The estates of the hypocrite and syncere Christian Containing, certaine liuely differences, betweene synceritie and hypocrisie; very necessarie, for the tryall of our estates in Grace. By Tho. Cooper.

THE Estates of the Hypocrite and Syncere Christian .

Containing , Certaine liuely differences , betweene Synceritie and Hypocrisie ;

Very necessarie , For the Tryall of our Estates in Grace .

By Tho. Cooper .

LONDON , Printed by Tho. Creede , for Arthur Iohnson , dwelling in Paules Church-yard , at the signe of the white Horse . 1613.

Obseruations in this First Treatise . Obseruation , 1. The Hypocrite is a very Banquerout , euen worth nothing , and heare 1 What an Hypocrite hath . 2 This that he hath is nothing in truth . And that because 1 He hath no right to it . 2 Neither any right vse . 3 Nor any true comfort . 4 Nothing to what he seemes to haue . 5 Nothing in comparison of the Elect. 6 Nothing to what he should haue . 7 Nothing that he dooth is accepted . 8 Nothing to that he would haue . 9 Neither any thing in continuance . Vse , 1. 1 Not to fret at his prosperity , 2 Nor to rest in his measure , 3 To obserue his end , and 4 Trie our Estate by him . Obseruation 2. The Hypocrite , though he hath nothing , yet he makes himselfe rich , 1 And why : 2 By what meanes he doth this , 1 By concealing his Estate , & not taking notice of his beggery , being onely rich in ignorance , or securitie , Vse hereof . 1 How to discerne spirituall nakednes ? 2 By assuming that he hath not And how to trie our Estates hereby . 3 By ouer-rating that he hath , and so thereby how to preuent this mischiefe , 4 Arrogating more then hee hath , with the Furtherances hereto , as also Vse . 1 How to trie our selues thereby , and 2 Preuent this mischiefe . 5 The Hypocrite makes himselfe Rich , by vsurping Gods blessings : Vse . How to trie & preuent vsurpation , 6 The Hypocrite makes himselfe rich in singularity , and despising others . Vse . Our triall hereby , and how to preuent this euill . 7 Other pollicies discouered , wherby the Hypocrite enricheth himselfe , as 1 By restraining wher God giues liberty , 2 Aduancing himselfe in Will-worship : And so 3 Enlarging where Gods word restraines , 4 Drawing disciples after him , and 5 Enthralling their consciences , and raigning therein , aboue all that is called God : 6 Presuming on Gods mercies , and abusing to this end the Patience of the Almightie , 8 Measuring his inward Estate by outward prosperity . The yssue hereof , 1 He deceiue himselfe , 2 And others : 3 The Vse and Conclusion of al , for triall and Comfort .

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL Companies of Fishmongers and Skinners my especiall good patrones and Benefactors . All necessarie blessings to fit them to euerlasting happines in Iesus Christ .

RIght Worshipfull and beloued in the Lord Iesus , my harts desires so long as I abide in this house of clay , that I may be made manifest , especially vnto the consciences of those , who haue bene the meanes of my more comfortable pilgrimage through this vale of teares . And therefore as the Lord hath vsed your bountie as a gratious morning raine to cherish the seed-time of my yonger studies , so haue I esteemed it very equall , that you should reape some part of the haruest of my riper fruits : Acknowledging my self much bound to my gracious God , that hath renued my daies to leaue some memoriall of your loue , and my respect thereof . And purposing as the Lord shall lend further health , not to cease to stirre vp your pure minds to make sure your Election , by encreasing and abounding in loue vnto his Saints . Blessed be God euen the father of our Lord Iesus Christ , who hath taught you this holy wisedome , to make you friends of your vnrighteous Mammon , and to laye a good foundation against the day of Christ Iesus ; And faithfull is he that hath promised and will accomplish his worke in you , that you may be constant and abound in the worke of the Lord , that your labour may not be in vaine in the Lord : Hold on them in the name of God Beloued , while ye yet haue time , and the Lord prosper you in this blessed worke of weldoing to the houshold of faith . Oh how shall you maintaine the true honour of this famous Citie to be still the treasurie of the poore , and nurserie of learning , and true religion ? how shall you sanctifie the portion which the Lord hath lent you , to make it constant to your posteritie , when you shall thus offer the first fruits of your encrease vnto the Lord ? Shall not the loynes of the poore blesse you , doe not their prayers keepe away the vengeance from your Citie ? Are you not the meanes to continue & deriue the Gospel to posteritie , do you not thereby prepare the Church of God to eternitie ? And shall not the generations to come esteeme you blessed ? shall not your posteritie be nursed vp in the Church ? shall not the memoriall of the iust liue for euer ? Surely if my poore life and meanes may any whit further hereunto : as I do offer vnto you vnfainedly this pledge therof : So let me intreate you in the merites of Iesus Christ , to take it as a glasse to trie your estates by , and so hold what is good and warrantable for your soules happines . I doubt not but you are wise to discerne of the euils of the time : And howsoeuer the prouerbe now if euer , may be verified , that hee which knowes not to dissemble , knowes not how to liue : yet I trust you haue learned by gratious experience , that as the Lord liueth , truth in the inward parts , and hath no need of our lie and hypocrisie to maintaine his truth , so he hath and wil daily confound the equiuocating Iesuite and lukewarme professor , the dissembling Papist , and shifting Ambodexter , that so we neither need feare their malice , nor eate of such things as please them : Onely the Lord make you so wise in the dispensation of your Stewardships ; that as you distribute to others , so you may reserue for your selues , being humbled in your weldoing here , that you may not loose the comfort of it in an other life . And giuing God the whole glorie of all his meanes towards you , that hath giuen you an enlarged hart for the aduancement of his Gospell : that so you may more and more be emptied of all preposterous loue of earthly things . And considering , that hee that scattereth shall haue plentie : you would therefore learne to liue by faith in the feare of God , casting your bread vpon the waters . And the more you discerne the world to be giuen ouer to abominable Sacriledge , Euen to robbe the Lord in his Tythes and offerings , the more you would hereby approue your selues to be chosen out of the world , that you seeke not your owne , but that which is Iesus Christs still ministring vnto the necessities of the Saints . And ouercomming , & confounding the euill of the time , by iudging wisely of the cause of the afflicted , and husbanding well , yea encreasing daily the Treasury , which your Perdecessors left vnto you , that your posteritie may be encouraged and blessed by your holy example . And the poore Church of Christ may now the better be maintained , by how much the worlde esteemes it Gods best seruice , to emptie and spoyle the same .

