Christian constancy crovvned by Christ A funerall sermon on Apocalyps 2.10. preached at the buriall of M. VVilliam Winter, citizen of London; together with the testimonie then giuen vnto him. By Thomas Gataker, B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.

CHRISTIAN CONSTANCIE crowned by CHRIST . APOCALYPS 2.10 .

Be thou faithfull vnto death , and I will giue thee a crowne of life .

IT shall be needlesse to make stay vpon any curious Analysis , either of this whole Chapter in generall , or in particular of that Epistle , whereof my Text is a parcell . It containeth an entire Sentence of it selfe , and may well therefore be handled by it selfe .

They are the words of our Sauiour to the Angell or a a Frustra est 〈◊〉 Origenes , qui de Spiritibus coelestibus interpretatur 〈◊〉 Luc. h●m . 13. & 3● Pastor of the Church b b Vers. 8. of Smyrna : and they diuide themselues into two parts , Parts 2. a precept . a promise .

Precept . The precept is in those words , Be thou faithfull vnto death :

Promise . The promise in those , And I will giue thee a crowne of life . Part 1.

Branches 2. There is the worke in the one ; the reward or wages in the other . 1. Dutie .

2. Stint , In the precept we may obserue , Extent . 1. The dutie required , fidelitie or faithfulnesse : Be thou faithfull : Part 2. and Branches 2. 2. The stint , or extent of it ; Vnto death .

1. Giuer . In the promise likewise we may consider , 2. Gift . 1. The giuer ; Christ : I will giue thee . Part 1. 2. The gift ; a Crowne ; and that of life .

Branch 1. For the first branch , the dutie required or enioyned ; Dutie . Be faithfull . The word faithfull , is ambiguous , Fidelitie . and may be taken two waies ; and in a twofold sense is it giuen to the godly . For as the word c c 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Faith is taken sometime for credulitie , Faith twofold . Creduli●ie , Confidence . and sometime for fidelitie ; sometime for trust , and sometime for trustinesse ; sometime for confidence in another , and sometime for faithfulnesse to another : In the former sense it is taken in those phraeses so vsuall ; d d Act. 24.25 . Faith in Christ , and e e Act. 3.16 . Faith in his Name : Fidelitie . Faithfulnesse . In the latter sense it is taken in those words of our Sauiour , f f Matth. 23.23 . You neglect iudgement , mercy , and faith , or fidelitie ; and in those of the Apostle , g g Tit. 2.10 . Let seruants shew all faith ( that is ,

Faithfull two waies .

In regard of Beliefe and Confidence .

faithfulnesse ) to their Masters . So Gods Saints and seruants are termed h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . faithfull in a twofold respect : sometime in regard of their faith ; that is , their beliefe and confidence in Christ : i i Iohn 20.27 . Be not faithlesse , but faithfull ; saith our Sauiour to Thomas : And , k k 2 Cor. 6.15 . What part hath the faithfull with the Infidell ? In regard of Fidelitie and Faithfulnesse . saith the Apostle ; that is , the beleeuer with the vnbeleeuing . Sometime in regard of their fidelitie and faithfulnesse vnto Christ : l l Matth. 24.45 . Who is a wise and a faithfull seruant ? saith our Sauiour . And , m m 1 Cor. 7.27 . I haue receiued mercie of God , to be faithfull ; ●aith the Apostle : which of the former n n Non quia ●ram , sed ut essem , ne meritum fidei Dei misericordiam praeveniat . Aug. de grat . & lib. arb. c. 6. & 14. & de praedest . sanct. c. 2. & 3. De fide iustificante intelligens . some mis-expound . In this latter sense ( as I take it ) is the word here to be taken . For so is Antipas o o 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , contractum ex 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : sicut 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Lucius , Lucas . Ar●emidorus , Artemas . Numerius , Numas , &c. vise Var. de ●ing . Lat. l. 7. & Scalig. ad Catul. a little after termed p p Vers. 13. Christs faithfull Martyr : and what is here said of being faithfull to death , is in the next Epistle called , q q Vers. 26. the keeping of his workes to the end .

So that the Point then of Instruction that wee obserue hence , Mea●ing . Point I. is this ; that

Fidelitie or faithfulnesse is required of all Christians .

Faith in Christ must be seconded with faithfulnesse vnto Christ . As we must haue Faith in him , so we must keepe Faith to him . For r r Apoc. 14.17 . those that are with him , are s s 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . elect , called , and faithfull . And as some in this Booke are commended in this kinde for their t t Ver. 19. C. 14.12 patience and faith : so some are said elsewhere , to be condemned , for breaking their faith , to wit , formerly plighted vnto him .

Now that we may the better conceiue , Necessitie of Fidelitie . and see the necessitie hereof : Reason 1.

1. Consider we what tearmes of relation there are betweene Christ and vs . Fidelitie and loyaltie is in more speciall manner required u u Prou● . 17 Ho●● . 3.3 . Ier. 3.20 . in the Wife toward the Husband ; and in x x Tit. 2.10 . the Seruant and Subiect toward his Master , his leige Lord , and his Soueraigne . But y y Ephes. 5.23 . Christ is our Husband , our Head , and euery Christian soule is his Spouse : z z Hosh. 2.19 , 20. I haue espoused thee vnto me , saith he , in mercie and in fidelitie . Hee is a a 1 Cor. 8.6 . our Lord and b b Matth. 23.8 . Master : c c Iohn 13.13 . You call me Lord and Master ; saith he , and you say well ; for so I am . We ought therefore to beare all loialtie ▪ to shew d d 1 Cor. 4.1 , 2. 1 Pet. 4.10 . all fidelitie and faithfulnesse vnto him . I might adde , that as Christ is Gods , so e e 1 Cor. 6.19 , 20. wee are Christs . f f 1 Cor. 3.23 . You are Christs , saith the Apostle , and Christ is Gods . As Christ therefore is to God , so should we be to Christ . But * * Heb. 4.2 . Christ was faithfull in all things to God his Father : and g g Vt enim i●se fidelis est in reddendo , ita fidelem exigi● de promisso , Chrysost. nom . de fide , spe , char. faithfull therefore should we bee likewise in all things to him . Hee was faithfull to God for vs : and so should we also be for him .

Reason 2. 2. The faith that must saue vs , must be h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 1 Tim. 1.5 . 2. Tim. 1.5 . faith vnfained . But faith seuered from fidelity , is no faith , but a meere fancie . i i Fides enim ab eo dicitur , quia id fit quod dicitur . Ex Cicer. de repub. l. 4. offic. l. 1. & ad Tir●n . ep . 10. Nonius de propr . serm. Aug. de mend . c. 20. & ad Hieron . ep . 6. Herv . in Rom. 7. Haimo ibid. 1. & 5. Ergo ubi non fit quod dicitur , non est fides . Petr. Cant. de ver. abbrev . c. 7. Faith without faithfulnesse is a false , a counterfeit faith ; like k k 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plut. de ●●ulat . Copper coine that hath the lustre , but not the worth of good Gold . It is l l Infidelis quaedam fiducia . Bern. de temp. 50. a faithlesse faith , saith Bernard ; and a trust without truth , ( * * Ierem. 7.8 . You trust in a lie ; saith Ieremie ; ) whereby men expect that God should keepe couenants with them , when they haue no care to keepe the like with him . Rabsakehs Argument against Ezekiah had beene good , if his words of Ezekiah had beene true . Little cause could Ezekiah haue m m Esai 36.7 . to trust in God , had he taken downe his high places , and demolished his altars .

