretaken. Asfifers and
forlers; lay bases fer the fllief foes and fimplefowles, whereby.
they doecatch theme, fe falfe eeachers by their erronious and |
niciaus dottrine, ix few pleafant and profitable , beguile,
educe, asd deceive; unftablefonles.
. From hence asvenfethingsmay benoted. «i. |
: Io The sature and property of wicked mex; they camet be

men endeveur | content to be wicked themfelves, but they would have others

| and Pharifes,bypecrites, for-yee concpaffe Sea and Land , te

makeone Profelyre, and when bes made, yoo make bins two.
folde more the. shilde of bel, then your felves. Thus here, faife
Teachers, being feduced shemfelves, dee eidevour to beguile
and feduse others. - @e Dhyat

erf14, — Falfe Teachers feduce others.

_ e That falfe seachers doe pervert thefembons they-doe fe~
duce, by guiltfull and fradulent meawes, they goe not plasnely
to werke, for e//e they thould bard/y pervert any.,as if there
were not feme baite the fires avd fowles, contd not, nor wenld | 4
notforaply beetaken, Therefore. doe thole falfe teachers
guilde over their décbrine,with {ome feeming frewes of truth:
when as indeed they are counterfeits.

- $e That fich ae. are feduced by them, are uuftable, unfetled
people, not being gronnded or confirmed in the truth of. God,

of dering, of the number of whenease thole fie wemen of
whom thefame Apoftle {peaketh; thofe are the pray at which
falfe seachers ayme, which even our owne ¢xpertexce con-
firmeth, fur generally fwch asare{educed by Popifs Priefts,
eAnabapti—is, famelifts, and others, are xnf able foules , wn-
Setlad, wugrounded, felfe.conceited and inconfant,
- Of thofe thxee posntethefe three ufes may be made.

Is Forthe Preachers of Gods wrerd in general, yea for
every ( briftsas in particalar to be carefull, Sborions indultri-
ons, incexfirming one enether: are falfe teachers bufie to per- | .
vert? we mult be as merchfadl leit we pertered. to

22For all of us tobeware of fal/e teachers,as expert connie:
catchers,skilfull monwntebankes, experienced foxlers. Though
they 8 their doftyine feeme fomewhat.in few, neither of them

cunuseg/y Circumvecitng, let the fads .of others , bee a war-
ning for.w, how mey fignple (eles have beene taken and
| eaxght from time totime by their baits ! They have baits of
profit, baits of pleaftere, baits of fiethly Sberzy. Ohler ustrie
thensand their doftrine, by the rexch-faxe of eds word, that
| their decestfalne fle @ay apprare. . ie
. 3« Forad efusco become grounded, (erled, and confirmed
inthe ruth of God, art thou igysrant, incon fant waucring, | .
endevourtobe well refelved. Chrsf is the rocks, hee isa
Sure foundation, letns endevous to be busit on bins, This of 7 |
their decestinlucfe. 7 |
1 Dheir-ssveton{nife,. An heart bave they, exercifed with
. ae covetons,

but carried abens (as the Apofle {peaketh) with every winde | ®

are any thing in fubfiance,they doe but fraxdslenty intrapus,|

362

3. Their coves
toufheffe,ak
heart have
they exercifed
with covetous
practices.
Obf, One fin
draweth en
another.

They make an

occupation
thereof.

They are skil=

fallin their

covetous pras
‘| &ifes.

Ufee

The Cov etoufneffe of falfe Teachers, Chap.2:

-" a,
covetous prats/es. Note haw one fx draweth on another, unto

wha a iffe of wickedneffe thateare gives over, which for.

fake God andtruth, deceitfulnefe foiloweth their lafeivi.

onfneffe, covet ssufre ff etheis decestfulneffe, and fe other, vices
their coveton/neffe. . _
Touching this /4f, | have already fpoken at. large, upog
thefe v.ords of the third verfe , and through coveton(ne fe ,
foal they with fained words make merchandsfe of you, tor the

‘| prefent confider we thefe 3. things, 1. that this viee of
| | covetonfneffe isreoted intheir very hearts, a. that they doe

continne in the (ame, making an eccapaties thereof. 3. that,
they are skilful in thole pradis/es whereby to encreafe
ric S. -

Touching the 1. it # rooted in thesy heart, implying, as
well the injurie and wrong which they did unto God, in de-
nying him hisrighe, theit bearey and beftowing st spex bsg
enemsie, covetenfueffe; astheit wefxll and miferable effase,
their Acarts being ruled by coveron/meffe; it being 10 rectedin : —
them, as that s¢ can hardly beremsoved.

Touching the ‘2. They doe exeresfe themf{elves tn coves |

| tow/neffe, they’ make atrade and occupation thereef, implying |
as well their negligence in the performance of Gods Law, as}

their efteeming and acconnting the exercife of coveton/neffeto |
‘be lav full.

Tonching the 3. they are ski/fu# intheir covetots pra-
&sfes, as being fora fomg time trained up therein, which is
meft apparent in Poperie, They have bad fuch sh:@ infuch
pratisfes,as that they got unto themfelves, the fasref farreft .
and moft p/ee/anr places of the /and, money, by Pardexs, In
dulgences, Purgatorie, Maffes, auricular confeffion, Dir ees ,

| Reliques, Baptifing of Bells, and what noe.

Learne we from hence to beware of them, that neither we
become /ske unto them in regard of our foxles , having
beartsexercifed with covetsns prallifes, ncither becomea
prey unto them in redeceiving one another ," through cove-
tonfneffe doe not #ndecand undermine one another. But a-
las , our:hearts ace too, much exeresfed with covePome practic

ST | | {es

. a

Verkig: ‘The Coveron/ne ffe of fale T eachers.

{es, as experience theweth in many partienlars, It's acove-
tons pratts/eto workeuponGeds Sabbath; it’s acovetous
prattsfero buy cheape , and fell deare, ttill longing and wes.
ting toca deare yeere , fura greater price, Ik proceedeth of
coveton(neffe to wif that the Sabbath wercover, as the
Lewes,whom the Prophet taxech for the fame. It’s a sove-
tous pratisfe totakc bribes to pervert jaftice, torobbe, Peale,
forfweare, oppreffe. \t’s acowerons prattife to make the Ephab
{rsall ,and the fockel preat, faliifing the balances by deceit ,
to buy witha bigger, and (ek witha leffer meafure, I might

Ames8.5. |

infbance a number of {uch prattifes , they are fo rife, that bur | -

afew can cleere them/alves of the fame. Thusisthe pradii/e
of falfe seachers : ty. erein doe they dayly exercs/e themftelves;
even in that which is the rvete ofall evs; Oh that we were
free from the fame, Thusof their Covetonfneffe. -

Their unhappineffe, They arécurfed Children, or the chil-
dren ef curfes; for the words may bee taken as well 4&sve/y;
that they car/e others sas paffively, that they themfelves are
accurfed. : :

I. I fay, they are cerfed children, asbeing odiosws jhatefal
and dereflable in the figlit of God, and good men, as being ont
ofthe favour of God; feparated from Chriff ,and tron: eters
nal falvation, as being apposnted and ordaned unto deftrulls-

_| on, They are car/ed in regard of th irettate heere, as itis,
andin segard of their eftate bereafteras it fall be.

Touching their prefent effate in this Life , it is woefxl and
mifer able, howfoever it tcemethto bee orherwife. tor they
have not 4x7 priviledge or rig4e, unto any uf Gods creatures;
their riches, honors, pleafwres. preferments , fhallturne unto
their farther condemnation, all hings worke together for their
bars and detriment. Their owne worke fhall beas a Spiders
web, wherewith they thall hee taken, God doth even in this
fife, infliG heavie , and-fearefull jadgements: v spon them. ,
efpecially they are given over unto fpiritwell blindne fe, unto
hardue(fe of beart, and impenitencte ; death at the length /ea-
Seth uponthem; whereby they are deprived ofall their joyes,
pleaferes proftt.preferments, which were their oxe/y happi-
neffe. . | | Touch-

4. Their un-
happineffe,
they are cur-
fed children
or the children
of arrfes.

Cu fed.

In regard of .
their cftate
here.

Im regard of

theie

Mat. A§eGzo

| Why thty are

@od.
Dert.27.1 Sa!

Deut.2 7. r7 e

Daxt.27-1 Se
Pal 119.12.
lent 1.3,
ler.17.5¢ .

06,

Sol.

The anhappineffe of falfe Teachers. Chap.2

Tenching their oftatein the 4s/s to come, it is by suftuste de~
grees more berrible and feareful. Then berrors and terrers

take holdon them, they fhall bee prefented before the
Tribunal (eave of the great Indge. All their Giens fhall then

| be viewed ; all their (serets fhall then bedifcevered ; all their

horrible smspictics and abbominations here consmitted, (hall be
there inthe fight of swan and Angel, manifefed, Then it
fhallcleerely appeare that they are surfed children when it
fhall befaid unto them, depart frome me ye curfed inte ever-
lating fire, prepared for the divell aud bie angels.
Neither is it without rea/on that fuch fhould be accarfed
of Ged, {eeing they doe pre{ampronfly ,rebelionfly, Rubber. | .
dy, witeingly , and wilfslly commit thofe fines, againg
which weesand curfes are denounced inthe Scréptare. To
inftance a few, they make graven and molten Imayes, which
are an sbhomination unto the Lird, putting them not onely
in a fecret place, intheir ‘Chambers, but even publikely in
their (barches, and Temples: they fet light by their Father
and Mother: they make the blind to wander out of the way;
they pervert the judgement of the ftranger , Fatherlefe, and
widdow, they commit adultery, txceft, and all other ncleanx-
heffe: they fisite their Neighbour frcreely, and take reward
to flay innocent perfons s they performe nes All the words of
the Law to doe them: they are proud, erring from all the
(ommandements af God: they ebey net the werds of Gods
Covenant : they traft in man, and make feof their «rave,
apna departeth from the Lerd, and therefore they | _
are CMT/[CA, .
Obf. IF-they be cur fed for nothing elfe, but far thofe their
finnes , doth it feeme thatal of usare carfed , {eeing there is
not any ofus, whichdoenot in fome meafure breake Geds
Cemmandements.
Anfw, 1. Thereisagreat difference betweene thefé men

| and the Children of God , both in regard of the ssatter , and

the manner of their fusing, whereasthe gedly {inne of ixfir-
imitie , Falfeteachers finne Of prefamption, and whereas the
godly thongh they have prevecations and enticemenss unto

) : . ouny

- . -

Verfi4. Falfe Teachers children of curfe.

_ many horrible fisses, doe not yeeld unto them , falle teachers
give way untoshe/ame: 2. that being aecurfed by nature,
through fwse, Chrif becomming a carfe for us, wee are par-
dened and become b/effed through im, what we have not b
Nef weebrasme , through Gods gracions favenr and geoa-
neffe.
‘Hence may we conceive : Ufs
1. The msiferable and wretched eftate of thofe men. .
Though they be efeemed amongit mee; thqughthey abound
in riches, hononrs, pleafures, and preferments , yet arethey
curfed Children , curfed Cains: yeathey are curfedevenin| -
thefe things which they doe molt efeeme , and for which | yo. 93.16
they are of others moft eftcenecd , curfed inthe basket, in| de,
thetr fore, Ge.
2. That we muft have no medling with falfe teachers, but} 2 .
avoide and founne thems as curfed creatures, eAchas havin
taken of the accur/ed thing, brought Geds judgements bot
upon himfelfe, and chofe that did be/ong unto 4m: meddle
not with fuch accurted perfons, Ieft we alfo bring Gods judg-
ments upon our fe/ves, Thusthey are curfed,curfed. a
2, fay, they are Children of cxrfe, they fe# themfelves, Children of
for the love of mony, to curfe they care not whons , God or ;
max, yoathey doe even cur/e one another, and draw Gods | 5.43 5209,
eurfeupon themfeves, Godfaith, Thou foals not curfe the _—
raler of thy pecple, They notwithftandiog doe e#r/e him.
curfod Cains, curfiny Shemeis. Thisis molt apparent in Pe-
pery, curfer are tnvoft frequent among them , what Pre-
tefiant Prince or fiate bath not beene excommunicated by
the Pope of Rome! Excommunication abufed bath beene the
chiefe meanesto enlarges their patrimonte contrary unte all
equitic, and honey, tius were the Emspevours Fredricke and
Henry thus was Luther. excommunicated , yea wee read of
diverfe who after their death fave beene excommunicated
by them, fach as TZas/7, Hanne , and diverfe of the Popes
j themfelvess ae : :
_ Hence we.may learne
: 7 Ie Net te be-affraid of

the cur fes of falfe teachers,they are} iI
ee | xfual

366

Gen, 12.3.9
Numb.24.9 °

Mat.§. 23,

Their Ape-
fie, which
have forfaken
the right way
&e,

Teh, 14.54

Pfal.119,
10§.

The Apoftafie of falfe Teachers, Chap.

ufsall with them. David was not the worfe that Sime
and Gelsab curfed him, neither fhall wee, though both the
Divell and Pope, with esther of their agests, excommuni-
cateandear/eus; foracanfeleffe curfe foall net light , yea
and being curfed by thems for Gods canfe,God will curfe thems
that curfe us. Aad as Balaam (aid of I/rael, exrfed shee thar
curferh thee, {oway welay,curfed arethey, that curfe us; yea
bleffed are we when men fhall revile us, and perfeente us , and
foall fay all manner of evill again(t ue falfely, for Ghrifts fake,
we have canfe torejcyce and be exceeding glad, fer great ss
our reward in heaven, | |

2. To abftaine from carfing; doe not imitate falfe teachers
in this horrible vice, It’s too #/#a among soft mex. Doc
not with falfe teachers either curfe Ged or man, left thou
draw upon thy felfe the cwr/e of Ged. Some are notaffrayed
tocurfe Magiftrares, {ome are fo wnreafonable that upon the
leaft occafion they exrfe their beafs, {ome fo axnataral,that
they cure them/elves, theirfonles, bodes, husbands, wives,
Children, even thofe which are moft deere unto them. Ik’s
common with/eme, tofay, «Plagne light on them, aven-
geance take thems , andthe 4ke. Ob my beloved , thofe are
farre from Chriftian peeches nay they are altogether dsabe-
licell , therefore in the feare of God amend thens , abftaine
from them, be not with the/é men, the children of curfe. Thus

of their unhappinefe.

Their edpoftacie; whichbave forfakenthe right way, and
are gone aftray; that is, which have forfaken Chrift Iefus, and
hiword, denying toyeeld obedience therennts , and fo have
runne inte errors and vices , by folowing their owne fancies.
Our Saviour witnefieth of bims/elfe, Lam the way,thetrath,
andthe life; no man commeth unto the Father, but by me, a
right way, directly leading unto Ged , and that both becaufe
he doth conjoyne ue unto Ged the Father, he being the medi-
ater betweene Ged and max, asalfo becaufehe doth direct
and /ead us inthe way of Gods Consmandements , teaching
and inftructing ss inthe fame. Soalfothe werd may beefaii
to be this vight way, as beinga lampe wate en? fetes. ana

bgM¢

ec a Sager arse tempest ssa esuennsrestenssasumsessensncesa

Verf. 15: The Apoftafie of falfe Teachers.

light unte eur path, as teaching ms the way of Gods ftatutes :
both shefe by falfe teachers were forfaken, as they are
alfoby the Heretickes in our dayes. They withdraw their
hearts from yeclding obedsence unto hu (ommande-
MICHIE»

In the words rwe things may be noted. 1. their averf-
on from good, they have forfaken the right way, 3. their con-
verfion unto evil, and are gone aftray.

Whence twe obfervations may be gathered.

The fr is this, that

Sach aswithdraw their hearts from God, departing from
his fervice and fromyeelding obedience unto hie commande-
ments, are Apoffass, backefleders, forfakers of the right way ;
as forexaneple. Ifa Chriftsanturne Jew, or Turke, or Idola-
ter ,heis a back-/lider,a forfaker of the right way, as it isfaid
of the L/rachites, They ferved Baalim, and forfooke the Lerd
God of their Fathers,: and againe, I/rael forfooke the rong
God, that madet bem. \f 4 profeffor of Gods truth ; one that
makes fome conference of his wayes, blaming in others /wea-
ring, lysng, Sabbath breaking, and the like "Banes. If fucha
one, fay, give himfelfe over to flefoly liberty, becomming
an adulrerer, an whoremsonger, a drunkard, & covetous perfon,
or the dske,he is an apoftare from God, and his trath.: a forfa-
ker of the right way.

Hence it followeth

1. That the eftare of falfe teachers and their followers
unhappy and wiferable for amomentancall pleafnre they have
| endlef[e paine, they draw:backe unto perdition, faith the Apo-
fleunto the Hebrewes. Thon haf sroden dowsne all then that
erre from thy ftatates, faith David.. |

3. That.we ought carefully to avoide Apoftafie and back.
fiding; we muit not wizbdraw ony hearts from God, or for-.
fake she right way.. Take/ure holde on (rift; cleave unto
his word ; loath not his Comnsandements. If ye continue in-
"| 87: word (laith our Saviour )then are yee sy Ds (ciples indeed,
Be not carried about, faith the eApeftle, with diverfe and
Strange doftrines, for st ia a good thing that the heart be efta-
blifhed

367°

Pfalz 19. 33.

D.Such as
withdraw -

their hearts -
trom God are |
Apefkates, ’

bc.
Tudge2 rp I. .

126
Deut.31.3§-

Ufe
on

Heb.10.39
Pfal.1 i De
118.

Toh.2.3 30

‘N

Heb.1 3.9

~ - . .

Caufes of Apoftafie. Chap.2

| | blifoed with grace. Bengt as Lots wife, Demas, Indas Sant,

Curfes of
Apoftafies

‘meanes to ups
holde us als
waye.

D.Sach'asfor-
(ake the right
wavy goe a-
fray.
Pro.2,33«

Reafone

Uf.

the [/ragists who would have againe returned unto Egypt. Fog.
this caufe pnt away ailrho/e things, whereby yee may bee
withdrawne from thisway, ufe all thofe meanes whereby ye
may goeoninthisway. The things whereby we are with-
drawne from this way, are partly in oxr felves, partly frem
others. Inour felves, our corruption of mature, the lebert
which we rake unto our felvesin fisning, our ux{etledue§e
and ineon/csence, ovr love of the world, andthe /ske. From
others, allurements, provocations threates, promifes, feare of
torments and tortures, and the /tke.

The sseanes whereby to bolde us inthe ay » are fasthin
Chri ft, fufpition of our owne weakneffe, dayly prayer unto
Ged. Thusofthe 1. obfervatien. 7 ,

The fecond is this,that - .

Sach as forfake the right way, got aftray; this isa branch
and fraite of the former,tuch as for{ake God,Chriff,his Word,

| his Law, his Comsmandements, they goe aftray, become er-

ronseusin regard of their judgement, and susptoms in regard
of their practi/e, asthe fore-mentioned examples, of Sanl,
‘Dewmsat, Indas, doe cleerely fhew. Who foleaveth the path of
aprightneffe, foall walke in the wayes of darkeneffe.

Therea/ox is evident, becaufe Gods Word is the right way,
whereunto folong as we eld our felves, weeare in the
right way, from which fo foone as we fwerve, wee gee a

Aye |

WhereforeI exhortyoualltokeepe you inthe right way :
lofe it not, for it is not very eafily feand , wouldft thou bee
kept from errenr in jndgement, from impiety in /sfe and con-
verfation, keepe thee in ths way, walke according to the rade
Of Gods word, fwervenot therefrom , either unto the right
hand or unto the /eft. Thus halt thou attasee unto the exd of
thejorney the Kingdsnee of heaven otherwife,if thou for/a-
ef God, he will forfakethee,by which meanes thou fhalt full
in Apsfafie, ase well, into errer injudgeneent, asimpiety ,
in 4fe. Thus of their Apoftafe , and fo of the Prope-

frtcon. . oo.
C one

ecfig: 4 Defcription of Balaam.

Concerzing the 2. the confirmation of the Propefition ,
‘laide dewne in the reft of the 15. and 16. verfes , and that
from the example of Balaam, Such a Balaam was inthe
time of the Law, fach are they inthe timeofthe Goppcl, as bee
was afalfe Prophet, fo arethey falfe seachers, as he was co-
verem,{oarethey, ashe for money would have curfed Geds

pradis[e;& as Gods judgemcins feafed on bins, fo fealthey alfo
onthem: i alti the comparifon is molt fir both in refpect
of the /igssfication of the words, Balaans,avaine peaple;s& Be-
Sor,carnall; & becanfe as in hime there was a defre of promotion
and riches, a malisions mind again Gods people, {ois there
sw the hereticks here prophecied of as % apparant sn the papacie.
They having torfaken the right way , whom fellow they ?
Balaans ; they follow bs way, and what was -bis way? It
Wasanmbitien, Pride, coveten{ueffe, and would shey (men
as it feemeth of ete and /earning ) forfake Ged , to follow
fuch a one ? they dee; what might be the rea/ox of it? even
becaufe their beart was not perfe@ with Ged, becaufe this
way was more agreeable unte thelr sorrups nature , becaufe
this way. did promife them more Rely liberty, becaufe
they might walke beercin without controlment , yea with the
commendation and applas feof the greatef fort.

Hence may be perceived,an infallible marke whereby a max
may know bimfelfe, ox be knowne of others, what way duett
thou mokt sasbrace? [sit prefit?thou artcovetens.ls it pleafure
thou art /a/civions Is it benewr? thou art ambitions, Is it re-
veng e?thou art mvalicions.\s it variance ?hou att contentions .1s
it holines?thon art-redigso%s,10: ke intothine owne Seart woh
thon deeft like bea#,Ged,or Baal;the way of Ged,or the way
of Balaam,and occordingly jadge of thy /elfe.

In this confirmation we have alively defcription of Balaam.
1 From bis same Balaam. 3. From his kinred, or pleace
of birth, Bofor, 3. From the greatne(fe of his fane, the way
of Balaam. 4. from the grownd of his wickedneffe, who
loved the wages of uxrighton{nef[e. 5. from the reward
which he reaped hereby, he was rebsked for sniquitie , the

B .

dumbe

people,lo doc they as was his counfeh, uxto Balak, fois their Th

eee
; &

A man may
know himfelte
by the way
wherein he
walketh,

A defeription
of Baleares by
fixparticulars,

_ 37°

1 Prom his
name which
did ficly point
out hisnature

2. From his

_| the name bet

is finne ters
med his way.

| 4. From the
ground of his
wickelnelie,
ove of wages
ofunrt hee
oufneffe.

Reu.2,14,

The lone of
money,

D. The reote
of allevill.

I Tim, 6.10.

Corvetoufueffe the roote ofallecvill Chap,s

dumbe affe peaking with mans voyce, forbad the madne fle of
the Prepher,6.from his office, a Prophet. .

Fer the 1. his same was Ralaam, which (being interpre-
ted) figni fieth, trosbling the Nagrios; avaine people, ades
vonrer or deftroyer of the people, or an overthrower ef the
brorhcerhocd, his name pointcth out his sat#re , his nature 3s
anfwerableunto his name, he was a vaine man she troubled the
tion of Ifrael; he did by that witked cownfeX which hee gave
unto Balak, deveure and deffroy Geds people, thus by his de.
ings, overthrowing the brotherhood.

For the 2. heisdeferibed from his kinred, or the place
of his birth, of Bofor. Some take it to be the same of his Fa.
ther otherwife named Beer. Others the name of the (stey,
where he was Sorne or dwelt. The matter is not much ave-
tersall, whether we doe underftand the ove or the ether,
fer downe for the further confirmation ofthe
truth of this forte, :

For the 3. he is defersbed from the grearne fe of his Sune, |
termed here the way of Balaans, whereby we are piven to une
derfland, chat he did exceede in the vice of cevetcn/(ne fie, be-
ing a ring-leader therein. As wayes many times doe take
their densneination from their fof fennders or finders, [o
doth this vce from Beltane, wherein it feemeth hee did
exceede allthem that went beforehim. So we reade of the
way of Cain, of the way of the Nicolaitans;wayes much diffe-

| ring from Gods wayes.

orthe4. heis deferibed fromthe groand of his wicked-
neffe, he loved the wages of unrighteou{nes, he hada défire to
get unrighteous gaine, be purchafed money by finne, for co-
vetonfne fle fake, Teen as the gift of Prophesse, and being
author of.that moft filthy fornication which the Ifraclites com-
mitted with the Moabites. He taught Balakte caf a fixm-
bling blocke before the Children of Ifracl: recate things fa |,
crificed unte Idoles, and to consmit fornication , whence may

be noted.
1. That the love of money, wthereote of akevil, This was
the caufe of J/raeds difcomfiture at 4é;Delilaes betraying of
Sans(on

er.t5, Covetoufncffe the vooteefalevil. . 341

Samfon ; of Labans grudging at Iaceb; and Nabals chur-

lifh behaviour to David; of Gebexies falfehood; of evani-

as and Sepphiraes hypecrifie; of Demas his deparrure from

Paul; of the rich mans from our Savienr Chrift, to

me of Balaams fiune, aforcible motive to avoid this
Me. .

25 That money or riches got by unlawful meanes , are bxt
anrighteou gage, fuch as grow rich by eppreffion , theft,
lene extortion, fhall reape the wages of warighteon/-
neff.
For the 5. he is defcribed from the reward which 4e rea-
ped thereby , be was rebuked for bis iniqnitiethe dumbe Affe
[peaksng with mans voyte , ferbad the madneffe of the Pro- he

het. The hiffery srecerded at large inthe decks of Nam-

ers, the 22 23. and 24. Chapters, he was rebuked for bis in-
ignitie, both before he went , 4s he went, and after bee was
ceme unto Balak, Before he went, God rebuked hsm, by re-
fing te give him /eave to goe with the Princes of Balak,
he bimfelfe was widizg. As he was in his jorncy bee
was rebuked, both by Geds Angel, and hisewne efffe, the |.
Angel of the Lord ficedin hieway with adrawne fword, and
wonld have flaine Balaamifthe Affe had not turned afide, tel-
ling bis, thet be'went ont te withfiand bin, becan[e hie way
wae perver{e before bins. Soalfothe Affe being (mitten , did
then alfo rebuke him the Lord miraculonfly opesing her
| mouth, whereby {he pake with a dsftintt intelligible yerce,
finally afeer-he was come unto Balak, ht was. rebuked, both
by Gedand by Balak; Godby fraftrating bine ix bis préphe-|
eying, Balak, becanf{e be came not at fr > did not csrfe the
people at ak; his beart being ftill covetous gave a wicked
| connfell unto Balak, whereby Gods wrath being incenfed a-
gainit bom, he was amongit ethers flaine by the children of
Tract. He was wad. againtt his ed fe, mad-againh God,
rie for money, and :fo brought defiraion wpos bim- |’
fllfen a Oo bHew |
_ Hence shrecthingsmaybetored. “ie me
"ts How Balestenas lefrinexcafable,chough he was rebu- | *
ite. Bho ___isiéiéCdséCCC Re!

Num.22-3 2.
Ibid.y.28 29
3c |

Tofh.3 3,226

Obf, Hew

erm

372

| 6. Frem bis
office, apro-

Balaam rebuked by bis Affe.i Chaps:

ked For his iniquitic, yet continned he inthe fame, as many
of #, being againe and againe rebuked for our finnes, doc yet
continue theresn. -

2, That oftentimes even wife min are tranfported beyon
themfelves with mad firs, raging both again God and meay ,
yeatheir fenfcleffebeafis,

3. That God ro leave men inexcufable, and foew his hatred
of finne, can even sxtraordinarily open the monthes of dumbe

- | creasmres teinveigh again the fame. Theedffe was more

carefull to avoide Gods difpleafure, then her smaefter
was. sos
For the 6. He is deferibed from his office, hee wasa Pro- |
phet.but a fal/eone ; though he fpake trae things » yet hee
{pake them not rrse/y, that is, with a fixcere minde,he fought
bisfelfe, not Ged, hecying for gaine, not Geds glory,
though he was called of Ged to prophecy, yet did he not right
ly performe his office. | .
Hence note we twe things. oo
1. Thac oftentimes thofe, which bee lights and guides
wnte others, prove fumbling blockes unto. them. As
vf Balaame fur the love of meny, profaned and abufed*his
office. Poe MAT
a. That i8’s not: fufficient to performs Gods ordinances,
anlefe they. bee “ett ad vi ily performed , hee Pret
ree but failinginthe Performavee of this efice was pu-
BEjRCA.. .
Be wetherefere carefull in hearing the word , praping utto
God, 8: performing the like duties, according to his wae wik,
as well in. regard of the meatter, as the manner of doing the

fam, .

Verf. 37. Thefe are welt without water, Cleads that

arccarried with a tempef, to whem the wift Of

_darkenche, urcfervedferever, =: |

18. For when they fpeake great (welling words of va-

- amity, they allure through rhe lef of the fich,
shrongh much wantennefc , thefe shat were sloane

efeaped |

Verfrz. Falfe Teachers wells Without water.

373

efcaped from thems that live in error.

19. While they promife themlibersie they them(elves
‘are the fervants of corruption : for of whom aman
sovercome, ofthefame whee bronght in ben-
Wage. . of

Followeth intbe/e verfesafurther diftinition of the fame
“perfons, wherein twe things are to be confidered. 1. a propo-
fitson, laide-downe in the 17 verfe.2. a confirmation
of the fame laide downe in the 18, and 19. verfes,

The prepeftsen containeth two things. 1 the sature,2:
the reward of falfe teachers, Their matnre is exprefled by a

twofold fimilitude, whereof the firf condemneth their bar-
renneffe, and wnfruitfulnefe, they are wells without water :
the fecond their inconftancie and variableneffe , clouds that
are carried with atempeft. Thatis, they are veide of whele-
Some deftrine , they boaft of knowledge , but are defitnte
thereof, emprie, having nothing elfe, but a meere few, though
It’s the e/eand property of wells , tominifter water andraine
for the #/¢ of max and beaf?, and of cloxds to carrie water and

| 74ine forthe #/¢ of the earth, yet fome wels are without wa-
ter, fome Clouds withont rasne ,evenfothough ad teachers
ought tobe firred, and filled with Pore of wholefome do-
rine , tominifer, dish, droppe, and pewre it out for the
afeef the (harch, yet arethole fale teachers utterly defti-
tute théreef. And againe, as thofe clouds without water arc
light,and fitter for nothing then to be carried about of winde
witha tempeft, fothefe are altogether variable and incon-
frant, carried about with every blast of frrange dottrine s their
reward to whom the miff of darkenef[e ssreferved for ever,
even that steer darkencf{e,that eternall darkeneffe;thatblacke
darkencffe, chat woeful and uncomfortable eftute of the dam-
ned inbeh, which x the abfence and want of heavenly light ,
darkeneffethat may befelt, 9 |

The confirmation is laide downe inthe 18 and 19 verfes ,
wherein is exprefied, that as wells silure thirffie paffengers
thereunto and cloudes-which {well by the wine make an offer

Bb 3 of

A further de-
(cription of

ree (ame ‘
onsconhfti

of apropoi-™
tion Gone fF

of falle tea-
fr.

.
etl

The confiez
mation.

—_—s a es . =

376 - F alfe T eachers wells Without water. Cc hap;

of raine torefrefo the chirfiegroand,{o thefe men draw many

after them, as beping to atraine fome great thing by thems, bur

when alicomes to ah, they prove voi andemptie, wells with.
cut water, Clouds that are carricd with atempeff. Herein
we may take notice, both of the/edacers,the manvser Of their
feducing , the perfons whom they doe /educe, the meanes
whereby they are /educed, together with the vanttie and folly

thefe men. .

The Seducers are falfe teashers , aptly compared. (as the
original wordimporteth) unto cunning fifeers and skilful
fewlers; knowing both whes and where, and after what
MEANNET LO entangle fimple fowles, the manner of their
feducing is frasdulently Ay pecritically, vaineglerseufly,

The perfows whom they doe /edxee arethofe who fora
while were cfsaped from. them,whe livesn erreur, ( as{ome
coppies have them ) that is, whe wade fome foew, of. fe
and reformation, or (according to oursranflation) thefe that
wereclrane efcaped from thems whe live ix erreur; which are
‘not tobe underttood /imply and b/e/utely, but in outward
apparance,intheir ewne, and in the judgement of otbers ; for
ro certaine it se that the eleticannet fal away, totally and

nally.

The means wheteby they arc feduced, areby the vatne g/e.
rious doltrine of their teachers; by the planfible doctrine
which they doesteach. They fpeake great fwelling words of
vanitie, they allure through flefoly lufts ; through sxch wan.
touneffe: promifing liberticand freedome nuto all their fel-
lowers. :

_ The vanitieand folie ofthefe men confifteth in two par-
ticulars. 1. in promifieg that, which they are not able to por-
forme, even /sbertse, when as they themfelves are in 5ex-
dage, overcome ,oftheis owne corruption. 2. in making
their followers believe that true /ibertie confifteth ina free.
dome,from extward obedience and/ibjeion unto magifirats,
which isnotHing {o, it conGfting ina freedome from frne,
neither can thofe bee accounted free, which are overcome
Of fune, fervants of their owne corruption.
, This

Ver.17, She® withnot/ubftance. 377

This Prephecie we finde accemplithed in the/e dayes, both
by the Pops clergie, by the (eF of libertines , and by the
familie of love. The Popif clergie teach their hearers , that
they ma) be able to fatisfre the jahice of God forthesr fnnes,
joa and merite Isfe everlafting, and that many of then can
performe workes of (upercrogation, which the verie Law of
Ged doth ner require ofthem. They peake the welling words
of vanitie, extolling virginitie,and {peaking of the sverit
thereof, thus putting downethe fasth of Chrift, and making
way indeede to a /sfe, in all Luft and filshinefe, Thelibertines
allio and fameclsfts,they doe fondly affure their Di/ciples,that
they foal bz sktuminate and deified, thus making thems the
| Children of the Dive, fevenfolde more then they were before.
But for allthe outward few that they make, they are weds
without water, clouds carried with atempeft, whole words
| are great fweling werds of vanitie: whole doGrine tendeth
altogether onto carsall and flefoly liberty , which endevour
by all meanes to withdraw thofe from the trath, who make
a profeffion of the fame, who promife unto their felewers,
that which they are not able to performe, that which they
them{clves want, even freedene liberty,

Frem hence divers obfervations might be gathered,where-
of fome I have already handled, namely, thac the efate and
condstion of falfe Teachers, in regard of thofe manifold judge.
ments and torments prepared for thens in the life te come, s4
moft woeful, mifcrable, and wretched, and that they dee (as
Fifoers and Fowlers )frandulentl entangle shefewhich are (e0
duced by them, Others are not fo profitable for your edifica-
tion, agto fpeake of thecanfes why wels are fuk of water at
one time, whereasat ether times they are enopty ; of the ma-
tere of the clends, andafter what manner they are carried
about of the wiads, and bew they are /ufained,os xpbolden;
of the ature of that rerrible darkeneffe in hell, whereunto
falfeteachers arereferved, and of the /ike. Therefore omit-
ting aun puffing by thefe, confider we for the prefent five
plaine and pro obfervatians.

The firkt is this, that
| .. Boe | Falfe

——_—_—_—$_—<—$—————
[ 373 Falfe Teachers would feeme. what.they arenotsCha, 2,

DFalfctear
chers makea
few of that
which is not
inthem,

ob.6.15.

Todg 9.15.

Mat, 21.19,
Exod.7.2.

Num.16.13.

Numb.z 3.10,

1King.1 8.26.
23.

1King.22e11.
23.

Falfe teachers make a foew of that which isnot inthem,they-
boaft of knowledge, but have st sor, their words are vaine
and /weling as abroken bladder full of winde, they promife
liberty when as they themfelves arc in bondage ,wels without
water, clonds carried about with « rempeft. Not-unlikeunto
Jobs brooke, my brethren have deceived me (faith he) a «
brooke,and as the rifing of the Rivers they paffe away, which
are blackifo with ice, and wherein the fnew is hid ; but in time
they are dryed wp with heate, and are confumed, and when
stm bot, thy faile ons of their. places; like the brambles men-
tioned by Iothans, Ifyee will indecd anoint me king ever you,
come and put your traft under my fhadewy like the fig-tree
which our Saviour far im the way, when he was hungry’, he
came to it, and foxnd nothing thereon, but leaves. onely, Like
thee ¢yptian forces, which by their inchantments feemed to
doe, as Mofes did wiraculonfly by Gods power and the en-
chanters of ALgypt, did likewife with their farceries , where
the marginal note is this,in omrward appearance, & after that
the feven dayes were ended,like unto Corab,Dathan,and Abi-
ram, who/cemed to be care ful of the welfare of Gods people,
but indeed were net. Of this number was Balaam,who beii
moft Ambitions and covetous, yet feemed defirene te diethe
death of the righteous, andthat his lafiend might bee like bis,
Of thisnwmber were the Pricfs of Baalywho having taken
the one buecke that was given thews, prepared it , called xpow
the name of Baal from morning rillnoone , leaping upon the
Altar that was made, ing lowde, and cutting them/elves ,
as their manmerwas with knives and launcers, till the blood
gefoed ont mpon them. OF this number was Zidkiah the.
fonne of Chenaanah, who-made hiv horns ofiren, and {aid ,
thus faith the Lord, with the{e foals thon puts the eAramits,
sntill show haft confumed them, yealo vaineglerioms, and ax-
dacions he wus, that he finote the true Propler Micaiah on
the cheeke, faying,when went the iris of the Lord from me, te
beake wnto thee. Thus the wicked (faith the marginal nete)
wonld (eeme, that none were inthe faves of | Gee bue they,
and that God bath given hie graces te none. fo much as ame
thems

—

Ver.17 Falfe Teachers would feeme what they are not. 3°79

them, of this aumber was the Prephet Hanani,of whom Jere~
miah fpeaketh, Of fuch the 4poftle Pan! ipeaketh, Beware
| left there bee any that fposle you through philofopiie,
and waine deceit, through the traditions of men , according
to the rudiments of tke world , and net after Chriff. Heceot
Our Saviour informeth us. Beware of falfe Prophets, which
came to you in foceps cloathing, but inwardly they are rave=
ning wolves, prophecying of them thatthey weald even
come sn hss name, faying , I ams Chrift, and thereby decesve ma-
ny, hence it is (4s 1 take it ) that they arenamed doggs , for
as thofe deg ges which barke molt, have theleaft courage in
them, fo they, making the goodlieft fhew, have the leaf /ub-
| france. Of thisnamber are lefuits, Afonkes, Friers, fermi.
nary Priefis the (cut of Libertines the famectse of love,yea An-
tichriff himfelfe the Pope of Rome,whofe cousmsing 14 by the ef~
feBnall working of Satan,with all hispower,o& fignes,analyin
wonders, be pretendeth 4olixes,yet favoureth & worketh Jick.
ednefe,himielfe being that wicked man, the child of perdition.
The Reafons hereof arethefe..3 becanfe they dee affect | *
praife and commendation they would be applauded of others,
and therefore asthe Scribes and Pharifes fafled, prayed,gave
almes to be feene of men, {0 doe they. 2 Becaufe thus they
may the moresaflyand readily deceive, for under a pretence
of holineffe and fanBstie, they draw Difeiples after. them.
3 Becaufeno doubt, even their confcsence doth convince
them, that howteever they doe otherwife dine, yet that they
ought to wadkeinthe paths of godlsneffe.
Hence we may. perceive. —_ fo
I The diffimalation and bypocrifie of falfe teachers,and the
vanity of thefewhich are Seduced by rhem, whatfoever they
pretend, they hate no foxndnef[e inthem, and whefeever are
feduced by shew are carried away with a foew, wherein there
is no fubftance at all. ,

2 The dutie required of the preachers of Gads word,namer
ly to have knowledge, fincerity the /ubjiance of that, where-
of others have onely the ew, They muft be able to teach

whelfeme and found doctrine, The Priefis lips foould preferve
: k

Ter.29.¥¢
Col 2.9,

Matth, 7.15,

Mark.1 3.6.
Phil. 3.2,

AOW-

380. The end of fale Teachers dottrines. Chap.2-

knowledge. They mat not be as clouds without water, occe-
fioning the berrenneffe of Gods field, but muft{o seach, that |.
through the seperation of Gods Spirit, the graces of fast, re-
pentance, and obedience, may be dropped into the Searts of
the hearers.
3 3 How carefullall of us ought to be in aveyding, as well
the perverfedoltrine, as the corrupt manners of falie teachers,
-. | 4B sz nor gold thas gliftereth, neither al doctrine which is de
livered fronserath: Oh that we would by the roachfone of
Gods word try the Spirits, whether they are of God er not Ret
US not tmstase them in our practife, by making « foew of bo-
line ffe,purity,and fixcerity, being indeed sswardly wubely sms-
pare, and bypecriticall, tor this ts but to proveke Ged, unto
turther wrath and indignation ; pretenacd Santisty > being
| + | dowble smiguity, Thus of the firft obfervation.
D. Thedo&-| The/ecend is this,that
simcotfalfe | The doétrine of falfe teachers tendeth nusecarnall and flefo-
dah aneo care ly fsberty, hereby all their folowers arcentangled and /educed,
nail and fief even freedome and lsherty frows performing necefary and
ly liberty. ood duties 4 pleafing unte mans corrupt natare. This might
be confirmed by inftancing divers points of their pernitions
doftrine fachas of free ws, purgatery, Jexnance, snvecation
of Saints,and the/ske, whereby people are foothed in fuxe,
drawne er cominued in erresry, but that beretefere I have
handled the /aave, and shus doc falfe 7 cachers in the fe dayes,
entangle fimple /tales,
Uli. Hence may be perceived,

1 The défference betweene the werd of Ged, and bersfees,
betweene the trae preachers of Geds werd, and falfe teachers,
Geds word giveth noliberty to fiene, doth not /eeth up peo-
péeintheir evil wayes, is not agrecable and pleafisg unto
mens corrupted mature, whereas by the contrary, fille and’
erronious 4.drine, doth give tibertyto fixe, feerking up

people in their wickedneffe,is moft agreeable and pleafing un-
tomens cotrupt xafere. |
2 2 That we ought to be careful and watchful, tet wee be
cirenmvented through the flattering and aRuring doftrine cof
if

ND TI TT aa nea

Werte 8. Byer profelfe or mo a per/everer.

falfe Teachers, the. fwceteft drinke ts nor alwayes the wholfe-
msoff, neither that deGrine which agreeth beft , with our cor-
rupted mature eof proficable; thafalve which biteth mot,
healeth the wound feoneft, and that deGrine which pricketh
us molt, dealeth moft plaixely with us, is moft for our advan-
tage. Compare Nathans Sermon preached unto David,
with that of Zidkieb preached unto ebb, and you fhall
quickly fee the difference, and which was molt profitable: Na-
thas went reundlytowerke, thon art the man, what wasthe
iffue ? David repented, Zsdkiah (pake pleafing werds, plax-
fible dolirine, Thus faith the Lord,goe up unto Ramath in Gi-
lead,and proper, what wasthe if[se ? be went and perifeed,
Thus of the fecond ebferwation. |
The third is this,that |
Many may begin well,and in ontward appearance goe a great
way sn the conrfe of gedlineffe, and yet at the length fall away.
They may feeme both unto themselves and others to becleane
efcaped from them.who live in errenr,and pct be feduced and
circumuented by fale Teachers; This the Apeftle Pasl fore-
told. Ww. the Spirit peakethevidently, that in the latter
times (ome foall depart from the faith, and foal give beede un-
te Spirsts of errenr and dotlrine of devils, and eur Saviowr
himfclfe,and becanf{e iniquity foal be excreafed, the love of
many foallwaxecold, Asthel/raelsts afer they were come.
out of Evype,returned chither in their beartsto the flefo pets;
as Lets wife having fately come out of Sedome, yet looked
backe againe towards Sedemesas Orpab having once come
from Afeab, did againe returne thisher: {0 many may out
wardly forfake wngedlineffe, afterwards fal into the /ame.
Hence are thofe exhortations, les bine thas shinkgth he fan-
deth, take beede iek he fal. Worke ont your owne falvation
with feare andtrembling, Paffe the time of your fejorning
bere in feare,8: that of our Sevionr,but be thas foal indure te
the end, thefame foal be faved. Of this number was that
rich wan that cameusto Chrif, being bid fed and gsve un-
to the peers, he went away ferrowfad.. Of this number was
Dewas ,of whom Pani writeth ante Timothy, Deas bath

for-

Phil.ze1 26

Math.24.1 3.

38k

2 Sam.! ZF
13.

1 King.22.33 |:
37. :

D. Many may
goc a great
way.in the
courfe of god

inefle and ar
thelength fall
away.

1 Tim.¢.3,
Matth,24.32-
Exod.36.3.

Gen.19.26.
Ruth,1.14.

I.Cor. 10.12.
I Pet.1 17.

Luk.38-3 $s.

2 Tin.4. Io.

SR ‘

382 — Perfeverance a fpectal note of Gods children,Cha.z.

