A recovery from apostacy Set out in a sermon preached in Stepny Church neere London at the receiving of a penitent renegado into the Church, Octob. 21. 1638. By William Gouge D.D. and min. in Black-Friers London Herein is the history of the surprizall and admirable escape of the said penitent.

A RECOVERY FROM APOSTACY . Set forth in a Sermon Preached in Stepny Church at the receiving of a Penitent Renegado into the Church . LVKE 15.31 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . He was lost , and is found .

A Text the more pertinent it is to the point in hand , Quo magis accommodus , eo magis commod●s . the more profitable it is like to be in the handling thereof ; wherefore that you may the better discerne how pertinent this Text is for this present Assembly , I will as distinctly and succinctly as I can relate the speciall occasion thereof .

The History of a penitent Renegado . THis Penitent heere before you , Vincent Iukes by name , is an English man , borne in Shropshiere , and in the seventeenth yeare of his age was bound apprentice to a Cooke in Ratlife of this Parish . After two yeares service , his master set him forth to Sea in a Cooks place in the Adventure for Greeneland . Thither they had a prosperous voyage , and returned safe within five moneths . * * Anno 1636. The yeare following hee was set foorth againe ( as before ) for Genoway . In this voyage they were set upon by Turkish pirats , and after a dangerous sight , wherein seven were slaine and about twenty more wounded and maimed , hee with three and thirty more were carried to Argier , where , within foure daies after their arrivall , they were sold for slaves in the Market place . Of that company many died , foure were ransom'd , and seven there still abide in slaverie . It is a custome there that their King have his choice of every eighth person to bee sold . And it so fell out that this man was one of the eight . The King therefore had him for his slave , and after two moneths passed him over to his brother ; by whom hee was sold to a Negro . That Negro used him most cruelly : and by daily threatnings and soare beatings forced him to renounce his Christian Religion , denie Christ , acknowledge Mahomet to bee a great Prophet , and in testimony thereof to bee circumcised and to conforme himselfe to the Turkish rites , and attire . All these things thus accomplished , the Negro sold him to a Grecian , who was also a Mahometan . This Grecian put him for a Souldier into a Turkish ship , which went forth upon spoile . In that ship were two English Christians and a Flemming Circumcised as himselfe , with twenty native Turks . The two Christians and two Renegadoes being together in the sterridge , espied five of the Turks alone together below board : and thereupon consulted to take that opportunity ●f freeing themselves from slavery , or spending their lives in the attempt thereof . Thus on a sudden they fly upon those five Turks , who suspected no such matter , and with their knives , having no other weapons , stab'd them . This done , they seised upon the muskets , swords and other weapons which were in that roome , and therewith kild five more of the Turks that came one after another to see what the tumult might be about : and they wounded and maimed five more . The five Turks that remained alive unwounded were so affrighted , as they knew not what to doe , but through feare ran up to the riggin : where they were threatned to be shot thorow if they would not yeald . They yeald therefore upon promise to have their lives spared ; and comming downe one by one were bound , as the five maimed Turks were . Thus a full conquest being got over all those Turks they sailed to S. Lucas in Spaine , where the Conquerours sold the ten living Turks , the ship and all that was in her for six hundred pounds , which they devided among themselves , and had each of them an hundred and fifty pound apeece .

The Spaniards dealt fairely with the foure that now professed themselves Christians : and used all the enducements they could to bring them to their Religion : Three of them were perswaded , and abode among the Spaniards . This Penitent bearing more love to his native Country and reformed Religion in which hee had beene brought up , refused to abide in Spaine , but tooke his first opportunity of comming for England in the Centurian * * 1638. the last of Aprill . Hee had not beene long in England before hee put to Sea againe for Greeneland . In which voyage hee professeth that hee was much troubled night and day , and that hee could not well sleepe through horrour of conscience for denying his Christian Faith . So soone therefore as hee returned safe from Greeneland to England , hee went to the ancient grave Cura●e of Stepny , the Parish where hee lived , and made knowne his case to him ; who for the present comforted and exhorted him to abide more stedfast in the true Faith for the future . But because the case was no ordinary case , the said Curate very prudently advised with the reverend Doctor , and Vicar of that Church . The Doctor on the same ground , and with like prudence made his case knowne to the right honourable and right reverend Father in GOD his Diocesan ; who advised with the most reverend Father in GOD the Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury his Grace thereabout .

Thus was there a solemne , pious , and grave forme of Penance prescribed for admitting him againe into the Christian Church . At the performance whereof this duty of preaching the Word was enjoyned to mee : Which in obedience to Authority , and with hope in GODS assistance I have undertaken . And that what on this occasion I shall deliver may bee both seasonable and profitable , I have made choise of the Text which you heard before ; And I pray , heare it againe , He was lost , and is found .

YEe have here the Catastrophe or sweet close of a Parabolicall History , A resolution of the Parable . or Historicall Parable , which is full of trouble and confusion throughout the greatest part of it , but endeth with a joyfull issue .

The Place whereon it was represented , is the Church . For out of the Chu●ch did the Prodigall depart : Into the Church did he returne : And most of the memorable matters therein related , are related as performed in the Church .

The Persons mentioned therein are ,

1. God himselfe , represented under the title of a Father , ver. 20.

2. A Penitent Apostate , and a justic●ary Professour , set out under two Brothers , ver. 11 , 29 , ●1 .

3. Lewd tempters and inciters to evill , implied under the Harlots which the elder brother mentioneth , ver 30.

4. A covetous worldling that takes advantage from a distressed mans necessity to put him to a base worke , not allowing competent food , He is here stiled a Citizen , ver . ●5 .

5. Hard-hear●ed Neighbours , who are no whit mov●d with ● distressed mans ex●remities : intimated under this phrase , No man gave to him , ver. 16.

6. Obedient Servants , who readily performed what their Master commanded about a welcome intertainement of his Sonne , ver , 22 , 23.

7. Sympathizing Friends , who rejoyced with the joyfull Father , comprised under these words , They began to be merry : ver. 24. and further implied by the musick and dancing mentioned , ver. 24.

Most of the forementioned Persons are brought in performing severall parts .

The distinct parts are five .

1. In the first , the younger Sonne obtaines his portion of his Fa●her , and riotously spends it , ver. 12.13 .

2. In the second , the Prodigall being brought to extreame want , is forced to seeke service of an hard master : under whom he was put to a base worke : and yet for his paines had not enough to sustaine nature , ver. 14 , 15 , 16.

3. In the third , the said Prodigall is brought to himselfe , and to thinke of his Father : to whom addressing himselfe , he is met in the midd way by his Father : and gratiously embraced upon his penitent confession , ver. 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21.

4. In the fourth , his Father with all the cheerefull and joyfull expressions that he can , brings him to his house , clothes him with the best robe , feasts him , and cheares him with musick and dancing , ver. 22 , 23 , 24.

5. In the fifth , the elder Brother hearing the melodie , and enquiring after the cause , enviously expostulates the case with his Father : but the Father gratiously endeavours to give him full satisfaction : wherein he concludes with the words of my Text , He was lost , and is found .

These five Parts might easily be subdivided into sundry other particulars .

But having by the forenamed generalls brought you along from the beginning of the Parable to the last clause thereof , my purpose is to hold close to this close , He was lost , and is found .

In summe this Text sets out A recovery from Apostacy . Summe and parts of the Text.

The particulars most observable are two .

1. The Dammage of Apostacy , He was lost . For when he went out of his Fathers house he proved an Apostate . His Fathers house was the Church , wherein alone were the meanes of salvation : and out of which he had no hope of salvation , but was in that broad way that leadeth to destruction . Thus was he filius perditus , a lost child . A great dammage indeed was this .

2. The Advantage of Penitency . He is found . By sight and sence of his sinne , by an humble acknowledgement thereof , and by returning to his Fathershouse , he shewed himselfe a true Penitent : and by his Fathers receiving him into his house , and giving him such wellcome as he did , he was under the meanes of salvation againe . Thus was he filius inventus . A child whom his Father enjoyed . As great an advantage was this to the Sonne , as joy to the Father .

Difference betw●x● turning to the worse , and to the better . Before I proceed in a distinct handling of these two particulars , I suppose it to be meet to set before you a generall view of the whole : and that as it consists of two opposite termes , LOST , FOVND ; but made to agree by two different tences or times , WAS , IS . He WAS lost , and IS found .

He WAS , He IS ; These are the two distinct and different times .

The former , He WAS , notes out the time past : and that was his fore-lorne estate .

The latter , He IS , points at the time present : and that is his new-borne estate .

Thus he is here set out unto us , not in that condition which the Prophet describeth in these words , Ezek. 18.24 . When the righteous turneth away from his righteousnesse , and committeth iniquity , and doth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doth , shall he live ? All his righteousnesse that he hath done shall not be mentioned . In his trespasse that he hath trespassed , and in his sinne that he hath sinned , in them shall he die . But he is set out in a more blessed condition , which the same Prophet thus describeth , Ezek. 18.21 . If the wicked will turne from all his sinnes that he hath committed , and keepe all my statutes , and doe that which is lawfull and right , h● shall surely live : he shall not die .

If the termes of my Text had beene thus changed , He was found , and is lost , it had beene more miserable then , fuimus Troes , wee were a flourishing people : or then , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Aeca the title and first word of Ieremiahs Lamentations , HOW ? Lam. 1.1 . How doth the Citie sit solitary that was full of people ? In such a case , miserum est fuisse , it is a miserable thing to have beene : to have beene in our Fathers house , and to be lost : as , to have beene living and to be dead . But as the parts of the Proposition stand in my Text , He was lost , and is found , meminisse juvabit , it will be a comfort to consider that such and such a woefull estate is altered : that He was lost , and is found . It is like to that comfort which he found in his soule , who said , I was a blasphemer , and a persecutor , and injurious , 1 Tim. 1.13 . but I have obtained mercy . Hereupon with much content and comfort he saith ( 1 Cor. 15.10 . ) By the grace of God I am that I am .

To shew that such a passage from the worse to the better is remarkable , and not to be forgotten , the Apostle adviseth the converted Gentiles to remember it Remember that yee being in time passed Gentiles in the flesh : Ephes. 2.11 , 12 , 13. — That at that time yee were without Christ : — But now in Christ Iesus , yee who sometimes were farre off are made nigh by the blood of Christ .

This was the case of the penitent Prodigall , He was lost , and is found . And this is the case of the Penitent Renegado here before us . He was lost , When the Renegado was lost . and is found . He was lost , not when he first set to sea : nor when the Turkish Pirats set upon the ship wherein he was : nor when they took him captive : nor when they sold him for a slave : nor when he was under the harsh and hard handling of the cruell Negro . The basest slave that can be under man , beleeving in Christ , and fast-holding his Christian faith , is ( to use the Apostles phrase , ( 1 Cor. 7.22 . ) the Lords freeman . Therfore not lost . He that endureth whatsoever the cruellest persecutor can inflict upon him for Christs sake , is blessed , Mat. 5.11 . Therefore not lost .

But he was lost when he became a Renegado : When he renounced his Christian faith : when he acknowledged Mahomet to be the great Prophet ; when he yeelded to be circumcised , and have all his haire shaved off , and to put on Turkish attire , and when he professed himselfe a Mahometan , then He was lost .

Had he not yeelded to those evidences of a Renegado , No sin per force but that per force they had been put upon him , he had not beene lost . If per force he had beene circumcised , if per force he had beene shaven , if per force the Turkish turbant or tuffe had been put upon his head , and other Turkish attire upon his body , he had not thereupon beene lost .

The an●ient vse of circumcision . In this case circumcision it selfe as it availeth nothing , so it doth no hurt . Circumcision was of old , before Christ was exhibited , an honourable Cognizance wherby Gods people were distinguished from such as were extranei , out of the covenant and in contempt called uncircumcised ( 1 Sam. 14.6 . and 17.26 , 36. Ephes. 2.11 . ) But by Christ , When and why circumcision abolishe● . who pulled downe the partition wall beetwixt Iew and Gentile , was that , ( as other rites of that use , which were also Types of the Messiah to come ) utterly abolished . On which ground saith the Apostle ( Gal. 5.2 . ) If yee be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing , that is , If any revive that rite , which ( beside that it was a signe of difference betwixt Jew and Gentile , and a bond to tie men to the whole Law ) was a Type of the Messiah to come , he denies Christ to be exhibited , and to have wrought mans redemption : and in that respect Christ shall profit him nothing .

Now because Christians , on these and other weighty grounds , utterly reject Circumcision , Iewes , Turkes , and other adversaries of the Christian faith , are not onely circumcised themselves , but doe what lieth in them to draw such Christians as they can get into their clutches , to be circumcised . The evill o● circumcision under the Gospe●● . For any Christian to yeeld to them herein , whether it be by faire or foule meanes , is to denie the Christian faith , and to renounce Christ himselfe : which whosoever doth , is lost . It is all one ,

Niceph. Ecl. H●st . lib. 5. cap. 32

〈…〉 .

as of old it was to offer incense to the Heathenish Idols : which because Origen did , he was excommunicated by the Church . Not feare of torture and torments moved Origen to doe what he did ( for those he had oft endured in great measure with much patience : so as his adversaries saw that there was no working on him that way ) but it was pretence of avoiding another sinne . Quae sitor quum se tormentis victum ab illo intelligeret , al diabolicum prorsus consillum animum a●jecit , &c. For the Commissioner , when he discerned that by inflicting torments he nought prevailed , but was vanquished , he turned himselfe to a more divelish plot ; for understanding how much Origen was addicted to preserve the chastity of his body , hee brought him to the Idols altar where a filthy Black-more was placed , and threatned , that , if he would not offer incense on that altar the Black-more should defile his body , which filthinesse to prevent , he offered the incense . This pretence did not excuse his fact , nor avert the Churches censure . What the Black-more had done per force to him , would have beene accounted no sinne of his . But his offe●ing of the incense was accounted a deniall of the Christian faith .

Renegadoes that yeeld to be circumcised goe as farre , ( yea and further too ) in denying Christ , as Origen did , yet have they not such a pretence as he . Not unjustly therefore may they be accounted lost , as was this Penitent here before us .

Yet his standing here before us , as yee see him , gives evidence that he is found .

He was not found when he with his fellowes slue some of the Turks in the ship : When a Penitent i● found . nor when they brought ship and the other Turks to Saint Lucas and there sold them : nor when he arrived in England his native Countrey againe . Though these were sure evidences of his freedome from Turkish slavery , yet not so of his freedome from a farre worse slavery under sinne and Satan , whereunto he subjected himselfe , when he renounced his Christian faith . His three companions whom he left in Spaine , may yet still , for ought we know , remaine lost .

