Prou. 23.23 .

Baie the Truth , but sell it not .

The first Sermon .

THis short speach of Salomons , containeth in it two things : 1. an Iniunction , Buy the truth : 2. an Inhibition , Sell not the truth . First of the Iniunction . To make way vnto the profitable handling whereof , we are to examine two things : 1. what is the Truth : 2. what it is to Buy the same .

Truth is but one , and it is in God , What is meant by Truth . Quicquid est in deo , Deus est . and of God ; nay it is God himselfe . For the nature of God is not subiect to any attending properties ; whatsoeuer is in God , is God . As he is Mercy it selfe , Iustice it selfe , Goodnesse it selfe , so he is also , Truth it selfe . God is Truth , Deut 32 4. Ioh. 14.6 . saith Moses , and I am the Truth , saith Christ of himselfe . Yet neuerthelesse , this Truth which is but one , and is primarily in God , is from him conueied into diuers other things , which in that respect are also rightly termed True . For , as the Sunne is the Fountaine and naturall seat of Light , yet that Light is thence deriued into many other Bodies naturally fitted to receiue it , which are therefore truly termed Lightsome ; so , though God , is in that sort the Head & spring of all Truth , that he is called euen Truth it selfe , yet his Truth is communicated vnto other Things also : and euery thing is so farre forth called True , as it is squared and made answerable vnto that eternall Truth . And as diuers resemblances in many glasses , being set together , doe come all from one and the same Face , which is set against them , so all that Truth , which is in other things , fetcheth it first Beginning from the Lord

Now howsoeuer , the end of all our Endeauours , is the vnion of this Truth to our vnderstanding , and the knitting of our soules vnto God , ( wherein the the very heathen by the Light of nature placed mans Happines , ) yet this is not so properly that Truth , which is here commended to vs , but rather some inferior Truth , which is substituted by God , as a meanes to bring vs vnto himselfe . And yet , neither is it that Truth , which God hath seated in Nature , and naturall things ; because , so it is that the Creature partaking of Mans corruption , Rom. 8. ●0 . is subiect to Vanity : and by that meanes the natiue Truth thereof , is so tempered with lying deceitfulnes , that the Heart of Man ( being in it selfe a meere lie ) is not able to seuer each from other , but is rather therby made more vaine , and to turne the Truth of God , shining therein into a Lie . Rom. 1.25 . So weake an instrument is the Booke of nature to beget Truth in our heartes .

There is then another Truth , which hath beene framed by God himselfe , which neither can deceiue , nor be deceiued , and that is , The Holy and precious word of the Almightie , which by the spirit of God is called Truth . Ioh. 17.17 . Col. 1.5 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 1. Pet. 2.2 . Psal 31.5 . 2. Pet. 1.20 . Ioh. 14 6. Ioh. 14.17 . Sanctifie them with thy Truth , thy word is Truth . The word of Truth which is the Gospell . And , the Milke of the word without deceit . And this indeede cannot but be the Truth . First , because of the Author of it , which is the God of Truth . Secondly , because of the Penmen of it , Holy men , which wrote of no priuate motion . Thirdly , because of the confirmer of it , Christ the Truth . Fourthly , because of the Interpreter of it , The Spirit of Truth . And if it were fitting to the Text , it were easie to shew , the Truth of the Scriptures aboue all other Truthes , that it is both the most auncient Truth , and the most true Antiquitie . Now , there is yet another deriued Truth , which is drawne out of the Word , and is , as it were the Briefe and Summary thereof . Rom. 6.17 . Rom. 12.3 . Tit. 14. Deu. 34.4 . It is that which Paul in one place calleth the Forme of Doctrine : in another place , the proportion of Faith : in another , the Truth which is according to godlines . And this may fitly be compared vnto the mount Nebo , vpon which the Lord placed Moses that from thence he might see all the borders and limits of the promised Canaan : so from this , and by the helpe hereof , a man be able to comprehend with all the Saintes , what is the bredth , and depth , and length , and height of Religion . So then , here is the Issue of my speach , that by Truth in this place , is meant the Truth of Religion , grounded vpon the Rule of Truth which is the scripture .

What it is to Buy the Truth . Now for Buying , we must vnderstand , that it is not any making merchandize of the Truth , like to that beggerly sale of the Romish Trumperie ; as though a man could by mony , purchase the graces of Gods Spirit : which if it were so , Christ should be prooued a Liar , Luc. 18.24 . who saith , that with difficultie they that haue Riches shall enter into the kingdome of God : whereas , if saluation were a mony matter , the Rich were like to speed best . But because Buying is vsually of things of greatest cost , and greatest necessitie , therefore to signifie the paines to be taken in this case , the spirit of God vseth this word of Buying . Againe , because the end of Buying is possession , and the end of Possession , is vse ; ( as Riches is possessed to make rich , Apparell to make gay , and so in other things ; ) therefore also , the spirit of God , to shew the care we ought to haue , both to haue the Truth in possession , and to diuert it to our vse , hath mentioned Buying . So then , this Buying of the Truth , which is commended here vnto vs , vrgeth two duties . 1. To labour to haue the Truth of Religion setled in ou● Iudgements , that so we may be fulfilled with the knowledge of Gods will , in all wisdome and spirituall vnderstanding . 2. To conuey it thence into our affections , that so there may be begotten there , that which Dauid calleth Truth in the inward parts . This then is the meaning : Psal. 51.6 . Buy the Truth , saith Salomon : that is , vse all diligence , The sense of the first part . spare no cost , refuse no labour , spend your best indeauours , to come to the knowledge of the Truth , and thereby your selues to be transformed into the Truth ; that you may so become true Israelites , truly religious . The diuision of it . So that now this first member of my Text hath brought forth two Instructions : the one is , that we must indeuour for the setled knowledge of the Truth ; the other that we must make conscience of a holy Practise , and of obedience to the Truth : of these two in order . And first of Buying the knowedge of the Truth .