Mate h, 26.
166

Mat.26.35.

forfaken me, having loved this prefent world, and ss depar-
tedunte Theffalensca, Of this sxmber was Indas who for
shirty peeces of filver betraycd (arsft. Of this amber are.
whele multitudes in thefeour dayes, who at fir feeming
fixed flarves in the firmament of Ged, by their Apofafie, and
backe-liding appeare to be but waxdring flarres, clouds car-
ried <boxt with the winde, now Proteftants, new Papifts,
now Arheiffs, now of one reisgion.now of anyreligion, now
of no religson,
The Reafons hereof are thefe. 1 Becanfe they were ne-
ver truly grounded, nor fetled in thé courfe of Godlineffe, ne-

ver buslt upon a jure foundation, 2 Becanfe they did never

fincerely make confcience of their wayes, but oncly for fome
by-refec?. 3 Becaufethey doe take more /sberty unto them-
felves, than Gods children dare, difpenfing with many things,
which a good ceafcience would not tolerate. 4 Becaufe
their Aearts arefocarried after this world, and the pleafxres
hereof, that in comparifen of them they doc little -Fcense ey-
ther religson or honefiie. § Becaufe they did never firme!
purpofe or refolve to {uffer arty thing for the caufe of Chrif
and therefore when in the #47 towards heaven, they meete
with manifold crofes and affist&tsons, fuchas prverty flander,
lofle of goods,ssprifenment, banifomenr, the b of the
mex of thi srorld the /ske, they cannot abide to goe on,
6 Becanfe Ged doth withdraw from them, even that which
they /eemed to have; of al forts of people, Ged can leaft abide
hypecrits diffemblers, wavering minde

a perfons, and there-

| tore when be perceiveth that {uch havea same that they are

“alive, when as they are but deed, to be counted holy, religi-
ons, profeffors, when they are norbing fo , he doth #nvaile
them, makegh them to be ksewne in their owne colexrs,
whereby it appearerh, they were never truly converted. 7 Be-
canfe they are not watchfxd of their ewne wayes, they rely
too much upon their owne wits and Frength, faying with
Perer, though ak foould forfake thee, yet wil wot I, there-

} forethey become evena ready pray untethe Dévelland their

ewne Corruption. ; ,
Hence

Ver.17 Per feverance an efpeciall note of Geds children. 381

Efence we are taught. ,

1 That perfeverance, & the principal note whereby Gods
children may be difcerned frows bypocrits, If yee comtinne in
wsy word. ( (ith ous Saviowr ) then are yee my difsiples indeed.
and againe, be that indureth unto the end, foall be faved. They.
went oxt frome (faith his beloved difciple) but they were
not of us: for if they had beene of ms, they would no doxbt
bave continued with us : but they went ont that they wight be
manifef that they were net all of ws, A formall bypecrite
(compared by our Seviexr to the ftonie grownd, which re-
ceiveth the word with joy; beleeverte for a time, but sn the
time of teneptationfalleth away he may by inducd with #n-
derflanding and knowledge in the werd of God, he may be
perfwaded that it is divinely in{pired, he may fee sleerely by
the Law of God the griewons intolerableneffe of his panes,
and the beavy judgements of Ged due unto then, he may be
berrified and ansaxed with fearefull berresr and.remor/e of
confeicace fos. his hanes, he may give 4[fext unto the ceve- |
nant of grace in Chrift, as smoft certaine and fre, and may
concesve that Chrefhs meerits are Of ineftimable price, and a |
mol preciour reforative to a languifhing fexle,&c, but
notwithftanding of al] his ewes of redigson, of his outward
prefefiion. ,. of his felfe per/wafon-that. he is. in the fate
: oF sree. he faketh away, doth. not perfevere nnto the

4, ,

2, That we ought not to fumble at the muleitude. of backe-
fudcrs inthefeonx dayes, fecing there bave beene fach from |.
time totime,and this isxew the /af.age, [f:they were of ms,

t bey wold covtinnewithus, mo, :

. 3 That we moft carefully watch ever our Selves, take heed

_werfe ? Shunnethofe recks, on which they made Shipwrack,
ofa g00d confcience,as the miferable and fearefulignd of the
two |

Uf.
4
Ioh,8.3..

Matth.30-22.
1 Ioh.2.19 ‘

Luk.8.336

382

D. Its not e=
nough te be-

1 Sam.1.220

Toh. 26.300

Reefs
Matth.24¢33
Heb.1 328 4e
Kev.2 ol e.

3
leb.3 709

Heb.1 7.9.
Joh. 15g
Plal. Lege

@en.27.3 4.
a King.21 270
Luk.s8.11.

tinne in the profeffion and doing of that,wherein he bath begun;

Chriftians muft per fervere in well.doing. Chap.

iF King; 1.13. , two former (aptains {ent by ethaxia tothe mean of God,wasa

warning unto the third, foto behave himfelfe towards the
Prophet chat he might/cape; fo lee che fads of others be un-
roms. Indevour tobe /fetled and reoted inthe truth; to be
well and firmeely grounded, be bxsit npon Cbrif,the {ure foun-
dation, refolve that trials and affistisons wil! come, and that
thon.(how grievous foever they arc) wilt and for Chrift,
thae thes it may appeare that yee are cleane e{caped fromtbem,
oho live sx errexr. Thus of the third obfervatsex.

The foarth is this,thar -

Its not enongh fer a Chriftian to beginne well, nuteffe be con.

fer thiscaufe the e4ngel of the (burch of Ephe/in wasre-
proved, becan{e he had-left bis firff love. The Lord commen.
ded Ieb, becanfe be continued in bu mprightnefe. Hanxak
continued in prayer, and obtained her requef. The Défesples
werecommanded to costinue in leve., eAchstophel, Sant ,In~-
das ,D emas, they begun well but not continuing theyJof their
reward, | ,

The reafens hereof are thefe. 1 Becanfle /a/vatiex is pro-
mifed one/y unto {uch ascontsnue. He.that endureth to the
ende (hall be faved, we are made partakers of Chrift, if wee
keepe fure untetheend, she beginning wherewith we are up-
holden, They that perfewere to the end’ foall be crowned ; te
theme onely is the reward given. 2 Becanfe by tha (asyce
heard ) the ged/y are difeerned from the wicked, for its «xete
Of avighteons man te held hu way, They are wot carried away,
with asvers and firange dottrines, but have their bearts rh
blifoed, They are 46 the branch which abideth in the vine,
They are like the tree planted by sherivers of waters, whofe
leafe doth net fade. By the contrary, the wugedly are as «
recde which % foaken, or asthe daft which the winde driveth
hither and thither. They may weepe with Efan; bumble
themfelves with ethab ; pray, with the prond Pharifee, but
they cannot continae, continue either in thofe or any other

Chriftian dstie. 3 Becaufe fuch as want the are not ac
sable of Ged, but are as anfraitfak branches ent off ; and
_.._.. . there-

Vera 8. How prone profe/fors are ante Apofiafte. 383

therefore it is fayd. If any doth withdraw bimfelfe, bss foule Rem. 11.22'}
hath ne pleafire in bio 3 Becaute uch as doe Felon Heb.10.3 8.
draw backe unto perdition. This is their /ot, their prenio-
ment the portion ef their Cup.

The Vfes hereof are fourfold.

For inftruction. If it be not exexgh for a Chriffian to bea
gn well, unieffe he continne in the profeffionand doing of
that, wherein be hath degen, then followeth it, chat pe. [en
verance is fo needful, ac without which we cannot fee the face
of God, This.is required in the performance of every dxty.
Is it prayer ? we muft alwayes pray. Is it thanksgiving ? we
waft in all things give thankes. Isit fafting ? we mult conti--
ually ceafe frum fae. Is it faith ? we mult sever be with-
ont st. Isit obedience to Gods Commsandement:? we mut
alwayesperforme is.1s it love unto aur neighbours? we mutt
continue therein. The lke may befayd-of every other duties.
‘Its not enowph fara time te efcape them, who live ixerroxr,
and thereafter give wayunto them, but 4s Calrband lofone
conftantly follewed.the Lord, and were partakers of the pre-
mifedland; fo mutt we conftantly ¢eco- ix the conr{e of gode
Line ffe, that we may obtaiwe that kingdome of heaven.

_ For reprehenfion,. Vite thefe.which making a profe/ion
and few of godlineffe, doe not continwe in the fame, how
are there, which profeffe febriety, and yet upon the

teaft occafion, are drawne to drankenne f[e?. which profeffe
ove and yet upon the /eaff occafion, manifeft their exvy ?
which profefle continencte, and yet give themfelves over
uuto whoredeme, Havenotagreat many with Dewas and
Indas fortaken God, anda geod cafe, for the love of prebe-
minencie, and worldly treafures ? have not others:for feare
forfaken Gideon, Gads people ? ace not thexfands wave-
rang and sneonfant, when ‘as notwithftanding the Apoftle
exhorteth us to heepe the profeffion of enr hope withent waver
ring, and:tecoutinue, grounded and fiablifoed in'the faith.
What willit availe thee to come to Charsh? tobeare the

werd? toreadthe Scriptures? to pray unto Ged? nothing

at ali without perfeverance, nay, without st, they: fhall turne
unto

4
Heb.10.3 9.
Vie of Infimu- |

Rien,

Nam, 320-12.

384

2 Pet.B.Z1e

Vato fechas
have not yet

t 80:
walkein rbe
waycsef God.

Vfe of Cenfo-

‘| lation.

Hof. 6.4,
Hoke 66
C.4.1G,
Pfal. 84.7. .
Pro.4.18,

The bappine/feof the godly crc. Chas

unto thy further condemnation, It bad beene better for thee

| sorte have knowne the way ofrighreenfnelie, then after them

haft knowne st to turns from the holy Comandements given uum
te thee. Mayeft thounot behold, the Sane, the ALsone,
the Starres, the Elemsents, the Sea, they comtsnne in the
fate whercinthey were made, and yet wilt thox, a reafo-
fonable creature , made according to the /imslstude and
Iskeneffe of God, wilt thow I fay , havingentred into the
way of Chriftianity, having made profeffien of thy /ervice

| unto Ged, withdraw thy felfe; fad away from him; give
| na timo : ray ad

way unto thine owne corrsptiens leading thy

kenneffe msalice, adulserse covetenfneffe, and the like? wilt
thou be fo carried by violent pafion, totickled and allared by
bafe affections ; as that thou wilft to revesge to felfe, to /a~
tisfiethy beaftly pleafires, fal away from God, be partaker
with {ach as live sx erreur? | a

, But what fhould Ifpeake of falers away, when as there
are {0,few beginuers | Oh how many are which as yet have
not gone one ftep into the way of (7 brifianity ! which as yee
continue in their pnnes, growing werfe and worfe, drinking
insniquity like water, «dding drunkenneffe unte shirt, txr-
ning to finne at-horfesrunnetothe battel, having their hearts
faky fet co doe evil; drawing tniquity with cords of vanity,
and fine as it were with Cart-ropes; in whom fiane bath
dominion-again{t whom sniquity hath prevasled. Elifoawas
angrie with leash beacufé he foot bur thrice,and then cea/ed,
but wee may complaine, chat the weft parr of us have net as
get begun to frosteat all, not {omuchas oneefrrew againit
our frmes, beingin /owe and Usking with our owne corrupt
wayes. ,

For confolatson. Happy and bleffed is the -fate and coxdi-
tien of Geds children. They continue, Their goodnefe is net
asthe morning due, that geeth away, they are not like the
waves ofthe Sea, which are drivenand toffed of the winds.
They are not like foipps toffed to and fre, but are bnilt ona
frre foundation, They walks from firengthtoftrength. They
goe forward ; their way Rineth asthe Light, that foineth more

| aad mere sinte the prrfett day. They are not of the uumber of

they were not of ws:sf they had bene of us,they would have conti-
f Object. But t have faben away exceeding/y, I grow worfe
and werfe! I am not fo carefull worm » Ms ep yal : not
focon/csonable inthe performance of holy dsties, as I have
beene : my faith, xeale, love, knowledge , and the like graces
doc notencreafe; I have committed {uch and fuch fanes,
even fince I made profefiien of the trath ; I am as covetous,
maliciows , lafcivions, as ever J] was; and therefore I
have fallen mway, ama back-flider, an Apeffate from

Anfw. Thisthy complaintiseither true or fal/e, if trae,
then I counfell thee in time to rane unto God, by a true and
lively faith, with trae and ynfained repentance , be-
wayling thine epoftafe | and backefliding , that fo
thou mayeft agaswe obtaine Gods faveur. Davia fell, Peter
fell, Adana ffes did fearefully fallaway , but they lay not fd,
they continwed notin their fnwcs, they truely repested of che
fame, fomult then. Haft thou beexe, orart thou fd, ana-
dulterer with David ? haf thou beene, or art thou fill, a
denyer of thy ALefcr, with Peter ?thoumult play the good
Merchant. what thou haft already /eff by fining, gatne by
repentance 5 redeerse the time ; if thus thoudoeft , then fay
Ito thy comfort, thou fhalt not be caf? off, the Lord paurterh
under bis hand, che Lord who apholdeththee; absdeth in chee,.
and Jefe Chrift i at theright hand of God, making requeft
forthee. Ayaine, if thy compla nt be fal/2, as ofter it is, thou
haft not fuchcaufe to be troubled, chough thon doft not fee/e
that comsforr and inward jsy, which thou walt wenr, the ps-
wer and oper ction Of faith, as formerdy; yet waite ,alitsle
thou halt fisde the ame. Shall we fay of the/snne , tha: be-
caufe being over fhad omed and otfinred hy cloxds, it giveth
har dighe,that cherefore it ’# uot in the firmament, or of the
yround , being covered with fae thi it’s sor ar all, or of
trees in wsrter, chat, becafethey have no leaves o: frvite on

them’ .

Se ee me DO eg me eo MO .L: ners ees 7 ° “ ‘ 3 .
er steneeneitcleneemeeet a

thofé of whoin Saint Jobs {peaketh, they went ontfroms we,but | Uleh.2.19,

Ob.

Solus

What we
mutt doe, has
ving fallen a0
Waye

Sitnil,

{Ver.20.Happines of the Godly through perfeverance; 385

| 386. | Hewwoprevendmpafe. Chapa:

hall tal away. | eft be wirhdvawne , and ufthg the weanes, whereby thou

them, they are dead, were not {nch affelsons, ridiculous ? fm
‘were itd fay, that becaufe Gods favour is not {0 apparens ag
| One time as at ansther,he hath cherefore whellie withdsawae
1 the fame, when thole Conds, (fent for our humiliation, and
triall) fall he removed, it willappeare , that evenshex wee
have midea pragneffein poalineffe |
04;:. But conticer with thy felfethe dayly etpefafe
and back: fliding of Profeffors, ¥ feage that I allo fad fad a-

Ways:

_| _ Anfw. 1. lf thoy feareft or fappetef. thine owne et pefta-
fie, befo much thte more watchful, and careful, 8 hen
doe full away, putting away thofe/ets , whercby thom maye

mayelt be withdrawne, and ufing the meanes, whereby thou
| mayeft be. xpholden, 2. Vf thon doe belong unto Ged,
. | thou cantt not /a#away, setaly and finally, thou art Oefetten
+ | ofthe incorynprible and immortal [eede of Gods Word, Ged
hath made with thee an everlafting covenant , thou halt his
Ole promif?; not tofaile or forfake thee. .
Gojettion. But how {hall t ksow that { be/cng unto Ged.
Anfw.. lf being admonifhed and told of thy jiswes by the
word of God ,thou dolt not continue, or Hye fil thereis, but
urterlyforfakeft and rendunceft the fame, grieving and for-_
rowing that thot haft fooften committed then, burabling
thy feife under the mighty hand of God, vowing, promifi
réfolving not.to fallinto the/amse any more , thoubelonge
unto God, But by the contrary , if. after many admonitions
and warnings out of Geds Word, thou docit not grieve or la-
ment fot thy fives commirted, imagitic, adaltery, dranken-
neffe, theft, malice, orthe like, {till zosng on in the fame, as
yet thou belongtt not unto God,thy ca/¢ is feareful and mei/e~
rable. | a
For Exbortation, Hence, let all of us be provoked , not
oncly to forfake our evil wayes, andmake a good beginning,
butalfo having begumwell to gee on and continue. Is it not
folty (faith our Saviour) for a man.to beginto build a tower,
unleffe firft heknow, whether he hath [afficient te endit , or
- * * for

Tm
Verf-18: How toprevant Apeftafies’ 387

‘fora King to wnderrake a warre, wule({e be hath firft prepared
provajften tu mainraine it? nolefle fohyis itu keginto warre
aie the Divel, che world, and the fle, and at the very.
ry excourter,coyeeld: what a foam werc it, fora utdier |
tu xrme hinfelfe; goe to Sastel, and at the'firft shirmif> to’
giveover? fo fot us, to begsa the {pirituall warrefare, and
put onthe /pi? sreall armonr, and then put st off; as David did
Saxls, necbirg accaftomed to weare it; fha'l the I/raelites
continue in the weldexneffe 40. yeeres, fighting dayly againtt.
their enemses, that they might emer into the Lend of Canaan,
and fhould not we in our fpiritnall warrefare , that wee may
enjoy our Celeftieli Canaan? As the Philofopber Crates being
rich, and Fearing that riches would hinder his /fPudie in Phs-
lofophie, threw them into the Sea, whereby his minde was
much more quiet, lo whatfpever, may oris like to withdraw,
os from perfeverance, mult be moved and put away, whether
the Jove of this werld ; feare of man; plzafare in finne s cor.
ruption inthe heart; infidelity, the enticing or feducing of
ethers, or aay other ; for if we entertaine any of them, wee
cammot ‘continue, {och as bave beavie barthens upon theiv
backes, cannot continue in runing, or thofe. witich have’ fer-
ters on their /egs in walking, no mare can they continue in
well.dosng, whicheither love the praifeef men more then the
prayfe of God, or which feard men more then Ged, or which | noe eontinue
give themfebves ever tothe pleafiere of finne , though but of | in well doing.
awe, as of adnltery , coverdufurife, malice, or the they or |:
which doe sot take heed of thes sswurd , inbred carraper 3 or].
whithhavean evil, and unfaithful heart within thems , or |
which finally are a6 reedes,foaken with the winde, yeelding to
every (educing and deceiving dottrine. Ife det which a
trauaslar raceteth with inthe way, did fe him, he fheuid
never attaine' the end of hisjerncy; ifthole orthe “ky,
Ade affeB as, we thall‘neveg attasne vrito the end of onrs,
Thinkeft thou td come to beaver, without any trosble at all?
‘it isimpolfibles shrough many afflclions we mu ft. enter inte
she Rindome *fyede Holy shen of Ged, forsver!y'liad trial of
erncl icKings abd fede gingy yea meréovir of bal? 4

Lut,34.31.°

I Sam,1 7.3 De
Deut.2,7-

Simil.
What (ort of
perfons can-

A&.14.22.

Heb.r1.36-_ |
a TE

t ws

‘s Sam.Ge220

Rom 8,1 8.

‘Phil,2.13.

“Heb. 3.13.

| finne are bond
flaves there-.

Tok.3.34.

Rem,6.1 6.

388

~ \ imprifonment, oe. Yet went they on, they per/evered unto
| cheesd; thongh we be flandered, mocked, hated, yet mult we

| z Cor, 30:13.

“Wie came prjinee- Chap.

not faint, but even re/elwe with David, when he was wocked
by Michel te be yer more bumple,to make Pik a further
further pregreffa, in the courfeof. godline fle: Heaven ss mort
All the paines, we can take for it, the mementancall tronbles of
this life are not comparable unto thar exceeding weight of glo.
ry, One minute in heaven 36 a fiefficient recomspence , tor ali the
perfecntions, troubles, afficlions, which wee doc here endure

- | for the fame. And becaufe of our /e/ves wee are not a6/¢ to

perfevere, nonotthe leaf {pace of time, we fhoaldtherefore
runne unto God, belcechi.g him whe worketh in us , both the
will and the deed of his good plea/wre, to performe this goed
werke which be bath begun in us, until she day of Lefus Chrif
‘unto prayer we mnuft adde bearing and. reading, and mcdita-
tion OF:Geds Word, conference with the children of Ged, a fes-
led refolusionto perfevere and continue-, notwith{tanding of
all /ersand smepedimsents , an examipation of our judgement,
affettson, and practife in goodnefic, Sufpseson of our owne
‘weakeneffe,and the ke. Neither anutt we thinke it fuflicient
‘once onely to #f thofe mseanes, ox ence to remove thofle /ets,
but we mut continually mke heede, /«f at any time, there be
in any of us,anevill heart, and unfaithf{ull, to dspart away
from the hi ving Ged, affuring our felves, that notwith-

{tanding ofall oppafitsens, which we mceete withall, yes Ged.
ss fasthfnk, whe will net fuffer uate berempred, above that

apich wee areable to beare.. Thus ofthe fourth ohferva-
son.

The f/ is this, that

Sach asare overcome of finne , are bond flaves therennto,
Whofosver committeth finne (faith our Saviour ) ss the fer- |
vant of finne. Know ye net (faith Saint Pani) that te whons
yee yeeld your elves fervants to obey, hus fervants yee are te
whomsye obey, whether of une unto Lath, or of obedience un.
torighteon(nef[e. Hee that m overcome ef drunkeneff[e,isa
bende therennte. Tle ie Shes finsen grade ne a
a bend-flave thereunto feof other fines pride,teveten{ac fe,
malice, and the like . : oe The ¢

- -_“ » ‘en

Ver.20. fmpenitent jinners flaves to fin, 389
Th ereafeus hereof arethefe. 1. becaufe they are deprived| Reafens.
of their chriftian 4sberty,2 becaufe put to bale emsploypsents, I

3 becanfethey are often punifhed thereby, 4 Becaute finne 3
reignes inthem. . 3

Oh how carefx# then fhould wee be, either notto commit | =

Ginne atail, or having offexded , {peedily to repent | better it} Ufe
isto be a flave untoaTwrke, or Spansard , then unto fane.
Uncensforrable was thelife of Jofeph in the prifow: foof

Samfon,fo ofthe people in captsvitse , but much more. fla-

vile to bea flave of ane, much more #xcomfortable to bee

a flave unto our-owne corruptions. Therefore refit finne,

oppofe your felvesagaink the very fir motions thereef , let

it not gather any frengeh palit downe by faffing and prayer,

& other the /ske meanes:arcthou tempted unio covetonfnefe? | —

be not overcome, what will st advantage thee, though thew | Mat 16.26.
fooldcft gaine the whole world, if thon lofe thine owne fonle? | rau 6, s
feeke frft the Kingdoms of God , and his righteou{neffe , and "95+
thefe things foall c added unteyou, Art thou tempted unto | ttey3
adulterte ? be notevercome; adulterers and weremengers God “4
wiljsdgee Artthou tempted unto any other fuse, bee nos

overceme, left yeelding untost, thou become abond-flave

thereunto. Thusofthe 5 O6/érvation, and fo-of the 2 part

of thie chapter.

Verl. 20. For if after they have efcaped the poles ons of the
world,through the knowledge of the Lord and Sa
viour lef Chrift they are againe entangled there.
in and ovércome,the latter end is worfe with them
then the beginning,

21. For st bad -beene better for them not to bave
knswne the way of righteon{neffe, then after they
have knowne it, to tnrne fromthe holy commande.
ment delivered unto thens, :

22. Butst 2 happened unto them, accerding to the
true proverbe: The dog ge is turnedite his owne vo-
wit againe , andthe fowthat was wafsed, to ber
wallwing inthe myre,

Ce 3: ; Fol

| 3¢0 The pollutions of the world. bow dangerqus. Chap.2.

Followeth in she/e verfes (containing the Zaft part of this
ofthe’ Chaps chapter) a defcription of the woeful, limentable and wsifera.
ter containing | le eftate of thofe which are feduced, which embrace che
the woctall =| permicions doctrine of falfe teachers ,of thofe which in outward
ant mniferable appearance, intheir owne and the yndgemeut of cthers , were
arefeduced. | Cleane efcaped frrom them who live in erronr, of thofe which

having efcaped the polluttens of the world, through the know-
ledge of the Lord, and Saviour Icfws Chrift, are againe en.
tangled therein and overcome, the latter end ts worfe with
them, then the beginning. It bad beene better for them not to
bave knowne the way of righteoufueffe , then , after they have
knowne it te turne from the holy Commandement delivered
sinto thems, like unto the deg which turncth te bus vonsite , and
the [ow thar was wafhedtothe wallowing inthe myre. This is
their dwe, their /or, che portsen oftheir exp. - :
Two parties | = The partsto be confidered are two. 1 A prepofition laide
lars,a propofl- downe inthe 20 verfe. 2 A confirmation of the fame laide
firmaton, | downeiithe 21 and 22 ver/es.
Thefammeof | Lhe Prepefition containeth in briefe thus much , that. the
the propefitiz | Pate and condition of thofe which having efcaped the polluti-
on. on. of te world, through the knawledge of the Lord and Sa-
viour lefus Chrift, areagaine entangled therein and over.
come, tsmuch more miferable then it was at the begin-
‘1 ¢ing, herein two things may bee confidered. 1 The
fubjeE or parties fpoken of. 2 the predicate, or what is/po-
hen of them, |

Touching the former; the partics fokew of , are they
which having efcaped the pokurions of the world, throngh the
knowledge of the Lordand Saviour Icfus Chrift, are Agdine,
entangled theres, and overcome , for the underftanding of
which we are toconfider. 1 - Their former effate , and how
they ate freed therefiem. 2 Thvir prefent eftate, and by what
mecanes they fell thereinto,

Concerning their former eftate , itislaide downe in thefe
words, sfafter they have efcaped the pollutions of the world,
throngh the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Iefius Chrift,
a loathfome and fi/thy eftate, as being fabject untothe polls-

tons

1 renter eng

Verfig. ADefcriptlnefBalaam 391

tions of the werld, eventheir worldly and filthy vices, the |
finnes beth of dedirine, and 4sfe , whereunto the world was
given, filthy and abhominable in them/felves, making them |
alfo/oathfome which were entangled therewith, for what
are the/aft of rheeyes , the /wft of the flefo, and the pride of
dife, but the polwtions ofthis world? and all fuch as are gi-
ven unto thens , or any branch of tap, fuchas coveron/neffe
lafcivionfne fe , malice , pride ort@elike , are defiled with
the pollutions of the world , are ander the dominion of the
prince of this world, are not gevern'd nor asrefhed by the
Brit of truth, butgeeon in darkseffe , hating the tight of
Gsds word, and fo with the whele world lying in wickedneffe,
An eftace exceeding dangerous , from which mex and women
can hardly be rid, asthe word ¢/cape implieth ; and certain-
ly (uch as are rid of thofe wordly pollutsens , have cfeaped a
very great danger , leeing ; asa Lyen feeketh to catch and
keepe his prey, as hunters follow after their gaine , [othe world
purfueth afterthofe , whom it wsdikg ta lefe, If any beinga
drunkard, beginto withdraw himfelfe frous company , hee
fhall not want alsrements , provocations , incitements ,
threats, feeffes , todraw hiaunto the former vice. If any.
being narurally covetow, begin to ule /iberalstie , to. baftew,
and #/fe his goods well,to leoke for Gods glenie , more. then
hisowne gasne, ke thall not want both ontward snd inward e
lets to hold him ftillincevetou/weffe. Thus ofall orber Annes,
fo dangerous they are, that exe canbe hardly rid of the fame.
An eftate from which #e man canbe freed, either by philo/o-
pay, by carnaltand flefoly reafon ; by the wit and policie., of
wan, or by any other mseanes, excepting onely the kyox-
ledge of our Lord ana Saviour (brift Icfes. This (asthe | ,
Sanne) defpifeth the clonds and darkeneffe of ignorance ~
anderrour. This knowledge of Chrsft, obtained by. the Go/=,
pel of Chrift, doth plainly thew the wilene[[e , and odieu/ne fe |
of ane, and fo withdraweth thes , at /eaft from the pab-
te performance of the fame. Thus of their: former
effate. a
Concerning their prefent ¢f@®, it is laide downe in thefe
on, _ Ces word s

—_—e—

Flow toefcape.the worlds pollutions. Chap.2

words are. againe entangled therein , and evercome :
wherein we have beth their temptation; their yeelding
unto the temptation; and by what meanes.
fall into the fame. Theis temptations , the. world
being loath to /e/é {uch a prey, finding it felfe grieved:to bee
deprived of fuch fervile (xbjects, prefenteth unto them ;
whatfeever cither im 4 plcafwre it feemeth to have,
offering totheir #/¢ ic Fee, and whatfoever it hath, it Le
menteth and bewayleth their faé ; it pretendeth great care
for their recoverie ; 1¢ telleth them: of the difficnltie Of their
prefentcesr/é of life, how that hereby they deprive them-
felvesofalltheir worldly profits and pleafares , how they
mutt bid farewell unto whoring, dising, drinking, {wearing,
Lying, companie keeping , andthe like, how that bot s few
walke in this way, and that u every where evil fpokex of,
their yeelding unto the temsptatien, they are everceme, not
being 6s/t upon the recke , they are not 4be to endure the
formic winds ; their former profefton being meerely bypo-
critical, their bypecrifie bewrayeth it /elfe by their relap/e,
having tryedthe {ute at the barre of carnal and flefolyrcafen,
trath is condemned & (appre ffed,falfeboed-being exalted conn-
tenanced, having given but a few blowes,they yeeldsthe world
againe becoramethvitley,their conqueronr. The means where-
by they are overcome, are by eatangling rhem/felves with the
things of this world, The fimilitude: may beetaken, (as the
original! word.importeth ) from a bird, which being drawne
into the pe by the baste, becommerh enfnared sherein the
more it fragéeth, the fafter it is tyed , one thred.-being con-
pledunto snethe. hh fo ere por llin s (at the fick free
as birds lying inthe ayre) being «llured by fome bayte of
hexomr, profit, plenfure , they come into the set ,-and arc
enfuared, whercinthe lorger they costinac , the were they
ftrive tofatisfie, their ansbitions , luxurious, and.covetous
dcfres, the further they areinfnared , che more they are ix-
trapped: their minds become fo elogged with cares , with
the seu/tiplscitse Of bufineffe , that chey arethe more estan- |
ged therewith ; their covet Ai¥defires have noend , whil}-
c

they are eating, talking, praying, bearing the word, fleeping,
their winds are at the fleshy pots of Egypt.abont their grafing,
malting plowing buying felling,& the /zke,every man-may by
lis owne experience fg the cruth hereof. There ss 0 rea-
dser way.to be overcome of this werld, then to intangle a mans
felfetoo much, (efpecially when there une neceffity) with the
things of thee world, Thusof their prefent effate, and fo of
the parties oken of.

end uw worfe with shen then the beginning, that is, their effate
and.condstion %s now by rheir relapfe, after their profeffion of
the Goel, andknowledge of Chrift, much. mere dangeroms
and perillons, tlten it was before, they made any foew off £ood=
nelle, whew as yer they continued in their blind ignorance, or
sgnerant blindye fe. Thus ofthe propofition.

The confirmation laid downe inthe 21. and 22.ver/es, is
fet forth both by a comparsi/ox,and a finulitude.

The comparsfon layd downe in the a1.ver/; may be thus
conceived Jf the fnnes of knowledge and prefumption [ball be
moxe feverely punifbed, then the Gruner of infirmity and igne-
vance, then so [uch as having efcaped the pollntsons of the

againcintangled therein, the latter end 1 worfe then the be.
ginning. Bat the former is true, therefore alfa the latter,
That the faxes of knowledge and prefumption fhall bec more
feverely puxifoed then the fianes of ignorance and infirmity,
is exprefled inthe very Text, Jt bad beene better for thems
not £0 have knowne the way of rightcoufneffe, then after they
have knowne it.t0 turne from the boly Commandements deli
vered xnte thens, that is,their cafe bed beene better, them.
felves leffe faulty, notto have knewen the Commandements
of God; the Gofpel of Chrift lefia,butto have continued in ig.
norance, then after their kaowledge of the fame, fighting
againft their knowledge, to fal Continue ix thesr Forme:
wices,to turne away from yeelding obedience, unte thefe holy
-Commandements delivered nygg them , holy in themfelves,
delivered by an holy Ged ‘tendllinte helineffe, which caunet

world throngh.the knowledge of oxr Lord lefus (hrift are | 4

be.

—

erl-20.Sinnes of knowlelge greater then of ignorance: 393

Touching the /atrer; what is pokes of them, The -Latter |

ann Sn ORE
394. Sinne of knowledge how feverely punifhed.Cha.g

—

be perf ormed,but by thofe which are holy.

The fasilitude |ayd downe in the 22.verfe, is twofold, the
former internall, takcn out of Prov,26.11. (called therefore
atruc proverbe) where Salamon (aith, as a dog returneth to
his vomite, fo afoole returneth tohisfelly. The latter external,
added ‘by our A poftle unto the ferneer, and the Sow thar wag

| wafbed,to her walowing inthe mire, both tend to one andthe

fame purpofe. As it's loath{ume for a Dog to licke xp brs owne

vomite, andas the Sow which 3 wefben, becommeth more

| aylie and loathfone, if thereafter foe willow in the mire, the

| dirt cleaveth more unto her, thenelfe st wonldhave done: fo

| thofe men thus finning become more abbominable, leath{omee,
| and filthy, Thus of the confirmation.

From the whole this general obfervation may be gathered,

D. The cftatt that the effate and condition of thefe, which being shuminared
having gone a by the knowledge of the Gofpel, thereby making a profeffion

greatway in: | of fincerity and truth, abftaining from thofe former vices,

flonan ie? wherein they lived, doe fall intoa relapfe, continuing and
more dange- | going oninthe fame, 1 much more miferable, dangeront, and |
thei ther 5 fearefuk, then of [uch as Continuing in their sgnorance, never
theirs waiec

Nevermade. | 74de any profeffion or oxtward fhew of goodneffe. The eftare

any profettion | of thofe sgsorants, which have continued all their dyes, in

atall drunkenneffe, malice, adulterie and the like abbomsinations,
is better, lefle feareful, than of theft, which having beene
fuch, and by the ksowledge of the Gefpel forfaken thofe vices,
doe againe notwithftanding of their prefefion fall into the
fame, going o%, andcontinuing theresw, Not that hereby
lexcufe the fune of ignerance, or that, confidering how
prone we are to fat aWAY from God, it were better for H#3°O
continue in égnorance, then to labenr for knowledge, for
evens7r ovance it telfe is /affictent to condemneus, and &row-
ledge we oxght,and muff labour for. 1 doe not (I fay) here-
by extenuate the fiane of ignorance, but aggravate the finne
of prefiemsption andkuowledge, which being compared with
the fune of ignorance is much greater , the punt foment
thereof much more fearefall zn wither yet is this defrineto |.
be underftood of tho/é wh er their idsmssration, after

> WVer20§ inne of knowledge bow feverely punifhed. 395 |

they have attained knowledge of the Gefpel, whiilt they are |
prefeffers, failinto fome heavy and fearefall finze, for which
they are heartily forry, and truly repent, ( for even Gods dea-
reit children may,and have thus fallen, as David, Lot,Peter,
&c.) but of thofe which have fakes, continuing. therein,
notwithftanding of all the admonstsons and threatnings of
Gods word, whichis not farre from the finue againft the ho-
ly Ghoft, if nota dsre& branch of the fame, to fuch I fay, thesr
latter end ss worfe, then their beginning, It had beene better
for fuch not to have knowne the way of righteou{neffe, then
after they have knowne st to turne from the holy Commande-
ments delivered santo thems, This oar Savionr confirmeth,
‘wher the uncleane fpirit gone ont of aman, hewalketh
through dry places, feeking reff, and-findeth none. Then he
fayd,L wilvetmrne unto my boule, from whence I came ont,
and when heis come, b: Audet it emspty, [wept and garnifo-
cd, then goeth he, andtaketh with bimfelfe feven other fps.
rits, more wicked thenhimfelfe, and they enter in, and dwell
there, and the laft ftate of that man 15 worfe than the firft, and
aprine; aud that fervant which knew hislords will, and pre-
pared not bimfelfe, neyther didaccerding to bis will, foal be
beaten with many firipes. Tothis purpole Saine lames {peak-
eth. Therefore to hin that kneweth to doe good, and doth st
not tohim it wfinne, and our Saviour telleth us, that no mean
having prehie bandrothe Plough, and loeokéth backe, %s fir for
the kinedome sf God. This the e4p-ftle unto the Hebrewes
witnefieth, for it simpoffible for thofe who were suceenlight-
ned, andhave tafted of the hzavenly gift, and were made
partak:rs ofthe holy Ghoft, and have tafted the good word of
God, andthe powers ofthe world te come, if they foal fall a-
way tobe renued againe by repentance, [ecing th:y crucifie to
themf:lves the fonne of God a frefh, and put him to an open
foame. Ancdaczaine, If we finne wilfully, after we havere-
ceived the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more
Sacrificefor fins, but a certaine fearefull looking for judce-
ment and fierce indignation, whidy(oall devonre the ad ver{a-
ries, Thus was it with Achstopbel,with led, with Demas,

, with
ee

Mathy 12.43. |

Luk, 12 04.70 |

fam.4.1 7.
Luk.9,52.

Feb. of e

Heb.10.26,

396 . ‘Relapfe in finne bow dangerous... Chap.z

with the Scribes and Pharifees, with Hymencnsani Alexan-
der, with Inlian the Apoftate, as it (hali be with all {uch pre-

feffors,as impenitently go¢ on in their fianes.

' The Reafons hereof are thefe three, I Becaufe they

finne againft their keewledge, for anto whom foever much

segsven, ef bins fra be much required, and te whom

men have committed much, of bins they .will aske the

more. 2 Their tagratitude and snthankefuleeffe, cruci-

fying antothemfelves, the Sonne of God, afre[e, patting him
to an open foame, contemning and defpifing the good sfts
beftowed upon them. 3 Becaufe of the wrong which by
their fail they doc unto God, his word, religion, the profeffion
of facerity andtrxth. They makethe ame of Ged to bee
blapbemed,they bring 2 feandall anto relsgson. This Ged
cannot abide, he is jealoms of his qwnegler7, he will re-
move fuch fumblingd locks out of the way,- more feverely pu.
nifoing them, than others.

This ferveth part/y for Inftruttion, and partly for exbor.
tation.

For Inftresftion. If the eftate of thofe which (being sde-
minated by the kxowledge of the Gofpel, thereby making a
profeffion of fincersty and truth, abftaining from thofe former
vices wherein they lived) fall into a relep/é, continasng and
going oninthe/awe, be moch *ore milerableydangerous and
fearefull, then of fisch ascontinuing in their tgnerance, never
-| made any profeffier or outward fZew of goodneffe, then doth
it follow, that relap(es are exceeding hurtful and dangeron,
better to have three divers fickneffes, and three feverall
wounds, then twice one fickneffe.; one part twice wounded,
The eftateof Heathens, is better th:n theeltate of (bri /ti-
| ans denying the faith. The cftate of {uch ascentinne in sono.

rance is better then sheir, which having for a séme abftained
‘| from finne,doe againe fal therein, continnein the fame. The
finne is greater, the punifoment much more fearefall. Such
deipife knowledye ; fuch contemne the Croffe of Chrif?, fuch
make the world their God, and will Ged indure {uch blafpe-
mie, {ach bypocrsfie, {uch horrible saspsety in manifold eppe-

ftion

Verkan.” Hew a repntrelipferin fine,

ftiox unto himfelfe. Ic is in vaine, that they have beene
iluminated, thatthey have tafedof the heavenly gift, thar
they have beene made partakers of the holy Gb:/, thee
they have tafed of the goed word of Ged » and of the
pewers of the world to come, shat they ave fwept aud.
gar nifoed; that shey have efeape from the filehimefe of
the world ,. through the Kremleate ofthe Lerd and Savi-
our lefus Cbrift, for they fhall ail s#rne unto their fare
ther condemnation: continued relapfes in fiune are seg
to be feoffed at, a8 being prefages-of eternall tornsents |.
inthe fire of bed. Ob that: beck-fiding, worldly minded, | «
hypecriticald prefeffors wonld but take setice of this} —
fearefull and woefull condition! makeft thou afew, that
' | thom hate fxwe, and yet privily continacf therein,
.| waking religion, as a eloake ‘to cover the fame? doft |
thon netwithftanding of all the <dmemitiens and revacte |
wings QF Geds Word, cantinue in thy covstemfneffe ,
whoredome, drunkenne fle, malice, and the dike, from |
which thou feemedft for atime to bee efcaped? thy
latter end foal bo worfa thew the beginmag.. The evilh |.
‘Angels attend to carry thy /éwle ixte beh; bel .gapeth.
fer thee, everlafting. tormeme. ace prepared: to. bem
rendred unto thes. “‘Achitephels- treafow did mere
trouble David, then all his other edverfaries, thy fre
ear mare offend Ged , then the. fume of theufands of |
OLMErSe i , ; neo may . a
_ Fer Exhertation, 1 Vrtofuch as Rand,. take Meda: | “@ofExhor- f
left ye fal, wonke ont your. [alvatsen with feare' avdt |
trembling , lee us palfe the time. of our fejermng here it.
feare: hath Ged illuminited us.?: beftawed. upon us |
the kpowledge of Ghrift? and wee.made a foem of Since~ |
rity? havingrabltained fo long, let.us-not-bec fo wicked |
nowthroughpus -4pefage to wrotig ourowne fowler, 25)
Vato fuch as have: failés, fune no mere, -lefhaworfe thing
befalthee; hatt chou fallen with: Peter, -with*Davsd, with
Salomon ,. withiLet with. Keck, ce. repeat with them,
dos. fe. we: mena. 4 and.chy former’ inigesties thall bet

7074

2Sam, 15e31,

‘Dap = axe ©

go8 Hew teprevent relapfesin fare. -
| batted out. Oh tempt not Geds firit any more, ye
have! provoked him too mwch already , let not your cem-
fesences {oorh youup in your snes, remember that E doe
mow give you warning of them, fall not therein. The
{| mere thou renee? thy fuer, the more thou feedelt thy

cerraptions , and makeft them the more rebellion.
A chained dog. breaking'leefe becommeth more ferce,
a river long fopr, it a breach bee made rasneth
the more solen/y, {0 for thee to -reftraine thy. fave |
for atime, and ther ta give way wnto the: fame, is
mo ft dangerous. Thou fake from ‘Ged to the Di-
wei! from'an holy .-profefiex-, to prephannefe, thus
fhewing thy felfe -wwtbaxkefwill unto Ged, what thould
wee noc give to obtaine grace, to gc ods favour 2?
nothing ‘fhould fo sssangle we, as that the /eve} .
thereof wee ‘fheuld reject’ both Ged and grace.” Ob |
theres} xo lofe to the leffe of grace’ to the loffe of
Gods favour | no ruine te the suine of the fondle! what.
wih st advantage us, te geine the whole world, with
the loffe of amr fonles ? Tell mee now ¢ an{wer thine
owne felfe in thy cexfcfence) whether art thos xet
mew outangled , yea evercome by worldly palutions ‘| whe-
ther baft thom wos turned from the bely Commandcment
~ | gowon nate thee? whether hatt thou not with the Dogge

returned te thy vemmte, and with the Sow that wes wa~
_ | Bed to thy wakowing in the mire? how are thine affects

' , fom bene® how doef thou affelt things above? what
deve beareft thou ta Gods werd, -his mixifters ‘good
wen and womew, grace? whether ‘hadi thou not for
merly more «xeale, repentance , bamility , lneaverily
| wreditations? -how. prayef’ thou? how peake# chou?
what‘are \thine «sens? are thou an Ufsrer? an-adal- |
terer? a-breaker of Gods Sabbath? 9 rhesfe, ce. |
Thon difgraceft thy :prefefiex , and haft-neede of /pee-
dser repentance, art thou not now. given unto rhofé
or the dske fuwes ? bee thankefel unto God, that
| then baft ofcaped., bee -not -ggasies :: intangled “thercia,.

For } .

| Simil,

— ee

Ver. 22 Victory over worldly pollutions diffeerned.

For this caufe bee a/wayes on she watchtowers bee
continually at. warre with the Devil, the world and
the fico: doe nor give wey nto temptation: rely
_ mot upon thine owne wit firength or policie: be alwayes fa~
: miliar with God in prayer, that he which hath bt.
gun the good werke, may poser it ante the.
. glory of bis name, the good of bis

Church, the benefit of oxr

owne foxles, Amen,

ry &. @.;
1. Be

399

Phil,1.6¢ -

at)

—O%mae ae OK

Ltheugh at <i times the world
hath beene corrupted, full of ma-
ny impediments, which might
withdraw men and women from
the conrfe of godlineffe, yet at no
time more corrupt, more wicked,
or more dengerons, then in thefe
latter dayes. Now the Divell hath
‘eat wrath, knowing that he hath
et a foorttime, Now doth he as
aroaring Lyon goe about fecking whom be may devour,Now
doth he indevour by all meanes to eld men in fimne, and to
withdraw them from goodneffe. This doth he efpedially
bring to paffe rme manner of wayes. 1 By fale doélrine,feede
which taketh deepe root, andif itbe not quickly ¢ook’t into,
difperfeth it felle farre and neare, {o much the more denge-
roms, as by woeful experience it hath becne found agreeable
and pleafing to manscorruptedmatwre. Thus upon the fied.
denhave many then/ands beenc-entangled, many millions
bewitched, and alrogether deftroyed: By the the Divel
Prevaileeh, among the Zurkes, Perfians, Egyptians, and

_ [other maborsetan nations. By this he hath the gveatef# part
_ [ofthe ishabicants of Exrope, almoit ai the inhabitants of

Afia, pffrica,aid America, at-his devotion. a By twking
Dd mon

Rew.12.12.

Pet. 5.8.

than holdeth
men infinoe
cio
goodnell:,

1
Rytalfedo- -
rine,

402 How menare withdrawne from goodneffe. Chap. 3.

men and women afleepe inthe bed of fecurity, making them
carslefje of Gods fervice, wmockers and {coffers both of his
Mat2a.q8, | 7074, and workes, like the evil fervant, which fath in bis
24-4 | heart, my mafter dothdeferre his comming, and beginnesh ro
Smite bisfellowes, and toeate and to drinke withthe drurken :
Lucs7.26. | iikethe people of the old world, inthedeyes of Keah, They
epte, they drauke,they marryed wives, and gave in marriage
nwto the day that Noab entred into the Arke, and the flood
came and deftroyed them all; like unto the Sodomits‘in the
dayes of Lot, they eate , they dranke, they bought they fold,
they planted;they built, But inthed.y that L+t went out of
Scdome, it rained fire and brimjtone from heaven and deftoy -
1 The §.3- | edthemall. Like unto thefe, which when they foall (ay peace.
and fafcty, then foall come uponthem [udden defiratlion, as
the travaile upon awornan withchild,and they foal net efcape.
Thus, asthe Divedl prevailed againft the o/d word, againft
the Sodomstes againft the J/raelites,fo doth he in thele dayes
againtt wor/diings, carnahland flefoly chriftsans hee draweth
them into fecsritie, fo that inthe midft of warre, they pro-
claime peace, fcoifing and mocking atthe Werd of Ged , and
the judgements denounced and threatned theress : whom he
cannot vanguife one way, he vanquifheth asether : againft
whom he cannot prevaile by the oxe, he endevoureth to en-
tangle with the other: and certainely by both jeynt/y or /e-
verally he doth much4art. :
Thole twoare the argument of thu and the preceeding
chapter, wherein is exprefled, (as yee have heard in part)
how dangerens and hertfall they are, and how they may be
| avoided,
the fone of! Inthe preceding chapter our efpoffle hath handled the
Chapter. former (newing both the certaintie rhat there foonld be falfe
teachers, their xature,or what kinde uf perfexs they fhould
be; their punifhment, which did attend, and foenld.be in-
fised spon thems, as al{o the fearefall, lamentable, and wofsl?
condition of {uchasare feduced by them. |
In this, he handicth and entreatch of the /arter 5 namely of

certaine {eoffers, mockers , profane and wngedly perfons ,
which

a ees

By ftirring up
unto fecurit:e

Ibid.:9,

Verkx.- The fumme and parts ofthez Chap. 403
eee

which fhould call into queftion the comming of Chrif? unto
judgement ,the defirnition andend of the World, the reward
of the godly ,& puni foment of thexngodly.Thofe heconfateth,
admonifhing the faitbfull to prepare themfelves for the
comming of Chrift, and to bee watchfull, left they alfo bee
plucked away with the erronr ef the wicked and fall trem their
owne fredfafineffe.