He began to be found when he was touched in conscience , and pricked in heart for his grievous Apostasie . He went on in the right way to be found , when he made knowne his case to his Minister , and made confession of his great offence to him : and yet further , when he willingly subjected himselfe to the discipline of our Church , and manifested his willingnesse to undergoe any pennance that shee should enjoyne : Poenitentia peccati tunc prodest si eam in Ecclesia Catholica gerat . Aug. de Eccles dogm . c. 80. humbly and penitently desiring to be received into her bosome againe , and to be accounted one of her children . For Repentance of sinne is then profitable , when it is performed in the Catholick Church . Where , of old , Rectè constituuntur ab ●is qui Ec●lesiae praesunt tempora paenitentiae , ut fiat etiam sa●i● Ecc●esiae in qua remittuntur ipsa peccata . Aug. 〈◊〉 . c. 65. times of penitency were appointed by the Governours of the Church , that satisfaction might be given to the Church , in which remission of sins is granted .

Now therefore he is found indeed . Now that after the just censure of excommunication for his Apostasie , upon his humble confession and hearty repentance ( as we hope ) he is here this day received into the bosome of the Church , now he is found . So as now to his everlas●ing comfort ( if he remaine constant ) and to the great rejoycing of all true Christians that now behold him , or shall heare of that which we behold , my Text may in speciall be applied to him , He was lost , and is found .

Apostates creeping into the Church with●ut publike pennan●● are still lost . I feare , I feare , that there are some even now here present that have beene in the case wherein this Penitent was , lost ; but not in the case wherein he is , found . I feare there are some that have played Renegadoes , and as an evidence thereof , are circumcised . Let such know ( whether they heare me themselves , or shall heare of what I say by others ) let them know , that by their secret thrusting themselves into the Church , and concealing their sinne from the Governours thereof , and that without just satisfaction which ought to be publikely given for an offence so scandalous as theirs is , they can never find such peace in their conscience as this Penitent may . Yea let them know that they have great cause to feare the deceitfullnesse of their hearts , and to suspect the truth of their repentance , if at least they make any profession of repentance . True Penitents , which by notorious sinnes have dishonoured their profession , scandalized the Church , and given matter of insultation to the enemies of true Religion , will not bee ashamed to make open confession of their sinne , and be willing to undergoe any pennance that by the true Church shall be enjoyned to them .

They of Iaakobs house who had taken with them strange gods , brought them to Iaakob , and their idolatrous earings too ( Gen. 35.4 . ) which was a reall confession of their sinne , and a demonstration of the truth of their repentance .

Achan , though he knew he should die for it , yet made this open confession . ( Iosh. 7.20 . ) Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel : and thus and thus have I done . It is probable that he was the rather enduced to make this confession , because Ioshua had told him , that thereby he should give glory to the Lord God of Israel in the verse immediately before : Vide Andr. Masij comment in Ios. 7 19. and that he obtained mercy for the remission of his sin before God , and salvation of his soule .

The Israelites having cast off the Government of the Lord by Judges , being convinced of their sinne , make this open confession thereof , Wee have added unto all other our sins this evill , 1 Sam. 12.19 .

The Iewes after the captivity having married strange wives ( which was against the Law , Deut. 7.3 . ) openly and penitently thus confesse their sinne , Wee have trespassed against our God , and have taken strange wives , Ezra 10.2 .

David , though a King , having committed scandalous sinnes , contents not himselfe with a private confession thereof to the Prophet Nathan ( 2 Sam. 12.13 . ) But b b Iste Psalm● vo●e●● continet p●nitenti● : often●●ns ut qui ceci●●ri● in crimin● , 〈…〉 redeat a● a●utem Hier. in lo : by a Penitentiary Psalme maketh open and publicke confession thereof to the whole Church , Psalme 51.1 .

To like purpose tends the second booke of Salomon , stiled Ecclesiastes . c c Aiunt H●br●i hunc librum Salomonis esse paenitentiam agentis , quòd in sapientia divitiisque confisus , per mulieres offenderit Deum . Idem . The Hebrewes say that this booke is an evidence of Salomons repentance : for that he trusting in his wisdome and riches offended God by woemen .

That which S. Paul writes ( 1 Tim. 1.13 . ) of his being a blasphemer and a persecutor and injurious , is a publike confession of his sins .

It is noted ( Acts. 19.18 , 19. ) as a fruit of true faith that many that beleeved , came , namely openly and publickly , and confessed and shewed their deeds . Among these were many also of them who used curious arts ( that is magicall and diabolicall arts ) brought their bookes together and burnt them , before all men : that is openly and publickly .

d d Niceph. Ecl. Hist. l. 2. c 32. The Young-man whom S. I●hn committed to the tuition of the Bishop of Ephesus , being recalled , after his Apostacy , with teares on his knees openly craves pardon .

e e Lamentum quod circumfertur nomine Origeni● . There is a Lamentation of Origen , published among his workes , wherein he himselfe doth openly confesse , and penitently bewaile h●s scand●lous yealding to Pagan Idolatry .

f f 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iren. 〈◊〉 Har. l. c. 9. Sundry that were seduced by Marcus the Magician , in testimony of the truth of their penitency made open confession .

g g Euseb Ecl. Hist. l. 6. c. 34. Philip who of Roman Emperours was the first Christian , desiring to be admitted into the Christian Church , stood in the place where penitents were wont to stand , and made open confession of his sinne .

* * Haeresis hujus vocabatur Episcop●● . Euse● . Ecl. Hist. l. 5. c. 28. Natalis a Bishop among Heretiques did the like .

Many other particulars might here be reckoned up of such as of old in the times of persecution having renounced the Christian Faith , upon touch of conscience made publike confession of their Apostacy , and were thereupon admitted againe into the Christian Church .

For h h Euseb. Ecl. Hist. l. 6. c. 34. in those daies they suffered none , that had once renounced the Christian Faith to be received as members of the Church , unlesse they gave good evidences of their true repentance , and that by their deepe humiliation , free confession , and willing subjection to such satisfactions as the Church should enjoyne .

For this end they had i i In Ecclesiae qualibe● praebyterunt paenitent●arium constituerunt Ministers to order the penance of such Penitents , and to receive them againe into the Church . k k Certus est paenitentium locus Niceph. Eccl. Hist. l. 12. c. 28. They had also publicke places for such Penitents to stand in : and they had l l Lege ibid de f●rma paenitentiae . formes of confession , and rites for Penitents to observe .

From those primitive times of the Christian Church even to these our dayes , they who after their revolt from the Faith , have beene thorowly touched in conscience for their sinne , have not unwillingly made recantations , and confessions , and undergone what the Church thought meet to lay upon them . This time after time hath beene done in all reformed Churches : And that not onely by such as h●ve returned from Paganisme , Turcisme , and Iudaisme , but also from Anabaptisme and Popery .

Indeed the ancient Discipline of the Church about receiving such as had Apostatised from her , into her bosome againe , was more austere , then now it is : m m Ritu●●ste propter Novati . anos institutu● esse dicitur , quum communicare illi cum eis nollent , qui sub Decij persecutione fidem abn●garant , & postea resipiscentes ad eam redierant ▪ Niceph Ecl. Hist. l. 12. c. 28. The rather because of the Novatians , who would not communicate with them , who had denied the faith in the persecution of Decius , and afterwards repenting turned to the same faith againe .

In those daies Penitents were wont to put n n Sacco sumpto & cinere conspersu● . Niceph. l 4. c. 21. sack-cloth upon their backs , and ashes on their heads : And o o Stant illi periude atque judicio damnati essent , &c. l 12. c. 28. to stand as men condemned , with their countenance dejected ; yea and with much sorrow and wailing to cast themselves downe at the Bishops feete , who also weeping with them and for them , prostrateth himselfe : and the whole assembly weepeth too . The Bishop risen up , having prayed for them , and given them what counsell and charge he thought meet , bids them stand up : and dismisseth them for that time : Being so dismissed they gave themselves to mourning , watching , fasting , praying , and other things meet for Repentance : and waited till the Bishop should call for them . Sometimes they were long put off before they were admitted into the Church , and participation of all Gods ordinances .

But now the Church dealeth much more gently and gratiously with such as she conceiveth to be true Penitents . Yet so , as she may search , and clense the wound , and worke the more perfect cure .

Yee , yee , whosoever you be that have renounced your Religion , and denied your Lord and Saviour , and yet without any publicke confession or satisfaction intrude into the Church , and thrust your selves in among the guests which are invited to the Lords Table , Ye draw a skin over a festring wound : Ye eat and drinke your owne damnation : Yee make the Lord to expostulate the case with you , and to say unto you , How came ye hither not having a wedding garment ? This is the doome denounced against such ( Math. 22.13 . ) Binde them hand and foot , and take them away , and cast them into outer darknesse , there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . Well note this and tremble . I wot well , that it were farre better for you to stand as humble Penitents in a Christian Congregation on earth , humbly confessing your sinnes and graciously receiving absolution of them , then to be in the number of them , of whom the Sonne of man shall be ashamed , when he commeth in the glory of his Father with his holy Angels ( Mark 8.38 . ) And assuredly he will be ashamed of such , as having denied him are ash●med to make open confession of that their deniall .

But this Penitent here before us by his humble submission to the Churches order , and penitent confession of his heighnous sinne in the midst of this great Congregation , apparently sheweth , that as formerly he was not ashamed to deny Christ , so now he is not ashamed to confesse Christ . He is indeed ashamed . But of what ? Even of his former shamelesnesse . Of this shame he hath no cause to bee ashamed : Unlesse it be that he can be no more ashamed , that he was before so gracelesly ashamed of his Saviour .

In this ground , he being , as yee heard before , received into the Church againe , I will againe apply my Text to him , and say of him , He was lost , and is found .

Hetherto of the generall consideration of my Text , by handling the two opposite termes joyntly in their distinct times . I proceed now to the particular points severally : each by it selfe .

The two branches which in speciall sprout out of the body of my Text , are these .

1. The dammage of Apostacy , intimated in this word LOST , which giveth us to understand that Apostacy implungeth into perdition .

2. The advantage of Penitency intended under this word FOVND , which giveth us further to understand that Penitency restoreth to salvation .

Of these in order .

It hath beene shewed before that the HEE here ment was an Apostate . Hee forsooke the Church , and in that respect hee is said to be * * Simplex verbum 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 significat perdere compositum 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 non caret emp●●si . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 opponuntur apud Isocrat . in Archid. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 LOST : That is in the state and case of him to whom eternall destruction and damnation belongeth . His Apostacy therefore implunged him into perdition : where into all Apostates are implunged . So much is intended under this phrase Substractio ad perditionem 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ( Heb. 10.39 . ) a withdrawing or drawing backe unto perdition . The with-drawing whereof he speaketh is from the profession of the true Faith , an Apostasy from it . This is evident by that which in way of opposition , hee addeth , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , but of Faith . We are not ( saith he ) of them that draw backe : but of them that cleave close to the true Faith , and fast hold it . Now by adding this inference ( unto perdition ) to that sinne of drawing backe , he plainely sheweth that Apostacy implungeth into perdition . In this respect that notorious Apostate Iudas is , by him that well knew what was his due , stiled , the sonne of perdition , Iohn 17.12 . Christ foreseeing that he would fall away , and proove an Apostate , in relation thereunto termes him a sonne of perdition , that is a man that would implunge him selfe into eternall destruction .

S. Peter in setting downe this point , notes out the true ground and reason therof in these words , Denying the Lord that bought them , they bring upon thems●lves swift destruction , 2 Pet. 2.1 . By the Lord that bought them , hee meanes the Lord Jesus Christ . Now to deny him is an high pitch of Apostacy : And thereby ●hey bring upon themselves destruction ; in that there is no salvation in any other . For there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby wee must be saved . Act. 4.12 . They who deny him by whom alone salvation is to be had must needs bring destruction upon themselves . This is the most principall reason of all .

There is another like to this , noted by the Apostle ( Hebr. 10.25 . ) they forsake and desert the assembling of Saints together , that is , the Church of God , the Communion of Saints . Now as Christ is the onely Author and giver of salvation :

Nulli nostrum dubium est per arcam Noae ●cclesiam suisse figuratam . Aug de Vnit. Ecl. c. 5.

Firmissimè tene omnes qui extra ecclesiam catholicam praesentem fin●unt vitam , in ignem aeternum ituros Nam & in diebu● diluvij neminem legimus extra arcam potuisse salvari Aug. de Fid. ad P. Diac. c 37 , 38.

So he causeth the sweet streame of salvation to flow foorth upon his body onely : which is the true catholicke Church . Where the Apostle saith ( Eph. 5.23 . ) He is the Saviour of the body , he meanes it exclusively , of none but of those who appertaine to the body , and are members therof . In this respect the Church is fitly resembled to Noahs Arke . For as none were saved from perishing in the generall deluge , but they who abode in the Arke : So can none be saved from eternall perdition , but such as remaine in the true Church . Apostates therefore , by deserting the Church implunge themselves into Perdition : and remaine as children of Perdition , even as persons lost , while they continue Apostates .

The miserable plight o● apostat● . Hereby take notice of the wretched disposition , and woefull condition of Renegadoes : who cast themselves out of the true Church , renounce their Christian Faith , and denie the Lord who so dearely bought them . What , what is then in this wide world that can countervaile such a losse ? Or what can stand him in any steed that is lost ? Can wealth ? Can honour ? Can liberty ? Can life it selfe ?

1. Wealth got by Apostacy is vanishing . 1. The wealth of this world , which is all the wealth that can be gotten by Apostacy , may prove like Ionahs gourd , and vanish away ere thou be aware : even while the thought of some seeming content is in thine head . But the wealth lost by Apostacy , is , as the Apostle sets it downe ( Heb. 10.34 . ) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a solid substance : and that 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 much better then this world can affoord . For it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Heaven : it is there treasured up for us ; and thereupon it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 enduring , that never fades away . This better , enduring substance , in Heaven , is lost by such as are themselves LOST through Apostacy .

2. Honour of Apostates ends in shame . 2. The honour atchieved by denying the faith may prove like Hamans promotion , which lift him fifty cubits high above ground upon a gibbet : but the honour lost by Apostacy , is b b 1 Pet. 2 9. a Royall Priesthood , c c Rev. 3.11 . a Crowne , d d Jam. 1.12 . a Crowne of life , e e 1 Pet. 5.4 . an incorruptible Crowne of glory , f f Iam. 2.5 . a Kingdome , g g 2 Tim. 4.18 an heavenly Kingdome , h h ● Pet. 1.11 . an everlasting Kingdome . This is the honour that belongs to such as pers●vere in the faith ; which they who renounce the faith , doe forfeit .