Seing it hath pleased the wisdome of God , in this place , to borrow a word from the ordinarie courses among men , and to cal the seeking after the Truth , a Buying , of the Truth ; therfore it shall not be amisse to follow the Metaphore , and by examining the vsuall circumstances of Buying , to giue light to the duty recommended here vnto vs . The particular Branches of this whole Sermon . As therefore in all other Bargains , so in this Purchase of the Truth , these things necessarily must concurre . 1. A desire of the Commodity . 2. A repairing to the Place , where it is set to sale . 3. A skill to discerne , and knowe the goodnes of it . 4. A giuing a price proportionable to the worth and value thereof . 5. A storing it vp for necessarie vses , of all these briefly .

The first Branch . First , there must be a desire of the Commoditie : that is plaine in Reason . For whensoeuer a man laieth out his money vpon any thing it proceedeth from a desire to be the owner of it , and to haue it in possession : and so the first thing in this Buying , must be that , which the Apostle Peter calleth Desiring the sincere milke , 1. Pet. 2.2 . Isay . 55.1 . &c. which Isaiah termeth Thirsting ; Psa. 119.111 . & 174. which Dauid in one place calleth , the clayming of the Lord his testimonies as an Heritage : in another , the longing after Gods saluation . Now the desire of a commoditie , springeth ordinarily from these two things . 1. a mans own necessitie . 2. the excellencie of the thing it selfe . His owne necessitie maketh him willing to buy : the excellencie of the thing , maketh him willing to buy , This , rather then any other . So that to the end , we may come to this first degree , of desire to Buy the Truth , we must labour to feele these two things . 1. what neede we haue of it . 2. what an excellent thing it is to enioy it . To shew our need many things might be alleged : I wil be as briefe in it as I can , because , me thinketh , I doe feele my matter , like to a spring , the further it goeth , into the more streames to diuide it selfe . Man by nature in respect of spirituall graces , is the poorest Creature vnder heauen , he commeth not into the world with a bodie so naked , but he commeth also with a soule as vtterly stript of all goodnes . To touch onely his penurie in regard of Knowledge . He hath in his vnderstanding no true knowledge of God , but onely so much left , as may make him inexcusable before God . And therfore the Scripture doth well , so often to befoole him , as Salomon doth by name in the booke of the Prouerbes . When man hath to doe with these earthly things , he seemeth to haue some sharpnes and dexteritie : but when he commeth to spirituall things , he is cleane blunted , They are foolishnes vnto him , 1. Cor. 2.14 . neither can he know them . It is with the Eyes of his soule , as it is with the Eyes of his bodie . Our eyes looking vpon the earth , and those baser substances , seeme quicke and piercing , but let them be turned vp to behold the glorious Bodie of the Sunne , they are cleane dazeled , and seeme to see an hundred seuerall colours , where there is no colour : such a maze is the wit of man by nature brought into , when he commeth to behold & consider of spiritual matters , he wil runne you into millions of absurdities . Take you Nicodemus , a great wise Pharisie , and tell him of the New birth , you shal strike him into such an amazement , that he will crie , Iob. 3.9 . How can this be ? Goe among the learned Philosophers , and discourse in their hearing of one Iesus , who was dead , and now liueth , and of the Resurrection ; what will they say ? Some will mocke , and call thee Babler , Acts. 17. that teachest such stuffe : and they which are the most staied among them , will put it to a demurre , they wil heare thee againe of this thing . This is mans naturall pouertie in this case . Yea , but will some man ( perhaps ) say vnto me : Put case , this be true , that I am thus without knowledge of the Truth of my selfe , is it any daunger to continue so ? There be some things , which a man hath not , yet can not he be said to want them , Aliud est catero , aliud indigere . because he hath no vse of them : It is one thing to be without a commoditie , another thing to stand in neede of it . To cleare this point therefore in one word : There is as much neede of knowledge , as of saluation . If thou hast need to be saued , thou hast need to haue knowledge also . This is life euerlasting , Ioh. 1● . 3 . to know &c. And Paul describing the estate of a naturall man , putteth these two together ; Eph. 4.18 . his Cogitations are darkened : and , he is a stranger from the Life of God . Ignorance and and Destruction ; Knowledge and Saluation , goe togither . If this be not sufficient , to shew the necessitie of Knowledge , I knowe not what may perswade vs . Now for the excellencie of Knowledge , if a man had the Tongue of men and Angels , he could not speake sufficient in commendation of it . The Heathen knew , that Reason , is that which maketh man better then a beast : and the enlightening of Reason , by Knowledge , is that , which preferreth one man to another . Now , if knowledge be in it selfe a thing so excellent , much more the sauing knowledge , I meane , the knowledge of Gods Truth . This maketh the people of God the wisest people , This is your wisdome , saith God , Deut. 4.6 . and your Vnderstanding . It bringeth a man to haue a kinde of familiaritie and acquaintance with God himselfe : yea , it enableth a man to conceiue the things which passe knowledge , namely , the peace of God , and the loue of Christ . Phil. 4.7 . Eph. 3.19 . No meruaile then , though Dauid reioyced at it , Psal. 119.162 . as one that findeth great spoiles : and that Paul , did account all things but dogs-meat , for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ Iesus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Phil. 3.8 . For both Dauid was thereby made wiser then his teachers , and Paul by comprehending it , Psa. 119.99 . Phil. 3.12 . was comprehended also of his Sauiour . Thus in part , may we see our neede of Knowledge , and the worth of Knowledge , to prepare vs to the purchase of Knowledge .