For mine owne part ; As it hath pleased my good God to exercise me with continuall afflictions , and lingering sicknesses ; disinabling mee from my calling , and so casting mee into many extremities : so it is my great confort , that I haue found a strong & faithfull GOD , in my greatest infirmities : who as hee hath restored life , though in some weake measure , so will hee not also fupplie meanes gratiously ? Yea surely : Blessed be his name , that though the Lions want , & suffer hunger , yet they that feare the Lord shall want nothing that is good : And I blesse God , that I haue found more good in my greatest Afflictions , then euer I could haue hoped for in my greatest prosperitie . Surely , if it were no more , but to knowe our selues truely , to discerne the insufficiencie , and deceitfulnes of worldly things , and so to bee wayned from the loue of them , the most sharpest Afflictions were not bought too deare : But that our light Afflictions , whicb are but for a moment , should not onely proue meanes to trie and increase Gods graces in vs , but to procure vnto vs i●y euen vnspeakeable and glorious : and so to seale vs vnto saluation , .2 Pet. 1. 9. 10. and so giue vs possession of happines , euen in this life : yea , to cause vnto vs a farre more excellent , and eternall waight of glorie in Heauen : must we not truely account that the Afflictions of this present Time , are not worthy of the glory that shall be shewed vnto vs ? And is not the Lord mercifull vnto vs , ( my Beloued ) that hath not onely stored vp vnto vs so many blessings ( in our afflictions , ) but hath also heerein dealt so mildely , and kindely with vs , as not to sweepe vs away , with the Beesom of destruction , as the Powder Treason intended , and our sinnes had deserued : but to weaken vs by degrees , and to confound vs in our carnall confidence , that so we might be invited to Repentance , and have gratious laisure therto ? The Lorde make vs wise to see the plague , and hide our selues . Is it not high time to turne vnto the Lorde ? when the First Borne being smitten , the next that succeeded , was palpable Darknes : And then the next , the red Sea , to swallow vp quicke ? Who so is wise , shall vnderstand these things , & to whom the arme of the Lorde shall reueale them .

For this shall I not cease to pray vnto God , for you , that the Keeper of Israel , may keepe you from security , and recouer the things that are readie to die . To whose blessed protection , I doe most hartily commend you , in Iesus Christ .

Resting in him , Your Worships euer bounden , Tho. Cooper .

The Hypocrites Estate . Prouerb . 13. 7. There is that maketh himselfe rich , and hath nothing : And that maketh himselfe poore , hauing great riches .

THe holy Ghost ( as I take it ) in these words shadoweth out vnto vs , the difference betweene an Hypocrite , and a sincere Christian . And that

First in their Estates : as that ,

1 The Hypocrite hath nothing ; that is , Is a very banquerout ; Iude. 1. 12. An Emptie vine : a cloud without water : Mark . 11. 13. A figtree hauing onely Leaues , hauing a forme of Godlines , 2. Tim. 3. 5. but denying the power therof . Vse . 6. Iude. 12. 2. Tim. 3. 5. ● . Tim. 4. 8.

2 The sound Christians estate is good , Math. 13. 12. he Hath great riches , he is rich infaith , and plentifull in good workes . Rom. 14. 15.

But how doe these husband and manage these seuerall estates ? ●acob . 2. Philip. 1. ●1. What is their wisedome in making the best of them ? This the Spirit of God further reueales vnto vs .

As first , for the Hypocrite thogh he be worth nothing , hath nothing in truth , nothing in the right vse , nothing in acceptance , yet he makes himselfe rich : that is , Reuel. 3. 17. hee doth not see his emptines , nay he will not see it , Luk. 12. 18. 19. yea he would faine be esteemed rich , and in his carnall wisedome he makes himselfe rich : thus doth he make the best of his nothing , thus doth he set out , and lengthen his banquerout estate .

As for the vpright in hart , Rom. 8. 21. it is not so with him . Thogh hee haue great riches in truth , 2. Tim. 4. 8. and greater in expectation , yet saith the Spirit he makes himselfe poore : that is , he stands not vpon the shew , nor sets them out to sell , Matt. 5. 3 he proclaimes not his riches , Luke . 5. 8. nor depends thereon , Luk. 14. 11. but abaseth himselfe that he may be exalted , Matt. 16 denies himselfe that he may be ●ound in Christ ; forgets that which is behinde , that he may hasten to that which is before , though he knowe nothing by himselfe , yet he is not iustified . 3. Phil. 1 Cor. 4. 4.

2 Yea though hee were perfect , yet he knowes not his owne soule . Iob. 9. 27. Nay , he knowes that God is greater then his conscience , and knoweth al things , euen the secret sinnes which he cannot discerne . And therefore hee abhorres his life , and beares the yoake from his youth : he sitteth alone and keepeth silence , because he hath borne it vpon him : he putteth his mouth in the dust , if there may be hope : he giueth his cheeke to him that smiteth him , he is filled full of reproaches : For hee knoweth that his God will not forsake for euer ; but though he send affliction , yet will he haue compassion according to the multitude of his mercies . 1. Ioh. . Ps. 19. Lam●●t . 3. 27. 28 29. 30. 31. 32. Psal. 97. 4. Psal. 96. 15 1. Cor. 10. 13. Hebr. 2. 18.

Thus doth the true Nathaniel husband his estate . And thus generally of the purpose of the holy Ghost , and summe of these words .

Now let vs more particularly consider of these differences .

And first of These estates .

The Hypocrites estate you haue heard to be desperate . As he hath nothing , so he will haue nothing , he will not see his want , he makes himself rich , Reue. 3 . he saith that he seeth , & therfore his sinne remaineth on him . Ioh. 9. more hope of a foole , then of such a wise man that is only rich in 〈…〉

1 〈◊〉 , he hath whatsoeuer the regenerate possesseth ; 〈◊〉 he many times in 〈◊〉 goeth beyond him . 〈…〉 1● .

2 In substance hee hath much common with the regenerate , 1. How . as first , communion of outward meanes of religion , the Word , Sacraments , conference , example . &c. Secondly , vse of outward means , 2. What th● Hypocrite hath . for this life in an outward manner , and for externall ends . As first , loue to himselfe , and so generally of saluation , 2. Knowledge supernaturall , whereby hee discernes the true meanes of this saluation .

3 Faith temporarie , whereby for a season he assents to the meanes , reioyceth for a season in them , wisheth that he may be partaker of the end , to which they lead , entreth into the way which may leade him to that end , and so long as Winde and Tyde serues , Sayles very contentedly to that wished Hauen . Ioh. 5. Balaam . Num. 23. Luk. 8. Matt. 6. 24.

3 Yea , Insubstance he hath some graces , euen beyond the Elect. As he may do Miracles , and haue extraordinarie knowledge of manie mysteries ; for the good of others , and to make himself without excuse . Math. 7.

4 Yea , he may be restrained from some euills which the Childe of God may fall into : that , so hee may haue his desire , in affecting an outward forme and glorie of religion , thereby more dangerously to deceiue himself , by resting therin , and to deceiue others , by tying them to his measure . Tim. ● . 5. 13. and causing them to stumble at the infirmities of the Saintes .

5 Yea , he may liue all his daies in prosperitie ; that so hee may the rather flatter himselfe in the worth of his profession : and he may die in a glorious carnall peace , to the great slumbling of the world , and abusing of his vaine heart , Iob. 21. 13. Ierum . 12.