3. Ap●s●ates 〈…〉 miser●ble 〈◊〉 . 3. The liberty attained by leaving the true Christian Chur●h , may be some externall , temporary freedome from prison , from chaines , from gallies , from bondage and slaverie under cruell men . But the liberty lost thereby , is that divine , and i i Rom. 8.21 . glorious liberty of the Sonnes of God , k k Gal 5.1 . wherewith Christ hath made them free : which is a freedome from the wrath of God , the curse of Law , the dominion of sinne , the tyranny of Satan , and eternall damnation . Is the rage of man more to be feared then the wrath of God ? chaines of iron more then the bonds of the law ? Bondage under Turkes more then slavery under Satan , whose worke which he enjoynes is villany ; whose wages , which he gives is damnation ? are blowes and stripes on the body , Terrors of conscience most terrible . more then gawles and wounds of conscience ? The anguish of a tormenting conscience is much more intolerable then of scourges , whips , bastenadoes , strapadoes , racks , or any torturing instruments on the body . There needs no other Accuser of an Apostate then his owne conscience : no other Witnesse to convince him : no other Adversary to aggravate his crime : no other Iewry to finde him guilty : no other Iudge to condemne him : no other hangman to execute his doome upon him . There needs no other to work his woe , then his owne conscience . Instance all these in that great Apostate Iudas .

Who accused Iud●s , or brought in the bill of inditement against him ? Did any of his fellow Disciples ? No : none but his owne conscience .

Who did beare witnesse against him ? Did any of the Priests of whom he received money to betray his Lord , or any of their officers who saw him accomplish his treason with a kisse ? No : none but his owne conscience .

Who aggravated his crime ? Did Nicodemus , or any of the Lawyers that beleeved in Christ ? No : none but his owne conscience .

Who found him guilty ? Did any of the common people , who followed Christ from place to place , and r●ceived sundry kindnesses from him ? No : none but his owne conscience .

Who gave sentence against him ? Did Annas , or Caiphas , or Herod , or Pilat ? No : none but his owne conscience .

Who brought him to the place of execution , and there hung him upon a tree ? Did any of the Governours souldiers ? No : none but his own conscience .

His conscience was his Accuser , Witnesse , Adversary , Jewry , Judge , Executioner .

What the Poet said of envie , may be applied to a guilty conscience , — Siculi non invenere Tyranni Horat Epist. l. 1. Ep. 2. Tormentum majus — Ne're did the fiercest tyrant Invent a greater torment .

If it be said that all Apostates have not such torturing consciences , I answer , A sencelesse con●cience worse then rest-lesse . that then they have a seared conscience , which is much worse . A restlesse conscience , though for the time it be even an intolerable burden , yet may it proove a meanes to bring the tortured soule to deepe humiliation for his sinne , to sound repentance , to an earnest desire of pardon , yea and to faith in Christ Jesus : and thereupon be pacified , and quieted , as his was , who came trembling and fell downe before Paul and Silas , Acts 16.29 , 30 and sa●d , Sirs , what shall I doe to be saved ? B●t a sencelesse conscience never works any remorse , or restraint : but is an occasion of mens giving themselves over to worke all wickednesse with greedinesse . Thus after th●ir hardnesse and impenitent heart they treasure unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath ( Rom. 2.5 . ) In this respect a conscience past f●eling casts a man into a more desperate condition , Cum tenentur in tam grand● crimine per●uss● su●t animi caecitate , ut nec intelligant delicta nec plangant . In●ignantis D●i major haec plaga est . Cypr. Serm. 5. de lapsis . then a conscience destitute of all comfort . And of the two , it is better to live and die in despaire , then to live and die in an impudent remorselesnesse : greedily committing sinne without any trouble of conscience . Surely in the day of judgement it will be easier for the conscience which is restlesse here , then for the sencelesse conscience .

God to be feared more then man .

Heb. 11.35 , 36.

Be wise now therefore all yee that may be brought to the triall of cruell mockings and scourgings . yea moreover of bonds and imprisonment , and of all manner of tortures : be well instructed in the difference betwixt such things as man can inflict upon the body , and such as God can inflict on body and soule : that yee be not worse then the foolish fish , which leape out of the warme water into the flaming fire . Such are they , who to escape the hands of mortall men , fall into the hands of the living God , not considering the weight of that which the Apostle saith ( Heb. 10.31 . ) It is a fearefull thing to fall into the hands of the living God .

The feares which usually most affright men , and draw them to be Renegadoes are but of such things which the Apostle ( 1 Cor. 10.13 ) stiled 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 humane or common to man : Such as by man are inflicted , such as by man may be indured .

I suppose greater and crueller tortures cannot in these daies be by mans wit invented ,

What tortures Martyrs en●ured .

Maccab. 6.9 , 10 & 7.1 , 2 , &c.

then were of old inflicted by spitefull persecutors on the Iewes in the daies of Antiochus , and on Christians in the time of the ten notorious persecutions under the Romane Emperours .

b b Erat spectaculum eorum quae fiebant ita crudele , ut omnem narrationem superet . Euseb. Eccles. Hist l. 8. c. 6. So cruell was the sight of those tortures which persecutors inflicted , as exceeds all expression .

c c Virgis , flagris , loris , funiculis lacerati ossa nudata patebant : & aceto sale mixto purulentis corporis partibus perfunduntur . Constant Christians had their flesh torne from their backs with rods , scourges , whips , and cords , so as their bones lay bare , and the raw parts of their body were washt with vineger and salt .

d d Fustibus percussi . They were knockt with clubs .

e e Instrumentis membratim extensi . They were stretched on racks .

f f Fractis cruribus puniti . Their legs were broken , and they so left miserably to perish .

g g In utraque manu digiti acutis calamis sub extremis unguibus perforati . They were goared with sharp pricks under the lowest parts of their nailes .

h h Testis toto corpore ad mortem usque discerpti . Their bodies were scraped with shels to death .

i i Terga excoriata . Capitibus pellis detracta a fronte ad mentum usque . Their backs were fleaed . Their skin was pull'd over their heads from the brow to the chin .

k k Nares , labia , aures , manus etiam & pedes amputati : & ipsi veluti quaedam victimae in carnes dissecti . Their noses , lips , eares , hands and feete were cut off ; and they as sacrifices cut into gobbets .

l l Linguae funditus exectae ( Plectrum palati & faucium saevus tibi Tortor revulsit . Prudent . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hym. 10. de Romano Mart. ) Their tongues were cut out by the rootes , and puld out of their jawes .

m m Oculorum expunctionem & effossionem tolerarunt . Their eyes were boared and digged out .

n n

Robustiores ramos instrumentis quibusdam in unum contraxerunt : deinde cuilibet Martyrum crura alligarunt : atque ita eos in suum quemque locum pro natura sua recurrere permittentes , subitam m●mbrorum distractionem effecer●nt .

( Intereatque feris dilaceratus equis . Prud. de Hippolyto . Hym. 11. )

Their bodies were rent and pulled to peeces by strong boughs , forced together by instruments , and let loose when the limbs of the bodies of Martyrs were tied fast unto them . Their limbs were also pull'd to peeces with wild horses .

o o Iacobus fullonis instrumento percussus obijt . Their braines were knockt out with a fullers instrument .

p p Fractis cruribus puniti . Their legs were broken to peeces .

q q Igne combusti . They were burnt with fire .

r r Carbonibus ignis ad supplicij diuturnitatem adusti . They were a long while together parched on hot burning coales .

s s In sublime sublati molliore igne supposito , fumo suffocati . Being hang'd by the heeles and their heads downward over a soft fire , they were choaked with smoake .

t t In morem carnium vescarum igne paulatim consumuntur . They were rosted at the fire , as flesh to be eaten useth to be rosted .

u u Ignes & craticulae fiebant sensim Martyrum corpora torrentes . They were leisurely broyled on gridierons set over fire .

w w Ferream sedem perserunt in qua corpora ipsorum velut in sartagine cocta nidore astantes replebant . They were fried in red hot ieron chaires , as in a frying pan , which annoied the standers bie with a stanch .

x x Plumbo igne liquefacto bulliente adhuc & ignescente tergora perfusi . Hot boyling lead was powred down their backs .

y y Aeneas laminas ten●rimis corporis partibus applicabant . They clapt fiery plates of brasse upon the most tender parts of their body .

z z Tyrannus cum considerasset regionis naturam quod frigore horrida esset , & anni tempus quòd hybernum ; observata nocte in qua maximè malum ipsum augesceret , & alias tunc aquilo in ipsa spiraret : jussit quadraginta Christianos nudatos sub dio in media urbe congelatos mori . Tunc ubi mandatum audivissent , cum gaudio abjecta etiam extrema tunica ad mortem per frigus precedebant . Basil . in 40. Mart. Conc. Item Greg. Nyssen . de ijsdem Orat. 2. A persecuting tyrant considering the nature of the countrey , that it was terribly cold , and the time of the yeare , that it was winter : and a night wherein the cold extremely increased , and that the northwind then blew there : commanded forty Christians to be set stark naked under the open aire in the midst of the City , to freeze to death . Then when they heard that charge , with joy casting away even their innermost vestment , they went on to their death by cold .

a a Pardalum , Vrsorum , Suum agrestium , Boumque impetum sustinuerunt . They endured the violence of Libbards , Beares , wild Boares , and Bulls .

b b Fame , siti , frigore necantur . They were destroyed with hunger , thirst and cold .

c c

Eos qui in carcere suffocabantur canibus rojecerunt , adhibitis nocte dieque custodibus ne quisquam eorum sepeliretur : prolatisque reliquijs cum ▪ a bestijs , tum ab igne relictis , ac partim laceratis , partim adustis , deinde & reliquorum capitibus unà cum truncis pariformiter inhumatis complures dies militaris curae custodiam deputarunt .

Haec & alia tormentorum genera memorantur a Basilio Concionibus in S. Martyres . Prudent . in Hymnis de Coron. Mart. Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 5. c. 1. & l. 8. c. 6 , 7. &c. Niceph. l. 7. c. 11 , 12.

Such as were stifled in prison they cast to dogs , setting watchmen night and day , lest any of them should be buried : and such remainders as were left both of beasts and fire , in part torne , and in part burnt , together with the heads & bodies of others they cast out in like manner unburied , and committed them for some daies to the custodie of souldiers .

Thus the barbarous cruelty of persecutors extended it selfe as farre as it could , even beyond the temporall lives of Martyrs .

M●ny Martyrs of all ages and se●es . I suppose that more cruell torments cannot bee invented then of old have beene inflicted on Christians . d d Se victos esse nec habere amplius quod inferrent confessi s●nt . Euseb. Ec. Hist. l. 5. c. 1. Persecutors have acknowledged that they were overcome ; and had no more to inflict . Yet was all that they did or could inflict but humane ( as was noted before ) such as flesh and blood by the assistance of the divine Spirit could and did endure : which assistance was afforded not only to e e

Viri cum mulieribus , & ad●●dum par vulis , torme●tis tradu●tur .

Euseb. loc. citat .

strong men , but also to women and young children , who were given up to be tormented . Neither were they onely a few choise persons who endured Martyrdome in Christs cause , but such multitudes yeare after yeare , moonth after moonth , week after week , day after day , as an ancient Father testifieth , that f f Nullus dies qui non ultra quinque millium numerum Martyrum reperiri posset ascriptus , excepto die Calendarum Ianuarij Hier. ad Heliod . there was never a day in the yeare , except the first of Ianuary , whereunto the number of five hundred Martyrs at least might not be ascribed . g g Complures ●no die cumulatim perpessi sunt , ita ut lictor gladium s●um h●bitaret , l●borandoque defi●eret . Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 8. c. 9. So many one after another in one day suffered , as the Executioner blunted his sword , and with the paines he took , fainted . That which many of them endured , though to flesh flesh and blood it seemed intolerable , yet with much patience , h h Praeclaram ●la●ritatem ac revera divinam virtutem Martyrum vidimu● . excellent cheerefullnesse , and divine courage they endured it . They were not as Beares hall'd to the stake , but while persecutors were sitting on their judgement seates and condemning some Christians , i i Assiliebant alij ad ipsum judicij tribunal , ●eque ipsos Christianos esse confiten●es , &c. others leaped in and prof●ssed themselves to be Christians : and suffered the uttermost that could be inflicted k k Cum gaudio risuque ac ●ilaritate extremam mortis sententiam suscipi●●●●● , it a ut Psal●erent , &c. Euseb. loc 〈◊〉 . with joyfullnesse , and a kinde of pleasantnesse , singing Psalmes as long as their breath lasted : as Paul and Silas did , being after soare scourging put into the stocks in a prison , Acts 16.23 , 24 , 25.

Such tortures and torments so couragiously and manfully have sundry Christians in all ages suffered , as to them who onely heard thereof , they seemed incredible , and to many who were eye-witnesses thereof they seemed so strange and beyond admiration , as they thought the Martyrs to be madd , witlesse , and sencelesse . But Martyrs themselves ( who had the light of Gods Word for their direction , The ground of Martyrs courage . and the Spirit of wisdome and revelation , in the knowledge of Christ : the eyes of their understanding being inlightned : Ephes. 1.17 , 18 , 19 , 20. whereby they knew what is the hope of his calling , and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints : and what is the exceeding greatnesse of his power to us ward who beleeve , according to the working of his mighty power , which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead , and set him at his owne right hand in heavenly places ) Martyrs , I say , by the light of the Word and inlightning of the Spirit , with the eyes of their minde , pierced thorow the thicke cloud of all their sufferings , and ( as Stephen by an extraordinary worke with his bodily eyes beheld the Heavens opened , and the Sonne of man standing at the right hand of God ) they did seethe gratious favour of God towards them , Act 7.56 . and feele the comfortable shining thereof upon their soules , whereby they were encouraged , and enabled to endure all that they endured . For God useth to give such inward comfort , courage , assistance and supportance to his Saints suffering for his names sake , as is unutterable , unconceivable .

The recompe●ce of Martyrs . Besides , the minde and meditation of Martyrs was so fixed on the recompence of reward , which with much confidence they expected , as the sence of paine was swallowed up therewith . For they accounted all tortures that could be inflicted , Rom. 8.18 . Not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed unto them . Most elegantly and emphatically hath the Apostle set out the wonderfull great disproportion betwixt a Christians suffering , and the recompence following thereon , 2 Cor. 4.17 . expounded . in these words , Our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a farre more exceeding and eternall weight of glory .

1. All that can be by man inflicted on man is but * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 premer● : ut calceus dicitur 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 premere pedem : & uvae dicuntur 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 compressio , a pressure , and that of the body onely . For man after hee hath killed the body , hath no more that he can do , Luke 12.5 . Thus much is implied under this phrase ( Gen , 3.15 . ) Thou shalt bruise his heele . Satan by his instruments can reach no higher then the heele , that is the body , the inferiour part of man . For this pressure of the body , by way of recompence , shall be conferred glory , that which of all is exceedingly desired . The glory heere ment compriseth under it whatsoever may make to the happinesse of man , and that both in body and soule .

2. The kind of affliction is but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 some light thing easie to be borne by him that is indued with the Divine Spirit . For afflictions for Christs sake may be comprised under that yoke and burden of Christ which is easie and light , Math. 11.30 . But the recompence is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a weight , such a weight as infinitly over-poiseth all afflictions .

