And yet strange it is , and wonderfull to consider thereby with all cheerefulnesse to draw us to his service , how carefull he hath beene of us , who are yet so little usefull unto him . Looke upon our Creation , when wee first came into the world , and you shall see , that as God made all other creatures for men , so man , because for himselfe , he would make like himselfe ; that as often as wee view our owne soules , and see whose image and superscription they have , this might perswade us to give them up unto God , from whom , and for whose service they were first receiv'd . Looke upon our preservation , since wee came into the world , and but that , In Iohan Tract. 8. Quod omni anno fit , assiduitate amittit admirationem , as St. Augustine complaineth , the continuall injoying of these great blessings lessens our admiration ; with what joy might wee behold the Heavens spread over us like a curtaine , the Sun , the Moone , like two unwearied Gyants , alwayes for our sakes rejoycing to runne theyr course , by vertue of whose severall motions and influence , while the earth remaines , Seed-time and harvest , Summer and Winter , night and day shall not cease , that so the necessitude of the different seasons of the yeare may give us contentment in them all . And if all this be yet too little , looke upon his preparation for our safe conduct to another world , and there behold the word of Life . The sincere milke of the Word for children , strong meate for men , food convenient for us all ; behold the Sacraments of life , the signes , the seales , the pledges of the Love of God ; behold the Spirit of life , the power of the Holy Ghost overshadowing our soules , and by an immortall seed begetting us again unto a lively hope of immortality : surely then well may the eyes of all men waite upon him , whose eyes runne through the whole earth , nay through the whole heaven too , to shew themselves powerfull and gracious unto them that serve him .

And indeed , if we shall consider the severall attributes of God how they are fitted to the severall necessities of men , this might be a strong perswasion also to draw us to his service . For God is a powerfull God , and what more fitting for our weaknesse ? when the Prince of this world , like the strong man , hath by his subtle temptations got footing in our soules , unlesse CHRIST IESVS , the Prince of Princes , and Captaine of our Salvation , shall make re-entry , and cast him out againe ; weake and wretched men that we are , who were able to deliver us ? God is a wise God , and what more fitting for our folly ? for [ Melius stulti omnes viverent si servi essent sapientum , August . de Vtil . Credendi . ] Happie were it for all fooles , had they but wise Masters . And when we see so foolish oft-times , are wee so ignorant to preferre the Tree of Knowledge before the Tree of Life ; how necessary is it , that wee should goe unto Gods Schoole , and there learne , that this is life eternall , the perfection of all knowledge , to know him to be the onely true God , and IESVS CHRIST , whom hee hath sent . Lastly , God is a mercifull God , and what more fitting for our sinne ? for every man we know to be a sinner , every sinne a transgression of the Law , every transgression liable unto a curse , and this curse no lesse then eternall death : how necessary is it then that we should seeke for a powerfull protection in the service of this Mercifull God , that by his assistance we may be able to contest , not onely with flesh and blood , but even with Principalities and powers , and say with Saint Paul , Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect , his elect and faithfull servants ? It is God that justifies , who is able to condemne us ? Seeing then we are all weake and helplesse , and want God as a powerfull protector ; we are ignorant and foolish , and want him as a wise instructer ; we are wretched and sinfull , and want him as a mercifull Saviour : if our duties can not prevaile , may even our necessities enforce us , and let every man say , and say from his heart , O Lord truly I am thy Servant , I am thy Servant . And thus much for my first observation , I come now unto a second .