And so he may be iustified and approued of the world that o●nes him : whereas the Saints may liue in co●tinuall afflictions , and die in much trouble , and anguish of spirit , and so for a time be condemned , both in life and death : of an vnbeleeuing , & vniust generation . Psal. 34.

3 All this and much more in particular , ( of which else where ( God willing ) is the portion of the hypocrite : And yet for all this , ●ow this ●at he hath nothing . in the truth , he hath nothing .

How so ?

First , because he hath no right in any thing that hee hath , he is but a thiefe , and a Robber , an Vsurper of Gods graces . And therefore whatsoeuer he hath , ● . Because ●e hath no ●●ght . is none of his . Well may he prouide , and prepare it as a Cooke , but the righteous shall be fed therewith , he shall gather siluer as the dust , but the Saints shall diuide it . Iob. 27. Ioh. 10.

Secondly , ● . No right ●se . he hath no right vse of any thing that he hath ; his conscience is defiled . and so all things are impure vnto him : and how can he but abuse and peruert the same ? Either missing in the ground , as not doing it in Faith , or failing in the manner , not according to the rule of the word , or abhorring from the right end the glorie of God . Tit. 1. 15. Rom. 14. 1. Cor. 10. 31.

That which he doth proceeding from naturall knowledge or good intention and meaning , or at the best a vaine presumption , or temporarie faith : his manner of doing , being in wilworship and bodily seruice , which profiteth nothing , his end being to rob God of his glory , and transferre it to himselfe , and so to expresse some degrees of the sinne , of Antichrist , euen to aduance himselfe aboue all that is called God , and yet to satisfie the flesh , & make his belly his God . 2. Coll. 3. Phil. 19. to sacrifice to his net , and so make his wit , & industrie his God . In a word , meerely to seeke himselfe , and to put out all sense and vse of the diuine power . Matt. 13. 2 Coll. 25. 1. Tim. 4. 8. 2. Thess. 2. 10. Abac. 2.

Thirdly , No true ●omfort . also the hypocrite may be said to haue nothing , because he hath no true comfort and successe in what he hath . Though the Lord giue him his desire , yet he sends leannes into his soule : Psal. 106. 15. he hath either some inward gripe of conscience , or some outward leprosie accompanying his greatest and securest reuellings , in his most glorious happines , Prouerb . 14. 3. 2. Rom. 5. 27. somewhat there is , so scarres and crosses him , that all his honour is nothing vnto him , the conscionable walking of the Saints , confounds his pompous and outside profession . Hester . 5. The poore vineard of Naboth lies so conuenient , that he cannot hold vp his head , nor eate his meate , vnlesse he may embrue his hands in blood , to enjoy the same , 2. Kin. 29. some such like thing there will be stil to procure enuie , & discontent ; that so though hee hath somewhat , yet indeed beholding it often in the true glasse of the word , and the holy examples of the Saints , 4. Nothing in regard of others . hee sees it to be nothing , in comparison of what others haue . And yet such is the strength of delusion , that he is giuen vp vnto : that what he wants in substance , that he will make vp in complement , and shew ; and so indeed is nothing to that he seemes to be , 5. Nothing to what he seemes to haue . faine would he seeme to be perfect , if you will beleeue his shewes : nay , if you will beleeue his owne word : he saith he is rich , and encreased in Goods , and hath need of nothing , Reuel. 3. 17. And yet the spirit tells him , 6. Nothing to that he said he hath . he is poore and blind , and miserable , he hath nothing of what hee saith , because he makes himselfe rich : therefore he hath nothing .

And well were it with him if hee might bee his owne Iudge , though hee were deceiued in himselfe , yet hee might be approued of God : But obserue I pray you a further measure of Gods iudgement vpon him , that what is highly esteemed of M●n , is abomination in the sight of God , Luke , 16. 15. because the hypocrite so ouerrates his goodnes , and standeth vpon his terms of vprightnes and perfection : therefore the Lord reiects his confidence , Ierem. 2. and condemneth his painted shews , and vaine boasting . The Publicane that confesseth his sinne , is accepted , 7. Nothing , because not accepted . when the proud Pharisie that boasteth of his righteousnesse , making it seeme greater then in trueth it is , is therefore reiected of God , Luke , 18. because his person is abominable . Thus hath the hipocrite nothing , because it is not accepted of God ; whose acceptance only giues true valuation , and worth to all our actions : which in themselues are worthy nothing but shame and confusion , Dan. 9. And can the Iust and holie Lord doe otherwise ?

Doth he not loue truth in the inward parts ? Psal. 51. Is the Hypocrite any thing in the truth , 8. Nothing to that hee should haue Is that he hath ought to what he should haue ? surely , hee should be vpright in hart , but he hath seuen abominations , yea , deceitfulnes the root of all : he should haue his profession and practise answere eache other : but alas , must not his Iacob-like profession condemne his Esau-like practise ? Is he not of his father the diuell , euen a murtherer of his brethren , though hee professe himself to be the sonne of Abraham ? Iohn . 8 44. Thus is the hypocrite nothing to that which he should be . And therefore it is iust with God , that

He shall be nothing to what he would be . He would be happy : And yet of all men shall be beaten with most stripes . 9. Nothing to what hee would be● Math. 25. He would be honoured of the people . 1. Sam. 15. And yet is hated , because he makes profession ; yea more iustly scorned , because hee shames his profession ; hee would enioy the pleasures of sinne with greedines : yet is hee often brideled with the credit of his profession . And so is more inwardly enflamed to Lust , and enraged against God : And that wee may yet further behold and admire the Iustice of our glorious God : Obserue ( I pray you ) that

Howsoeuer the Hypocrite denieth the power of goalines , yet would hee faine retaine forme and shew thereof : 10. No , not so much as in shew . that so he may still deceiue himselfe and others . But doth not the Lord euen reuert this his confidence often times ? Dooth hee not take away his restraining spirit , and giue him vp with all greedines to break out into grosse sinnes ? Rom. 1. 25. 26 Doth not the Hypocrite hereupon labour to dead his conscience , by reiecting knowledge , that so hee may commit sin more secretly without controlment ? F●hes 4. Doth he not plainly 〈◊〉 , Departs from vs 〈…〉 the knowledge 〈…〉 Io● . 15. 21. As ●u●●ifying the Lord ▪ that it were better for him neuer to haue knowne the wayes of righteousnesse , then thus with the dogg● to returne to his vomite : 2. Pet. 2 Doth not man being in honour become voyde of vnderstanding , loosing the very light of knowledge , together with the shipwracke of conscience , and so may be compared to the b●asts t●at perish ? Ps. 49. Is not now that which he seemed to haue , taken away from him ? Matth. ●5 . His madnes shal be made manifest to all men ; No longer shall hee preuayle , to deceiue Gods people 2. Tim. 3. 9. Hee shall no more weare arough garment , to beguile instable soules . 13. Zach. 4. Thus will the Lord vncase the Hypocrite in this life . And thus hath he nothing of what hee would haue , though hee would haue nothing but a shew , which indeede is nothing .