3. The continuance of affliction is but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 for a while , even for a moment . At the uttermost they cannot extend beyond this present life , which is a short life . But the weight of glory is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 eternall , without date , without end .

4. To shew that in this comparison all degrees of comparison are exceeded , he addeth hyperbole upon hyperbole thus , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which emphaticall Graecisme , because other tongues cannot word by word expresse to the ful , they are forced to use words & phrases which exceed all comparison , as * *

Mirè supra mo●um Erasm . Supra modum in sublimitate Vu●g . lat.

Excellenter excellens Beza .

wonderfully above measure , above measure exceedingly : exceedingly excelling : or , as our last and best English translation turnes it , a farre more exceeding .

What Oratour or Rhetorician could have set out a difference or disproportion more to the life and to the full , then the Apostle hath done in the fore-mentioned words ?

Who should not , who would not bee mooved hereby to endure any thing that by man can bee inflicted for professing Christ , rather then by denying him , loose that exceedingly excelling weight of glory : Heereof when S. Paul , being rapt into the third heaven , had but a glimps , he saw and heard 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 unutterable matters , 2 Cor. 12.4 . which man cannot possibly expresse . These , these are the things which eye hath not seene , nor eare heard , neither have entered into the heart of man . 1. Cor. 2.9 . And these are the things that are lost by denying Christ .

The punishment of Aposta●y . Yet is not this all . Apostacy pulls upon a man not onely poenam damni , losse of blisse , but allso poenam sensus , Post inexpiabile malum saeviens ignis aeterna scelerum u●●ione torquebit . ●ypr . de ●au . Martyr . that which will make him feele paine and smart , even the sence of torture and torment : and not such as man onely can inflict : No nor such onely as all the Divels in hell can inflict : But such as by the wrath and power of the Almighty is inflicted : Such as red hot yron , boyling lead , flaming fire , and all other corporall and temporall torturing torments are too light to paralell or compare withall . For they are easelesse and endlesse , mercilesse and remedilesse . A fire kindled in mine anger ( saith the Lord Deut. 32.22 . ) shall burn unto the lowest Hell . Heare this , O Apostates , and tremble . Receive therefore the counsell which the Lord thus giveth ( Luk. 12.4 , 5. ) I say unto you , my friends , Be not afraid of them who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do : But I will forewarne you whom you shall feare : Feare him who after he hath killed , hath power to cast into Hell : yea , I say unto you , him feare .

Because hard and cruell usage of Turks , and feare of worse is the cause alleadged by this present Penitent , whereby he was mooved to renounce his profession of Christ , I have the longer insisted thereon , and indeavoured to make cleere these six distinct points .

1. That Apostates may implunge themselves into greater tortures then they can avoid .

2. That all that by men can bee inflicted on constant professours of the Christian Faith , are no more then what God can and will inable them to beare .

3. That greater tortures cannot be invented then have in former times beene inflicted on Christians .

4. That Martyrs in all ages have expressed much comfort & joy in their greatest sufferings .

5. That their recompence farre surpasseth their endurance .

6. That by denying Christ that recompence is lost and intolerable torments in Hell purchased .

If these be not enough to embolden Christians against all that man can do , I know not what can be enough .

But yet there remaines one stumbling blocke to be remooved , and that is about life . Faith of more worth then life . For skin for skinne and all that a man hath will be give for his life .

For satisfaction hereunto let it be considered that

1. This was the Divels allega●ion , Iob. 2.4 . And shall a Christian fight with the Divels weapons against Christ ?

2. I● that high prize set upon life bee taken in a faire and right sence , it must be applied ad idem , to matters of like kind . For a temporall life , all the temporall things that he hath , may be given : as ( Mar. 5.26 . ) the woeman which had an issue of blood , spent all that shee had on Physitions , namely all her temporall estate . But the true faith is of another kinde : the good of our soules , the present consolation , and future salvation of them , depends on a constant profession of the true faith . It is not in our power to part with it .

3. Life preserved by Apostacy is but a temporary life , a shadow , a vapour , a bubble , a breath : Soone gone , even before a man can thinke of parting with it . How long did Iudas retaine his life after his Apostacy ? The rich foole had his soule taken away long before his account . For while he dreamed of many yeares , he heard this summons , This night thy soule shall be required of thee ( Luk. 12.20 . )

4. If life be preserved some while , it may proove so troublesome , so wearisome , so irksome a life , so full of terrour and horrour as a man wish again and again that he had died before he denied Christ . Instance Iudas Iscariot of old , and Francis Spira of late .

5. Eternall life is forfeited by purchasing temporall life after such a manner . In this respect whosoever will save his life shall loose it , as Christ saith , Math. 16.25 . Whosoever denies Christ to save this temporall life is like to loose eternall life .

6. Temporall life is not a valuable consideration for the losse of the soule . For what shall a man give in exchange for his soule ? Math. 16.26 .

If it be said that life being preserved , Pretence of future re●e●tance a vaine pretence for preserving life . an Apostate may finde opportunity of escaping out of persecutors hands , and so repent , and returne unto the Church , and glorifie God : as a souldier by flying in time of danger , may againe returne into the field , and get the day : I answer that

1. It is but a may be . Not one to a thousand find such an opportunity . This Penitent here before us found such an opportunity . But many thousands surprized by Turks as he was , spend all the remainder of their life in the state of Apostasie .

2. If they finde an opportunity of escaping , it will not necessarily follow thereupon that they will or can repent having once denied their Saviour . As it fell out with the ten Lepers , so it falleth out too too usually with Renegadoes : but one of the ten returned to give glory to God : which caused Christ to say , Where are the nine ? Luke 17.17 . Here is now one before us , that by a right course of penitency is admitted into the Church againe . About ten yeares now past there was another in like manner received at Minhead in Somerset-shire . But are these two the tenth , or tenth of ten times ten of them that having played the Renegadoes are returned into their countrey , yet never gave any publike evidence of their true repentance ?

Grace how abused . 3. It is a most undue and impious inference from Gods grace to sinners , to take occasion of sinning : which the holy Apostle doth with much indignation detest . For where to the magnifying of the grace of God , and comfort of such sinners , as allmost to despaire felt the intolerable burden of sinne pressing upon their soules , he had said , Where sinne abounded , grace did much more abound , Rom 5.20 . some thence tooke occasion of turning the grace of God into lasciviousnesse : with whom the Apostle thus expostulates the case , Shall wee continue in sinne that grace may abound ? Rom. 6.1 , 2. Having noted their impious inference , with a vehement detestation he thus rejects it , God forbid . Farre be any such conceipt from a Christians mind .

That the non-consequence of such an inference may be the better discerned , the groffe mistakings thereof are wisely to be weighed . They are manifest in these three particulars .

1. There is non causa pro causa : the cause is grossely misapplied . For they make Gods grace a cause of committing sin , whereas the Apostle produceth it as the cause of remitting and removing sinne .

2. There is non subjectum pro subjecto : the subject matter , or thing whereupon Gods grace exerciseth it selfe is mischievously mislaid . For they make sinnes to come , or a resolved purpose to con●inue in sinne the subject of abundant grace , whereas the Apostle intendeth sinnes past which can not be recalled : and thereupon if they bee not through grace remitted , the sinner that hath committed them is most miserable .

3. There is non objectum pro objecto ; the kinde of sinner , who is made the object on whom abundant grace is conferred , is wretchedly mistaken . For they take the Apostle to speake of such as delight in sinne , and retaine a purpose of living and lying in sinne : whereas he meaneth such as finde and feele themselves to be sinners through sence of the heavie loade of sinne pressing soare upon them : even such sinners as Christ came to call to repentance , Mat. 9.13 .

Thus we see how pretence of returning to God afterwards is a most wicked pretence of denying God for the present .

Gods faithfull Martyrs in all ages have made little or no account of their temporall life , Martyrs little regarded li●e . when it came in competition with Christ , and a profession of the Christian faith .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Heb. 11.35 .

The Apostle giveth this testimony of them , they would not accept deliverance . He meanes deliverance from death or preservation of life : this , though offered they would not accept , namely on persecutors termes or conditions , which was to denie the truth of God , or renounce their faith in him .

As an evident proofe hereof , give me leave to set before you some of their answers in this case . Resolute answers of Martyrs .

When Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego were threatned to be cast into an hot fiery furnace , unlesse they would worship Nebuchadnezars idoll , they make this reply ( Dan. 3.16 , 17. ) O Nebuchadnezar wee are not carefull to answer thee in this matter . If it be so , our God , whom we serve , is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace : and he will deliver us out of thine hand , O King . But if not , be it knowne unto thee , O King , that we will not serve thy gods , nor worship thy golden image which thou hast set up .

When Eleazar was promised to be saved from torments , and death , if he would but make shew of yeelding , he couragiously answereth , It becommeth not our age in any wise to dissemble whereby many young persons might thinke that Eleazar being fourescore and ten yeares old , Maccab. 6.24 . were now gone to a strange religion .

Thus also one of the seven brethren in the name of the rest , We are ready to die , rather then to transgresse the lawes of our Fathers : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 7.2 . meaning such lawes as God of old had given to their Fathers to be observed by them , and by their posterity age after age .

To like purpose answered all the other brethren , and their mother too .

Christ himselfe , when Peter would have disswaded him from suffering , with indignation thus replied , Get thee behind mee Satan , Mat. 16.23 .

Saint Paul when the Disciples upon notice that he should be bound at Hierusalem , besought him not to goe up thither , answered , What meane you to weepe and to breake mine heart . For I am ready not to be bound onely , but also to die at Hierusalem for the name of the Lord Iesus .

Ignis & crux , incursus bestiarum , dissipatio ossium , convulsio membrorum , totius corporis commolitio , ac supplicia Diaboli in me veniant , modò Iesum Christum acquiram . Euseb. Hist. Eccl. l. 3. c. 36. Ignatius being much threatned for his zealous profession of Christ , saith , Let fire , and crosse , invasion of beasts , breaking of bones , pulling asunder of members , grinding of my whole body , and what else the Divell can inflict come , so I may hold Iesus Christ .

Frumentum Dei sum , & dentibus bestiarum commolior , ut mundus panis inveniar . Ibid. And being brought foorth to devouring beasts , he uttered these words , I am Gods corne , and am ground by the teeth of beasts , that I may be pure bread .

Octoginta sex annos servij Christo , nec me ulla in re laes●t unquam , & quomodo possum maledicere Regi meo qui me servavit . Ibid. l. 4. c. 15. Polycarpus , when the Governour promised to let him goe free , if hee would denie Christ , answered , I have served him fourescore and six yeares , and he never hurt me in any thing . How shall I curse him who hath saved mee ?

And the Governour adding one while promises , another while threatnings , Quid tardas ? infer quicquid lubet . Ibid. Polycarpus thus cuts off all , Why dost thou make delaies , inflict what thou lists .

Lucius illi gratias egit , ac subjecit , hac se ratione a malis hujusmodi dominis liberari , & ad bonum Patrem , & Regem Deum se proficisci . Ibid. Lucius thanked him that brought him forth to suffer , and said that he should be free from those evill masters , and goe to God a good Father and King .

Germanicus , when he was brought forth to be torne in peeces and devoured by beasts ( the Governor perswading him to be mindfull of his youth , Cum Germanicum Proconsul flectere vellet , atque aetatis admoneret , sponte sua bestiam in se illexit . Ibid. that he might be spared ) of his owne accord incited the beasts against himselfe .

Sanctus ad cuncta interrogata respondet , Christianus sum . Ibid. l. 5. c. 2. Sanctus being under tortures for professing himselfe to be a Christian , unto every question propounded to him , he answered , I am a Christian : whereby he occasioned his torments to be continued to death .

Converte partem corporis satis cremat am jugiter , Et fac periculum quid tuus vulcanus ardens egerit . Can we thinke that Saint Laurance would have accepted deliverance , who lying on a red hot gridieron over burning coales , with an invincible spirit thus said to the tyrant , Turne the side broiled enough , and see what thy burning fire hath done .

Coctum est , devora : Et experimentum cape sit crudum an assum suavius . Prudent . de Coron. Mart. Hym. 2. And being turned , and throughly broyled on the other side , thus againe , Eate that which is broyled , and try whether raw or broyled be the sweeter .

Hi rapiant artus : tu rape , Christe , animam . Ibid. Hym. 11. Hyppolytus when he was tied to wild horses to be pull'd a sunder , thus prayed , Let them rend my limbes , doe thou , O Christ , rap up my soule .

To omit other particulars of the ancient Martyrs in the Primitive Christian Church , with whose couragious speeches manifesting a contempt of death volumes might be filled , Erant qui cum opibus , nobilitate , gloria , eloquentia & philosophia illustres essent , nihilo tamen secius cuncta haec verae p●etati & fidei in servatorem nostrum Iesum Christum postponebant . Isti quamvis rogarentur ab innumeris cognatis & aliàs amicis : denique & alijs in dignitate constitutis primoribus : praeterea & ab ipso Iudice obsecrarentur , ut sui ipsorum misererētur , uxoribusque & liberis parcerent , haudquaquam a tot & tantis viris ab hoc induci potuerunt , ut vitae hujus amore afficerentur , & confessionem servatoris nostri contemnerent , & negationem illius susque deque facerent . Euseb. Hist. Eccl. l. 8. c. 9. it is indefinitely recorded of many who were famous for their wealth , nobility , glory , eloquence and learning , that neverthelesse they preferred true piety & faith in our Lord Iesus Christ before all these . And though they were intreated by many of their kindred and friends otherwise , yea and by others in great place , and by the Iudge himselfe , that they would take pitty on themselves , their wives and children , yet would they not be induced by the entreatings of so many and great ones , so to be affected with the love of this life , as to forbeare the confession of our Saviour , and to set light by the deniall of him .

Thus we see how Christians of old would not accept deliverance .

To these let mee add a few more of later times , who by their blood sealed up the truth of that reformed religion , which we in this land doe now professe , and gave good cause to be put into the Catalogue of Martyrs , even of true Christian Martyrs .

Pardon being offered to Iohn Husse at the stake if he would recant , he answered , These and many other like examples are recorded by I●hn Fox in his Acts and Monuments , as appeareth in their severall Histories . I am here ready to suffer death .

Hierom of Prage to like purpose thus , If I had feared the fire , I had not come hither .

Martin Luther ( though no Martyr , yet to shew his undaunted spirit in maintaining the truth ) being disswaded by his friends from going to Wormes , where his adversaries were assembled to dispute against him , returned this answer , I am resolved and certainely determined to enter Wormes in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ , though I knew there were so many Divells to resist me , as there are tiles to cover the houses in Wormes ; can we imagine that this man would have accepted deliverance on his adversaries termes ?

Galeazius a Gentleman of great estate , who suffered Martyrdome at Sant-angelo in Italy being much pressed by his friends to recant and save his life , replied that Death was much more sweete to him with testimony of verity then life with the least deniall of truth .