Reason 3. 3. When we surcease to keepe faith with God , we free him from performance of his promises to vs . For howsoeuer it be true indeed that the Apostle saith , n n 2 Tim. 2.13 . Though we bee vnfaithfull , or , though o o 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Vide notas Piscat . we distrust , rather ; yet doth God abide faithfull ; nor can he deny himselfe . p p Rom. 3.3 . Mans distrust or incredulitie cannot annull his fidelitie . And it is a deuillish position that the Romanists hold , and such as cutteth asunder the very si●ewes of humane societie : that q q Fidem cum haereticis non esse servandam . Videantur quae ex Simanch . institu● . catholic . habentur in . Thesib . Romano-Cathol . à D. Thom ▪ Mort●no editis . & in Alex . Cookes More worke for a Masse-Priest , num. 7. Faith is not to bee held with Heretikes . For euen r r Etiam infideli rectè servatur fides . Taxatq●e Cic. offi● . l. 3. Atrei illud apud Accium . Neque do infideli , neque dedi , cuiquam fidem . with the vnfaithfull is faith to bee held . Howsoeuer , I say , we may not s s 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plut. in Lysand. & Aemyl . play the Creetes with Cretians ; that is , lie and dissemble , because others so doe : nor in regard of any mans wickednesse or vngodlinesse otherwise , hold our selues discharged of such t t Gen. 21.32 . & 26.28 , 29. & 31.44 , 53. bonds and couenants as we stand obliged in vnto him . Yet where agreements betweene parties are founded and grounded on conditions or couenants ( for I stand not now on the precise distinction of Law-tearmes ) to be mutually and enterchangeably performed on either side , u u Frustra sibi fidem quis postulat ab eo seruari , cui fidem à se praestitam servare recusat . Bonifac. PP. in 6. reglur . 75. Frangenti fidem fides frangatur eidem . Fidem frangenti l●citum est fidem frangere . Petr. Fous reg. Iur. ff. de inoffic . testam . Quanquam hoc revera non est fidem fallere . he that in such case breaketh first , doth thereby free the other partie . Nor is it any vnfaithfulnesse therefore in God , ( whose promises of life and saluation are so conditionall ) to denie to make his promises good vnto those , Reason 4. that haue no care to keepe touch with him . x x Heb. 8.9 . They kept not couenant with mee , and I regarded not them : saith the Lord .

4. As there is nothing among men generally more odious , than falshood in friendship ; infidelitie in those that wee are in league and amitie withall : y y Viri f●●deris tui praevaricati sunt . Obad. 7. Thy confederates , saith the Prophet , haue dealt treacherously with thee . And , x x Ps. 55.12 , 13 , 14. It was not a profest enemy , saith Dauid , that did me this wrong : for then could I well haue brooked it : but it was thou , my guide , my companion , my sworne brother ; as we say . So there is nothing that God taketh to heart more , or can worse endure , than y y Esay 24.5 . Ier. 3.20 . & 5.23 . & 11.10 , 11. disloialtie and breach of couenants in those that bee in league with him . z z Ierem. 34.17 , 18. Those , saith hee , that haue violated the couenant which they solemnly made with me , when they a a Ritus , qualis ille Genes. 15.9 , 10 , 17. cut the calfe in twaine , and passed betweene the two sides of it ; I proscribe them to the famine , the sword , and the plague ; and their carkases shall lie rotting aboue ground vnburied . b b Eccles. 5.5 . Better not to make couenant with God at all , than to make , and not keepe .

Vse 1. Examination . From hence then may wee learne how to trie and examine the sinceritie , and the soundnesse of our Faith . c c 2 Cor. 13.5 . Trie your selues , saith the Apostle , whether you be in the Faith : whether you bee sound or d d 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . vnsound . ( The word would not be translated reprobates , as we commonly vse that tearme . ) Here is a Touchstone to trie it by . If our Faith and Confidence in Christ be accompanied with fidelitie and faithfulnesse vnto Christ : if we be carefull as well to obserue what hee requireth of vs , as to expect what he promiseth . It is e e 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysostom . in 1. Cor. hom . 2. Fides Deum indiuiduat . the Nature of Faith , saith Chrysostome , to single out God ; to make him as Thomas speaketh , f f Iohn 20.28 . My Lord , and my God : and as to single out God himselfe , so to apply his promises in particular to the faithfull partie : g g Galat. 2.20 . Who hath loued me , saith the Apostle , and giuen himselfe for me . But wee must know withall , that true Faith is carefull as well to apply Gods * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . precepts , as his “ “ 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . promises . h h Psal. 27.8 . When thou saist , Seeke my face ; my soule answereth thee againe , Thy Face , Lord , will I seeke . Yea , to that end saith Chrysostome , doth the Apostle make that particular application of Gods grace and goodnesse to himselfe , * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. ad Stelech . & in Gen. hom. 34. to imply thereby his owne particular engagement to God for it . And it is no true Faith that regardeth not the one as well as the other . Hence it is , that it is said of some , that g g 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Act. 6.7 . they became obedient to the faith : and of the Romanes , that h h Rom. 6.17 . they had from the very heart obeyed the forme of Doctrine deliuered vnto them : or ( if you will ) i i 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . that they were bound vnto . Who are commended also more than once for their k k 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Rom. 1.5 . & 16.26 . obedience of faith , or their faithfull obedience . Which faithfull obedience is a sure note of sound faith ; nor can it be true faith where such obedience is wanting . Then may wee know our Faith to be sound and sincere , when our faith in Christ breedeth and produceth in vs a faithfulnesse vnto Christ , a carefulnesse to please him , l l Rom. 8.9 , 14. Galat. 2.20 . & 5.25 . a willingnesse to obey him , to be guided and ruled by him .

But alas , Vse 2. Conuiction . how many will bee found , to haue no true faith , who yet make profession of Faith , if they be brought to this Touchstone , if they come to this triall . Euery one is ready to say with him in the Gospell , m m Mark . 6.24 . I beleeue , Lord . But , n n 2 Thess. 3.2 . All men , saith the Apostle , haue not faith . No : all haue not Faith , that make profession of Faith . How appeareth that , may some say ? Surely , because as the same Apostle saith else-where , o o Rom. 10.17 . All obey not the Gospell : p p 2 Thess. 1.8 . all obserue not the rules of it . For how many professe the faith of Christ , that yet are wholly q q Ephes. 4.18 . Philip. 3.18 , 19. Rom. 16.18 . Christum l●ngua si crepat , cum vita neget , non est fides , sed hypocrisis . Cypriani nomine de dupl . martyr . estranged from the life of Christ ? How many thousands ( millions , I might say ) bee there , that hauing giuen vp their names vnto Christ , and made solemne vowes and couenants in Baptisme with him , neuer so much as once thinke on ( much lesse haue any care of performing or making good ) those solemne vowes and promises that then they made , the bonds they entred into in their Baptisme ? And how are they Christians that keepe no faith with Christ ? And yet will such be counted Christians as well as the best : and are readie enough to vaunt of , and presume on their Christendome , as if r r Ita quidam omnibus fidem Christianam etiam cum mala vita tenentibus salutem promittebant : teste Aug. de Ciuit. l. 21. c. 21. in regard thereof they were sure to doe well . But , to omit that this their confidence , is like that before touched vpon of the Iewes , which s s Ierem. 7.8 . the Prophet telleth them , should neuer stand them in stead : I would gladly know of some such , what it is that maketh him a Christian. My faith , peraduenture thou wilt say , Vse 3. Admonition . in Christ . Yea , but that Faith , as hath beene shewed , that is not accompanied with faithfulnesse , is no true , it is but a false and a counterfeit faith : Nor can a false and a counterfeit faith make ( at the best , and the most ) but a counterfeit Christian ; t t Christiani nomine , non vita , non moribus . Aug. in Psal. 30. a Christian in Name , but not in deed .

If therefore we desire u u Aliud est enim esse quod diceris , aliud dici quod non ●s . Chrysost. n●m . de sp● , fid. char. Quid autem proderit appellari quod non es ? quid nomen prodest , ubi res non est ? Aug. in 1. Ioan. 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Di●n . Chrys●st . orat. 38. to be counted what we are called , let vs approue the sinceritie of our faith in Christ by our fidelitie and faithfulnesse vnto Christ . If we desire to haue benefit by our faith in him , let vs be carefull to keepe our faith with him . If we looke that he should keepe couenants with vs , let vs be sure that we keepe couenant with him . x x Psal. 25.10 . All the waies of God are mercy and truth , saith the Psalmist , but to whom ? to those that keepe his Couenant and his Testimonies . And , y y Psal. 103.18 . The mercy of God is for euer and euer , vpon those that keepe Couenants with him , and that thinke vpon his Commandements to doe them . But it is an vnequall thing for vs , to expect that he should keepe couenants with vs , when we haue no care to keepe the like with him . An vnreasonable thing were it for z z Hosh. 2.5 , 8 , 9. a Wife to require meanes of maintenance from her Husband , when she liueth disloially , and keepeth with another man : or for a Seruant to expect the Wages couenanted from his Master , when he keepeth no couenants at all with his Master , when he refuseth to doe his worke . Nor haue they any reason to expect Life from Christ , when they die , that haue no care to keepe Faith with Christ , Branch 2. Extent . while they liue .