2. As God is our Lord and Master , and wee must doe him service , so this service must be hearty and sincere : and therefore wee see here , to prevent all suspition of Hypocrisie , the Psalmist bindeth himselfe with a threefold cord . First we have a profession of his service , O Lord I am thy servant ; secondly , we have a repetition of this profession , I am thy Servant , I am thy Servant ; lastly , we have an asseveration affixt unto this repetition , O Lord , truly I am thy Servant , I am thy Servant : and justly may we be true and sincere in our service unto him , who in all his promises is so sincere and faithfull unto us ; nay therefore , onely requires sincerity in our service , that hee may more faithfully reward us . When one man waites upon another , that which breeds indignation and reluctancie , the wages oftentimes are proportioned , not according to the worth of the Servant , but the fancie of the Master : and so we read of LEWES the eleventh of France , View of France page 61. who neglecting men of better abilities , made his Taylor his Herald , his Chyrurgion his Chancellor , his Barber his Ambassador ; The New-Man , pag. 48. and of Pope Paul the fift , that he would make no learned Cardinals , least by them his owne ignorance might be upbraided , his Auditor , his Treasurer , the Clarke of the Chamber , these are the unworthy Worthies he made choise of to fill up his consistorie . But when man waits upon God , so diligent is he in rewarding those who diligently seek him , that as in his Book all our members , so all the service of our members are recorded ; every humble sigh and groane of the heart , every good word of the mouth , every penitent teare of the eye , every charitable act of the hand shall be remembred . He is not like most Masters , who lay the chiefe burden of the worke upon the Servants shoulders , & reape the main benefit themselves , but where hee gives us Talents to labour & increase withall , he requires againe nor Talents nor increase ; nay , Quae dat munera muneratur , Salvian . de Gubernat . Dei . lib. 7. according to the proportion of the increase , still he increaseth his rewards . For so we reade , that when hee who had received five Talents , had gained five more , his Lord requires againe nor principall nor use , but to him that hath still shall be more given , even use upon use . Thou hast beene faithfull over a few things , I will make thee Ruler over many : enter into thy Masters joy . Now who would not gladly with all sincerity serve such a Master , from whom he may assuredly expect the whole benefit , & a thousand times more than the whole benefit of his own service ? Especially , when as wee know that as God hath his different servants , some formall , some reall , so hee hath his different rewards too ; for formals he hath his formalities , his realities for reals . Seest thou not Ahab ( sayth God ) how he humbleth himselfe , humbleth himselfe with a temporarie sorrow , and see wee not God how hee requires his humility ? Ahab is good for a time , and for a time onely God is gracious unto him . Againe , Seest thou not my Servant Iob , that there is none like him upon the earth , a perfect and upright man ? and according to the uprightnesse of the Servant , see we not the gracious favour of his Master ? As great was his godlinesse , so his godlinesse was great gaine , had the Promise of the blessings of this life , after the patient losse of his goods , receiving them all double , had the assurance of the Blessings of the life to come : for I know , ( sayth hee ) that my Redeemer liveth . Now who would not desire a thousand times rather to bee a IOB then an AHAB ; and therefore , who would not be carefull to serve GOD like Iob with a perfect and an upright heart , without which hee knowes it is impossible that he should obtaine his desire ? And indeed when , in the solemne Congregation , wee read , in the presence both of GOD and man , the severall passages of pure and undefiled Religion conteyned in this booke of Psalmes , not as expressions onely of other mens devotions , but as Patternes of our owne ; when wee read , Lord how doe I love thy Law ? It is sweeter to mee then honey and the honey combe : Morning , and Evening , and noone-tide doe I pray unto thee , and that instantly : As the eyes of the Servants looke upon the hands of their Masters , so our eyes waite upon thee O Lord ; And again in my Text , O Lord , truly I am thy servant : what soule trembles not to take these Sacred protestations , without some competencie of true Piety and holinesse , least , if wee had no other witnesse against us , our owne heart might too justly give our tongue the lie ? Will you steale , ( sayth the Prophet ) commit adulterie , and sweare falsely , and then will you come , and stand before me in this house ? And then , even then perhaps , when the Conscience of these , or the like sinnes shall cry for vengeance , dare we then say ? O Lord , if I have done any such thing , or if there be any wickednesse in my hands , then let mine enemy persecute my life , and take it . What is this , but solemnely to curse our soules , even then when we come to blesse them . Take heed then unto thy foot , ( saith Salomon ) when thou goest into the House of GOD : for God is holy , and his house is holy , and true and sincere Holinesse becommeth his house for ever . If any man shall heere inquire what measure of truth and sincerity wee must attaine too , before we can be partakers of so much holinesse , as shall present us acceptable unto God , this is a question wherein we may better give our selves satisfaction by our piety and prayer , then by our discourse : so great is the variety of severall ages and sexes , of severall natures and graces , of severall callings and educations ; that it is impossible with such wisedome and caution , to frame universall rules , but that either on the one side wee shall be too indulgent , or on the other too severe : and therefore all the answer I will give you , shall be this : When we read in the Gospell , that Many are called , but few are chosen , many are called to cast out devils , and prophesie in the name of CHRIST , and by these acts shall confidently challenge acquaintance of him , who for all this will not vouchsafe to acknowledge them : when wee read of the five foolish Virgins , that they had lamps in their hands , and some oyle in their lamps , yet for want of oyle in their vessels too , for want of a full measure of that holinesse , whereof they thought a little quantity would suffice , Heaven gates are shut against them : When wee reade in St. PAVL , that a man may bee once enlightned , and yet so seeing hee may see , as that hee can never truely say with SIMEON , Mine eyes have seene thy Salvation ; a man may tast of the Heavenly guift , and yet never sit downe at the marriage supper of the Lambe : Lastly , when wee read in that great and fearefull day , that CHRIST by his discriminating power , having set the sheepe on his right hand , shall set , not only Wolves and Tygers , but even the Goates also , men of a more civill and hopefull demeanour at the last ; judge you , what manner of men we ought to be in all holinesse of conversation , before wee can ever sincerely take up the protestation of my Text , O Lord , truly I am thy servant , I am thy servant . And thus much for the second observation , I come now unto a third .