The Vse . To make some vse . This point touching desire of Knowledge , is worthie the pressing vpon the Consciences of men : because the world hath at this day , so many such fooles as Salomon speaketh of , Pro. 17.16 . which haue a price in their Hand , but they haue no heart to get Wisedome . They haue the meanes to bring them to the knowledge of the Truth , familiar , common and easie , but haue no affection thereunto . Tell them of Knowledge , it is as the singing of songs to an heauy heart , a matter which fitteth not , it hath no rellish nor sauour in the world . Tell the couetous man , the extorting Gentleman , the engrossing Merchant , the enhaunsing husbandman , of a commoditie , of a secret bargaine , of a meanes of gaining , it is like enough , he will soone giue thee the hearing , and take thine Information as a fruit of great kindnes : but , talke of the Knowledge of Religion , and of the meanes for attainment to it , thou hast ( as the saying is ) told a tale to a deafe man , Surdo cani● . he would as leife thou hadst kept thy counsell to thy selfe . And hence ( oh wofull case ) it is come to passe , that grosse and intolerable ignorance , like a disease , hath ouerspread the greatest part . The multitude know not ( as we say ) the right hand from the left : the best of vs be but smatterers , and our knowledge little better then vaine iangling . 1. Tim. 1.6 . There is , I know , store of that knowledge which Micah speaketh of , The statutes of O●●●● are sought for : Mic. 6●6 . men are cunning in penall . precepts , and in the knowledge of Law-points . There is also plentie of the knowledge which Christ mentioneth , men can discerne the face of the skie , Mat● . 16.3 . and the signes of the Times : Neither is there any want of that skill which Amos toucheth , of making a small Ephah , and a large shekel . Am. ● . 5 . These times abound in these knowledges : but as for the onely necessarie knowledge , the Knowledge of Religion , almost no man esteemeth it ; it seemeth to vs , as a withered braunch , which hath neither forme nor beautie , we see nothing in it , why we should desire it . Now because this deadnes and dulnes ariseth especially , from the want of the feeling of our owne necessitie , ( for , the person that is full , Pro. 27.7 . despiseth an honie combe ) and from our not knowing the worth of Knowledge ( for the cocke vpon the dunghill , would rather haue a barley corne , then a diamond ) therefore I beseech you let vs remember , the before-deliuered matter , touching our owne necessitie , that we haue not naturally so much as a dramme of true knowledge within vs ; and the excellencie of Knowledge , that without it we are but as dead men , strangers from the life of God , without hope , without God in this world . And so leauing it to your best consideration , I thus ende this point .

The next point , The second Branch . is the Comming to the place of sale . For , as in our ordinarie buying , it suffiseth not a man , to feele his want of a commoditie , to know the worth of it , and to wish the hauing of it , vnlesse he also resort to the place where it may be had : so in this case , it is not inough , that we find our selues ignorant , acknowledg our neede of Knowledge , vnlesse we vouchsafe to repaire thether wher it is ordinarily set to sale , and as it were by Proclamation offered to our vses . Now the vsuall place of sale , for this commodity of sauing Knowledge , is the Church , the Assembly of Gods Saintes , where the ministry of Gods word ( the ordinarie meanes of Knowledge ) is dispensed . In the Church , by the Ministry of Gods word , we heare Christ making a solemne Oyez , and saying , If any man thirst , let him come to me and drinke . Come buy without siluer and without mony : Ioh. 7.37 . Isay . 55.1.2 . wherefore doe you lay out siluer and not for bread ? I counsell you to buy of me gold tried by the Fire , Rev. 3.18 . that you may be made rich , and rayment , that you may be clothed , and ●iesalue , that you may see . This is the voice of Christ proclayming in the open Market of his Church , and vttering his voice by the Toppe of the high places , Pro. 9.4 . who so is simple let him come hither . Col. 2.3 . In me are hid the Treasures of wisedome and knowledge . Of my fulnes you may receiue grace for grace . Ioh. 1.16 . So that in the congregation , wher the word is truly & sincerely preached , as in a Publicke Marte , there is that which is fitting to euery man in euery respect . There are the Principles of Truth , for Christians of a lower forme : there are deeper points for exercised Wits ; Heb. 5.14 . there is for Magistrates , for Ministers , for priuate men , for euery calling : for the yoūgman that hee may redres his way , for the old man , to encrease in wisedome , there is truth for the vnderstanding , truth for the conscience , truth for the will , truth for the Affections , that so a Christian may be perfite to euery good worke : 2. Tim. 3.17 . whatsoeuer thou dost lack , there thou shalt be sure to haue it abundantly supplied : there thou shalt see discouered the great Mysterie of godlines , which is , God manifested in the flesh , iustified in the spirit , 1. Tim. 3.16 . seene of Angels , preached vnto the Gentiles , beleeued on in the world , and receiued vp into glory . Thus the church is the place , & the preaching of the word is the Treasure subiected to the view , and offered to the vse of all , which desire to receiue it . And indeede , herein especially standeth the difference betwixt the word Read , & the word Preached . The word read , is as a rich wardrope of a Prince , where many garments of cost are folded vp together in a narrow roome , which cannot so satisfie the beholder , as if the same might be seuerally layd forth before him , time beeing also granted him , to take notice of euery particular : because , being lapt vp , he cannot see the whole beautie , and being together , he is not able to obserue euery specialtie . Euen so it fareth with the scripture . If a man heare the word read , it cannot but draw him to admire the maiestie and riches of the Text , and it will cast some glimmering light vpon the vnderstanding , but when he heareth the riches of it laid open by Preaching , it will much more astonish him ; yea it euen ravish him ( as it were , ) striking a greater terror into his conscience , casting a clearer light vpon his iudgement , working more mightily vpon his affections . This is not spoken to discountenance the Reading of the word , or to banish the vse of it out of Gods Church , or to depriue it of that respectiue estimation which it doth deserue : nay , it is rather spoken to the winning of reuerence thereunto . For indeed , there is no man heareth the word read , more humbly , obserueth it more heedefully , or listeneth vnto it more affectionately , then he , who by preaching hath beene brought to know the excellencie of the word . So then , here I shutte vp this doctrine . He that desireth to make this purchase of the Truth , must repaire to the place where it is set to sale , even to the House of God , where the word is truly preached , and soundly deliuered .