But how long must this faithfulnesse of ours be continued ? * * Non ad annum , vel ad tempus , sed in aeternum divino te mancipasti famulatui . Bern. epist. 254. Not for a day or two ; as some formally would seeme to obserue it , when they repaire to Gods board once a yeere ; no , nor for a yeere or two onely ; but , as in the mutuall plighting of Faith in Wedlocke it is wont to be said , a a Rom. 7.2 . 1 Cor. 7.39 . till death vs doe part ; so long as life lasteth , vnto death , * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Clem. Alex. in protraept . to the last gaspe : as it is afterward expounded , b b Vers. 25. vntill I come ; c c Vers 26. vnto the end .

Christian fidelitie must continue to the last . Point 2.

So Dauid , d d Psal. 119.112 . I haue applied mine heart to fulfill thy statutes alwaies , euen to the end . And , e e Hebr. 3.6 . His house we are , if we hold fast the confidence , and the reioycing of hope to the end : and , f f Heb. 3.14 . we are partakers of him , ( or , g g 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , ut Cap. 1.9 . h. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Rom. 8.17 . socij . consortes . Piscat . fellow-heires with him ) if we keepe firme h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : quae 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 esse dicitur , cap. 11.1 . Idem . principium autem sive initium fidei , i. quam profiteri c●pimus , & qua initiati sumus fide . the confidence begun in vs to the end . And looke what is there said of our confidence in , the same is required in our faithfulnesse vnto Christ , in i i Vers. 26. the keeping of his workes ; that must also be to the end . For euen one branch it is also of * * Psal. 44.17 , 18. our Faith vnto Christ , Necessitie of Perseuerance to hold fast our faith in Christ , and the profession of it , against all oppositions , and all opposites whatsoeuer .

Now as the necessitie before of this fidelitie , so the necessitie of such constancie and continuance may appeare ; Reason 1. if we shall consider , that

1. k k Non perseuerare cultus est mutilus . Bern. epist. 24 & 165. & de temp. 56. Not to perseuere is a curtailed sacrifice ; a maimed seruice , and such as God therefore will not accept of . l l Leuit. 22.21 , 22. No maimed beast might be presented for sacrifice . That that was offered to God must haue both m m Psal. 69.31 . horne and hoofe : yet it must not want so much as the taile : for n n Leuit. 3.9 . the taile-peece by name is in the sacred Rituals disposed of . It being thereby intimated , say o o Caudam hostiae offerre praecipimur , ut omne bonum quod incepimus , etiam perse●eranti sine compleamus . Greg. mor. l. 1. c. 40. Bene immolat , qui sacrificium boni operis ad finem perducit . Idem in Euang. 25. Caput cum cauda offerri jubetur , quia sine perseuerantia nihil placet . Rad. Ardens . in 1.40 ● . some of the Ancients , that no holy course of life is accepted , if it be not concluded and closed vp with a good end .

2. p p Indicium maximum est malae mentis st●ctuatio . Sen. epist. 120. Inconstancie and instabilitie is an Argument of vnsoundnesse and insinceritie . q q Prou. 17.17 . A friend , saith Salomon , loueth for euer . And , r r 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Aristot. rhet . l. 2. c. 21. & Eudem . l. 7. c. 2. Non est amicus jugiter qui non amat . Amicitia quae aliquando desmere potuit , nunquam vera fuit . Martin . Dum. de morib . ex Aug. ad Iulian. Com. de poen . d. 2. Hee was neuer a true Friend , saith the Heathen man , that euer ceaseth to be a Friend . Reason 2. In like manner , those that be true-hearted to God , will keepe constantly with him . s s Psal. 78.8 , 10 , 37 , 57. Nor were they euer sincere and vpright with him , that euer leaue and giue ouer their loialtie vnto him . Reason 3.

3. * * Christus perseveravit pro te . Tu ergò pro illo perseveres . Bern. de temp. 56. & de ●on . deser. Ibi tu figas cursus tui metam , ubi Christus posuit suam . Idem . ep. 254. Christ perseuered for vs ▪ and therefore ought we to perseuere for him . Such a Friend was he to vs , as Salomon describeth . t t Iohn 13.1 . Whom he once loued , saith the Euangelist , he loued them to the last . Hee was not u u Heb. 12.2 . the Beginner onely , but the Finisher of our saluation . He held out to the last gaspe , till x x Consummatum est . Iohn 19.30 . all were consummated , till all were done that was to be done for the full effecting and the finishing of it .

4. It is a Rule in the Ciuill Law , Reason 4. that a a Factum no● dicitur , quod non perseverat . Pet. Fon● Reg. Iur. it is as nothing that holdeth not . Yea that , b b Nihil dicitur fuisse factum , quamdiu aliquid agendum superest . Ibid. ex Cod. Iustin. Incassum bonum agitur , si ante terminum vitae deseratur . Greg. m●r . l. 2. c. 40. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Basil. Cas. hom. 5. Nothing is held done , because all that is done is as good as nothing , as not done , as long as ought remaineth to bee done . * * Testamentum 〈◊〉 perfectum fuerit , nullum est . Gloss. ad Grat. de poen . d. 3. ex Cod. Iustin. A will vnfinished is no will : a deed , vnlesse it bee signed , sealed , and deliuered , is no deed . In a Lease made vpon condition of diuers Acts , either successiuely to be done , or yeerely to be reiterated , if all but one be done , and that onely omitted , or all be obserued for many yeeres together , but default then be once made , c c Nisi totum soluatur , nihil soluitur . Neque enim absolutus est debitor , qui multa reddit , sed qui omnia Greg. Mor. l. 22. c. 6. that one faile , or once failing , is enough to make all the rest of no effect , and to cause a forfeiture of the whole .

5. * * Cedunt prima postremis . Tacit. Annal. l. 13. Vltima primis cedunt . Bern. de pass. Dom. c. 14. The former part of our life yeeldeth vnto the latter : Reason 5. and d d Vita posterior priori praeiudicat . Hieron . ad Furiam . the latter part of our life carrieth it away from the former . e e Ezech. 18.21 , 22. If the wicked man , saith God , returne from his wicked courses , all his former iniquities shall be forgotten , and shall be mentioned no more . And on the other side , f f Ibid. 24. Neque enim ex praeteritis , sed ex praesentibus judicantur . Hieron . in Ezech. c. 26. vides profunda oblivione sepeliri , quae perseuerantia non insignivit . Bern. de grad. obed. If the righteous man , saith hee , giue ouer his good courses ; all the righteous deeds that hee hath done shall doe him no good ; but for the euill that then hee doth , shall he die . Reason 6.

6 g g Terminus ad quem dat appellationem . Non quaeruntur in Christianis initia vel exord●a , sed finis & perseverantia . Paulus male co●pit , sed benè finivit . Iudas benà coepit , sed malè finivit . Ex Hieron . Bern. ad sororem . c. 20. The end of each thing is all in all . h h Psal. 37.37 . Marke the end of the iust man . And , i i Psal. 73.17 . I saw the end of these men . It is that that maketh or marreth all . * * Cu●us finis bonus est , ipsum quoque bonum est . Bern. in Psal. 91. ser. 17. Euerie thing , we say , is well , that endeth well . And indeed , k k H. Smith on Psal. 90.12 . Tota vita discendum est mori . Sen. de brev. vit. c. 7. the maine end and aime of our whole life , should be this , to make a good end of our life ; to put a good conclusion to it , l l 2 Pet. 3.14 . that we may be found then holy and vnblameable in peace .