Lastly , Not to passe ouer the reason of the holy ghost : 11. Nothing , because hee makes himselfe rich . Euen because hee makes himselfe rich , therfore , he hath nothing : For can that bee any thing in Truth , which hee makes himselfe to be , seeing it is of God , whatsoeuer is good in vs : And because hee makes himselfe rich , and will not see his want , therefore hath hee nothing , neither in hand nor in hope , hee is not onely poore but desperately miserable : he must necessarily liue and die , A corrupt tree , and without fruit being now twice dead by the reiecting and abuse of grace , and so fit for nothing , but for eternall vengeance ? Iud. 12. Math. 3.

2 And can hee haue any thing , 2. Because Gods giues him nothing . vnlesse the Lord doe giue it him in mercy ? And will the Lord giue him grace , who refuseth the same ? hath by sinne disabled himselfe for the right vse therof ? Iud. 4 . And shall not all that is giuen him further his condemnation ? Well may the Lord lend him his goods , well may he entrude vpon them : But free gift he hath none , nor freely shall enioy them : but as hee abuseth them to Gods dishonour , so shall he be stripped of them with shame , and bee cast off from all hope , euer to attain them againe : Yea , be cast into eternall punishments , for the abuse of them , Math. 25. 30.

Well , thus we see in what respects the hypocrite hath nothing . As also the reasons that he must needs haue nothing : seeing as neither that which hee hath , is giuen him to enioy , Tim●t , 6. and so it is no better then nothing : Nay better neuer to haue had any , then at such a rekoning : Neither dooth hee desire the substance of goodnes , but the shewe thereof , ● . Because he desires it ●as nothing in shew , no● substance , which is as nothing . And ye● eft soones is he wearie of the shewe , because it hindered the enioying of the pleasures of sinne . Nay , in the ende reiecteth the very shewe .

1. Whence we may learne , 1. Not to ●nuie the cracking of the Hypocrite , nor any prosperitie which furthers the same , seeing al is as nothing , yea worse then nothing , euen vanitie and deceit , Psal. 37. 1. 8.

Secondly , Vse , 2. not to Content our selues with the Hypocrites measure , neither to square our selues according to his line , seeing all he hath is no more then nothing : Nay , lesse then nothing , a meere lye , an Idol , 2. Cor. 10.

But rather so trie our selues by the hypocrites scantling , 3. as wherin he hath any thing , therein not to excuse ourselues , if we come short of him , vpon pretence , because hee abuseth it , therefore we may be without it , or not safely venture on it , but rather , wherein hee is any thing , therein labour wee to be much more , not contending in the shew , but laboring to expresse the substance , and making good in our practise , what we haue receiued in knowledge , and so growing in Knowledge , that wee may encrease in obedience , till the worke of Christ be perfited in vs , 1. Phil. 10. 2. Pet. 1. 6. 7. 8. 2. Cor. 5. 6. To this ende , As the Hypocrite thinks he is somewhat when hee is nothing , and so deceiues himselfe , Gal. 6. 4 So let vs acknowledge , that of our selues we haue nothing , as of our selues : that , in vs , that is , in our flesh , dwelleth no goodnes , Rom. 7. that so we may be partakers of the fatnes of the Oliue , How vice may goe beyond the hypocrite . and be truely ingraffed into the true vine Christ Iesus , Ioh. 15. that so we may bring forth fruit in him . Thus hauing our right in goodnes , throgh Iesus Christ , wee shall also haue grace to vse it well , and being faithfull in a little , we shall be entrusted with greater blessings , Math. 25 our faylings shall not be imputed , and our infirmities daily purged ; and we daily renued by Christ , that we may growe vp in him , which is the head , doing all in thankefulnes vnto our God , for his Sonne in Christ Iesus , in all things guiding our selues according to his blessed word , Psal. 119. 9. and aboue al things , ayming at the glorie of our eternall God , 1. Cor 10. 21 that so good will may still flow downe vpon the sonnes of men , whereby being enabled to constancie in weldoing , we shall fight the good fight of faith , and finish our course with ioy And so obtaine the end of our faith which is the saluation of our soules . 2. Tim. 4. 7. 8. 1. Pet. 1. 9.

Thus haue we heard of the Hypocrites Estate . Shall we now a little further consider of his wisedome in the husbanding thereof .

The spirit readies vs herein Hee makes himselfe rich , obserue I pray you the manner of the speech , hee saith not , that he is rich indeed of himselfe ; The mane● of this , Tha● The hypocrite makes himselfe rich . for so neither he is : neither indeed can he be ; neither doth the spirit say : that he is made rich , for this onely belongeth to the Saints : Iacob . 2. whom God hath chosen in Christ to make them rich in good workes : but , as the Iewes wold thereby chalenge our Sauiour to be a counterfait , because , say they , that he said , I am the King of the Iewes , Ioh. 19. 21. therein intending that hee tooke vpon him the calling he had no right vnto : neither indeed was the person he pretended to be : So the holy Ghost doth herein iustly challenge the Hypocrite of cousenage , because hee makes himselfe rich ; when hee is a banquerout : thereby implying his legerdemaine , that had deuices , not onely to hide his pouertie , and colour his emptines : but further also was growne such a Maister of his trade , as to make himselfe rich , at least so to seeme to himselfe , yea to other also : to gaine credit of such esteeme : when indeed he was no better then quite out at heeles . Obserue wee then here a double propertie of an hypocrite . 2. ● . Obser . Hypocrite ●oth not ●either will ●iscerne his ●mptines . First , that though hee be worth nothing , yet in no hand can he abide to heare of this : hee doth not see his nakednes , hee knowes not that hee is poore and blind , and miserable , nay which is his desperate estate : hee will not see it . And no meruaile .

1 For as hee desires not to see his spirituall nakednes , least by the view thereof , his seeming happines might be disgraced : and carnall deuotions confounded : 2. ●o is hee iustly giuen vp by the Iustice of God , to be besotted with outward pompe , and prosperitie : that so , he may not discerne his inward wants . 3. And so doth hee fall into the hands of Sathan , the God of this world , 2. Cor. 4. 5. by whom being blinded & further infatuated , either with a false iudgement of things , or misapplying the true , The Gospell is hereby hid vnto such as perish , that so not being nowe able to discerne his nakednes , because he wants this heauenly Eye-salue , he might be made more inexcusable in reiecting this true light , and so be iustly giuen vp to strong delusions , 2. Thess. 2. 12. because hee will not obey the truth . Whereupon it commeth to passe , that as before , he desired not to see his nakednes , but rather to haue it couered , & concealed from himselfe ; And to this end , being dazled with shewes , and outward baits , hath not laisure to looke home ; So : because , he reiects the birth-right in comparison of the messe of pottage , Genes. 27. is therfore giuen vp to strong delusions : By these delusions his Iudgement is so peruerted and true light corrupted , that now taking light for darkenes , & darkenes for light , he blesseth his soule in this wilful ignorance of his estate : Libertine . as if it were his greatest happines to be sencelesse in his misery , that herein he may deceiue his soule , that his sinne is pardoned , because though he commit the same with greedines , Ephes. 4. 19. yet he hath no feeling of it , no sting of conscience for the same . And therefore he resolues , that he may follow it stil . Pro. 23.