The parts tobe confidered are two. In the former hee
affirmeth, and by confu/ting.the adverfarie , evidently and
cleerely ccnfirmeth, that the world fhaiihavean end, Chrift
fhall come into jadcement ; from ver{. 1 to ver{é Yo. Inthe
latter, he defcribeth the forme and manner of the fame, from

-verfe toto the end of the Chapter.

The former part, containeth thee particulars, 1 A preface
inthe frf rwo verfes. 2 The erresr and opinion of thofe
Epicures, and profane perfons, together with the grewnd of
the fame, inthe 3. and 4. verfes. 3 A confutation of their
erroxr drawne out of the foussaine of the holy (triptures.
verfe, $+>6.7-8.9¢ os

latter part containeth the/e. x The forme and manner
of Chri fs comming unto jadgement , of the end of the world,
‘verfe 10.13. th. 13. 3 An exhorration into belineffe, and
‘| innocencie of life, confirmed alfo by the axthoritse of Saint
Paul; upon which occafiow hee comntendeth Apeffelske |
doftrine, verfe 14.15.46» 3 theconclufion , both of this
chapter, and this -Epiftle, exhorting unto watchtulneffe ,
unto perfeveranctunto the growth in grase,and in the kysow-
ledge of our Lord and Sdvieur lefis- Chrift, verfe 17.18.
Thus of this chaprer in generall,come we now to handle the |
verfes in partscelar. . : ~

this Chapeer... ,

3 Particulars
contained in
the former
former part,

3. Particulars
contained in
the latcer part,

Verf. I.. This fecond Epiftle (beloved) I now write uxto yon
a. aber bewkich Lfherre up your pure winds by say of re-

mensbraice. - oe
~ | Be Thagzse-meay be mindfull of the werds which were
a 4 a bythehely Prophets , and of the Com-

-.. , phamdesiqna of ut; the evdpefites of the Lord, onda: |
Sis. Viowr. Dda These

Thele verjes containe the preface of this Chapter, the
hie Oe frft particular tobee obferved srherem, fhewing the fixed
fxwingthe | caufe of the writing both of this, and the former Epiftle,
Saal czufeot which is twofold. 1 To renue the fame doffrine which
both ofthe, | they hadveceived,to edesonif> , and put them. in minde of
and thefermer | the fame, inciting and flirring up their pare winde by way of
Erifle remembrance to conflancie. and perfeverance in tae fame,

v. 1.2, To infireé them inthe dsHrine of the Gofpell , as
the orcly truc doctrine, confirmed by the TZeftimsonic
of the Prophets, and of the epeffles of Iefis Chriff,

werf.2.° =
Twoparticu- The parts. to be confidered ar€ two. I An IncitationtO TCo
lars Laid ceive the doélrine now to be delivered, in thefe words : thss
sn tes, | 9&0%d Epiftle beloved, I now write unto you, in both which
: t 1 Birre np your pure minds by way of remembrance, 3 A per-
2 -. | fwafoxto perfift inthe trath,which beforethey had recesved,

inthefe words, that. ye may be mindfull of the words which

"| were poken before by the holy Prophet, and of the Comman-

Enforced byaj| dement of usthe Apoftles of the Lord c Savsenr.Both which
twofold aren""| are enforced, by a twofold atgementsthe former,drawne from
the condition of the perfons;the latter from the sature Of the

things. The cendition of the perfons, both writer, and

Theformer | Searer.

drawnefrom The argument drawne from the writer, is urged for the
Ohereton Fathers care andthe Childrens profite, the Apofiles love.
write, | andthe beleevers good. J¢ maybe thusframed, wharfaever
_ \proceedeth from truth, faith, love, acare of your foules, and a
defire of your [alvation, ought tebe beard,accepted ; and re-
‘| cesved : but that which I writenow unto you, proceedeth from
| truth, faith love, a care of your felves, and ancarneft defre
_| of your falvation, forewarning you of your enemies ap-
proach, and preparing you againft the comming: of your
| forrow,and and therefore it ought te beheard, accepted , and

received of you, . |
Hearere The argument drawne from the quality of the hearer,

may bethus framed. Pure winds omght to entertaine #o-
thing , but found and fincere doblrine , and therefore muff re-

cesue

(Vern... Miniflersmnft love their people. 4°95,

cesve suto them nothing but finceritie and puritie of de-
Erine.
| Theether argument enforcing the preface is taken from
the watwre of the things that are written; veged from the
antiquity and sexfent of the Seripture, after thisfort. The
dolrine that cau bring enfiome and acquaintance for st's plea,
age and antiquitie for.sts warrant, the Prophets and Apofiles
| fr the authors of the fame, neufi becarefuky kept, bartily wel-
conse, throughly remembred,ducly received, and suwardly in~
grafted into you, But the things whichI new write and de-
-| clare wxto you, are neither Rrange for acquaintance , nor new
for their age: but the [ame thas were foretold by the Prophets
prophecied by our Savior, and delivered by bis Apoftles. And
‘| therefore you ought accordingly to eftceme of the

| ‘The obfervationarifing trombeace may be gathered, parts
ly frem the writer : fers from the perfexs to whom hee
writeth ; andpartly from the asa@er which he writeth unto
tnem. °

Concerning the writer diverfe things may beenoted. -1
his affection, beloved, 2 Hisfaithfulnefle, dec now write nn-
to yon, 3 Hisdiligence, thie fecond Epifile, 4 His wife-
dome , te firre vp yer pure minds by way of remem-

ANCE.

. Forther. Hisaffelion; beloved, hewasbeleved ot them,
they were belewed of him , and by this conmpe/Lation he doch
farchessafimnate himfelfe intheir favear , aud gaineth their
good wills the wore,

Whence may be gathered, that | .

The preachers of Gods word onght tenderly to affett their
people, God ss wey record ((aith Paul) how greasly [long af-
{Ber you all, inthe bomels of Iefus Chrif., and tothe Theffa- a

lonians, wewere gentle among ft you,even as anurfecherifocrh | their people.
ber children ; notasanarfe mercenarie, butas.awarfing to~
ther, whole affections are molt tender. Should not teeters
lovetheic Papells? foonld not Stewards , affect their boaf-
bold? thayld notparentslove their children ? as foeph are

ne Dd 3 their

S. Peters
affection be-
loved.

| His faithfal-
nefledoe noe

a
406 = The fecond Epiftle of S.Peter Cenonical.Chap. 3.

their flocke? the Preachers of Gods word, are taters,
Stewards , Parents , foepheards , therefore mutt love their
ople. ;
Phi as it may juftly reprove many in thefe our dayes,both
Preachers and people , {o it may ferve for exbortatten both
unto the one, and the ether, unto Preachers to love, refpect,
and affect their people ; unto people , tolove, refpect , and
affe their teachers, Thusof the firf.

For the 2 his faithfulneffe, 1 doe now write xnte you, hee
had gone many a ws:/e for their good , he had preached many
a fermox to draw them unto Ged, now alfo he writeth unto
them,-whence may be gathered , that the msinifers of Gods
Word wmuft nfe al meanes ,endevonr every way for the good
of Gods people, They muft be like the faithful t, which
employeth om ra hed “ne bu Mafters greatch advantage,
They muft ufe both preaching, praying, writing ; yea ever x.
othe law full and comumendible way, hereby . gaine frvles
unto Gods Kingdome. |

If God beftoweth a ¢:ftshe taketh notice how it s#employed,
whether st be /et ruff or hid ina napkine, or put tothe bef
ufe for the advancement of his g/ory.

Oh. the great geeduefe and love of God towards his
Church, from time to time, inraifing up Prophets, Evange- |
Ufis,etpeftles, Doers , and Paffors : endewing fone of
them as with the gsft of preaching, fo with the gsft of wrs-
fing good bookes: whereiy, they being new dead, doe yet
peake unzo ss, as ifthey were alive, by which meanes the
Kingdeme of Antichrs? hath received his deadly wenxd,
Thus of the/écond..

_Forthe 3. hisdiligence., This fecond EpsBle [now write
uxte yon, he wrote one before , now alfo hee writeth another,
of the fame smarter , tothe fame Per/ons. :

Whence may be gathered. ' :

1» Thatthe/e fale exceedingly , which rejell this Epiftle
canenicall che eAuthor of the fermer, being alfo the 4acher
of this, beth being of a like authority, infpsred by the fame
Jpirse , written by the fame eSpeftte: trae itis, chat the pre-

echt: . Preachers muft bepaineful. 4°7

ning, feemeth mere ob/cere , and the file diverfe from the
Sirf; yet if wee looke unto the time when Peter wroteit ;
in his ofde age with one foote inthe grave , or tothe things
éaitaind in tt,no whit enwerthy of an Apofles Spirit, or lak:
and chiefely, to his owne witneffe, werdand warrant , the
dente will eafily bedifolved, and we afluredit is Saint Peters
worl

ce.

2. Thatthe preachers of Gods word muft be painefull and | D. Preachers
diligent in their calling , they mult preach in /eafon , and one | Fi ‘and
of feafon, they mutt adde line unto line, precept wuto precept, | gene,
now a little, and then alittle, They asethe Apofties hires , Hiting.2.
whole heritage is to preach, to teach, to w/e all meanes for the | M#2%-13-
goed of their people. They muft not content themfelves by
conse Or twice performing their duty ; but mult ufe dayly di-
ligence in this seedfull worke. Yea it appeareth that even
at chistime wherein our Apoftle wrote this Epift/e, bee was
Very ancient , yet would bee not through hisage , exempt
himfelfe from wfing diligesce in his calling. The Lerd of| Ufee
mercie by whom we are called, fiirre us np dayly unto
whe fie performance of our calling. Thus of the
third.

For thé 4. His wifedeme,.teftirre up your minds by way of | His wiledeme
remembrance. Hee confidered what _ mot nectful bee thels pure
thems, accordingly exberting them thereunto. minds.

Whence may be gathered, that 7 ‘
"+ The preachers of Gods Word muft in their [ermiens dnd wri- | san efpecis.
tings ame cfpecialy a soft things which are moft profitadle | allyaymese |
santo their people. If they obferve inthems the want of thieor | thofethings
that grace ;the continnance in this or that finne , they mutt | Soft profea-
accordingly exhorsuntothe former, dchort fromthe datrer, | blefortheir
perlwadé to grace , diffuade.from vice: yea fecing the na- | prople.
ture oF man is diver/e, they mutt. fo accommodate themfelves
unteall, chat fo much asin themlyeth, they may winne all -
fome atefecure , and {o in danger of prefamption , fouie arc
buffer Ay Satan, and fo in danger of defperation , fome are
Sorgerfill Wood snjfrattsoxs as have formerly beene

delivered ato them, and fo have neede of adnan:
} : - Dd4 thus

ee A CS ES SIS
408 Gods eleét have weede te be toldof their duty -Chap.y

p. Even Gods
ele@- have ned

to be put in.
mind of theis
duty.

AG.2031-
‘phil, 3.Ke

-A&.1 3rg20
Gye

That they

che werds,
Se.

thus mutt Preachers every way ensploy their Talent
forthe beft adwaniage , cafisng downe the prefiempemens ,
raifing up the affiiited admonifoing the forgetful: Thusof the
4and fo of the writer. Oo

Concerning the perfons to whom he writeth, they ‘were the
ele & people of Ged, fuch as bad obrained like prectons faith ,
through the righteoufneffe of Chrift Iefus, aud therefore
hee faith, 1 frre sp pour pure winds by way of remem.

ANCE»

Whence may be gathered, that

Even thofe which are sleGied , regenerated , and (anBified,
have neede to be Rirred up, to be admonifocd and put ix minde
of their dutic by the preachers of Gods word. To this end did
the Apeftles gee about from place to place frengebenin and
confirosing thofe mbensthey bad converted, for this saxfe did
not S. Paxlecafe te warne every one night & day with teares:
neither did itgrieve him to write the fame thing nuto the P bi-
lippians asbeing for them afwretbhing: yeaat therequeft of his
Axditors, what he preached on the one Sabbath, he did (for
the {ane caufe) Preachulfo on shefollowing Sabborh.. a |

The Reafoxs hereof are theft two,1. fe ( although
they cannot fail away torally, and firally, yet) they may
through tewprasseus into many borrible and feareful/ finnes.
Had they not neede then to be admeonifoed . and warned , that
franding, they take beed, left they fall. 2. becaufe they doe
even oftentimes ¢ too segligent , and careleffe in
the performance of their dutie, end. therefore mutt be re#-
fealupe If sren be not ufed, st rafterh, fo, ifeven the pareft
mindes be not whetted and fered up, they become delfand
drowferemiffe and caredes, But of this I have fpokenat lar
in handling the 1 3 verfe of the frf chapter. Thos of.
perfons to whom he writeth. |

Coucerning the waster which he did write, it was to irre
up their pure minds by way ofvemembrance, that they might
be mind full of the words which were pokesb ore lee bok :
Prophess,and of the Commandonsent of the Apefiles oft
Lerd. and: Saviour. a ; LO

Hence '

exL.2:Dottrine of the\Gofpell onely certaine Dottrine. 40g

}

Hence twa things may be gathered.

The $rfvis this, thac : ;
The daltrine of the Gofpell x the onely.certaine and true de~ | B. Thade-
Brine, as boing confirmed both by the bely. Prophets, and the | ftineot
Apobles, of Chrift lefme. | spellisthe
Whenceitfolloweth: ——. and trusde-
1s That whatfoever dettrine is agreeable te she dollrine |
of the Prophets and eApoftles, x tobe received and admis- | Ufte
ted a6 necefary and true. .

| 2.. Thatwhat/foever doctrine ss repugnant uziothie of the
Prophets and Apofiles, ought tobe recesved.at, erronions and
alfe, oo
fe That rheresse a.correfpondencie and agreement bea
tweene the delirive of the Prophets and the dallrine of the| = 5
Apofles of Chrift lefiu, the former , confirming the fatter :
the datér. thewing the accomplifoment of the fer-
193 £76
4. That therefore we oxght te ficke unto the dodirine ef she
ort, being frequent inthedayly exercife and medstation
ef the fame rejecting al fuchdefirines as repugne Or contradett
the fame. Oh how much to blame are.the Prepbet-{cerners
of thefe dayes, who make light of sheiz: words, and feral ac- |
Count of thesr workes, calling them dead letters, and making
fal “with chem the inventions of ex, notwithitaading
their words are mighty is operation, fweater thew. the
honey fer the tat, and mere bright{eme chen alantherne for

! The /zeesed is thée, shat- —— -
dks not enough sercad Gods Word,er-te beare she fame re

preae

».

410

Wf.

. Mindefulneffe of Gods Wordrequired: Ghag

preached, or expounded, unleffe alfo wekecpe it in minde and
Sebe doers of the fame, \t’snot {uilicient that the /eede bee
fowne in the ground, unlefie it be allo barrewed , the word ig
the feed, our hearts arethe ground, meditation is the bar-
rowing of the (ame, as the fowles of heaven are bufein pickia
up [uch feede as they finde unharrowed, fothe Divel to freak

me ws thofe profitable admonitions and connfels , which by
meditation and prallifewe have net made onr owne, If
man be an bearer of the word ({aith Saint Lames) and not ade.
er, he 1 like unto a manbehelding his natural face ina laffe,
for he beholdeth binsfelfe, and gecth away, and firaightway
forgetterh , what manner of wean he was.

Wherefore let us not onely 4eare, but bee mindfull al{o ef
thofethings which we doe beare , let us sedicate upon the
fame;day; and night, lecusnotécave it , till we have made st
our owne; let us digeft it, -and ey it up eur hearts ; lets
efleeme it, asa moit precious perle, rich treafere, and inefti-
mablejewed. Bat alas, the wi/fa#l ignorance, carelefnefie, and
negligence of people in thee oar dayes , istOo , toocemmen,
they (torne tu be ranghe., and yet know sething ; the word
taketh noroste in them, they are wholly forgetfull of the
fame. There sremany that wil too well remember a bawdie hal-
let,or lafcivions fong,but are not able to remember ene word of
4 fermen; a great many which/cornc te be catcchifed by prea-
chers , and yet knew nor fo much as the principals of religion,
Tell mre: plaincly; haft thou beard many a fermen,
what doft thou. remember of them? fure bat alisrle,
any thing, neither isthecaxfe fo much inesy thing,

aS in your owne negligence : it's a common pre-
verb, xfe leys, and have legs, fo fayI, ufe MIENIOYY and

| have mensory: is one indepred unto thee.ina /smeme of. money,

thouremembref ic; art thou upen a bend to pay sory. unto
another, thou a:t mindfall ofthe day before st commeth, but
in pirstnadthings chou artas blixdas.a Bectle.Ohamendchis
great finne. That we may nmct preach in vaine, dee w0t you
hearein vaine. Ged calic.h you tothe performance of this

| duty, molt bertorable it is to performeric, yea unlefic we doe

performe

Ver.3. Mindefulne feof Gods Word required.

perfornse it, weecannet duely performe either our dsty to-
wards God; orour d#:ytowards our Neighkoux, the word
inftructing # in both. Muft we ftirre. you up and will not:
you be ftirred up ?-muft we awake you, and will you needes
fleepe Rillin finne 2 .Is there ee lyin ns. ifwee doe

muft we day/y put you in minde., and will not you be pat in
minde ? Ged torbide Remember I pray you, that as the beaft.
was not cleane that could not. chew the cuddes {o the moans
net found that will net-ruminate upon the werd. It muttbee
remembred, it mutt be-laid xp in our hearts, If we remems-
ber what we heare , repeate what we remember, prattife
what wevéepeate we offer our facrifice in memorie te the Lord:

clip tto reads the forsprures in private , to beare the {ene
read, preached or expoundedin pabiike repeating , what ¢éi-
ther we read our felves, or heare by others, aayly Pr

unto Ged to further us in this: chriftian exerci/é , t
frequent beartrs of thisdefrine of the holy Prophets and e4-
peftles, wenay dayly be nsind fad of the fame. Thus of the 2.
and fo of the ssatser- which we wrete-, as allo of the Preface
of this Chapter.

the lat dayes , feofftrs , walking after their owne

Infts.

for ince the Fathers fell « fleepe, al things con-
tinue as they were fromthe beginning of the Crea-

sion, -

T e verfes continue the Second particalar which isto be
confidered inthe firft part of this Chapter: namely, a Prophes
| fe sonching Epicures which would deny she comming of a if |
a o[ es

not preach ? and yetare you forgerful what we Preachiand | -
e.

little profitsthe seat thatis forthwith ejected.and leffe the | .
fermen, that is not remcembred , and memerie without rami- | .
nating, m like wane aclaptd beoke without reading, Ob letus |:

ayeng
t being |.

Verl. 3. Kuewledging rhisfirft, shat there foal come in|

j
4. And faying, whire 1 the Promife of his comming?

41x

Sime

re,fcofkers | that [corme all religion, and make 4 mocke of sedlinelfe> ps

APropheticall defcriptionef Epicures. Chap

mons Seeches where u-the promife of bu comming? chatis ,
when foal thofe things be accemplifped and falplea, which Ie-
Sis of Naxareth hath foretold? when will he come te judye-
ment, at be faid be would? as if had more -plainely faid,
ull she pronsifes and threatnings of the word are vaine ; and
there foull neither be arefurreition of the dead, neither
indgement at all. .4 From the ridiculous reafen , aledged by
thems, tocexfirove theit opidion , and cowsernance this their
errenr, For fince the fashersfel afleepe ( {ay they) (that is,
dyed) alithings continue as they were fromthe beginning of
the (reation. It may be thus d. If the world hath al-
readie endured for eyes, st foal alfa endure fer ever,
and [aby confequent,Chrift foall net come to deftrey the world
neither oak there bee any judgememt. But the world hath ah.
ready endured many ages , many thonfands of yeeres. There-
fore it (rallalfe endure for ever. This argument (learned 40
the /chooles of Epicures, Galen, Plinins, eAriftotle, and other
Philofophers )how ridiculous itis, may thas appeare.1 From
the decree of Ged to deftroy the world. 3 From his will re-
‘vealed unto'us, that stfhall be abelifoed. 3 Becanfe wee
have not any exe promife of the coxtinnance thereof. 4 Be-
caufethe world doth not conf ft of icfelfe, but is epboldex by
the power of Ged, which he withdrawing , it goeth to rune,

erf'3.

isto be referred as well unte #5, that we

The frP ie this , that

msinifter of lefee Chrift , andagaine willeth
‘| unto #,and recorded in feripture,eventhat bo
. people, may take sotice of the fame.

‘| mweans ‘for their converfion. and amendment,
foeming themheir funessout of Gods Word,

; wrath, and fearefult indignation againft the fame.

Totake notice of falfe Teachers:

Yea experience fheweth the contrary; phyficke hath at all
times heretofere done me good, therefore st. will doe fo fel
This how/e hath endured many hundred yeeres , therefore it
fhall sever fall, I was never ficke , therefore I fhall sever be
feke, Tam not yet dead, therefore I fhall not 4e; were not.
{#4 conclufions ridiculous? fitto be laughed at? The like
is this of thole Epicures. The world hath yct continued,
therefore it fhall continue: for, when Gods(appointed time
is cone, st oad havean end , unto thof/e we may adde the cer-
taintie of this Prophefie , yea how needfull itis that wee
fhouldtake notice of the fame, kwowing this fir, or this fir
under ftand,that there foal come inthe laft dayes [coffers which
ould take notice
hereof, as unto the e4poftte, warning us of the fame.
The o6fervationsarifing from the whole are fives

Bath preachers and people fhonld take notsce of [coffers and
motkers, of fuch-as (coffe at God , his word, thruth, children,
religion, and goodne fe; knowing this firft: aword of attention
or direction, having referexce as well unto the teachers as
hearers, but beloved (faith Jude) remember ye the words
which were fpoken of the Apoftles of our Lord Iefus (hrif ,
how that they told yen there foould be mockers in the laf? time,
who would walke after their owne ungodly lufts: he didtake
notice of them, he defires them alfoto doe the /ike. So alfo.
the Apoftle Paal, having written unto Timethy , touchisg:
the manners of thelat times, concludeth , Jf thow put the.
‘| brethren in remembrance of thefe things, them foale bee a good

sm to take no-

tece of the fame. Thisknow (faith be) that in the laf dayes,
| persone times foal come, for thi caufe they are foretold

th teachers and,

The reafons hereof are thefe. 1 That we may #/2 all good

Preachers by
threating Gods

, private

People by |

¢.From the.
certaintic here f

of,
Thisknovwy,

Thisknew. {
D.Bvorh preaz F
chers and pro- .
fhoulde ake
noticc ef {cef-
ersand mocke f .
Crs. Y

Iude.17.

I Tinr4.6.

2 Tim.3.1.

Reafons.
ar A. i: . |

“ed

410

- Mindefulneffe of Gods Werdrequired: Chay

preached, or expounded, nunleffe alfo wekeepe it i minds al
Sebe deers of the fame, \¢’snot {uificient that the /eedebee |

fowne in the gronsd, unlefic it be alfo barrowed , the werdis
the feed, our-hearts arethe ground, meditation ig the be~
rowing ofthe fame, as the fowles of heaven are bufe in pickis
up fuch feede as they finde nnharrowed, fothe Divell to fede
ms sus thofe profitable admonitions and counfels , which by
meditation and prallifewe havenct madcenr owne, If ay
man be an hearer of the word (faith Saint Iewses) and uot ads.
er, he slike unto a manbeholding his naturale face inaglefe,
for he beholdeth bimfelfe, and gecth away, and freighewas
forgetteth , what manner of man be was. |
Wherefore letus not onely beare, butbee mindfill alfo of
thofethings which we doe beere , lectus seedscate uponthe
fame;day; aad night, lecusnot-drave it ; till we have madest
our. owne; et us digeft it, and /ey it upin eur hearts; kt.as
efeeme it, asa mott precious perle, rich treafire, and inehi-
mablejewe#. But alas, the ws/fed ignorance, carele{neffe, and
negligence of people in thefe our dayes , isto , too commen,
they (terme tu be ranghe, and yet know wething ; the word
taketh noroste in them, they are wholly forgerfull of the
fame. There sremany that wil too well remember a bawdie hal

‘| &t,or lafcivions fong bus are not ableto remember ene werd of

a {crmen; 4 great many which/corne te be catcehsfed by prea-
chers and yet know not fo muchas the principals af relieven,
Tell ore: plaincly; hat thou beard many a fermen,
what doft- thon. remember of them? fure buta/icrle, if
any thing, neither isthecaufe fo much inesy thing,
aS_ in your ewne negligence : it'$ a Common pre
verb, ufeleys, and havelegs, {olayl, ufe msensery , an

| have mensory: is one indepred unto thee in a /wmewse of mene},
| thouremembreft it; art chou upon a band to pay mony. unto

another,thou art mindfall of the day before it commeth; bat!

in piriewal things thou artas biixdas.a Beetle. Oh amendchis
great inne. That we maynce preach in vaine, dee wt ed
i

| hearein vaine. God calie-h you tothe performance of

duty, moft benorable it is toperformeic, yea unlefie we doe
performe

Ver.3. Mindefulne ffeof Gods Word required.

performse it, weecannet duely performe either our 4#ty to-
wards God, orour du:ztowards our Neighboux, tho word
inftructiug a in both. Muft vc ftirre.you up and will not:
you be ftirredup? muft we awake you, and will you needes
fleepe ftillin finne? Is there a wee ying upon ws, if wee doe
not preach ? and yet are you forgetful what we Preach?and
muft « ¢ day/y pnt you in munde , and will not you be pat in
minde ? God forbid. Remember I pray you, that « the deaf
was not tleane that could not chew the cudde; {0 the means
net found chat will set rumixate upon the werd. Ie multbee
remembred, it mutt be laid xpin our hearts, If we remens-
ber what we heare, repeate what we remember, prathfe
what we vepcate,we offer exr facrifice in msemorie to the Lord?
little profitsthe sweat thatis forthwith ejected,and leffe the
| [ermen, chat is not rememsbred , and memerie withent rami~

nating, i like wane a clapped beoke without reading, Oh letus

Selig Cto reade the /eriptures in private, tobeare the fame
read, preached ot expeundedin pablike cepesting , what ¢t-
ther we read our felves, or heare by others, dayly praying
unto Ged to farther usin this chriftian exerci/e , that being
frequent bearers of thisdefrine of the holy Prophets and ef-
peftles, we may dayly be nsindfad of thefane. Thus of the 2.
and fo of the ssatser which we wrete, as alfo of the Preface
of this Chaprer.

Verf. 3. Kuewledging rhisfirft, that there foal comme in|

ef lat dayes , feoffers , walking after their ewne
luis.

4. And faying,whire sthe Promife of bis comming?
for fince the Fathers fell a fleepe, al things con-
tinue a they were from the beginning of the Crea-

tion,

7; hefe verfes continue the fecend particelar which isto be
confidered in the firft part of this Chapter: namely a Prophe-
fie touching Epicures which would deny the comming of e ‘9

ofus

Sisal

414

pfal,1.%.

Pr0.19, 29.

Ofe.

4
Diverfe' forts
of {cofers.

Gen.19.14 ©

Exek.12.74.

é .

Standeth in the way of. finners, wor fitrethin the feate of the

To take notice of Scoffers. Cha.3:

private admonitions , and exhortations, both preachers and
people joyntly praying for their converfien: fhewing their
asfirke and hatred of their vices by abfinence trom the sike
in themfelves, 2 Thatwe may the berter anesde their com.
pany and conver{ation,and fo by cenfequene, their finne, with
thote jad gements which doe attend the (ame. For, bleffed us
the man that watketh wot inthe connfell f the nngodly , ner

feorneful ard againe, jadgensents are preparcd for fcorners,
frripes for the backe of fooles. 3 Thatboth of us, may from
our Owne experience perceivcas wel the trath of Geds Word,
as Satans hatred againtt the fame ; che truth of Gods werd,
as being moft certaine, infallible unchangeable, already ac- |
complifbed, or yetto be manifeffcd init’s owne temse . which |
thall ssdosbtedly come to patie, as if it were already accom-:
plithed. Satans hatred thereof, by rusfug up from time to
time enemies and adverfaries thereunto. {f,l fay , wee take
notice of the fcoffers and /corners wf religion, wee thall
perceive » as well the trath of Gods Werd 9 which foretold
there fhould bee /xch, as Satans malice; and implacable
hatred againft the «rath, in raifing and ftirring up the
amé. °
Learne we then from hence to take setice of {uch; if per-
adventure afrer fome {mall (earch wee canmecte with/ach,
and furely we fhall not neede totakeany great paines in this
Search; for if either wee willlooke into our owse hearts in
particular, or behold the /ife and conver/fation of others in
the gencrall, We.may plainely perceive the accompli foment of
this Prepheciein thefe our dayes; and that sew there area
world of fcoffersand feerners , jefting at Geds ‘Word, his
truth, true religion, his children, fncerity in hisfervice, with
all manner of goodneffe. I proveit thus, becaufe amongft
in thefe our dayes there is no {mall s#mber',.1 of fuch, which
beleevenot the threatnings of Gods word, ‘but are fecure and
careleffe (like unto the Sedomsites and thofe mentioned by |,
Excksel, who faith, the vifon tharhefeeth ts for many dayes |
tocome, and be prophecierh of che times that dre not farre'
. . . @

° .
.
~~

a
Ver.z. _ Diver{e forts of feoffers. | 4l5

off) even when imminent defirsclion is before their eyes. 2
of tuch as deife the minifirie, as bring up sick:wames unto | 2 King 2.23,
the Preachers and profeffors of the fame , like untothefetwo :
and torty children; which came out of Bethel, and mocked
Elifoa, laying, come wp then bald head , come up thon bald

head, 3 of fuchas mecke and deride at thole good meanes 3.
| whereby Gods wrath may be appeafed , and his judgements
averted like unto thole of Ephrains and Manaffes who
laughed to f{corue,and mocked the Kings Pofts fent unto thems. :
4 of fech as count it bafeneffe to performe Gods fervice, like | 2.Chren.'30,
unto Adschol, who despifed her hufvand in ber heart, andlike- | 10.
wife mocked hins for dancing before Gods Arke. 5 Of facch
as deride the promifes of Ged, like untothofe heere mentio- | 3
ned, where ssthe Promife of his comming? 6 OF [uch as be- 5
leeve not the power of Ged, but {peake againit the /ame , like 6
unto tho/e, who at theraifing of Jairus daughter , when our
Savienrfaid, the dans[ell uw net dead , but fleepeth, laughed
hins te fcorne,or thofe which derided the Apoftles being filed
with the holy Ghat, and freaksng diverfelangnages; laying, |
thefe men are fall of new wine, or like unto thofe which having Aan 4
heard by Pusl of the refwrrefison of the-dead, mocked, 7. OF A&.19.3 2.
Such as doe infult over Gods children being indiftreffe, as the 7
| people andralers of the Jewes, whilft Chrift was hanging upon

thecroffe, derided him faying, ‘he faved others , let him fave L
hinsfelfe sf he be Chrift-the chef of God, as alfothe fonldi.| "25-35

this people draweth nigh unto mepoith their lips but theirbeare | Ula.29.13.
9
LUC.1 Golgrn

all

i an
a

L sath

414

pfal,1.¥.
Pr0.1 9. 39.

Ofer

?
Divecfe’ forts
of (coffers.

Gen.19.14

Exek.12.23.

ftandeth in the way of finners, wor fittethin the feate of the

Totake notice of Scoffers. Cha.3.

private admonitions , and exhortations, both preachers and
people joyntly praysxg for their converfien: fhewing their
asfitkeand hatred of their vsces by abfinence trom the sike
in them/felves, 2 Thatwe may the berter anesde their com.
pany and conver/ation,and {o by confequene, their finne, with
thote judgements which doe attend the fame. For, bleffed ts
the man that watketh not inthe connfell f the wngedly , ner.

fcornefull ard againe, jadgements arc prepared for corners, &
frripes fer the backe of fooles. 3 Thatboth of us. may from
Our owne experience percciveas wel the trath of Geds werd,
as Satans hatred againtt the fame ; che truth of Gods werd,
as being moft certaine, infallible unchangeable, already ac-\
complifoed, or yetto be manifeffcd init’s owne time , which |
thall ssdoubtedly come to patie, as if it were already accom-.
plithed. Sarans hatred thereof, by rusfug up from time to
time exemies and adverfaries thereunto. If,I fay , wee take
metice of the fcoffers and /corners wf religion, wee thall
perceive, as well the trath of Gods Werd , which forereld
there fhould bee (ech, as Satans malice, and implacable
hatred againft the trath, in raifing and fticring up the
amé. ;
Learne we then from hence to take setice of fuch, if per-
adventure afrer fomefmall (earch wee canmecte with/xch,
and furely we fhall not neede to takeany great paines in this
Search; for if cither wee willlooke into our owse hearts in
particular, or behold the /ife and conver/ation of others in
the gencrall, We.may plainely perceive the accomsplifoment of
this Prophecicinthefe our dayes; and that sew there area
world of fcoffersand fcorners , jefting at Geds ‘Word, his
truth, true religion, his children, fincerity in his fervice, with
all manner of goodueffe. I proveit thus, becaufe amongit
in thefe our dayes there is no {mall ##mber', 1 offuch, which
beleevenot the threatnings of Gods word, ‘but are fecwreand
careleffe (like unto the Svdomsstes. and thofe mentioned by |,
Exckiel, who faith, the vifion thathefeeth ts for many dayes
te come, and be prephecieth of the times that dre not farre'

oft

- .
.

ee
Verg. — Diver{e forts of coffers. ee tS:

off) even when imminent deftrs ction is before their eyes. 2 |
of tuch as depife the minifirie, as bring up *ick:sames unto
the Preachers and profeffors of the fame , like unto the/etwo
and torty children; which came out of Bethel, and mocked
Elif~oa, laying, come up then baldhead , come up thon bald
head, 3 of fuchas mocke and deride at thofe goed mecanes
whereby Gods wrath may be appeafed , and his judgements
averted like unto thole of Ephrains and Manaffes who
laughed to fcorue,and mecked the Kings Pofts fent unto thens,
4 of fich as count it bafexeffe to performe Gods fervice, like
unto Aficbol, who dctpiled her hufvand in ber heart, andlike-
wife mocked hins for dancing before Gods Arke. 5 OF ficch
as deride the promifes of Ged, like untothofe heere mentio- | 2
ned, where sethe Promife of his comming? 6 OF {uch as be.
leeve not.the power of Ged, but {peake again{t the /ame , like
unto tho/e, who at theraifing of Jairus daxghter , when our
Saviour faid, the dansfell wnet dead , but fleepeth, laughed
hins te feorne,or thofe which derided the Apoftles being filed
with the holy Ghaft, and freaking diverfelanguages; laying, 7
thefe men ih ee or like unto thofe which having Aa’ 40.
heardby Pxxl of therefurreBison of the-dead, mocked, 7. OF A&a>.3 20
Such as doe infult over Geds children being indi freffe, as the 7
| people and raters of the ewes, whilft Chrift was hanging upon
thecro fe, derided him faying, 4e faved others , let him fave
himfelfe sf he be Corife-the chefex of God , as alfothe fould:.
ers mocked him, comsming to him, and offering him vinegar
and faying , sfthou be the King ef the Iewes, fave thy felfe
8: Of fuch asferve God in hy pocrfie, whofe pralts/e and pro- |
feffion doe difagree, which ule religion , asaclowke to cover |
their sngodlineffe, whe fay sn their hearts there 13 20 God , ale| .
. | tough ontwardly they make a profeffion of hisname, like un-
tothe Jewes of whom the Lord complaineth by his Proher,
this people drawerh nigh unto mepoith their lips,but theirkeart
13 farre from me. Laftly,of sch as continne and go¢ oninthcir
. | fins, notwihRanding all the admonitions & threatningsof Gedy
Word, like anto thole covetensPharifes, who having heard
our Saviour Preaching againit coveroufaeffe, derided him,

all

Luc.23-3 $<

Tfa.29.33.

9
LUC.1 6.140

Papifts {coffers of God. Chap.3

‘all which feverad forts of ‘people are plaine msockers and
Seoffers of Godand goodneffe, by all which it «ppeareth-that
there are whole multitudes of (coffers and corners in thefe
‘our dayes,] . os

And yetall this while I have not {poke one word of the
Papiffs, who are no lefle fcorsers and mockers of God , then
others ares They acknowledge Chri? to be a King, but che
Pope mutt controle him, both in making /awes of his ewne
to bind the con/csence as alfo in adding and detrathing (rom
Chrifts Lawes,whathe will. They acknowledge 4s ro bee
a Saviowr of him/felfe, by meriting (al vatios ; they acknow-
ledge him the mediator betweene God and max, and yet
pray unto the Saints, to bee their saterceffors, what is thas,

‘| butto makea mocke of (hriff? They acknowledgethe /crsp-

The lak& dayes
D.T here hath
noe beene any

time (o poftred
with (coffers .
and {corners *
of religion as }
thelaft dayes.
2 Tim.3.1°

Iude.1 8,: a

tures to be the word of God, yet no tranflatiex muR bee fed
but their e~se,no/en/eallowed, but that whichthe Pope ane
thorizeth, and fetteth dewnc, and what is this but to make
a mockeof Geds Word? AsI hope you are not of this order
of (corners; {0 alfoendeveur and labour, that you bee not of
any the’ other orders, take notice of your (elves , take notice
of others,that both you your felves may amend, and like-
wile may frive for tye amendment of others. Thus of the
r

The fecond is this, that | .
There hath not beene any time fo peftred with (coffers and
Siorners of religion , asthe laft dayes, from the Afcenfion of
Chrift unteahis fecond comming unte jndgemsent. Yea the
nigher thatday draweth, the wore this xumber encreafeth ,
hereof Saint’Pas/enformeth us, Thisksow alfo, that in the
Jaft dayes perilous times foallcome, for mon foal bee loners of
their ownefelves, cc. And Saint Jade purteth the people
inminde, thatthe efpoftles ofour Lord lefus Chrift told
them, there fold be mockers in-the laff time , svbo fronld
walke aftér their owne ungodly lafts. This our owne ¢xpers-
ence, Compared with (uch things aswe finde recorded in pre-
ceding ages, cenfirmeth. All people are eithe: Infidels or
Chriftians; if Infidels, then are they {coffers and {corners , “
| weil

reel
‘Wer.g. The/elaft dayes moft peftred with fcoffers. 417
well of our Ged,as of Chrift, Chriftians 8c true religion. If, Chri
fiians thonase they cither Papifisor Proteftants. if Papsfts,
then are they (as yee have heard) coffers and/corners,doth
of God, of Chrift, ot his word, of us bis fervants, and our
Serving of him. if, protefiants then are they {uch which doe
exther nake a foew aad prefeffion of goalinefe, os which
make no foew at all, Of thofe which make noprofeffien of
fucerity, therearefome efthesfts, others drankards, /wea-
rers, whoremonyers, cc. aliwhichare /corsers and motkers
of God: If they makea thew of gecdneffe, then due they it,
eyther in Aypocrifie, ox in fincersty; If in bypocrife, then |
arechey eyther bereticks fci{mearicks civil boneft men,asthey |
are tearmed,or fuch as affect poplar applanfe and commen-
dation, whofe pradhi/e in private doth not agree with their
publike profeffion, as thoie which ontwardly pretend purity
ard holineffe, and their defreto advance Gods glory, but én-
wardly ave defiled with monffrom abhominations, living in
wsilsve, Covetou/neffe, adultery, and the like, all the/e 1 fay,
(together with fuch as were mentioned in the preceding
dottrine ) being (coffers andfcorners, itfolloweth, that there
remaincth oncly a few,a handfull which in purity and fincerity
worfoip God, and therefore that we may trx/y fay that there
hath not beene any age (0 peftred with feoffers and mockers at
this laft,yea theft times wherein welsve.
The Reafoxs hereot arethefe. 1 Becaufe herefies and here-
ticks have more aouaded in thefe laft crimes, then formerly,

Reafen.
7

2 Bicaulexsw the Divell hath reat wrath, becanfe heknow- Revve.23.
eth he hath but a feort time. 3 Becaule people‘are more /e- 3
cure andecarelcffe,then formerly. 4 Becaufe men and women 4:
have lefle feare of God, the formerly, doe not tremble nor |

ffand in awe of Gods judgements, doe not make csxfci.

ence of their wayes, take, more liberty to finne againtt God,

doe more defire tofecase religious, then to be religivas m-
detde. 5 .Recaufe even fach asdoe make a gadiy ewof pa-|

rsty and bolincffe, doe tor the molt part by their rafone [fe and
indiferetion {candgalize their prof:f-», open the moxthes of |
Gods encmics tv blapbemetofcorkefcoffe, and wscke atree|

ae Ee gto”

418

2 Sam.3 pT) | Ze

Rom.2.24.

| but never fo many as now, {coffers in-bears,fcoffers in werd,

Thelaft dayes molt peflered with offers, Chap. 3.

‘ligion. This is apparent by DNarhans fpecch unto Devid
| out his adaleory. By Ppa thou baft given great eccae
fien to the enemses of the Lord to blafpheme, and of Paxts un-
tothe Remans, for the name of God ss blafphemed among ft
the Gentiles through you.
Hence itfolloweth .
1 That Sathans envy and malice both againft God and man
Mexcecding great, he doth nut reft contented with ihofe ma-
ny midions whom he haah «/ready deRtroyed, but fil indea.
voureth todeftroy more, he careth not by what meanes he
have people, if hecan havethem at ad. Its all one unto bs,
why chee thou /eadeft thy life in drankenneffe or in fwearing,
Or in malice, or in theft,or in wheredeme, or in any the like,
any one of them will/erve his txrne, if chou walkelt, and sav-
penstently continueft in any exe of them, # willat the lenge»
bring thee to #eZ, Themore Ged deth manifeft his /ove unto
us in cffering the mecanes of our cesverfen, his holy and hea-
venly werd, the more doth Sathas manifeft his 4atred , in
making us to /coffe and geere at che fame. The wigher the day
of our redemption draweth on towards ns, the Divell would
have us through finne to withdraw further fromit.
2 That thee sethe laff time, thefe the laft dayes, wherein we
/ive,at al timesthere have beene fome meckers and /coffers,

{coffers in aélsen, which may be proved by the very fréfe
and contention, by the envy and malice which is betweene
neighbour and meighboxr,according to that of Sefenon, caf
ont the fcorner, and contention foak goc out,yea firife and re-
pre: ch foal ceafe

3 Thatall ofus thould becsrcumped and carefull chat we
be not feduced or intangled by /wch, we muft nor be with-
drawne from our profefion by. their mocks, oud J/aac was
not freed of them, nsyther /eb, nor David, yea that Apo
filevelieth us, that divers bad sryak of cruel mockings and
caurgsugs, yer mutt alfo be caren not to give any eccafon |
untothe enemies of Gedto blappheme, walking orcampel!y, | .
inan holy reverence,as well of Ged,ag his werd, his trath,rels-

eee EON ee

jon, and good men, not ing with /coffers and (corners
Eris abbowinableand Preftabletinnes feke of the 3.

The third i thus, that Walking after

Scoffers and {corners of Religion walke after their awne Inft, | vaeic evra
that is, fer and order the conrfe of their life, beth inregard of | bs
doflrine and manners according to their ewne corrupt reafin | (corners of
and affettions , folowing them a their guide. This S.Jade religion
contirmeth in the ferementioned place, that there foould be after
amotkersin the laf time, which foould wake after their owne | ins,
sngodly infts, This our owne exgerme confirmeth fewne? fad.18.
and mockers of religion ere insrtalbable, doc bat jeff at,and de-
réde the beltcownfell whichisgiventhem out ot Geds word,
will fetew their owne /ufts and affettions without centrale.
mont.

The Resfen is plaine, even becanfethey have the contempt fon.
of Gods word graunded in thems havingfuly refolved not to mash
Jeeld obedience therenate, whereby it commethto pafie,that
the iwerdinate and evil motions of their sewer man, again(
thelaw of God, as abranchor fraite proceeding from their
emenee rale themas they wil, lead them whi-

ot . .

Thence sey we perceive a maine difference betweene the vf
children of Ge, and she/e which feorne and (coffe acre-| — 7*
ligion, GedsChildren though they have nfts, though they :
are ficbjell unto many attual ys and rebellions, yet
dee shay not live in them, they are not flaves unto them,
they walke not after thems, when they are tempted unto fine
they grieve, and give not ready and wiking affens unto the
temptation; if through frailty they give their confent, yet its
not sheir full confent.They doc st againft their will and prrpofe,
af they put thetr infts in execution, they lie wot in them, walke
not after theo, but dee againe recover themfelves. whereas
by the contrary, /corwers and coffers of religion, yea all un-
regenerateand reprobate perfons, they live sn their finnes,they
are flsveswase their corrnptions, they walke after thesr laft:,
shey doe readsly yeekd to temptations, they give their confent
wute them, they dealiberally finve, they dee lye Pik in Sane,

Ee. ane

Math,1§.14.