Francis Camba a Martyr in the Diocesse of Millaine , being much assailed by his friends , and terrified by his foes , by no meanes could be overcome , but gave thankes to God that he was accounted worthy to suffer cruell death for the testimony of his Sonne . Such were the expressions of joy in his sufferings , as his persecutors caused his tongue to be boared thorow , that he might speake no more to the people .

Anne Askew being offered the Kings pardon , even at the stake , if shee would recant , gave this resolute answer , I come not hither to denie my Lord and Master . By that which this Gentlewoman with admirable courage and constancy indured , shee verified that which of old Iulitta spake concerning their Sex , We women ought to be as constant as men in Christs cause .

Walter Mille , who suffered Martyrdome in Scotland , being sollicited to recant , made this resolute reply , Yee shall know that I will not recant the truth : for I am corne , I am no chaffe ; I will not be blowne away with the winde , nor burst with the flaile : but I will abide both .

Mr. Iohn Rogers , the first Martyr in Queene Maries daies , being sollicited to revoke his doctrine for saving his life , said , That which I have preached I will seale with my blood .

Iohn Hooper Lord Bishop of Glocester , upon the sight of a pardon cried out , If yee love my soule away with it ; if yee love my soule away with it .

Thomas Hawks a Gentleman in Essex , on a like occasion gave this resolute answer , If I had an hundred bodies I would suffer them all to be torne in peeces rather then abjure or recant .

Bishop Ridly to like purpose thus , So long as the breath is in my body , I will never denie my Lord Christ and his knowne truth .

Old Father Latimer used such a speech to one that advised him to spare himselfe , as Christ did to Peter on a like occasion , which was this , Get thee behind mee Satan .

In like manner all the holy , constant Martyrs refused to accept deliverance : some after a more zealous , others after a more milde manner .

Many were the motives whereby Martyrs in all ages have beene enduced to be not onely carelesse , but even prodigall also of their lives . Ground of Martyrs constancy . Therein they had respect to Christ , to the Church , to the Faith , to their Bretheren , to Themselves , to Persecutors , to Satan .

1 Christs honour .

Quam laetus in illis Christum fuit ▪ quaem libens in talibus servis suis & pugnavit & vicit , &c. Cypr. Epist. 6. l. 2. Laetatur milite suo Dominus Laetatur teste nominis sui Christus . Cypr. de laude Marty .

1 Christ much rejoyceth in such servants . For constancy of Martyrs unto death ( of such Martyrs as professe the name of Christ and suffer for his Truth ) is a great honour unto Christ . Is it not an high honour to a King to have such Captaines and Champions as will not yeeld to their Soveraignes enemies , but stand it out to the uttermost till they get the victory , though it cost them their life to get it ? Yet no mortall King can ( as Christ doth ) put spirit , courage , or strength into a subject : onely it is conceived that such valourous souldiers as are ready to hazard their lives for their Soveraigne , serve a good Master . Thus doe Martyrs give persecutors to understand that they serve a good Master : Praeliatores atque assertores sui nomin●●●rexit , corrobors ●it , anima v●l . Idem Epist. 6. l. 2. and that they beleeve in him who hath done more for them then their dearest bloud is worth , who enables them with courage , and comfort to endure whatsoever for his names sake can be inflicted on them , and therin 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be more then conquerers : and after all give such recompence as their sufferings are not worthy to be compared with , Rom. 8.18 , 37. Is not this an honour to Christ ?

2 The Churches renowne . Obeatam ecclesiam quam sic honor divinae dignationis illuminat : quam gloriosus Martyrum sanguis illustrat . Ibid. 2. The Church which breedeth , and sendeth foorth such couragious and resolute children as are ready to spend their blood in their mothers cause , is much honoured . Never did any Church bring up such children as the Church of Christ . She hath the glory of invincible Martyrs . Of it , it may truely be said , O blessed Church , which is honoured with so divine renowne : which the glorious blood of Martyrs doth beautifie .

3 Confirmation of the faith . 3. The Faith which such Martyrs professe by their standing stedfast therein unto dea●h , is sealed and confirmed . The blood of Martyrs is a seale of that Faith for which they shed their blood . By this kinde of ratifying the Christian Faith many have beene brought to embrace the Christian Faith : As of old * * Ioh. 2.23 . — 3.2 . — 4.53 . — 7.31 . — 1● . 45 . Act. 5 12 , 14. — 8.6 . — 9.35 , 42. many were enduced to beleeve in Christ by the miracles which he himselfe did , and which his Apostles did in his Name . If the tortures whereby sundry Martyrs were put to death , and their manfull , cheerefull , and joyfull enduring of them ( wherof before ) be duly weighed , we shal find their induring to bee so miraculous , as their sufferings may well be accounted miracles .

4 Establishment of others profession . 4. The Bretheren which beleeve and professe the same Faith , are by the constancy of Martyrs much streng●hened . For the invincible courage of some putts life and spirit into others . In an army valourous Leaders much animate the rest of the souldiers ,

Passione corporis fratrum mentes ad divina martyria provocatis , duces vos exhibendo virtutis &c. Cypr. Epist. 25. l. 3.

Ad tormenta vincenda caeteri● duces facti , exemplum virtutis fidei praebuerunt . Idem . Epist 6. l. 2.

and embolden them to follow their leaders . Now the Church is as an army with banners ( Cant. 6.4 . ) Martyrs are as Leaders : they couragiously and victoriously make the on-set : Other Christians by their example are pricked on as occasion serveth to follow them . Reade Phil. 1.13 .

5 A blessed memoriall . 5. They procure to themselves even for the present in their soules much peace , comfort and joy . For as the sufferings of Christ abound in them , so their consolation also aboundeth by Christ . ( 2 Cor. 1.5 . ) Then especially are the comforts of the Holy Ghost even poured upon a Christian soul . For a a Nucquā tantas tribulationes carne tolerarent , nisi magnam quietem mente conciperent Augu●t . Enar. in Psalm . 63. they could never endure such torments in the flesh , unles they had much peace in their soul . For the future , on earth they leave a most sweet savour of a renowned name : When their bodies are consumed their name is as an oyntment powred out , and b b Posteris ●onae samae facula●● accendunt . Bas● Conc. in Mart. Manant . they therby do light a torch of Fame to posterity . For c c

Memorias Martyrum celebramus . Aug. Enar. in Psal. 32. & in P●a 6● . Basil . Con● . in 40. Mart.

Chry. H●● de beato Iob.

the Church was wont to celebrat the memory of Martyrs : For which end they had set daies in the yeare , wheron Christians in full assemblies met together , rehearsed catalogues of Martyrs , and gave solemne praise to God for the power of his Spirit , manifested in their admirable patience and perseverance . And in Heaven they have the highest degree of glory . For though God doe not reward men simply for their workes , namely for the merit of them , yet he rewards according to their works ( Rom. 2.6 . ) and proportions the degree or measure therof , according to the kind of work which on earth is done , and according to the measure of grace wherby hee enables men to doe it .

But Martyrdome is the most difficult , the most acceptable and honourable worke that on earth can be done : Vnto you it is given in the behalfe of Christ , ( saith the Apostle Phil. 1.29 . ) not only to beleeve in him , BVT ALSO to suffer for his sake . Martyrdome therefore is in Heaven crowned with the highest degree of Glory . GREAT is their reward in Heaven , Math. 5.12 . On this ground they who set down the different degrees of celestiall glory by the different fruites which the good ground brought forth , Some thirty , some sixty , some an hundred , apply the d d Centena fertilitas Martyrio potius imputetur Aug. de S. Virg c. 45. hundred fold , which is the highest and greatest degree of glory , to Martyrdome .

6. Confusion of persecutors . 6. e e Tanta est virtute Blandina repleta ut lassarentur qui per vices illam quovis suppliciorum genere ●orquebant a mane ad vespe●am , seque victos esse confiterentur Euseb. Eccl Hist. l. 5. c. 1. Persecutors and torturers of Martyrs have by their admirable constancy unto death bin exceedingly astonished and even confounded . They have so long continued even from morning to evening and that by course to torture Christians ( among others , a woeman , Blandina by name ) as they were weary , and acknowledged themselves to be overcome . And f f Praeses confu●us quòd in efficaciter eas torsisset & a mulieribus victus esset . Idem . l 6. c. 41. the Governours themselves who commanded them to be tortured , and stood by to see execution done , were confounded that their tortures nothing prevailed , and that they were overcome by woemen : and g g Praeses & assessores perterriti : & Christiani qui judicabantur ad ferendas passiones fire ●ui . Ibid. they who sate as assistants by the Governours were affrighted thereat . So as Christians condemned were enabled to endure whatsoever was inflicted on them , and their Judges much affrighted . Yea h h

Virtu● est tanta Martyrij , ut per illam credere etiam ille cogitur qui te vulto ci●ere . Cypr de lau●e Mart.

Lictor connumeratus est inter Mar●yres . Basil Conc. in 40. Mart.

by the undaunted and invincible courage of Martyrs , some of their executioners and tormenters have beene converted , have professed them selves to bee Christians , and suffered with the Martyrs , and received the crowne of Martyrdome . These are the victories , triumphs and trophies of constant Martyrs . Thus they lead captivity captive .

7. Disappointment of Satan· 7. The Divell himselfe is by Martyrs constancy exceedingly disappointed . For hee sets his instruments on work to deale with Christians , as Haman intended to deale with the Jewes ( Hest. 3.23 . ) namely , to destroy , to kill , i i Dum putant quòd possent finire Christianos creverunt Aug. Enar. in P●a 62. Sanguis Marty●um semen Ecclesiae . and cause to perish all Iewes both young and old , little children and woemen . But with like successe did the Divell plot against Christians . For , as by the disappointment of Hamans device , many of the people of the Land became Iewes . ( Hest . 8.17 . ) So while Satans instruments sought to make an end of Christians , they increased the more . For , k k Diabol●s cum d●monibus sa●cia●us est . Basil . in ●●nc . de 40. Mart. the blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church . Wee reade ( Reve. 13.3 . ) of a Beast whose head was wounded to death . Surely the Divell with his feends were wounded even unto death by Martyrs resisting unto blood . The time of the ten fierce persecutions , and of the purity and power of Religion that followed thereupon containe those thousand yeares wherein Satan was bound . Rev. 20.2 .

They who on the fore-mentioned grounds accounted not their life deare unto them , but prefer'd their Faith in the Lord Jesus , and a stedfast profession thereof before wealth , honour , liberty and life it selfe , and chose rather to be faithfull Martyrs then desperate Apostates , had good ground to be so minded .

Martyrs in mind . O that all who professe the Faith of Christ were like minded ! It well becomes us all to bee so minded . And if indeed wee be so minded , God who knowes the mind , heart , and spirit of a man will answerably account of him , and accept him , though he never bee brought to the fiery triall , as if he had beene brought to it , and indur'd it to the very uttermost : n n Virtutes animi aliquando in opere manifestantur , aliquando in habitu latent : sicut martyrij virtus , &c. Iam erat in Iob patientia , quam noverat Deus , & cui testimonium perhibebat , sed homnibus innotuit tentationis examine Aug. de bono cojug c. 21 The virtues and graces of the mind sometimes are manifested in their deed or work : and sometimes lie hid in their habit , as the virtue of Martyrdome . Many may have the same prowesse that Martyrs have , who are not brought to the same proofe thereof . By trialls , that which is in a man before God is brought foorth before men : Not that it is then first begun , but that it is then first manifested . Before the Divell went about to sift Iob , his soule was possessed with patience , which the Lord well knew , and whereunto he gave witnesse : But to men it was made knowne by the tryall of tentation . Thus we see how we may bee Martyrs in the most halcyon times that can be , even such as ours are : So as the ground and glory of Martyrdome is meet to be made knowne , and to be meditated on in these our daies ; and the rather , because we cannot be sure of an everlasting continuance of our peace , or of the Gospell of peace among us . As it is therefore needfull and usefull in the prime and strength of our age , when we have best health to meditate on the sundry kinds of diseases , and manifold casualties whereunto we are subject , and on death , the end of all : so in the most flourishing times of the Church , meditation on the uttermost that may be endured even to the shedding of blood for fast-holding our profession of Christ , is a most meet meditation .

Most especially is this like to be usefull for you Mariners , Merchants , Danger must make men be the better resolved . Merchants-factors and others , whose calling it is to goe to sea in ships , and to doe businesse in the great waters , where yee are in danger to be surprized ( as this Penitent was ) by the mortall enemies of Christians , or have occasion to abide and trafique among them . You may be brought to triall , and to give proofe before men , whether the habit of Martyrdome be in you or no.

Be yee therefore strong in the Lord , and in the power of his might . Take unto you the whole armour of God , that yee may be able to stand in the evill day , and having done all , to stand .

For this end receive these few directions . Directione for constancy .

1. Be well grounded . 1. Be well instructed in the verity , excellency , utility and necessity of that faith which yee professe : so as yee may be able to maintaine it against all adversaries . The Apostle ( Col. 2.7 . ) adviseth Christians , to be rooted and built up in Christ , and stablished in the faith . Therein he alludeth to a tree well rooted in the ground , and to an edifice well set upon a good foundation . Such an edifice though the raine descend , and flouds arise ,

Altiu● ac penitus terrae defigitur arbos : Aes●ulus inprimis ▪ qu● quantùm ve●tice a● aur●s Aethe●eas tantùm radice in ta●●ara tendit Ergo non byemes illam , non fla●ra , neque imbres

Convellunt : immota manet , &c.

Virg. Geor. l. 2.

and winds blow , and beate upon it , will stand , and not fall ( Mat. 7.25 . ) There are trees whose rootes are as deepe , and spread as farre abroad in the earth , as their boughs ascend , and spred themselves in the aire . Our okes are supposed to be such . No stormes , no tempests can overthrow them . The branches may sooner be rent from the body , and the whole tree split asunder , then rooted up , and throwne downe . So a Christian well rooted and grounded in the Articles of his faith , will sooner have his limbes pull'd one from another , and his body and soule severed , then drawne from his faith , and renounce his profession thereof .

2. Take an invincible resolution . 2. Take an unalterable and invincible resolution before hand to stand to thy faith , and never to renounce thy profession thereof . This is an especiall meanes to make a Christian stand steddy against all assaults . Yee Mariners know what it is to have a resolved mind and purpose to saile to your intended place : yee passe through all weathers : no gathering of clouds , no shouring of raine , no thundring and lightning , no stormes and tempests will turne you back : as soone may your ship be set in the sea , as you returne backe againe : you are confident of passing through , though it be with much labour and paines , with great difficulty and perill . But they who goe to sea for pleasure , to be sea-sick , or to see strange countries , if they see a black skie , and discerne stormes arising , they cry out , O back againe , back againe : Wee 'l no furth●r . Sur●ly a setled resolution in case of religion will be of more force for holding out agains● all persecution , then in case of a Mariners vocation ●gainst the surges of the sea . For a Christian hath more assurance of Gods divine assistance in all his sufferings to be enabled to endure and over-come all , then any Mariner can have of safe-passing over the sea .