7. m m Perseverantia sola virtutum coronatur . Bern. epist. 32. & 109. & 129. & 353. & de 〈◊〉 . 56. & 114. It is perseuerance alone that carrieth away the Crowne . Vnlesse we be faithfull to death , there is * * Finis , non p●gna , corona● . Id●m . de pass. Dom. c. 14. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Themistocles . Plut. apoph . no Crowne of life for vs . Reason 7. n n Heb. 12.1 . Christianitie is compared to a race . o o 1 Cor. 9.24 . In a race , saith the Apostle , all that runne , win not . Those onely get the Garland that get first to the Goale . But in this spirituall Race , saith Chrysostome , p p Non qui primus ven●●●t , sed quicunque pervenerit . Chrys. nomine de fide , spe , char. tom. 4. not he that commeth first , but each one that holdeth out to the last , is crowned . q q Matth. 24.13 . Marke 13.13 . Non qui ●●perit , sed qui perseveraverit . Bern. de grad. 〈◊〉 . Non in hoantibus , sed p●rseverantibus praemium promittitur . Isidor . de sum . bon. l. 2. c. 7. Nec coepisse , vel facere , sed profi●ere virtutis est . Hier. Gloss. ad Matt. 10. He that perseuereth to the end , shall be saued . r r Galat. 3.4 . He that doth not , loseth all that hee hath done . s s 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Basil. Caes. hom . 5. Nec ad bravium victoriae pervenit , qui in magna parte sp●ctaculi velociter currit , si juxta metas veniens , in hoc quod reliquum est , deficit . Greg. mor. l. 22. c. 6. Comming but a foot short , may make a man misse the prize , and lose the wager he ran for . As t t 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Basil. Caes. ibid. Nec ad quaelibet des●●nata loca pergentibus ●nch●●ndo pr●desset longum iter carpere , si non etiam totum valerent consummare . Greg. ibid. in iournying also , a man doth but lose all his labour , Reason 8. if he get not to his iournies end .

8. * * Deus aeter●us : praemia aeterna . Quid levitati & aetern●tati ? Aug. God himselfe is eternall , from whom wee expect our reward : and the reward that we looke for , is it selfe also euerlasting . But what hath leuitie and inconstancie , saith Augustine , to doe with eternitie ? u u Aeternitatis ●maginem perseverantia prae se fert . Sola est cui aeternitas redditur . Bern. de consider . l. 5. Our fidelitie must therefore hold out to the last , if we desire to haue an euerlasting reward . Yea most equall it is , that we continue to the end , if we looke to enioy that x x Gaudium in fine , sed gaudium sine fine . Id●m de divers . 19. ioy and blisse in the end , that shall be without end .

And , Vse 1. Information . is it so then , that without such perseuerance nothing in this kinde is auaileable ? How miserable then and deplorable is the stare of those that with Ephesus , a a Apoc. 2.4 , 5. forsake their first loue ; that with the Galatians , b b Galat. 5.7 . run well a while , but then c c Frusta velociter currit , qui priusquam ad metas venerit , deficit . Greg. mor. l. 2. c. 40. giue ouer ; that d d Galat. 3.3 . begin in the spirit , and end in the flesh ; that e e Luke 9.62 . Retro post aratrum aspicit , qui post exordia boni operis ad mala revertitur quae dorel ▪ quit . Gre. in Ezech. 1. hom. 6. put their hand to Gods plough ▪ and then looke backe againe , as f f Luke 17.32 . Gen. 19.26 . Lots Wife did toward Sodome ; that with Demas , g g Coloss. 4.14 . Phil●m . 24. follow Paul a while ; but then h h 2 Tim. 4.10 . leaue him againe to embrace the world ; that i i 2 Pet. 2.20 , 21 , 22. hauing escaped the defilements of the flesh , and the world , by the acknowledgement of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , doe afterward turne away from the holy Commandement , and returne k k 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Prou. 26.11 . like Dogges to their vomit , to their former filth , and l l 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ●ambus est , & poeticum spirat . like swine after washing to the wallowing againe in the mire ? They are not onely in as bad ca●e as before , ( and yet were m m Ephes. 2.1 , 2 , 3. & 4.17 , 18. that bad enough ) but in worse case now than euer . n n 2 Pet. 2.20 . Matt. 12.45 . Their latter estate , saith St Peter , is worse than their first was .

Vse 2. Admonition . And let it admonish vs therefore o o Vers. 25. Chap. 3.11 . to hold fast what we haue ; p p Acts 11.23 . to cleaue vnto God with full purpose of heart ; and q q Hebr. 6.11 . vse all diligence , to keepe firme our assurance of hope to the end . For as it were better for vs neuer to haue entred into Couenant with God , than to make Couenants with him , and not to keepe them : So * * Ille plus delinquit , qui interruptam causam dimittit , quam qui nunquam ad illam perveni● . Bromyard in oper. trivio ex Authent . collat. 8. de Litig . it had beene better for vs neuer to haue made shew of obseruing them , if at any time after we cease and giue ouer the obseruation of them againe . And therefore r r 2 Pet. 3.17 . seeing that wee know these things , saith S. Peter ; since that we see and haue heard what s s Ing●us praeiculum ad deteriora redeundi . Sen. ep. 72. Iohn 5.14 . Gravius aegrotant , qui cum levati morbo viderentur , in eum de integro incidunt . C●c . famil . l. 12. ep. 30. the danger of it is , let vs take heed lest we be drawne away by the error of the wicked ; and so fall from our stedfastnesse and our faithfulnesse to our Lord Christ Iesus .

And because , as Gregorie saith , t t Quid ista proderit praenosse , si non contingat evadere ? Greg in Euang. 36. it is to little purpose for vs , to be informed how dangerous it is , if wee be not taught how to preuent the danger : It shall not be amisse to adde some few Rules for the furthering of vs vnto perseuerance in those religious courses that either we are to enter , or are in some measure entred into already .

Rules for Furtherance . Meanes of Perseuerance .

Meanes 1.

Wouldst thou therefore continue faithfull to Christ thy Master , and hold out in thy Christian course to the end ?

1. Enter with resolution . a a Luke 14.28 , 29 , 30. Cast vp thine accounts before hand . b b Et aequissimum ●●era ; & ad iniquissimum te para . Sen. ep. 24. Fore-cast the worst , and prepare for it . c c Luke 14.33 . Vnlesse a man , saith our Sauiour , leaue ( d d Quantum ad affectum , licet non quantum ad effectum . Ludolf . de Vit. Christ . proposito tenus . Adrian . qu●dlibet . q. 10. in resolution at least ) all that euer hee hath , e e Luke 14.26 . father and mother , and wife , and children , and land , and liuing , and his owne life too ; he can be none of my Disciple . The want of this is that , that maketh many a one turne head and set saile backe againe , so soone as they see stormes towards , and opposition begin to be made : they neuer were minded to goe further , than they found the way cleare before them . It fareth with them as with those that goe to sea vpon pleasure , “ “ Nondum era● tempestas , sed ja● inclinatio maris , 〈◊〉 subinde crebrio● fluctus . Cepi guber●natorem rogare , 〈◊〉 me in aliquo litor● exponeret . Senec epist. 53. who no sooner see a blacke cloud rise , or finde the sea begin to worke , especially * * Nausea me segni torquebat . Instit itaque gubernatori & illum , velle nollet , coegi ut l●●tus peteret . Ibid. if they begin to grow Sea-sick with it , but they are crying by and by to make backe with all haste to the shoare ; whereas the Merchant or Sea-man † † Cui propositum 〈◊〉 navem ▪ in portun● perducere . Idem e●pist . 85. that is bound for his Port , will not be driuen backe with a storme or two , ( hee looked before for it ) with a little foule weather , or a little sea-sicknesse , but goeth on through faire and foule , Meanes 2. till hee hath made his voiage , till he haue gotten to his Port.

2. Labour for sinceritie . Endeuour to bee that inwardly , that thou makest profession of outwardly . Else there is no hope of continuance . For f f 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Greg ▪ Naz. Nihil fictu● diuturnum . Amb● offic. l. 2. c. 22 ▪ Caduca sunt quae● cunque fucata sun● Cyprian . ad Donat ▪ nothing that is counterfeit , will last long . Counterfeit pearles may make a faire shew for some time ; but their lustre will not last . And this is one maine cause of the Apostasie of many , they were neuer but g g Psal. 78.37 . Hosh. 6.4 . hollow-hearted ; they were neuer sound at the heart . h h Mattth . 13.20 ▪ 21. Nam quod ra● dicatum est etiam ardente Sole ares● cere non potest . So●le nutritur & vi●rescit , non arescit Aug. in Psalm . 43 ▪ & in 1 Ioan. ●r. 3. The seed on the stonie ground , therefore withereth away when the heat of the yeere commeth , because it had no root . And therefore i i 1 Tim. 4.1 . many shall fall away , when k k 2 Tim. 3.1 . the dangerous daies come , that had made a goodly shew of profession before ; because they had ( when they were at the very best ) l l 2 Tim. 3.5 . an outward shew and semblance of godlinesse onely , but inward power of it . Yea , that is one cause why Reade the 〈◊〉 of Sanders and ●ndleton , in 〈◊〉 Acts and Mo●●ments . many that haue seemed very forward men in times of peace , haue in times of persecution fallen cleane away , when some others that made no such great shew before , haue stucke close to it . There was an outward blase onely in the one , that was therefore by and by blowen out : there was an inward sparke in the other , that being blowne vp by the bellowes and blast of opposition , hath broken forth , and blased out to the wonderment of those , that little looked for such things from such , as had made no greater flourish before .

