Grieue not the holy Spirit , of God .

TO grieue the Spirit of God , The first part . What is meant by grieuing of Gods Spirit . is a figuratiue phrase , or speech ( humanitus dictum ) spoken for mans capacity , for truly and indeed the Spirit of God , as God himselfe , can be no more grieued , then hee can be either wounded or killed ; but this phrase of speech is here vsed by our Apostle , to aggrauate the greatnesse of sinne , seeing by sinning , we doe as much as in vs lyeth , euen grieue the holy Spirit of God , that is , grieuously offend Gods Spirit , whose speciall office is to worke sanctification in the harts of Gods Children .

This speech therefore is not vsed , as one very well obserueth , Quod vllam perturbationem sentiat diuinitas , sed vt indignitatem prophana vitae , magis intelligamus . It is not spoken ( I say ) to make vs imagine , That the diuine Essence is , or can bee subiect to any perturbation , but to make vs the more and more to conceiue the indignitie , and vilenesse of sinne ; and how odious sinne is , in the sight of God .

The similitude of this speech , A Simile . may seeme to bee borrowed from a honest Oast , that hath receiued a good Chest into his house , to whome for a while he hath giuen very good entertainment , but soone after , forgetting both his owne credit , and his Chests comfort , suffereth wittingly and willingly , many disorders to be committed in his house , to the great griefe and discontent of that Chest , which at the first was so courteously intertained ; by meanes whereof the good Ghest , doth seeme to make offer , that he will forsake his lodge , and seeke a new Oast , sauing that his gentle nature is such , that hee euery day hopeth , and expecteth , ( as he is oftentimes promised ) reformation , and amendment of all that is amisse .

Right so it falleth out , betweene Gods Spirit and a Christian man , 1. Cor. 6.19 . who in the Scripture is called The Temple of the Holy Ghost , This holy and blessed Spirit as the good Ghest , doth with the Hammer of Gods Word , knock at the doore of our hearts to seeke entertainment .

Behold , I stand ( saith the Spirit ) at the doore and knock , Renel . 3.20 . If any man heare my voyce , and open the doore ( for there be many that heare his voice who will not open the doore ) I will come into him , and sup with him .

Now when any faithfull Christian , hath thus receiued this good Ghest , and giuen him entertainment to his content , soone after forgetting both himselfe and this his Chest , he suffers other vnruly Ghests , which were in that house , before this good Ghest came thither , ( the lusts and affections of the flesh I meane ) to beare rule , and to keepe a stirre in that house , to commit many shamefull and vngodly prankes , by meanes whereof the good Ghest , the good Spirit of God , is not onely disquieted and troubled , but letted and hindred , from doing that good which he came to doe ; being woarie as it ware to tanie any longer in that House or Iune , and therefore sometimes doth hide himselfe close in some corner of that House , like fire couered in the Embers , or ashes , not making any comfortable meale , with his Oast in many dayes and weekes together . ● . Sam. 11.12 And if the disorders be verie great , such as the Adulterie and Murther of Dauid were , he will hardly be found out in a whole yeere together ; so greatly is this good Ghest , this holy Spirit of God , offended and displeased with sinne , or at least so odious and offensiue is sinne in his sight .

Nay ( which more is ) many times he will not be found out at all , before euery corner of our hearts , soules and consciences bee cleane washed with bitter teares of Repentance , and these vnruly affections , which made all the former disorders , be in some sort tamed and subdued , yea and vntill the Oast himselfe who suffered these parts to be played , be seuerely punished in the House of GODS correction , Psal. 6.6 . Luke 7.38 . where hee must daily wash his wounds with the water of contrition ; As Dauid washed his Couch with teares , as Mary Magdalene washed the feet of Christ , Mat. 26.75 . What it is to grieue the holy Spirit of God . and as Peter went out and wept bitterly .

By this similitude so opened and explayned , the verie simpliest I suppose , may soone perceiue , what it is to grieue the holy Spirit of God , namely , after that by the preaching of Gods Word , wee haue receiued Faith , and in some measure the sanctifying Spirit of God , and haue entertained him with ioy and gladnesse ; yet notwithstanding , many times and often , through to too much securitie , carelesnesse and negligence , and sometimes through bold presumption , and wilfull wickednesse , we suffer the vnruly lusts of the flesh , to sway and to beare rule in vs , so long , till as length we breake out into grosse sinnes and enormities , whereby wee doe euen grieue the holy Spirit of God , or as our Apostle seemes to expound himselfe in another place , 1. Thes. 5. ●● . Wee doe quench the Spirit of God , and as much as in vs lyeth , labour to extinguish and cleane put one the fire of Gods Grace , with the cold water of sinne and vngodlinesse , which water of wickednesse , if it bee not in time dryed vp againe , by Faith and true Repentance ( as it is euermore in the elect Children of God ) it would needs drowne our soules , in that bottomlesse pit of destruction .