The Vse . This point is also very necessarie to be throughly vrged , in regard of the common sinne of the world at this day , which is this , the negligent depending vpon the Ministery of Gods word . For , howsoeuer sound , and syncere , and often preaching , be not so vniuersall and common as were to be wished , if God were so pleased to thrust out more painfull Labourers into his haruest , yet it is far more generally bestowed , Math. 9.38 . then obediently and dutifully entertained . For truly , if a man should aske of me , what that thing in my opinion is , which is at this day almost in euery place most hatefull , most abhorred , most ●●ksome , most contemptible , least welcome and least regarded , I know not ( I speake vnfeignedly ) how to answer more truly , then to say it is the Ministry and preaching of Gods word . And to the end that I may not speake at Randon but may lay this fault vpon those in whom at is , I will distinguish those of our Times ( to let professed Enemies of our Religion , Papists , alone ) which either come not to the Place of sale of Truth ; or els come as gazers , to looke on , and to fill vp number , into three sorts . 1. The common protestant . 2. The Politician . 3. The proud and selfe conceipted man . By the Common Protestant . I vnderstand such an one , as the Papist calleth ( in scorne so speaking of vs all ) a Parliament protestant , that is , a Time-seruer , who looketh no further , then to the Law of the Prince , who is readie for any religion , and is therefore indeed of no Religion . Of which humor , there are ( the Lord knoweth ) infinite multitudes at this day , all whose Bible is the statute Booke , and the Articles of whose faith , are grounded vpon positiue Iniunctions . Now the common Religion of this common Protestant , I find to be this . He hath a certaine notice of louing God aboue all , and his neighbour as himselfe , and that he thinketh is as much as he needeth to care for , and after this manner he thinketh with himselfe : I keepe my Church , as well as the most : I receiue the communion at Easter , as becommeth a good subiect : I liue quietly among my neighbours , and wherein am I now to be found fault withall ? Indeede I am not ouer precize : for I hold that to be more then needes : I am no medler with the Scriptures , that I account to be beyond my reach : once , I am no Papist , I content my selfe to doe as other doe , and haue no desire to be singular . Here haue we the right humor of our common men , at this day , this is their Catechisme , these be the very principles of their Religion . Now , hath this man ( thinke you ) any neede of preaching ? careth he to depend vpon the Ministry of the word ? Surely no. For he thinketh himselfe of so good a Religion , to haue so good a faith to God-ward , and to be so well minded that he hath no minde of Instruction . And therefore , he is cleere in it , that it were a great deale better , if there were lesse preaching : it filleth mens heades full of matters , breedeth diuision among neighbours , brocheth nouelties , and troubleth the whole countrey . Adde hereto ( saith he ) that they themselues , which preach , cannot agree ; and that distracteth the people ; so that their preaching might better be spared , or at the least , be the lesse vsed ; and what should men doe which haue families to prouide for ; and many businesses to dispose of , & much to looke vnto ? they cannot intend it , to follow these matters so hard and hotly as it is required . This is the first sort , that is guiltie of this sinne , of not caring to frequent Gods cheap-house which is his Church , where knowledge of the Truth , is by preaching offered vnto vs ; and the men belonging to it , are so humored as I haue described . The second in this number is the Pollitician , who thinketh all Religion to be but a fable , a matter inuented by wiser men to hold the vulgar in subiection , and to busie them withall , least they should fall into worse matters , and runne into further inconueniences . And therefore tell him of preaching , he laugheth in his sleeue , accounting them a sort of silly fooles who esteeme it , and making himselfe beleeue , he is a great wise man , because he seeth that which the common sort hath not espied . Thus , as the former in a drowsines and hardned security , contemneth the word , so this in a very Atheisticall and godlesse profa-nesse , scorneth it , and maketh a very Iest of it . The third in this ranke is the proude conceipted man ; who walking in the sunne is tanned though he meant it not , so this , by reading now and then , doth a little smell of some rudiments of Knowledge , but yet , that litle in his opinion , seemeth so great that he imagineth that by his priuate Reading at home , he can doe as much and more then by any hearing : and therefore he hath no better opinion of a preacher then the Athenians had of Paul , Act. 17.18 . ( what will this Trifler say ? ) So that whereas the Lord tendring our weakenes , and knowing in his wisedome , what is fittest for vs , hath left in his Church the ministry of the word for euery mans Instruction , he careth not for his part , if God had neuer appointed any such meanes , he thinketh he can altogether doe as well without it . This is the proud mans opinion . And thus , by that time you haue referred to euery one of these sort● , those that doe by right appertaine to each , and haue shuffled in among them , all Familists and scorners , and a rabble of other irreligious persons , you shall finde the number of carefull comers , to the house of God , to buie the Truth at the handes of his Ministers , to be ( as Micah speaketh ) like the summer gatherings , Mic. ● . 1 and as the grapes of the vintage , to be but a small number , scarse an handfull in regard of the multitude . I beseech you therefore , let vs learne this lesson from this place , to loue the gates of the Lords house , to let our feet weare out the Treshold of it , to giue attendance at the Posts of his doores : and to say also one to another , Isay . 2.2 . Come , let vs goe vp to the mountaine of the Lord , &c. And let these carnall reasonings goe , as to say , ( looking but to the face and gifts of the Preacher ) what is he , that he should teach me , and why may I not profit as well by some other course ? but remember , that the Power of God is made perfect through weakenes : ● . Cor. 12.9 . and that as it was a greater honour to God , to ouerthrow the walles of Iericho , by the noise of rams-hornes , then if it he had done it by Canon-shot ; 1. Cor. 1.21 . so it is more for Gods glorie , by the Foolishnes of Preaching to saue those that beleeue , then if an Angel should descend from heauen to instruct , nay , then if the Lord himselfe should speake with some audible voice to conuert vs . And surely , as in Buying and selling , that Bargaine is by law most warrantable , which is made in open market ; so I account that knowledge most acceptable vnto God , and most like to receiue a blessing from him , which is gotten publikely , by the ordinarie course appointed for that purpose . Howsoeuer , I doubt not , but as a man hauing publikely bought a commoditie , may priuately husband it , to his owne best behoofe , so that which is deliuered openly may , ( nay ought ) by priuate reading , praier , meditation , and conference , be encreased . And thus much for this second Branch .