Meanes 3. 3. Be carefull to 1 Tim. 1.19 . keepe a good Conscience . ●ebr. 13.18 . Holding the mysterie of faith in a good conscience ; saith the Apostle ; 1 Tim. 3.9 . 1. Tim. 1.19 . which some casting away , haue made shipwracke of Faith . Perkins of Conscience . Hee compareth Conscience to a Ship or a Barke ; and Faith to Treasure therein imbarqued ; Rectè itaque con●ra Papam ratio●natur Nilus ep. ●●ess . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . which must needs therefore miscarrie , if the Ship or Barke be castaway . And in this Barke , Sinnes against Conscience make foule breaches , which if they be not speedily repaired , ( and that is not easily done neither ) may soone vndoe all . Better it is to preuent them , than to hazzard the making of them good againe . The rather , because when they are growne frequent once , they bring a kinde of retchlesnesse with them . It is with our Conscience , as it is with our apparell . While it is fresh and faire , new , or new washt , we are very charie what wee leane against , where we sit , or what we touch with it ; but when it is once soiled or sullied , we haue no such regard of it , we little passe what we doe with it , wee care not now where we cast it . Meanes 4.

4. Slight no sinne ; make light of no euill course . For to omit that t t Nihil leve quo Deus laeditur . Salvian . de provid . l. 2. no sinne is light or little in it selfe . Some may seeme u u Matth. 7.3 , 4. motes , and bee so tearmed in comparison of some other . But there is none but may well be deemed a beame , being considered in it selfe . As the earth , though but x x Terram hanc cum populis , & urbibus , fluminibus , atque ambitu maris puncti loco ponimus , ad universa referentes . Sen. ad Marc. c. 20. a center or a point to the heauens , yet is an huge bodie of it selfe , y y Ier. 31.37 . Ambitus terrae totius , quae nobis immensa videtur , ad magnitudinem universitatis instar brevis obtinet puncti . Ammian . hist. l. 15. by no art or skill of man exactly measurable . And againe , that in euery sinne , great or lesse , there is ranke poison ; there are a a Peccatum quodque in se & ex natura sua mortale esse docet Gersees de vit. spirit . lect. 1. Idemque fatetur Ioan. Fisher Roff. Ep. in re●ut . Luther . ar●ic . 32. V●dentur Vasquez . in Thom. tom . 1. disput. ●42 num. 7● . no sinnes that are in themselues not mortall , as the Popish sort imagine : b b 1 Cor. 15.55 , 56. a deadly sting there is in euery sinne ; which c c Pro● . 10.23 . & 14.9 . may not therefore be dallied with . Not to stand , I say , vpon these things ; euen those little sinnes , as wee reckon them , if wee giue way to them , will make way soone for greater . The Deuill vseth them ( it is the comparison of d d Autor Oculi moralis . an ancient Writer ) as Theeues , some little Boy that they put in at a window ; who though hee can doe no great matter of hurt himselfe , yet when he is once in , can open , the doores and let them in , that may both rob the house and kill all that are in it . Or e e Idem . ibid. as Hunt 〈◊〉 doe their little Beagles , which they ply the D●ere withall till he be heated and blowen , and then clap they on their great Buck-hounds that may pull him downe and plucke out his throat . And indeed , in these smaller matters decay of grace first discouereth it selfe , as f f Easly on Esay● . 5 . the decay of a tree , appeareth first in the washie boughes or the twigs , and so by little and little goeth on further into the bigger armes , and at length pierceth into the maine bodie . And as we say , that a mans truth and honestie may be seene as well in a small matter , as in a greater : So g g Luke 16.10 , 11. euen in these trifling things also , as they are commonly esteemed , as well as in weightier , may a mans vnfaithfulnesse be discouered . He hath hardly a faithfull heart vnto Christ , that counteth any thing a trifle that may tend to his dishonour ; as h h 1 Tim. 6.1 . Tit. 2.10 . Rom. 2.24 . all sinne , in a Christian man especially , more or lesse doth .

5. Be iealous of thine owne weaknesse ▪ trust not too much to thine owne strength . i i

Matth. 26.33 , 34 , 35. Iohn 13.37 . Praesumps●t nescio quid , quod in illo nondum erat . Aug. in Psal. 55. Pos●e se putavit , quod nondum potuit . Ber. de temp. 88.

Meane 5.

It was Peters ouer-sight , and we know how k k Matth. 26.73 , 74. fouly he fell . And his example is left vpon record l l Vt ●uina majorum si● cautela minorum . Greg. mor. l. 33. c. 15. Scr●p●ae sunt enim ruinae priorum ad cautel●m poster●erum . Rad. Ardens post Trinit. 9. 〈◊〉 naque debet reddere , non s●qu . 〈◊〉 error ali●nus . C●ssiod . Var. l. 7. ●p. 2. to make vs the more warie . For this is the ruine of not a few ; * *

Multos imp●dit a firmitate praesumptio firmitatis . Aug. de verb. D●m . 13. Infirmior is est , qui suam non considerat infirmitatem . Greg. registr. l. 6. indict . 15. ep. 4.

Meanes 6.

that they presume too much of their owne might , and so are bold to offer themselues vnto those prouocations and temptations , that proue many times their vtter ruine . They are m m Stella in Luc. c. 11. like sicke folkes , who when they haue had a good day or two , think that they are perfectly well againe , and make bold to cast off their sicke kerchiefe , or put on thinner apparell , or venture out into the fresh aire , and by such meanes fall into relapses , which they hardly , or neuer ( it may be ) recouer againe .

6. Shun euill occasions . n n Non vitat peccatum , qui non vitat occasiones peccatorum . Stell . in Luc. 11. & Melanchth . loc. commun . 22. Exponens se periculo peccati mortalis , peccat mortaliter . Gersonde vit. spirit . lect. 4. He shunneth not sinne as he should , who is not carefull to eschew the occasions of sinne , as well as the sinne it selfe . By carelesnesse in this kinde many fall into relapses . Which St Peter also intimateth , when he saith of some that o o 2 Pet. 2.20 . hauing escaped the defilements of the world , by the acknowledgement of Christ , that is , by the profession of Christianitie ; by being p p 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Saepe familiaritas implicavit . Saepe occasio peccati voluntatem fecit peccandi . Isidor . Soliloq. l. 2. entangled , they come to be the second time ouercome . As Dauid saith of himselfe , q q Ps●l. 142.3 . In the way that I walke , haue they hid their snare for me . Satan hath his r r Omne iter istius vitae plenum laqueort mest . Ambr. de bon. mort . c. 6. snares and his ginnes set in all our waies for vs , in our meat , our drinke , our apparell , our recreation , our lawfull delights , our trading , our trafficke , our buying and selling , &c. In regard whereof , as those that s s Iob 22.10 . walke among snares , we had need t t Prou. 4.25 , 26. tread warily , and u u Ephes. 5.15 . walke wisely , and circumspectly , and x x Hebr. 12.13 . make straight steps to our feet . Remembring that Satan preuaileth more against those that make any conscience of their courses , by the vnlawfull , immoderate , or inordinate vsage of things in themselues lawfull , than by the practise of things meerely euill and vnlawfull in themselues . And that it is safer , and easier by much ordinarily , y y Nam vitare plagas in ●moris ne laciaris Non ita difficile est , quàm captum retibus ipsis Exire , & validos veneris perrumpere nodos . Lucret. de rer. nat. l. 4. to passe by the snare , than z z Non avis utiliter viscatis ef●ugit alis : Non bene de laxis cassibus ●xit aper . Saucius arrepto piscis retinetur ab ham● . Ovid. art. l. 1. to winde out when we are once wrought in . You know what was Eues ouerthrow . Satan suggested vnto her , that though shee were forbidden to eat of it , yet it was not vnlawfull to looke on it . And so by a a Gen. 3.7 . Oculos tendo , non manum . Non est interdictum ne videam , sed ne comedam . Bern. de humil . grad. 4. gazing on it , she came to haue a liking to it , and from taking liking to it , fell to a longing after it , she had b b Etsi culpa non est , culpa tamen occasio est ● & indicium est commissae , & causa commit tendae . Bern. ibid. tasted it in her heart , ere it came into her hand , and so at length by eating of it , c c Hausit virus peritu●a , & perituros paritura . Ibid. she tooke in that that proued the bane both of her and hers . In regard whereof , the Prophet promiseth eternall happinesse with God to that man alone , d d Esay 33.14 , 15. who not onely e e Psal. 15.2 . speaketh truly and walketh vprightly , but f f D●ut. 16.19 . Ne iniquos accepto munere , si non ●●verit , ingratus ; si foverit , i●●quus habeatur . Autor ocul . mor. c. 6. shaketh his hands also from taking of gifts , and g g Sep● spinis aures tuas . S●rac . stoppeth his eare from hearing of bloud , and h h Iob 31.1 . Psal. 119.37 . Vitijs nobis in animum per o●ulos est v●a . Quint●l . declam . Itaque 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Clem. Alex. paedag . l. 3. c. 11. shutteth his eies from seeing of euill : shunneth those things as well that may bee occasions of euill , as the euill , whereof they may be occasions , it selfe .