In this resolution of a Christian ,

Mans resolution on Gods assistance .

Non sufficit propositum hominis absque subfideo Dei .

Theophy●ac . Enar. in Luc. 12

this caveat must be observed , that it be through faith in Gods promises , and confidence in the Spirits assistance : and not in conceit of his owne strength . This is no better then presumption . Peter failed herein , Mat. 26.33 , &c. This his resolution and profession ( though all men should be offended because of thee , yet will I never be offended : and againe , though I should die with thee , I will never denie thee ) this profession , and the resolution of his mind answerable thereto , was good and commendable : all Christians ought to be so minded , and to professe as much : but not on such a ground as he did . For he pres●med too much on his owne strength . This Christ well discerned . Wherefore that he also might finde out , and discerne the deceitfullnesse of his heart , and presumption of his spirit , he was left to himselfe : and so he fell from his profession , and denied his Lord . Selfe-conceit is a forerunner of Apostacy . Instance Pendleton in Queene Maries daies .

By this caveat added to the direction it appeares how a Christian jealousie may stand with an undanted resolution . Iealousie , in regard of our owne weaknesse : Resolution , in regard of Gods assistance .

3. Set thy heart on the Faith . 3. Set your heart on Christ and on his Gospell . Be affected therewith as David was with God and his Law : which were his Love , his Ioy , his Delight ; sweeter to him then hony and the hony-combe . better then silver and gold . Love is of an uniting nature : it makes the soule of him that loveth to cleave close to the object loved : as the soule of Jonathan was knit with the soule of David , ( 1 Sam. 18.1 ) so as he never renounced him , nor failed him in any strait . But if , while men outwardly professe the truth , they doe not inwardly and heartily love it , it may seeme just to the Lord , to send them strong delusions that they should beleeve a lie ( as is threatned , 2 Thess. 2.11 . ) and so renounce the true faith .

4. Walk worthy of the Gospell . 4. Walke worthy of the vocation wherewith yee are called . This direction is given by the Apostle ( Ephes. 4.1 . ) in these very words : and oft inculcated , under these and such like phrases , worthy of God who hath called you ( 1 Thess. 2.12 . ) worthy of the Lord , &c. ( Col. 1.10 . ) In these phrases the Word importeth not any merit , or condignity , but a meere meetnesse and congruity , as is evident by this phrase , fruits worthy of repentance ( Luke 3.8 . ) that is ( as the very same phrase is translated , Mat. 3.8 . ) meet for repentance . For if worthy should there implie any matter of desert , evill fruits would there be intended . For evill fruits they are which deserve repentance . Fitly is this word thus translated ( Phil. 1.27 . ) as it becommeth . Let your conversation be * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . as it becommeth the Gospell of Christ . This worthy walking imports a blamelesse conversation . A man of a loose life , whose conscience checks him for living in sinne , dares not venture his life , no not in Gods cause . He can have but small hope of Gods accepting him . Vprightnesse worketh boldnesse . This made Saint Paul so bold and couragious in all his trialls , as he was , that he had lived in all good conscience , Acts 23.1 . He therefore exhorteth Timothy ( 1 Tim. 1.19 . ) to hold faith and a good conscience . And to presse this point the further , he giveth instance of some that had put away a good conscience , and concerning faith had made shipwracke . By this inference hee sheweth that a good conscience is as a ship : and faith as rich lading therein . If the ship be full of leakes , ship and lading are like to be lost . A bad conscience cannot hold faith in time of persecution . Holy men have ever beene the stoutest Martyrs .

5. Pray for assist●nce . 5. To all other meanes add faithfull , fervent , constant prayer . When the houre of Christs suffering came he went into a garden to pray . There he praies not once , but againe , and againe : and being in an agony he prayed more earnestly , Luke 22.44 . To this the Apostle alludes ( Heb. 5.7 . ) where he saith of Christ , that he offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and teares unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard . This meanes he also used for Peters stability , when Satan desired to have him , that he might sift him as wheat , I have prayed for thee ( saith Christ , Luke 22.32 . ) that thy faith faile not . So as prayer is an especiall meanes to keepe faith from failing . These things are written for our learning , that wee might be incited to use the same helpe . Use it therefore before the triall , use it in the tryall . Call upon him that is able to establish thee , and thou shalt assuredly be heard .

Redeeme Captives . To that which hath beene said to such as are in danger to be lost , let mee add a word of exhortation to you that live at home safe and secure under the protection of the Defender of the true , ancient , Catholick , and Apostolick faith : have pittie , have pitty on those that are in bondage under adversaries , and persecutors of the said faith ; on such in particular as are , as this Penitent not long since was , taken captive by Turkes . Among other evidences of your pitty affoord some helpe to redeeme them . This is one of the seven capitall workes of charity and mercy . The seven are these .

1. To feed the hungry .

Po●untur septem cleemo synae corporales , scil. Pascere esurientem , potare fitientem , vestire nudum , recol●igere ●o●pitem , visitare infi●mum , redimere capti●um , & sepelire mortuum , quae in hoc versu ●●tinentur .

Visito , poto , cibo . ●e●imo , tego , c●lligo , condo . Tho. Sum. 22. q 32. art. 2.

2. To give drinke to the thirsty . 3. To cloathe the naked . 4. To entertaine strangers . 5. To visit the sick . 6. To redeeme captives . 7. To burie the dead .

To redeeme Captives is in sundry respects the best of them . For it extends to the good of their bodies , and of their soules . Of their bodies in freeing them from slavery . Of their soules in keeping them from Apostacy .

It were a worthy worke , well beseeming the famous Citties of this Land , for every of them to have a sacred treasure for this end , to redeeme Captiues . But I feare least such a worke be more to be wished then hoped for . Yet I conceive that it may well be wished and hoped for too , that all who have good intelligence by certificate from the Trinity-house , or otherwise , would contribute something towards the redeeming of every one , that time after time they shall heare to be held in captivity under the Turkes , or other like enemies of the Christian faith . If every one of ability would make conscience of this duty , though they gave but a little to one , and a little to another , many hundreds more might be releeved then now are . Multorum manibus g●ando levatur o●●s . For many hands make light worke .

O that in pressing this exhortation my voice were lowder then Bow-bell , that it might sound into the eares of every rich man in and about London , yea that it were like that voice which soundeth so loud , as there is no speech nor language where the sound of it is not heard . If with all it might pierce into the hearts of them that heare it , and move their bowells with compassion , then might my hope be answerable to my wish . But let the bowells of you which heare mee be mooved , and this my charitable motion will not be altogether in vaine .

Hitherto of the first generall part of my Text : the danger of Apostacy , He was lost .

The second followes , which sheweth the Advantage and benefit of Penetency , He is found . Well note the grounds whereupon this word FOVND is used , and yee will clearely discerne that it importeth true Penitency , and a great benefit thence arising .

The grounds are these .

Evidences of the Prodigalls repentance . 1. The Prodigalls mind is renewed : for it is said , verse 17. that h● came to himselfe . He was before witlesse and sencelesse : as a mad man , out of himselfe .

2. Hee discerneth the difference betwixt being in the Church and out of it : which difference he thus expresseth , How many hired servants of my Fathers house have bread enough , and to spare , and I perish with hunger ?

3. His resolution is altered . Before , the Church was a prison to him : he must needs wander into a farre countrey , ver . 13. But now he thinkes of returning to the Church : I will arise ( saith he , ver. 18. ) and goe to my Father .

4. Hee meditates on a solemne confession of his sinne , thus , I will say unto him , Father , I have sinned .

5. Hee aggravateth his sinne , in these words , Against heaven , and before thee , that is , openly in the sight of Heaven : and secretly , before God .

6. His heighnous sinne more troubles him , then his heavie affliction , I have sinned , saith hee .

7. He acknowledgeth his unworthinesse , I am no more worthy to bee called thy Sonne , ver. 19.

8. He humbly contents himselfe with the meanest place in Gods Church , Make mee as one of thy hired servants .

9. He puts his purpose into practise , He arose and came to his Father .

10. He leaves his former desperate course ( He arose ) and entreth upon a new course , He came to his Father .

These were the evidences of his true penitency .

The benefits thereof were these .

1. His Father takes notice of his intention , when he was yet a great way off , his Father saw him , Favours shewed to the penitent Prodigall . ver. 20.

2. His Fathers bowells are mooved at sight of him , He had compassion .

3. His Father upon sight of his true repentance made speed to receive him , He ranne .

4. His Father expresseth all , signes of a fatherly affection , favour and love to him , He fell on his neck and kissed him .

5. His Father so decks him , as he may appeare more amiable then before , He puts the best robe on him , ver. 22.

6. His Father conferres on him things of dignity as well as of necessity , He put a ring on his hand , and shooes on his feet , Ibid.

7. His Father gives evidences of the great joy he had at his sonnes conversion , He kil'd the fatted calfe , and did eate and was merry , ver. 23.

8. Others also rejoyced at this Apostates conversion . There was musick and dancing , ver. 25.

9. His Father test●fied better respect to him , then to the elder sonne who never fell into such exorbitant courses . This is evident by the eldest sonnes expostulation , ver. 29 , 30.

10. His Father accounts him as a new sonne raised from the dead : and thereupon will not suffer his entire affection to be alienated from him by the brothers displeasure against him , ver. 32.

The fore-mentioned evidences doe clearely demonstrate that the Apostate , of whom my Text speaketh , was received into the state of grace and salvation . Joyne therefore with the truth of the Prodigalls penitency , the favours that followed thereupon , all comprised under this word FOVND , and it will appeare that Penitency restores to salvation .

Such as had implunged themselves by Apostacy into the state of perdition , it brings into the state of salvation .

In this doctrine ye are distinctly to observe , first the sure Ground-worke or Foundation , Penitency : and then the faire structure of building reared thereupon , A restoring to Salvation .

The former is taken pro concesso : as a point in no case to be questioned , The necessity of Repentance . but to be granted as an undeniable principle . For to proclaime pardon to an impenitent , or to put an Apostate into the state of salvation without true , sound , evident repentance , is to play the part of a foolish builder , that without a foundation builds an house on the earth : against which the streame did beate vehemently and immediately it fell and the raine of that house was great , Luk. 6.49 . If the streame of temptation doe in any kind vehemently beate against the conscience of such a deceitfull convert , his vaine hope of salvation is like to turne into a certaine fearefull looking for of judgement . By experience we find that a deepe wound hastely skinn'd over before it be throughly searched and clensed , is like to fester , and to proove incurable : So Apostacy or any other like scandalous and notorious sinne , being soothed , and smoothed over with undue hope of mercy and pardon , before thorow humiliation of the soule , great contrition of the heart , free confession of the mouth , and due satisfaction to the Church , which are all branches of true penitency , may proove unpardonable .

All the Prophets before Christ , his immediate Fore-runner , Christ himselfe , his Apostles , and other faithfull Ministers after them , have laid the Foundation of Repentance from dead works , to erect assurance of mercy thereupon . Whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sinnes , shall have mercy . Pro. 28.13 . Wash you , make you cleane , put away the evill of your doings from before mine eyes , cease to doe evill , learne to doe well , and come now and let us reason together , saith the Lord : Though your sinnes be as scarlet , they shall be made white as snow , though they be made red like crimson , they shall be as woole , Isaiah 1.16 , 17 , 18. Returne ye Backsliding children , and I will heale your backslidings , saith the Lord , Ier. 3.22 . Turne yee , turne ye from your evill waies , for why will yee die . Ezek. 33.11 . I will goe , and returne to my place , till they acknowledge their offence and seeke my face , saith the Lord . Hos. 5.15 . By these particulars we are given to understand what was the constant doctrine of the Prophets . To like purpose Iohn the Baptist , Math. 3.2 . Repent ye , for the Kingdome of Heaven is at hand . The very same did Christ preach , Math. 4 . 1● . and his Apostles , Mark . 6.12 . To this question , what shall we doe ? St. Peter returnes this answer , Repent , and be baptized every one of you , in the name of Iesus Christ for the remission of sins , Act. 2.37 , 38. S. Paul expressely saith ( Act. 26.20 . ) that he shewed that men should repent and turne to God , and doe workes meet for repentance . It is an advice given to the back-sliding Churches of Asia , to repent : as to Ephesus , to Pergamus , to Thyatira , to Sardis , and to Laodicea , Rev. 2.5 , 16 , 22 , & 3.3 , 19. J might further fill volums with testimonies of Fathers , and later Divines tending to the same purpose . For other good and sure foundation can no man lay .

By this manner of raising , restoring , and receiving such as are fallen ,

1. A concurrence of Mercy and Purity in God is manifested . Reasons for the necessity of restoring penitents onely . Of Mercy in receiving such as ran from him . Of Purity in receiving them upon their repentance .

2. A mixture of Merit and Virtue in Christs Sacrifice is evidenced . Of Merit in procuring pardon for such as denied him . Of Virtue , in altering their mind and disposition .

3. The extent of the operation of the Holy Ghost is made knowne : and that by healing the wounds of the soule by repentance , as well as by easing the anguish therof by assurance of pardon .

4. The Gospell , which publisheth Gods free grace and rich mercy , is freed from the unjust imputation of a doctrine of loosenesse and licentiousnesse , in that it calleth such sinners to repentance , as it offereth grace unto .

5. Faith which justifieth a sinner without workes , is prooved to bee justified by workes , in that the sinner who with the heart beleeveth unto righteousnesse , with the mouth maketh confession unto salvation .

6. The Church which admitteth none but penitents , is thereby declared to be an holy Church , and a communion of Saints .

Thus we see what good ground there is to lay downe this ground-worke of Penitency as a qualification for such as are restored to the state of salvation : so as all that shall be further spoken of restoring Apostates , must be understood to to be spoken of Penitents . For Christ hath once and againe as an irreversible doome denounced , that except men repent they shall perish , Luke 13.3 , 5.

Proceed we now to the structure to be erected upon the afore-said foundation . And that it be not raised higher then the foundation will well beare , we must distinguish betwixt the different kinds of Apostates .

Apostates who never returne . There are Apostates who having once turned their face from their Lord , never turne to him againe , as they of whom it is said ( Ioh. 6.66 . ) From that time many of Christs Disciples went backe and walked no more with him . Of these , some are such , as in regard of the event , never doe repent . Others are such as in regard of the nature of their sin , never can repent .