2 Teh.2.15.

4 andfo goe on in that way which leadethte damnation, Oh the

brucifenefe of thofe men whichtofatisfie their carnal appe-
tie forfake God, walking after their owne /xfs, imirate
wenot them in their bratsfoneffe, sfrhe blind leade the blinde,
both fall fall tnt be ditch, and ifwe walke {till after Our owne
lefts, wecannor but perifo, letus notprovoke Ged to wrath
and sudignation again us, through our é#ordsware waiking, |
if God be God, follow him, there isan enmity betweene God
andthy /#/s, if thou weuldelt follow God, thou muft ser
walke after thy ‘nfs, if thou wa/kef ater thy vfs, cHtou
doeli wot follow Ged, neyther contsmuing in that conr/e,canit
follow him s contider what St.leéniaish, Jovewot the world,
neyther the things that.are sn the world, sf any man love the
world the love of the father , 1s not in him, fer all that 3 in
the world, the luft of the flefo, the luff of the eyes, and -the
pride of life, 18 not of the father, but.ie of thewerld, and thé |
world pafjeth away, and the lufts thereof, but be that doth
the will of God,absdeth for ever. If we walke after our xfs,
the Jove of Ged is not in.us, wee walke after thefe things
which preseede not from Ged, and which will vas away,
which will not a/wayes continue. Our /a ffs are as ws/de Colts
which mutt be broke at f- for elfe they will afterward prove
sxtrattable, we mult fakdue them. get the safery over them,
and.then we a8 finde them in fome meafure/erviceable unto

ws, working togerher.for onr goed. |
Before I leave this posntcake we notice of thefe three things

ebfervabla from the fam¢

I That there s luff or concups[cencein every ene, there-

"| fore it is {ayd here, which walke after their owne lufts. This

is of twoforts, Origina#and AGual. The former being the
fonnta:neandrocote of af other finnes, The /aster the fraste
of the corruption of our hearts. The fesmer is an impote
ofthe beart whereby it 14 inerdinasly difpofed to the defire of
tha or that evil, of .which-S James ipcaketh, every max
when he is empted 23 drawen away by hit-owne. conenpifcence.
The /atter is every inordinate. and evil motion of the inner
man againft the Law of Ged,which pringeth asa branch from
-

gear a A AITO
Ver.3. The bearts of fcoffers filed with ungodly lufis. 421

eee ee ee

the former reete, of whichS.Pawl. Let not fane rasgne sx
owr mortal bedies, that yee foowld obey it in the lnfis of st,

where by /wf's are meant, the flames and metions of /ufis
{pringing froma the former fountaine. Hereof there be two
s,tor fomsetimes it is fudden, and fometime velwstary;

the former is the fir/# motion of the ninde conceived bat with-
ont confent, the latter isthe motion conceived, with confens,
purpofe and deliberation, both whichare/afa//, The conf-
der atsionf which is enough tobsmble us, yea to incite me
unto circamspe Hive watchfulneffe, left our orsginal/lufts,pro-

duce aéfwall lufts, and thofe at firlt /ddex motions, and Use
without confent, become fixnes with Confent,purpofe and dee
| liberation, \abouring to clenfe our felocs from all filthine fe con .
of the flefo and Sprit , perfeéting bolineffe in the feare of |* ~°%7"™
God. -
3 That mockers and {coffers of Ged, have thew hearts fil- ioe

led with ungodly lnfis, they walke not after one but after wae | their
ny Iufis. They which have no feare of God before their eyes,
who doe not make confcéence of their wayes, which defife
and meckethe threatnings of Gods word, which Scoffe and
Scerneseligion, whichderide and jef at fincerity, and the
profeffion of Gods truth, have neany lufts, which through the
Divels temptations working eftex by external objects, they
doe daily follow, their origswall concupifcence preducéng in
them many «&wal finnes and rebeXions. Oh chat our eyes
were opened, that we might behold thofe many «<bbominati-
ons lorking in the /torners heart (which the Sersptares cleere-
ly difcover) that we might the better avoyd them, and dete/?
their /isxe. ,

3 Thatmeockers and {corners are vafalls and flaves unte
their ewne lugs, which raigne in them, and cas#/¢ them te
give attendance upon them, which they are forced and com-
peled to obey ; by them their bearts ave withdrawne from
God, they give fest untochem ; they praéi/e them, they
keepe a coarfe-and tiade infaning ; They deny the true God,
and exclude him out of thew heart, they fer up the Dived,
:{ yea thet owne/sffs for their Gods, they fofow themas their

| » Ee 3 - gufdsst ou.

Obf.Mockers —
andfcerners .
are vaflals and’
flavesto their
ownelufis,

et Se

Saying where
isthe promile
ot his com-
ming.

D. Noe any
peint of reliz
gion in amcanz
ner moreop-
po(cd then
this of Chrifts

2 Thefl.2.3 .
Reafon.

This do@rine
bindreeh che
divels kings
deme excet-
dingly e

ee ie

+ The Dogtrine of Chrifis comming gre. Chap. 3:

guides: they walke, after thems: they walke in themes they
walke, as they ace diretled by them, as travailers fx
follow thesr guides nntill they come to theend of their ser.
ney, fo doe thofe their laf , watill they come te the end
of their jorney, their ewne deftruction.. Oh that their eyes
were openedand their hearts truly tenched with the conjide-
ration ot chis their flavt(> bondage, and thraldome, Thus of
the 3. |
. The fourth wthis that
There isnot any point ofrelizionin a manner more oppofed,
and contradifted by the devil and his infiruments, then thus of
Chrifts fecond consming untojudgement. Where ts ( fay they)
the promife cfbis comming? At one timehe per{waded that
It was fisddenly to come, that hereby he might drive the
7 heffalonians into defperation, at thi time againe hee per-
{waded that sf wae xot robe at all, where she proms(e of hi
comniing ? As if they fhouldhave fayd, be ws not come at
al » there fhall bee no judgement nor referreBien of the
CAG
~The Reafox hereof is this,becaufe there is not any one 4e4-
rine, which doth more hurt unto the Divels kinzdome,
thishindring the sncreafe, growth, and progreffe of the fanee.
I prove it by thefe inflances. /¢ pointeth out the safece and
mercy of God, two efpeciall wetsvesto withdraw men from
finne ; Ie pointethout the bappy, and b/effed eftate of the
goaly, the woeful and ms ferable eftate of the wicked. Jt (hew-
eth the bewefit which we reape by Chriff. Itinciterh us unto
the performance of holy duties, to an sudeavonr for recenci-
liation with Ged, for the parden and forgiveneffe ef all our
fanes, It tellethus, that God will not Leave finne nupansfoed,
and that ifin tsase wedoe not repent, and obtaine pardon, we
fhall render anaccount for 44 our thoxghts,werds and aéisens.
It'wileth us not to judge of things according unto their ose-
ward appearance, butaccording totheir efate and cendision,
Wherein they fhall be fownd in that dey; tor then the ged/y, | :
which have ere endured much/orrew and wé/éry, thall be
exalted, che wicked which have bere borne thecis bead! full
SEW 5

_| adultery, unto covetenfecfe, untot

Verlz. The Dottrine of Chrifts comming, &c.

high, condenned,debafed tormented, Ina werd there are not
any meanes more forcible to withdraw sex and women from

423

coveton{nefle, drankenne[[e,malsce, adslterie, Idolatry, and}.

the /ike abominations, then thss is, even the acconnt which
they mutt render on the day ot jndgement. The Divell I fay,
kxowing this, dothby aé meanes oppofe and contradsé the
Same, peclwading, that eyrber it fhall not be at 4#, or not 10
[oone as. We imeagsne,or not {o extreme and (earefxl as is /*P-
pofed and thatthe pans/bmeent hall not afwayes continue, and
the like. : 7

Hence we are taught. :

1 That (howloever the Devil and his sxfframents con-
tradict and gainiefay the fare yet) ehere fhall be 4 day of judg-
ment wheresn all people foall appeare before the tribunal [eate
of God, and every man foall be rewarded according to bse
workess the godsy abfolved, the wicked condemned, the
godly conveyedinto heaven, the wicked thruft intobell. Gods
word tellethit,Geds children beleeve it, the wieked tremble at
it, che Devel! by his iaftruments gain/ayeth the fame,

2 That the dottrsne of the laf jndgemens is moft necdefull
to be taught and learned inthefe ‘aft dayes. The Divell en-
devouresh to Je//usafleepe in the bed of (ccarity; irne sboun-
deth, wickedneffe increafeth, Geds children condemned, the
wicked commended, all whichposst cut the xeceffity of the

fame, The lefle Sathan and wicked men can «bide it, the
more maf the ssasfters of the Gopel ply it.

3. That srs our parranddutieevery day to meditate of the
day of judgement, by the fame, reoell-ng all fuch temprations,
wherewith wee ate affaslted. Our Savioxr imployeth fo
much, hen he faith, efnd take heede to yeur felves, left at
any tsime your hearts be aver-charged with (urfering,and drun-
kenneffe, andthe cares of thu life, and fo the day come upon
you unawares, Doth the Divel/f cempt thee unto malice sito

| bef » unto fland:ring and

backbiting thy sighbour, or unto any other fae, in thong ht,
ter dageed, tepeli itby thw, thatthedsy of jndcement will
in thou wuft becalled to an account for aW sly d>-

a Ete4 ING5,

COM Uae

Lak,2 1.34.

Carnal men cannot judge of Religion. Chap.3|

ings, doenothing new, whereof thon maif- be then affraid te
give an acconnt, The more the Dsvell would have thee fer-
get.this day, the sore doe thou remember it, the more- hee
would have thee to defpi/e it, the more doe thon effeeme it;
that fo /sving hereas it becommerh Gods child, thou maieft
not fay, where ts the promife of bu aie (for fuch /ceof-

fers whenfoever be commeth fhall finde

t itis too foome

for them ) but come Lerd Ie/ns, Thusof the4.

The fift ss-thie chat.

Such asarecarnall and flefoly minded, are ridiculous in
their jundgeing and reafoning about peints of religion, for (fay
they) ince the fathers fellafleepe, all things continue ac ¢
S| were from the beginning of the creation; and therefore ( by
their confequent ) foall fe frill continue and indure. This may
be confirmed. by the freech of Nicodemus unto our Saviewr
Chrift, bow cana man be borne when he ss old, can be exter
the fecond time intobis mothers wombe, and be borne? Our

Savionr was ft

peaking of regeneration, be snderftood him as

speaking of mans.naturall birth, foalfo by the woman of Sa.
maria, our Savionr {ayd unto ber, If thon knoweff the gift of
God, and whois 0, shat [aithto thee give me drinke, thon
wouldeft have asked of him, and be wenld have given thee {s-| -
ving water; the woman(ayd unto him, Sir, shou baft nothing | :
toaraw with, and the well se deepe, fromwhence then he

thon that-iiving water *Thus the Jewes murmured at him,
becaufe he fayd | ams the bread which came downe fron hea-
ven andthey fayd, ss not this lefie the fonne of lofeph; whefe
father and morher we know ? Hom wit thenthat he fayd,l came
Aowne from heaven? Soat another time when our Saveesr
fayd unto them, your father Abraham rejoyced te [ee my day,
aud be (aw it,and- was glad, they {ayd, thon art net yer fifty
jyeares old, andbaftthow feene Abrabam? Thus Few: hea-
ring “Pas! make an efpologie for himfelfe, declaring his life
from his childehoed, and how miracnlon fly he wascenrverted
and called to his Apoftlefip, fayd with a loude voyce, Pan/

Pal thou art.befide thy (elfe, much learning doth:
mad, Thas.in thefe ourdayes, if we would cake of the

Fens een ot ee ee asl

thee

ferl3, (arnall men cannot judge of Religion,

- arguments. ufed' by’ famsclifs, Anabaprifis, aAtheifis, Pa-
pifts, and the like, throughly weighing and trying
them-by the dadance and toxchftone of Gods Word; wee
~} fhauld finde them (for the msoff part) childs fe, foolife , rids-
culent. |
The reafons hereofarethefe two. 1. Becaufe. they judge ac-
cording tothe prefent esswerd appearance, whieh our Sa-
vionr reprehended in the Jemes , when he faid, jadge not ace
cording to the appearance , bus judge righteous judgement :
yeathus even the godly rhemfelves have beene decesved, as
was Samnel, when be would have anointed Elisb.a Becaufe
they perceive notthe things of Ged, of which Saint Peal
{peaketh, the naturall man. perceiverh not the things of the
ppirit of God, for they are foolifonef[e unto him, neither
can hee knew them, becaufe they are pirituaky dsfcer-
wea. . ;

Hence it followeth , .

1. Thatcarnaland flefely minded people, fcoffers and {cor-

religion, walking after their owne /xfs, not being guided
and directed by Gods Sprit, it's swspoffible torthem to com-
prehend the benefit of our. redemption through Chrift, the
dottrine of Gods eternall predeffination,the nature of Infts-
| fcatias, fan ification, andthe dike. .

2. That cherefore wee muft exdeavour to vanquifs our:
owne affetlions to conquer our luis’, tobec. endowed with
fo being paritnall, we may difcerne fuch. things as are /ps-
rituall.- Thus-of-the f« ot,

From this 4«/, laide downe in thefe words , for /ixce the
Fathers fell: aflecpe, all things continue as they were
from.the beginning of the Creation, three things may bee
noted.

1. The wonderfull providence of God , in the maintenance.
and prefervation of thofe things which bee hath created, the.
Sunne,the Moore the farres beafts ffoes fowles hearbes,trees,
moon and the Jike,. A cleere demonfiratson of his Deity , an

vO: evident

ners of God, are nufit tejudge and determine in matters of

425

Reafonte
I
Tob. 7.240

1 Sam.16.6,
3
5 Cor 2034.

Use.
i

knowledge, boline fe, and the ether graces of Gods {pirit, that | -

Aji things.

continue, &c,

Obf Gads
providence in
tke preferva
tion of bis
Creatures,

426

Death is but a fleepe. Chaz

Fella fleepe.
Obf. Desth is
but a fleepe.

Vln

Pre. 3.24,

Fieb,9.2 7.

Obf. The wio-
ked abule
Gods bleffi

te the dif- “s
honour of his
Rame

evident. arywment to prove that hee is Ged. @
2. That deach ss bnt a fleepe, and mans dying , a8 0 fallin
afleepe,a compariion very fregent in the fersprases berh
che Olde and New Teftament : fleepe being the b-ether of
death, the iske things happening to them that are aflecpe, and
tothem that are: dead, both refitng from their labonrs, nei-
ther of chem thinking of this life, desth being norhing ee
bet acontinwed fleepe, and our burying’ places, fleeping places,
out cfwhich we had arifean the lief day, an argans:nt OF me.
teve apainit che teare of death , asbeing nnto tla gedlya com.
fortableand {weet fleepe, to whoin I mayapel, char of tke
wifeman, When thon lyeff downe thon foalt not be affraid, yea
thon fralt lye downe, and thy fleepe foal be fweet: reben thon
dycft, thon dyeff in peace, thom fleepeff sn peace, withent feare,
fom which God himfelfe being thy watchman, foal ix hus owne
time awake thee, rayfe thee upunce glory, bi withowt thie,
thou canft xo more enjoy everlaftsng life, then without (leepe
thoucanft prolong thy natural life. Sleepe is natacali unto
man, {ois it appointed that al men oak dye, fleepe commeth
upon us every day, Oh rhae we could thereby bee drawne un-
toadayly meditation of death, that our s#clination unto
fleepe may put us in misde of the certasntse of our
death, our beds may pxtus in minde of our graves,
as our bed-cleathes , of theearth wherewith we thall be
covered.

3- Thatthe wicked through the /xbriltie of the Divel,
doc even 46a /¢ Gods bleffings, his/ove untoman, his provs-
dence over all his Creatures, co sphold and coxntenance them
intheis evresrs, Thus in this place doe thofe {coffers and
{corners of Ged, fighr againt him with his owne weapons ,
abufing the worke of Gods providence, and prefervasson ,
whereof they fhould have made this #/e, even ftill to bee
thankcfnl unto Ged,and ftillto depend upon him. Thus of the

2 particuiar.

Verl, 5. Forthisthey are willingly ignorant of, that by the
Word of Ged the heavens were of olde, and

BM ¢|

| Vers: 4 confutation offcoffers, = = 427

the earth flanding ont of the water , and in the was
ter,

6. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed !
with water, perifbed.

7. Buttheheavens and the earth which are now by
the fame word arekept in Bere, refereved unte fre
aga ft the day of judgement, aud perdition of un-
godly men. : a

Thefe with the twe following ver/er containe the third.
particular to be obferved in the former part of this chapter, |. deng
namely a canfwtation of fuch feeffers and fcorners, alread
mentionea, which deny, that che world fhall bee deltroyed,
that our Saviour fhail come unto judgement: whofe ridica-.

lousresfan of this their blafphemogs .<ffertion was thu, be-

caufe the resrfe of nature, is #ew-all exe, asit was from the
beginning. Te veas thus concluded, if che world hath a/ready
endured for many ages, it fhall alfo endure for ever , and fo
by confeqnens neither (hallthe werdd bee deftroyed, neither
thall our Saviour come unto jadgement, Butthe caurfe of sa~
tere isall oneas it was from the begsxxing , the world hath
already endured for tnauy ages, therefore it fhall ftillindwe,
it fhall never be deftroyed , there fhall bee n0 judgement at
all. Thisargament our Apefle denyeth, thewing the fa//e-.
heed as weil of the .Propoftion , as of the edfumption,
The Propofcien is this, ifthe war/4 hath already endured for,
many age:, it fhallaifoendurafor.ever; our ed paftle anfwe--
reth, not fo, becaufeas God wasable by his word to.create
the werld, anda things therein, fobeis able by che fame:
werd to.diffelue. and-deftsoy st. This is ‘implied in thefe
words, byshe word of God sheheavens were ofulde , and the
| carthflanding out of the water ,audsnthe water; by his word,
thatis, his decree,erdinance, will, and beck, ‘(as the word is
elfewheretaken ) he m<de them,.he feperated , anddivided
them , he made the earch ppeare, the waters being gathered
segether ix one place, Therefore by.the fame werd, hee is able
eftroy the wer/d;-which heethen created. This be pro”
: vet

The falheod
of the propos
ftion,

Eeb,1.36

W hy Epicurs deny Chrifts comming. Chap.3

veth bythe teftsmony of th-ir ownecen/cience,in thefe words,

for thse they are willingty ignoran: of, tha'is, they kuow thie
truth, or cafily may brow it om. of the Scriptures, but they
diffemsble, they are willingly ignorant thereof ; they doe of
purpofe(uppre(fe the fame.

The affuaspsion is this, the cowr/e of watwre isall one asit
was from che beginning of the Creation, the world hath al-
ready endured for many ages. Our eApoftie denyeth it. The
world that then was (faith he) besag overflowed with water;
perifoed. Itarvay be thus framed. Jf fixce the creation , the
‘world hath beene deftroyed, then the conrfe of things u net al
one, as from the beginning of the creation, bur inthe dayes of
Noah, the world that then was , being everflewed with water,
perifbed chat is, the waters returning wute their former place:
this world, that sete fay shit beantse of the earth which we fee,
and allliving creatures, which live spon the earth, perifoed,
Therefore all things continue not as they were from the begin-
ning of the creation, Thus the adverfarse being confuted eur
efpeftle doth from his owne rea/ens alledged again{t rbem,
concludein the 7 verfe, thatthe beavens and the earth, which
arenow bythe fame word ,are kept in fore, referved ante

fore againft the day of judgement, and perdision of angedly
mer, he ronounceth, J/ay, that it foall net be barder for God
| 80 burne heaven andcarth with fire in that day which i appein-
ted for the defirnfion of the wicked (which thing he willallo
doc )thenst was for bins in times paft te make thems with bu
encly word, and afterward te everwhelme them. with
water,

The particular parts tobe confidered aretwe, 1 acenfuta-
tion OFerronr 2 anaffeveration of the truth. The coxfutati-
on of their errenr,islaide downe in the 5 and 6 wer/es, con-
taining matrer, both af reprchenfion and ixftretion, Repre-
henfion of cheir wilful, willing, and affected ignorance, of
fuch things ax they fhould and might have kaowne.
Inflruétien, In the fame things whereof they were wil-
fingly ignorant , namely 2. aboutthe creation of the world,
which both in regard of the manner... and spatter

= | _thereef,

CL I
erf-5. Gods Word a prefervative againft evill 42 Pry

thereof, was by the worduf Gods by which the heavens were
of old, even the ayre with the divetie regsons,and bemsifpheres
thereof , ftiled thereto. e heavens in ihe p/srad number: and
the earth appeared, the waters beinz gathered together into.
one place. 2 About the deffra&ios urthe world, whichis
cither paf, orto come: palt, by water; to come, 4y fire. The-
affeveration of the erxth is laide downe in the 7 verte,
wherein our Apoftle deciareth, thatthis world, referved by
Gods Word, (hall at the day of judgement, and perdition of
ungodly men, be deftreyed vy fire. :
From either part one obfervation muy be gathered, For this they
From the fir ft, the, that | are willing]
The Word of God revealed inthe feriptures ts the ordinarie | eon Ms
and efpeciall meanes both tobe preferved from crrour , and to | D. Theword
confute all erronians opens. To be preferved from erronr, | of God reveas
implied inchete wos ds, for chs they wiltsngly.are tgnoranc of, gin tae . ot
that bythe Word of God, the heavens were of old, and the earth | wwe erdiparic
ending ont ef the water, andin the water as if hee: andelvecan
fhouid-have faid , sf thofe feoffers and wsockers, which | teen
dexy (rifts fecond comming unto judgement, er shat ved {rar er-
there foal be amend of this world, would but dsligently | fou are con
fearch the Scriptures, a6 both they ms. and foonlde they moe
could not. gaincfay {ach undenbted truthes, they conld | ons, * a
not fall tute {uch erreurs : To confute al) erronsons O.1-
nions. Thofefceffers denyed ‘thac.ChrifK would come.anio
judgement; where is ({av chey ) the promife af bz comming?
for fince the Fathers fellafleepe all things continue as they were
from the beginning of the creation, them vith their opinions
our Apoftle confuteth, by proefes reafons aad examples out of
the holy fersptsres. for thse (lath he) they are witlingly ig
norant of, that bythe-word of God theheavens were of olde,
and the carth handing ont of the water ,and in the water wheres
by the world that then was, being overflowed with water,
perifeed , butthe heavens and the earth which .are now,
by the fame word, are kept in fore, referved une fire againft
the day of judgement, and perdition of uncodly mex, he nce
1 fay, it fokawerh cleerely, thatthe werd ef Ged, revealed Af
; tae

ase
2Tiag.z6,
Matzz29.
ireaa.s2.
eo Eee ‘Mofe pipe pos
tecaga7, | he i inal ohe fer 1, the jing om
teb,ze.g, || Mt thefcriptmre, that he waft ran againe fromthe dead. Thas
| Pandas bis manner was,wens inte the Sy of the Lewes,
‘A&.172. | Which was at Thefatenica, and three sabia veafoned.
- ‘| with hens ent of the Scripture!, :
j ia rains frews the
dead, aud shat Ie{us,whore he preached unto bem yom Chrift.
"| Thus acertaine Iew mamed Apoles borne at Alixandria , as
AAa824 ; policy,
noble than thefe tT! jalemicain
. , thar shay receivedthewerd with gl readines Searched,
Amazin, | tHe Serapewres dayly , whesher thefe thin kara aiether u

Peal preached umo them errewr or trath. Hereby Geds .
ly (Alar tyres from time, te time, were pre, from on
roare end berefies, would not cither for «hope ot seward, or

Bh tien yeeld unto the ious -defirine
. tleasyena number of

er img Sarin
knowledge readsnnfesn com~
their adverfaries, putting even ron Bip and.

lear-[;

er.5: Howto bepreferved fromerronr.

learned Doers unto filence, for this caufe are thofe many,
exhortations co fearch the Scrsprures to give cere unto thens,
to: beare the word to meditate thercin,to beleeve it, andthe. |
4ske,and.thofe many commendations vhercof , 9s excelent ,
fweere,cleane, pure, pr: fitable andthe like, exprefled by ma-
ny feverall fimsihtudes,as of a lanthorne, (word, foeelde mate,
fiaffe, wine, and {uch like,

The Reafaxs hercof are thefe, 3. Becanfe they containe
| an ewsdence or coppie of Geds will, of thole daties which be
requireth tobe in ms, of perfeverance in thetrxth ; and con-
rage to withfland the ga:nefayers. 2. Becaufe they’ furnith
us with the ksowledge of the trath,and fo of Geds will, faying.
of the right way, this % the geod and old way, walke init,
& ofthe bed way ,come ons ofis depart from it.3 Becrufe they
containe varietie of reafens, manitold merives, both to pre-
ferve us from erronr 8 co confuse all erronious epinions, For
example, To preferve us from erroxr,amongit any otherswe
have two forts of reafons. Ths former may bee takes from the
commendation of the truth,as that it is pleafant,profirable,con-
ftant,8 the iske. The /atrer,from the danger of errowr,as that
itis hartfull for body foule eftate,frends,8z the (ike. Azaine; to
confute the adverfarie , either Papift, Famelsf#, Anabaptift or
the like, there isnoeafier, no /srer, noreadier way then the
Scriptures, 4 Becaufe there. is nothing wbich can fo much
convince the confcsence, as docth Gods word, our owne, if we
ranne inte erronr others continaing in their errowr. This
prevailed fofarre with King 4 grippa, that when Pawl faid
unto him, King Agrippa blur then the Prophets? I
knew that thon belecucft hat he an{wered, almoft rho per-
{wadeft me to be a(briftian; yexand when they were gone
afide, they talked berweene themfelves faying, this man doth
nothing worthy of death or of bonds, to this purpofe {pea-
keth the Abbot Pannormitan (as Maffer Fox relateth) |
would (faith he ) rather beleeve ene Lay perfon, bringing for
bim anthority of Scriprnre , thew an wniver[all conneell that or-
dainctl ov d-fizeth «thing without Scripture, -

Hereef may be made a twofold afe,one

For

432

Vie of Repre-
henken.

Numb.tg.24-
Pfil.25.7.

Pfal.s 85 e

“(eof Exhor
tition.

Two forts of ignor ants.

Chap.3

For Reprebenfion, Vuroall tuch as are sgnorant of Gods
word !aisc dowae ia the /criprares. If it bee the epesiad
meancs, whereby to preferve us trom erresr , whereby we
may vec a0le tu appo/e our {elves againit Geds enemies , con-
futing,and convinesng then, why fhould x7 of us bee égno-
raise ot styelpecially in this/#n-fosne of the Gojped, thus ex-
pufing our felves into da iger,when we necde not,being duane
aid plent inthe casfe of Chrift, nhenas otherwile we might
be comragious? Ignorants ave of twe forts, 1 Suchas.con-
tinue sg zorumr, by reat uf che lacke of thofe belps whereby
they ugh: attaine ance kyon ledge, namely the preaching of
the W rd, ad-niniftration ot the facrament, conference with
Gods clhidien,and thi 4ske. 2 {uch asare wslfally ignorant,
as doc :lfady and of fer purpofe «fel che fame ; baving the
meanes whe: sby they might attaine knowledge , but contem-
ming aad defpsfing che famc, which wasthe fase, of thole
(coffers, and mkers, here mentioned, they were willingly
sgmorant, tisar ignrrance was affected. There are degrees in|
fine, and a graditson in ignorance: st sa finne to be igne-|
rant inthat we foonld kuow : but agreater tobe ignorant in !
tht, we arc both bound toknow aad have meanes to attasne; |
great isthe frame of ignorance : errowrs and things commit. |
ted upon sysurance mutt have their facrifice. and David
prayethGod not to rens:neber the finnes of las youth, nor bus sg. |
vances. Ignorance isour common plea, (afinne €or which |
men feldome repent) which notwithitanding will not ftand ;
uS in ffcede before Gods judgement feate. Jgwerance in the
Scriptures isno excufe fora Divine, neither can ignorance
in chrittianitie excuse the (hriftian; ignorance upon negli-
gence, fhall not g0¢ anpunifoed , yet herewith ia thefe dayes
are too too many sfelled , too too many afetled. As the
adder ftoppeth her eares ai the Cweetelt charmer. fo they
atthe molt wholfome admoxition, refufing to waderfiand,
pleafing chemfelves inthis their fo/y ; with-holding their
eyes From behalding the ight, ana their minds from dif. CT ie
arg the erath, eAnother
For Exhortution, Vito everyone of usin thefe L/? and
pertilcss

‘ he

Very. The creation of the world zc. 33

For Exbertation.Vntoevery one of usin thefe/af and pea
rilons tines wherein hereticks and berefies doe fo mucha-
bound, to ficke unto our weapons, run unto our fortreffe,
make ufe of our field and buckler, eventhe holy Scriptures,
whereby we may continwein the truth, confute all erronions
opinions. Obthat weecould truly /ove them, /earch them,
bearethem, beleeve them, meditate upon them, 4/e them as
the fubje@ of our contemplation and difcoarfe. As thofe
which are atall times in danger tobe a(fanlted by their ene-
mie‘, havetheis weapons alwayes in readineffe, fo {ecing we
are at all times in danger of fal/e teachers,we mutt in like fort
have our ppiritwall weapons in readineffe, being eyther fo
converfans inthe Scriptures, asthat wee may be 4d/e upon
the fuddentorea/en with any adverfary, whichis bef, or
elfe (which ig more eafie) to reduce arguments from fweh
and/isch placedof Scriprure againft this or that erromr,where-
by we may be «b/e upon a fhort advertifement to difpate

inft the fame. For example; reading the firft verfe of the
ep Plalme we may obferve thercin,an argument againtt/cof-
‘fers reading the fifteenth Pfalme we have an argument againit
fanderers, fwearers,and #furers, reading the 23. Chapter of
S.Luke,verfe 43. we have an argument againtt pargatory,
reading the 50.P/alme,and 15.verfe, we have an argument
againft snvocation of Saints , reading the 3. Chaprer of the |.
Romans and 28.verfe, wehave an argument againft juftifi-
cation by workes thusdrawing arguments for the confura- | Buttheheas

tion of all manner of errowrs and vices. Thus of the for- Nera and she

mer: are now, dtc.
From the fecond shss,that D. Asby Gods
As by the decree,ordinance,will, and becke of God, the bea+ Seeree rie bea

vens and the earth werecreated in the beginning, and there. | earch were
after the earth being overwhelmed with water perifoed, foby } created in the
thefame, the heavens and the earth which are now, are uphol- besinpiogand
den,and kept in ftore, refervedunto fire againftthe day of tudg-) earth was
‘ment, even the day wherein the ungodly foall be deftreyed.This frowned, (o
‘doftrine confilteth of three pats, the 1 concerneth the sreas| they pea
tien of the world,in these words, by theword of God,the hea-| ved,8ec,

: Ff.

vens*
pe a |

434 - Hew God created the world. Chap. 3.

a
The creation , vens were of olde, and the earth Sanding ont of the water axl
cfalthings | sn the water, The 2 the deftrublron thereof inthe dayes of

2 Nogah, in thefe words, whereby the world that then was, -be-
Deftru&iion |-ing overflowed with warer, perifoed, The 3 the defiruthion |
in Neahsdayes | cheroof on the aay of jadgemenr, in thete words, bat rhe

3. heavens and the carth which are now, by the fame word are
Dre kept in ftore, referved unto fire againft the day of judgement,
of judgement. | 4d perdition ef ungedly men.

The creation. | _ Touching the 1, fowre things ere to be confidered. : The
efficient caute of the treation, Gods word, that is, his decree,
The efficiens ordinance, will,and becke, by which every thing was made, |,
cau or eds | Without which there was nothing made, 3 the rime of the
word T creation,of o/d,or as itisGes. 1.1. Js the beginning, thatis,
| emeofold. | ghey when the thsags which are sow, begun tobe. 3 The
matter created, the heavens and the earth, the heavens, that is
Thee (as fome judicious Jwterprerers doe underftand them) the
“hheavensand ayre,called the heavens inthe p/srad/ number, tn refpect of
the earth. the divers regions fayd to have beene of o/d, becauie they
were amongtt the fi: # of the crearwres, and in anether man-
ner then #ow,thatis,ca/mse and free from cold winds and tem-
pefts, the earth,that is, the earth it {elfe, weth fuch things ag
are #fefull for the/nftenrarion of manstife, ascorne, grafe,
-“Themanner | ‘rees,bea fis aud the/ike. 4. The manzer how they were ere.
how they were | ated, God dividedthe earth from the water ; the watersbe-
created God | ug gat“ered together into one place, the earth appeared ; the
earthfromths , ¢4”th {tandcth out of the water and inthe water, out of the
water. water becaufe made out of st, and by the water, becaufe bere-
by, as by akinde of ¢/#e itisas it were cemented, and made
tohang together, which othcrwife would diffolve and vanifh
into daft and ayre, or confifting out of the water, that is, by
being difeovered, whenat the word of God, the waters were
gathered together, and by the water that is (as Beza hathit)
becaufe by the divine dé fpofsrien it isall full of vesnes of water,
even asa mans bed) is full of 6/ood, or ont of the water, as
the master thereof, and 4y the waters, becaufe without
waver it could not be frastfull, or ont of the waters, and by
the warers, becaufe at the fir? no earth appeared, but 4# Was,
cevere

a
Ver.7 How Godcreated the world, 435

covered with water, whichbeing commanded to gather to-
gether, the earth appeared, which is, asit were 6y the we-
ters cemented and conglutinated. 3 -@
The 1 safermeth us, of Gods power, he being the onely uf
Creator of all things, who of nothing produced alliisch théngs,
“as now are.
f The 2 sxformserh us of his eternity, as being from ever/a- 2
bBo
The 3 snformeth us of his love and goodueffe, in that hee 3
would voach/sfeto make the world, having no neede of st (as
having beene from everlafiing without it) and deffow upon
us the #/¢ of his creatars-for our prefervation and mainte-
NACE,
The 4 sxformerh us of his wonderfull wifedeme, who 4
| could thus 4:fingnifo betweene the heavens and the earth,
the earth and the waters, the waters and the waters. Thas of
| the tpart. : ° -
Touching the 2. The defPruétson of the eld world in the | The de&ttu&i-
dayes of Keab two things may be noted. 1 What things | on of the old
were deftreyed. 2 By what meancs they were deftroyed. The | worldin tte |
things which. were deftreyed were the heavens and the earth, The things de-
notsn regard of the /iebfiance of them, but in refed of the | ftroyed,the
sebabssants,and the outward ferme of the earth, which by heavens and F
reafon of the waters long occupying, the place hereof was how. 2”
made grofer, andthe earth more muddie, andthe water
‘thicker by reafon of the long comsmsixtion of the earth Sc wa-
ter together. The meanes whereby they were defreyed,were aheakeckey
waters defcending from above, a/cending from below, the | were deltroy-
windowes ofheaven were opened, and the fountaines of the | ediby wacer
deepe broken xp,and {o the werld was drowned Gen.3-11¢
|, Forthe 1 we may conceive that Gad san enensy unto finne,| Ufee
_, | cannot abidess.in his creatures, and that june draweth Gods| I
' jndgemenss xpen thecreatures, {uch isthe xature of Ged, fuch
is the natwre of Anne. | |
. Forthe.2 that #0 elements creature can be profitable unto 2
Mt, without theefpecial bleffing of Ged, both water and fire
“are proptaple, yetdid the warld en by water,and fhall be j
| - FF;

confumed

436 The world hall be defiroyed. Chap,3

The deftructi- cox'wimed by fire. Thus of the 2 part. Oo
on - tthe lait ‘Toucning the 30 The defiruttion of this prefent werld at

TS arter to the laic judgement, five things may be noted. 1 The matter
bedeftroyed, | to bee deftroyed, the heavens and. the earth which ure now,
: the heavens not differing in /abftance fromthofe which were before, but
which are inquality. 2 How ebey are for the prefent nphelden, even by

BOW. the decreeordinance, will and becke of God. 3 By what mseanes
See eee they fhall be defrroyed by fire. 4 At what time they fhall be

by theword | 4/froyed,at the day of judgement. 5 The lor and portion of
of God, _ the wicked at that day,they foall bedeftroyed, this being aday
By what means | of rhe perdition of ungodly men. |

deftroyed From the 1 may he gathered, that sme 1 4s edions nnto
by fire. God now asst was of olt,dothand foall doe as much burt unto
Ac whastime. | the crearnres as it did in the dayes of Noah. For upon the

Th lot ofthe. fudden ai things in heaven and earth fhall peri by fire, all

that day. being turned intoa fiery flame, and burnt todfees, as then al
Ofe things were changed by the waters. |

5. From the a that God s nor onely the Creator. of rhe

2. world, but alfothe preferver,spholder,and maintainer of the

fame,
From the 3 that Ged hath divers wayes whereby ta exe-
cate bd will, all the ciements, all the creatures being his fer-

vants,
4 From the 4 that there fvall be a day of judgement ; howfo-
cver/coffers and mockers make a jeft atthe /ame. |
5 . Fromthe § that how/oever the wngodly doe here beave a

.great fway, advance and-extol! themfeives above meafure, yer.

foal they onthe day of indgement have the fentence of condem-
nation prenonnced againfi them; that day being unto them
a day of perdition. Thus of the 2 part.

nage Anat

Resfons. The rrath of the preceding dottrine explaned' ‘by its feve-
I railpares may thusappeare. 1 Becaufethe word of Geds pur-
2 pole and decree is immutable, his will wnchangeable, 2 Be-

caule Gods power isalwayes one and the fame. The power
of man fometimes increaferh,fometimes decreafeth, but with
God its orherwife, there is no time wheteinhe is not safwste
in power, it is as cafe, as poffible for bins to deftroy the world,

arena aetna en ee end

Ver.8. Why Grrifts comming is delay od.

es ee Ee oe Ge ee ee oe Ee,

wifoed ?
This ferveth part/y for reprehenfion, part/y for exhor-
tation.

For Reprehenfon. 1 Vntofuchas/coffeand mocke at Chrifss hes

comming unto judgement, as deny that the world {hall have an
end, not confidering eyther the infinite power of Ged, or the
unchangeableneffe of his decree. 2 Vnto fuch as beleevin
this doétrine,y ct remaine covstens heaping up riches , which
{hall be confuneed by frre.

For Exbeortatson, be perfwaded of the certainety of this
diving rrath, xs Godcreatedthe world, and did formerly de-
frroy it by water, Se foallhe defirey st by fire. Contiaue not
in thy fianes, for there fhall come a day of pasment for all,
whca thou fhalt becalledtoan acconnt and rewarded accor-
ding to thy werke.

Verl.&, Bar beloved, be nos ignorant of this one thing, that
one day % with the Lord as athonfand ycares, and a.
thonfand yeares 46 one day.

9 The Lords mot flacke concerning bis promife (as
fame men count flackneffe ) but ss long fuffering to
ws ward, not willing that any foonld perifo, bxt
that ah fhould come torepentance

Followeth in thefe ver/es anan/wer untoa maine objection
of thote {cornefull adver{aries, The objefien is this, lf Chrift
beto come untoyudg emsent as yce preach,& he himfelfe, hath.

mifed, then why doth be fo /ong delay his comming, why

th he noecenme all this whi/e,many hundreds of yeers being
paft fince the pressi/e was made? {ure he is eycher xxwélling os
if welling yet wnable'to secomplil his promife. The aa/wer is,
f 3 a twe-

437

‘A anfwer
‘unte an obe

yeQion.
The obse&ion

” Fourth verfeaf the 90,'Pfalnie expounded, Chap. 3:

twofold, herof the 1 is faid downe in the 8.ver.the 2.i

Touching tht former, itis tab en oot cf P/il-go:
a thonfand yeares in thy fight, are but aé yeftarday, it
ws paft, which the e4poftle amplifieth by the like {entence,
one day swith the Lord as a thonfand yeares, as if he fhould
shave fayd, although athoufand yeares [oeme nnto me, to bea
very long time, and fo the world feemeth to have. indured ve~
ry long,as having continued [ome thoilfands of yeares, yet with
God no time feemeth long with him,shere is ne place for fwch dim
ftance of time, forter or longer, as it 1s with men, he doth ine
variably bebold all things, paft.prefent.or tocome, In repped
of bimthe greateft time and the [malleft differ nor, to whom all
times are prefent who will undoubtedly performe that which be
hath oppointed, God is not fiebjeEt unto time, but is eternall
and infinite, to bimnothing ss paft, wothing iste come, but all
things are prefent, be knowerh the end when it ball be,jit ss pam
tentin biefight. In his promifes he doth not follow eur corrupt
luft or carnall defire, bus hie owne eternal and xnchangeable
counfell, by which an/wer our Apoftle doth not onely ende-
von to fpeake of the repining ofthe godly at the delay of this
day, but alfo coterrifie the wicked withthe confideration of
their prefent defra ion : hercot our Apofle would not have
usignorant, and therefore doth by a/eving compellation ex-
hort usto the knowledge of the fame, beloved (faith he) be
not ignarant of this one thing, that oneday is with the Lord as
athoufand yearcs, and athou{and yeares,as one day.

This an/wer of our eApoftle iaby divers falfely and erro-
niovfly 4bx/ed,for 1 there are ome, which draw it,tu prove
the continuance of the worletobe 6000 yeares, according to
the numberof the dayes of the weeke, for (ay they) ge was
Jixe dayes in making the heavens and the earth, and he refed
the /eventh day new every day isa rhoxfand ycaresas S.Pe-
ter {aich, therefore about 6oo0.yeares from the creation the
end of the world (hall be. To whom may be an/wered, that
whetherthe world thal continue fixe thouifand yearfs inall,'is
sncer:aine likely ét is not to continwe fo long,but this place mo=
keth wothsng tothe parpo/t, yeafrom the fame alike reno

vee mighe

438
Theanfwee
1
2
The former
~ | taken out of
*} Pial.g0.4¢-

This place of .

‘Scripture di-

vatly abufed.
1

. e *
FF .
batted .
.

Ver.8. Fourth verje of the 9o.P fame expounded. 439

might be framed to confute theirs, namely, this, a thou/and
cares are butas one day. The world (as they fay ) fhall laft
* thoufand yeares, therefore the :wer/d fhall laft but fx

dayes. 2 There were/ome which taught from bexce,that the 2
day of judgement (houldcontsne and endure for the {pace of

a theufend yeares, to whom we might an/wer, thatour 4pe-

fle doth not fimply fay, one day » with the Lerd a thoufand
yeares, butene day % with the Lord as athoufand yeares, yea

if cbs had beene his meaning, that the day of judgement

would éadwre for the {pace of a thon/and yeares, it had becne
Superjluons to haveadded with the Lord, becaufe itwouldbe

evcn {0 by the compwtation of men. 3 There were /ome 3
which-anderftood it, as a rep/y againft divers objetlsons of

falic teachers, asif they thould fay unto us, that we might

doeas we would our felves, {ceing the day of judgement doth

not come forsgreattime, we might ax/wer, that what/or-

wer is donein athewfand yeares, tne Lord beboldeth as if it

had beene dene but the former day, if rhey fhall fay untous,

that though we fhould repent if it were poffible for a thon-

fand yeares together, yet we fhould not obtaine pardon for

our anes, we might 4s/wer, that trucand unfained repen-

tance, though bat of ene day, isas ofa then/and geares ne

ding, if they fhould fay untous, we secede not fo reyle and
labour, tobe fo carefull and induftrione, {eeing even one day

were enough, we might an/wer, that even a tenfand yeares

were tobe /pent, as if it were butene day. Finally if they

thould fay unto us, that although the dey of judgement thall

be, yet wee neede not feare it, feeing there are fo many
thoughts, {o many werkes of men, that ifthey fhould all bee
difcnffed and called to an acconnt, even a thoufand yeares

would not fuifice hereunte, and yet the Seriprare nameth

onely a dey of judgement, fo chat by neceflary con/equent

many things fhould be con -ealed from the /ndge, wee might

anfwer, chat one day with the Lord, is morethen 2 thonfand

yeares with #s, thus doe thofe Spyders fuck poy/s» trom this

{weet hearbe. Thus of the former ax/wer. The latter

Touching the fester, it fheweth the true caxfe why the | ewing - - }
Ff 4 Lord \thetruceaule |

{wwanehe Berd ) Lord dothdeferre his comming; he s net flacke concern
| Ses dettere L | dis promsife,as fome men connt flacknef[e,men count fach feck
Seseemit8-2 | which linger and put offto doeathing beyond the appeimred

Rev.6.a1. .

Chriftreftraining bis comming exc, Chapg

anddwetime, God is not fuch a flacke one, he is not one
that neglefterh his/eafon to come later then he fhould, hee
will /wrely come, becaufe he hath promsifed, and that neyther
Sooner nor later, then he hath promifed.
Queft. But then why doth be not come out of hand ?
eAnfv, Eeven becanlt he is long fuffering 10 mward, met
willing that any of ms foonld persfo, bus that all of ms foonld
Come te repentance, thatis, becaufe be dosh patiently waite, |
till the ele be bronghe te repentance, loft any of them foonld
perifo, sillsheir number be accomplifoed, according to thatof|
the revelation, and they cryed with « lends weyee, faying,
bow long O Lord, holy and srue deft thon not judgeand avenge
eur blood onshens, that dwell on the earth iandit was Saya wn.
tethem, thas they faenld rhe for alittle feafen, mutid
their fellow fervants alfe, sheir brethrew.that foonld be
hiked as they were foonld be fulfied, {o thae the werds here
are thus.to I underftood, be fleas Suffering te me-ward, as
whows be bath called, and doth cab by bis Gapel, nor wing
that any (to wit of us) foonld perife,but shat al of ms fwhorn
becaeth) oowld come.so repentance. This expoption as it
agreeth with the trath revealed in divers places ok Scripture,
fowith the feope of this place, for our eSpeftle wrote this
unto the e/eé,as is apparent by the beginming of the Epiftle,
yes the words were not fo, si were not shu tobe
underftood. Befide, Ged is faydto wil any thing, aurbrope-
pathés, after the manner of men, as be is fayd to repent,to be
greeved,or to be angry,fo here to ill the falvation of all, be-
caafe he affordeth unte them the meanes of {alvation,and doth
carneftly invitethem torepent andbeleevey that ‘they may be} -

faved, and inthis hiswsling he is ferions and not di

though in the ewdhe damneth many, even as the sariwer fe-
tioufly defireth the /aving of the feeds in his fip, and
upon extremity cafteth them out into the /z4; and this
willing is not vaine bat effettwall, becanfe the ferring forth
thus of hisgrace {uch as ace appeinted unto life are converted

: , - ee .
td
e -

Verl'7. Notes of univer fality bow to be reftrained. 441

& faved, the levin ig kindues ofthe Lord moving the torepentance.

This verfe isno \efle perverted , and erronioufly <bafed
then the former,for from hence diverfe doe conclude: that
the grace of God is wniverfai, or thatthereis an wiverfalstie

of grace, as indifferently effered to all menalike, if they will held

butrecesive it, thusalfothey bx/e other places of /criptare,
namely. Adat.11.28. Come unto meal ye that labour and
are heavie laden, and I wil give youreft, Mat 18.11. For.
the Sonne of wants come te fave that which was lof, Ezek, 33.
11. As I live faith the Lord, I have ne pleafure inthe death.
of she wicked but that the wicked turne frombs way andlive.
2 (9r.5.14.15.Eor the love of Chrift conftraincth us becanfe
we thus judge that if ene died fer ak, then were all dead, and
that bee died for all, that they which live foould not hence
forth live untethemfelves, but unto him which died for them
androfeagaine. 1 Tim. 2.4. Whe wil have all men to be {a-
ved and te come unte the Knowledge of the truth, and ver, 6.
who gave bimfelfe a ranfome for all,to be teftified in due time.
I Tim. 4,10. Wetruftin the living Ged, whe isthe Savionr
of all men, Ppecially of thefe that beleeve, 1 Jah, 2.2, He us
the pr opitiasion for oxy finnes, and not for ours onely, but alfe
for the finnes of the whole world. Thefe and the “ke places
are cited in favour of univerfall efeGson , aa if that. <4. were
chofen,and that the cas/é of their damnation, whichdoe perio
is, becanfe they refufed offered grace whichthey méght have
received if they wexld,which opssion # contrary unto fundrie }
places of feréprwre, True it-isthatthe common grace of God | :
is generally offered unto af , either inthe beoke of nature, or | -
in the Charch, where even hypocrites are called by the Goped |
unto (4lvation, which cabling of Ged # wot vaine or Lypecriti- |
call, but fexsonus, and ordasned toa faving end, and on tke
partof Gedis fuilicient, but. the fingalar and faving grace,
eventhat which worketh effetlwally, is onely proper unto the
ele ; and {o inthis feafe diverie of the forementioned places
tnay be applied unto allmenin gexera# , which are called by
the Geel: Bot where th: fingular grace of God is meant ,
we arc not by 4f, to under‘tand ail of every kinde , but fome
o

How God meafnres feafons and times. Chap.3

of all kisds , who being predefinated unco fal vation are in
time effectually called. T9 retell this and the like -errours,
from this andthe like p'aces of /criptsre, this comswex and
trne rale muft have place, that votes of wniverfatity, as, all,
whatfeever, and the like, mult be refrained to the matter in
hand, as, abatfoewer ye foall ake of the Father in my name,
that is, whatfoever according tomy will. {o, whatfoever the
(the Pharifces) bid you doe, that doe, to wit, according te the
Law of Mofes. So, they that beleeved bad all things Common,
that is, a// things 1, and for neceffities all the world
taxed, that is, all under the deminion of (afar, thder which
a great partof the werld wasnot ,al! things are lawfall! for
me (faiththe Apeftle) thatis, all things in themfelves in.
dsfferent fo (hrift ave hienfeife aranfom for all that is, fer
all fortes of people, {0 by ail in this place, eur Apefh/e meanes,
all the e/e&, which were in their treme torepent, and fo tobe
faved , for whofe fakes, and net in fackeefi as the meckers
acceunted, he deferred his jadgements, the Lerd (faith hee)
st lon sfafferin towards us, oppofing # as the e/ec? to the
re sbaze footters at Ged, both inhis werd , and workes.
Thus of the /atter, and fo of the meaning of the
wor ds e , |

The obfervations arifing from both arc feure.