And , hereunto furthers an other policie of Sathan , who by leading his eyes abroad , to view other mens estates , doth increase hereby this spiritual blindnes : And that , when either 1. comparing himselfe with others , the are short of his measure , he thereby resolues that his estate is good , he sees no euill in it : or else secondly hee is so quick-sighted abroad , that his eyes are put vp at home , he sees so much in others , he hath such cause to looke abroad , that he hath no neede , or leisure to looke home : nay by looking abroad , hee makes shew that all is well at home . 2. By the ●eceitfulnes of sinne seeking to hide ●●selfe .

Adde we hereunto , the deceitfulnes of sinne which must not be seene into ; that it may not be repented of . And that it may not be seene into , hath many colours . First either God knowes it sufficiently , and therefore what neede I trouble my selfe to examine the same , By what meanes . or I can neuer attaine vnto the depth thereof , and therfore in vaine do I labor to search and discouer the same , 3. or the precise knowledge hereof may driue me to dispa●e : & therefore it is not good to buy repentance at a rate so deare . 4. and what need I trouble my selfe to renue those wounds which are alraedy healed by the Blood of Christ ?

Thus doth the Hypocrite hide his Nakednes , these are the meanes and cloakes hereunto .

By which we may learne . Vse . ● 1. As to reiect the confidence of the Hypocrite , who because he hides his sinne , & will not see his nakednes , therefore he shall not prosper : Pro. 28. his sin shall be laid open to his shame & confusion : 2. So to discerne the deceitfulnes of sinne , and cunning o● Sathan in keeping vs in this spirituall blindnes , & ignorance of our miserie . And therefore that we may preuent this desperate condition

3 Learne we in the feare of God to discerne our spirituall miserie . Instruction . And that

1 First by often viewing our selues in the glasse of the law . How to discerne Spirituall nakednes .

Rom. 7. 9. 10.

2 And iustly obseruing , Meanes ●ereto . the checkes of conscience conuinced thereby .

3 Not neglecting to take notice of the examples of Gods chaistisements vpon others for sin , as knowing that the like may befall vs . Ps. 119.

4 Especially obseruing the secret and inuisible hand of God vpon our selues , meeting with our sinnes by speciall chastisements .

5 And that either those ordinarie and strange buffetings and renued quawmes of the conscience , Inward and outward . or else the wounding of our good name , our crossings in the familie by wife , children , seruants , emptying of our estates , by casualties . &c. Psal. 31.

6 Aboue all things , labour we to discerne the worthines of our Sauiour and our priuiledges in him , together with that inestimable price he paid for vs , and this will most profitably bring vs to the sight of our nakednes , that so we may desire to be cloathed with his righteousnes .

7 And seeing : So long as we liue here we shall haue somewhat to blind and deceiue vs : therfore behold we our estates often in the graue , Consider the excellent price of our saluation . where corruption shall be our mother , & the wormes our brethren & sisters ; And this wil be a notable meanes to call vs home to view our selues , ● . Meditation of death . that so wee may yet further discerne our pouertie . And

8 To this end , arrest we our selues often before the Iudgement seate of Christ , ● . Meditation of the day of ●udgement . and prepare we our soules thereto by a daily examining of our selues and casting vp of our accounts , that so we may yet more and more take notice of our vilenes .

And to make our vnworthines more truely to appeare vnto vs , ● . Glory that ●all be re●ealed . set we before the eyes of our minds the incomparable waight of Glory that is layed vp for vs , viewe wee our present estate often in that glorious glasse . And this shall much further the discouering of vilenes .

As for the Worlde , and pompe thereof : seeing this is no small meanes to blinde vs in our estates , making vs seeme better then wee are , therefore learne wee to discerne the true Nature of all earthly things . And knowing their best worth to bee but vanitie , and vexation of spirit , Lam. 1. Learne we to giue them such room in our hearts , Discerning ▪ & renoun●cing earthl● things . as that we can learne to be abased when we doe abound : and to abound in content and thankfulnesse , when we are abased : Phil. 4. let our proportion be not to seeke after great things : and our desires be , to cast our care vpon God . Let vs vse the world , as if we vsed it not . Let vs enioy the best , as wee were still willing to leaue them for a better Let vs more account , of our right in these things them to be cloyed with them . And prepare we our soules daily for afflictions : Examining our obedience to any one particular Commaund . that so wee may yet better see our emptines and vnworthines , Ie●e . 45. 1. Pet. 5. 1. Cor. 7.

And least wee should erre in contenting our selues with generalls . Note . That we may discerne our spirituall pouertie indeede : Examine wee our strength in the keeping of any one of Gods Commaundements : Not so much waying our failing in the Outward actions , which are finite , and may be excusable , as rather discerning the inward corruption , & rebellion of the hart , the blasphemous thoughts , & vile imaginations , which credit , and feare of punishment , restraineth from the Act , this will much further the discerning of our vilenes . Gen. 6.

And to this ende , take we our selues to taske how wee haue , or can keepe any one of the Commaundements . In keeping of the Sabaoth . Examine wee our selues ( for example ) how we faile in the keeping of the Sabaoth : how we faile in preparation : how in binding our thoughts to the good abearing ; how in accompanying the ordinances of God , with the intention of the minde , to conceiue the wil of God therin : how to profite by that we vnderstand : how to communicate , what we conceiue for the good of others : how to keepe our peace with God , in holy meditation , and conference with his Maiestie : how to labour peace with men , by reconciling them vnto God : how to order our Christian libertie on the Sabaoth , ( as being Lords thereof ) that it be not occasion to the Flesh , and interrupt our sweet communion with our blessed God . Galat. 5. And I am perswaded , that if we had no other means to discerne our emptines and insufficiencie ; euen our best striuings , for the sanctifying of the Sabaoth , ( as being the maine trial of the power of sanctification ) would sufficiently conuince vs , both that of our selues we are able to doe nothing , and that , corruption , remaining in vs ( if the Lord should enter into iudgment with vs for the same ) were sufficient to infatuate all the graces of God in vs : and to confound euen the best seruice we can do vnto his Maiestie . And this I take to be a liuely practise , whereby we may attaine to the power of spirituall nakednes .