The vse then that we should make hereof is this , Vse . That learning hereby the detestation that God hath against sinne , we should alwaies feare to commit it , and therefore should make a conscience of euery sinne , such sinnes , as we account common sinnes , and the Papists call veniall sinnes , neuer weighing sinne in the ballance of our sinfull conceit , but with the true waights of the Lords Sanctuarie , and according to the account that God makes of it , assuring our selues that euery sinne in its owne nature , though neuer so small in our sense , being committed against an infinite God , doth iustly deserue an infinite punishment , the ignorance whereof , causeth so little conscience of sinning , and so great prophanenesse to be in common Christians , as is now to bee seene euery-where , by meanes whereof , they doe as our Apostle saith , Constritare spiritum , Grieue the holy Spirit , and as one well noteth vpon that place , quasi ex suo hospitio eum eijcimus , euen cast him out of his owne habitation .

Contrariwise , wee are here taught , Vse . how sweete and pleasing a thing it is to the holy Spirit of God that dwelleth in vs , and to his holy Angels , that watch and ward round about vs , to liue and leade a holy life and godly conuersation : For if sinne and vngodlinesse , doe so grieue and offend the Spirit of God as surely it doth , though we cannot conceiue the manner how , then doubtlesse vertuous and holy liuing , are most pleasing to the same Spirit . And as the holy Spirit of God will not dwell in a soule subiected to sin , so hee dwelleth with great delight and content in that soule which is sanctified by grace .

Therefore it is well said of one , Oportet nos operam dare , vt spiritus sanctus , libenter in nobis habitet , vt in domicilio laeto ac iucundo nec vlla tristitiae materia illi detur . That it behooueth all Christians to giue all diligence so to liue , as the holy Spirit of God may take delight for to dwell and remaine in vs , as in a most pleasant Pauilion ; and that no cause of griefe be giuen vnto him through our carelesnesse and continuall custome of sinning . So should it come to passe , that as God takes delight in vs , so should we haue comfort in him , he through our holy obedience , and wee through peace of conscience to our endlesse ioy and consolation .

Thus we see , what it is to grieue the holy Spirit of God in our selues , or to quench the good gifts and graces of Gods holy Spirit within vs ; which sinne , I take to bee proper to Gods Saints and Children ; and therefore thinke it good to distinguish the three sinnes before named , that is , Grieuing , Resisting , and Blaspheming of God Spirit ; in this manner .

First , I say to grieue the holy Spirit of God , or to quench the Spirit , is a sinne of Gods Children , who by the preaching of Gods Word , and inward working of Gods Grace , haue receiued Faith , and in some measure the sanctifying Spirit of God before : which Spirit of Sanctification , is giuen to none in that manner or measure , but only to Gods Elect ; nor neuer taken vtterly from any to whom it is once giuen . For those whom God once loueth , to the end he loueth them . Iohn 13.1 . Rom. 11.29 . And the gifts and calling of God are without Repentance . Therefore it is obserued in King Dauid , after his fearefull falls , That he prayes to haue this holy spirit renewed within him : Psal. 51.10 . hauing layen still as it were a while without any comfortable motion , but was neuer vtterly taken from him . And this note I giue by the way the rather lest any of Gods Children , that are to too much cast downe alreadie , with the feeling of their sinnes , shoul be ouer-whelmed with too much heauinesse : as also to teach , that they may bee daily renewed by Repentance , for their daily relictions , contrarie to that old Heresie of the Nouatians , The Nouatian Heresie . which held the contrarie . For though to grieue the Spirit of God by sinning , bee a great aggrauating of sinne , yet being many times , the sinne of Gods Elect Children , it is pardoned and forgiuen in Christ ; And albeit some haue thought that those places of Scriptue in the sixt and tenth to the Hebrewes haue pointed at this sinne , of grieuing of Gods Spirit ; Heb. 6. & 10. and therefore could not bee renewed by Repentance , yet it is certaine , that in those places That great sinne against the Holy Ghost is touched vpon , whereof wee haue promised and purpose God-willing to speake in its owne place . I say therefore , for the comfort of the godly afflicted in conscience , but to flatter none in their sinnes , That to grieue the holy Spirit of God , or sometimes by sinning to quench as it were the good gifts and graces of Gods Spirit , is a sinne oftentimes committed by the Children of God , that are called by the preaching of the Gospell , iustified by Faith , and in some measure sanctified by the holy Spirit of God , this I say is the sinne many times of Gods Children , against which sinne , as against all sinne , they doe much labour and striue , and daily , yea , almost hourely they doe repent for the same .

To resist the Spirit of God , being the second pont , I haue proposed to speake off , is the proper sinne of such as are not yet effectually called , nor sanctifyed , but may be in time , if God giue them grace , to repent and beleeue the Gospell .

But to blaspheme the Spirit of God in the highest degree , which is called the sinne against the Holy Ghost , is onely that sin , which cannot be renewed by Repentance . And so much for grieuing of Gods Spirit in our selues , and of the difference betwixt grieuing , resisting , and blaspheming of Gods Spirit .