The firft s thes, that, :

God dork net meafure times and feafons according to the
corrupt judgement of man; unto a Grmer tying in Sune, along
time feemeth Sort; unto a finner afflicted for his fune, aert
time feemeth ‘ong; when we confider the time to come , afew
yeeres feeme many ; when wee call to minde the time
paft, many yeeres feemefew,twenty yeeres pat feeme but
a fort time, fo many to come, a very longtime, lacob being
demanded of Pharoah how ofd he was , anfwered, the dayes
of the yeeres of my pilgrimage are 130 yeeres, few and evill
hawe the dayes of the yeeres of my life beene : his dayes,
though many, feemed to bins but few; ‘when will the new
mooue be gone (faid the //raclises) that we may {ell corue ?
and the Sabbat that we. may fet forth wheate, even thar bert

’ time

er.8. How God meafures feafons and times. 443

time alloted unto Gods fervice {eemed untothem eaceeding
long, asnodoubt our /2bbath doth unto many of us, but
thisdoth not God judge, he is not /#ye unto rime; the
longeft and the frorteff time ; paft.or to come, isall one with
him , with whews one day is a6 athonfand yeeres, and a thone
fand yeeres as one dxy,

The reafon hereof s this, becan(e he is infinite and eternal,
he was beforetime, in his 4and is every.time and /ea/om:
time was made and is continued by him, for man ,not for bias

{elfe he rememsbreth al things paft,he taker notice of al things
prefent he knoweth al things to come nothing is bid from him;
he followeth his owneeternall and unchangeable parpofe,

Hence diverfe things may be gathered

t. Thatthe length, diftance, and continuance of time , doth We.
not worke in God a forgetfulnelfe of us, and bis promsfes made I
unto mt, when Adams and Eve fell, they had a prowi/e of the
Meffiah; when Abraham was commanded to ferfake his | Gen.3.1¢,
owneconxntry, he had apromi/é of the Land of Canaan ; when ant: 7e
Iacob went downe into Egypt,he had a promsife of the retwrne | ©" 40 ste
of his poferity fiom thence, many baadred yceres were be--
tweene thofe promifes,and the accomplifhment of chem, yet
werethey allin their owne time accomplifhed. The yeere,
the ssoneth, the day, the bowre, the minute are alwayes before
Lord. Pharoahs batler, was quickly snmsindfall of Lofeph,
but foisnot the Lord of his promsfes, Oh che fweerneffe of | Gen.go.23.

thisconsfort , whereof (asit is ia my Text) I would entreat
you notto be ignorant, yea the knowledge of it is {0 needful as
that it doth aphold us in the mid of sronbles, knowing that
the Lordis not annsindfal of his promifes, but will per-
forme them unto us in his owse time , which fhall be for our
greatcht goed. : : :
a That God deth cal to minde the finnes and traufgrfficons
of the ungodly, of wicked ani iaspenitent perfons, though
happly manyyeeres agoe cemsmitted. The wicked no doubt
forget their owne finnes; the fwearer, how often hee hath
fwerne: the druxkard, bow often he hath beene 4ranke:
the whoremonger, how eften hee-hath defiled and finned a-

gaintt

God calleth tominds firme.

grink his own bedy,the exsortioner how often,S many he hath
wronged,éc the like but Ged bach them all written 1n the beoke
of hisveaeaubrance, Cains m of Meet: Camas mace
king of Nosh S/ens periecnting of Laced, lereboanes, Idelasry,
Nebshaduxzar, are now as fre in his remembrance, exit .
chey had bin done ye erday.Oh what terronr inay this werke
in the bearts of the wicked , who have all their dayes gone
on m fine, wba ronment arpod thele which consinae in
the wicked footeBeps of their y pregessters, fuck (
PAléo.8, | allofus) te needs t0 pray with che Pfalmsf , Ob remew.
ber not “Ent ws former iniquities, ox the imquities of our.
forefashers,
3 tf Thar we exghe uot to vopine at the delay of Gods pre-
_ | wifes, meafuring them by our saree end ‘corruge j
acne, he is not then segiigent and carelefe ofaey when
delayeth, for al things arc /yable unte his previdence, it were
.{ more fis thac we thould with lence andreverescein afla-
red confidence wai-e for the ascompl: foment £his promsfes.
4- That we nf /ubnete cur wis unte Gods , but for the
4 length and foortne fe of time , Gcdis the sider af time, be-
{towing thereefurofeme, more, upon otherslefe, w
give us, wach os Little, more orleJe, we becon
evouring coemploy what we have, ia his /érssce. Finite
creatares, cannot be like aninfinit Ged, mortalicreatures,like}.
anevernall Ged, yet herein Ict us sostate our infinine Gal ,
euc eternall Father, that as with hios athen{and yeeres ast}
but as ene day, aug day 2a thonfand yecres , fo it may bee |”:
with us, even ePceming the fhorteh time in Jane to bee 80
thenfand ycercs, the lenge time in the the performanecof
Gods fervice,as one day : nay, amsinuté of an bomre, as nO
time at all, [aceb terved {even yeeres for Rachel, and they
Gau29,30. | ‘cemed unto bins but a few dayes, for the :/ewe bee bare to
‘, | Ser. 1E we did trucly /ove God we would not be wear sed in the
performance ot his /ervice,citcemiug the Sabbath the!
day of the weeke, that Lowre wherein we bearethe. werd, to
berhelongefthemre inthe dey. And if wee did erned) bate
to fe

inne, We would const the fhorteft simve in finne ».

. e > —

erg. Gods comming not deferred through flackneffe. 445

coo long , Eveninthis Ged as a patterne goeth before us,
he cfteemeth (as we may fo fpeake) the /enge/? time where-
in he powreth bleflingsonus, tobee but/Sort ,aud the or-
teft time wherein We continne in fiaze, to be exces ding /ong,
wearying himfelfe in wasting for our repentance , 10 mutt
we doe, eftceme the fhorteft rime in fare, to be to0,i00 dong, :
the longeft time in performing the werfeip and fervice of
God, to bec but foort, one dey as a thoufand yeeres,
a thonfand yeeres, as one day. Thus of the firft obfervation,
Thefecondis this, that | :
. God doth not through flackneffe deferre the promife of bis.) Theterdis |
comming , but ftayerh uutitthe appointed time. Gods chil- | not flatk,&c,.
dren in this world, amongft many others, are/#oje untoa | 2-God doth
twofold trouble, the one at the wsckeds profperity; the! flacknefle des:
other , at their owne adverfitse, both che ene and the ether, | fecrethepro- -
doe not a /itt/e perplexe them, left they fhonld be too | mMcefkus —
much difeowraged , they havea promifeofredreffe in both, | @ayeth unaill
even that there hall bee aday of judgement, whercin the | the appointed
wickeds profperstie fhall bee changed into perpé¢tuall thrai.|twme -
dome, andthe godlies adverfitieinto perpetnall preferity,
wherein the godly fhall be taken into beaves, the ungodly
thruft into 4ed.. Of Gods promifes, fome havea certaine li-
mited time wherein to be accomplifoed,asthat premife unto
Abrabam touching the returne of the [/raelites from Egypt, | gen. 13,1.
that prons:fe unto Abrabam and Sarabzouching the birth of |
Ifaac; achers againc have notime Limited ; aseal upon me in-\ Plal.so.ts.
the day of tronble.and I will deliuenthee , there isno precife: |
time fet downe, o fthis fort is ¢4% promife of comming unto
jdeement. There isno particular time fet downe, where-
in thisjadgemsent fhall be, neicher as yetisthe gexerall con-
verfion of the Jewes, which muft needs precede (Cbreffs
fecond comming unto judgement, He hath promifed to
come, and fhallcertainely come, but when he will come, is
sancertaine, he cannot be challenged for the segleé? and breach
of hispromi/e, unleflea certaine time had. beene (et downe
(which werealready paft) wherein hee promifeth to come
4 al.

Gods long-fufferance incites to repentance.Chap. ;

| The reafons hereof are thefe. 1. Becaufe Gcds decree ig’
, sasmutable, his purpofe wachangeable, if he came beforethe
| apposxted time, then hee mult needs rever/e his decree ,|
: change his pwrpo/e. 2 Becaufe to deferrethe performance of |
| goodneffe through flackxe (fe, isa fiaxe, whereunto God (being |
| free From ail finnes) cannot be /wbje&. 3 Becanfe it were in-
| juffice in Ged to punith us for our flackseffe , if hee himéelfe |:
| fasled in the fame, 4 Becaufleit is Ged which gsverh and be.
\ frowerh the feafonablene fe and opporraniry of well doing; doth
| 4e beftow it upon, aad will be neglect ithim/elfe? this
_wereabfwrd, 5 Becaufe according unto the /criprares , that
| figne (preceding the day of judgement) of the gexerall cun-
‘ yerfion of the ewes , is not yet aceomplsfocd. If chat were
, accomplifoed,as itis not, there might bee fome es/exr to
accufe God of flackre fe, in deferring his comesing,

This ferveth partly for Reprebenfen, and parrly for Ex-!
heortatson. |

For Reprebenfien, Vnto fuchas acenfe Ged of delay, of the |
breach of his promss/es, cepining , murmuring, aad grudging
atthe/ippefed truthof che fame: wouldeft thon have bin |
come before the trave appointed , and decreed in Geds s privie
counfell? woulditchou havehim tobe stable and change-|
ableliketnto thy felfe? ratherthou fhoulde&% essbrace this
tsme ofrepentance: ufing thy time welltothe glory of Ged,
and doing gosd whilft thou hait ime. Thou knoweft not
when he willcome, employ thy ta/ent unto thy maffers ut:
moft advantage: many occafions doe wee segie; many
afeafonable opportunitse of well doing , praying » hearing the
werd, vifiting the ficke , relieving the neceffities ef the
poere,and the like , yeabreake many a promifé which wee
fhould have performed , but it’snotfo with Ged , hee doth
not through flack»e/fe , deferre the premsife of his comming,
but wasterh untillthe appointed time. .

For exhortation, 3, Let usnot ufe flackseffe ta the per-
formance of our promifes unto Ged, but with all readsneffe,
without any de/s7, performe the /anse, Our promife made in
bapti(me, the fame renewed at our partaking of the Lerads Sup-

Ver.8. Gods long-fufferance incites th repentance. 447

per, with thofe many which wee have made in our time of
fickneffe, temptations, troubles in minde andthe like. Haft
thou performed thofe premifes or not?- Art thou riot flacke
inthe performance of the fame ? Docft thou not segdect ma-
ny afeafonable cpportunitse, wherein thou mayeft doe goed?
Oh confides it, imitate our gracious Ged, who doth
not through flackneffe deferre the promife of his commsing.
2 Let uslearne patiently to waite Gods leafure , neither ve-

pining again his not comsmsing, or being indifferent whecher ;
become ornot, Oh Ictas pray anto him to baftex his com-
ming , that we may berranflated out of this vale of miferie
and may ester into our AZafersjoy. 3 Let us comfort our
felves with the medstation of the certaistie of his commune, 3

when the #umber of the eed thall be accompl:/bed, then {hall
this day come,the promife of his commyng beperforined. I bus | faéfer
of the fecond,
The rhsrdis this, that
God doeth by his patiense and longf{uffering to s-ward pro-
woke and invite usunte repentance. This the Prepbet Joel
confirmeth. Therefore alfo new (f{aiththe Lord) rarne yee
evento me with all your heart, and with fafting and with
weeping, and with monrning , and rent your heart and nes.
jour garments, turnetothe Lord your God, for he % gracsoss
and merciful, flew toanger and of greatkindneffe, and repen.
teth bim of the evill, This,the Apoftle Pasd confirmeth, or
defpifef? thon the riches of bis goodne fe, and forbearance,and
long [iunffering, notknowing that the gooedneffeof God leaderh
thee to repentance. Thus God dealt with che o/d world, which
Sometimes were difobedient, whenonce the long f{uffering of
God, waited inthe dayes of Noah, Gods patience and long
[uffering for that whole {pace of an 120 yeeres fhould have
provoked them unto repentance, rps dealt the Lord with
the [/ralites, but they and our Fathers ({aith the Levit )
have deals proudly, and harducd their neckes , and harkened
_ wot tothy commandenewts, and refufed ta obey: neither were |
wundfullefthe wonders which thon didft among them: but
| bardned their necks, andintheir rebellion appointed a Cap-

taine

Us BRtO repene
tance,
loel.2.1 2e1 Ze

Rem.2.4,

1 Pet.3.20,

Neh.g.16.1 7

Chriftrefiraining bis comming, cre. .Chapi}-

Rev.6u1.. | the revelation, and they cry woyer, Saying,

how long O Lord, bely and true deft thon not judi and avenge
oxr blest enthem, that dwell on L earth tandit was fayd ton

tothem, shat they frenld ref yee for alittle feafon, util
sheir felew Servants alfe,

killed as they were fuonld be fuified, {o that the werds here
are thus.to be underftoed, &e jolt f fering tome-ward, us
whew be bath called, and doth call by bis Gappel, nox willing

eo
agreeth with the truth revealed in divers pl Scripture,
fowith the feepe of this place, for our eApoftle wrote this
unto the e/eé?,as is apparent by the beginning of the Epiftle,
yea the words were not fo proper, i were not shuetobe
underftood. Befide, Ged is fayd to wil any thing, axrbespe-
pathds, after the manner of men, as beis {ayd to repent,to be | -
_ | greeved,orto be angry,fo here to wid the falvation oF all, be-
caale he affordeth unte theme the meanes of {alvation,and doth
carn fily invitethem torepent andbeleeve, that they may be | -
faved, and inthis hiswiling he is /erioms and not dead,
in che end he damneth many, even as the mariner fe-
tioufly defireth the/apsng of the goods in his foip, and i
upon extremity cafteth them out into the /ma; and this
willing is noc vaine bat effelinall, becanfeby the /erring forth
thus of hisgyace (uch as ave appetuted unto life are coi

° “ee .
@ .
id -

Verl'7. Notes of univer {ality bow to be.reftrained.

& faved, the loving kindnes ofthe Lord moving the torepentance.

This verfe isno lefle perverted , and erronioufly abufed
then the former,for from hence diverfe doe conclude: chat
the grace of Godis wniverfail, or that thereis an wmiverfalssie
of grace, as indifferently offered to all menalike, if they will
butrecesveit, thusalfothey bs/e other places of /criptare,
namely. Adat.11.28. Come wuto meal ye that labenr and
are heavie laden, and Iwill give youreft, Mat 18.11. For
the Sonne of manse come to fave that which was lof, Exek,33.
11. As I live faith the Lord, I have nepleafure inthe death
of she wicked but that the wicked turne frombs way and live.
2 (9r.5.14.15.Eor the love of Cbrift conftraineth ue ,becanfe
we this judge that sf ene dicd for ak, then were all dead, and
that bee died for all, that thez which live foould not hence
forth live untothemfelves, but ante him which died for them
androfeagaine. 1 Tim. 2.4. Who wil have ak men to be [a-
wed and to come wxto the Knowledge of the truth, andverf, 6.
who gave bimfelfe a ranfome for allto be teftified in due time.

I Tim. 4,10. Wetrnftin the living Ged, whe % the Savionr
ofall men, pecially of thefe shat beleeve, 1 Ieh, 2.2, He ta
the propitiation fer oxr finnes, and not for ours onely, but alfo
for the finnes of the whole world. Thefe and the /ske places
are cited in favowr of univerfall efeson , as if that. <4: were
chofen,and that the cau/e of their damnation whichdoe perio
is, becanfe they refufed offered gracewhichthey msghe have

recesved if they wexld, which opinion scontrary unto fundrie |}

441

places of fersprure, True it-is.chatthecemsmon grace of God | :

is generally offered unto 4#,, either inthe booke ofnature, or

in che Charch, whereeven hypocrites are called by the Goppedl | |

unto (al vation, which cabling of God + wor vaine or hypecrsti~
call, but fexsous, and ordasned toa faving esd, and on tke
partof Godis futicient, but. the fisgxlar and faving grace,
eventhat which worketh effedsaily, is onely proper unto the
ele ; and {0 inthis fen/e diverte of the forementioned places
taay be applied unto allmen in geserad , which are caked by
the Gofel: But where the fingular graceof God is meant ,

we are not by 4#,to under tand afl of every Kinde, burfome

’ ‘.

| 454 The certainety of the day of judgement ¢oc.Chap. 3.

TAR
Rom.14.30. , viethtothisend, but why dof thon judge thybrether ? or why
doft thonfee at naught thy brother ? we foall all Rand before
2 the judgement feat of (brit. = That the effare of the an-
godly and godly fhall beechanged fiom that which it iswox;
now the #agodly rejoyce, but their jy fhall end ih forrew,
their mirth in morning; now the godly weepe, but their
Pfaliz.g. | greefefhallexd injoy ; they /ow in teares, but they fal reape
3 snjoy, 3 Thatallotusfhould fis and prepare our {elves for
thee day ; it's not feng ere the bridegroome will come, wee
mult with the five wi/e virgins fet our felves for his com-
Gen.32-§¢ | ming, andas Jacob prepared himf{elfe to meete his furious
brother comming again him,fo muft we now meete our Sa-
viour by faithand repentance, left on that daz ic be tow /ate,
he then being sxappea/able.
Vfeof Repres | For Reprehenjfion. « Vnto fuchas deny that there thall be
henfion. any jadgement. 2 WVnto fuchas/coffeand mecke at it. 3 Vn-
7 tofuch as doe not prepare themfelves fer sr, impenitently
2 going onin fmne,continuing intheir wretchedneffe, 2bhomi-
3 nable and finfell courfe of 4fe, making a rffocke of religion,
4 and the performance of holy dsties, 4 Vato fuch even of
.Gods childrenas repine and gradge at their croffes and trox-
bles, and perfecntions which they endure at the hands of
wicked incn. 5 Vnto thofe which defpife Chriff and his
members, 6 Vito thofe which doe by their partiall
judgement here, deprive God as it were, of his anparriall
judgement hereafter branding even the faceref profeffors,
with reproachfxll and difgracefull names. 7 Vato all {uch
asxcglett the #fe of this rth, which might be a nective to
‘| withdraw then from finae, for if they did but thus reafon
with themfelves,. whilft they are comusssting fine, or 4c-
fore the ccnswsiffien of tt, what sf the trunspee did not blow,
how contd I anfivcr this before the judge of the whale world,
how fhould | be foamed infuch a folomne and famous affernshly
ofthe whole world ; an argument which our Saviosr ufeth,
and take heede unto your felves, left at any time your hearts
be overcharged with furfering and drunkenneffe and the cares
of this life,and that day take youat unawares. Would yee not |

rhinke

a - . -_ wna see te @e ewe — <5 + oe wna nema & age ow ere or” —

“_

Ver.10.7 he certainety of the day ofjudgement,trc. = 455

thinke that that rowne were jxftly and defetvedly /wrprifedby, _._. r
enemies, which having mex and manition,did seglect to watch Sémmit,
or refit the enemies:So may it be fayd of 6 that jxly & defer. °
vedly are we farprifed by the divel,the world,& the flefh,fee-
ing chat being énffraited of the certainety of the day of judg-
ment we doe not #/é it,as a means and prefervatzon againtt jin.

For Confolation.V nto the children of God,& that both in re-
gardof Ged,& in regard of them/elves.In regard of Ged,who | Vie of conbo-
will then efpecially manifeft himfelfe, in his glorious attré- | latien. ard of
bures, and vindicate his owne glory avenging himfelfe on his Gott °
adver/aries.1n regard of our /e/ves,becaute thes we fhall at-| in regard of
taine an ablolute freedomse from all thofe things which doe | ourfelves.
now trouble or greeve us, whereof we are sow much affraid; |.
for exampie, we are ow oreeved at jinne, now affanlted by
the Divell, now in danger tobe entangled by theworld, or
bewitched by the fle, now we havea combate betweene the
flefo and the pirse ; now we are compaffed about with trox-
blesand croffes, now the caufe of Chrift is oppofed and ma-
ligned, now the Cxrch of Ged is perfecuted and perplexed,
now we feare both our owne and the backefliding of ethers,
now the wicked triumph, injoying their plea/ures, profits,
honeuwrsandthelike, now Geds Sabbath is prophaned, his
werd derided, hisfervants perfecuted, fnne encreafing, pee-
plebecomming worfe and wer/e, but beloved, when that day
commeth,as undoubtedly it #// come, all thee things thall
be changed, thou fhalt fxne no mere, the Divell thall pre-
vaile again{t thee no more, neyther fhalt:- thou ftand in any
further feare of the world, and the /ske, what foxle indued
but with the /eaf {parke of grace, doth not jey at the remem-
brance of thofethings, doth not paffionarly breake out, fay-
ing, come Lord lefus,

For Exhorratien. Vntoall of us in generall, untoboththe Exh

godly and wxgodly in particnlar, — | M f of more

_ Voto all of us in generall. 1 To affere our {elves of the | In general.
certasnty of this day. 2 To be hereby withdrawne from finne, I

andrefift the ssetions thereunto. 3 Toprepare our {elves by 2
faith andrepentance for the fame, 4 Not to doe axy thing 3
° G¢g4 now, 4 ..

456 The day of the Lord will come fuddenly.. C 4s6 The day of the Lord will come faddenly,. Chap.3 3
|
|

now whereof wee neede to be a{oamed or affraid hereafter to
In particular render an account.
ome the god- Vnco the godly ; repine not at the profpersty. of the wicked,
ly. comfort your felves withthe meditation of this day, waite
: patiently the Lords leafure ; though ic feeme/emg, yer wil |
he undoubtedly come.
Vato theun- Vito the ssgod/y, in time repent you of your Sanes, before
ee this daytake holdon you; Felsx trembled bearing bin of the.
24-25: judgements to come, and doft not thou tremble ‘which gocft
oninthy /iszes, in thy monftreus and horrible /wearing, in
thy bafe and bealtly whoring, iu thy prophane, wicked, and
W ‘Fall breaking of Gods day, inthy covetonne(fe,malice,and
the like abbom:nations ? doft thou kxow what fhall become
of thee? it may be (yea fure it is) thou ksowef not, careft
not,or rengembref not ; well I tell chee what thall befall thee,
thou fhalt be called toan accoxnt before a molt firs and fe-
EccleG1t.9. | vere Judge. Rejoyce O young man in thy youth, and let thy
heart cheare thee in the dayes of thy youth, and walke in the
wayes of thy heart, and in the fight of thine eyes, but know
that forall thefe things God wall bring thee nuto judgensent,
this isthy doome, thy ot,thy portion; hadt thou. not neede
then torremble,to feare, to repent thee of thy finnes,to bum-
i chy felfe under the mighty hand of God, that chou mayeft
| efcapechis judgement. Oh if thou wouldft thus endeasourthy
(cife,thou fhould@ find more /weetnes & comfort thercin, chen
in althy plea/eres profits,noutcs, lards, friends or fach dske
things which thou fo mich effeemeft. Thus of the certai “L;

| Forthe a. The fuddenneffe of this af judgement, the
The fuddenz

nete.&c, ofthe Lord will come as a theefe in the night, a phrafz fel
Theday ofthe both by our Saviour Chriff, and S.Pan/, toexprefic the fad-
Lord wi'l denneffeof this day. Astheeves commonly when they are not
comes | Zeokt for, fo thall be the comming of this day, when the »n-
night. godly thinke nothing /effe, yea as unto thole, which being
1 TheG¢.25 afleepe are awaked by the comming oftheeves, there is great
3°4 feare, horrowr andterrour, {o thall this day bee unto thofe

which are {piritually afteepe, dead in their finnes.
Lxeft. But fhallthisday come anexpeltedly unto all ?
eAniw.

Verl-10 The day of the Lord will come fuddenly,

at thisday. or quite deny and gainefay the faine, for as tous
ching the ged/y, they endevour to be alwayes ia their warch-
tomer, they / omg and waste with the five wife Virgins for the
comming of the ridegrocmse, and becaufe they ksew not. at
what time he will comse, (his comming being upon the /uddex,
as the twinkling of aneye) they frive to be alwayes in reads
nef[eto meete him,;whenfoever be doth come. |

Hence twothings may be gathered.

1 That tts wncertaine at what time the day of judgement
foal be. Qur Savionr himfelfe affirmeth {o much. Bat-of
that day and boure knoweth xo man,no not the Angels of bea-.
ven, but my. Father onely, yeancither the Sonne himlelte, but
the Eather, There is zothing morecertaine then that it fall
be, nothing more #ncertaine, then whenit fhallbe. This feo.
cret isrevealcd to mene, God onely knoweth the /ame. Ney-
ther is it without efpeciall reafon. For 1 Ged doth. hereby
evercife our faith, ahd p.tience..2 He doth Sridle our curse
ofity, 3 He doth keepe us in his feare,in godlineffe,and in the
performance of ourdury, whereby.we may be in readine fe,
crery mogeent. 4 Hedoth iscite us unto watcofulneffe, to

be continually in Qur watchtower, expecting and waiting for
our 6rsdegrsoms comming, wheace may be peiccived how
(|: muchthote fale, which {ct @owre the precsfe time wherein
the day of the. Lerdistobz. ,Lrucicis, that by thole fenés-
foretold by our Savionr its Likely chat it Wili not be long, ere.
this day come ;, but to determina. of the pregife time. when
it thailbe, isnotipmiastodesermiac. This cariafcy our Sa-
wicur didreprebend even in his owne. Difcepies, who beirg
akedby toem, wacther at that time he wonld reflore againa
| the kingdame ia Ifi aetaniwered, It snot for you to know the
times asd [eafons, whichsice Father hath put ibis owne powe
| cr. Iris more /afe for us to/wbmie our ils unto the wil of
God, to beleeve fofarreas Scripture hath revealed untous,
not fecking for knowledge above meafitre, of thofe things
whe:eof we have no warrant. Vatothe gsaly. st. will be wel-

rrr cS LL a ee ee)

conse whenfocver itvommeth, as.nnto the ungodly unwelcome.

457

a a ET ar a
oAnfw. No,ouciy unto the wicked, which {coffe and mocke | Quest.

Mnf.

Ufen

7
Matth.24.3 Ge
Mark. 13.32, |
Why God
keepeth fron
us the inow-~-
ledge of ehis

ay, &c,
I

3 -
4

AG, J. 6i7'e

Pee

Toprepare for the day ofthe Lord. Chap.3

Ifthe godly did know thecerssine time of it, it might per-
adventure breede inthem/ecarsty ; ifthe angodly, prefisme.
tien, if were not to come for a/ong time; or defperation
if within 4feort while: therefore hath Ged in his ws/-
dome concealed the fame. |

2. That tis the dutie of every (hriftian tobe prepared and
watch for th day, left ir take him at unawares. Ic’s our Sa=
viours owne counfell, and take heede to your felves, leah at
any time your hearts he overcharged with drunkeneffe, and
furfeting, andthe cares of this life and fo that day come “pen
youatnnawares, for asa {rarest {hall come upon al them
that dwell xpon the face of the earth , watch yee therefore and
pray alwayes , that ye may be connted worthy ro efcape al
thefe things that foall come te paffe, and te and before the
Sonne of man and againe, watch therefore, for ye know not at
what henreyenr Lord doth come ,bnt know thu, that sf the
goodman of the honfe bad knewne in what watch the theefe
wonldcome; hewould have watched, and would not have
Suffered hss honfeto be broken wp: And againe ; watch yee
therefore (for yee know nor when the mafter of the henfe com-
meth, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing , er in
the morning ) \el comming fuddenly he finderh you fleeping : |
neyther was this faid unto them onely, but unto 42, and
what I fay unto yor, I fay unto all, watch, Thus alfo at ano-
ther time, Be yee therefore ready alfo, for the Sonne of man
commeth at an boure, when ye thinke nor,

Toenforce the performance of this duty there are two rea-
fons. The I. may betakenfrom the b/effedeflate, and hap-
pie condition of thofe which doe watch, exprefled by a /rms:-
litnde, bleffed are thofe fervants , whem the Lord when he
commeth fall finde watching ; vercly I fay unto you, that hee
foall gird bimfelfe,and make them to fit downe to meate, and
will cone forth and ferve them, cc. They foal enter snto
their mafters joy, where they fhall remsaine world without
end. The 2. may be taken fromthe ssiferable and uubappie
condition of thofe, which de not waste. expreffed likewife
bythe former Simslitude, but avd if that fervant fay sx his

heart

Lac.21.346

.--

Mat.24.62-

Mar.13.35.

Ibid.3 7.

Luce. 12.40.
Why we
ought " be
red an
evach for this

I
Lue. I 2-3 7

Lec. 12.7.

a_i

Ver.8.The day of theLords comming,net knowne. 459
heart , my Lerd delayeth his comming, and foall begin to |

beate the man fervants and maidens, andto cate,anddrinke ,.
and be drunken, the Lord of that fervant will come ina day,
when he looketh not for him, and atas boure when hee wunet
aware, and will appoint him hu porsson with the unbelsevers,
of which a//o we may reade inthe epecalyps. If therefore
thon fall not watch, Iwilicome onthee asatheefe, and thon
foalt not know, what honre I will come mpon thee. So then,
had wee not seede to watch, confidering chat this day will.|
come upon the /xddex, unto the Godly, which watch,
Joyfull ; unto the wicked, whichare fecareand careleffe, ter-
rible. sf
Wherefore (to conclude this posnt) Ibefeech you all in |.
the feare of Ged to be carefull, cercum{ped , and watch{nl >
working ont your falvation. with feare and trembling. Iris
Mott certaine that this day {hall come , it is ascerruine. when
it will come, It will come as a theefe in the sight,
in the rwinkline. of an eye. Which of you having
boxfes and goods ,and being warned of the cogsming of theeves
which would not onely deprive yow-of your. eoedes, but of
your 4ves, would not (at /eaf fo much“asin you lyeth)
watch, to prevens the loffe-of you goeds and dives? farre frene
Fer caule have we tobe in readineffe againft thisday, left our
fecurity , occafionthe everlafting perdstiow both of our 4s-
dyes and foales. Batalas, we are-growne in thele dayes molt
Secsreand careleffe, wee put off the evil day farre from us,
| we cry peace, when warre is before us , wee chinke that 1
' will bee long ere this day come, whenas the Indge is even
knocking atthe doore, moltof us sw.ztch unto. finne, are
_| €47efad and watcha to take hobd.of chole /2afomable oppor-
“Ekunitics, wherein they may ¢ommit them, but for the fo
‘Profirablé and neceffarié watchfulneffe, feware caréfull ,
Whereof thisreafon may be rendred , becaafe off are entan-
gled ¢tither with the profits or ‘pleafurvs of this falfe and
branfRtorie world, the adxlserer warcheth. how to accom:
plith his filthy and beaftly /wfts, the coverons worldlinz
how he may evcreaft his rems, Livings, and trenfures, adding
rn , Lan

Rew.3.3.

s were

enw a7 ee ee cere

Sm . baal

(460 =: Theconfe quentsof the day of judgement. Chap.3

land unto land, hexfes uaro boufes ; the theefe how hee may
robe his neichbonr, gc. And whofo doth thus watch, no
wonderit is, chough they are careleffe of the commesng of
Chrift. Yeaitisapparant by the pratis/eot moff, that they
have no fen/é or feeding of che joyes Of heaven, no love and
“affettion tothe fame,and hov, then can they watch; feeing
they efteeme not the worth of his comming, for whom they
fhould- watch: O my beloved be carefull and watch, when you

| doe molt cea/e from fix,then youwatch moilt,then you are moft
carefull, yeare molt ready, belt prepared torthe comsming of
Chrift, watch leffe for thefe earthy things,»ere for piritwall,

A man may watch all his dayes for the wer/d, & yet never be
richbut who fo waiteth for Chrif fhallacche /engsh exjoy
him: what if Chrift did. come when thou art in thydead /leepe,

‘ Pevenwdrowned in thy fas when.thou ast committing the very
|| 48 of fornication, adultery, murther, orthe Ske, would not
"| thy care be heavie,thy awaking fearefull? In time therefore
watch ) by performing your duty towards Ged ’ and towards
yourseighbour, chat when he commeth he may finde you fo

Thecenfee | 4%*E- Thus of the faddenneffe,

quenisofthe.| For the 3. Thecenfequents of this judgement. I the hea- |
‘gadgement, | vens fhall paffe away with a great ney/e, not as being reduced |

I into seebing , butchanged intoanew forme, of which the
Pfal.1o2,25. | Plalmift fpeaketh of old, rhow baft laidethe foundation
260 of theearth, and the heavens are the werke of thy. bands ,

they foal perifo , but thon foalt sndure, yea all of thene foal
waxeold asagarment , aavefiure foalt then change them,

2 and they foak be changed. 1 Theelement foal melt wsth fer-

3 vent heate. 3 The earth with the workes that are therein
foal be burnt np . Thofearethe confequents of the left judge-
ment, hererecerded. , ; :

It’s not my parpefé curionfly to determine of the forme
and manner of thisjadgement , either of the fre wherewith.
the w2r/a fhall beburntup, or of the things which fhall be
confused thereby;eb/erae we onely for the prefent swe things
from hence... Lo, |

a. Thatthecomming of Chrift unte judgement, [oak be
not siufirions and glorious. 3. That

2. That thofe things which are now in moft {timation with
fre » foal bee at the day of judgement , confumed with
re. ;
_ Touching the former, the comming of Chrift wsto judge.
ment foall be msoft iluftrions and glorious. The Sonne of man
fhallcome in by glory , and all the holy eangels with him,
then foall he fit upon the throne of his glery:: The Lord. lefus
foall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels, in
flaming fire, taking vengeance on thems that know not God and
that obey net the Gofpell of oxr Lord lefus Chrift,He foall come
to be glorified in hws Saints and co be admired in all them: that
beleeve in that day. . |
“This may be confirmed , both by the Perfon. ofthe Iudge ;
by the Perfoxs whom he fhall judge: by cheexd why he doth
judge ; by the/olemsne manner ot the jadgement, and by his
afiftants inthe fame. |

This ferveth as to reprove thefe, which doe now dif--
efteeme of Chriff, foto incite every one of us-, unto adue.

reverence and refpett-of his majefie, endevouring vow for
parity , and belineffe , that we at his g/orsoxs-comming,may

receive the crowne of glory, and be glorified by-him, the King.

ef glory. Thus of the former,

Touching the latter: Thofe things which are now in moft
eftimarion with the men of this world, foal be at the day of
judgement confiimed with fire, the earth alfo and the workes
thas are therein (bak be-burnt xp: this may beeuuderftood of
Some things tetally and abfolntely, as of houfes, and the like;
of other things onc/y in part, forthe carth fhall not be gaite
deftroyed, but refined ; neithenthe creatures therein altoge.
ther confumed, for (as Saint PanZ{aith) the carne? expetta-
tion of the creature waiteth for the manifeftation of the
Sonne of God, becanfe thecreature it felfe alfo fall be delive-
red from the bondage of corruption , intothe glorious liberty

D. The com-
ming ef
Chrift unto:
judgement
fhall be moft
illuRriousand
glorious.
Mat.2§.31.

2 Thefl. 1. 7.
1Qe

Reafons cone
firm Rg it, .

Uf.
» ¢

D. Thofe
things which
are now in
mof chimas
tion, with the
men of this
world fall

at the day of
judgement bee
confumed
With fire,
Rom,Bi19¢

of the fonnes of Gods WHowfoever.we xnderfiand the words, |

certasne itis, that thefe things which are now in moft e/timsa-
tson with the men of this world, hall be at the da7 of judge-
ment cOnfnmed with fire, ;

Agee a LE,
462 How farre beaven excelleth earth. Chap.3'

I prove itthas. The things of this wer/d which are in
Pieri aa greateft accownr with men, are cither the /af of the eyes (that
I toh, 1s. | is,fach as tend anto prefite or riches) or the /af ef the fle
(that is , {nchias tend} unto} plea/wre) or the pride of life (chat
is fuch as tend unto hesexr) all whichthall bee con/mused,
Vie. W hence may be gathered. |
I 1. That thefe carthly things are tranftery, fhall not con-
tinue.
2 2. That thofe are exceeding foolifs which doe fet their beart
and affettions ow thefe tranfitory things , toyling and meyling,
c arking aud caring te have fore of the fame.
3 Wherefore I counfell youall. 3. Tox/ethsworld assf yee
| did not nfest withdrawing your hearts SX affectsons more and
Mat.18.06. | More fromthe fame, confidering tat st ws not advantage a
man sheng be foenld gaine the whole world, and lofe be \-s
owne fonle, 2 To fet your hearts on heaven and heaven/y
things, according to that of Saint Paxil, fer your affections |
on things above, noton things on the earth. What conspars- |
fon is becweene heaven and earth, betweenethe things abeve |
and the things below? Thofeare gold , thele are dreffe; thofe

4
Col. 3.2.

are the /wb/tance, thelebut the Baddow , inthole joy, in thefe

Sorrow; in thole conten:ment , in thefe sone, in thofe; bap-

| pimeffe,inthefe ssiferse, nay , the whole werld is not able to

§ fatsifie one fanle , 3. nottobe eager inthe pur/ate of thele
earthly things, they are obtasned by labour, poffeffed ix feare,

6 may vanifo away before we be aware, 4 Bee eager in the
parfisre ot beaves’y things, place your treafure there,
whee esther the meth can coufume, or the theefe digge
through and fieale, thus of the confeqnents of the laft judge-

MET.

Mat, 6.1 § e

Verf. 13, Seeing then that ak the[e things foal be di ffolued,
what manner of per[ons onght yeeto be in all holy con-
verfation and gsdlineffe?

—

_ The doctrine or what we ace to beleeve touching- the laft
judgement being laide downe in the preceding: verfe, it
remsai-|

Ver.8. How farre bearven excellerb earth. 463

neth to handle the ufes of the fame, laide downe IN Thevies of
this and the enfwing verles, being fowre in numsber, | the preceeding
‘las I fhewed yea in the refolwrion of the preceding | ir Pa
verfe. ) ment,
The fir ufe beingunto paritie and psety is laide downe in The &
' this verie, wherein our Apofle trom the confderation of the | purisis
| generall diffe/ution, renovation , and purgation of all things Piatle, |
| onthe day of adgement , doth by way of srerrogatien fhew
us, thatweeallo exght now tobe renued, purged pHrified,
Secing then that all thefe thingsfoall be diffelued, the heavens
pale away wish a great noyfe ,the elements mele with fervent
heate the cartltalfe and rhe workes thas are therein, burnt up
(which are without finne,) what manner of perfons ought yee to
be in all holy converfation and godlineffe? how much.2ere
have yee neede of purifying, which doe fo much finne agaiuft
Ged ; how carefai fhould yee bee, that ye may se bee puri-
fied ? left on that general day of purifying, ye bee found ime.
pxre,you ought by all mseanes to {et your fe/ves about the per-
formance of the fame. ;
> The parts tobe confidered aretwe. 1 An exhortation unto Two parts
purstie and pretie,laide downe by way of interrogation( which conlidered,
1, more emsphatical) what-manner of perfons ought yee to be | Anexhortatis
in all holy converfation and godline fe? chat isyyee mesft be de-
ligent,induffrious , confiant in holineffe and puritie. 2 the
reafonof the exhortation taken trom the diffolation of all
things, feeing rhén shat all thefe things foall be diffelved ,
what manner of perfons sught yee to be inall hecy converfati-
on and godlineffe, The reafon may be thus framed. If there foal!
beagencrall as(folmion of ak things at the day of judgement
then we onght ro endevonr by all meanes to be in all holy con-
verfation aud godlinefft: in allholy converfation. inregard of
An; tn godline [fe isregard of Ged , even rightly to performe
onr dis y beth townrds God and our neighbour , both being ia
this phrafe implicd (as God walling yee fhall heare) But there
foalbeagenerall diffolurion ofall t ings at the day of judge-
ment, Therefore onght weve endévonr by all meanes, tobe in
all hel converfation and godlineffe."
From

LLL CT OT aT aA CA CEPI SS See een

a eg
OS Dara ASESESSS? \AepaSacesONE:

The certainty of the worlds diffalution goc.Chap,3

Sesing then From thofe twe parts, this oneob/ervation may be gathe-
that all thefe | red, that
things fhallbe| The confideration of thecertaineand undoubted diffelution
diff ued ee of the elements and creatures inthe day of judgement , foould
ion of | 28ctte and provoke all chrifttans tobce in al boly converfation
che wide and godine ffe.rightly to performe their duty both towards
diffolutien of! Ged, and their Neighbewr, This Saint ‘Pax! confirmeth in
on the dav of diverfe of his Epifiles , having txformed the Coristhians of
judgement | the changing of them that fhall be fond alive on the /«f day,
fhouldincite | heconciudeth , therefore my beloved brethren, be ye fredfap
us unte holi- sf 3
nefle. wnmoveable, alwayes abounding in the worke of the Lerd, for
1Cor.15.58. | a6 much at you know your labour ss not in vaine in the Lerd.
Of his owne praé#s/s,herein he writeth unto the. Phslippians,
Phil-3.20. | -for our comver{ation in heaven, from whense alfe wee looke
for the Savionr the Lord lef Chriff, whe foal change our
vile bodies shat it may be fafsioned like unce bis glorious body,
according te the working, whereby he s ablecvento fisbduc
al thingsunte himfelfe. Thusalfo infrulting the Theffale-
1 Theff. 5.6. | *é4ns touching the ey of judgement, he concladeth , there-
fore let ns-notfleepe as doe orbers , butler us watch and be fo-
1Pe.4.7- | ber. Thusalloour e4poftle, but the end of ak things ss at
hand, be ye therefore fober, and watch unte prayer, Ce
Resfens. The reafons here of arethefe. 1 Becaufe when this di/fe-
I ution commeth, we (hall be called toan account both of the
performance of our dutie towards God, and our dxty towards
our neighbour, of Our words, of our workes, yea of the very
thonghts of our heart. We foal all fand before the judge-
ment feat of Chrift, every oneof us fhall give accomnt of bim-
Rom.14.10, | felfero-God. We muft all appeare before the jnagement feate
12- of C rit that every one may-recesve the things done in his bo-
dy, according to that he hath done, whether st he gocd er bad,
1Cer.s.ro. | Yea of every idle word that men fhall fpeake , they foal give
3 account thereof onthe day of jndgement. 3 Becaufe for the
prefent through the ‘corruption of our satere thofe are the
efpeciall Lets which withdraw us from God , which keepe us
both from parity and ictse, whereas God did make the e/e-
ments , and erdasned his creatwres for our ufe, that by Fall
A

fame we might be the better enabled to doe him fervice, we
abufe them to the difonewr of his name, thus fighting againit

him with his ewne weapons, we take {uch plea/ere in them, |.

arefoaffe@ed with them, have our searts fo glued unto

chem, that wee cawit our duty bothto God and oar xeigh-
OMT

| 3 Becanfe our fiwnes are the can/e of their di ffolution,yea
the can/fe why as yet they are not diffc/ved. They are the

canfe of their difelution, forthe creature was made (ubjetl

to vanity not willingly but by reafon of kim whe hath fubjelted

the fame in hope, becanfe thecreature itfelfe alfo foal be dels- |

vered fromthe bondage of corruption into the glorions liberty

ofthe children of Ged, for we bnew that the whale creation

groancth and travaileth in pane nti new. Thronghour
jfionnes the creature ig made /ubjett unto a vanifoing and flee
ting eftare. They have /ef their frft comelineffe and order
their fF beaaty and perfcion in which they were created.

If maz had not frxed they fhould have costianed in thateri-

ginal beauty wherein they were created. And if God did not
waite for our repentance, they fhould have beene dsfelved

erethis, for she carneft expeMation of the creature, waiteth

for tho manifefhasion of the Sonnes of God. 4 Becaule if we
doe not sowleadean holy converfation, be devoatly and ree

| 4gionfly given, when that dey comaxth, when the/e things
fhall beds ffolved, it will be thes too Jate for #5,to begin,
Thus fhall we /ofe our reward thus fhall we be deprived of
| further hope ofany true repentance, yeathus may we «fare
our felvesof everJafting torments in thefire of bell, 5 Be-
caufethe things which fhallbe then diffelved , were made
for ##, made/bjel? unto corruption by our finnes,. hall bee
thenparged, renewed, andrefined, now if they fnall bethen
renwed, have not we much more acede ofrenovation ? if thofe
things fhall become ew, how muth mere fhould we beceme
wew creatures ? Hereisthe onely difference, Our renevan-
on mutt be sow, sbeirs thallbe on the day of judgement, we
wuft fo fit our felves sew, as that we may -be subabitants of
the new Jernfalem. Volefic we be ew renewed and faniisfied,
Hh - unleffe

Roia. 8. 206

Rem.8.19.
4

peed

Not to fet onr affections on things below. Chap.3}

lam.§.3.

Vfe of Repre-
henfion.

VfeofExhor-

deftruttion, whofe God s their belly, and whofe glory ss in thes”
foame, who minde earthly things. Such busld their bones
upon a fony foundation. Goeto now, ye rich mew({aith S. ames)
weepe and hewle for your miferies, that foall come wpon you,
the comming of the Lord draweth nigh.