You have seene ; first , that wee must serve GOD , secondly , that wee must serve him sincerely ; that which now in the last place we are to observe is , that we must serve him presently , O Lord , truely I am thy servant . 'T is not enough to say , Lord , I have beene thy servant : for if any man draw back ( sayth GOD ) my soule shall have no pleasure in him . 'T is not enough to say , Lord I will be thy servant ; for who knowes what alteration a day may may produce ? no , time present onely , this is the sure time : and therefore , Remember now thy Creator , ( sayth SALOMON ) I will pay my vowes now , saith DAVID . Exhort one another dayly , while it is called to day , ( saith St. PAVL ) and To day if you will heart his voyce , harden not your hearts . For , if CHRIST our Master be the same to us yesterday , and to day , and for ever , why should not we his servants be the same , and reserve all time for him , not to morrow onely but to day ? For come and let us reason together ; why are we so unwilling to tender our present service unto God ; can wee say , What profit is it to serve the Lord ? Doth IOB feare God for naught ? It was the confession of the Devill , doth any man feare God for naught ? surely Godlinesse ( saith St. PAVL ) it is profitable for all things : and Blessed is the man ( saith DAVID ) that feareth the Lord , thou shalt eate the Labour of thy hands ; O well is thee , and happy shalt thou be . Can wee say , what pleasure is it to serve the LORD ? The best wee can reade of Sinne , is that it hath Pleasures for a season , but the service of God hath Pleasures for evermore : a little Oratorie might soone suffice to declaime upon all the joyes of the World , but the tongue of Men and Angels is not able to set foorth the joyes of the Spirit in the service of our GOD : For wee rejoyce ( sayth St. PETER , ) even with Ioy unspeakable . And surely had wee the power to recall times past , and the choyce of what dayes , what houres wee would be pleased to live againe ; would we desire a reiteration of those earthly , sensuall delights , which once to have injoyed hath beene too much ? Surely Impietie it selfe durst not yet bee so impious : no rather , what ever Righteousnesse , and peace , and joy in the HOLY GHOST , what ever consolations in CHRIST , comforts of Love , or fellowship of the SPIRIT , whereof our Conscience to this day hath preserv'd the sweet remembrance : these are the acts which being most pleasing to our soules , we would be best pleas'd to recall . May we then cheerefully goe on in the imbracement of those courses for time present , which were we able to call backe time past , our owne consciences beare us witnesse wee would willingly make choice of .