Now there is moreouer , A second sort of Greiuers of Gods Spirit . another sort of grieuers of Gods Spirit , but not in themselues , but in others and these are farre different , from the former , and without speedie Repentance , may come neere to the latter : Such were many sinfull sinners of the olde World , who did grieue the holy Spirit of God which was in Noah ; and such as Saint Peter saith vexed iust Lot , 2. Pet. 27. with their vncleanly conuersation : And such as grieued Saint Paul when hee said , Phil. 3.18 . Many walke of whom I haue told you often and now tell you weeping ; And such as Dauid complayned of , when hee said , Mine eyes gush out with teares because men keepe not Gods Law . Such grieuers of Gods Spirit in others , wee haue but too too many in our dayes , and this Age is full of such vngodly persons , which take pleasure to mocke and scoffe at all vertuous and godly exercises in others , making but a past-time of sinne in themselues , and the more they are reproued , the more sinfull they are , and the more outragiously they runne into all mischiefe , to the high dishonouring of Almightie God , euen in contempt of God and all goodnesse , to the disgrace of Christianitie , and finally to the great griefe of the godly , specially of those , who haue the cure and charge of their soules committed vnto them .

But for so much as those grieuers of Gods Spirit in others , doe resist the same Spirit of God against themselues , wee will here conclude our first proposed part of grieuing of Gods Spirit , and so come to the next , to shew what it is , and who they are , that doe resist the holy Spirit of God , obseruing this not by the way , that GODS Spirit is called the holy Spirit of God , not because hee is holier then either the Father or the Sonne , but because his proper office is , to sanctifie and to make holy the Elect Children of God .

So come we now to speake of Resisting of Gods Spirit , being the second generall part of our Text.

TO resist the Holy Ghost , The second part of this Sermon , of resisting of Gods Spirit . is on the one side , to despise , or to make little account of the good gifts and graces of Gods Spirit , and of those good meanes , which God hath appointed to bring vs vnto Saluation . As the despising of Gods Word , Sacraments , and Prayer , prophaning of the Lords Sabbaths which he hath sanctified , and especially ordained for holy exercises , to mocke or iest at the preaching of the Word , and of the Preachers thereof .

These are great sinnes , and to bee repented off aboue many other sinnes , because they manifestly fight against the first Table of Gods Law , and against the whole worship and Seruice of God .

Furthermore , to resist the Holy Ghost , is to harden our hearts , and to stop the eares of our soules against the Word of God , ( as some Recusants will stop the eares of their bodies with Wooll , when some inforcement bringeth them to Church ) To day , saith the Holy Ghost , Psal. 95.7 . if you will heare my voyce , harden not your hearts .

This was the sinne of the Israelites , in the Wildernesse , when God proued them fortie yeeres , whether they would obey him , and heare his voyce , but they would not , at length God sware vnto them in his wrath , that they should not enter into his rest , that was into the Land of Canaan ,

But behold a fearfull Iudgement of God , of six hundred thousand ( no small number ) there were onely two persons , Caleb , and Ioshua , Numb. 14.30 . that entred into that Land of Promise , The rest were ouerthrowne in the Wildernesse .

These , saith Saint Paul , are examples vnto vs , 1. Cor. 10.6 . and are written to admonish vs , vpon whome the ends of the World are come . That wee should not lust after euill things , as they lusted , nor tempt God , as they tempted him ; nor murmur , as they murmured , nor harden our hearts against the Word of God , as they did , lest the Lord sware in his wrath , as he did vnto them , that wee should neuer enter into his eternall rest , the Kingdome of Heauen .

Yet surely , this is the great and grieuous sin of too too many in our Land , The hardning of their hearts against the voyce of God as the Iewes did in Ieremies time , Ier. 18.28 . to whom they said , Let vs not giue eare to any of his words . Let the Law and Curse of Gods Iudgements , by the mouth of Gods Ministers bee thundred against obstinate and rebellious Sinners neuer so terribly , nay , let God himselfe thunder from Heauen neuer so hard and fearefully , let fire and flashes of Lightning flye ouer them and vpon them . Let Houses , Townes , and Villages with extraordinarie fire be quite burned into ashes , let Warre , Famine , Plagues , and Pestilences pursue vs and almost ouer-take vs ; Let some of this wicked sort escape these or any other Iudgements of God but one inch , they 'l care for no more , their hearts shall neuer be the softer , nor yet their liues one whit the better .

They will be as sinfull as euer they were , as vnmercifull as euer they were , as full of malice and disdaine as euer they were , as hard-hearted as euer they were , and will not sticke to say , Tush these things shall neuer come neere vs .

On the othe otherside , let the glad tydings of the Gospell be preached vnto them , neuer so often and so comfortably , let the sweet Mercies of God in the bowels of Iesus Christ , be offered vnto them neuer so freely , let the windowes of Heauen be set wide open , not fortie dayes , but twice fortie yeeres , and all the Blessings of God bee powred downe vpon them neuer so bountifully , yet there will no remorse of conscience mooue them , to consider as they ought , of these innumerable benefits of God bestowed vpon them .

And what is the cause of all this deadnesse and dulnesse in them , is it not the hardning of their hearts , against the Word of God ? whereby they doe as much as in them lyeth , resist the Holy Ghost , in contemning and despising those good gifts and graces , which he offereth vnto them .

Wherefore , it may not vnfitly bee said vnto many of them , as blessed Steuen said vnto the Iewes , Ye haue alwayes resisted the Holy Ghost . Acts 7.51 . But take they heed , this sinne as I said is a great sinne , and if it bee continued in , without Repentance , a very fearefull sinne , and such a sinne , as from whence they may ascend , or rather descend ( for in sinning wee rather descend then ascend ) vnto the highest degree of sinning which is the sinne against the Holy Ghost .