And thus doth the Lorde raise Light out of darknes : the desperate policie of the hypocrite in hiding his estate : you see , hath taught vs to discerne and discouer the same , Ierem. 17. 10. And let this be an especial rule , yet further hereunto : that though we cannot know the depth of corruption in vs , yet let vs not faile still to sounde the bottom by the power of the word , Though we cannot know the deph of corruption , yet let vs not giue ouer searching . and so farre as it pleaseth the Lord to discouer vnto vs : let vs not be ashamed to shame our selues therein : At no hand giue we here way to Carnall wisedome , to suppresse or smoother what wee knowe , either by excusing it , as the common condition is , or diminishing , that it is not so bad , as it is made , or as others haue done , or by putting it off from our selues , as if Diuine prouidence , or necessity , or some sufficient cause prouoked thereto ; or lastly , by outfacing , and denying , yea , impudent iustifying of the same : ( For this wil make way to a reprobate sencee , ) Rom. 1. 28. But in the name of God , And what we can ●nd , that to remoue . labor wee to discerne the vtmost of our vilenes : And as wee discerne , to deale faithfully with our owne hearts : clearing all other , and condemning onely our selues ; that so iudging our selues , we may not be iudged of the Lord . And thus much of the first propertie of the hypocrite , that hee cannot endure to discerne his nakednes .

But doth he stay here ? No surely , this will not serue his turne , to think himselfe not miserable : but as hee would be accounted happie , and to this end , assumes the Cloake of religion , so doth hee hereby : through the diuine iustice , giuing him vp to the abuse of this Sacred profession , so farre preuaile , by the strength of delusion ; that he makes himselfe Rich : that is , not only in his owne conceit ; hath knowledge and happines enough for himselfe , yea , some ouerplus for others : but also to others ofttimes makes so faire a shew , As that his measure is onely approoued , and all others reiected : yea , happie is hee that hath now found such a last for his foote : whereby he may serue God and Mammon too , carry the credite of Religion with the foremost , and yet enioy the pleasures of sin for a season , with the most Licentious .

Behold then an other propertie of the Hypocrite , that though he be a starke Begger by nature , and by tampering with Religion , becomes twice dead , and pluckt vp by the rootes , made more inexcusable : A very desperate banqueroute . faster bound to condemnation : yet see the power of delusion .

Hee makes himselfe rich : that hee alone might haue the glorie , 2. Obseru. Propertie of an hypocrite to make himselfe rich . hee makes himselfe rich , abusing holy things , to further this delusion , that so his glory may be his shame , when his folly shall be made manifest , when the true owner shall call to account , and recouer his right , and giue him hise portion , euen the fruite of his owne councells .

What then , is this , that the Hypocrite makes himselfe rich ? surely the meaning of the holy Ghost ( I take it ) is ,

Not only , that he hides what hee truly is , but also that hee makes shew of what he is not , and pretends great riches , by that little he seems to haue : Yet so , as that hee comes not by them , by the right meanes , they are not giuen vnto him from the mercie of God , but rather as an vsurper , he intrudes vpon them ; & so accounts that his owne , which he hath no right vnto : Or else hee makes himselfe rich , ascribing that to himselfe , which is the gift of God , as if his owne wisdome and indu●stry , had procured them vnto him . 1. Corinth . 2. Ierem. 9. Dan. 4.

So that in this grace of speech , the Spirit of God implieth generally two things :

First , that the Hypocrite makes himselfe rich , either of what is not in him at all : boasting of what hee neuer enioyed , or if he haue ought hee makes it more then it is : makes himselfe rich : Matter wherein he is rich . wheras indeed he wants sufficient : setting the best side outward , and making his wild grapes seeme right good Fruite .

And so the Spirite hath reference to the matter of his riches : or ,

Secondlie , in that it is saide , He makes himselfe rich : This ( making of himselfe , ) either implies the manner of the Action . Namely , by Intrusion and vsurpation , as if it were not giuen , but rather craftily creapt , and incroacht vpon : or else it implies the ground , and ende of the action : namely , his owne glorie : The manner whereby he makes himselfe rich . as making himselfe rich : & being beholding to no other for the same .

All which , as they are liuely properties of an Hypocrite , so let vs in particular consider of them briefly in their places .

And first , that an Hypocrite makes himselfe Rich , that is , makes great boast of what is not truely in him at all , 3. Obseru. Hypocrite makes himselfe rich of what hee hath not . aduancing himselfe in the things hee not so much as knowes , neither euer saw . 2. Col. 18. and speaking euill of the things hee knowes not , that so hee might gaine the estimation of more zeale and holines , 2. Pet. 22. being as wells without water , and clouds without raine ; speaking swellings words and yet which are but vanitie , and promising libertie vnto others , when himselfe is but a slaue of corruption . The spirit ( you see ) giues plaine euidence hereunto . And no maruaile .

1 For is he not of old ordained to condemnation , Reasons . and therefore must be giuen vp to conceiue and boast of what he hath hot , that so he may not see what he wants : nor seeke to what should truely make him happie ? Iud. 4 Ioh. 9.

2 Is he not to make up the measure of his condemnation , and encrease the same , by deceiuing himselfe , and ●others , and therefore doth he not make shew of what is not in him , that so he might beguile vnstable soules , Ma. 23. 2. Pet. 2. 17. 18. in drawing them by these shewes to make a mocke of religion and so either to keepe from embracing thereof , or to nouzle them in a deceitfull entertainment of the same . Heb. 6. 45.

3 And can he otherwise walke as an Angell of light , and arrogate perfection vnto himselfe , if hee did not boast of what was not in him . 2. Cor. 11.

4 Is ●he not hereby prouoked , to esteeme basely of religion : ●ob . 21. seeing it can serue as a broker to make him seeme what hee is not : And so is nourished in his Athiesme , and contempt of God ?

5 And doth he not exalt himselfe hereby in voluntarie deuotions and formall complements euen aboue all that is called God ? 2. Thess. 2. Col. 2

6 Can he do otherwise , that is so blinded by the God of this world , as to take light for darkenes , and darkenes for light ? 2. Cor. 4. Esay . 5.

7 Is he not as a deceiued Doue without heart , hauing his iudgement peruerted , and so must needs imagine himselfe to be what he is not . Hose. 7.

8 Doth he not measure his estate by false rules , As , Custome , Time , Examples , especially such as haue lesse then hee : letter of the lawe , his owne vaine heart , and so by these broakers is further flattered to conceiue himselfe to be what he is not , Ioh , 7. 48. Hester . 3. Learne we hence .

1 To conuince the hypocrite by this , Vse . that he boasts of what good is not in him , and withall denies the euill that is in him .

2 To trie our estate in sinceritie by this , How to trie our estates ●ereby . that we be so farre from boasting of what is not in vs ; or assuming that to our selues which is vainely ascribed vnto vs ; As , that though we are possessed of many excellent graces , yet we assume no right in them but by the right vse of them , and because we faile at the best in the vse , Iob. 31. therfore take we heed of beholding the sonne when it shineth ; that is , of being dazeled with the graces of God in vs , least spirituall pride be nourished , & security maintained , & so through negligence and vnprofitablenes we be stripped of Gods blessings . Rather in the feare of God , Let vs feare our selues most when we haue greatest mercies . And be iealous of our selues , though not in regard of our knowledge of the right in , & truth of the action , neither of the acceptance thereof in Christ Iesus ; yet of the exactnes and worthines thereof in it selfe . And of any warrant as from our selues , to perseuere & continue in weldoing .