The third thing in this Purchase of Truth , The third Branch . is , Skill to discerne . For as in Buying , in regard of so many counterfeit Wares , of the mingling good with bad , and the great deceipt of the world , it is good for a man to haue skill to preserue himselfe from cosenage , and from cause-les expense vpon vnprofitable goods : so in labouring after Knowledge , in respect of so much blending mans inuentions with holesome doctrine , it is requisite , that we be able to put a difference betwixt holy , and corrupt , true and false , profitable and vnprofitable Teaching . And this is a thing , which the Scripture also in many places requireth of vs . T●● the spirits , saith Iohn , 1 Ioh. 4.1 . 1. Thes. 5.21 . Pro. 14.15 . whether they be of God or no. Try all things , saith Paul : and he is a foole , saith Salomon , that will beleeue euery thing : and for this cause the noble men of Beraea are commended , because hearing the Apostles preach , they searched the scriptures daily , whether those things were so . Act. 17.11 . And our Sauiour hath pronounced it generally of all his sheepe , that they know his voice , Ioh. 10.5 . and will not follow a stranger , but flee from him &c. For howsoeuer we doe vrge all reuerent respect vnto the preaching of the word , as to the Ordinance of God , for the gathering together of his Saints , and for the edification of the bodie of Christ ; Eph 4.12 . yet we abhorre that Popish tyrannizing ouer the faith of our Hearers , as though we would binde them to giue credit to euery thing we speake , because we speake it : Authoritate nomi●●s . Amb. in 1. The. cap. 5. We know , that if he were an Angel from heauen , that should come amongst vs , yet his doctrine must be brought to the Law and to the Testimonie , Isay . 8.20 . as the Prophet speaketh , and if he be found to swerue from that holy doctrine which we haue receiued , Gal. 1.8 . 2. Ioh. 10. he must goe for accursed , and , bid him not so much as God speede , saith S. Iohn . And this skilfulnes and Abilitie to discerne , as it is euer necessarie , so now especially . First of all , because there are ( that I may still follow the language of my Text ) so many pety-chapmen , I meane , so many priuie workmen , who are all guided with the spirit of the Beast , sent out and set on worke , by that Antichrist , that man of Rome , who are crept almost into euery corner , and vnder pretence of their deuotions and Voluntarie Religion , Col. 2 . 2● . and Humblenes of minde , insinuate and winde themselues into many mens Affections , drawing some to traiterous disloyaltie , some to setled Poperie , others to indifferent and depending vncertentie , that so they may fit and prepare them for that day , which they haue long exspected , and I pray God they may still with wearied eyes , and languishing spirits awaite for . Now to the ende , that these false Brethren , Gal. 2.4 . which are come in priuily to bring vs into bondage , may not carie vs away with drosse for siluer , glittering shewes for a golden substance , counterfait profession , for sound Religion , we had neede to labour and pray for discerning spirits . Secondly , this abilitie to discerne is necessarie , in regard of so many dangerous and infectious Bookes , which ( I know not by whose default ) are sparsed abroad into all partes , tending to the defaming of the present state , and of our holy Religion , and to the working of mens affections to a more tolerable opinion ( if not a totall embracing ) of Poperie . Thirdly , this skill is no lesse necessarie , in respect of so much corrupt Preaching , both in manner and matter . First , for the manner of Teaching , it is an ordinarie thing with many men of giftes , to scorne to seeme to Know nothing but Christ , and him crucified , 1. Cor. 2.2 . and to thinke basely of the plaine euidence of the spirit : And therefore , they haue more care to abound with excellent words , & with the entising speeches of mans wisedome , then to speak to the conscience of their Hearers ; so that in this respect , we had neede to be wise to discerne , least our faith should be in the wisdome of man rather then in the power of God . 1. Cor. 2.5 . Againe , for the matter of preaching , it is now almost in religion and diuinitie , as in the matter of Apparell ; every yeare bringeth a new fashion , and then ( because of the loue which men haue to noveltie ) that , is thought to be the most hansome , most thriftie , and most profitable fashion , only indeed because it is the newest , and so , euery yeare almost , we heare of some new opinion or other , raked out of the dunghill of Poperie , and a new glosse set vpon it , 2. Tim 4.3 . and by and by it is entertained , men that haue itching Eares are readie to listen to it , & are soone wrought to embrace it . This is the great pollicie of the Deuill , neither is there any thing , by which he doth more harme , by which he killeth more soules then by this meanes . When the Lord was purposed to bring a plague vpon Ahab , the Scripture describeth him as it were sitting in counsell , what might be the next way to ouerthrow him . At last , when one had said on this manner , and another on that , there came forth a Spirit and stood before the Lord , and said , I will entise him ; ● . king . 2● . 20 . and the Lord said vnto him , Wherewith ? And he said , I will goe 〈◊〉 and be a false spirit in the mouth of all his Prophets : Then he said , Thou shalt entise him , and thou shalt preuaile . Thus it appeareth , that the most speedy way which Satan , beeing put to his choice , hath , to doe mischiefe , is to sende spirits of Error , priuily to bring in damnable and dangerous opinions . And surely it is iust with God , to giue vs ouer to be seduced , because we haue not receiued the loue of his Truth , 2. Thess 2 . 1● . that we might be saued . So then , that neither insinuating Iesuites may deceiue vs , not dangerous bookes empoison vs , nor fantasticall Teachers beguile vs , nor corrupt Doctours carrie vs away with euery winde of Doctrine , Eph 4 14. it standeth vs vpon to labour to abound with spirituall wisedome , and vnderstanding , that we may discerne betwixt Light and darkenes , Truth and falsehood , least , leauing to follow Christ , as a shepheard to the fold , we go after Antichrist , as a Butcher to the shambles .