Of which sinne , ( comming now to our last point or part ) that I may speake truly , religiously , and soundly , I most humbly bessech the most holy and blessed Spirit of God , to guide me with his grace .

THe sinne against the Holy Ghost , The third part of this Sermon , viz. of Blaspheming of Gods Spirit Matth. 12.31 . Marke 3.28 . Luke 12.10 . is that kind of sinne or blasphemie , whereof our Sauiour speaketh plainly in his Gospell , and is recorded at large by three Euangelists : Matthew brings in our Sauiour saying , But I say you , Euery sinne and and blasphemie , shall bee forgiuen vnto men , but the blasphemie against the Holy Ghost , shall not be forgiuen vnto men . And whosoeuer shall speake a word against the Sonne ●f man , it shall be forgiuen him , but whosoeuer shall speake against the Holy Ghost , shall not be forgiuen , neither in this World , neither in the World to come : that is , as Saint Marke saith , shall be culpable of eternall damnation .

Here then there are two things to be noted out of this Text , and generally to be obserued in this Discourse . Two Obseruations .

The first is , that there are many kind of Blasphemies .

Secondly , what is the greatest , with the reason thereof .

That there are many sorts or kinds of Blasphemies , appeareth plainly in that Christ saith , Many kinds of Blasphemies . Euery Sinne or Blasphemie ; so that in a generalitie wee may say , there is Blasphemie against God , and Blasphemie against men , created after the Image of God .

Blasphemie against men , as against Magistrates , against Parents , against good men , and against the whole Church of Christ .

Magistrates and Parents are blasphemed , not onely when they are not obeyed and honoured as they should ; but also rather when they are slandered , cursed , or euill spoken off .

It is written in the Law ,

Thoushalt not speake euill of the Ruler of the people . Exod. 22.28 . Exod. 21.17 . He that curseth Father or Mother , shall dye the death ,

Good men in particular , or the whole Church in generall , are blasphemed :

The whole Church in generall , When shee is called , the vngodly Syuagogue , impious , foolish , seditious , sacrilegious or the like .

The Saints either liuing or dead may bee blasphemed , when they are called Seducers , Disturbers , Schismatikes , Heretikes , and such like .

Blasphemie against God , may be ,

Against the Father .

Against the Person of the Sonne .

Against the Holy Ghost .

God the Father is blasphemed many wayes .

When that which is due to the Creator is giuen to the Creature , as dinine worship ( as well that which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) remission of sinnes , and when false gods , and Superstition , is preferred before the true God , and true Religion .

This was the sinne of the Pharisies , and now of the Papists ; therefore that Beast of Rome , is marked and branded in the Renelation , Reuel. 13.1 . with the Name of Blasphemie .

Secondly , God the Father is blasphemed , when any shall doubt of his Power , or suppose any impotencie to be in God , or any inabilitie , to performe any thing that pleaseth him , or that he hath promised .

Shall God promise , Numb 23.19 . and not performe ? Hath hee spoken , and shall he not accomplish it ?

Is the arme of the Lord shortned ; Esay 59.1 . that it cannot helpe ?

This was the Israelites sinne , in the Wildernesse ; Can God prouide flesh and bread for his people ? Psal. 78.20 . It was the sinne of that Noble man in Samaria , Who said ( after the Prophet had prophesied of that plentie of Come ) Though the Lord would make windowes in the Heauens , 2. King . 7.2 . could this thing come to passe ?

Lastly , God the Father may be blasphemed , when any are brought into so great extremitie , that they fall into Cursing and Blaspheming of the Name of God ; This was the sinne that the foolish Wife of Iob perswaded her Husband to commit , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Curse God , and dye . For though the word ( Curse ) in the originall doe signifie sometimes to blesse , yet Iobs reproose of his Wife doth argue , that she meant it in the worse sense .

So much for blaspheming against God the Father .

Next , the Sonne of God , was also oftentimes blasphemed , when he was here on Earth by the Iewes , but of many of them no doubt ignorantly , not knowing that hee was the Sonne of God .

This Blasphemie against the Sonne of God , is as if one should see the Kings eldest Sonne and Heire apparant to the Crowne , clothed in poore and vile ragges , and not knowing who hee is , should call him beggerly Rogue or the like , this is blasphemie against the Kings Sonne , but is pardonable , because it proceeded of ignorance .

So Paul , or rather Saul , was a Persecuter , and a Blasphemer of Christ and his Church , but found pardon , for that hee did it ignorantly , as himselfe coufesseth .

For this cause Christ prayed for some of his Persecutors , Father , forgiue them , for they know not what they doe . 1. Tim. 1.13 .

Therefore Saint Peter saith vnto some of the Iewes , Luke 23.34 . Acts 3.17 . that crucified the Lord of life , I know , Brethren , that through ignorance ye did it .

Now come wee to speake of Blasphemie against the Holy Ghost , wherein wee must first obserue , That euery sinne or Blasphemie , against the Spirit of God , is not that sinne against the Holy Ghost , which shall neuer bee forgiuen .