For Reprebenfiex, Vnto thefe which are altogether for
this world, at leaft mere carefull about thefe tranfirory
things, then thofe which fhall ssdswre for ever. Oh if fach
would but remember, that the/e things fhall be ds felved,thefe
houfes,thele gardens thefe orchards ,thele fields, thefe berfes,
thefe hounds thefe barnes, thefe riches, gold, filver.garments,
and the 4ske,neyther know we how foonethis déffe/mtion (hall
be; Thou fhouldcft be in //holy converfation and godiineffe,
but alaffe the world is thy Ged, piety and pwrity, are farre
froin shee,

Fer Exhortation, Let every one of us tak? notice- of the
diffolution of thefe things, let not exr hearts be fo gfised unto
thefe momentancal/, tran{itory things, as to dreame of their
cteruity or perpetuity, they fhall have an esd. Oh what
manner of perfons then fhould webe, how 4o/y, how temspe-
rate, how/ober, how modeft, how vigilant how tnduffriens,
how zcalews! due we /ooke for cur hire, and will we not
worke inthe vineyard? doe we looke for beaven,and yet not en-
deavosr for piety and parity?Oh, weare much different from
that wee fooxld be, I will tell you what »enner of pexfons wee
arc, what manner of perfonswe foonld be, that fo we may ceafe
to be what we are, endevouring to ée. what we foonld be, we
are prone unto drunkenneffe, we thauld be/ober, we daily pol-
‘ute our feives with fane, we fhould be religions, we dsfobey
Gods word, we fhould obey the fame. We negle& our duty.
both towards God, and towards our sci zhbonr, wee fhould
performe it, bothtothe one,and to tly. other. The end of all
things isatband, and fwch perfons frowld we be. Thus of the

I ufe.

Verf. 13. Looking for. and hafting unto the comming of the
day of God,wherein the heavens being on fire foall be

tffel-

eee

diffetved, and the elements foall mels with fervent
beate.

13. Nevertheleffe we according to his prowti(e looke
for new heavens, anda new earth, wherein dwelleth

righteon/ne fe.

Ver.t2. To waite for the comming of the Lord.

Thefe verfes containe the fecond ule of the preceding
doctrine of theday of jadgemenr, which is unto anexpedia-
téon of the day of judgement according to Gods promife, to-
gether with our preparation for thefame, focing the day of
the Lord will come, we muftlooke for st, and saffen both
the comming, and unto the comming thereof, we muftaccor-
ding tothe promsife of God looke for new heavens and anew
: | earth, wherein dwelleth righteon{neffe. : |

The partsto be confidered are three. What we areto

doe 4cfore thisday, 2 What foal! be done spon this day.
3 What foall be perpetual! afterthis day. Before this day,
we muft looke for it, wemult haften it,or baffe unto it, when
st comaxth,the heavens being on fire feall be diffolved, and
the elements fall melt with fervent heate, here foall be new
heavens and new earth. After this day, inthofe new heavens
and new earth foall dwellrighteou{neffe.
_ Concerning the 1 what we are to doe before this day, ftiled
here by a sew name, the day of God, becaule upon this day
the kingdome fhall be delivered up unto hime by Chrift, when
he foallhave put dewne allrule,and all authority and power,
or becaufe upon that day he wild jad ge the world in rightconf-
neffe by that man whom he hath ordasned, whereof he hath gi-
wen saflerance unto all men inthathehathraifed him fromthe
dead. Two things are required of us. 1 With patience to ex-
peét,waise,and looke for thisday. 2 To baftex unto the com.
ming of this day,or to haften the comming thereof.

Youching the former; we onght with patience to expe,
waite, and looke for the comming of this day. Be patient there-
fare brethren (faith S. lames) unte the- comming of the Lord ;
| behold the husbandman waiteth for the pretious fruses of the
| earth, and hath long patience forit, untill be receive the early

459

The feeond
vfe unto an exs
pefation of
the day of
judgemcnt,to-
gcthcr with
Our ptepara-

| tion for the.

| Lame,

Three parts
confidered.
Z
2
3

1 Cor,1§. 14,

A&.*7.33.

\ Looking fer, .
&e.

D.\Veousht
| with patecnce
toexpedt,

.| Waite,and

looke for the
comming of
chisday.
j Tam.g..'.

: 47°. Howto haften the comming of this day. Chap.3.
kee EN A IR, SA

and latter raine be yee alfoparieut fablife your hearts for tke
comming of the Lord draweth mgh. Be yee your elves like
f 1812360 | suey thems that waite for their Lord,-when be will returne
from the wedding, that when he commetb aud knacketh,shey

may open nto him immediatly.

Reafons. Lheveafins hereof are divers. 1° In regard of its certaine-

a | ty, it {hall come whercot Geds promife is a/ifiesent affurance.

! 9 ‘2 From the prefent denefic which wee thall reape thereby,
; namely aconrempt of the world ,cowsfert againft all remspeati-
3 ons and tronbles. 3 Fromthe denefit which wee thail exjsy

4 upon that day ; to 20m it will prove a day. of redemprson,
refurretlion, marriage, joy, ustlory freedome and thelske. 4

; From the miferable eftate of /#ch as doe not prepare them-
, feivesfor the comming of this day, st wil come npon them an.
looke fer, andte unto thema day of defelation, confismpescn,
defiruflion,perdition,and condersnation, | |
Ufe. Wheretore let us performe this duty, in baking forthe

And bafting, | cemm ing of this day, beleeving that it willcsese, that with
1 D.Wemaht | Patience we may expect the comming thereof.

haften the | Touching the /atter wee mult bajiee unto the cosaeise of

comming of oe

I thisday of | Chisaty of God, or haften the comming of this day, thatis,
God,or haften | We mult das/y by fusth and repentance, prepare our elves for
untothecom- | the/amse, when wee doe traly beleeve in (orif, when wee

daye ofthis doe unfassedly yepent us of our finnes, then we baftesthe day
of the Lerd, then we Laftex unto the comeing of this daz,

wehufento mete it, it bafneth to meete us.
! Reafons. The Keafous hercofare thefeg 1 In regard of the mani-
I fold miferies which we doe here endure, as being pilgrims,
2 prifoners frangers. 2 Bcocaule wee fhall be with the Ave
| Matth.2¢.1¢6 | wife Vi rgins bleffed, ifwhen the Lord commeth, we frall be
3 found thus dite. 3 Becaufe elfe this day of God, will be un-

tousa day of LEVTV OH? 91 day of vengeance, yea and tarne unto
utter r#ine and defiructsen. This is ignifed by the f've foolith
Virgins, who afterward came, faying, Lord Lerd opew tens,
Matth,25.11. | to whom he anfweredand/aya, versly J fay wnto yon, I know
12. Jin not, ;
Pie. Oh then my éelowed,labour for true faith, for unfained re-
. pentance

EOE
er.iz. What foal be deme on this day. 471
heatahenedittet etait ee as

pensance. Oh Irae! prepare to meete the Lord thy God, Oh
haften the comasing of this day, baften unto the comnnng
thereof, why doft thou de/ay fo long ? Why doft thoscex-
tinue and gocon inthine safdelity? Why doflt thou pst off
thy repentance from day to day ? torfake your fxwes and 40- |
hemixations, commit not thote things whereof hereafter you |
neede to be affraid o1 afoamed, Doth God haften bas comming
sento nt, Oh ler ns bafter our geing xute him, let us not give
eave any longer untothe falfe faggefsons of Sathan,untothe
bewitching pleatures of this finfxd and falfe world, untothe
rebellions infts of our owne fintull.xatwre, but in time oppefé
themall,as ewemies unto the comasing of this day.
Concerningthe 2 what fhall be done upon this day. The
heavens being on fire foall be diffolved,-and the elements foall
welt with fervent heate, yeathenthere foal be new heavens,
and anew carth, according to that of Saint Jobs, and I fawa
naw heaven and a new carth, for the irft heaven, and the
firft earth were paffed away, and there watne more {ea, of
which alfo Haial focakerb, for bebold [create new heavens,
anew carth, and the former foall not be remembred, nor
Come into minde, :

Hence divers things may be noted.

I That this day of the Lord. foal be a glorious day.

3 That it foal be a day ofexceeding terror.

3 That upon shat day the promifes of God foal be abfelutly
fulfilled and accomplifoed. ;

4 Thatthe heavens and the earth foal be changed from the
fate and condition wherein they are now, even be prrified
and refined by fire. | a

Lxcf. But why doth our Apefie {0 often reiterate this
Dottrine of the /af judgement, and terrour of this day?

cAnfw. 1 lnregardofourforgerfulnefe. 2 Becaule it is
molt needefuk we thould. remember it. 3 That -we may be |
fitted and prepared for the fame, 4. That we may net fet our
bearts on thefe trauftery things, all which fhall have an
CBA. ) . fit. .

_ Concersing-the-3.W hat thal be pérpetwadl after this dx},
ee! Hh 4 wherein \..a--

1fa,63 .17-

Vee.

‘Why our A-

poftle doth fo |
often reitcrate ;
thedeRrine of 5}
the latt jadge- |
mene, - ‘

2
3 |;
4

6
f naa a , . —
{

! 472 How to become righteous. Chap.3

Wherein wherein dweheth righteou/neffe. Sume doe take the werd in
dwelleth dle theabftract, asitis oppefite unto amrightcexf{neffe, or in jx-
mes "| Bice, figaify ing uhat ss thofe new heavens and new earth there:
foall bens finne, no sujnftice, no nurishteou/ne fle, ecco: ding
Rev.28.27-" | eorhatcf 8°. Jukn, ayachere foall :n no wife enter into it any
thing that d.fileth, neyther worketh abbomination, cr maketh
alia, bust they which are written in the lambes books of life.
Oshers take the até ftrad? for the concrete juf#, which isalfo-
Rev.22.1§. | tr#e, for withont are dogys and forcerers and whoremongers,
Mat Nee 43 -| and murtherers, and Idulaters and whofoevcr leveth and ma-
of heavens | Reth a dye. Then foal the righteous foine forth as the Sanne in
the righteous | the hingdcwse of their father. Beth mav tcunderficod herein
fall well thefe nem heavens the righteous foalldwell, among ft theneno-
‘wb chee «| Ching bat righteonfnefe, where alfe 1s (hrift onr righteen|-
| thallbeno- | neffe.

thing but Hence divers things may be gathered.
isan 1 The difference betweene the god/y on earth, asthey are
Od now, and the goa/y in braven,as they {bal be hereafter.Now

we are Murightcous, Wedoe many things whichare snrsgh-
teous, wearein the midft of an warighteous people, welsve
in an #nrighteous age, butherestfter, we (hall be wholly freede
of the feme.

3 2. The difference, betweenethe godly in heaven , and the
wicked in bell, with the /atter there is xothing but ssrighre-
onfneffe, as with the former there dwedleth abfolute righ-
teon[ne fe.

3 30 The smpafibslity of the wickeds relcale of torments,
they being who/y unvightcouy.

4 4 Thecerraineie of the perpetual Leppineffe of Gods Chil.
aren, they are there where righteon fue fe dwelleth.

f s- The nature of God, who cannot isdure wnclcan-

: ne ffe.
6 6. Thatallofus fhould endeworr in time to bee jeff and

Howtobee | “ighteous, as were lob, Zachariah, Elizabeth, with diverfe
comesrighte-. | ochers, even by getting the rightcou{ne ffe of Ci brift imputed
yous unto #3, wOuldeftthou be rsghteons inbeaven with an sebe-
r¢at and perfect righteoufneffe, thon muftbee here righteous,

tn0a

erf14. — . Aw exhortation to innocencie.

thou mutt bere atraine rightzoufnefle, perfef? though. not #-
herent (which is juftsfication) inaerent though not perfedf,
which is/antlfication, Be righteous here in time, that you
may be righteous hereatcer tor ever, be righteous in your.

thuoghts be juft in your words be juft sn your markessever) Way.

righteous that you be at the Length inheritors of thofe new hea-
vens @ new earth, wherein. dwellech reghteoufnefe, Thus of
thez#/e. |
‘Verf. 14. Wherefore beloved feeing yee looke for fuch things
+ bedsligent that yee may bee found of bim in peace ,
; without foot, and blameleffe,
fo hefe wordsconmaine the third ufe of the preceding do-
rine, which is unto snmecencie of life , aS we are sccor-
-ding to the: promife-of God to locke tor new heavens and
anew earth, wherein dwelleth 7s ighteonfneffe » fo wee mutt
havealfo a/vely and fruufull efeftof this hope, wee muft
emdevenr chat whenfoever the bridegroome cometh, when-
foever the Lord will be pleafedto callupon us, we may bee
founde of bim in peace without (hor and blamelef[e, that.is , in
the fweete and comfortable quictneffe, and tranquillitie of
confcsence, which sthe immediate fruite of onr attonement
with God, and peace alfo with others having our fonles and
confcgences wafhed and fprinkled with the blood of (briff, be-
ing beavrified and cloathed with bis righteon{ne fe, which is
bere by imputation, and hail be hereafter in perfection , for
st ishe that hath ciuen bimfelfe for.us , that hee might fatisfie
aud clenfe us with the wafoing of water bythe word, that hee.
might prefent ute bimfelfe a glorious Church, not having
pot er wrinkle, or any fuch thing, butthaswe fOonld bce boly
And without blemifo, -
The parts tobe confidered aretwoe 1 An exhortaticn. 2
A reafon of the exhortation, The exhortation is laide

downe in thefe words, be diligent that yee may-bee found |.

ofhinein peace , without (pot and blameleffa, The Reafen in
thele ; feeing yee looke for (uch things, evenfor new heavens,
and ance carth , wherein dwelleth righteon{neffe. The rea-

Jon may bethus framed. Such «adee actording to the promife Y
| - @

—_ rg -_ ;

473

The third nfo
unto innocen=

cic of Life,

Eph, §.25.26,
27.

‘Twe parts
confidered,

eee
Se a ee

474 .

General] ob-
(eryations,

21. We mut be
ow renewcd
that we may
inherite chofe
acw heayens

2. True hope
38 fruiefull: an
expectation
of new heaz
yens worketh
diligence to
be fitted for
the fame.

An expettation of beaven,ftteth for it. Ch

of God, looke for new heavens, and a new earth wi
dweheth righteen/uefe mut be diligent that shey may be,
of him in peace without (por and blamele fe that fe theym
mecte partakers of thefame, But yee leoke for {ach ti
even for new heavens and anew carth, wheresss dwekethri
onfneffe, Therefore mult yee bee adsligent , that ye
bee found of him in peace, withent fpor and blame
From both parts, diverfe things might beeb/trved in ger
I. That Geds Children mut from theconfideratien of
prrgation andrenevation which foal been rhe day of 3
ment, now frive and endevenr for bolineffe , and mt
Aife. They mutt make (as of ail other things,{0) in pec
Birituall ufe of the a: [olution and renovation of thete th
Our expelfation of this futsre renovation , matt now wi
in usan endevonr for aprefest purgation. Jf is rhofe bes
which we doe expect, there foal no nnrightcous perfonds
but {uch as are at peace with God. Being reconciled ume |

| through the blood of (brift, then we alfo suuft endeveur

thes, that when this day commeth we may bee thes founda
become partakers of the fame, Holy things belong unto.
perfons , and thofenew heavens , for fuch as are now ren

2 Thattrse hope ss difcerned by the fruits and effets 0
fame, it's not barren, not fraitieffe, but very fruitfall,
tree it is knowe by the frarte , if we doe truely leokefert.
things , then we become diligenr , that we may bee fe
of bins in peace, without foot, and b/amelege. This ral
mot certaine, and infalsble: Is pot onr good a
ning , our good minde to Ged wards that will di
tage m, thatwwill make us acceptable to God on that
Ged will notbe onely /erved with our intexeions but likes
by our actions. If we fay, wee hope for heaven , ourh
miuft not be dead nay if it be atrue hope it will not bee #
who {0 hath it, will sadowébred/p endevour for newnelt
Life. Thus doe not 4ulalterers, drunkards, the envsoss,mal
ous, and the é:ke, -lchough they muft doaf of their good ®
wing, yet doe they not endevowr to franse their iis

according to the ra/e of Gods Word, and therefore have
tree lively hope. | 31

Ver14. ‘Peace required in Chriftians. «478

re nen oa
3. Ate notes
noughto be at
peace, or enes
miesto finne
for atime, uns
lefie we be fo
found of hin,
F oure partis
calarsobfcr-
ved.

3. Thatss's net faficsest fo be in peace for atime , orto ab-
fraine from finne, for atime , but we muff exderonr to hold on
and perfever in toe fame , that fo we may be found of bins sn
peace without foot erblamelefe , we muft fo performe them
here , chat we may be fownd inthem hereafter, here in #xcho~
atson,therein perfecison,

But leaving ¢bofe, confider we inthe words , thefe foxre
particulars. 3. The dwtie whereunto we areexborted.2 The
manner how we areto performe it. 3 The sseanes whereby
we may attaine it. ¢ The motives, whereby wee may bec
induced to performe the fame.

The datse tobe performed, is to be ix peace without fpot and
blameleffe. The ssenner how ic isto be performed , is with
diligence. The meanes whereby to attaine ic,theexpetlatson o
hope ef thofe new heavens, & new carth wherein dwelleth righ.
teoufneffe , The motives to enforce it. 1 Our eA psfiles care
in ming it, implied in the word beloved. 3 Gods looking
for it, and expefLasionthereof; implycdin thefe words fousd
of him. ,

For thet, Thedst7 to be performed; wemuft be 1 in peace,
2. withont Hor,and blamseleffe. ,
Touching the former we muff labour and endevonr tobe sn
peace, peace is of dsverfe forts, there's peace with God,a peace
with our neighbours , clpccially our (hriftian brethren, a
peace with amar.s ownce feife,ail which may bee underftood
beere, yeaall thefe go: together, and mutt of meceffitie ac-
‘Companie one another , where thcre’s peace with God, there's
peace with ones Neighbowr , from which preceederh that
Smecteand comfortable quietneffe, and tranquillity of confts-
ence , even that peace of Ged » which psffeth ad’ under fian-
ding. Where the former are not, this cannot bee , who fo is
not at peace with God , at peace withhis Neighbour , canner
be at peace with himfelfe. Tracicis, that through fecursty or
hardne fe of beart, we doe ful/ely promile /aftie to oar felves, | '
faying, peace, peace, when defruGion is nigh unto us,burthat | -
fweete and comfortable peaccol confcience , we cannot have | -
but by attesemenfivith Ged through Chriff and asstual con- | |
cord withonr Chrsftien brethren. 1.1

oh we om

The duty enz
ioyned cwo-
fold,

The fich,we
moft bee in
peace,

476

Peace required of Chriftians. Chap.3

1. I fay, we muft labourto be at peace with God, that is, to

Gel wen bereconciled unto bim, ot enemies todecouc friends , for na-

2 Cer, §e 10s

Resfon. 1.

<
Rom,8.3 1»

Vie.

turally through the fad of Adam, we are baters of Ged, here-
unro Saint Pas/exhorteth us. > then we are ambafaders
for Chriftas though Ged did befacch you by ms; we pray you in
Chrifts Read,be yereconcrled wate God.

The veafons hereof are thefe. 1 Becaufe we cannot bec at
any trse fetled peace, either with our fefves, or with qur
Neighbours, uniefle we be firf a: peace with Ged , yea the
creatures ,the edugels, the very ordinances of God without
thss become our enemies; the word it {elte which elfe would
bee /weeter unto us, then the honey and the boney combe , wiil
be alwayes goring and {miting us with the freakes of warre,
and werds of vengeance. 2 Becaufe without thw wee can
have no certaine af{urance of our owne/alvation,of lsfe ever-
lafting, of chofejoyes which fhall never have anesd. 3 Be-
eaufe God is molt ws/eand mott powerfull, wee our felves|
molt weake, not having any ftrength of our {elves to refit
any of Geds judgements, no more then the pot hathto refitt

| thc potter. 4 Becaule if God be reconciled unto us, ai chings

thall goe well with us. Jf God be with us, who can, be againft
us? we fhall have the peaceof grace here, the peace of glory
hereafter , fhallnot neede to feare principalities or powers,
the Dsvell, the world, or the ‘hee.

Wherefore I doe exhort youallin the feare of Ged to en-
devour and labour to be at peace with Ged, we have grieved
him, troubled him, vexed him, offended him, by our manifold
fnunes both eriginall and aflwall, provoked him to wrath and
indignation apaintt us; let us therefore feeke attonement
wis him, how can welooke for any bleffing either firstuall

| or temsporull, any good or profptroms {uccefie upon our affaires |

Iudg.¢.20.

PGl.144.12,.
je

which we doe wxdertake , being thus at esmsrse with God
wih the creatures be ononr fide, or for us; the (reator being
acainft ms: The very flarres intheir conrfes fought agzinft
Sifcra, How can we loeke that ovr fonnes foall be as plants:
growne up in their youth that enr daughters foonld bee as cor-.
ner ftones polsfhed after the fimilitude of a palace; that our |
£are|

erf14. How to be at peace with Gods

garners foonld be full, affording all manner of frore , that our
foeepe foonld bring forth thoufands, and ten thonfands in onr
Soreetes , that our Oxen fhonld be fhrong to labour , that there

frenld be no breaking in or going ont, that there fasuld beno |

complaining in oxr ftreetes, how can we,\ fay, looke fer thofe
bleffings, being thus at variance with God? nay rather wee
may /ooke for croffes andcay/es, in regard of the esmity be-
‘ Ctweeneus.

Obje%. But weare not at versance with God ? hee loveth
us, and we /ovehim, we have health, wealth, peacc, plenty,
and profperity, which are fignes of his Jove untous, wee come

477°

0b.

to Charch, welay our Prayers, we havea good minde to Gad, |.
Which are Agnes of our /ove towards pimywhy then doe you]

trouble your ielfe in bidding. us be at peace with Ged , {
betweene biz aad us,thereis no tarsance.?

4nfv. Astouching thofe ostward things, health wealth,

and the dike,they arenot infadible fignes of Geds love, for
even the wicked may and doe enjoy them, and as touching the
extward performance of Gods worflhip by us, that’s not an
infallible marke of our Jevetowards God , becanfe even hypo.
crites and civil honelt men (as they are named) in whom
there is nofeandzeffe in religion, doe thus, which yet are
haters, and hatefull unto God ; nay,many of them in outward
fhew, doe goe farre beyond us. But it’s evident enough,
from our practife, from that courfe of “fe which.wee /eade,
that we dre ‘not at peace with God, for , cas there bee peace to
to the wicked? shere ts no peace, {aith my God,to the wicked ,
and that we are wicked our workes tettifie, our drankenne fe,
mhoredome, malice, covetoufneffe, profanation of Gods Sab-

bath, contempt of his Word, and the /tke.- |
Lxeft. How then fhould 1 come. to bee at peace -with

cd ? ;

Wiofe. Not by our owe merits, by our OwWne £ ood warkes,
by the ssterceffion either of man or Angell, but onely by
Tefas Chrift, that prince of peace, upon whom was the cha-
ftifement of owr peace , being jufified by faitls, we have peace
with Ged, through onr Lerd lefus Chrifi, But new in oe
ef us

Sol.
Outward
bleffings are
noe infallible
fignes ef Goi:
lovete us, or
Our perfor-
mance of ots
ward datits
of our love tos
Wards kim,

Ii.e7.21.

How to beat
peace wish
Ged.

I(a.9 G.

(2.9 3.944
Rom.§.3.

‘

Peace vil our Neighbours requifite. Chap.3

Tefus yee Telus yee whe fomet fometimes were farre off , are made nigh by the
Eph 2.13, | Stood of Chrift, for be ss onr pexce, whobath made both one and

hath broken downe the middle wad of partition berweene HE ,

having abolsjbed in the fi-fo the enmitie, even the Law of

Commandements, contained in ordinances, for to make in

himlelfe of twaine, one nw man, fo making peace, and that

he might reconcile borh wnto God tn one body, by the croffe,
Col. 3. 20. having laine the enmity therety, And againe , and having
miade peace throuch the bloedot bu crofe, “hy bims te vecen-
cile all things wnto y himfelfe , by bins Lfay, whether they be
things in carth, or things sw heaven, ana Jan that were fome-
tivses aliemated .andencmies in your minade by wicked marist,
yet now hath he reconcil.dinthe body of bis flefe thron
death, to prefint yeu boly and unblamcable, and wnreprone i
in his fight, \fby atiueand /ive/y faith we can take hold on
C brift, God will bee recones(:d ur,to # in and through hime.
Thus of our peace vith God.

In peace with 2. We muft libour to be at peace with our Neighbours ; :
our Neighe | tobeinmetua'l concerd and agreement with our Chrittian
rThatiaar. | Srethrin, findie ro be quiet fai.h Saine ‘Paul , ard againe,
z Thefl.3,12.| we command and exhort youbycur Lord lefiss Chrift , that
Zech 8-19. | yee worke with qusctne fle, laverhe truth and peace, {aith Za-
Pil at chariah, fickepeaceleth the Pfalm:ft: have peace one with
Luc 2.146 another faith our Savisa#r. this was a part of the Angels
L ue. nae Song, on carth, peace, This Gur S-1viowr wifheth to his Ds-

Sciples , peace bee unto you. Tins Dazzds motto, Lam for
CACC,

Pfal. ' 33.06 The Reafcns hereot are thefe. 1 Becaufe thes isa fruste of

2 the pirit, 2. Becauleitisgacdand pleafant for brethren to

3 | dwell together inmnitie, 3 Recaufe the dive doth fo much

4 | oppofe it. 4 Becaule of thofe miany miferics as well dere as
hereafter, unto tnofe that want it. For the ileftration of this
point, I might fhew yeu that there muft be an economical
peace, betweere the husband &the wife betweene the parents
and the chi/iren, betweene the Afaffer and the Servant, a po-
Uiticall pezce, betweenethe magiftrate and frbje€Z, betweene
the paffers and his flocks, betweene Neighbour and Neigh-

bony

Resfont

Ver14 Peace of confcience bow and by whomobtained. 4"

6sur, but that] hav: & retsfore haadied the fame.
This peaceto much oppofed, doe I eabort you in the feare
of God, to follow, as auch meceffarie, equall, profitable, aud
excchent. Ohthatall of us, could enfxe the f2m-, abftaining
trom hatred and malice, firife and contention, from whence
(faith Saint James) come warres and fightings among you? | 1, eI.
come they net hence, even of your Infts, that warre sn your |.
members ? how snfcemely , how vile, how ba/fe is it che
we fhould bate our owne Heth, that ose mensber fhonld bee
againtt anether ? are wenot al members of Chrifi? why then
| doe we envy one another ? why doe wee hate one another ?
ihe Divellis bafieofowthe feede of frrife ie contention,
ctas not give way unto bins or his feggefsons, Pat ona
Chriftian faletion not to fal outone with anorher. Refoloe
taseare injuries and wrongs both in word and izdeed, Bee
Carefah, left you breake this bond of amitie, which 1 the boxd | Rom, 12.1
of perfettion, endevour to keepe the mnity of the fpirst in the :
bond of peace. \fitbepeffible, as-much asin you lyeth bave
peace with all men. Tocfhect rhs, let every man walke con- | bours.
{cionably in his saHing,let every One doe fervice ome to another | Phil.2.3.
by love, let nothing be done through ftrife, and vaineglory Rom,32,10
being kindly affettioned with brotherly love , inbononr prefer-| 15.
ring one another, rejoycing with them that rejoyce, weeping
with them that weepe, being of the fame minde one towards
another, Thus of the peace which we muft have with our
nesght our. | | Atpeace wi
3 We muft Labour to be at peace with our owne felves, even ourowne
to have that peace of conf:ience which paffeth all natural une | Cerves,
der fLanding. Thisisa fable and comfortable sranquillicy of |
| f theconfcience,not accufing but excufing us, and fresing s
from the terrors of hell, death and damnation. Thit is the
peace of confeience, peace w.sh God, peace towards God, and
the peace of God, the heavenly prace, the peace of that king-
dome, thec eef ft folace of Chriftians, and a continsall feat.
‘ hisis fonecdefull, asta Gods chtlaren endeavour for no-
‘hing more, chento bave ic,then to preferve 8: berein (faith ;
3.Panl) doe Iexercife my (elfe,tobave alwayes a confcience

Ufe.

480

A&.24. 166

| Ioh 03 e200
2Ie

Thegodly a-
lone have
peace uf con-
(cience,

Reafons.

Ioh. 4 276

How to get
peace of con-
({cience.
Roa.d°X,

The 80 Thegedly alone bave peace of caufcience. Chap.g

vorde wosde of offence offence towards God and towards men; withour
whichevena whok w2r/d cuuts not contentus. Jf esr heart
condemne ns, God is greater and knowcth afl things , sf oxr
beurts condemne ws nut, roen have we peace and confidence to~
wards God.

This is pecwliar unto Gods Children, There is indeed
warre nevery men. oucthe godly alane get the vitory,ob-
tainc inward peace ateer thor warre yalchougy they. have it not
at all times, through manifo:d feares,donbts, ari perplexities
arifing in their minds, as in David, Ich, Hexelksab , with
diverfe others, yea commonly thofe ‘which are moft
frored with grace, They though exercifed for a time
for theic greateft comfoit, doe at the /ength obtaine
this inward, peace. After thistempeft followcth a calm. This
warre ig the way to. peace, and will bee /#re to ead in

CAC Ce

4 The Reafons hereofare thefe. 1 Becaufe without thse wee
cannot approve our fé/ves to bee the Children of Ged, fer

they onely are the /onnes of peace, te whom onely itis be-
qucathed by Chrift,my peace [ ¢sve unto you, my peace | leave
with you. 2 Becaufe without ths there's not «sy thing can
content us, gold, filver, andthe ‘ike, yea many would bee
glad to 6x7 this, with the/offe of all thofe,if chey-could psr-
chafeite 3. Becaufe onely they whichhave ths doe coura-
gioufly & valiantly encounter all creffes and tronbles whatfo-
evere This upholdeth us in the rime of Sckseffe, in the tims
of poverty, at the houre of death, on the day of jadge-
ment.

Qacfion. How fhall I get this gusetuefe of confci-
CHC e.

Anfwer, Being juftified by faith wee bave peace towards
God throuch onr Lord Iefus Chrift,By the perfor & merits of
Chrift Jefus this peace is offered, by faith it is recesved.T here
is nopeace of con{céence withont reconciliation with God , ne
reconciliation without the remiffion of fiane, without fatif-

faction , but by Chriff , no apprebenfion of Chrift , bat by
faith,
ae

Ver.14.How to difcerne fonnd peace of confcience.

Lyeft. But how thall I know whether or net I have peace
of confcience ?
_ uf, Fromthe ground of it, which is afferance of Gods
favour, from the meanes whereby it is parcha/ed, faith in
Chrift, fromthe effets of it, Piritaak jey and gladnefe,with
abfisnence and hatred from fiane.

Obje&. But mayfeme fay, { know an eafer way to quiet
my confcience,| keepe company, goe to play ing.drinke my felfe
drunke, ftriveto put {ach things out of my msinde, and che

like.

etnfw, This isan addition untothy former finnes, where-

by thou fhalt bring much wore trouble upon thy con/csense,
thenthou 444 before, a burden which thou thale not bee
abletobeare. : .

Obje. Butmayfomefay, what needeth all this edoe, I
was never tresbled in my minde, my confeience hath beeneal-

Wwayes quset ?

ofnfw. The more isthe pitrie it feemeth thou never tookeft | '

notice of thy /ixxes, or of Gods difpleafureat them, or the
dan er wherein thoy art by reafon of them, thy confcience
doch but now fleepe, it will awakeas a Mattive dogge to flye
onthy fese, elfethouart yet more i/erable,thy conf{cience
happly being /eared, as with an hete Jren, Thine habit of
inne hath taken away thy /2#/2 of fwne,hath made thee to be-
come paf feelsng.

Wherefore I befeech you all to endevour for this pease, |

Without which wee can neyther keepe peace with God, nor
man,and becaufethe /ets of this peace are part/y from the die
ved partly from the world, partiy trom our fafxl corrupti-
ons, therefore muft we indeavour to oppofe them ail, ney-
ther muft we betrowbled at our inward troubles, for when
we are tronbled,we may 4pe of recovery, repent of former
finnes, abflaine from fxewre, in every thing /abonring to
keepe agoodconfcience. Thus of the peace which wee mutt
have with our /e/ves. hus of the former, |
Touching the Latter we muff labour to be found without [poe

481 |

Hew te
know ifwe
have it,

Againkt thefo
which thinke
topacifier eir
comlcicuce by
ether

and blamele fe, This may be confidered eyther as we are here, |b!
Ti of
Ee ee

. ; | | - mw
@

Generall ob-

474 .

{eryations,

2. We euuft be
now renewed

‘that we may
inherite chofe
new heayens

2 errue hop e
ie frnitfull: an

expectation

of new heas
vens worketh

diligence to
be fet

the

t
fa

tedfor

dn expettation of beaven,fitteth for it. Chap.

of God, looke for new heavens, and a new earth wherein
dweRcth righteon{ueffe neuf be diligent that they may be found
of bimein peace without fpot and blamele ffe that (0 they way be
mecte partakers ofthe fame, But yee looke for fach things, |
even for new heavens and anew carth, wherein dweketh righte-
onfneffe, Therefore mult yee bee dslsgent , that xe may
bee found of him in peace, without fot and blameleffe.
From both parts,diverfe things might beeb/trved in general,
I. That Geds Children mut from the confideration of that
prrgationandrenevation which forall be on the day of judge-
went, now frive and endevour for holincife , and newneffe of
dife. They mult make (as of ail other things,{o) in Pecsall a
Pirituall ule of the di ffolution and renovation of thete things.
Our expeltation of this future renovation , muft now worke
in usan endevoxr for aprefent purgation. If ss thofe heavens
which we doe expell, there foal no unrightcoms perfondwel ,
but [uch as are at peace with God, Being reconciled unto him
through the blood of (brit, then wealfo muft endevour fer
thes, that when this day commeth we may bee thus found and fo
become partakers of the fame, Holy things belong unto hely
perfons , and thofenew heavens , for fuch as are now reneweds
2 Thattrae hope ssdifcerned by the fruits and cffeAs ofthe
fame, it's not barren, not frastiefe, but very fruitfull, asa
tree it is knewe by the fraste , if we doe trnely leoke for thefe
things , then we become diligent, that we may bee found
of him in peace, without for, and blameleffe. This rule is
moft certaine, and snfalisble: Iv’s not our gecd mea
ning , our good minde to Ged wards that. will advan-
sage me, thatwill make us acceprable to God on that da
Ged will notbe onely /erved with our setentions but likewife
by our aflions. If we fay, wee bope for heaves , our hope
mutt not be dead, nay if it be atrue hope it will not bee dead.
who 40 hath ir, will undonbsedly endevour for sewneffe of
life. Thus doe not 4uadecrers, drunkards, the envions mealsci-
ows,and the érke, :Ithough they mutt bcaf of their good mea-
wing, yet doe they not endevowr to frame their dsves ,
accordime to the ra/e of Geds Word, and therefore have no

Se nr cn a ee SS a EIA I i eS SaaS | CI ee a EN,

tree lively hope. 3-That

Ver 14. Peace required in Chriftians. «475

“gha 3Atsnotes
“ : to be at
peace, or enes |
miesto finne
for atime, uns
lefle we be fo
found of him,
F oure partis
calacsobfer=

ved.

- 3. ‘Thatss's net faficscst so be in peace for atimnee , or to
fraine fromfnne, for atime , but we mufi exderonr to held on
and perfever in the fame , that fo we may be found of bim i
peace, withont fot erblamelefe , we muft fo per forme them
bere , that we may be fond inthem bereafter, here in #xche-
atson,therein perfe cisen, | |

But leaving thofé, confider we inthe words , thefe foxre
particulars, & The dstie whereanto we aceexborted.2 The
manner how we areto performe xt. 3 The meanes whereby
we may attaine ict. 4 The motives, whereby wee may bee
induced to gerforme the fame.

The datse tobe performed, is to be in peace without fpot and:
blameleffe. The manner how ic isto be performed , is with
diligence. The meanes whereby taattaine ic,theexpellation
hope ofthefe new heavens & new earth wherein dweileth righ.
teoufneffe , The motsvesto exforce it. 1 Our e4psftles care
in urging it, implied in the word beloved. 3 Gods looking
for it, and expectation thereof, implycd inthefe words fousd
of him. .

For thet, Thedsty tobe perforns:d; we mutt be 1 in peace,

12. wsthont or, and blamseleffe.

Touching the formser we muff labour and endevonr to be in
peace, peace is of diverfe forts, there's peace with God,a peace
with our neighbours , elpccially our (hriftias brethren, a
peace with amars ownce felfe,aill which cay bee underftood
heere, yeaall thofe go: together, and mutt Of mece(fitie ac-
comepanie one another, where there's peace with God, there's
peace with ones Neighbour , from which preceederb that
Sweereand confortable quietneffe, and tranquillity of confts-
ence , even that peace or Ged » which psffeth a@ underftan-
ding. Where the former are not, this cannot bee , who fo is
not at peace with God , at peace withhus Neighbour , cannet
be at peace with bimfelfe. Tracicis, that through /ecsrsty or
bardneffe of beart, we doe ful/ely promile /aftie to oar (elves | '
faying, peace, peace, when de fru Gion is nigh unto us,burthat | |
fweete and comfortable peaceof confcience , we cannot have | -
but by atteuementiwith Ged through Cériff and ssatualicon- |
cord withonr Chriftian brethren. tel

he ym

The dueyv enz
ioyned cwo-
fold,

The fir, we
moft bes in
peace,

476

Peace required of Chriftians. | Chap.2

At peste with
God. be

2 Cor, 5.10

| Reafon. Ie

| or temporull, any good or profperous fuccefle upon our affaires

| Iudg.¢.20.

PGl.144.12.
I3e

1. I fay, we muff labour to be at peace with God, that is, to
reconciled unto bine, ot enemies tadecome friends , for na-
turally through the fad of Adam, we are haters of God, here.
unto Saint Pas/exhorteth us. A; then we are ambaffaders

for Chrift as though Ged did befecch you by mss we pray you in
| Chrifts Pead,be yereconciled wnto God.

The veafons hereof are thefe. 1 Becaufe we cannot beeat
any tree fetled peace, either wyth our fefves, or with qur
Neighbours, uniefle we be firf a: pease wich God , yea the
creatures ,the edugels, the very ordinances of God without
thas become our excmsies s the word it felfe which elfe would
bee /weerer unto us, then the honey and the boney combe , will
be «/wayes goring and {miting us with the froakes of warre,
and words of vengeance. 2 Becaufe without thw wee can
have no certaine af[urance of our owne falvation,of life ever-
lafting, of chofejoyes which fhall never have anexd. 3 Be-
eaule God is molt wi/eand mott powerfull, wee our felves| -

| mot weake, not having any ftrength of our {elves to reff

any of Gods judgements, no more then the pst hathto refit

| the porter. 4 Becaute if God be reconcs/ed unto us, a# things

thall goe well with us. Jf God be withus, who can be againft
us? we hall have the peaceof grace here, the peace of glory
hereafter, thallnotneede to feare principalities or powers,
the Divell, the world, or the ‘he ‘

Wherefore I doe exhort youallin the feareof Ged to en-
devour and labour to be at peace with Ged, we have grieved
him, troxbled him,vexed him, offended him, by our manifold
fnnes both original and afuall, provoked him to wrath and
indignation againft us; let us therefore /eeke atronement
wich him, how can welooke for any bleffing either fperstuall

which we doe wndertake , being thus at enmstie with God
wih the creatures be on our fide, or for us ; the (reator being

againft me: The very flarres intheir courfes fought ag.unft |
Sifera, How can welooke that ovr fonnes foall be as plants,
growne wp in their youth, that onr daughters Jooutd bee as cor-.

ner flones polifoed after the fimilitnde of a palace; that exr |

erfrg. How to be at peace with Gods 4.77 -

garners foould be full, affording all manner of ftore , that our
foeepe foould bring forth thonfands, and ten thonfands in onr
SPreetes , that our Oxen foenld be firong to labour , that there
foeuld be no breaking in or going out, that there foauld beno{
complaining in or fireetes, how can we,! fay, looke fer thofe
bleffings, being thus at variance with God? nay rather wee
may /ooke for crof[es andcar/es, in regard of the exmity be-
tweene gs.

Obje. But weare not at variance with God ? hee loveth
us, and we /ove him, we have health, wealth, peacc, plenty,
4 and prefperity, which are fignes of his /ove untous, wee come
to Charch, we lay our Prayers, we havea good minde to Gad,
which are fignes of our /ove towards piemywhy then doe you,
trenbleyour selfe in biddimg.ushe at peace with Gad , fering
betweene bins and ws,there-is no triance.? |

Anfiv, Astouching thofe ostward things, bealth, wealth,
and the dike, they arenot infakible fignes of Gods love, for
even the wicked may and doe exjoy them, and as touching the
extward performance of Gods worfhip by us, that’s not an
tnfaliible marke of our lovetowards Ged , becanfe even bypo-
crstes and civil honeft men (as they are named) in whom
there is no/foandneffe in religion, doe thus, which yet are
haters, and hatefull unto God ; nay,many of them in outward
fhew, doe goe farre beyond us. But it’s evident enough,
from our practife, from that courfe of /ife which.wee leade,
that we dre ‘not at peace with God, for , cas there bce peace to
to the wicked? chere sno peace, faith my God,ta the wicked ,
and that weare wicked our workes tettific, our drankenneffe,
whoredome, malice, covetoufneffe, profanation of Gads Sab-
bath, contempt of his Word, and the /tke. 7

Lueft. How then fhould 1 come. to bee at peace with

ob e

Sol.
Outward
bleflings are
not infallible
fignes of Goi:
love te us, oF
Our perfor-
mance of ogtr
ward duties
ofourloye tos
wards kim,

Itis7.21.

How to beat
F peace with
cas | . Ged.
e-tnfw. Not by our owze merits,by our owne good werkes,
by the énterceffion eicher of man or Angell, but onely by
Tefas Chrift, that prince of peace, upon whom was the cha-
frifement of onr peace , being jufrified by faith, we have peace
with God, throxgh our Lerd lefius Chrift. But new in oe
e(us

I(a.9 6.

ifa.g3.¢f
Rom.§.43.

478

Epk 233.

Col. I. 20.

-| tures alicuated, and enemies in your mi

In peace with
our Neigh-

Luc.24.36.
Pfal, 102°7e
Resfons.
I
Pfal.3 33.7.
2

3
4

“Peace with onr Neighbours requifite. Chap.3

Tefus yee whefomctimes were farre off , are made nigh by the
blood of Chrift, for he u eur peace, whobath made bot one and
hath broken downe the middle wall of partition betweene ne,
hausng abolijbed sn the ficfe the enmitie, even the Law ef
Commandements, contained sn ordinances, for to make in
himtelfe of tiaine, one mw man, fo making peace, and that
he might reconcile both unto God inone body, by the croffe,
having flatne the enmity therety, And againe , and having
miade peace thronsh the bloedof biscrefe, hy bim to recen-
cile all things unto bimfelfe, by him [fay , whether they be
things in earth, er things 1m heaven, and Jam that were fome-
¢by wicked workss,
yet now hath he vetemgil.dsnthe body of his fiefs throu h
death, to prefint you bely and unblamcable, aud unreproxeable
in his fight, 1fby atiueand /:ve/y faith we cantake hold on
Chrift, God willbee reconciled ur.to m in and through 4a.
Thus of our peace vith Ged. a
2. We muft labour to be at peace with our Neighbours ;
tobein mmtua'l coacerd and agreement with our Chriftien
brethrin , findie to be quict fai Saint Paml , ard againe,
we commaund and exhort you by cur L-rd lefis Chrift , that
yee worke with quictne fle, loverhe truth and peace, faith Za-
chariah, feeke peace lath the Pfalm:ft : have peace one with
another faith our Savssur. Shis was a part of the Angels
Song, on carth, peace, This cur S+vioxr wifheth to his Di-
Sciples , peace bee unto you. This Davids motto, Lam for
eace.

The Reafons hercot are thee. 1 Becaufe thes is a fruste of
the fpirit. 2. Becauleitisgacd and pleafant for brethren to
dwell roacther in mnitie, 3 Pecaufle the disell doth fo much
oppofeit. 4 Becaufeofthofe many miferics as well bere as
hereafter, unto thofe that want it. For the sxffration of this
posnt, I might fhew ycu that there muft be an economical
peace, betwecre the basband &the wife betweene the parents
and the ch:/dren, beeweene the Mafter and the fervant, a po-
fiticall peace, betweenethe magifirate and febjec?, betweene
the paffors aud his flocke, betweene Neighbour and Neigh-

bour

Le re _aeatl

Ver14 Peace of confcience how and by whom obtained. 479

6oxr, but that] have & retsfore haadied the fame.

This peaceto much oppofed, doc I exhort you in the feare
of God, to follow, as much seceffaric, equall, profitable, and
excchent. Ohthacall of us, could en/se the /2-, abftaining
trom hatred and malice, ftrife and contention, from whence
(faich Saint ames) come warres and fightings among you ?
come they not hence, even of your Infts, that warre sn your
ssensbers ? how anfeemely , how vile, how bafe is it che
we fhould hate onr owne fleth, that one mensber fhould bee
againht another ? are wenet ah mensders of Chrifi? why then
| doe we esvy one another ? why doe wee hate one another ?

ihe Divekis bafie co fow the feede of firife iit contention,
etas not give way unto: bus or his /eggefsons, Pat ona
Chriftian r6/s/wrieatiot to fall outone with anorker, Refoloe
tabcare injuries and wrongs both in word and ivdeed, Bee
carefal,, left you breake this bond of ansitie, which 1 the bond
J perfetlion, endevourto keepe the unity of the fpirst sm the
Gond of peace. lf itbepoffible, as-much asin you lyeth have
peace with all men. Tocfhe& thes, let every man walke con-
{cionab| yin his cating, let every one doe fervice one to ansther
by love, let nothing be done through ftrife, and vaineglory
being kindly affettioncd with brotherly love , in boneur prefer-
ring one another, rejoycing with them that rejoyce, weeping
with them thar weepe, being of the fame minde one towards
another, Thus of the peace which we mult have with our
nerght our. . | :

3 We muff Labour to be ar peace with onr owne felves, even
tohavethat peace of conf-ience which paffeth all natnrall un-
: der flanding. Thisisa fable and comfortable tranquillity of
of theconfcience,not accufing bui excufing us, and frecing ws
from the terrors of hell, death and damnation.. This is the
peace of confeience, peace wth God, peace towards Goa, and
the peace of God, the heavenly psace, the peace of that king-
dome, the cheef-ft folace of Chriftians, anda continuall feaft.
‘hisis fowecdefull, astiiai Gods children endeavour for no-
ching more, cheno have ic,then to preferve tt; herein (faith
S.Panl) doe Iexercife my felfe;ro have alwayes a confcience

2/0

Atpeace wich
Our owne
feives,

480

23.16 voide of offence towatds God and towards men; withour
AQ24.160 | whichevena whol »sr/d cuula not contentus. Jf ear heart
tToh.3 «20+ | condemne ms, God s greater and knoweth al things , if onr

T he godly alone bave peace of caufcience. Chap.g

21. hearts condemme us nut, toen have we peace and confidence to-
wards God. | |
This is pecsliar unto Gods Children, There is indeed
Thegodly a- ;
lone have warre nevery ween, put the godly alane £ct the vittory,ob-
peaceatcon- | rainc inward peace atrer their warre, alrhougy they-have It Rot
{cience, acalltimes, through mauifoid frares doubts, acst perplexities

arifing in their minds,as in David, 126, Hexeksah , with
diverfe others, yea commonly thefe which are moft
frored with grace, They though exercifed for a time
for theic greateft comfort, doe at the fexgth obtaine
this ssward peace. After thistempeft followeth a ca/me. This
warre is the way to. peace, and will bee fare to end in

‘peace.
Reasons. p The Reafons hereof are thefe. 1 Becaufe without ths wee
I cannot approve our fe/ves to bee the Children of God, fer
they onely are the /onnes of peace, te whom one/y itis be-
qucathed by Chrift,my peace [ give unto Jou, my peace leave
tob.t4 27 | with you. 2 Becaule without thes there's not any thing can
content as, gold, fi/ver, andthe /éke, yea many would bee
glad to dxy this, with the/offe of all thofe,if they -could par-
3 chafett. 3. Becaufe onely they whichhave ths doe coura-
gioufly & valiantly encounter all creffes and trowbles whatfo-
ever. This upholdeth us in the time of fckneffe, inthe time
of poverty, at the houre of death, on the day of judge.

ment.
Qneftion. How fhall I get this gaictuefe of confci-

Howrtogee | &¥C?. :

peaceofcon- | Anfwer, Being juftified by faith wee bave peace towards
iclence. God throuah our Lord Iefus Chrift,By the perfon & merits of
RomorI, Chrift Jefus this peace is offered, by faith it is received.T here
Is nopeace of confcience without reconciliation with God , ne
reconciliation without the remiffion of finne, without fari/-

fatlion bueby Chrift , xo apprebenfion of Chrift , bat by

aith,
f , Duck.