When the Master of the Vineyard questioned those Labourers hee went to hire , Why stand you all the day idle ? it was some excuse to make answer , because no man hath hyred us : But if wee shall suffer our Soules justly to be charg'd with the same question , are we able so much as to pretend the same reply ? Let us Looke upon our indentures , that solemne stipulation , when in the waters of regeneration we were first consecrated unto GOD , what promises , what vowes have beene made in our behalfe : or if wee dare plead the invalidity of such acts , as have beene performed for us in our nonage , then let us looke , since we came to have the knowledge both of good and evill , to have the discretion to order our owne wayes , upon the word of God , and the Spirit of God ; and if these earnests will convince us , that againe and againe wee have beene hired ; what answer can wee make , if still wee shall deserve to be questioned , why stand you idle ? Surely , alwayes those sinnes are must punishable , which are most inexcusable . For , what if God let some men stand idle , and call them not till the last houre ? What is this to us , who have beene called at the first ? True indeed it is , that GOD hath his owne liberty , and calls men at what houre he please ; but it is true withall , that at what houre soever he cals us we must come . And if in things secular wee strive all who shall be first call'd , to riches , to honour , to the severall contentments of the world ; shall wee be so basely humble , as not to care , though wee come last to be partakers of the Heavenly calling , to bee called to the Saints ? Especially , when as we know that God in the secret councell of his will , as hee hath his set times how long hee will call , so hee hath his times also when upon the stopping of our eares he calls backe his calls . Ierusalem , Ierusalem , hadst thou knowne , at the least in this thy day , the things that belong unto thy Peace : but now they are hidden from thine eyes : Thou had'st once Grace offer'd , when to the comfort of thy Soule thou might'st have sayd . O LORD , I am thy Servant , but now no longer will hee be thy Master : This happie opportunitie shall never be recall'd ; For the dayes come , when thine Enemies shall cast a trench about thee , and lay thee even with the dust . And why ? because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation . The neglect of that happy day wherein they were visited with Mercy , putteth them off unto the terrible day of the Lord , to the visitation of his Iustice . Now because among many of those wayes of God , which are unsearchable , this is one , to observe how patient hee is with some men , giving them day after day , even to the last houre , and yet how quicke hee is with others , come , come presently , and give an account of thy Stewardship ; a thousand times blest is that Soule , which every day is prepared for this great day of account .

So then to draw all to a conclusion . We reade in the Revelation of foure Angels let loose , Chap. 9. and no sooner let loose , but presently prepared , for an houre , and a day , and a moneth , and a yeare , to sley the third part of men . May we then learne diligence from our enemies , and let not them bee more carefull to destroy our Soules , then our selves to preserve them , but may wee all bee prepar'd , at a yeare , at a moneth , at a day , at an houre to say , and doe as wee say , O Lord truly I am thy Servant , I am thy Servant . Amen .

THese Words containe a sharp answer of our SAVIOUR to an indiscreet , and unseasonable question of St. PETER .

In the handling whereof this order I shall observe . First , I will indeavour to cleare the difficulty of my Text , and shew you what is the meaning of our Saviours answer , If I will that he tarry till I come ; and secondly , I will commend unto you such observations as may prove usefull to our selves . To begin then with the first , If I will that he tarry till I come .