Meanes 7. 7. i i Luke 18.1 . Rom. 12 , 12. Coloss. 4.2 . 1 Thess. 1.17 . Bee frequent in praier vnto God for support . k k Matth. 26.41 . Watch and pray , saith our Sauiour , that you may not enter into temptation . Watch & pray ; because l l Psal. 127.1 . all our watching will be of no force or efficacie at all without praier . For m m Ephes. 6.10 , 11 , 13. from God it is , that strength must bee had to stand stedfast and firme : n n Rom. 8.37 . Phil. 4.13 . it is his power that must support vs . o o 1 Pet. 1.5 . We are vpheld by the power of God through Faith , saith the Apostle . It is the p p Ephes. 3.16 . Colos. 1.11 . power of God then that must enable vs to perseuer : and it is q q Ephes. 6.18 . praier that must procure this power . This holy exercise therefore we must be diligent in , if we desire thus to hold out ; praying , as Dauid doth in the Psalme ; r r Psal. 86.11 . Lord , teach mee thy waies , that I may walke in thy pathes : O knit mine heart vnto thee , that I may feare thy Name . As on the other side wee may obserue , that when men grow negligent herein , a generall decay of grace vsually ensueth . s s Psal. 14.3 , 4. They are all gone aside , &c. saith the Psalmist : While they call not vpon God . And how can we hope to haue strength thus to stand , if we be not carefull to seeke it , where it is only to be had ?

8. Keepe the feare of God fresh in thy soule . Meanes 8. t t Psal. 86.11 . Knit mine heart vnto thee , that I may feare thee , saith the Psalmist . The feare of God , if it be fresh in vs , will make vs keepe home with him , u u Deut. 10.20 . cleaue and cling close to him , bee afraid to stirre but an inch ( as we say ) from him , x x Deut. 6.2 , 13. & 5.29 . Eccles. 12.13 . be carefull to vse all meanes of retaining his fauour , of approuing our selues and all our courses vnto him , and y y Iob 1.1 . & 31.13 , 14 , 21 , 22. Nehem. 5.15 . Prou. 8.13 . & 16.6 . of eschewing whatsoeuer may either offend him , or sauour of any disloialtie and vnfaithfulnesse in vs towards him . z z Qui op●ratur ut accedamus , id●m operatur ne discedamus . Aug. de bon. persever . c. 7. God , saith Augustine , that hath wrought on vs to bring vs home to him , must also worke in vs , that we depart not againe from him . But this he doth by meanes ; which hee pointeth at , when he saith by the Prophet , a a I●rem . 32.40 I will put into their hearts such feare of me , that they shall neuer depart againe away from me . b b Fides facit formidinem : sormido facis solicitudinem : solicitudo parit perseverantiam . Tertull . ad Marc. Faith breedeth feare , and feare breedeth care ; and carefulnesse causeth perseuerance . The Deuill could neuer preuaile with our first Parent to withdraw her from God , till he had c c Gen. 3.4 . wrought this Feare out of her . Nor had he euer beene able so to preuaile with her , Meanes 9. had she beene carefull to keepe this Feare fresh in her soule .

9. Take heed of standing still . Thinke not with thy selfe , that hauing runne thus long , thou maist now stand still a while ; or hauing gotten thus far , thou maist now sit downe and breathe thee . d d 2 P●t. 3.17 . Take heed , saith St Peter , l●st you bee drawne aside , and fall from your stedfastnesse . And if you aske him , what you must doe to preuent it : e e Ibid. 18. But grow , saith he , in grace . f f Vnum ● duobus necesse est , aut semper proficere , a●t prorsus desicere . Bern. de divers . 36. Qui non proficit , deficit ; qui non progreditur , regreditur . Nolle proficere , deficere est ▪ Idem epist. 25.4 . If we be not growing , we are decaying : if we be not making on , wee are going amaine back . As g g Non aliter quam qui adverso●● flumine l●mbum Re●●g●s subigit , si brachia forte remisit , Atque illum in praeceps pron● rapit ●●veus amni . Virg. georg . l. 1. & Apud G●ll. noct. Attic. l. 10. c. 29. Vide Greg. mor. l. 11. c. 8. in rowing vp a Riuer , that runneth with a strong current , if the Oares doe but stay , the Boat falleth backward . There is no staying of our hands : h h N●hil stat , nihil sixum manet . Aug. in Ioan. 31. There is no standing at a stay . i i Inter profectum & desectum nihil medium invenitur . Bern. ep. 254. Betweene mending and pairing there is no medium , saith Bernard . * * Damnum parata sentient , si para●e cessaveris . Pelag. ad Demetr. That we haue will be gone , vnlesse we striue to get more .

10. k k Mica . 6.8 . Walke in humilitie . When we haue done all this , take heed of pride : ( Remember l l 2 Chron. 26.16 . Vzziah ; remember m m 2 Chron. 32.25 , 26. Ezekiah : ) It is a deadly poison that spoileth and killeth all where it commeth ; Meanes 10. so dangerous , that n n 2 Cor. 12.7 . of another poison is a counter-poison confected , to preserue St Paul from it . And o o A●a quaecunque iniquitas in malis operibus exercetur , ut fiant : superbia verò bonis operibus insidiatur ut pereant . Aug. epist. 109. we are neuer more in danger of it than when we haue done most , and made greatest progresse in the profession and practise of pietie . For it is as p p Quod de fisco Iulianus Imper. Fiscus ut lien . Ammian . hist. l. 25. the spleene in the bodie , that groweth most when the other parts waste ; q q Multis quippe vitia conculcasse , & virtutes acquisivisse fit occasio superbiae . Rad. Ardens post Trinit. 5. it groweth fastest oft , when other euils decay , and out of the decay of them , sucketh matter to feed & foster it selfe with . This therefore must be carefully eschewed and auoided . When wee haue done well , wee must take heed , how in that regard we begin to think highly of our selues . r r Humilitas est conservatrix virtutum . Et qui sine humilitate caeteras virtutes congregat , qua●i pulverem in ventum portat . Idem . ibid. ex Greg. mor. If we doe so , all is gone , s s Qui gloriantur vitia devicisse se , ipsi devincuntur . Ardens ibid. we are vndone . Be affected rather as Paul was . After hee had gone so farre , done so much : t t 2 Cor. 11.5 . I make account , that I come not short , saith he , of the very chiefe Apostles . Yea , u u 1 Cor. 15.10 . I haue laboured more than them all . For , x x Rom. 15.19 . from Ierusalem round about , euen vnto Illyricum , ( that is , from Syria to Sclauonie ) haue I plentifully preached the Gospell : Yet , a a Phil. 3.14 . I forget , saith he , what is past . I regard no more what I haue done , than as if yet I had done nothing , or had cleane forgotten what I did . And b b Ibid. I put on forward to what is before ; pressing on toward the high calling of God in Christ Iesus . He did as men in a race that c c Instat equis auriga suos vincentibus , illum Praeteritum temnens . Horat. satyr . 1. looke not backe to see how many they haue out-stript , or how farre they haue gotten , but haue their eies fixed on those that haue got ground of them , and on the ground before them , that they are to measure , ere they can come to the marke . Let vs d d More viatorum nequaquam debemus aspicere quantum jam iter egimus , sed quantum superest ut peragamus : ut paulisper fiat praeteritum , quod indesinenter & timidè adhuc attenditur suturum . Greg. mor. l. 22. c. 6. Oblivis●ere omne praeteritum : & quotid●è inchoare tepu●a : ne pro praesenti die , quo debes servire Deo , praeteritum imputes . Pelag. ad Demetr. not consider so much how far we haue gone , and how many others come short of vs , but e e Summun illud bonum imitari ●onemur : quod quantumvis quis in hac vita vires protenderit , neutiquam tamen consequi poterit . Stella in Luc. 1. how farre we are to goe , and how farre wee come farre short of that Christian perfection , that we should all striue and contend to attaine vnto . And as our Sauiour aduiseth vs , f f Luke 17.10 . Vide Chrysost. in Oziam serm. 3. When we haue done all that we can , let vs say , that we are but vnprofitable seruants ; we haue done no more , nay g g Iob 9.3 . Rom. 7.17 , 23. Galat. 5.17 . farre lesse , than we ought to doe , Meanes 11. than was our dutie to haue done .