The Vse . The Vse of this point is , to reprooue two faults especially . 1. The wilfulnes of some . 2. The vnskilfulnes of other-some . For the first , many there are in this naughtie & crooked generation , who because of the corruption which is in the Teaching of some , ( which implieth a possibilitie to be deceiued ) and because of the shew of difference in some things , which seemeth to be among other-some , I say in these respects , some there are , who are growne to that peeuishnes , that they resolue with themselues , that it is the best course to heare none . We cannot tell , say they , whom to beleeue , they are at uariance among themselues , and therefore till they doe better accord , it will be the safest , and wisest way , either not to heare , or not to credit any . This is the wayward humor of many in this Age . Their folly ( as to me seemeth ) may well be manifested , by vrging the present similitude of Buying . If a man wanting meat , drinke and raiment , and other necessaries , and being perswaded to supply himselfe out of the market , from those which sell , should make this Answere . The world is so full of deceipt , that a man knoweth not whom to trust ; they which sell , many of them will beguile their owne fathers , if they should chaffer with them ; and the trickes and deuises which tradsemen haue are so many , that it is twentie to one but a man shall be coosened , I had rather therfore goe neere the wind , and want necessarie prouision , then put it to the hazard of Buying : If I say , a man amongst vs , should plead thus , what would we thinke of him , but that either he were very foolish or verie froward ? And so we well might ; because , we know , the fraud of others must be preuented , rather by care and circumspection , and not vsed as an occasion for a man to abridge himselfe of his necessaries . Is not he then as much a foole , who wanting the sauing knowledge of the Truth , and being called vpon to repaire to the house of God , where the Meanes is offered freely vnto him , shall p●ead strait the deceiuablenes of false doctrine , the corruption of many Teachers , the shew and appearance of contrarieties , as though he were therefore to depriue himselfe of the necessarie foode of his soule , because it may be , that through want of care , instead of being fedde , he may be poisoned . We know rather , that he ought to be , the more diligent in praier , the more studious in the scripture , that so when he commeth to buy the Truth he may not be deceiued . Thus this point meeteth with this humour of wilfulnes . Now for the vnskilfulnes of men , this point doth also make against it exceedingly . It is too true of the greatest part of our Hearers at this day , 1. Cor. 14.20 . Phil. 1.10 . that they are Children in Vnderstanding : they want that Iudgement which Paul speaketh of to , discerne things that differ one from an other : Iam. 1.6 . they are like a waue of the sea , Heb. 13.9 . euery Wind of Doctrine is readie to ouer blow them ; their Heartes are not stablished , Heb. 5 14. they haue no exercised Wits . They will be readie to crie Hosanna to Christ to day , and to bid Crucifie him to morrow ; they are like those of Lystra , who at the first admired Paul , and made a God of him , but with the turning of an hand , by the counsell of certaine Iewes , they drew him out of the Citie and stoned him ; Act. 14. so vnstable and vnsetled are the most of vs at this day , that a man may perswade any thing sauing that which ought to be beleeued . Who almost is so skilfull and experienced , as to know euen in the principall matters , and most necessarie points of Religion , what is to be held as Truth , and to be detested as an Error ? to be able to say peremptorily ; this I am sure is true in Religion , and I will ( by the grace of God ) liue and die in it ; this is an Error , & I hope neuer to yeeld vnto it ? You will say ( perhaps ) this is inough for Preachers . Oh , belooued , I say as Moses did , I would all the Lords people were Prophets , I would we were al thus cunning ; nay I would men were , Num. 11.29 . or could be perswaded , that this is a dutie , to striue to come to a setled certentie herein . Then ther were much hope of the perpetuating of Religion , then we need neuer feare the restablishment of Poperie , and Atheisme , I am sure would giue vp the Ghost . Well , you see , the Truth must be bought , for shame we cannot deny it . In Buying , we may be ouereached ; in reason we cannot say against it ; therefore we should also be ashamed , to be so without Reason , as not to thinke it reason , to labour with the Lord by Praier , to lead vs into all Truth , that so we may grow in the Truth , and continue firme in the Truth vnto the end . And this is an End of the third Branch .