And seeing do what we can , vaineglorie will steale vpon vs ; and so prouoke to boast of what is not in vs , How to preuent this euill . least we should be accounted negligent , short of others , vnthankfull , &c.

Therefore learne wee in the feare of God to preuent this sinne .

And that by these meanes .

1 Labour we , sound and perticular knowledge of our estate , and measure , by daily viewing our selues in the glasse of the word , and examining our hearts , and priuie corruptions , and daily Iudging our selues by vnfained repentance .

2 Keepe we our Iudgement sound , and spirituall , by cleauing close to the power of the word , and hating all vaine , & false rules , Psal. 119. As opinion , custome , example , multitude , flesh and blood , &c.

3 Resolue wee our selues ; that though we must striue to be with the foremost , yet there are many that may , and doe goe beyond vs in grace , whose examples wee are to admire , reuerence , and imitate so farre forth , as that we striue not to leape vp to them by a vaine conceit of what is not in vs ; but rather soberly submitting our selues to such meanes wherein we may follow after them : Note . that ( whereas the hypocrite being not willing to take the paines , which may bring to perfection , and yet through the pride of his heart arrogates no lesse , and therefore in steed of the long & tedious way of practise , makes a shorter cut euen to bragge of what hee hath not : wee notwithstanding may in patience possesse our soules , comforting our selues so in the truth of the measure , we haue alreadie attained vnto : as that still we forget what is behind ; 3. P●il. 13 14. And hasten to that which is before , following ha●d after the marke for the high price of our calling in Iesus Christ .

4 Lastly , aboue all things labour wee for assurance of faith in the sonne of God Hebr. 10. which though it be attained by conscience , & power of weldoing , yet because it seeth a farre off ; therefore doth it still carrie vs out of our selues : both to rest wholy on Christ for the matter of our reioycing , and in him alone to the recompence of the reward , that so we may be so farre from assuming what is not in vs , as that still we denie our selues , that wee may be found in Christ not hauing our owne righteousnes . Yet

Though wee abase our selues , let vs not dishonour our God in denying , or betraying any of his graces in vs , seeing this may be a meanes to be giuen vp to boast of what is not in vs , if we shall denie the truth , or abase the worth of any of Gods mercies bestowed vpon vs .

And therfore take we heed of running into the other extreame .

1 But , As God hath giuen , so let vs acknowledge a truth , to confound hypocrisie , though wee cannot chalenge perfection , which makes for our humiliation .

2 Let not Sathan or the world , take away our innocencie from vs , though before the Lord we are not thereby iustified . Iob. 27. 1. Cor. 4. 4. 5. Wherein the child of God may aduance Gods grace .

3 Let vs propose our example to those that are short of vs ; though we must follow the examples of such as are gone before . I. Cor. 11. 1.

4 Let our reioycing be euen the testimonie of our good conscience , that in simplicitie and Godly purenesse , though not in perfection , yet not in fleshly wisedome , but by the grace of God , wee haue had our conuersation in the world , and especially where we haue had an especial calling . 2. Cor. 1. 12. 13.

5 Let it comfort vs against infirmities , and Sathans buffetings , that the same God which hath begun the worke will perfect it in vs . 1. Phil. 6.

6 Let vs also giue God the glorie of al his mercies , though to vs wee confesse also there is nothing due but shame and confusion of face for euer Dan. 9.

And seeing as with the heart we beleeue to righteousnes , so with the mouth wee confesse to saluation . Rom. 10. Therefore be wee wise to distinquish of spirituall duties : so being priuate with God , that we doe nothing whereof before men we may be ashamed ?

And so behauing our selues in the publike worship , as that we do all things as in the presence of God ; both preparing our selues to the publike by priuate humiliation : and after trying and sanctifying the publike by priuate meditation and conference with God .

Thus doth the hypocrite boast of what is not in him : that so he may , vpon pretence of what is not in him , more dangerously deceiue himselfe , and others ; But what ? hath hee nothing at all ? Yea surely ; we haue before allowed him some wrong possession of many excellent blessings : yea some abuse thereof .

But are these sufficient to make him happie ? Surely no : They ( as you haue heard ) tend to make him inexcusable , that hee may be beaten with more stripes , because hee knowes his Maisters will and doth it not , because to whom much is giuen , much shal be required at his hands . Rom. 2. 1. Math. 2. Luk. 12. 48.

Yea , but for all this , doth hee not desire to be happie ? Yea surely : hee hath some knowledge of the true ende , some desire thereof . And hee hath a price in his hand : yet such a foole hee is , that he hath no heart to buy it , hee sees a future happines , and he would be thought to chaffer for it , Luk. 18. yet in truth the Bird in the hand is the prize hee meanes to enioy : his belly is his God , his credit his Idoll : Phil. 3. 19. And therefore though hee haue many notable graces , which might ( being rightly vsed ) further him to the best : and so by them , to the true ende ; yet in his best wisdom he is content so farre to vse them , Note , as thereby to nourish his deceiued heart , that hee hath some reach to the happinesse of a better life : And yet to make them his maine brokers , to enioy the happines of this life .

And how doth he bring this about ? surely by that 2. propertie , which now followeth . Euen by ouerrating the blessings which hee hath vsurped , esteeming them to the sanctifying graces of the spirite , sufficient to saluation ; when indeede they are but giftes of illumination , tending by his abuse , to his further condemnation .

Behold here then a second propertie of the hypocrite , 4. Hipocrit● ouerrates the blessings of God , As knowledge . Namely , to ouerprize and set vpon the Tentors , such blessings as he hath vsurped vpon . Thus hauing some knowledge , he is puffed vp therwith , esteeming that hee knowes sufficiently , when he indeed knowes nothing as hee ought to know , 1. Cor. 8. stinting himselfe in the meanes of Religion , and condemning other that will not be measured by his line , as giddy spirits , mad fellowes , &c. 2. Cor. 10.

Thus hauing a temporary faith , he makes it more then it is , Meanes wherby the hypocrite deceiueth himselfe . contenting himselfe to beleeue in generall , though he haue no particular holde of the promises , no assurance of saluation , esteeming this , presumption , the other , Popish faith modestie , and humilitie : Or , if he haue any holde , In temporary faith . yet letting it easily goe , when once his carnall proppes faile , and affliction ouertakes him , Luk. 8.

Thus performing some outward deuotions , he esteemeth them meritorious and warrantable for saluation , In externall obedience . vpon pretence , that they must needs proceed from a good meaning , and so an honest hart , or else vpon this aduantage , that his heart is onely knowne to God , Ierem. 17. 10. hee cannot iudge of it himselfe : and why then may he not measure himselfe by outward actions ? At least , whatsoeuer hee knowes by himself , yet why should not you take him in charitie , according to his outward practise and semblance . Math. 26. Especially , if he continue , and hold on his profession , as Iudas did , In formall constancie . till the very ende , may not this be a meanes , that hee shall blesse his soule therin ? ● . Hath not he stood when others are fallen ? Reasons . 2. Hath he not obtained these Graces from the right meanes ? 3. Hath hee not by them be●e a meanes to doe good to others ? 4. Doth hee not increase in knowledge , and goe on in many notable duties . 5. And are not the best subjects to many slips ?