In the Exposition of which conditionall speech of CHRIST , I find great variety among Interpreters . Some will admit of no positive meaning of the words , but think they were spoken onely to put off the inquisitivenesse of PETER , If I will that he tarry till I come , or as we use to say ; If I will that hee tarry till doomesday , what is that to thee ? not that he intended that IOHN should tarry till he come , but to shew that whether hee tarryed or not tarried , that was nothing to PETER . But this exposition , if wee marke it , will neither well agree with the phrase of the speech , nor the wisdome of the Speaker . And therefore others there are who do conceive , that whereas St. PETER was to dye of a violent death , and follow his Master to the Crosse , it might be the meaning of our Saviour to expresse , that no such violence should be offered unto St. IOHN , hee should dye of a faire death ; fairely and quietly bee buried , and so tarry , and rest in his grave till CHRISTS comming unto Iudgement . This is an Exposition , I confesse commended by learned Interpreters on all sides yet such as I cannot be perswaded to approve ; First , because it seemeth to straine the phrase of the Text to an unusuall sence , If I will that he tarry , that is , tarry in his grave . Secondly , because thousands there are who may thus be sayd to tarry till CHRIST cometh , when as the speech of our Saviour seemes plainly to intimate somewhat more peculiar unto IOHN . Thirdly , because the ground of the Exposition is very questionable . For howsoever certaine it bee that PETER dyed a violent death , yet whether IOHN dyed of a naturall death or no , it may be doubted . Sure I am , that Polycrates in Eusebius saith , Lib. 5. cap 23. that hee dyed a Martyr ; and Theophylact confirmeth his saying from the words of CHRIST himself ; In Mat. 20 23. who speaking of IAMES and IOHN , sayth expresly , that they shall drinke of his Cup , and be Baptised with his baptisme . Now Iames wee know drank so deeply of this Cup , that HEROD stretched foorth his hand and killed him with the Sword : And , as the words of our SAVIOUR doe imply , IOHN must pledge him so deeply in the same Cup , eyther as a Martyr , or at least ( as all agree ) as a Confessor , that in this respect the words in my Text cannot seeme to conteyne any speciall priviledge of IOHN above PETER , when it is sayd ; If I will that hee tarry till I come .

And therefore a third exposition there is , which though it be refused by almost every Commentator ; yet I shall now indeavour to assert it . For I find by often experience that it is with weighing of opinions , as with weighing of gold ; that which in one paire of scales is thought too light , in another will hold weight . The exposition is this ; that however as our Saviour had foretold , PETER should more speedily follow him , follow him to the Crosse and to the grave , he should make no long tarrying here on earth , but goe hence and be no more seene ; yet it was his will that IOHN should be longer liv'd , live and tarry till hee came , till hee came to execute exemplary judgment on the unbeleeving Iew , in the destruction of their nation , their City , and theyr Temple , till the same judgments in fearfull manner should attend the sinnes of the Gentiles too , till as the Prophet Ioel had foretold , having first come with a gracious and plentifull offer of his Spirit to be powr'd upon all flesh , upon the resistance of this Spirit , he should come againe with wonders in the Heaven , and in the earth , blood , and fire , and pillers of smoak . For the confirmation of which exposition , three things I shall observe unto you .

First , that it is usuall in holy Scripture , to imply positive truths in conditionall termes ; and it is the safest way in expounding of hard texts , obscura de manifest is , to demonstrate things obscure , from the evidence of things manifest . Now then manifest it is in the sixt of St. Iohn , Verse 12. when our Saviour saith to his Disciples [ Doth this offend you , what and if you should see the Sonne of man ascend up where he was before ? ] that his meaning is , The time shall come , when , to remove this offence , you shall see the Sonne of man ascend . Manifest againe in the 9. to the Romans . Verse 22. when St. Paul saith , [ What if God willing to shew his wrath ? ] that his meaning is . It is the will of God , that he may shew his wrath , to indure with long suffering , the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction . Manifest againe , in the 12. Verse 49. of St. Luke , when our Saviour saith , [ I am come to send fire on earth , and what will I , if it bee already kindled ? ] that his meaning is . It is my will , that it shall be kindled already . And so that when he saith here , If I will that he tarry till I come , wee may fairely expound this speech with correspondence to those others : It is my will and pleasure that he shal tarry til I come .