The fourth Branch . The fourth Circumstance in making this Purchase of the Truth , is , to giue the price proportionable to the value of the Commoditie , which is indeede the very Act of Buying ; the other three , which I haue named hitherto , are but preparatiues to Buying . For though a man feeleth his owne want , commeth to the place of sale , trieth and examineth the commoditie which is for his necessitie , yet he is not said to haue bought , till he haue paid the price at which the thing is rated . All the while before , he is said to be but a chapman , and many do all the former oftentimes , who haue no great disposition to buie . So fareth it in our customarie Buying , and so it is in this case . It is necessarie for a man to feele the want of Knowledge , to come to the place of Knowledge , to examine that which is profered to him , but yet he hath not followed Salomons counsell as he ought , vntill he haue paide the price also . Now the price ( as I told you ) is not money ( for , Act. 8.20 . Thy money perish with thee , which art of that opinion : ) but the price is this , to preferre it in account and estimation before all Things , and so to make it our chiefest labour to attaine it . You shall see this prooued . If thou seekest knowledge as siluer , and searchest for her as for Treasure , Pro. 2.4.5 . then thou shal● vnderstand the Feare of the Lord . The kingdome of Heauen is like to a Merchant-man , Math. 13.45 . that seeketh good pearles , who hauing found a pearle of great price , went and sold all that he had , and bought it . The kingdome of Heauen suffereth violence , and the violent take it by force . Math. 11.12 . Will you haue examples ? Phil. ● . ● . I count all things losse ( saith Paul ) for the excellent Knowledge sake of Christ Iesus : and a little after in the same chapter he compareth himselfe to a man in a race , who , partly to signifie his desire of the prize , partly to helpe himselfe in running , leaneth forward in his running : ver. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . so ( saith he ) I forget that which is behind , bending forward to that which is before , I follow &c. And if a man might goe further , Dauid may seeme herein a little to haue gone beyond him . I opened my mouth , and panted , Psal. 119.131 . because I loued thy Commandements . Dauid was so hotte , and egre in this pursuit , that he was euen breathlesse , he was faine to gape for a new supplie of winde . Thus these places , and these examples , I hope , doe sufficiently prooue this point , namely , that the price to be giuen for the Knowledge of the Truth , is to set no price vpon it , but to esteeme it aboue all price , and to account that nothing is too deare , no trauaile too much , no paine too great for the attainment thereunto .

The Vse . The vse of this point is necessarie also , because the Church of God is at this day so ful of Hucksters , which are euer cheapening , but buie nothing : that is , as S. Paul speaketh , are euer learning , 2. Tim 3. ● . and yet neuer come to the knowledge of the Truth . They come to church , and heare , and goe home , and come againe , and heare againe , and so goe round , like a Horse in a mill , and are yet neuer the nearer . They are like the fish in the sea , which liue in the salt water , and are yet neuer the salter : so they heare the word , which is the salt of the Earth , and yet are still vnseasoned . Mat. 5.13 . Now the speciall reason of it is , because they be no franke chapmen ; they would haue too good a peniworth , they will buie the Truth vnder foote , or they will none of it . If to heare now and then , and in hearing , now and then to hearken , and so an ende , and some such superficiall performances will doe it , they will be content to be at the cost , otherwise they wish you a better chapman , the ware is too deare . If you tell them of often Hearing , and of keeping their hearts and eares together from the beginning of a Sermon to the end , of priuate Meditation , of conference , of praier before to prepare them , of praier after to strengthen them , of redeeming the Time , and setting some part apart for such holy purposes , they make you answer , that you set your Knowledge at too high a rate , and vnlesse they shall find you more reasonable , and that they may haue it with lesse paines , lesse hindrance , lesse disgrace , they are content to let it goe , or els , as men doe when things are too deare , they will take the lesse , and a smaller portion shall suffice them . To shake off this dulnes , and backwardnes , and that men may learne to be ashamed of this niggardize , to stand offering and offering , and like to neere fellowes , to be loth ( as it were ) to come off with the other penie , I pray you let vs remember the price which the Lord hath set , and whereof there is not one haire to be abated . It must suffer violence , it must be most of all esteemed , and sought for first of all , it must be striuen for , and studied about , and cared for exceedingly . If we be not willing to giue this price , we doe but pester Gods house , it is in vain for vs to make a shew , and to come hither , as Gods people vseth to come : God can not endure to be dallied withall , either goe through with him , or neuer begin with him . And to comfort thee , take this with thee : the commoditie is better then it maketh shew for : and when thou hast once gotten it , and viewed it better , thou wilt say as Dauid , The lines are fallen vnto me in a pleasant place , Psal. 16.6 . yea I haue a faire heritage : and thou shalt haue more ioy of heare , Psal. 4.7 . then the Rich worldings haue when their wine and oyle aboundeth . Thus much of this point , which is the very act of Buying .

The fift Branch . The last circumstance , in this Bargaine of Truth , is to store it vp . For as , bought commodities are safely disposed , and said vp , till Time and occasion shall offer vse : so gotten Knowledge , must be reserued in the Store-house of the Memorie , that when any occasion of vse shall be offered , it may be at hand , either for the Triall of a Truth , or for a Direction in life . Pro. 4.21 . Let not the words of my mouth , saith the wisedome of God , depart from thee , but keepe them in the midst of thy heart . Psal. ●19 . 11 . I haue hidde thy promises in my heart , saith Dauid : and Marie is commended , Luc. 2.19.31 . because shee kept Christs sayings , and pondered them in her heart . And indeede there is great reason , why this of Storing vp , should be added to all the former . For though a man should desire the Truth earnestly , care to heare it diligently , discerne it wisely , obtaine it painefully , yet it will litle auaile , if it doe strait runne from him , if it be as soone forgotten , as gotten , if it be not entertained , and setled , Col. 3.16 . that so it may dwell plenteously in the heart .