As namely , griouing , quenching , and resisting of the Hely Ghost , ( whereof wee haue spoken ) though they are great sinnes , and some of them farre greater then the other yet are they such sinnes as are and haue beene pardoned , therefore none of them are that sinne , which wee call , The sinne against the Holy Ghost .

Moreouer , there are greater sinnes then these , as denying of God or his knowne Truth , through feare or any other infirmitie : Also persecuting of Gods Church and Children , through ignorance , yet neither of these is that sinne against the Holy Ghost , though they bee very fearefull sinnes , seeing they haue been committed by GODS owne Seruants , and also pardoned vnto them ; Example we haue of the one in Peter , Luke 22.61 . 1. Tim. 1.13 . of the other in Paul , both great Apostles of Iesus Christ .

By this negation or opposition , What sinnes are not that sinne against the Holy Ghost , we shall , I trust , the better consider , and sooner find out , what this peculiar sin against the Holy Ghost is ; whereof we are now ( God assisting vs ) punctually to intreate . Two causes why the sinne against the Holy Ghost should bee made knowne .

And seeing it is so great a sinne , yea , the greatest sinne ; and such a sinne , as shall not be forgiuen , it is most necessarie that it should be distinguished , and made knowne from all other sinnes , and that for two causes especially .

The one to this end , that we knowing the danger therof , should euermore most carefully flye farre off from so deepe Pit of perdition .

The other , ( which in my opinion is the best vse that may be made now in this time of peace and fun-shine of the Gospell ) to make knowne vnto Gods people , yea , euen vnto them which are more simple , lest Satan should make any to beleeue or thinke , who being fallen or slyding into some other Pit of sinne , neere or somewhat like vnto this ; That they are plunged in this deepe Gulfe of perdition , neuer more to be recouered . For as we must not be ignorant of Satans slights , ( as the Apostle saith ) so must Christ his Ministers aboue all other bee as carefull , and readie to preuent him , and to instruct Gods Children , in all such points of sound doctrine , as are required , either for comfort or instruction .

Wherefore in my poore vnderstanding , they are worthy in this particular to be blamed , who though they will not speake against preaching in generall , yet will they by no meanes allow all the Doctrine reuealed in the Word of God , to bee taught and preached vnto the people of God .

Some say , that Predestination ( being a chiefe , if not the chiefest point in all Diuinitie ) ought rather to be concealed , then publikely to bee taught and preached vnto the people .

Others hold , ( and these are Papists specially ) that many sentences of Scripture , ( which indeed are most sweete to repentant and sorrowfull sinners ) as , At what time soeuer a Sinner doth repent , and the like , are vnfit to be either read or preached to the people , for feare ( forsooth ) lest some will take thereupon the more libertie of sinning , as though because Grace doth abound , therefore sin should abound which is onely the fault of gracelesse persons , but neuer of any of Gods Children .

Last of all , many are of opinion , that this sinne against the Holy Ghost , is not at all to bee defined , at least not to be declared or spoken of in publike .

I grant ( Reuerend Fathers ) that these , as all other points of Diuinitie , and some of these , aboue many other points of Diuinitie , ought very religiously , and discreetly , to be taught and preached vnto the people : but to hold opinion , or to labour to maintayne it which is worse , that any of these or other like points of Doctrine must bee concealed , which God of purpose hath declared in his Word , to be opened and reuealed , is sarre from all Diuinitie , ( to speake the best of it ) and nothing agreeing with the rule and practice of Saint Paul , Acts 20.35 . that great Doctor of vs Gentiles , Who boasted and tooke exceeding comfort thereby vnto himselfe , that he had reuealed to his Auditorie at times , All the Councell of God ; that is , not all that God hath or doth keepe secret to himselfe , but all that God hath or had reuealed vnto the Apostle , either openly in his Word , or by any secret Reuelation from Heauen , which points so reuealed vnto that holy Apostle , as likewise vnto all the rest of Gods Prophets and Apostles , they haue publikely preached , and plainly left them in writing vnto posteritie to be seene , read , and knowne of all , not onely for their sakes which are learned , but also for their sakes , which are more ignorant , to bee openly taught and preached vnto them by the succeeding Ministers of Iesus Christ .

Wherefore if we the Ministers of Christ wil exspect , to haue the same comfort in our Callings that Saint Paul and the rest of the Apostles had , we must take the same course in teaching which they haue done , namely , to publish the secrees of the Gospell , that is , all which God hath reuealed in his Word , so farre as our knowledge may attayne vnto .

And truly the confideration of the premises , did partly induce my minde at the first to determine vpon this Text , and to speake of this finne against the Holy Ghost , for my Text directing mee to speake of leffer sinnes , against the holy Spirit of God , me thought , ( and God I trust directed my thoughts ) it should be to some purpose , to speake of the greater or greatest of all .

Obseruing this not by the way , worthy to be remembred , that though the sinne against the Holy Ghost may be knowne and is reuealed in the Scripture , yet the Sinner is not easily , rather not at all , to be pointed at , nor to bee iudged of men , but to bee left to the iust Iudgement of God , one reason hereof may be , because finall impenitencie must accompany this sinne , which cannot easily bee discerned of men .