Secondly , we finde mention in holy Scripture , of a speciall comming of CHRIST , whereto these words in my Text may seeme to have speciall reference . For wee know that CHRIST is sayd to come two wayes , eyther in person , or in power ; in person he hath come once already in the flesh , and at the last day will come againe in glory . 1. His comming in power , is eyther in the power of his grace , for Behold , saith he , I stand at the doore and knocke , and if any man heare my voyce and open the doore , I will come in , and sup with him , and he with me ; or in the power of his Iustice : and so St. IOHN threatens the Church of Ephesus . Remember whence thou art fallen , and repent , or I will come against thee shortly , and remove the Candlesticke out of his place ; but more remarkably have we described unto us the like manner of his comming in the 24. of St. Matthew ; particularly intimated in these words of my Text. For when the Disciples ask'd our Saviour , what shall be the signe of thy comming , and of the end of the world ? To that which they propose , in sensu conjuncto , in an united sense , as beeing falsely perswaded , that when ever he should come to destroy the Temple , then presently would follow the end of the world too ; hee makes answer , in sensu diviso , in a divided sense ; tells them that for the day and houre of his comming in the end of the world , no man should know that : this was a secret hidden even from the Angels in Heaven . But as for the day and houre of his comming in severe and exemplary manner to visit the sinnes of the Iewes , and Gentiles also , for not beleeving in his name , hereof he gives them a certaine and particular relation : Nation shall shall rise against Nation , and Kingdome against Kingdome , there shall be Famines , and Pestilences , and Earthquakes in divers places , the Sunne shall bee darkned , and the Moone shall not give her light , and such and so great should be their tribulation in those dayes , as was not from the beginning of the world : and that they might not securely put these evil dayes farre off , and say , The Lord will delay his comming ; he tells them that within one Age , all these things should happen : for verily I say unto you , This generation shall not passe , that is , the men of this generation now alive shall not all dye , and passe away , till all these things be fulfilled ; till they shall see the signe of the Sonne of man comming with great power and glory . For so we finde , that St. IOHN a man of that Generation , did live and tarry till CHRIST thus came to judge the world ; liv'd to see the raigne of 13. Emperours of Rome , from Augustus unto Trajane , during which time , all those judgments denounced by St. Matthew , as the signes and effects of CHRISTS thus comming in power were accomplisht .

Lastly , we may take notice of the singular providence of CHRIST , who intending thus shortly to come to judge the world , was yet for the good of his Church , graciously pleas'd that St. IOHN should tarry till hee came , and that for these three reasons .

First that whereas false Teachers were from the beginning crept into the Church , and afterward Nicolaitans , Cerinthians , Menandrians , Ebionits , and Gnosticks , had corrupted the doctrine thereof , mingling with Christianity the rites of the Gentiles , and the ceremonies of the Iewes , some denying the truth of CHRISTS humanity , others affirming that he was but a meere man ; it pleased God that after the departure of all the Apostles , St. IOHN should tarry & continue , to stand as a Pillar to uphold the truth , as an Oracle to be consulted in all difficulties : and for this cause , his Gospell was last written , that in such poynts wherein the former Evangelists had not given so full satisfaction to the Church , his Writings might more perfectly resolve them . Secondly , that he might helpe strengthen the weake faith of the Brethren , amidst those warres and rumours of warres , amidst those feares and terrors , which CHRIST was now comming to bring upon the world , and whereof it was his pleasure , that his owne chosen , for the tryall of their faith , should beare a part ; that when they should see , as St. IOHN reports of himselfe , that He also was their brother and companion in the Kingdome and patience of CHRIST IESVS , that He was cast into banishment for for the word and Testimony of God , this might be a strong motive unto them , constantly to possesse their soules with patience . For if the beloved Disciple , hee that lay in the bosome of his Master , if he have suffered adversitie , why should any man complaine ? Thirdly , whereas ( as St. PAVL informes us ) there were even in his dayes , divisions and separations , one of Cephas , and another of Apollo's , with Hymnes by themselves , and Doctrines by themselves ; which divisions afterwards we find by the increase of Heretiques , daily to increase ( for commonly as men side in opinion , they will side also in affection , ) hence was it that St. IOHN tarryed so long , tarried if it were possible to compose all differences , and perswade the faithfull to keepe the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . And therefore it is reported of him , even in his decrepite age , his speech and strength almost quite spent , that when in one word he would epitomize what ever formerly he had more largely preacht unto them , it was his dayly exhortation to his auditors , Filioli diligite alterutrum , My little Children love one another : Hieron . in cap 6. ad Galat. and againe , My little Children love one another : that if in so great distraction of opinions , it was rather to bee wisht then hop'd for , that they should bee all of one minde ; yet at least that excellent guift of charity , which beleeves all things , hopes all things , indures all things , might hold them in one accord . And surely it is worth the observation , that the same Disciple whom CHRIST lov'd best , is most frequent and earnest in his exhortations unto love , to let us understand , that one principall effect of Gods love to us , is that wee should love one another ? And thus much for the exposition of my Text : I come now in the second place , to commend some observations to our selves .