The Apostate uncapable of pardon . I find in Scripture one and that but one onely kinde of Apostates excluded from all hope of recovery . True it is that every Apostate implungeth himselfe into the state of perdition ( as hath beene prooved before ) inso-much as if he live and die in that estate of Apostacy he cannot be saved . But there is a kinde of Apostacy which is stiled a sinne unto death , for which no prayer is to be made ( 1 Iohn 5.16 . ) and for which there remaineth no more sacrifice ( Heb. 10.26 . ) and which shall never be forgiven ( Math. 12.32 . ) Such an Apostate is he who falls totus , a toto , in totum : wholy , from the whole , for ever .

Totus , wholy : that is in outward profession and inward disposition : in tongue and heart .

A toto , from the whole : that is from all the Articles of the Christian religion .

In totum , for ever : or with a setled peremptory resolution never to returne to the Religion againe .

They who thus fall , use to hate , blaspheme , and persecute the faith from whence they are fallen , and the preachers and professours thereof : which they doe notwithstanding they have knowledge and be in their soule perswaded of the truth of that Faith from which they so fall .

Such were the Pharisies , whom Christ chargeth with blasphemy against the Holy Ghost , Mar. 3.29 , 30. Such were Hymeneus and Alexander ( 1 Tim. 1.20 . ) whom Paul delivere● unto Satan , that they might learne not to blaspheme : and against whom hee maketh a just imprecation . 2 Tim. 4.14 .

Fertur Iulianum fidem in Christum confestim adeo manifeste , & impudenter abnegasse , ut sacrific ijs quibusdam , & invocationibus , & victimae cruenta baptismum a nostris acceptum , abluerit : & initiationi ecclesiasticae renunciarit : & ex eo tempore lavationibus , victimis & alijs quaecunque gentilium superstitio exposcit , & privatim & publicè usus est . Christianos , studium Imperatoris circa sacra gentilium non med●ocriter contristavit , attonitosque reddidit : praesertim ob id , quòd antea Christianus fuisset . Etenim tanquam religiosus erga paternam religionem , a puero secundum ecclesioe consuetudinem initiatus , inque sacris Scripturis institutus , ac sub episcopis , & viris ecclesiasticis enutritus fuerat . Sozom. Eccl. Hist. l. 5. c. 2. Such an one allso was Iulian stiled the Apostate : of whom it is reported that suddenly he did so openly and impudently renounce his faith in Christ , as with certaine Sacrifices and inchantments , and a bloody offering he washed away the Baptisme received of Christians : and renounced his admittance into the Church : and from that time used privately and publickly killings and quarterings of beasts and other superstitious rites of the Gentiles . This mind of Julian , then Emperour , about the solenmities of the Gentiles , did not a little trouble and astonish Christians , especially because he had beene a Christian before . For , as one addicted to his fathers ▪ ( which was the Christian ) religion , he was of a child trained up according to the custom of the Church , and instructed in the sacred Scriptures and brought up under Bishops and ecclesiasticall persons .

Odij vehementia adversus dogma Christi , nullum maliciae genus ●misit , Ibid. c. 5. Through excesse of hatred against the Doctrine of Christ , he omitted no kinde of malice . Hee was the most spightfull , mortall , malicious and mischievous enemy that Christians ever had : and so continued to his death : wherein though hee were forced to acknowledge the powerfull revenging hand of Christ upon him , Iulianum , vulnere accepto , implesse manum suam sanguine ferunt : & sparso in aera , dixisse , Vicisti Galilaee : simulque & victoriam confessum , & maledictum ausum esse . Theod. Eccl. Hist. l. 4. c. 25. yet he did it with a scoffe ; For being mortally wounded ( none can tell how ) he took an handfull of his owne blood , and casting it abroad in the aire , cryed , O Galilean thou hast got the victory .

It is impossible to renew such Apostates againe unto repentance . But all others may be renewed , and restored to salvation : as

1. Such as have fallen away in outward profession onely , not in heart and affection . What Apostates may be restored . Such an one is not an Apostate totus , wholy . In him , this undue pretence ( My tongue alone hath sworne , Iuravi lingu● mentem injuratam gero : Cic. offic. l. 3. ex Eurip . Hippol. my minde remaines unsworne ) may be taken in the fairest sence : though not for justification , yet for extenuation , at least in comparison of him who doth it totus , wholy .

2. Such as have renounced , not all the Articles of the Christian Religion , but those onely for which they were called in question . These fall not a toto , from the whole faith .

3. Such as fall animo resurgendi , with a minde and purpose to rise againe , and to returne to the Church againe : and that upon the first opportunity of escape that they can get . These fall not in totum , with an utter , finall desertion of the Church , at least in their intention .

Every of these kindes of Apostacy , is indeed most heighnous in the kinde thereof : from yeelding whereunto every Christian ought to be farre : and more ready to endure the most bitter Martyrdome that ever any Christian did , then either in profession alone , or from any one fundamentall Article of the true faith , or for any intended time to fall . For in every of these waies is God highly dishonoured , his Sonne our Saviour extremely under-valued , the glorious Gospell vilified , the profession thereof disgraced , weake brethren offended , and adversaries occasioned to triumph and insult .

Yet are not the fore-mentioned Apostates , no nor others , though worse then they ( except onely before excepted , such as sinne unto death ) to be excluded from all hope of recovery , mercy , and pardon . And that for these reasons ,

1. The freenesse of Gods grace . For God justifieth freely by his grace , Rom. 3.24 . and his free gift is of many offences , Rom. 5.16 . Wherefore that the freenesse of Gods grace may more clearely be manifested , it pleaseth him to extend it to such , as of all others are most unworthy ( as Apostates who denie him , are .

Venia peccatorum fi●eliter 〈◊〉 ab 〈…〉 vult ●ortem peccat●r●● , 〈◊〉 ut ●onvertatur a perditione pen●●ēdo . & 〈◊〉 ●●sc●atione Domini vivat . Si quis a●●ter de just●ssima Dei p●etate sentit , non Christianus , sed Novatianu●e●● Aug. de 〈◊〉 . c. 80.

Non de ipsis crimini●●● , quā●i●et magn●● remittendis in Sancta Ecclesia Dei desperanda est mis●ricordia agentibus pae●itentiam , &c. Aug En●bir . c. 65.

) Mans unworthinesse gives evident proofe of the freenesse of Gods grace . And the more unworthy any may be thought to be , the more free will that grace which is extended to him , be knowne to be . So as pardon of sin may in faith be expected from him who wil not the death of a sinner , but that repenting he may be freed from destruction , and saved by the mercy of God . If any thinke otherwise , he is not a Christian , but a Novatian .

2. The riches of Gods grace . God is said to be rich in mercy , Ephes. 2.4 . Now the greatnesse and heighnousnesse of sinne commends the riches of mercy , and shewes that to be true , which is said , Rom. 5.20 . Where sinne abounded grace did abound much more . But by Apostacy sin aboundeth , and may be reckoned in the number of great crimes : yet in the Church , such as repent ought not to despaire of Gods mercy .

3. The infinite value and worth of Christs sacrifice . It is a sufficient price for any sinne , yea and for all sins : in which respect it is said , that the blood of Iesus Christ clea●seth us from all sinne , 1 Ioh. 1.7 . If from all sin , then from Apostacy .

Object . On these grounds the sinne against the Holy Ghost might be pardoned . Why the sin ●agai●st the Holy G●ost is unpardonable .

Answ. Not so : and that for these Reasons .

1. They wilfully and utterly reject the onely meanes of pardon , the Lord Jesus Christ . In this respect they are said to tread under foot the Sonne of God , Heb. 10.29 .

2. They neither will , nor can repent . It is impossible to renue them againe unto repentance . Heb. ● . ● , 6. As other sinners who doe not repent are not pardoned , so these Apostates , because they cannot repent cannot be recovered .

3. An irreversible doome of the Judge is absolutely without any limitation gone out against these : but it is not so against any other sinners . The doome is this , Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven him , Mat. 12.32 .

4. The meanes to be used by others for recovering sinners is absolutely forbidden in these mens case . The meanes is prayer . The prayer of faith shall save the sick : and if hee have committed sinnes they shall be forgiven him , Iames 5.15 . But the Apostle , even where he prescribeth this meanes for obtaining pardon , excepteth the sin unto death , thus , If any man see his brother sin a sin , which is not unto death , he shall aske , and he shall give him life , for them that sin not unto death . There is a sin unto death , I doe not say that he shall pray for it , 1 Ioh. 5.16 .

4. A fourth ground of an Apostates recovery is the extent of Gods promises , which extent is so large , as ( except before excepted ) it excludeth none . All manner of sin shall be forgiven unto men , Deus Ecclesiae Catholicae in persona beati Petri , ligandi solven lique tribuit potestatem . Aug. ad P. Dioc. c. 3. saith the Judge himselfe , Mat. 12.31 .

5. A fift is Gods faithfullnesse in ratifying the just censure of his Church . For Christ gave to his Church in the person of Saint Peter power of binding and loosing , when he said ( Mat. 16.19 . ) I will give unto thee the keyes of the kingdome of heaven : and whatsoever thou shalt binde on earth shall be bound in heaven : whatsoever thou shalt loos● on earth , shall be loosed in heaven . When therfore the Church upon due observation of an Apostates true repentance absolves him , and receives him into her communion , that Apostate may justly be accounted to be recovered , and to be brought into the state of salvation .

6. The last ground , Examples of Apostates pardoned . which now I intend to note , is example . For we reade that in all ages Apostates , and that of all sorts and kindes ( except before excepted ) have beene recovered , and received into the favour of God and his Church .

Adam ,

D● primo homine , patre generis humani , quod eum Christ●● solverit , Ecclesia fere tota conse●tit . Au● Epist. 99. Taciani sa●uti primi homini● contradicunt . Aug de Haeres . c. 6.25 .

Vetu● lex quibusdam ignovit , ne omnino crudelis diceretur . Aug. Quaest. ●uxtim c. 102.

the first man was a most notorious Apostate . Yet the Church in all ages hath taken it for grant , that he repented and was saved . It is therefore reckoned among the heresies of the Tacians , that they opposed the salvation of the first man . The promise of redemption was first made to our first Parents , Gen. 3.15 . and that they beleeved it , may be inferred from their teaching their children to offer sacrifice , Gen. 4.3 , 4.

The children of Israel in Egypt played the parts of Apostates , by the Idolatry which they committed ( Ezek. ●0 . 7 , 8. ) so in the Wildernesse ( Exod. 32.1 , 2 , &c. ) and in the land of Canaan , under their Judges ( Iudges 2.17 : ) and under their Kings ( 2 King . 29.6 . ) Yet upon their humiliation and repentance , God received them to grace and favour .

But to give instance of particulars , Salomon in his old age proved an Apostate ( 1 King . 11.4 . ) yet he repented as is evident by his booke stiled Ecclesiastes , which the Hebrews say ( as we heard before ) is the book of Salomons repentance . That God was mercifull in pardoning his Apostacy , appeares by this promise which God made to David concerning him ( 2 Sam. 7.14 , 15. ) If he commit iniquity , I will chasten him with the rod of men , and with the strip●s of the children of men ; But my mercy shall not depart from him , as I tooke it from Saul .

Manasseh in his younger yeares did himselfe , and caused Iudah to doe worse then the Heathen , yet he repented and found mercy , 2 Chron. 33.2 , 9 , 12 , 13.

Pro sacerdotali officio , redigentur in ultimum gradu a. Hier. in loc. The Levites that went away farre from God , though they were excluded from the more excellent functions in the Temple , yet upon their repentance were admitted into the Temple , to do the inferiour works thereof , Ezek. 44.10 , 11 , &c.

Penituit Petrum negasse Christum , quod ejus indicant lachrymyae . Aug. Epist. 108 Seleuc. Vid. Aug. de Agone Christi . c. 30. Peter thrice together not without swearing and cursing denied his Master , yet his teares declare that he repented : and both the other Disciples , and also Christs manner of entertaining him afterwards , shew that he was received to mercy .

Many forsooke Paul , which was a kinde of Apostacy : but Pauls prayer for mercy to be shewed to them ( 2 Tim. 4.16 . ) gives evidence of a possibility , yea and a probability too of their finding mercy .

In the ten fierce and fiery persecutions of Christians under the Romane Emperours , many renounced the Christian faith : Hos Ecclesia Cathol●ca materno recipit sinu , tanquam Petrum post f●etum negationis per ga●icanum a●monitū . Aug de agone C●risti . c. 30. and in the tumults raised by Arrians , others renounced the Orthodox faith , yet the Catholike Church with a motherly affection received them againe upon evidence of their repentance : as Peter was received after his weeping , being put in mind of his sin by the crowing of a Cock.

We have before shewed how the Church of old had daies , and places , and rites , and Ministers for admitting penitents after their Apostacy into the Church : which gives an evident demonstration of her willingnesse and readinesse to entertaine such .

The like might be noted of the Orthodox reformed Churches , which ever si●ce the beginning of the Reformation have time after time received such as have turned from their Heresie , Pertinet ad disciplinam Christianam ut nemini panitendi interc●udatur ad●●us . Aug. de Mendac . ad Con●ent . c. 13. Idolatry , Superstition , Apostacy , or any other notorious and scandalous offence . For it is an especiall branch of Christian discipline , to stop the course of repenting and returning to the faith from none .

1. Take notice hereby of the just cause that the true Christian Catholike Church , The errour of Novatians . and the Orthodox Fathers of that Church had , Quomodo contra Novatian● : c●ntendendum sit , qui penitentiam salutarem negant . Aug. ●uaest . mixtim . c 102. to detest , and abhominate , as they did , the unchristian , unchar●table , and unmercifull opinion and practise of the Novations in denying repentance to such as had once denied the Christian fai●h : and in refusing to admit them into the Christian Church againe , though with all the testimonies of penitentiall humiliation and contrition that they could expresse they desired it , and made free offer of all the satisfaction that the Church should require . Most proudly and odiously they stiled themselves 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Puritans , as if they had beene forsooth the purest in the world ,

Cathari , qui seipsos isto nomine , quasi propter mundiciam superbissimè atque odiosissimè ●ominant , paenitentiam de negant , Novatum sectantes haereticum : unde etiam Novatiani appellantur . Aug. de Haeres c. 38

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , id est mundos se vocant , cum sint omnium immundissimi , negantes paenitentiam per quam peccata mundantur . Hier. in Hos. 14.

yea and they onely the pure ones : whereas they are of all the most impure : denying repentance whereby sinnes are purged away . Their extreme severity , or rather cruelty , being directly contrary to the minde of God , our gracious and mercifull Father ,

Novatus quasi haereticus semper , & perfidus omnium sacerdotum voce damnatus . Cypr. Epist. l. 2. Epist. 8. Synod . Afric . 2. Aug. ut supr .

Nusquam tam vigere debent viscera misericordiae quam in Ecclesia Catholica , ut tanquam vera mater , nec peccantibus fitijs sup●rbē insultet , nec correctis difficilè ignoscat . Aug de Agone Christian c. 30.

manifested in his Word by his owne free and rich grace offered to penitents , by the directions given to his people to receive such , and by their constant course in entertaining such , the Catholike Church adjudged Novatus to be accounted an Heretique , and put Novatians into the Catalogue of Heretiques . For bowells of mercy ought no where so to be enlarged as in the Catholick Church ; that as a true mother , shee neither proudly insults over her children that fall , nor hardly pardons them being amended .