One note more before we enter into the description of this sinne , would bee obserued , which a learned man hath well noted , and therefore I will vse his owne words .

Blasphemia in Spiritum Sanctum , non referri debet , ad Spiritus essentiam simpliciter , sed ad gratiam qua donati sumus : which is , That this Blasphemie against the Holy Ghost , is not simply to bee referred to the Essence of Gods Spirit , ( nor to his person , for so in sinning against the Holy Ghost , wee sinne in like manner against the Father and the Sonne ) but it is to bee vnderstood , that in so blaspheming , wee sinne against the good gifts and graces of Gods holy Spirit , wherewith wee haue formerly beene inlightned .

Now come wee in Godsfeare , to speake of the sinne it selfe .

What the sinne against the Holy Ghost is not , wee haue alreadie partly noted , to wit , That it is not properly not onely blasphemie against God the Father , not against the Sonne , nor euery Blasphemie against the Holy Ghost , as grieuing of Gods Spirit , nor refisting of Gods Spirit , nor back-sliding or falling from God and his Truth , through feare , or any other infirmitie ; nor persecuting of Gods Church and Children , through ignorance , neither is it any particular fin committed against the first or second Table , neither is it final impenitencie , as some of the Fathers haue affirmed , for there be thousands which neuer tru ly repent , which neuer yet commit this sinne .

Therefore if one saith well , Qui impenitentiam esse definiunt nullo n●g●tio refelli possunt . But rather it may bee said to be such a sinne , which contayneth in some sort , all these sinnes , and more too , because who so committeth this sinne against the Holy Ghost , shall hardly acquit himselfe of any sinne ; whereunto finall impenitencie must be added ; before this sinne can be iudged by man to bee at the highest . Now what this peculiar and proper sinne against the Holy Ghost is , shall best be discussed and defined , Mat. 12.31 . out of the Gospell where our Sauiour Christ speaketh of the Sonne , if wee duly and thorowly consider it as we should : And first we must note , and well obserue , who and what manner of persons they were , to whome our Sauiour obiecteth this sinne ; which is easily to bee collected out of the Historie it selfe .

For there it appeareth , that they were of the worser sort of the Pharisies , to whome Christ obiecteth this sin ; for when Christ Iesus by his diuine Power , had dispossessed a Deuill out of the dumbe man , these worser , I meane , more malicious sort of the Pharisies , being present , prying into his actions , and being by no meanes able to reprehend him , yet to the end the people should not beleeue in Christ , they coyne a Blasphemie in the highest degree , of meere malice and enuie ; and contrarie to their owne knowledge and conscience , they spew out the same euen in despight of Gods Spirit ; saying , and affirming with brazen browes , that Christ had cast out that Deuil , Mat. 12.24 . through Beel●zebub the chiefe of Deuils , which cursed calumnie , and most slanderous Blasphemie , after that our Sauiour had fully confuted , for the godlies sake which stood by & heard him , hee presently turneth his speech to those Blasphemers , And with sterne countenance , no doubt , as in such a cause was meete , he reprooueth them with a propter hoc , for this I say vnto you , Euery sinne and Blasphemie shall bee forgiuen vnto men , but the Blasphemie against the Holy Ghost , shall not bee forgiuen vnto men , and with all more sharply reprooues them , calling them a generation of Vipers , as doubtlesse they were of the vilest kind .

And Saint Marke in his discourse setteth out their sinne more plainly and fully , Marke 3.36 . saying . For they said , Hee , that is , Christ , had an vncleane or impure spirit , whereby that Euangelist would intimate vnto vs , that it was they , Pharisies , that had blasphemed , and so sinned against the Holy Ghost .

Howbeit wee must obserue , that our Sauiour Christ doth not say openly and plainly , though he gaue them so much to vnderstand closly by the conclusion of his speech , that these Pharisies were sinners against the Holy Ghost . By whose example we are admonished , as before I haue noted , not rashly , rather not at all to iudge of such sinners , howsoeuer the sinne doe appeare vnto vs what it is , but our Sauiour like a sound Teacher and skilfull Logitian , plainly putteth downe the maior Proposition , What the sin of the Holy Ghost is .

The minor they themselues knew , being conuicted in their own consciences , that they had committed the same sinne .

The conclusion therefore followed of course , such a sinne or blasphemie , saith Christ , is sinne against the Holy Chost ;

Such a sinne or blasphemy , saith their consciences , haue we commited ;

Therefore , surely , wee haue sinned against the Holy Ghost .

Moreouer , we may not forget to note , that these filthy Pharisies , were before this time inlightned with some externall beames of Gods Spirit , yea , conuicted in their owne consciences by former Prophesies , and by the Doctrine and Miracles of Christ , concerning the Truth which he taught : yet notwithstanding , willingly , maliciously , and of purpose , they did hate the knowne truth , fearing or rather knowing , and sometimes confessing so much , that if Christ his Truth and Doctrine should be once publikely receiued , then their Errours and Traditions ( like our Popish Traditions now ) should bee reprooued , their couetousnesse and Hipocrisie discouered , their credit and gaine diminished , and finally , all their worldly pompe and glorie should vtterly be extinguished , and cleane put out .