Where first may it please you to observe , that of all the Apostles , as wee finde none more commended , so none more reprov'd then St. Peter . And the reason is , because Peter was a man of a quicke , active , and zealous spirit , so forward , upon all occasions , to bee doing , that many times , through the exuberancy of his zeale , hee doth that which is amisse . For it is a true rule of the Author De Vocatione Gentium , Lib. 1. c. 2. Voluntas mutabilis , quae non ab incommutabili voluntate regitur , tanto citiùs propinquat iniquitati , quantò acrius intenditur actioni , the more earnestly the mutable will of man , not guided by the incommutable wil of God , is intent upon action , the more prone it is to act amisse . To teach us , that the more zealous and active wee are , the more carefull we ought to be in the moderation of our actions , lest partaking of St. Peters forwardnesse , wee partake of his sinne too : ( though truly ) happier is that man who being zealous to doe well , shall sometime doe amisse , then hee who for feare of doing ill , will doe nothing at all . Now if we looke into the particulars of PETERS sinnes , wee shall finde one great fault he had , te be given to question and controll , when it better behooved him to answer & obey . When our SAVIOVR in the 16. of St. Matthew , had declar'd himselfe that hee must goe up to Ierusalem , that hee must suffer many things of the Scribes and Elders , that hee must bee killed and rise againe the third day , and it had befitted St. PETERS piety to make answer with the like prayer which afterward his Master us'd : O that this Cup might passe from thee , yet not my will , but thy will bee done : you see how imperiously hee takes upon him to rebuke and to controll : Farre bee it from thee , this shall not bee unto thee . When our SAVIOVR had now guirt himselfe , and told PETER , that he must wash his feet , and it had befitted him in wisedome , though bee knew not yet the reason of this Ceremonie , to make answere , Bee it unto mee as thou wilt ; you see how in a shew of humilitie , hee sheweth indeed some pride and disobedience , Thou shalt never wash my feet . And heere , in this story , when our Saviour sayth unto him , Follow thou me , and it had befitted his devotion , upon the remembrance how lately hee had played the run-away , to make answer , Lord I will follow thee wheresoever thou goest : you see how presently he forgets himselfe , and begins to question after Iohn , Lord what shall this man doe ? Now because we know Peters infirmities were not his alone , and though wee have warning from him , yet dayly wee are prone to commit the like errors againe ; Let me commend unto you that sober exhortation of St. Iames , Fratres mei ne sitis multi magistri . My brethren be not many masters . Be not too forward to question and controll , what shall this man , and this thing doe ? and this and this be farre from us , it shall not be so . For however the great Masters , in Church and Commonwealth , over our soules and bodies , bee not like Peters Master , have not an infallibility in all the directions they propose ; yet because such as they are , we are commanded to obey them , and it behoveth our Christian modesty to bee perswaded , that they know better how to command us , then we to advise them . Let us be very wary upon what termes wee contradict or disobey ; Lest God in defence of those higher powers , with whom wee are but too prone to contest , may give us the like check , which once he gave unto his people Israel ; They have not rejected you , but they have rejected me . Or if there may bee some things whereof the wisedomes of some men cannot bee so well perswaded , ( as indeed while men are men , it is not to bee expected in all things that great men should bee Gods ) let us not foolishly heape the coales of other mens fires upon our owne heads , and with too much heare and violence make the sinne of our complaining , greater than the matter whereof wee doe complain . No , rather when we know , that there is no evill in the City , which the Lord hath not done , in all the evils which either we feele or feare , let us lift up our eyes unto the Lord for a redresse : for certainly with him our humble prayer is able to prevaile more , then tenne thousand stomackfull complaints . And thus much for my first observation , I come now unto a second .