11. Consider we the short stint of time , that this laborious course is required of vs ; it is but till death . And since that our h h Psal. 39.4 , 5. & 89.47 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hippocr . aphor . 1. Quid tam circumcisum , tam breve , quam hominis vita longissima ? Plin. ep. 7. lib. 3. life here is not long ; ( it is but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plut. paedag . Punctum ●st quod vivimus , & adhuc puncto minu● . Sen. ep. 49. Minorem portionem aetas nostra quam partem puncti habet , si tempori comparetur omni . Id●m ad Marc. c. 20. a point , saith the Heathen man , or lesse than so , that we liue here ) that emploiment cannot be long that must end with it . For what can be long in that , that is not long it selfe ? It is but till death onely that our Sauiour Christ requireth this of vs . It is a note of stint , as well as of extent , here . Not that our fidelitie & loialtie vnto Christ shall not last longer ; but * * ●inem dico qua vita ista finitur , in qua tantumm●do periculum est , ne cadatur . Aug. de persever . c. 1. because after that there will be no difficultie in our loialtie , no danger of disloialtie , if till then we hold out . k k Matth. 13.41 . Vbi omni & hoste & peste carebimus . Aug. nom . de continent . c. 14. All scandals , stumbling blocks and impediments being then remoued ; and all occasions of prouocation and temptation to the contrary being then vtterly abolished . It is but for a spurt therefore , to speak of , that this is required of vs , it is but l l Propone profundi temporis vastitatem , & universum complectere : deinde hoc , quod aetatem vocamus humanam , compara immenso ; videbimus quam exigu●m sit , quod optamus , quod extendimus . Sen. ep. 9● . Omnia humana brevia & caduca sunt , infinui temporis nullum spatium occupantia . Idem ad Marc. c. 20. a spurt , in comparison of that that after ensueth . And who would not for a spurt , for a short brunt endure any difficultie , any hardnesse , to liue at hearts ease for euer after ? Who would not serue , euen an hard and an vnkinde Master , and much more then so kinde and liberall a one as our Lord and Master Christ is , ( that m m Matth. 20.28 . Philip. 2.7 . Luke 22.27 . came to serue vs and for vs , ere he required this seruice of vs ) with all fidelitie and diligence for a day or two , that hee might after be a free man , yea an happy man for euer ? n n Vt non sit hîc necessarium Epicuri solamen illud , Si longus , levis est ; Si gravis est , brevis est . Cic. Tuscul. l. 2. Sen. epist. 24. & 30. & 78. & 94. Moras & I●lius in epigr. It is not long , and it is but light , that is required of vs , in respect of that that is expected for it , and is promised thereunto . For o o 2 Cor. 4.17 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrys. de compunct. 1. this light hardship that is but for an instant , saith the Apostle , procureth vnto vs an exceeding excessiue euerlasting weight of glorie .

12. Be oft * * Op●s te terret , merce●e vide . Aug. de verb. Dom. 6. eying , Meanes 12. and meditating on the roiall reward , that is both here and else-where propounded and promised to all those that thus perseuer . This made Moses hold out the rather , and p p Heb. 11.25 , 26. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrystom . 8. ser. 13. endure not constantly onely , but cheerefully , chusing rather to suffer hardship with the people of God , than to enioy some sinfull delights for a season ; and esteeming the reproach , that for Christs sake hee suffered , greater riches than all the Aegyptian treasures ; because he had an eie to the recompence of reward . And q q 2 Cor. 4.8 , 10 , 16 , 18. therefore we faint not , saith the Apostle , though we bee straitned on euery side ; and beare about with vs in our bodie the dying of the Lord Iesus , being deliuered vp daily for him to death ; because wee looke not on the things that are seene , but on the things that are not seene : for the things that are seene , are temporall ; but the things that are not seene , are eternall . For though Gods children be r r Galat. 4.7 . no hirelings , to serue him onely for hire sake , but out of loue , s s 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Gr●g . Nazianz. de Bapt. dutie , and good-will ; yet are they animated and encouraged , the rather to doe that they doe the more cheerefully , comfortably , and constantly , when they consider what a blessed issue their l●bours , endeuours and sufferings are like , nay , are sure to haue , if they hold out in them . For , t t Galat. 6.9 . we shall reape in due time , saith the Apostle , if we faint not : Yea , of our Sauiour himselfe it is said , whom we are will●d therein also to imitate , that u u Heb. 12.2 , 3. For the glorie set before him , he endured the Crosse , and set light by the shame of it , and is now seated at the right hand of God . And x x Heb. 10.35 . cast not therefore away your confidence , saith the Apostle , Considerations 2. nor giue ouer , say I , your fidelitie , that you owe vnto Christ ; since that it hath so great recompence of reward . Consider . 1. Losse .

Yea , consider we as well what we lose , if wee giue ouer , as what we win and gaine , if we perseuer .

For the former ; a a Apoc. 3.11 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. in Matth. ●●m . 24. Hold fast what thou hast , saith our Sauiour , lest the Crowne be taken from thee . And it is a Question canuased to and fro among the Schoolemen , b b Vide Thom. Sum. par. l a. 2 ae . q. 88. ● . 4. Dura●d . in sut . l. 2. d. 33. q. 3. Al●x . Ales sum. p 1. q. 39. m. 3. a. 4. §. 1. & p●r. 2 q. 114. m. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. in Matth. ●om. 23. whether is the greater euill to forgoe the ioyes of heauen , or to vndergoe the paines of Hell . But how soeuer it be , an heauy thing it will be , if we faint and faile now , hereafter to thinke , as he sometime said , who for a draught of drinke in distresse gaue vp his command ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Ly●●macl● apud Plut. in ap p●●b . vel u●idem in prac . salubr . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . For what a trifling matter haue wee bereft our selues of a great command , of a Crowne , of a Kingdome ? For what a toy ( to speake of ) haue we depriued our selues of eternall felicitie ?

For the latter ; Bee faithfull , saith our Sauiour here , vnto death , and I will giue thee a Crowne of life .

The latter clause whereof , containing a free and a large promise , Consider . 2. Gaine . annexed to the precept , which hitherto we haue handled , albeit it might well minister much matter of further Consideration , Part 2. Promise . Motiue . yet for the present we will consider it onely , as a Motiue , in its seuerall branches , to induce to , and enforce on vs , such constant fidelitie , and faithfull perseuerance , as we haue shewed to be here required .

1. He that promiseth , Branch . 1. Giuer . it is d d Vers. 8. Christ . I will giue . I will giue that haue power to giue ; that haue abilitie and authoritie so to doe . Point 1. Ability . e e Mat●h. 4.9 . I will giue thee all these , said he sometime to our Sauiour , who had no power to make good what he said : But he that speaketh it here , is able to performe what he here promiseth . f f Ap●c . 2.16 , 18. As I haue receiued power , so I will , saith he , giue them power . For g g Matth. 28.18 . all power is giuen mee in heauen and earth . Point 2. Fidelitie . And , h h Apoc. 3.21 . To him therefore that ouercommeth , will I giue to sit with me in my Throne ; as I haue ouercome , and sit now with my Father on his Throne .