Ver.14.How to difcerne fonnd peace of confcience.

eft. But how fhall I know whether or net I have peace
confctence ?
, sdufw, From the ground of it, which is 4f{wrance of Gods
favour, from the meanes whereby it is purcha/ed, faith in
Chrift, fromthe effeds of it, Psritaall jey and gladnefe,with
abftinence and hatred from fiane.
Object. But may feme fay, { know an eafer way to qaiet
my con/cience,| keepe company,goe to ple) ingsdrinke my felfe
drunke, {trive to put fach things out of my msinde, and the

like.

eAnfw, This isan addstion untothy former finnes, where-_

by chou fhale bring much wore trouble upon thy con/csence,
thenthou 444f before, a burden which thou fhale not bee
abletobeare. | 4

Obje. Butmayfomefay, what needeth all this edoc, I
was never trembled in my minde, my confeience hath becne al-

wayes quser ?

olofw. The more is the pittse it feemeth thou never tookef | *

notice of thy /imxes, or of Gods difpleafure at them, or the
danger wherein thogart by reafon of them, thy cen/cience
doth but now: fleepe, it willawakeas a Maftive dogge to flye
onthy frre, elfethouart yet more m[erable,thy con{cience
happly being feared, as withan hete Jren, Thine abst of
Jinne hath takenaway thy /en/¢ of /iwne,hath made thee to be-

come paft feeling.

Wherefore I befeech you all to endevour for this pease, |

without which wee can neyther keepe peace with God, nor
man,and becaufethe /ets of this peace are part/y from the dre
ved, partly from the world, pastiy trom our fxfsl corrupti-
ons, therefore muft we indeavour to oppofe them ail, ney-
ther muft we betroubled at our inward troubles, for when
we are troxbled,we may 4ope of recovery, repent of former
finnes, abflaine from fxewre, in every thing /abonring to
keepe agoodconfcience. Thus of the peace which wee mutt
have with our fe/ves. Thus of the former, .

Touching the Latter we muff labour to be fonnd without fpot
and blamele fe, This may be confidered cyther as we ac bere,

li |

481 |

Hew te
know ifwe
have it,

Thefecond,
we nut la-

found. with-
out (pot and
blamciefe.

I or

~—aee

483 Howto difcerne found peace of confcience, Chap. 3-

or fhallbe hereafter, here Gods childrenare without fer and
blamelcffe, not by perfeltion but by smputation, They, being |.
clothed wishthe righteon/ne ffe of Chriff, are accepted of God,
and efteemed of him righteows, he feeth no iniquity in Inq
cob, ner tranfereffion in Ifrael, hereafter we {hall bx perfeét-
/y without fpor and blamelefe,be gave himfelfe fer bis Church,
Eph.§ .27¢ that he might fanflifie-and cleanfe it with the wafhing of wa-
ter bythe word, thar he might prefent it note hine(elfe a gleri-
ons (burch, nor having fpot or wrinkléor any [uchthing, but
that it foould be holy and without blemifo. After the ref/xr-
rection, (as now there is none by smspatarion ) in the body of |
the Church {hall not ficke the leat finne or fraine of old
Adam, not{o muchas isa finall for ina garment, or awrine
‘| kleinthe face, becaufe all fhall be moft pare and glerions,
there being a celeftiall bri ghrneffe in the Church triumphant, |.
w.th bleffed immortality, and moft perfed knowledge of |.
God,accompanied with perfect holsneffe.

Ufa. Thus doe yee fee the digsity of a true Chriffian, the sne-
fimable value of the righteonfaeffe of (hrift, and that even
here a child of God is in fome meafure without /pot and b/amse-

| leffe. If we did daly take notice hereof, wecould hor be (web

hard cenfures of Gods children as we are, we would not fo

de,pife the merits andrighteen{neffe of Chriffas wedoc, wee

| would s#devoxr more for true piety and parity, we would

| deade our Lives and comverfation more chriffianly, what if

God by death would callupon us? what if sow the Tram-

pet did d/o, and we were immediatly to appeare before the

| tribunall {cate of Chri, what manner of perfons would he

now finde us ? even {uch as had our bodsesand minds divided
afunder,our Godses in the Church, our minds clewhers. Oh

how wsle,how filthy, how abhominable ve are, ho. /o«th-

{ome and odious in the fight of God, as wanti's on: weddina
garment the rightecufneffeof Chri. Sinne defaceth ushere,

and unleffe itbe doneaway by « brif? thal! defaceus hereafter.
_ | Therefore take hold on Cbriff, put on the rightcoufne feof
Rev.318+ = | Chrift, cloath thy felfe w iththis white raiment, that thy fil-
Ls thie nakedneffe may wot &ppeare, that thus jon AY be found
0

Num.23.23.

{Wer4. Diligencerequired in Gods cheldren. 483

of bins without foot and blameleffe. Thus of the /attter and fo
ofthe x part, the d#ty tobe performed. oe

For the 2. The »asner how we mutt perfome it, with 4s-
ligence, be diligent that yee may be Connd of hinein peace,with-
out por, and blameleffe. This dstigence is not an ordinary
labor, butan extraordinary, earneft, ardent endeveur to-
wards the attajning of the /amse.

Hence divers chings may by gathered. :

I That holy duties ave to be performed with all diligence,
not Barely not curforily,but earnefily and ardently.

a That sts wot an eafie matter, a thing eafily come by,to
attaine unto truc peace with God, with men, with a mans felfe,
to be clothed with the righteon{neffe of Chrift, and fo to be

| found withent foot and blameleffe, we mult “f¢ diligence to
attasne unto the /ame.

3 Thatthof/earcina miferable ehate, and wretched condi-
tion which ave at variance with God, with men, with them-
Selves, which are altogether defiled with their Avnes, for |.

+ elfe why fhould our Apef ie fo earneftly exhort us, to be dé~
ligent, that we may be found of him in peace withent foot and
blamele (fe.

4 That it doth well befceme Chriftians to fet themfclues
about this indy, nothing more seedeful, more honorable,
more profitable, God dothconsmande it, the Divell doth op-
pefe it, ifever we would enjoy heaven,we matt performe its

Oh then I befeech you all, tofrive and labowr with all di-
ligence about the fame; You fhallno doubt meere with many
‘lets and impediments, but let noae of them withdraw you,
impeach or hinder your diligence, employ lefle diligence }
about the chings of this world, and beftow mere diligence to
be found of him ix peace without porand blameleffe. But alas
what is the ufuall prachi/e and laboxr of moff men? where-
abouts dcethey emp/oy themfeives ? how doe they frend cheir
time 2 even in finne and wickedneffe about the profitsand plca-
Swres of this falfe world, they are déligent in thofe things
Mperein they thould bewegligent, andare wegligent in chofe

things whereinthcy fhould: be di/sgent, Thusef the 3 part.
wu Ii 3 ow For

Vee

le are
484 To be diligent in Gods worfhip. Chap.3

. For the 3 the »eancs whereby we may attaine unto the
performsance of the former,dwty.our expe Ration of thofe sew
heavens, and new earth, wherein dwellcth righteou/ne fle,
wherefore beloved, fecing yee lavke for (uch things be diligent
that yee may be found of him in peace without foot and blame-
leffe, ‘as ifhe fhould have fayd, God doth-require of you to be
in peace,without for and blamcleffe, there ss wot aveadier way
to bring you unto tls, then by a continuall meditation, and.
carneft cxpe tation of the life to come, whereby Ged doth fiirre
you upto be diligent herein, thathe mayfindeyon thus, and

fo beftow heaven upon you. Hereunto agcecth S.Paal, for rhe.
grace of God that bringeth falvation, hath.appeared to all
men, teaching wm, that denying ungodlincfe, and: morldly-lnfts,
we foould lsve foberly, righteoufly, and gedly inthis prefent
world looking for the blefedhope, and tha glorious appearing
of that great God, andour Saviour efi Chrif. Our expita-
tion of (I fay )thofe new heavens, of the if to come,of the gene-
rall renovation and reftasration of all things spon the day of
judccment, 1s an efpeciall furtherance to firre up oxr dilin
gente, that we may be found of bins in peace, mithowt oor and

lameleffe. 3

The Reafons hercof arethefe 1 Becaufe of the (uddenne Jf

Tie. 2.21.12,
136 |

D: Oat exs
peftation of
thefenew hea-
vens, an efpec
ciall furthes
rence that we
may be found
without {pot
and blammelefle

s(ets6 ofthis day, it willconse as atheefe in the night. 1 Becaufeif
ne ne he doc finde us thes, then we {hall partake vith him. of thofe
2 joyes, which fhall never have an end. 3 Becauie if wee be
3 found out of peace then our café {hall be moft miferable, we
deprived of thole joyes.
Vie of Repre- | The #/eshereofare twofold. :
; = Tor Reprebenficn 1 Vntothofe which doe notat all meds-
tate or confider of {uch things,of the day of judgemsent,of the
di folution of thefe things upon this day, of the new heavens
ard new earth which fhall be then, whereby they doe. de-
: preve themfelves of an efpecia# meancs, whereby they might
tCer. 35.19, | endevonrto be found in peace without fpot and blanseleffe. If
su thielife owely (faith Saint Paw!) we have hope sn Chriff,
Heb.11.35, | weare of al mes moft miferable, others alfe were racked,.

and would nes be delivercd,that they might receswe a better
re{uto

Ver.14.Motives to the performance ofboly duties:
refurrebion. Having their wsedstation fixed upon a better
iife, confidently wasting and expecting for the fame, they
would not by denying Corif embrace this wer/d, or for feare
of theirdives forfake their Religion, 3 Vutothofe which

| doe (as they fay) /eoke for thofe things , which beleewe that
fuch things thall conse to pafle on that day, which thinke that
they then fhallbe pertakers of thofe jeyes which fhall sever
have anend, and yet doe not /eade their life and conver/ation
accordingly, they are not #* peste, nor Without Pet and
blameleff. They havewo peace with their ses ghbour no true
and (olid peace in their owne con{ciences. Thetree is knowne
by the fraste, and ones /eve and hope of beaven,by his pratti/é
and endewoxr for it. Who fo doth truly locke for the/e things
doth alfo exdeavonr by all meanes that.hee may be pertaker
thereof, who doth not thus by practife religioully exdevewr,
certainely (for all his fhow) he doth not ¢rady looke for /xch
things, for thishope is not darres, but fruitfull;.in whofe
beart {oever this is fealed there willbe quickly a reformation
wrought. Herewith our hearts {hall be fo revifeed, that

(though it were to gassea world) we would not pare with
thefame. - ; | : nt

For Exhortation, 1 Let us eatneftly loeke for thofe new
heavens, and new earth, fetting our affections on things which
arc above, not ox things which are on earth, Let thofe new
heavens thofe jeyes which fhatk never end, thofe rivers of
pleafires which are at the right band of Ged, that. glorious re-
ward, that crowne of glory, everlafting life,let thofe things

I fay, which eye bath not feene, which eare hath not heard,
which the beart of man snot able to conceive, be the conti-
nyall meditation of our bearts.. Let shefe alwayes be' before
our eyes, they area Subyeél of Lach dignity,worth and ex-
celler.cie, that it’s to be adwsired that our Aearts are not more |
affected therewith,then they are,thatwe efesmethem fo At. |

tle ag we doe,that we preferrethedunyhily pleafures of this |;

world before them. Becaufe we doe not expert rhen as wee:
Aiould, therefore ufewelofigle diligence to be Found uf him.
, peace withayt Pot and Alemelefe, 2 Let thedempemplation
on. | Ii 3 an

485

486 Motives to the performance of boly-duties, Chap. 3

and mediation of thofe things, worke in us an earseff and Con-.
ftant esdevoar , foto frame the courfe of our life, asthat we
doe not deprive our lelvesof the end of our hope, the falva-
tion of eur foules. Doeft thou boaft of thy hope, here then
is thy prafti/e® Doft thoulooke for fsck things, why then
art thou not diligent ro be found sf hinein peace, without per,
and blameleffe ? Why doft thon not labour for ja/fification
by faith in (erift 2. Why dof thou not exdeavonr for vecon-
ctlsation with God through bims ? Why feele# thou not for
reconciliation with thy sei ghbonr? W hy doft thou not frzve
for the rrve and ferled pease of confcience, which proceedeth
from an affurance of Geds favour 2 Why doft thou not «é-
faina from fiane , repent thee of thy former finnes, take
hold onthe righteonfneffe of Chrift Iefus, a a precions fe
ment, wherewitd to cever thine sncleanneffe? Why doft
thou not thus /abour to b¢ found of himin peace without [pot
and blamelefe.Thus of the 3 part.

Motives indus
cing te the

ormance Forthe 4. The setsves to induse us unto the performance
of the fo relaid of the former‘dwty, theyaretwesthe x From.our Apoffles
sa (ove and care in wrging-it implyed-inthe word, bc/eved;the
: ‘2 From Gods expectation of the fame at our bands, imply-
Reloved | ‘Cd in the words. fownd of bins. :
‘OlfOurApos | Touching the former, our Apeftles careand fove in urging
‘ftles care and

this dwty, thould proweke us to the performance of the fame,
‘Doth ke fo gent?y enttreat us;fo lovsngly inviteus,fo comrson/-
/y exhort us, unta the performance ofthe forefayd duty, cer- |
‘tainely we cannot free our (elves from the tmepwtation of con-.
temoners of Gods word, unlefle wee yeeld obedience there-
UNTO. |

. Touching the Letter , Gods looking for the accomplifoneent
‘ofthe forefstl dusy at sy hands, Bot inaise is ems theper
‘formance of the fame, | |
For hereby the Lordteftifieth his /eve onto ns, his care

forefayd duty | aver us, his patience in beareng with us, how #xwsiing he is
thaid inci that we thould pers/2,yeaand hereby we may «{/wre our {elves

Reafons, | thatthe Lord will try us, caus to an accoxnt about the/z
things, whether be car finde we in peace, without pot and

blameleffe. Hence

Ver.1 x. Incitements tothe performance of boly duties. 487 -

‘

Hence then letnsbe «.dmsenifoed in time to performe this Vfe |

| ducy ;(ureit isthe wo/? of usas yet doe not either performe it
at all, or performe it aright, we know not how foone the
bridegr come will come, isit not fal time thento fet our fe/ves
about the performance of thefame ? if be fhould come and
fude usin watice, in.wickednefe, in filthy abhominations ,
how feareful were ourcafe? as we are found here, fo wee
foal be found hereafter, Lf we be not now in this life found of
bineinpeace, without per and blameleffe, we foall never be
found of bins unto our comfort inthe life to come wherefore be-
leved, feeing yee looke for fach things, be diligent that yee
may be found of him in peaceywithont (pot and blameleffe. Thus
of the 4-part,and{o of the 3. #/é. |

; i
| Verl. 15. end accennt that the long faffering of the Lord %
fatuatibn, even as onr beloved brother Paul alfe,
according to the wifedeme gives unto bim, bath}
Written Unto yen,
16. eft alfo sn all bis Epiftles, peaking in them of
: thefe things,, ix which fome things are bard te be ana
- _ derfood which they.chat are unlearned and anfiable, ‘
_} « -wreft,ac they doe alfe the other Scriptures sento their
owne defiru lion, : :

Followeth inthe/e verfes a confirmation of the precedin Ermati
ufe;and that,both by a repetesson i thedeéfrine lay downe pa of the pres
in the g.verfe,which concerneth Gods patienc?, as alfo by an | ¢eding ule by
“varies of the fame doétrine urged by the eApoftle Paul in | * Prima ie
all his Epifiles, From which be taketh occafion to commend, | of Gods pati-
both bisv and his writing untothens, which by the xwlearned | ence and alles
and anftable were {u much wrefeed unto their owne deftrndl;.
on we muftbe diligent thas we may be found of bim in peace,
withent fpor and blameleffe, becaule the long fafferine of the | he commen-
Lord tendeth unte our [alvation, becaulethe Lord s patient dech unto
towards ms, that we may be faued. Would the Lord have us | writings
tobe in peace without foot asd blameleffe.2 Is he patient and

| long-fufforing towards sa, that we may. be row found of bins?

It 4 we |

| 488

The parts
foures

; The duty, ac
the

falvazion.

D. Chriftians
fhould accow &
that the patie
ence and long-
fulfering ot

Rom.z. @.
Rom 3.22.

1 Tim.3.36.

2 Pet. 3.9.

Gods long fuffering tendeth unto falvation.Chap.3

wemoft eccording to the fame doctrine of the Apeft fe Paw!
account beleeve and affuredly per{wade our {elves that his pa-
tience and leony (affering tendeth untoour falvations —

The parts to be contidered arefewre. 1- A duetic, account
that the long faffering of the Lord ss falvation. 2 Acon
tion of this duty by the saftineony of the Apefle Pant, who
had writtex unto them of the feltc fame things. 3 A commen-
dation of Panland his writings, even as onr beloved brether
Paul alfe,according to the wefedenee given unto bine bath writ-
tenunte you, asalfe inal his Epsfiles, {peaking sw them of
thefe things, that is, of the day of judgement, and our ave
preparatson for the fame. 4 Our Apoftles judgement touch-
ing the writings of Pas, together with the sslearzed and
unfiable, abufe of the fame, and the other Serspsures, in
which are fome things hard tebe underfroed, which they that
ave unlearned'and wnftxble wreft, as: they dee alfo the other
Scriptures wute their owne deftrattion,

Concerning the 1. ed account the long faffering of rhe
Lord 1 falvation,that is, is profcable,and sendethwnto onr fal-
vation ,it ffordeth this ebfervation,that

Chriftians foonld acconsr,beleeve ; und affuredly perfwade
them/felves that the patience and lony-fuffering of the Lord ,
tendeth unto their falvation. This the Ap2ftle Pax! con.
firmeth , Or defpifef thon the riches of his geodneffe, and
forbearance and long-faffering , wor knowing that the goodne fe
of Gedleaderh thee te repentance: and againe , what md sf
God would,tofoew his wrath , and to make b:s power knowne,
[uffer with long patience the veffels of wrath, prepared to de.
firnthon, ond that he might declare the riches of bis glory,
unte the veffels of mercie, whom hee hath prepared unto
glory, even as whows he hath called, not of the lewes onely, but
alfo the Gentiles, Andagaine, sotwithftanding frr thu canfe
was Irecesved to mercy: that lefts Chrift foould fi: ft frew on
me all long Sufereng suntethe enfample of them which in tinse
te come, beleeve inhim nnte eternall life. Thiscour Apefle
hath already confirmed inthis fame (bapter. The Lord ts net
flacke concerning hss promife (as fonse men count flackneffe )

bus

a nn RNNEEEEere
erfr4, . How/o many perifh. 48

but wlongufuffering tos-ward , not willing -that any» foonld
perifo, bus that all foculd.come.to, repentanbe. Yet forty dayes
(cried lenah ) and Niniveh foall be deftroyed, why were they
not prefent/y deftroyed ? even that they might repentthem of
their faxes ,returne unto the Lezd, and bumble them{elves
under his mighty hand. The patience and feng-/affering of
the Lord, tended unto their /alvation. Forty yeeres long
(faith theLerd have I contended with this gencratson,and /aid
they are a people that erre in heart for they have not knowne m
wases could he not ere that tinse have defroyed the?hemight:
why then doth hedelay ? why did he not execute the fierce-
xe ffe of his wrath unto them ? even that.by his patsence and
long-/affering he might drawthem unto repensance, at leaft
wayes leave them snexcufable,This g7acions effet it wrought
inthe wemanof Samaria, in Zacheus, in Nicodemus, in
Mary Mag datew;in the theefe at the right band, inthreeshex-
fand, whom Peter converted at one fermon., the patience,
and long /ieffering-of the Lord tended unto their /a/vation,
Ohthe deepencfe of the riches, bath of the wifedome and
knowledge of God! how unfearchable are hus judgensents, and
bis wayes paft finding ont ! .

The Rea/ons hereofare thele, 1. Becaufe the Lord neither
deftroyeth nor delighteth inthe death of finners. Have Lany
defire that the wicked foonld die, {aiththe Lord Ged ? -or
Leak be not live,ifhereturne from hss wayes. And againe; «
L live faith the Lord Ged, I defire. not thodeath of she wicked,
|| bse that the witked:turne’ frone hie way; and live, turne yon;
turne you, fromyour evill wayes, for why wil yee die, O-zee
heufe of lfracl? dothaotthe Lord defre-or delight in onr
death ? yeafor this caw/e doth he many times {pare us, when
molt jafily we-deferve vo die, it followeth, - that: the /oxg-
fuffering of the Lord, tendeth unto our falvation, and
that the Lord.is peti¢nt towards sy to draw us unto re
.| PERS ANCE
e8,. Burtthen bomcomancth it topafe , that fo ssenie
P erith,, 4

Anfm. Becanfa they abufe the patience and tngufocig
. | Oo

Rom.21,33.

R Alone

Z
Exzek.1 8.236
Ezek,3 ZelZe

esse ES ESE SSIES ISO CE IAS .
49° How to know that we leve God. Chap.
“Of Geddefpifing the viches of hsebenntifulneffe, patience and
long-(uffering , -not knowing that the benntifulneffe of Ged
leaderk thsm untorepentance, after their barduefje, aud hear:
| that cannot repent, beaping up, at atreafnre, ante themfelye,
wrath againft rhe day of wrath, and of the revelation of the
jaft judgement sf Ged. Fowhich purpefe we may apply thar
of the Hebrewes, fo we [ee that they conld het enter in becanfe
of uxbeleefe. God doth not fer/ake us, till wee for/ake him ,
end when we ferfake him, no wexder itis, though he for/ake
us, finding us /t:l «0 he found I/ract, df whom he /asth, «ll the
day lowe’, bave I Bretched forth mine band , unto a difobcady-
ent and gaincfaying people. & Becaule'we knew rhat all thin 1a
worke together for the bef unte them that leve Ged. There-
fore even Gods patéence and long-/affering teadeth unto our
Salvation, whichis the end of our faith, the marke which
we 4ynee at,that /ieeemuns bonuns, wherein conffeth the ere
happineffe of atrue:( briftian. |
Bueft. But how fhall I know that I love Gad? chat
thereby I may ksow chat his patience worketh for my
ood |

Anfw, TE thou doef not feve Ged, thou art no tree
Chriftian, yea snworthy of that very xame, as many of
mare, bucthatthou mayelt ksow whether thou /ovef Ged,
obferve what followerb in the latter part of the verje, Even
to them that are called of bis purpofe, By our effeiiwak
calling, wee may difcerne our fove unto Ged: art thou
offetinaly called of Ged? certaineit is, that thou doeft ove

2Queft, Butby what meanes thall I ksow whether I bee
effetinally called ?

Anfw. By the frasts of this calling, as they have re/ation
both to Ged, and our sesghbewr: He that keepeth bis word,
1 Toh.4.27. 1 bims is the love of Ged perfect indeed, and this Commande-

ment have we of him, that be that loveth God, foonld love

3° | busbrethren alfo. 3 Becaule if his patsence and loxg-fuffering
* 4 did not rexd unto our falvation , were net profitable uato us,
| he would not have beene thus patiene and loxg-fuffering to-

— , wards -
a | dca _

Rom.10. ake

2
Rem.8.2 9

How te
knovwv if we
be cficSually
called,

t leb.2.5.

\Ver.r4. Howto know our effeckiall calling.

49%

wards us, what other reafon can be adedgedof Gods patie nce

and long-/uffering ? could he not have deftroyed long ere this?

he could eafi/y, who fhould have wsthftood him? Jt a6 ean

fre with the Lord to deftrey the whole world , asit was to make |.

tt, withaword he made it, and by the famehe could inftant-
ly deffreyit. Asthe pstts arenot able to reff the porter , no
more are wetorekh the Lord, though we fheuld oppe/é our

felves with all our might. He can doe what foever be wiketh :-

he is omnipotent , molt wife, eternal , infomite , the Lerd of
heafts , the God of Armies, Whence it remaineth firme
‘and evident, that Chriftians foonld account, beleeve,
and affuredly perfwade themfelves, that the patience,

$20,
The afes hereof are threefold, ST
For Inftrnftion, Behold the great admirable , and unfpeak-
able, love of Ged towards mankind, he is patient, and /ong-
Safi ring cowards se, that wee may be faved, hee wearierh
himfelfe in wasting for our repentance , our defirnétion pre-
ctedeth not of him, but frows our /2fves , hee hath waited

thefe sany yeeres for our converfiow , yea for our /akes.

deferreth the execution of his. wrath, unto wicked
men. |

_ For Reprebenfion, 1. Vntothofe that sarmeur and grade.
at Gods patience and long fieffering..2 Vato thofe which 4. | he

bufe the fame. 7

Touching the former, diverfe there’re which murvear and

grudgeagainit Gods patience and long-fuffering , hereunto
even Gods Children are incidext-, when manitold craffes and
troubles doe feafe upon them, then with Elias , they defire to

die, fohard ashing st is t9 bridle onr- inspatience in affettion,.

when we give place unto eur owne willsand affeBions , where-
in if Ged be pleafed tocreffe us, then with Jonah we take on,
wei imour heart te dye, Its better for me (faith hee)
to die, thento live, he murmured at Gods patience towards
Nineveb: when James and Jobs faw that the Samaritans
would not receive Chrift they faid, Lord, wilt chow that

~- we

and long-fuffering of the Lerd sendeth unto their faleac.

trur at Gods
patience, .,
4 King.-19.4.

Tonah. 4.3.

"ys How to know that we lave God. Chap.
ee
“OF Ged-defpifing the viches of bie or the penne paherge af and

Ronw.3.§. long-fuffersng , not knows that the bounté 6
le hie A r nance after their hardueffe, pl en
|- shat cannot repent, beaping wp, at atreafare, Bate themfeloe,
wrath, againpt the day of wrath; and of the rewelation of rip
jut judgement of God. Fowhich parpefe we may apply cha
of che Febrewes, fe we [ee that they could kot enter snbicanfe
of uxbéleefe. God doth not for/ake us, till weeforfakehim ,
end when we for/ake him, no wender itis, chough he ferfake
us, finding us (Psd «0 he found I/ract, df whiom he faith, aff rhe
day lowe, bave I Bretched forth mine band , nsto adifobeds.
ent and gaincfaying people. & Becaulc'we knew rhat al shiny:
worke together for the beft unto them that leve God. There.
fore even Geds patience and long-fuffering ‘tendeth onto our
Satvation, whichis the end of our faith, the marke which
We aynee at,that /ismsmane bowuns, wherein conffherk the ense

bappineffe of atrue( briftian. |
Qacft. But how fthall I know that I love Gad? that
thereby I may ksow that his patience worketh for ny
ood :

Asif, If thou doeft not love Ged, thou art no true
Chriftian, yea sxwerthy of that very mame, as many of
marc, but thatthou mayelt kvow whether thou /ovef Ged,
obferve what followeth in the latter part of the verfe, Eves
to them that are called of hss purpefe, By our effeluad
calling, wee may difcerne our /eve unto Ged: art thou
fel naly caked of God? certaineit is, that thou doef /ev

Oa §

Heb.3.39-

Rom.10.2¥-

2
Reom.&. 2g

Hew te know
if we love

How te
knowv if we
be cffcQually
called °

{ Tob.2.9.
1 Joh.q.27.
3:

Lneft. But by what meanes fhall Ikvow whether Ibee
effcttnally called ?

Anfw. By the frasts of this caling, as they have relain
both to God, and our neighbour: He that keepeth bis werd,
in bins is the love of Ged perfect ,indeed, and this Comemante-
ment have we of him, rhat he that leveth God, Seould lave
busbrethren alfo. 3 Becaufe if his patience and lox _fiffering
* 4 did not tend unto our falvation , were net profitable DATO US,
| he wouldnot have bene thus patiene and :laxg-fuefforing to-
| | wards

Verl15. ° Whodefpife Gods patience.

Anfw. Doeft.not thou delpile it? wbhofoever breaketh.the
Lawes and Commandem:nts of God , continuing in the fame
withent repentance, net yeelding obedience unto the manifold
adminitions of Gods Word, he a defpifer. of the patience,
and long-fuffering of God. By this rufe it we would trie and
examine our felves, I fuppofe that allofus fhould finde that
we have abujed the patience and long./uffering of Ged neg.
Letting-as well our duty towards God, comprehended in the
frft fonre Commaundements, aS our dxty towards our
Neighboxr, inthe fixe laff. Though we would denis it, our
workes doe cleerely prove it; and a tree is knowne -by the
fruite, would /wearing , Idolatrie the profanation of Gods
Sabbath , difcord, malice, whoredeme , drunkeneffe , theft,
covetonfneffe,and the /ske,. would thofe /wnes, I fay. be, fo
rife if we did not absfethe patience and long-/xffering of Ged?
no affuredly, thofe fisvesare the frasts of ourabufe of Geds
patience, and contempt of his long /affcring.

Ecr Exhertation, 1. Toexprefle our thankefalneffe unte
Ged for hus patience and long-/ufferivg , whereof whatfoever
we enjoy , whether /pirstwal or temporall, {uch as health,
wealth , the word. preached , andthe /ske, are undoubted .
froites and effects... Notto abxfe Geds patience, thereby
taking more liberty and freedeme to fnne apainft God : the
end of patience and long-/uffcring being to draw us to repen-
tance, 3. Toaccount Geds patience to tend.unto our falva-
tion, that we may fs make #/e of the fame, but to-refif the
Divels temptations, the worlds allurements, and thecor-

| reptions of our owne. bearts. 4. To draw high unto
Ged,whilft Ged is thus pasiant and /ong-/x fering towards ms.

Thus of the 1. | 3 So
_ Concerning the 2 andg ,the confirmation. of the forfaid dasie
from the confant of the eApoftle Panl , with acommendatien
of Paal, and his writings, bothwhich may conveniently bee
handled together, Evenas our beloved brother Pasl alfo, ace
cording to the wifedeme given unto him hath written were
yen as.alfo in all bes Epifiles , peaking on thom of thefe

things, _ 3

ts They

i CCL A A ee eacie .
494 The Apofiles agreement in Doctrine. Chap.3
; .

They afford us diverfe obfervations, which I willbuta /it
ele more then amve unto you. |

1. The confent and agreement of the eA poftles in cheir
deftrine, Saint Pax! {pake of the fame things whereof Saint
Peter did, as by comparing theis writiags ¢ May ap-|
peare. And no wonder, far, .

They had one AZafter,(brif? Ie(ia they were led by one and
the /edfe fame first , eventhe holy Ghoff, by whem all their
writings were tnfpired, Their consmsiffion’ was one and the
fame, Gee yee,teach all nations, Both were 4ppessted to bee
the embaffadors of God unto the-Charch and beth did faith-
fully difcharge their amsbaffage.

Whence may beperceived, thetrath of Geds word, and
that God isthe asther of the fame, fecing all the pen-wen
thereof agree in the fame doctrine, yea that /uch ‘as preach
and teach any doftrine, repugnant unto the deffrine of che
efpefilesare notgxided by the direltion of Geds first, of
which xamber, we may amber Papi's, Anabaptifts, Fa-
melifts, eMrians, and the like, whole doétrine is. for the
moft part repugaant to che dedtrine of the efpofites. Ie
were much éetrer, that as Saint Peter and Saint Pax!
taught the /ame things, fo according to their apeftcticke do-
Grine, thofe would egree with s in the snitie of faith, yea
and from hexce we may learne alfo to rejet? every doctrine
repugnant unto the deffrine of the Apoffles , a connfell which
Saint Paxd gave unto the Galathians , but though that mee
or an Angel from heaven, preach snto you otherwife then
that yee have received , let him be accurfed ; as we [aid be-
fore, fo [asd we againe, sf any man preach to yon orher-|,
wife, then that yee haverecesved, let himbe accur/ed.

2. How seedfull it is, chat we fronld be inftrulfted inthofe
things which concerne our /alvation, The Apoffles, Peter and
Paal write unto themof the fame things : what | -could
they finde no-new matter to write unto them ? no new in-
vention, wherewith to acquaint them ? no, they were/:d
by the psrit of Ged,and{o wrote fuch things , which would
be molt profitable untotheir{alvation.

—_ Hence

Vergrs Ti. Word profitable for all. 495
ees

Hence the CMiniffers of Geds word may carne, not {0 MC
much to ples/® men as to pleafe God not tofecke applaxfe un- *
to themfelves, by éroachsug abroad pew Dotirines, repug-
nant unto the decirine ofthe Apofles, but to sft in thole
points of derine which are agreeable unto the dodtrine of
the Apoffles, and efpecially in thofe whereof people are molt
uswilling to heare, doe yeeld leaft ebedience, eyther mutt
Swearing bee rooted outof the heart of the fwearer by the
preaching of che word, or elfe to preach of drankenneffe, cove-
tonfneffe or the like, tendeth.not to-his edification, etiher
mult whoredonse be by the werd rooted out of the beart of the
whoremonger, or elle to preach unto him of coveton{neffe,or
the tke is in vasne, yea peoplealfo may learne from hence to
bridle their covetonfneffe, being contented whilft they cents-
ne and goe-onin the fame fisses, to beare the fame things

_which make againff their fanes, both by their ewse and
other preachers.

3 That the (ame points of do&trine which are prefirable unto | D.Thefame -
one peeple , are profitable alfa unto another, As the A poftle pointsol dos
‘Paul wrote of thefe things, unto thofe to whom Peter| which are
wrote, fohedid allo the “ke inhis other Epiffle , Some | Proficable for
points | confeffe may beat fome times more needefull and | progtable allo
convenient for/ome people, then for others, yet in the gene, | foranother, .
rall the fame are profitable untoak,

Whence it followeth, that eves the fcriptsres which were Vie.

Se long fince written, and that unto others, are alfo needfull
and profitable unto 1s, profitable for our inftrnttion, admoni-
tion, corretlion, confolation and the Ike.

4. The hamility of ow Apoftle,alchough he was oe much. | Obf. Peter
refpected by our Saviowr Chrift, in great effimation with not aihames
the Charch-of God, by whole msinifirie the Lord did convert alledge the
thonfands, yetheis notafbamed toconfirme his dofrize by | writings of.
the doftrine of Pal; an spoftle of equall authority with P
himfelfe. Thus Daniel was frequent in reading the Prophet
Teremiah, | Daniel ({aithhe) wnderftood by bookés, the num- Dan.9.2.
ber of the yeeres, whereof the Lord had fpokenunte Ieremiah |
she Prophet, thathe wonld accomplifo feventy yeeres in the

_ | defoe
eee cnn eee

“ey

Peters commendation of 5.Paul. Chap.3

ation of lernfalem, though hee was an excedent Prophet yet

he dayly encreafed in knowledge, by reading the Scréprares,

x If the Pepe were the truce /xcceffors of Saint Peter, and ed
‘ his/ifeas Peter did, he would not preferre his owne decrees
2 before the Scriptures, or binder Gods people from the reae
ding of the Soriptwres. Yea if all Preachers were of Perers
minde,they fhould not fo much doate on their owne workes,
de/pifing the. workstof others yea di/daéniny to looke upen the
Our Apottte | /4™¥& . a .
commen 5 The wifedome and de/cription of this our Apefle Paul
Paul. belike by diverfe was much difcommended, as if 4: de-
Gal.2,4e Brine had not agreed with the doftrine of the other Apeffles,
and that by meanes of fale brethren of whom Saint Pasl
Ufee | himfelfeeakers: him our Apeftle both commendeth and
defendeth again their calumnies, An exansple worth the
smuitation both of people both of preachers and people. If wee
obferve any, wrongfully tradacedand flandred, we ought fo
mach as inus/yerl to free them from thofe fale afperfions.
But the contrary isin thefe our daycs more in ufe,we are rea-
dy to adde fewed to the fre,to incen/e, when wee fhould ms-
tigate, acexfe , when.we fhouldexcufe , saterpret all things
Gur beloved | Ato the worft when we fhould s#terpres 8 ching s to tbe
brother,our ff. .
Apeftlesiove | 6, The affe tion which our efpoftle bare Saint Pasl,im-
“me plied in thefe wonds,exr beloved brother Paul,brethren both
Gali = | by graceand cading. Betweene them two there had beene an
: bote contension,but the caufebeing Chriffsthey were quick-
Vie. ly reconciled , Peter nedoubt both {ceing and asknewledg-
sng his erronr, |
Dcnce we may fearne to bwry in oblivion, all rife, emulati-
on and contention,which hath at any teme beene betweene ms
Acverding to | and erhers,as alfoto be kindly affe‘tioned ene towards ax0-
the wifedome, | ther , preachers unto their people, people unte their prea-
phe ares chers, whereby we mightcever one anothers sfirmitics.
form: ofwris 7. Thatthe dpofles different forme and file in writing ,
tin proces did not preceed of them/felves , butof Geds frit, who fxr-
¢

nifeed them with {uch mecafure of wifedome, as pleafed him ;
@

eee eee
Ver.15.S.Paul author of the Bpiftle to the Hebrewes: 497

Gods Spirit gave them wifedeme, both what towrste, and
how to write, beftowing upon them 4svers gifts, as he him-
felfe pleafed.

$ That it may probably be conjeRared that tho Apoftle Paul
was another of the Epifle to the Hebrewes, here sent by
our atpefile For if this Epsftle of Peter was diretted ynto
the Hebrewes (as {ome thinke) then Pas! cyther wrete that
to them, or /fome other now loft,but thathis Eph /e was loft,

O6/S.Paalby

| isnot /skely, therefore mof like it is, that that to the He. | |

brewes is ite

g That the Epiftles of Pasi, were wrirtes before ths of

Peter,a wonderfull werke of Ged, hethat was /«f converted
deth even exceede in labour and paincfulzefe, now writing
Unto exe people,then unto anetber, and thatto gasxe them un-
1 to Chriff lefns, he was asa skilful Merchant, redeeming the
time which he had /pent, as formerly he was painefuk and la-
borins in drawing menfrom Chrift, {oxew he is much more
labsrions in gainsng men unto Chrift,in converting thé from
their evill wayes, tot#rneuntothe Lerd. Thus of the 2.and
3 part.
w Concerning the 4. Our Apoftles judgement touching the
writings of Pasi, together with the wnlearned and snftable
their abafe of the fame. In which are fome things hard te be
underfiood, which they thas areunlearned and unftable wreft,
as they doe alfe the other Scriptures unte their ewne defirnits-
on, The meaning whereof is this, that among thofe things
which arewritten of Panl, divers are high and profound,
hard to be underftoed,yet wot in regard Of théfelves but by réea-
for of us which cannot of exr felves attaine wnto the knowledge
of them, which therefore {uch as are unlearned G unfiable*reft
unto their ownedeftrattion as they doe alfe otherScriprures,

Hence divers things may be obferved. -

1 That i {uch as wonld reape benefit by the Scriptures wiseft
labour and endevour for a trae fanttified knowledge, whereby
they may dive inte thevery deepe/t myfieries of the fame,asthat
of the Trinity, of the Incarnation of Chrift, of the day of

judgement,and the/ike, yea wee mutt pray unto Ged chat he |

| would

Our
rudgement a3
fuels
veritings with
thewnlearneds
abufe of them
in which are

derftood, & Ce

D. Such as
would profit
by the Scrip-
tures -
have a fanQic~
fied uft of
them. .

_ - tees

D. The igacs
rane 6c unftas
ble offer yio-

Jence unto rhe

A gainft perverters of the fcriptures. Chap.3.

would be pleafed to beffew upon se his Spiret whereby wee
may underftand the /anee. oe,

3 Thatf{ach acwreft and pervert the Scriptures, ave eveher
ignorant er unftable, or beth ignorant and anfiable. Some
are iguoraht,. others are (earned, yet unftable,otherss both ‘7 :

orant end saftable, loch arc Papifis, Anabaptifis, fameti

and the like.

-g That the Scriptures are then wrefied and perverted when

they are made at anole of waxeteturnt every, way, to prove
everything though never fo crronions,sf aRemenfirant e
Screprures to preve that the e/e& may fad away terely and

| Buady, he perverteth the Scripture; It a Papi? alledge Scrip-

ture tor the defence of purgatory, imvocation of Saints,

the “ike, he perverteth the Scriptures; If an Arian alledge
Scripture to prove, that Chrift iis not trae God, or the Jewes,
that the Ateffieb isnot come, they pervert Scriptare; becanfe
all chofe epinsoms are evroxionms, Contrary unto the trath of
Gods word. _

4 That fach as. are ignorant and unfiable doe not onely
wreft and pervert fome few places in Paul, but alfo offer vie-
lence unto the osber Scrsptures, as if cvery Scrspture ferved|
their turne,

s That {sch as pervert the Scriptures, wreft thens mpos their
owne deirxftion, that which mof pleafeth them,*urneth sof
unto their difpleafure. God atthe great dey fhall ca# chem to
anaccount, 4 the cwrfes,and plagwes mentioned in the Sersg-
tures {hall feafe upon them, asboth adding unto, and taking
from the word of Ged..

But leaving t40/é, confider we for the prefent this exe que-
Rion, whether the Scripture be fo obfciure, that it cannot be
underftood by the faithfull, yea even in thofe things which are
necdefull to falvation thank it be diligently ch devently reade
by them; or whether st be net fe plaine, that it ay be under-
food by the faithfull,we affirme ithe Papifts dery it.

_ Thater is fo pheine, as that s¢ may be anderfiood of all fuch
as are endowed with the Spsrst of God, which fersoxfly and

of | devently veade the (ame, cfpecially in tho/é things which are

necdefull

OE
[Ver.1g. Theferipture whereineafie, whereinhards 499 [

needefull unto our /alvation, and pertaine unto truepiety may,
be proved by thefe reafons. 1 Becaule the word of the Lord PGl.19.4
# pure, ali ght unto onr fete, anda lanthorne unto our paths) peal’ 119,
which giveshlight ro our eyes, and tothe fimple foarpeneffe of | 105.
wit,and tothe childe haowledge and diferetion; a light that fal 19-8,
Loineth in a dark place, T hat which in it felfe is cleare,cannot be| I Peattig,
[aid to be obfcwrebus the Scripture isin it felfecleere, and if it
behid, it is hid to'them whe are loft, in whom the God of this | ¥CF43+
world bath blinded their minds. Therefore cannot be faydtol|
be obfeure, % Becaule ifthe Scriptures were lo ob/exre, that |
they coutd not be /rait fully read of Gods peuple,then the Spi-
rit of Gedeyther could not write plainely or would not, but
both thole are abfard , the former arguing impotencie, the 3
fatter being againft tbe end why they were written, 3 Be- Butte.
caufee//z in vaineare we wiked to enquire to the Law andto Ag ia
the Teftimonie, and to [earch the Scriptures. 4. Becanle elfe 5
it would follow that Ged did peake fome things, which be | 2Tim3.16.
would not have tobe underftood. 5 Becanfe al Scripture w 6
Profitable for doftrine, for reproofe, for correttion, for in~ .
Srutiioninvighteonfneffe. 6 Becaule elfe the word of God, | 1 Cor.z.15.
were not the word of truth, forS.Pau! faith, he that s fpirs
tuall,difcerneth all things, and S. John faith, but yee have an
ayntment from that holy one, and know all things, and I have
nor written unto you, because yee know not the truth, but be- Ve Seis res
canfz yee know it. Truc itis that in fimdry refpects the Serip- Chroptore may
sures may be {aydto be hard, as 1 in regard of the matter, | befaid co be
many profornd, and deepe myfteries being contained therein, hard.
which David calleth wondrom things. 2 In regard of the
manner of writing manic abfrufe phrates, divers hebrai/ines,
fundry metaphors, andthe like, being thereim, 3 In regard
of the perfons who heare orreadethe Scriptures, for the moft
part are satwrall men, whichtherefore cannot perceive them,
4 Inregard of the manner of fearching, many carelefly and
exrforily reading the fame, whenas the promifé of fading is bitte
made to rhefe whofeeke as: for gold; and: fenrch as for trea-\°™™
Sires. Neyther hath God thus ordered them without jxf and 2
weighty reafons, fach as to declare unto man his naturall :
Kk2 blind

IT
Pfal.119.18,
a

3
1 Cord 1g. *

4
Pr0.2.4.5¢
are

500 - Jrwbat refpedt the S criptures arebard, Chap.3;

', blindnefe,andtofmppreff[e all felfeeencest,to keepe bely things
piinaned sand dogs, and fo to make a difference between
the children of the kingdeme, and the wicked, to maintaize |
the divine ordinance of preaching and expenmndeng the Saip-

' @ tures; to raife up in san appetite after the werd, and m

| high effeeme of it, and to keepeus from /earbsng it ? tofirre

| us up diligently to ftudy and fearch the Scrspesres, wd

: } carefully to ufe.the meanes whereby we may fieede out the hid-

_ | denpreafere in it, finally tomeke us to ca2 upon. him, who

‘Lis the author of the Seriptuxe, to giveunto ss the /piit of

| revelation, and not tobeare or reede the word, withur |,
fasthfull and carncft prayer ; yet notwithftanding for the
moff part it is{o perfpicwons, as with great prefit and to good
edification it may be read and beard, even of the fmple and
unlearned, ycaallthe fundamental points of Chriftsiax re-
ligion neceffary tofalvatiex, are {o cleerely and plasnely {et

| downe,as that the bumble and ebedsent heart may diftinttly

Grep.E pif, ad without wavering and gaine/aying conceive and beleeve them.