2. This makes much to the justification of this daies solemnity in receiving this Penitent by a prescript order of our Church into her communion . Our Churches indulgency towards penitent● Herein our Church sheweth such a tender compassion to this her sonne that was once lost , but by Gods good providence is now found , as the Father did to the Prodigall : affording unto him the best welcome that she can . What cause hast thou , O Penitent , to blesse God that thou wert borne and brought up in such a Church , wherein thou hadst at first the benefit of Baptisme , to preserve thee , as Noah was preserved in the Arke ,

Paenitentia quasi secunda post naufragi● miseris tabula . Hier ad Demet. de Virgin .

Idem Comment in Esay . 3.

from the deluge of destruction : and now again a recovery by penance enjoyned to thee , and performed by thee : which being heartily done , is as another plancke after ship-wracke reached out unto thee , to keep thee from drowning .

3. All ye that are children of the same mother and bretheren and sisters to this Penitent , A penitent to be recei●ed as a brother . imitate this gracious indulgency of your Mother towards him . Be not like the Prodigals elder brother , who envied his brother , and was offended with his Father for the grace , favour and honour which was shewed to his penitent brother . Doe ye rather shew your selves to be of the mind of the Angels of God , in whose presence there is joy over one sinner that converteth , Luk 15.10 . Henceforth upbraide not to him his Apostacy : Upbraide not his circumcision ; upbraide not his subjecting himselfe to Mahometisme : shunne not his society ; avoid not communion with him , no not in the most sacred and divine ordinances : trafique with him : eate and drinke with him , pray with him and pray for him : Receive him as a brother beloved : Forgive him , comfort him : I beseech you that you would confirme your love toward him .

Publike penance to be undergone by penitent Apostates . 4. My heart stirres me up againe to returne to such as have renounced the Christian faith and beene circumcised , in the name of the Lord Jesus to beseech them , yea and to require them for Gods sake , for the Gospells sake , for the Churches sake , for such friends sake , as are privie to it , and for their owne soules sake , as they tender the peace of their conscience , yea and the salvation of their soule , to make their case knowne , to submit themselves to the discipline of the Church , and to be willing to give such satisfaction as the Church shall thinke fit . Yee had many that could beare witnesse of your denying the faith , and those such as tooke occasion thereupon to insult over you , over your Faith , over the Church by which you were instructed in the Faith , and over your Lord and Saviour on whom you placed your Faith . Is it not then meet that you should have many witnesses of your returning to the Faith againe , and of your humiliation and contrition for that dishonour you have done to God , and to his Church : and those such witnesses as h●ve power to loose you , and to receive you againe into the Church : ye and such as will rejoyce at your conversion , and praise God for the same ? De vulnere ipso non crubescis , de ligatura vulneris erube●cis ? Vide plura hac de re apud Cypr. in Ep. & in Serm. 5. de lapsis . O be not more ashamed of confessing your sinne , then you were of committing it . Shall hee who was not ashamed of his wound , bee ashamed of binding up and healing his wound .

5. Let me in the last place leave a few directions with thee , O Penitent , upon whose occasion we are here met .

1. Repentance must be from the heart .

Oportet paenitentiam agentes flere a marè , & reliqu● quae paenitentiae propria sunt ex corde demonstrare Basil . Moral . Sum. 1. c. 3.

1. That which now thou dost openly with thy tongue and body before us children of men , doe it ex animo , do it heartily as to the Lord the Searcher of hearts . Thus will thy repentance be sound indeed . Thus will much inward peace be brought to thy conscience . Thus wilt thou be loosed in Heaven as well as on earth . All the grace and favour which now the Church sheweth is upon this pious and charitable presumption , that in prostrating thy body thy soule is humbled , and that the confession of thy mouth proceedeth from the contrition of thy heart . If it bee otherwise , thou dissemblest with the Church , thou deceivest thine owne soule , and mockest God who will in no wise br●oke such mockings . Unlesse thou do , what t●ou dost , sincerely and heartily , thou art in no better case ( if not in a worse ) then they who have suffered themselves to be circumcised by profest enemies of Christ , and therewithall renounced the faith of Christ , and yet seek not to bee loosed by the Church of Christ . They cannot in Faith expect to be loosed in Heaven , because they are not first loosed on earth . Nor canst thou expect to partake in Heaven of the benefit of the Churches loosing thee on earth , because it is utterly made void by the deceitfullnesse of thy heart . But we are perswaded better things of thee , and things that accompany Salvation though I thus speake .

2. Apostacy requires more then ordinaty repentance . 2. Be inwardly more dejected in soule , more pierced in spirit , and broaken in heart , then with the teares of thine eyes , beatings of thy brest , casting downe of thy body , and confession of thy mouth thou canst expresse . For thy sinne for which this penance is enjoyned is an heinous sinne , Aggravation of Apostacy . a crying sinne , a sinne that comes neare to the unpardonable sinne , that sinne unto death . Thereby thou deniedst the Lord that bought thee : thereby thou renouncedst the onely meanes of thy salvation : thereby thou rannest out of thy Lords campe into the army of his enemies , and so becammest an enemy to thy Lord. Orare oportet impensius , & rogare , diem luc●u transigere , vigilijs noctes ac fletibus ducere , tempus omne lachrymosis lamentationib●s occupare , & ● . Cypr. de lapsis . How dishonourable was this to thy Lord ? How disgracefull to his Church ? O how did those cursed enemies insult thereat ? What cause hast thou to cry our ( as Ier. 9.1 . ) Oh that my head were waters , and mine eyes a fountaine of teares , that I might weepe day and night for my sinne ? Thou hast cause ynough to draw water ( as the Israelites did , 1 Sam. 7.6 . ) from the bottome of a broaken heart , and to powre it out before the Lord , as he who said ( Psal. 119.136 ) Rivers of water runne downe mine eyes . Remember what Peter did , when he was put in mind of such a sinne as thou hast committed , He went out and wept bitterly , Math. 26.75 . Those bitter teares must needs flow out of the bottome of an heart throwly broken .

Mee thinkes I now behold many weeping eyes in this assembly , bewailing thy woefull fall ; and I must confesse that I also find mine owne bowels troubled within me . All this is in compassion of thy case . Oughtest not thou to be much mooved thereat ? Howsoever the Church be pleased in much-tender-compassion to enjoyne this easie , milde penance unto thee , doe thou betwixt God and thine owne soule yet further loade thy selfe through a serious and d●epe apprehension of , Paenitentia agenda secundum modum sui cujusque peccati . Aug. Encb. c. 65. Secundum conscientiae molem exhibenda est paenitentiae magnitude . Amb. ad Virgin . lays . c. 8 and meditation on the heighnousnesse of thy sinne , that Christ observing thee to labour and to be heavy loaden under the burden of thy sinne , may ( according to his promise , Math. 11.28 . ) give thee rest . Repentance is to be ordered according to the kind and measure of sin .

3 Repentance daily to be renewed . 3. Let not thy penitency end with the penance of this day . Well note the Lords exprobration to Israel ( Isa. 58.5 . ) Is it such a fast that I have chosen ? A day for a man to afflict his soule ? Nor is one daies penance sufficient repentance for such a sinne as thou hast committed , I have heard a tradition concerning Peter that he wept whensoever he heard a Cock crow . It becommeth a penitent Apostate , whensoever by any occasion he is put in mind of his sinne , to be struck at his heart with godly remorse . Thou didst long lie in thy sinne : even so long as thou livedst among the Turkes . All that while thou didst conforme thy selfe to Mahometisme . And thinkest thou one day of penance to be sufficient ? Continue to renew thy repentance every day : though thy life be prolonged in the Christian Church many more yeares , then thou wert among the Turkes .

4 Fruits meet for repentance to be brought foorth .

Paenitentiam agentibus non sufficit ad salutem secessu● solus a peccatis , verùm opus est ipsis etiam fructibus paenitentia dignis . Basil. Moral . Sum 1. c 4.

Satisfactio paenitentiae , est causas peccar●rum excidere , nec earum suggestionibus adi . ●um indulgere , Aug. de Eccl. dogm . c. 54.

4. Bee very circumspect over thy selfe for the remainder of thy life , that thou bring foorth fruite meete for repentance . This is that worthy walking , whereof wee spake before . As a wife that hath formerly lived loosely , and defiled the marriage bed , beeing received into the favour of her husband againe , must carry her selfe more soberly , more modestly , more inoffensively , and must bee more watchfull in avoiding all temptations that might allure to that sinne againe , ye and all suspicions thereof : So an Apostate received by the Church into grace and favour , must walke more circumspectly then if he had not fallen . For it much lieth on him to repaire his Christian credit : or rather to be the more zealous in honouring God , and bringing glory to the Gospell of Christ & to his Church , yea and in giving matter of rejoycing to professors of the true religion . This is a point that meerely concernes thee , O Penitent .

Quendam adolescentem fabulae ferunt post amores meretricio● peregrè profect● , & abolito am●re , regressum postea veteri occurrisse di●ecte , qu● ubi no● interpellatam mirata , putaverit no● recognitā , rur●us occurrens d●xerit , Ego sum , responderit ille , Sed ego non sum ego . Am● . de Poenit. l. 2. c. 10.

Be like that young man , who having followed Harlots , after some while absence , that kind of love being extinguisht in him , met with an old love of his , but said not one word to her . Shee wondering that he spake not to her , thought he had not knowne her , and thereupon said , Sir , it is I. Whereunto he replied , But I am not I : that is , I am not the same that I was before . In like sence , Be not thou , thou : Be not the same thou wert before .

5. Relapse to be taken heed of .

Si a prima peccatorum miseria erep●i , rurs● ad eandem malignitatem revertimur , gr●vi●r pu●itio nos profectò expectabit . Chrys. in Mat. 12. Hom 44

5. Take heed of relapse . Christ himselfe saw this to be a needfull caveat : and thereupon prest it once and againe on such as he had recovered from sin : as on the woman taken in the act of adultery ( Ioh. 8.11 ) thus , Goe and sinne no more : and on him that had beene deseased 38. yeares he enforceth it with a commination ( Ioh. 5.14 . ) thus , Sin no more , lest a worse thing come to thee . For if , after we are freed from the misery of sin , we returne to it againe , soarer vengeance is like to befall us . Experience shewes how dangerous a relapse is after a recovery from a bodily sicknesse . Much more dangerous is a spirituall relapse after repentance from an heighnous sin . The heart of man by such a relapse will be much more hardned in sin ; and the Divell in such a case will take with himselfe seven other spirits more wicked then himselfe , and they will enter in , and dwell there ( Mat. 12.45 . ) Yea and God himselfe may be so incensed thereby , as to affoord no more grace to him that hath so ill imployed his former grace , as to depart cleane away from it . Thus the last state of that man is worse then the first . Looke therefore narrowly to thy selfe , thou who art now restored : and make use of those directions which were before given to such as goe downe to the Sea , to make them constant in holding the faith .

6. True penitents may and must beleeve that they are fully discharged . 6. Beleeve that thou art now acquitted of that heighnous sin of renouncing the Christian faith . If thine heart bee upright thou hast good cause to beleeve it , in that thou hast taken that course which in Gods Word is prescribed for obtaining a discharge . Thou hast beene pricked in thine heart for thy sin ( as the Jewes , Acts 2.37 . ) Thou didst goe to thy Pastor , and enquire what in thy case thou shouldst doe ( as they who being defiled came to Moses , Numb. 9.7 . ) Thou hast subjected thy selfe to the order which the Church prescribed ( as David did to Gods advice , 2 Sam. 24.19 . ) Thou hast made penitent confession of thy sin ( as they did who came to be baptized of Iohn , Mat. 3.6 . ) Thou hast desired this Congregation to pray for thee ( as the Israelites desired Samuel to pray for them , 1 Sam. 12.19 . ) The Church looseth and absolveth thee ( as the Church of Corinth absolved the incestuous person , 2 Cor. 2.10 . ) On these grounds thou maist safely , thou oughtest faithfully to beleeve that thy deepe-died scarlet sinne is washed away by the blood of thy Saviour to whom thou art now returned : and that thou art fully acquitted and discharged thereof . We doe undoubtedly beleeve that by repentance sinnes are abolished : so as , Paenitentia a●oleri peccata indubitanter cred●n●● Aug. de Ecclesi●st . ●ogma● c. 80. if we returne not to them againe they shall never be imputed to us . In this respect a true penitent is blessed . For Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity : and in whose spirit there is no guile , Psal. 32.2 . If therefore thy conscience shall hereafter be overmuch troubled with doubtings , and feares , and despaire of pardon of thine Apostacy , account it a temptation of Satan , and yeald not unto it , but resist it ; and say to thy soule , Why art thou cast do●ne , O my soule ? why art thou disquieted in me ? Hope in God : He is thy God , reconciled unto thee : He hath discharged thee : who then shall lay this sinne to thy charge ? By exercising thy faith after this manner thou wilt bring much peace to thy conscience , and make the remainder of thy life more comfortable to thee : and with much cheerefullnesse carry thy selfe as a child of the Church in the works of thy calling : and in all duties of piety , justice , and charity . Only be carefull to observe the former directions with this consolation .

7. Penitents must bring others to repentance .

Tu ne recideris , sed a negatione resiliens est o etiam alijs paenitentiae exemp●ar ne desperent . Theophilac .

E●ar . in Luc. ●●

7. Doe wha● lieth in thee to bring other Renegadoes to returne to the Church , to submit themselves to the discipline thereof , to be willing to give satisfaction by publick penance . And the rather to encourage them thereunto , make knowne unto them the inward peace and comfort which thou hast received hereby . This is a duty which on a like ground Christ enjoyned to Peter ( Luke 22.32 , ) in these words , When thou art converted strengthen thy brethren : and David undertaketh to do as much , Psal. 51.12 , 13. where he maketh this prayer and promise , Restore unto mee the joy of thy salvation , and uphold mee with thy free Spirit : Then will I teach transgressours thy waies , and sinners shall be converted unto thee . This is a good kinde of recompence which such as fall , make to the Church . As by their fall many are offended , so by their rising many may be established . If by private meanes thou canst not so farre prevaile with such as thou knowest to be Renegadoes , as to bring them voluntarily to make satisfaction to the Chruch , then follow Christs advice , Mat. 18.17 . Tell it unto the Church . As for thy selfe , that thou maist remaine henceforth stedfast and unmoveable in the faith , thou shalt not want the prayers of them , who now with much rejoycing praise God that the Text is accomplished in thee : in which respect we may conclude as we began , and say , HE WAS LOST , AND IS FOVND .

FINIS .