Againe , I will giue , who am i i Apoc. 3.14 . Amen , True and Faithfull . He that is faithfull to me , shall finde me faithfull to him . k k Heb. 10.23 . Let vs keepe the profession of our hope without flitting and wauering , saith the Apostle , for he that hath promised is faithfull . What he saith , he will make good : he will performe what he hath promised . He will doe it ? Yea , hee hath done it . He is not like that Antigonus , whom they vsed to call l l 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plut. in Paul . Aemyl . Antigonus that would giue . He will giue ; and he hath giuen . We tread but in the steps of those that alreadie m m Hebr. 6.11 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Clem. Alex. paedag . l. 3. c. 8. haue inherited these promises . Point . 3. Liberality .

3. He will giue . What hee doth , is of free gift , not of due debt . Such is his goodnesse , that though * * Rom. 8.12 . Quicquid es , qu●cquid pot●s , d●bes creanti , d●bes redim●nti . Bern. de divers . 19. we owe vnto him whatsoeuer we doe or can doe , n n Rom. 11.35 , 36. nor can wee claime ought as of right from him for all that we doe for him ; he oweth vs not so much as thankes , as o o Luke 17.9.10 . himselfe else-where sheweth , for it : yet p p O magna Dei b●nitas , cui cum pro conditione reddere d●beamus obsequia , vt servi Domino , famu●● Deo , subiecti potenti , mancipia redemptori , amicitiarum nobis praemia repromittit . Aug. de ●erb . Dom. of his meere bountie he will not suffer vs to goe vnrewarded ; Branch 2. Gift . but of his free goodnesse will giue vs , what we could not otherwise require .

Point 4. Crowne . 2. The Gift , or the thing promised , it is q q 2 Tim. 4.8 . a Crowne ; it is r r Luke 12.32 . Matth. 25.34 . a Kingdome . * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Euripid. Phoeniss . Nam si violandum est jus , regnandi gratia violandum est . C●c . offic. l. 3. Who would not straine hard for a Crowne ? “ “ Perpessi sunt exercitus inopiam rerum omnium , vi●erunt herbarum radicibus , & dictu foedis tulerunt famem . Haec omnia passi sunt proregno , & ( quô magis mir●ris ) alieno . Sen. op. 17. Who would not endure much for a Kingdome ? Who would stay by the way , or giue ouer ere he came at it , if hee saw a Crowne at the goale , and were sure to haue it , if hee held but out , till he came there ?

3. This Crowne , it is s s Iam. 1.12 . a Crowne of Life . It is not like the Crownes that worldly Kings weare , that cannot t t 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plut. de tranq . free them from diseases , much lesse saue them from Death . Point 5. Life . They may die , and u u Psal. 82.7 . & 146.3 , 4. doe die , for all their Crownes , and returne to their dust . But this is a Crowne that giueth life to him that hath it . It is a Crowne that keepeth him in life that weareth it .

4. The Life that this Crowne giueth ( though it be not expressed here ) is x x Matth. 26.46 . Galat. 6.8 . an eternall , an euerlasting life . y y 1 Cor. 9.29 . They striue for a corruptible , wee for z z 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . an incorruptible Crowne , saith St Paul . It is a Crowne or a a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 1 Pet. 5.4 . a garland of b b Est spica purpurea verius quam flos . Mirum in eo gaudere decerpi & laetius renasci . Mi●eque , postquam defecere cuncti flores , madefactus aqua reviviscit & hibernas coronas facit . Summa eius natura in nomine est , appellato , quoniam non marcescat . Plin. hist. nat. l. 21. c. 8. Amarantum , or of Euerlasting , saith St Peter , Point 6. Euerlasting . alluding to a Flower , or a Tuft ra●ther , commonly so tearmed . Therefore so tearmed , because by it , as wee are now c c 1 Pet. 1.4 . kept vnto , so we shall hereafter be kept , and preserued in , a Kingdome d d 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . incorruptible , vntainted , that neuer withereth away , reserued for vs in the Heauens .

All which laid together ; Conclusion . Vse . Perswasion , and Encouragement . the giuer so able , so free , so faithfull ; and the gift it selfe so great ; a Crowne , of life , and euerlasting life : so glorious and excellent an estate , e e Rom. 8.18 . that all that euer wee doe , or can endure here , is not worthy once to bee named with it ; should perswade and encourage vs with all constancie and cheerefulnesse to goe on and hold out in the faithfull seruice of our Sauiour , f f Matth. 19 . 2● , 28. Marke 10.28 , 29 , 30. Luke 14 , 26 , 33. whatsoeuer it should cost vs , though we should lose libertie , liuing , life by it , and all that euer wee were worth ; that so continuing faithfull vnto death , he may bestow vpon vs a Crowne of Life .

Now it is , The Testimonie giuen to Mr ▪ William Winter deceased . I know , expected that I should , as the manner is , say , somewhat concerning our Christian brother deceased , to whose corps we performe now g g Acts 8.2 . 2. Sam. 3.31 . the last Christian office . It shall not be needfull to say much of him to those that knew him , as I suppose the most here did . As Bernard saith of one Humbert ; his whole life was h h Factitium vobi● sermon●m in omni forma sanctitatis Dei servus exhibuit . Bern. in obit. Humb. a reall and vitall Sermon of that , whereof you haue had a verbal and vocall one now ; to wit , of pietie and godlinesse , of fidelitie and faithfulnesse to his Lord and Master Christ Iesus . Hee had beene an ancient Professor : nor was he one ( as i i Rom. 2.24 . too many there are ) that did staine and blemish his Christian profession , either by Vnchristian courses , or vndiscreet carriages ; but by his pious and prudent behauiour rather k k Tit. 2.7 , 8 , 10. graced and adorned it . It had pleased God to endow him with singular gifts and parts ( for a priuate man especially ) of vnderstanding , memorie , and speech ; which hee was not slothfull or negligent to improue and employ , to the glorie of Gods name , and l l Many , I doubt not , may say of him , as Bernard of Humbert , Separavit à nobis dulcem ami●●● , prudentem consil●arium , sor●em auxiliarium : God hath taken from vs , a sweet friend , a wise counseller , a strong helper . the edification of others : As the maine course of his life and conuersation , so his ordinarie speech , conference , and communication being m m Coloss. 4.8 . seasoned with salt , sauouring of sound sanctification , and such as might n n Ephes. 4. ●● . minister much grace to the hearers . And albeit , God saw it good to affoord him but a meane estate for o o 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 1 Cor. 6.4 . the things of this life , ( hee will stirre vp those , I doubt not , that p p 2 Sam. 9.3 , 7. out of their religious disposition and affection to him , will doe for those that hee hath left behinde him ) yet he had made him q q Iam. 2.5 . rich in grace ; and by helpe of that grace he liued with that small pittance r r Quod de Cratete Plut. lib. de tranq. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . more cheerefully and comfortably , than many doe with large and ample estates . Nor saw I him euer more cheerefull , than in this his last sicknesse . As Ambrose said sometime when he lay a dying to his Millainers ; s s Non sic vixi , ut ●e pud●at intervos vivere : nec mori timco . qu●a bonum Dominum hab●mus . Ambros. test● Paul ●o in vita Ambr. I haue not so liued among you , that I am ashamed to liue longer with you ; nor yet am I afraid to die , because we haue a good Master : And Martine of Tours being now neere his end , when his friends stood abou● him , lamenting their losse of him , t t Domine , si adhuc topu●o tuo sum necessarius ; non recuso laborem ; f●●t volu●tas tua . Sever. de Martin ep. 3. & Bern. serm. in fest. Mart. Lord , if I may doe thy people yet any seruice , I thinke not much of my paines , thy will be done : So was it one of this blessed Seruant of God his last speeches vnto me , willing to be disposed of by God , though u u As Paul , Philip. 1.25 . As Simeon , Luke 2.29 . desirous of departure in regard of his owne good ; If God haue any more worke for me , I am well content to liue longer , though my life should be neuer so tedious vnto me : But if my worke bee at an end , I am most willing to bee gone , well knowing , though I be altogether vnworthy of ought , what hee hath in store for me . What should I say more of him , but as it is in my Text ? Hee was faithfull to Christ his Master vnto Death ; and hee hath now receiued from him a Crowne of Life . Which that we may also , in Gods due time attaine , he vouchsafe vnto vs , x x Apoc. 1.5 , 6. & 5.9 , 10. who hath purchased and procured it for vs , IESVS CHRIST , y y Rom. 9. ● . to be blessed for euer . AMEN .

FINIS .