Rather then this should come to passe , they will euen oppose themselues ( Gigantum more ) to fight against God , and therefore with indurate obstinacie renounce they the manifest truth , and withall their might and malice oppose themselues against it , by blasphemous and sophisticall cauilling , and that not seruing their turne , by most cruell threatnings , excommunicating and persecuting vnto death , euen Christ himselfe , after him his Apostles , as the Prophets before , with many other of Gods deare Saints and Children , professing Gods Truth .

How neere the practice of the Church of Rome , hath and doth agree , with the Synagogue of these high Priests , Scribes and Pharisies , euen a blind man may well see and perceiue ?

Vpon all this that hath beene said , and collected out of the Text and course of Scripture , where Christ intreateth of this sinne , ioyned with the practice of these proud Pharisies , It shall not be ouer-hard to define , what the sinne against the Holy Ghost is .

Peccatum in Spiritum sanctum ( saith a learned Diuine ) est veluntaria veritatis euidenter cognitae , The fin against the Holy Ghost defined . renunciatio & rebellio ; ex odio veritatis nata , coniuncta cum tyrannica , sophistica , & hypocritica oppugnatione .

Sinne against the Holy Ghost , is a voluntarie , or wilfull renouncing and rebelling against the euident and knowne truth , proceeding from hatred of the same truth , ioyned with tyrannicall , sophisticall and hypocriticall fighting and striuing against the same , and against the true Professors and Confessors thereof .

This briefe definition haue I chosen among many other , both for the persipicuity and plainenesse thereof , as also for the congruitie and agreement that it hath with that which hath beene before spoken of this sinae . They which sinne against the holy Ghost may be known by foure marks

From which definition wee may obserue , that they which commit this sin against the Holy Ghost , haue foure speciall markes to be knowne by .

First , they haue some knowledge of the Truth .

Secondly , for some sinister respect or other , they conceiue a deadly hatred against the same Truth .

Thirdly , they willingly renounce and fall from the knowne Truth .

Lastly , they striue and fight against it , and against the constant Confessors thereof , both with tongue , pen , heart and hand , spuing and belching out all Blasphemies to depraue the Truth , vsing all Hypocrisie and Sophistrie to colour their falshood with , executing all rigor and tyrannie against the true Professors thereof , and this they doe with all the despight they can against that Spirit of grace , which did first illumine their mindes with some knowledge of the Truth , which they had once receiued .

If any doe thinke that no mortall man , would oner oppose himself with such despight against God his Creator , we must yeeld that none will or dare so to doe , but onely such gracelesse Cast-awayes , as through long custome of presumptuous sinnings ioyned with double Hypocrisies , haue their hearts hardned , their consciences seared , and themselues altogether giuen vp into a reprobate sense . For that their so greut boldnesse , cannot but proceed from a ●r●●●ike blindnesse , where in malice and poysonfull furie hath gotten the victorie .

Therefore we may see , that it is not without great cause that Saint Paul who was once a Blasphemer , 1. Tim. 1.13 . but ignorantly , distinguisheth , that his sinne , from wilfull Blasphemic , which sin whosoeuer doth wittingly and willingly commit , shall euermore bee barred from Repentance , because hee despiseth that Spirit of Grace , which should worke Repentance in his heart , turning the Gifts and Graces of God reuealed vnto him , for the setting forth of Gods Glorie , euen to the hinderance and slander of the same ; and therefore for this his so great obstinacie and wilfull Blasphemie , shall be punished with most wofull and endlesse miserie . For he is past all hope of recouerie , that turneth the onely medicine of his sauing health , into deadly Poyson , and being once fallen into this gulfe of Perdition , can neuer be renewed againe by Repentance : Heb. 6.5.6 . as the Holy Ghost in the Epistle to the Hebrewes saith , It is impossible , that they which were once inlightned and haue tasted of the heauenly gifts , and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost , and haue tasted of the good Word of God ( making mention of tasting still , no eating or good digesting ) and of the power of the World to come , If they fall away ( saith the Text , meaning by falling , finall Apostasie , not falls of infirmitie ) it is impossible they should bee renewed by Repentance , seeing they crucifie againe to themselues the Sonne of God , and make a make of him .

And after in the tenth Chapter of that Epistle , the Holy Ghost saith .

If any sinne willingly ( meaning no doubt this sinne against the Holy Ghost , Heb. 10.26 . for euery one of vs commit other finnes , willingly and wittingly ) If any so sinne , there remayneth no more sacrifice for ( such a ) sinne ; but a fearefull looking for of iudgement , and violent fire , which shall denoure the Aduersarie . And forth with the reason is yeelded drawne a minore , ad maius ; & applyed by way of comparison . He that despiseth Moses Law , dyeth without mercy of how much sorer punishment . Suppose ye , shall hee be worthy off , which treadeth vnder foote , the Sonne of God , and counteth the blond of the Testament an vnholy thing , where with he was sanctified , and doth despight the Spirit of Grace ? So then to resolue our selues ( drawing to conclusion ) touching this point .

This sinne against the Holy Ghost , must bee a generall , voluntarie , totall and finall Apostasie or falling from God , and all goodnesse , not through any infirmitie or weakenesse , but of meere malice and boldnesse , It is in a word ( for I desire to be vnderstood of the meanest ) a froward and wilfull Rebellion , striuing and spurning against the knowne truth , and euen against the knowledge and conscience of him that doth it .