Lead, | Inrefpect of it’s per/picuity it’s not wnfie/y compared tos

Foara,over which a lambe may wade, as in regard of it's é/-

fie ultie to a Sea in which an Elephant may fwimme.

Thus,feeing the Scripenres are fo plaine, as that theymsy | |

Vie. |besunderfteod, let us/carchthem, perafe them, be diligent

inthem, left perverting or wrefting them, they tsrsecunto
our defirnttion. |

Ak .d WwW

| Vel. 37. Yee therefore beloved, feeing yee know thefe things
before,bemare left yee alfe being led away with the

errour ef the wicked fall from your owne Pedfafincfe,

; 18. But growin grace, andin the knowledge of on

ae fourth Lord and Saviour lefts Cbrift, to hime be glorybeth

cecding en now and for CVUCr. efmen,

tainningalta | Thef fes contaive the fourth and left ule of the preceding
nB &lo cle ver/es contaive the fourth an ufeofe ing
oe doé&trine ofthe day of judg cement, which is » unto P erehfel
Epiftiewith | *¢{[¢.perfeverance, the growth ingrace, andin the kxewledge
the of the Lord and Saviour lefus Chrift, which alfo compre

hendcth

exl17. Foureremedies again{t Apoftafie.

hendeth the fiswwwee or E pitense of the whole Epif'le and con-
taineth the epilegne and conclufion ofthe fame, Tee therefore
beloved, feeing yee know thefe things beferc, that is, (ceing
jyeeare infirwtlea and admonifoed that Chrift the Indge of the
world will come, that falfe teachers foak arife, which privily
wih bring in damnable herefics, and thereby bring upon them-
, | flves (wife defrattion ; beware left yee alfe being led away
with the errour of the wicked,fal from your ewne fiedfafincfe,
that is, be warchfxl, be careful, take beedunte your felves,
left yee be feduced by falfe teachers and fo become backefiiders
frome Chrifts truth, and yenr Chriftian profeffion, and that
yee may be the better able te fiand, and refift all their feduce-
ments, grow in grace, and in knowledge ef our Lord and Sa-
vseur lefus Chrift, getknowledge, faith prety, together with
other ipirisval gifts, endevenring daily to increafesn the fame,
that thus brift may be both glorified of us here, hercafter,se
whens glory ieduc, beth now in this life, aud fer ever in the
life to come, whereunte all foould give their affent, faying,
emen. They may be ft/ytearmed 2 remedy again? Apefta-
fe, Or meanes to be wfed that-we may not fal away. Where-
in fowre things are feedowne. 1 Anexhertation, beware lef
| yeaalfe being led away with the erreur of the wicked , fal
from your owne fiedfafincffe. 2 Thereafon of the ethortats-
on, fecing yee know thefe things before. 3 The meanes where-
by to performe the forefayd duty, but grew in grace, and in
she knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Icfus Chrift. 4 The
clofe os foxrring xp of the whole Epifle, to him be glory both
now and for ever,eAmen.

Concerning the 1. The exhortation, beware left yee alfo
being led away with the errour of the wicked, fall from your
owne fed{aftne fe divers things might be obferved.

I That there are a great many which doe fal away From
their Chriftian wrefoflen, This 1s implyed inthe word alfa,
beware Left yee alfe fak from your owne fiedfafincfe, as if he
fhould have fayd, although that others faffer themfelves to
befeduced, and fe fal away, yet be yee watchfak over your
Selves, that yee may not be like unto them, of this namber
K k3 were

F oure parts,

bh we

The exhorta-
tien beware
left yee allo,
&c.

D. There are
agreat many
which fall
away from .
their Chriftis
an profefiiea.

502

| Cor. 10,336

Fa'ls ¢00 me.
facinnt aliena

Beware.
D.itisexcee:
dinghard and
difficult eo goe
op and perfcs
vere in the
cnurle of god-
laneiTe.

Phil, 2.33.

D Theun-
godly by eheir
etreniout do-
Grine endes
vour to with-
draw men ard
women from |
the rruth of
God,

Perferverance in godlineffe very bard. Chap.3

were Deneas and Indas,Hymenansand Alexander, and thon. |:
fends in thefe our dayes, which feemng to be flarres fixed
in the firmament of God, fallaway from their prefeffiow - Of
thofe there are forme, which fall away totally and fixally,being
meere reprebates, others which doe fall away, but‘in part
onely, sod tor stime, who arc even Geds children, whods/~
fering from the former, doe neyther wholly, nor finally fall
away from their profeffion,and pratti(e of religion.
a That the fals of ethers, fiould incite and | provoke ms to be
wore carefull of our ewne ftanding, others have beene feda-
ced by falfe teachers, beware left yee alfe ({aich our Apoftle).
being led away withthe errour of the wicked, fall from your
owne fredfuftneffe. This S. Pas! confiroxth, Wherefore let
him that thinkgth be flandeth,take beede left befall. All thefe
things ((aith he) happened unto them for enfamples, and: they.
are written for eur ade nition, are cot weas much iti ds
as erbers ? as fraste and weake, as others? asnaturally fiebjeE
wntoecAprftafie, asethers? doc orbers fall away unto popr-
rie, athes/tse, pr ophanenes,and the ske, and have not we gercat
reafon to feare our felves ? happie are they whom ober mens
harmes doe make to beware. so,
3 That st ss exceeding bard and difficult to goe on and per-.
fevere if the courfe of godlinef[e, which is implyed: in the
word beware, for iftbere were no danger, nor feare of falling
away, thiscaveate were faperfinoms. Thisis cltare by chofe
many pxlbacks, which we meete withall in our so¥rney to-
wads heaven, the divell, the world, the fief every luff, eve-
ry finne; every correption, drankenne[je, pride, vaineglory,
covctonfne fc, whercdome,and the dike. Oh if we did but duly
confider thofe things, that fo according to $.Paxls connfell
wee might worke owt our falvation with feare and trem-
6% rg ° °
4. That wicked menby their hereticall and erronious do-.
Brine endeavenr to withdraw men ci women from the truth of
God, a point {0 evident, asthat it neederh no proofe. Baals
Priefts did not sere importune Baal tobeare them, then
Tcfuifts , feminarie Pricks , and {uch ethers doe that wee

- / may

epee cS SSeS

Ver.uy. . The danger of men fedaced,

may give care untetheir dedfrine, would God we -vere as

deafe towards their doftrixe, as Baal wasat the cries of his

Priefis! Oh how many are daily led away by chem, evenas

| Acepennto the fexghrer ! Oh how bufe thole sxgodly, law-

leffe and srre/:gioms perfons are (as theerigsnad werd fignifi-
eth) to infelt and ixfatuate fimpleféales. Of shu fare are they 2Tin.3.6

which ercepe inte houfes,andleade captive frise svomen laden .

with fune Jed avay with divers lnfis. oo

fluch. Buc how are backefiders drawen away from their

fornser profeftione |

Anfw. By lawleffe and irreligions Teachers.
Luc. Whatmeanes doe thofe /awleffe and srreligioms
teachers a/e 7 |
Anfw. Hereticall and errontous doctrine.
Luc. What effet doth cheis errenione doctrine worke in
their hearts. 3 -
eAnfw. Itleadeth them away, it changeth and altereth

| their judgement and underftanding. :

Luci. Whiatis the effect of their leading away, « -

Anfw, They fall frome their owne fiedfafine fe,from all thole

‘graces and geod things, which formerly they /cemed to have, -

Thofe are the exdevonrs, the end and ayme of falie Teachers 7

in uttering their erresions and pernicious doctrine, fo that

we arcto eft:eme {ach as lewleffe and srreligic us reels.

1 § That fich as fiffer themfelves tobe intangled and fede. | D- Suchas
ced-byfalfeceachers, wil at the length fait from their owne | Cives ses
fedfifenesfe forfake thetr profeffion, and feeming pratlife o entancled by

goodneffes bsffories are plentiful inexamples, we may re falleteachers

Of many which having bragged and boasted auch of their | fail temo

‘perfeverance, within a while after , have become change. | ewne ftedfait-

lings and turnecoats, through the /edxcing incitements of | SMe.

fale teachers. It's wot more tebe wondered at when (uch a

bearecompanie with falfe teachers,giving care unto their Sy-

ren fongs, areentangled by them, 1 for bine that handlesh

pitch to be defiled therewith, [" hie tbat carryeth fire sw hss

bofome; tobe burnt therewith, -

But beleeving rhefe, confider we exely from -hence
: ' Kkg ; this

5.04

Chriftians muft fiudy to goe on in godlinesSGhap,3

D. Chrikians
fhould ende-
vour to goe on
in the courte

lbid.35.
Col, 206.7 g.

2Theff.2.15.

g Tim. 1.18,

17 4:4.8.

this exe doctrine arifing from the whele, chat
Chriffians Pooxld labour and endeavenr to gee qn in the
courfe of gedlineffe, to perfevere in their profeffion, .and pra-~
Esfeof true chr sftianity carefully avezding all beretichs, and
herafies-which might withdraw them fromthe fame. Thisis
to walke circumppetily, not as fooles, but as wife, This is
towalke as children of light, berewnte S. Pas! exborteth us,
worke ext your ewne falvasion with fears and trembling, And
againe, that yee may be blamelefe and barmeleffe, the Sounes
of God without rebuke, inthe midff ef 4 crooked and perverfe
nation, among whom ye Pineas lights in the world, holding
forth the word of life. Thus untothe Colefians, as ze have
therefore received Chrift Icjus the Lord, fo walke inbim, |
rooted and built up in bin, and fiablifoed inthe fasth, as yee |
have beene taught, abenndin therein with thanksgiving ; be-
ware left any man [poile you sbrengh Philofophie and vaine de-
ceite, after the tradition of mex, after the rudiments of the:
world, and not after Chriff. Thus umo the Thefalensaxs:
therefore brethren, land faft, and held the tradisions, which
ye have beene taught, whether by word or our Epifle, Soun-.
toTimethy, thischarge I commit unto thee Sonne Timethy,
according to. the prophecies which went before of thee, that
thew by Jews, mighteft warre a good warrefare, holding fassh
and a food confcsence. Thus he himfelfe did. I have fought
agoodfight ; | have finifoed mycourfe, Ihave kept the fash,
henceforth there islayd up for me a crowne ef righteasfacle,
which the Lerd the righteous Inde foall give mse at that day,
Our Chriftian conn/e of ife is compared: unto a warrefare,
Unto a joraey, nntoa fervice,unto the Sanne, to fguifie our
daily progreffe and centinwance thercin..

Fhe Reafons hereofare theferwe. 1 . The happic,comfor-
table and bleffed condition of fuch as goe on-in the courfe of
£°dlimes. 2 The woeful & miferable eftaie of {uch as fallaway.

Touching the former, the-efate of (uch as doe continue
and coe on inthe courfe-of gedline fos neoft joyfuk and confer-
table, they are in an bappse and bleffed condition,.and that
both as they are 4ere inthis /ife, and as they fhall be oer

after

eee eee

Ver.ay. The bappineffe of fuch as perfervere. 405 |

a ee

_—_ NS es

after inthe dsfe to come. Inthislife. 1 Becaufe hereby they as
approve eis roe to be the children of Ged. Our Saviour tach if
atirmeth it, sf'7e continne in my word, then are ye my Ds-
fcsples indeed ; it being the sore of arighteons mean to bold on
buway. 2 Becanle they are in the favour of God,great covr-.
tiers with him, andcan ebtaine of hsm any thing that fhall
be profitable for them. Qur Savicar avouching it, If yee 4-

hide in we, avd my words abide in you, y¢ foal aske what yee

will, andit foall be denewnto you. 3 Becaufe they are frait-
fallin good workes, he that abidethin we((aith our Saviour)
and | in bim, the fame bringeth forth much fruite. 4 Be-
‘canfe they may {fre themfelves of Salvation, according to
that of our Saviowr , but be that foall indure unte the end, the .
fame foal be faved,and of S.lobn, bethon fasthfull unto death,
and Iwill give thee the crowne of life. And againe, be that
evercommeth foal sot be buir.of the fecend death. And a-
gaine, be that overcommeth the fame feall be clothed in white
vratment, aud Iwill net blot ent his name ont of the booke of
life; but I willcenfeffe his name before my father, ana before -
his Angels, Thiscomsforted S.Panl, I have fought a good

bt, L have finifoed my courfe, I have kept the faich, hence

there ss layd wp for me a crowne of rightcoufneffe which
the Lord rhe righteous Indge' foall give me at that day. Thus
of the effate in rhaclife. :

In the ifeto come, they fhall enjoya trwe and real poffef-
fion of all thofethings which sow they bcleeve,and for which
they doe waite. They thall vbraine the end of their fasrh,they
| thal attaine the crowne of glory they fhall become {stizens
of the sew Ierufalem, they fhall bee bathed in thofe rivers of
pleafures which are at the right hand of God, they thall bee
freed fromall thefe things, which may either éroab/e their
bodies, or.difaniet their minds. They hall alwayesenjoy the:
{weet fellowfoip ot Ged; the Father, the Sonne ,and the
hely Ghoft, the bleffed eAngels, and lorified Saints, They | °
thall endure world without ehd; diving the Afe everla-

Touching the latter, the eftate of fach as doe tot comtinee, |
_ .

Toh.8.37,
Ieb.17.9. .
2

Toh,3¢.7.
3 .
Ioh $°Fe
4
Mat,24.132

Reu.2030.7 Be

Ren. 3.6.
I Tid 9

In the life to
COGM.a... | ‘

506 The miferie of backfliders. Chap.;

is woeful and mi (erable, enifecable in shi life , anch more in.
the life tocome, Ifany man draw backe, my foule foal have
Gl no pleafure in hin, They draw backe to perditien, From
The riferte | Chem fheil be taken away eventhe/s things which they. fecamed
ofbackfliders. | £0 4ave, the reward of their Apefacse thall bee death and
| everlafiing condemnation.
Heb.10.38. Both chofel fay, Chouldsxcsse and provoke us tocentinne
39s and gee on inthe comrfe of gedlineffe, that we may enjey the
happineffe of theformer, 4veide the infortuaate coxdstion of
the /atter.
| The #/és hereof are threefold. .
| Vt oflafieue| — For Inftruction, It's not enonghte begin well, unleffe wee
Stien. doe continue enough tolay the foundation, unlefe we build
thereupon, te enter into the way of Chriftiaustse , nuleffe wee
proceed in enrjorney. Either muft we coxtsnwe firme and fed-
Saf inthe trath of God, orelfe wee fhallnever inkerite che.
Ringdome of heaven, \t'sin vaine for thee to come to Church,
heare the word, perform: extward workes of piety, unlefle
, thou continnef therein. & which
Vie of Repre- or Reprekenfion, 1. Vnto thote which have not as yet
heafion. begun to a ake any confcsence of their edie te 2 Vnto
. thofe which doe day/y , both in their judgement and in their

2 | prattif2 fall away. 3° Vato thofe which fe the feciety and
3 Fellow fosp of falle teachers, piving care unto their erremrs, ap-
planding and cReeming the fame,

VGeof Exhets| Fer Exhertation ; Endevour and labour to perfevere
: and continue inthe trath of Ged. Fall not away from
your owne fiedfafinefe, lofe not your reward, de-

prive not your felves of cheprice of your high calisug draw

not upon your felves Gods heavy wrath , and indignation, for

this can/(e beware, left yee be led. away with the errour of the

‘| wicked, take heed that yee be not feducedby falfe teachers ,

t00 too fregwent in every place in thele our dayes. Thus of

Thereafon of | the firft.

the (aime yee . Conderning thea. The Reafonof the Exbertation, Seein

knowtheie | yee know the/e things before chatis, feesng I bave advecnipoed

thiags before | and warned you, sharshe day of the Lord will come, wherein

. every

a aed

7
Verl15. Gods Word incites to per feverance, ‘507

every. man foal ve called toan account; that falfe teachers
foal arife , which privily will bring sn damnable berefie , chat
many foall be decesved sn thems, feduced by them, led away
with the errour of thofe lawleffe and wicked perfons, that thofe
which cither feduce others, or are feduced themfelves, bring
upon themfelves fwift defirutkion, feeng 1 lay, 1 have
warned you of thefe things, and yce know them, yee muft
therefo-e b.ware left being led away with shecrronr of the.
wicked, yee fall from your swone fiedfe neffe.
The obfer vation arifing from hence, ts thw, that
The admonitions and warnings of Gods sword, foonld pro-| warnings of
woke us uvto perfaverauce inthe conrfe of godlineffe, which | Gods Word
being for this esd publifhed, doe leave us swexcnfuble if wee Bould totice
-make not this giacious #/¢ of the fame, verance ee ah
Wherefore I doe s-abert you all in the feare-of God, duely | courte at gods
cocenfider the adwsenirions and warnings of Geds word, to-| Haede.
gether with the end of their regiftring, that {fo finding chem Fi
tobee writtex for our ixfrellion, npon whomthe ends of the| —
werld are come, we may {ocontinue inthem, that being dé.
retledbythem, we may perfevere and continue inthe trath
of God. Thus ofthe fecond. j
Concerning the 3, The meanes whereby we may performee:
the forefaiu duty,yeeld ehedienceunto our Apeftles exhortati-
on, by growing in zrace.,and in the kuewledge of our Lord
and Savionr Irfua Chrift, without which we cannot continue
by which we may perfevere. Such as grow in grace and-in| cp
the knowledge of Chrif?, doe continue, fuch as doe not
thus encreafe, doe dayly decreafé , fuchas doc not thus goe |

D. The admo-

nitions and

The meancs
whereby to
perf: rne the

forward, they doe dayly goe backward, falling away from ream en |
their ownte Bedfafine ffe. . . mear.esto
_ The edbjervations arifingfrombenceare tw : Avot u from |

The fr ft 2 shi, that He
Gods grace ssthe chicfe aud efpeciall meanes to keepe ms from | Heb 13.9.
| Apeffafe, The etpoftleto the. Hebrewes proveth it, bee wot: $ or. 135.
| Carried about with diverfe and firange dofirines (faith hee) “
for it 500 good thing thatthe heart be cftaklifoed with grace
The Lerds Speech anto Saint Pes? implieth fo mach;ey grace.
ss

508

‘Te Tim.256

1 Cor.3 5.5 8-
Epl.4-1§ e

Phil, 129°
Cel,1 9:

Chriftians maft grow inervery grace. Chi

ss fufficient for thee. Hence doth Saint Pest will Tim
to be ftrong in the grace that & in Chriff lefus;
ftrengthening our weakenefe,flablifhing our sn/fetledne
Henec it followeth. |
&. That it’s no wexder though mex of keowledge fall «
if they want grace. z

ae That we mutt be truely thamkefud for grace.

3. That ag we defire to fiand, fo wee mutt exdewonr t
grace, to cbtaime which we cannot take too much pasne. |
ofthe firft. The fecond ss thu,that.

Chrifttans muft daily grow in grace, and inthe knowled
onr Lord and Saviour Perit Iefus, the formeer compre
deth all piritwal gifts, ftiled here, grace,as being free!
ftowed upon s of Gad, the /atter inf/pectal, a {ound ,
{tantiall, {aactified, aud experimentall ksewledge of Cé
In beth thole ( brsfiians mutt sncreafe and grow, thatthe.
they may be furthered in their perfeverance, ThisS.Pasl |
veth, Therefore my beloved brethren beyee fredfaft ,anm
able alwayes abounding in the werke of the Lord, for an
as ye know ,your labour t4 not in vaine inthe Lerd, anda

ow np into binein all things, which the head, even
fron whew the whole bedy tly joyned together, and comps

by that which every joynt (upplyeth, according to the effe
al working inthe meafure of every part, maketh increa
the body, unto the edifying of it felfe in love, And ag
and thus I pray, that your levc may abound yet more andi
inknowledge, and in al judgement, for this caufe he dic
ceafe to pray forthe Celeffians, that they might be filed
the knowledge of bis wil, in ak wifedome and phir
underfianding , that they might walke werthy of
Lord, ntoal pleafing, besag frastfulin every good»
and encreafing in the knowledge of God. Heveants
exhorteth the Thefjalemans, Furthermore thew wee be
you brethren, andexhort you by the Lord Iefas, that
have received of us, how ye onght to walke, and to |
Ged, fo yewould abound more and mere, The path of
jaf mutt beas the frining light rhat foincth more and mor

Ver.17. Chriftians muft grow in everygrace. _ 509
a Te

‘to the perfett day. If webe ef cleanehands we muft be frrom= | Beck.ay.3.
ger and fironger. wee mutt be as Exekiels waters, which | 4.5.
were fir tothe ankles, thento thedoines, thena rit-Qthat |; Cor, 24
he could not paffe aver? weareranxers and fo matt held of”
inour piritnall rase, {0 raxningthat we may obtaine, the
corne groweth on by degrees unto the barveft, fo mult mes
The tree planted by the Rivers of waters ss frasifull; fo mult
we besas wicked men and /educers waxe worfe and worfe,de-
ceiving and being deceived, fo mult we grow better and bet-
ter, We muft walke fron freiigth to. firength, we mutt flo.
rife like a Palme tree, and growilike 4 Cedar in Lebanon, we
mutt 46 new borne babes daily grow more and mores Its
not enough for us to have grace, unlefle alfo wee grow
therein. row generals } .

Line. But wherein matt we grew? | . ~. | 2anasta-

Anfiw. Generally inak the gifts and graces of Geds Spirit, Particularly
as wicked men doe in fome meafure grow in every finne, moe | in faich
Particularly we mult grow, . ; :

I Iy fateh, gecting that perfed which is /acking ia our
faith, praying {till withthe Apoffles, Lord increafe our faith,
growing both inthe «ffwrance of thisgrace, and exerci/e of
the /arse, :

2 En/ove one towards anotlier,of which the 4 poftle {pea-
keth, andthe Lord make youtaincreafeand abound in love,
one towards another, and towards all men, even as we doc te~
wards you. 7

3 In mercifulme fe towards others. Therefore as ye abound
sn every thing, in faith, and wtterance andknowledge, and in
al diligence, and inyour loveto ns, fee that ye abound in this
& acealfo, And apaine, being enriched ix every thing to all

onatifulnes which canferh usshrough us thank:giving to Gad,
4 Inpatience, meekeneffe,and lowlineffe of minde. But tet
patience have ber perfett worke, that ye may be perfect and
sntsre,wanting nothing. os os
5 In prayer and thanksgiving, praying alwayes witha
prayer and [upplication of the Sprit, and watching sbherennto
with all perfeverance, and fupplication for all Saints

—. rey

Simi,
2 Tim.3.13¢

Pal8g7,
Pial.92.12.
1,Pet.2,3,

We mutt

I Theff,3 Id,
Lue.t7, §,

In love, .
I Theff, 3.12,

In merciful:
nefle,

2 Cer.3.7.
.2Ge E.9.ET 6

In ratience,
Jamel qn

Inpraver and
thankes gia
‘ving.

Epb.6. 18.

I Theff. 5.17,

18.

| Thebets of growthin grace... ~ Chap.

| maging: : without: Coahng 5 and in ) ver] thing giving,

“Bie of mange in eee ee
re Chip Telia, snr shofe satis w are sotto mrery

nto Our ewRe COrTUPLICRS.
The Reafons beret re dvee I Becanfe for this end we

meaues Of
fame, 2 ash ang ener by thereok. 6 6 Meira dy in grace
isa vote of th warb?, of far, But the pash of the jaft w

é. what ovat wedoe, thee we in grace

and in the ksewledge of Chrift ? may grow ees
Anfw. 1 We mutt aveyd all thefe things which hinder
chet the fame. 3 We maf afeallthole meanes, which niay fur-

- Touchi the former,there are divers thi ich binder
Our growth in grace, and inthe knowledge of Chrift.as name-
ly. 1 Want otceurage inreffing the temptations of the Di
wih, 2 The love of chisfalfe world. 3 The /ove, liking,
Continuance, intany one particular fiane. 4 The xe 2 ot
bearing, reading, praying, and the esber meanes Of grace,
$ Familiarity with pro perfons. 6 Hypecrife. 7 Spi-
rituall pride, head{trong paffions and affettiens, 9 vaswegle-
rions {elfe conceitedne c ef our owne worth, grace and geod-~
ne ffe, whereunto may bee added contention snd difterd,

together w ich carcelocfe in the performing of holy aw

fies. 7
' Tou.

Ver. 17.Furtherances and fignesofgrowthin grace. gun |

Touching the /eter 5 There are allo divers things which
farther this growth, as namely. 1 A conftant xf of the

Furtheranecs

of grace.
meanes of grace, {uch as ate the preaching of the word, *
reading, meditation, conference, prayer, the fanctification
of the Sabbath, and {uch other, As new borne babes (faith
Seint Peter) defire the fincere milke of the werd, thatyce | * Pet2.2,
may grow thereby, for this caufe we mult endeverr to bee
planted by the rivers of waters, even fetled in thofe places
where the word of God is entifady preached : children
that have good appetites feede wel, and grow accordingly,
fo thall we, bungring after Geds word. 2 A conftane de- 2
pending on God in the »/¢ of the meanes, by whole blefiag .
alone, it becomueth feede unto our feales, whereby wee 4 Cor. 3.6,
grow and insreafe, 3 Acenftant anddaily exercife of thot,
gifts and graces already befewed upon #, not being weary
in well dommg. 4 Humility, God giveth grace to the bum- 4
ble, as the raine defcended upon the valley. 5 A diligent Temn.7.
endeavour and feeking for grace. 6 Communion with Cote a
Corift lefts. 7 An unfained and fervent lewe of grace. ; é. on

Queft. But bow thall we kxew whether or not wet grow 7
in grace and in the knowledge of Chrift?

MAnfw. Wemay know our growth by divers fignes. 1 By Signesof the
our love of graceand ksowledge. 2 By our exdevonr after oraee.
them. 3 By our cftimation of the meanes-wherby to 4t- r
tainethem. 4 By our coufciomable ule of thofe meanes. § 3
By the effed of the fase, humility, fobriety, the feare 3.
of Ged, love of our xcighbours, hatred of this world, ab- 4
ftinence from finne, firments and folidisie in faith, a change 5
and a/terationfrom our former courfe of life and cexverfa- @
tion. Befides, whether (as Davids houfe waxed ftronger | 2 Sam.3.10

and ftronger,. and Sax/s weaker and weaker) doth grace
Overcome sature or not, vertxe vanquith vice? whe-
ther'art thou not feronger in faith, prayer, love, and the
Like, thenberetefere: thou haf beene? Whether thou art | . -
not mere carcfull tcosvoyd finne, more defirous to vanquifo|
thy corruptions, .moresareleffe of the things of this werld, | .
with affured cénfcience, cafting thy {elfe on God ? thole |:
No

ee eee tn

| ,

1) ee The fignes.of growthin grace. Chap.3
alfo being /igwes of the ¢renth in grace.

ob. Objet. But may fome fay, fure I have not grewne

in grace, and in the knowledge of Chriff ef , I made as
great. ew formerly as 1 doexew, ce.

Sef . Anfw, VE thow art an bypecrste, thou haft indeed no
growth in grace, nay, no grace acall; if atrue childe of
God, letthe /xppicien of thy not growing, move thee the wore

to grew,yet may thy /#/pscion be falfe, nothing elfe but thine
owne conceste , for asthecerxe growes , we know not Low,

{o doe Gods Children,
Vie ofRepres| The #fes hereof are partly for reprebenfien,partly for exher-
heafion. é ag b0Ne
a For Reprehenfien, 1. Vatothefe which have no defre of

lob.25.14. | grace, no leve unto knowledge, which fay unto Ged,
depart from ws, we defire net the knowledge of thy wayes,
2. Vnto thofe which thinke they make a great progreffe
in Chriftsansty, if they make fome estward fhew , tho
3 in the meane time they doe qwick/y fall away from
4 fame. 3 Vato thefe which are Sy ebfull lazic, wearte
in well-doing. 4 Vnto thofe which {peake again{t grace
and knowledge, perfecuting {uch as have them, and fee-
king to deprive others of the meanes whereby to attaine
5 them, even the preaching of Gods word, the holy /crip-
2 Chr.28.12. | saves, in a keowne tongue, and the dike. 3 Vito rhofe
which with Abaz, grew worfe and werfe, growing
beadffrong in every jinne, growing more cbfsnate in
drankene fe, whoredome, {wearing and the /ske, of which
minifters Should admonsf> them, and fer which magiftrates
= fhould paw them, left Gods judgements feafe on sm
all. 6 Vato thofe whichfrsve to grow, but not in grace,
it may bee in goods, in greatneffe, in eftimation with the
Vie ofExhers | ¢” of this world , and the dike.
tation, For Exhortation, 1 Let ustrie whether or not wee gro in
z grace: true grace isnot as Hexcksahs funne, which went

King.20 aa backward , or Jofonaes which ftood ftill, bur as the Suxne

Pfal,19.5.3 | Mentioned by David , which sac abride groome comming
ons ofhis chamber, and rejoyceth asa frong wan to ranne
a

ee )

I ler£18; (hrift both now and for ever glorified.

true, all grow, but in their &jude, there is great dif.
Serene betweene the grewth of the gedly and of the wx.
£0alyo SE eae
_ & The grewth of Gods children is natural, in every | edly
part, with uuderflanding, and the like, both ostward and sx-
ward, the wickeds wonfirone, onely in /ome part, as in kwow-
ledge, and the dske, 2 True grace bringeth forth ‘bunsility
as inthe peere Pablicax, whereas the wicked arc vaineglors- | 13
ous and prond,as Jehn, andthe prosd Pharifce. 3 The growth
of grace is wniverfal, yeelding afent and ebedsence unto ak
Gods Commandements, as it was in David, who faid, there-
fore I eficeme al thy precepts, and I hate every falfe way. In
the wicked jt is not fo, as the examples of Hered and Jehu
4-prove, who yeeldeth in/owe things bat not in others. 4 I¢ |
isperfevering, it geet on, and smcreafeth.unto perfellson, |
whereas wicked men, though for a sme they {eeme to grow, |
yet atthe /exgth they decreafe,they fall away.

2 igus make con/eiense ofthis duty; The I[raelits would
have returned unte Egspr, fo let not *f¢ unto fimxe, The ex-
tertioner,V(urer, worldling, and {uch like cormerasts greeve
much, if they grow not yeare/y in wealth, if theit rents and
revenues doe not increaje, how much more we, if we grow
net in grace. Oh that wewould frive-dayly togrow ! that
“| we might not come bebind wosidlings in our dikgence, bur |.
be more eager te in grace, thanthey are togrow in |.
goods, thatour faith now asa fparkle, as a drop, as agraine | '
of muftard{tede,might incres/e into aflame, anecean, an ex- |’
ceeding great tree, fo our other graces grow were and more,
Thus efthe3. _

Concerning the 4. Theclofe or (oxtting up of the whole
Epifile, to bins be glory both now and for ever; Amen. Whence | th
note. ¥ That majefic, power, dominion, and glory, areto be him
Afcribedto Chrift Iefis,the Sonne of God,both Cod. andmanin \'n 5
one perfon. 2 ThatasChrift ss now glorified of Chriftiant-in | po
the Church militant, [o be ss, and fall be bereafter for ever in \

the Church trigmphant, we muft net defraxde him of his
due here, ashe thall not, be defranded of it hereafter. Glory } Chri.
LI ds

is bis; glory heveqairesh tobe afcribed tohim ; g/ory moft.
pan ea be- a bint by af that-wou.d be glerifed. This €XCT a
hee cife muft now be began of us in this Ape, as it {hall be our
1 contimal exertife-ta the bfé-co conic, whereunto we amft
| willingly jerld otis coxfent and approbation, both isward and

ontwar ,

Ties having expesaded thefe Hpifles of S*. Peter nor
moreoredeful fox tho(t it: ba. dayes, than for the/e in curs.
1 conclude with the very werds of my Text, which are an

abridgement ox epitome of the whele, yee therefore beloved,
[teeing ye know thefe things before, beware lef yee alfo bee
ing led away with she crrotr of the wished, fal from

+ your owne fedfafinefic, But grow in grace,

andin the keewledge of our Lord and
Saviewr lefis Chrift:cobine be
glory berh new and fer
UW 0/1188.

-FINIS,

ters. contained in thisBook. -

‘Damnit ion, people ' fearrd ‘in
neede of frequent admoniti-
conssPage 3-4: 137 148. 149.

408,
Adulterie, how dangerous,
358-359. : .
Affettions not to be fet on things below,
467.468, ~ -

Angels, their finne, why little menti-
oned,275. why permitted to fall, 276.
their punithment, 277. 278. How the
good Angels refpect magiftricie, 343.
344.their T5345 -how requifit, 3 46.

aoftahe, an occafion of blafphemie,
256.caules of Apoftafic, 368. the Ay -
fie of falfe Teachers,366. 367. profeffors
prone unto Apoftafic, 3 8 3 -hovy to prevent
Apoftafie, 386. foure remedies againft it,
gor the miferic of backfliders, 536,

Apofile, the notes of a trne Apanles
13.the excellencie of their Apoftlethip,
ibid. Differences betweene the dodtrine of
the Apoftles, and the doétrine of others,
166.567.168.169. the Apofies ainefull
imcheir miniftecie,174. ther doftrine ex-
cellent, profitable, neceflary; 176, the a-
greement of their do@rine.494-

Bataan, ade(cripsion of hum, 369. re-
buked by his Affe,372.

Beaf?,the world full of bealts, 3 50. falfe
Teachers more ith than the very
bruce beatts, 3 48.349.

P Blefings, why God beftoweth his blef-
561, 4

rethren,of three forts,108. .

Bretoerly kindnefle, what it is,77.Réa-
fons entorcing it,ébid.meanes to obtaine ity
78 fignes to Fitcerne it, ibid,

Call. Calling, the cle& effectually called
by Chrift, 3 8.particnlar knowledge of our
effe ull calling poffible,4o.fignes there-
of qr.helpes thereto, ibid. calleth
diverfly,42.calling and eleGion what,to2,
what to make our calling and eleétion
fure, + 03.for whole fake we are to dothe
fame, and after what manner, ibid. parti-
cular afferante thercof required, 104,
how tobe affured thereof, 105.106.107.
the fitneffe of our callings an incitement
to performe the duties thereof, 144.145.
how to know our effetuall callings49r.

Carnalt, {uch cannot judge of | ligion,
424-425.

Charitie, what it1s,78. Reafons infor-
cing it;7.9,meanes to obtaine it ,ibid.fignes
to difcerne it, ibid.

Chri,trae God,the Saviour of the ete,
21.his comming in the let certaine,

both God and man in one perfon, 185.
him God pleafed ich us,387.
2:88 to profi

its comming to jadgement migh-

tily oppofed,423. 423. why its delayed,

437-440.it thall be glorions,46 t.vee muit

waite for ig eomapelics power, domini~
an, and pe ife § unto him,$ 14

Church, the crue Church not hereticalls

Ti mcante, the benefit of Chrifts comp.

nie,192z.conver(ation with the godly hove
proficable, 3 13.

Conver ation, an holy converfation re=
quired in Chriftians,466.

Covetoufue/fe, the ground of herefic,
2§7.2$8.259. the roote of all evill,a60.
376.37 1 how to avoyd it 261.

_ Day, the day of the Lord will come,4 51.
452-453-454.455. bencfits arifing frem
the certainety hereof, 453. it will come
fuddenly, 455.457. why God keepeth
from us the knowledge thercof,457. why
vve ought to watch for it, 458. the confc-
quents chereof, 460. how to haften che
comming hereof,470. yhat thall be donc
hereon,47 1.

Death,afleepe, the univerfality thereof,
157.158. comfort in the death of godly
friends,1 59.1t's aflecpe,426.

Deliveries, meanes of the godlies deli-
Verie;3 14.335.

Deny, how feducers deny Chrift, 342.
Hereticks deniers of him,242.

Diligence, diligence to bee ufed in ger-
ting grace, 3 .why God requires diligence
in che apprehenfion,and application of his
benefits, in our mortification, and in the
increale of (piritwall graces, 64.65.66. re-
quired of miniftcrs, 1 3 6.in Gods children,
48 3.

Divine natere, the godly partakers of
the divine nature,53. what to be under-

food thereby, ibid.

EEA Sywresteht 22...

Doltrise,two Rules whereby to difcerne
of every.do@rine,17 1. the more plaufible,
the more pernicious, 172. the doétrine of
falfe teachers‘ deceivabl:,37 3. the fumme
of the Apoftles Dodtrine, 173. 175. the
do@rine of the Golpel,onely certaine, 409.

\ Deubring ceprehended, 197.

Epicures, a propheticall defcripign of
s4Ibe . -.
Epi fle the occafion,argument,and parts
chi Epiftle,¢. ¢. its canonicall, PC.
that to the Hebrewes S.Peuls,497.

Errour hove to be preferved from errour,
430.435.

Faith,its worth, 16. the caufes, effe&s,
fabje& ,properties obje2,and excellencies
thereof, 16.17. alike precious inall, 18.
obtained through Gods’ providence, 20.
and Chrifts righteou{neffe,23. Ie furthers
both pracé and glory,43. it cannot land
alone,68, increafe thercin required,64. it
with other graces needfull,7e. what jafti-
fying faich 1s, 73. Reafons enforcing it,
ibid.meanes to obtaine it,72.fignes to dif-
cerne it, ibid.

fatlowhat we muft doe having fallen,

3°S.

Falfe Teachers, markes ef chem, 22%.
their {ubtiltie, 23 3.237. their diligence, |.
23 6.c0 be avoyded,2 38.266, The punith-
ment, kindcs,and qualities of falfe Tea-
chers,3 26,327. cunning marchants,263.
theywalke after the fleth,319. they de-
€ goverment, 3 3 4.335: 339.337. pre-

timptuous, 3 39. elpecially referved unto
punithment, 34¢@. their ignorance, 351.
3 § 2.their intemperancie,3 5 3. their hypo-
crifie,3¢4. they are rocks and fpots,355.
their lacivioufneffe,2 $6.3 57. their deccit-
fulnefle, 360.they feduce qthers, 361 their
covcton{nefle, 362. 363. their unhappi-
ncffe, 363. 364, children of curle, 365.
wells without water, 373. they would
feeme what they are not, 378.379. their
da@rine tendeth unto flethly libertie, 3 80.
Paftors {

The Table,

it,7 4.0ne figne to difcerne its ibid. the na-

ture,end, and effcés of true knowledge, .

8 2. hove and what we vaght to know,3 3.
abedience an infallible figne of faving
knowledge, 84. bow it's iurchered, 85.
knowledge why compared to light,88,

finnes of knowledge greater than thole of
ignorance, 393. feverely punsthed,
394-395.

Loar/uffcring, Gods longfufering in-
cites 1 Te raeces 446. ree a token
of his love,449-45°- how Gods langiuf-
fering tendeth unxo falvation, 488,

Love, how to know that we love God,

oO.

” Magifirats, motives to inforce obedi-
encc unto magiftrats.3 37-333.

Aan, his eftare frale and brite. 146.
147.

V lerchasts sthe popifh clergie moft can-
ning merchants ,26 3.264.265.

Mercics, ungodly livers forgetfull of
Gods mercies,,9. forgetfulnefie of them
a great finne 100.

Mentfers, thar calling honorable and
paincfull, 10. an what things minifters
muit manifett themfelves tobe the fer-

; yants of Chrift, 12.motives to incite them
| so performe their fervice, 13. they muit
have aworrant trom Chrift, 14. and bce
the fesvants of Chriit,15. chey mutt noe
be negligent in their calling, 134.135.
cheir workes a daily worke,179.138. the
duty required of them an incitement unto
pcople tu performe theus, 141. the loffe

| of a faiehfull minifter what a judgement it
is, 152.15 3.when they muft be moit pain-
ful!,155.carefulneffe required in thei for

: their peoples future good. 160.161.(care-
{ lefnetie pur for their carefulnefle I pray
ou amend it, they are to preach nothing

t Gods truth,170. they mult love their
pcople,40 5. every way endevour for thesr
coud,406. inuft be panefull and difcreet,

4°7-

Mortification how ne cdfuil,S2.d:fficule,
ibid.other graces to be added thereunto,6 3 .
Multitude multitude of finners exempteth
not from punifhmenc, 280.why,281. the
example or the multitude infafficient, 28 3.
Name what ule to make of our names ,7.

Nozh,meanes of his prefervation,291.

Ojfce, the cheefelt offices of the Church
are for the fervice thereof, 15.

Patiesce, what it is,75. Reafonstoin-
force it, thid. meanes to obtaine it, 76.
fignes to di(cerne it ,tbid.who deipife Gods
patience, 493.

Peace, peace of confcience where it is,
29. peace required of Chriitians, 475.
476. how to beat peace wth God, 477.
with our neighbours,47 9. with our ownc
con{ciences. 480. how to dicerne found
peace of confcience,48 1.482.483.

Pertjb why (o many perith, 489.

Peter, his diligence in the execution
Orhis miniteriall f@in@Qson,2.5. why he i
prefixeth his name, 8. and mentioncth |

har he was the tervant of Chrift,9.

_ Perfeverssce, the certainty of the
Suunts pericverance,110.111. frem God, !
112, 113. from Chiilt.t14. the holy
Ghoft,115. the word of God, 116. the
children of God, ibid, obje&ions anfwe-
red,118. profitable ufes thereof, 119.120.
how to pericverc incoodnefle, 272. not
every proicflor a perfeverer, 38 ©. perfeve-
rance a note of Gods children, 382.333.
required in weldocrs, 382.perfeverz nec in
godlines hard, so 2.the happinefie of pei fe-
\erers,505. Gods word inates thereunto,
597.

Pleafures, lawfall pleafure, noe tobe

foughe after with all diligence ,64.

Pollurioas, the pollutions of the world
how dangerous, 399.391. how to efcape
them, 3y2.

Preachers the (peciallfervants of Chrift,
y. they are tocake notice of fale teachers
and give warning of them,224.225.

| or-|

Preferve, God can preferve his owne |

in the midit of danger ,290. .

Promifes, many promifes beftowed on
the godly 4.5. God the giver of them ,ébid.
diverfly confirmed, 46. differences be-
tweenc them and mens promifes ,#b/d. the
divers kinds of them,47. differences be-
tyveene them, 48. the comfortable ule of
} them, ibid. hove God performeth them,

49. on whom beftowed, zbid. why be- -

ftowed. 50. they are moft great and preci-
ous, ibid. through whole meanes beitow-
ed, 51. comfortable cnds of them, 5 2.what
they aflure us of,55. they are an efpeciall
helpe againft flethly luits, 58.59.

P falmes, the 4. verfe of the 90. Pfalme
expounded, 438,439.

Puaifo ment, God dealeth differently in
punifhing the godly and ungodly ,270. no
excellencie in us exempts from punifh-
ment, 27 4.finne the cate of punifhment,
284. fellow finners partakers in punith-
Ment,292.29 3.

Relap/e, Relapfes in fiane how e-
TOUS, 3 mf how to prevent them, 3 ra

Renevation,required,47 4.

Reveale,to whom God cheefely revea-
leth him(elfe, 177.

Rigoteous, the Godly why fo ter-
med,307.marks of a righteous man, 3v8.
how to become righ:cous,47 2.

Rome, Romes filthy uncleanneffe, 3 30.
331. )
Ssints,their future perfe&ion,2 10.

Scag rs, divers forts of them, 415. Pa-
pifts (coffers of God,4.16.thefe lait dayes
mof peftered with them, 417.418. they
walke after their owne lufts, 419. their
hearts filled therewith, 421 ,flaves chere-
unto, ibid.

Scriptures the Scriptures require enter-
‘pretation,213.no¢ made by man,21§. per~
te&,216.God the author of them, 217. to
bee ‘imbraced, 220. wherein eafie, and
wherein hard, 499.500.

Seduce, the danger of mem [educed,

$03.
Service difficulties ia performing Gods
ferviceobje€ted and anfwered, 123.123.
God furthereth his owne children in the
performance thercof, 24.125.
Sinae,man naturally defiled cherewvich
92.93.Chrifts blood the onely meanes to
purge its95. whotruly clenfed therefrom [

7.
? Sodome, vwhat the Sodomits finnes vrere f-
2y6.the prcatnefle of them,297. bow pa-
pi dally (pititaall chings belong eo |

Spirifuall, {piti ings to
Gods ‘children, 25. they are the ‘belt
things ,27. whar temperance is,7 4.reafons
to inforce it, ibid. meanes to obtaine it,7 §.
Giznes to difcerne it,itéd.

T emptations, (everall forts of them, 316.
317. the godly fubje@& to them, 318. why
{ubje@, 319.320. how needfull chat ehe
Lord thould know howto deliver them
out of them, 3 21.

Teffament , the agreement betwreene
the old and new Teftament, 194.195.

Truth, ther's but one uth, 139. the
do&rine of the Apoftles moft certaine and
true, 179.

Vertue wat it is,7 2. reafons to inforce
it, ibid,meanes to obeaine it,7 3. fagnes to
difcerne it ibid.

Uncleasneffe, mans naturall unclean-
neffe univerfall 44,

Ungodly, their converfation filty, 3¢9.
their wayes vexe the godly. 310. dange-
soe aoe with them, 32%. ed
unto ment, 324.325.

Univer fality, notcs of univerfality how
to be reftrained, 441. well doers to be ene
couraged, 199,200,201,

Well-doers, who they are that cannot
continue in welldaing 387.388.

W ord, is to be obeyed whilft God con-
tinucth the preaches thereof, 150. 1§ 1
254.15 §. the certainety and truth chere--

pM, 350.357, 165.-how to keepe it in
hiade,162z.continuance thereof a pledge
,of Geds love, 163, how to heare it,1y0.

its infallidly erue,-196. perfeverance in
hearing and readinz thereof required, 202,

203, a thining lizht, 205, 206. excelling
light,208, the perfpicuicy thereof, 312.

. . i

pPofcle .
om sew eH we

te Py Soy
-_— 8 f "e ~F
Seas aL i

The Table sot : .

vehat ufe to bee made thereof, to1. -

: . - 4 ° Be FP

ER Sener AeSREI RI ee te othe ye ee meee aE cee eee
wa fF ad

} te
, .

> oer oP ‘ .
fd ; ~ tue 44.0... s™%

rpindefulneffs thereof reqrq * S410. 411-
a prefervative againftevill, 429. the word-
profitable for all,495-

World, the old worlds finnes, 285.
how God created the world, 434.435.
the world fall be deitroyed, 436, the cer-
tainty of the worlds diffolution, 464. our
finnes the caufe thereof,465,

14 ~ a >»

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Full text of "An exposition vpon the second Epistle generall of Saint Peter ..."

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