The Vse . The vse hereof in a word is this , to quicken and stirre vs vp to beware of a common Euill , which is , to leaue the word there , where we heard it , and seldome or neuer to call our selues to an account , how and in what measure we haue profited , how our iudgements haue beene setled , our affections reformed , our consciences comforted , by that which we haue heard . Learne a similitude from Buying . A man , who hath beene at the market , or at the Merchants shoppe , and hath there laid out his money , when he returneth home , he will beginne to call himselfe to an account , to see what he hath laid out , where the things are , which he hath bought , and whether he hath not lost any thing thereof : and if he haue , he will returne againe , to the place where he bought it , to trie , if he left it not there , and in the way he will enquire of euery one he meeteth , if they haue not found such or such a thing , and will neuer be satisfied , vntill he haue found the same . It should be so , with vs , in this case . When we come from Gods house , whether we went to Bu● the Truth , after our returne , we should finde a time to keepe ( as it were ) an Audit , with our selues , to see what we haue gained , by that daies hearing , and should endeauour to trie our selues from point to point : If we find some things forgotten , returne we must againe , to the Ministerie of the word , to see if it 〈◊〉 please God , that the same things may be againe deliuered , & inquire of our friends & familiars which were there , whether they can helpe vs in recounting those things , which through infirmitie haue escaped vs . Thus Knowledge would grow vp , Religion would thriue amongst vs , and we should abound in spirituall vnderstanding , and so both those which teach vs , should be encouraged , and we our selues should exceedingly be comforted . One speciall reason which may mooue vs to this care of storing vp knowledge in Religion , is the possibilitie of a famine of the word of God amongst vs . We read , Gen. 41. that when there was a famine approching in Egypt , Ioseph aduised Pharaoh to make prouision before hand in the seuen plentifull yeares , and to lay vp corne against the time of Penurie . This was good Pollicie in humane reason . It shall be no lesse good Policie in Religion , now in these times , in which the word of God is plentifull , and we haue it common amongst vs , to treasure vp knowledge against the daies of want , we hauing giuen the Lord , so great cause to take away his word from vs , and to giue it to a nation that shal bring forth better fruits then we haue done . So that indeede ( considering our intolerable contempt of Gods Truth , and our generall lothing this heauenly Manna ) it is rather to be wondred , that the Lord hath hitherto forborne vs , then to be presumed , that we shall still scape away vnpunished . I beseech you therefore , let vs now play the the good husbands , and bestirre vs , and euen engrosse , as much knowledge in Religion as is possible , that so if ever such a heauie time should come ( as Lord , if it be thy will , ever keepe it from vs ) we may be able to speake a word in season to our owne soules , and to be a comfort also , and an instruction vnto others : least then , many of vs , which now will scarse steppe out of our doores to heare , shall be glad to runne from North to East , but shall not finde it . This may be , and I hope will be , a motiue to vs , to Buie the Truth , while the Market lasteth , and to lay it vp in store against the Times of wofull necessitie . Thus ( as I could ) I haue endeauoured to discouer vnto you , the whole Mysterie of this Bargaine of Truth , so farre forth as it concerneth our care , in labouring to be grounded in the Knowledge of Religion .

Nowe before I doe dismisse this point , it might not be amisse ( perhappes ) to say something , to those which are the Lordes Officers , ( as it were ) in the selling of his Truth vnto the people , I meane the Ministers of the Gospell . For sure , by iust proportion , everie one of these circumstances , seemeth to vrge a dutie vpon them . First of all , if the people , must haue a desire to get Knowledge , it is meete , that they should haue a desire to impart Knowledge . And it is a notable thing , it a Minister , Iob. 32.19 . when he is like vnto the vessell to which Elihu compared himselfe which hauing no vent , Ier. 20.9 . is readie to burst ; so that the spirit within him , compelleth him , and the Word in his Heart , is as a Burning Fire shut vp in his Bones , so that he cannot stay : And so contrariwise , it is a miserable thing when his bowels are shutte vp , and he hath no compassion in regard of the necessities , of gods people . So then , let this , that the people must haue a desire to learne , teach vs to be of Pauls mind , Rom. 1.11 . euen to long to bestow some spirituall gift among them . Secondly , they must come to the Church , the Place of sale : there must be some body there to discouer the treasures of Gods house , to open the mysteries of Godlinesse vnto them and therfore it would make man wish his head were ful of water , and his eies a Fountaine of Teares , to see the state of many Churches . Because my Text speaketh of Buying , I know not whereto better to compare them , then to some old Townes , which haue had yearely faires in them , and are now decaied , and growne out of vse : you shall see vpon the day in which their faires were wont to be kept , they will hang out a glooue or some such testimonie of such a meeting , but not one whit of ware is there to be sold : so in many Churches , you shall see a Pulpit , a place for a speaker , and another for hearers , bur it is bu for a signe , he which commeth thither to buy the Truth , is like to haue but a reasonable Bargaine . Thirdly , as the People must labour for discerning spirits , so the Preachers , must studie to speake iudicially , that they may say as Christ said to Nicodemus , we speake that we know ; Ioh. 3.11 . least they be an occasion of falling vnto any . Fourthly , as the people must equall the price to the worth of the thing , that is , must inestimably value that which is taught , so the Preachers ought to beware of doing Gods Busines negligently , I●r. 4● . ●0 . of slight and superficiall performance of so waightie a matter . It is generally a fault with vs , that the world hath so beguiled and entangled vs , that it maketh vs so slenderly to prepare our selues to the duties of our publicke Ministry ; as though to preach , were a busines but by the way : and that causeth our Preaching to cary the lesse Maiestie and Authoritie with it , because the wiser sort of our hearers , doe perceiue , that we are often put to our shifts , and doe make Preaching to be but an exercise by the glasse , which time if we can by any meanes fill vp , Ad c. epfidram we hold it to be sufficient ; well , if our hearers must buy our Sermons at so deare a rate , let vs indeauour that they may be worth the Buying . Lastly , as the people must store vp knowledge , and that now especially , because we know not how neere the dearth is ; so we must also now chiefly , bring out of our Treasures both new & old , Mat. 1● . 52 . and not be wanting by our forwardnesse to provoke them to diligence in this case , remembring what Christ speaking touching himselfe hath laid vpon vs all , Ioh. 9.4 . namely to worke the workes of him that sent vs while it is Day ; the night commeth when no man can worke . Thus much I thought good by the way to adde , touching those , whom the Lord hath deputed to the seruice of his Church , that we may all take heed to our Ministry , Col. 4.17 . which we haue receiued , to fulfill it .

The ende of the first Sermon .