Howbeit all this ( in a sort ) may bee compared but to the roote and stemme of this sinne , the sap and naturall fruit that it yeeldeth forth , is oftentimes fearefull swearing , voluntarie periurie , wilfull blasphemie , both in word and writing , poysoned Hypocrisie , withall sinfull pollution of the flesh , coupled with most tyrannicall crneltie ( if there be power ioyned to the will ) and finally a hellish kind of furie , pointing out as it were with the finger , from whence this sinne ascendeth , and whether such finners must descend , euen to the bottome of Hell , to their cursed Captaine the Deuill , whom in this point they haue precisely imitated and followed .

Therefore some draw an example of this sinne , from the Deuill himselfe , who albeit , hee knew well enough , that Iesus was that Christ , yet neuer ceased with all his might and power to impugne the sacred Maiestie of God , together with the Kingdome of Iesus Christ , and as farre forth as he could sought vtterly to supplant the same ,

Whose steps and traces these Pharisies which blasphemed Christ , did directly tread on , vpon the sent or sauour thereof our Popish Pharisies , and Pharisaicall Papists haue most kindly hunted , not onely to the vtter perdition of their owne soules , but also by their sinfull perswasions , and tyrannous compulsions , they haue and still doe labour with all their might , to draw thousands of soules with them vnto Hell .

For how many multitudes of people since Poperie first began , and fithence that Mysterie of Iniquitie was first hatched , they haue caused by tyrannie to abiure and renounce the knowne truth , contrarie to their knowledge and consciences , is most apparantly to bee prooued , and more lamentable to bee read in the seuerall Histor●es of many particular Nations .

Of whome I meane of such as haue abiured , through Popish tyrannie , we ought to hope well , seeing they fell backe of feare not of malice , and therefore there sinne was not the sinne against the Holy Ghost .

Yet notwithstanding the malicious crueltie of so cursed a crue , is neuerthelesse to bee detested , because they doe as much as in them lyeth , indeuour not onely to draw such silly soules into that sinke of si●ne , wherein themselues are plunged , but also into the same damnation , wherin they shall be for euermore tormented or punished .

Neither is their Deuillish dealing euen in one point ( which I will briefly touch ) to bee passed ouer in silence , namely that when these Popish Persecutors , either through perswasion and faire promises , either through rigor and threatnings , they had caused , ( O cursed causers ) many poore soules to denie with their tongues the Truth of their Sauiour , and being thereupon escaped their hands , haue confessed Christ againe , according to the intent and meaning of their mindes , These greedie Woolues haue soone caught againe those simple Lambs , and after they haue compelled them by a new kind of tyranny , the second time to abiure , haue presently ( they being in such lamentable case ) condemned them for relapse as they call it , to bee most cruelly burned , meaning therby ( for what other meaning could they haue ) to send them through the fierie torments of this life , to the flaming fire that burneth for euer in Hell .

But the tender Mercies of our good God , through the rich Merits of their Sauiour , in whom they might beleeue , and for their sinnes repent ; did pardon ( I hope ) the greatnesse of their sin committed , no doubt ) through feare and humane infirmitie ; and the same God ( I feare ) hath or will double requite their punishment vpon the heads of those pestilent pesecutors , who sought not outly the shedding of their bloud , but the vtter damnation of their soules and bodies for euermore .

So that now to conclude with the time ( with heartie thankes also vnto God , for inabling me thus farre , and to you ( reuerend and worthy Auditorie ) for your patience in hearing mee hitherunto ) It is I trust very apparant , with what Hellish Furies they are possessed , which are the persecutors of Gods Church and Children , who if they haue once tasted and confessed Gods Truth , and be after Persecutors of the same Truth and the Professors thereof ; as Iulian the Apostata , and many other haue beene , they shall neuer be able to acquit themselues of this sinue against the Holy Ghost , nor shall euer be forgiuen thereof , but eternally shall be punished in the flames of Hell .

And so much for that sinne , and the punishment thereof . Now let vs all prayse God , for that which hath beene spoken at this time , and pray wee his diuine Maiestie for Iesus Christ his sake , to giue vs a true feeling of the same , and grace to auoyd those sinnes we haue spoken off .

That we his Children , may not henceforth as heretofore grieue the holy Spirit of God , by our sinfull and carelesse liuing . That the wicked also who are not yet effectually called , may now at the last , yeeld obedience vnto Gods mercifull calling , and no longer to resist the holy Spirit of God , which daily together with the preaching his Word calleth them vnto Repentance .

And finally that none may euer bee giuen ouer into so reprobate a fense , as to fall into small Apostasie , and so to commit that great finne against the Holy Ghost , neuer to be forgiuen . Now to God our heauenly Father , who in his Wisedome hath created vs . To God the Sonne who in great Mercie redeemed vs . To God the Holy Ghost who laboureth continually to sanctifie vs .

To God I say , immort all , inuisible , and onely wise , bee rendred of vs and all Saints and Angels in Heauen & Earth , all Honour , Glorie , Prayse , Power and Maiestie through Christ Iesus , from age to age , and in all Eternitie .