Adde wee hereunto , the pollicie of Sathan , to further this ouerprising of the blessings of God . That whereas indeed the drift is , to abuse them to be Bawdes for present pleasures , & so to ab●se and vnderrate the same , Note . that we should not esteeme them as the good giftes of God , but rather such as come by chance , or our owne trauell . Iob. 21. 16. that wee should thinke them not worth our retaining , when for the further enioying of the pleasures of sinne , we shal be willing to part with them : Yet that wee might not discerne this our base account of them : It is the subtiltie of this olde Serpent , that we should thus conceiue more of them , then indeede they are : that so pride of Conceite may hinder the right vse : and blinde the false , and thereby keepe vs from desiring , and enioying better .

1. Abusing to this end both the charity of others , Furtherā●● hereto . who are willing to conceiue the best of what they see , and knowe not to the contrary .

2. Abusing also the flattery of the Worlde , who is ready to make the most of euery thing , that so it may holde vs still captiues to the lustes thereof .

3. Especially abusing our owne selfe-loue , which is easily blinded in the iudgment of it selfe : and our secret desires , and lusts , 4 which tending to enioy the pleasures of sinne , or by this ouerweening conceit much warranted and encreased thereto .

Aboue all , the Iustice of the Allwise and mighty God appeareth we 〈◊〉 fully herein : who hauing ( as a iudgement of his deceitfu●nes ) ordained the Hypocrite to greater condemnation , dooth therefore so farre giue him his desire and portion in this life , Psal 1● . ●4 . that whereas he aff●●cteth some meanes , and shew of religion to this ende , as tending to hide and colour sinne , that it may be committed more greedily , & more impudently maintained : hee shall therefore be partaker of such a measure thereof , which though it be not sufficient to bring him to the true happinesse , yet shall it prooue very daungerous to nuzzle in the false , and so to leade him on more securely to vengeance , and that especially , by ouerprizing , and , too high esteeme thereof .

For hereby concluding that he is in the right , he doth not only despise and condemne all further measure , but finding them to stand with , and further his present enioying of the pleasures of sinne , he growes to sacrifice to his Net , and make Idols of his gifts , now keeping state with them : and extending them rather to shewe , and outward pompe , then any whit husbanding or employing the same . Mat. 25. By which it commeth to passe , that not exercising his Talents , the Lord purposeth to strippe him thereof , and yet not vntill the hypocrite be most willing thereunto . And to make him willing , Note . serues very iustly the maine abuse of his gifts , which wounding his conscience , and so labouring his reformation , he is so farre from answering the Lord herein : As that rather then he will endure this scourge , he is contented to part with knowledge , yea to be rid of conscience , yea all sense of diuine power , that so he may enioy his pleasures more securely without controulement . By which as hee makes vp the measure of his sin , so he hastens vpon himselfe a greater measure of condemnation . Loe here the confusion of the hypocrites wisedom . Behold the wicked taken in their owne craftines .

And Learne we hence in Gods feare to suspect and trie our selues .

Are wee giuen to make Molehils Mountaines ? Vse of Triall . to ouerprise the blessings of God bestowed vpon vs ? certainely , as it is a sinne to diminish any good blessing of God : & a greater euill to depraue , & disgrace the same : seeing the least we are not worthie of ; and he that is faithful in a little and thankfull for it , shall be entrusted with greater blessings . So on the contrarie : It is a dangerous euill , to ouer-value any fauour of God ;

Especially , seeing howsoeuer euery blessing of God is good , and as a hand to leade vs to the greatest good : Yet the difference of Blessings , Difference of blessings how to be discerned . is both in regard of the diuerse persons , that doe enioy them , but most of all , the right vse of the blessing giues the true rate thereunto , as yeelding vs in the sound comfort the iust valuation therof . So that , as to the Impure , all things are Impure , because the conscience being defiled , they can not but be abused , and therfore the best to the wicked , ( in regarde of themselues ) doth but further condemnation , and so to them looseth it worth and value : So vnto the elect , the least being sanctified , as it shall further to nying , the best , so it cannot be too highly esteemed in regard of the Giuer , and the more highly we esteeme thereof , the more shall wee be prouoked to a more conscionable vse , the more enabled to thankefulnes vnto our God , and so still prepared to further blessings ; & so at length made fit for eternall happines .

2 Labour wee therefore in the next place , to trie our estate , not so much by the enioying of the blessing , as by the right vse thereof . So may wee lawfully aduance the blessing ; In that it is not wholy defiled by our corruption , and we iustly depriued of it : And yet abase our selues , in regard of our great infirmities , accompanying the best vse of Gods mercies sufficient , ●om. 7 . ●uk. 17. ●o . Math. 24. if the Lord should enter into iudgment with vs , not onely to corrupt the blessings vtterly , and so make vs vnprofitable seruants : But , as vnprofitable seruants to be stripped thereof , and to be depriued of all further hope to enioy the same .

3 And labour we to discerne the cunning of Sathan , who indeede , by this ouerrating of Gods mercies , procureth their abasing , that so we may not be deceiued with his glorious pretences , that we may suspect him and his most when they most flatter vs .

4 Lastly , seeing it is so dangerous to ouerprize the mercies of God , therefore learne wee to preuent this practise of the hypocrite . And so to keepe our selues in an holy vse of Gods blessings , there by to prepare our selues to the continuance and increase of them .

To this end be we carefull not to haue such conceite , How to preuent Sathans policie herein . or giue such Epithite vnto any blessings of God , as are proper attributes to his Maiestie as perfectly good , mightie , &c. which yet are ordinarie in our communion speech , vnlesse the circumstances and maner of speech doe restraine within the true compasse .

2 Neither let vs absolutely measure the constant goodnesse of our gracious God by any of them : as if we beleeued not more , then wee felt , or expected not more then we for the present enioyed : perswading our selues euen for the present , that though the prouidence of God be subordinate vnto meanes , yet to tye Gods prouidence absolutely to them , is to make any Idoll of the meanes ; and an Idoll of God : and therefore , if we haue meanes , Note . let vs so vse them , as that by trusting in them , we doe not ouerrate them : if we haue no meanes , yet let vs not distrust our God , least we vnderrate his power and freedome in gouernment . Ps. 62. 10. Rom. 4.

3 And seeing the true estimate of the blessing , proceedes from the Acceptance of the person , and his right vse thereof : therefore , let vs not flatter our selues , either because we haue such and such aboue others ; therefore we may now highly esteeme of our selues , and gifts : But rather labour we in the feare of God to haue the testimonie of the acceptance of our persons : that so wee may haue comfort in the acceptance of the blessing : And from the comfort of acceptance , ground we the right vse , and by the vse measur● we so the worth of the blessing : as that wee then discerne it best when we see our vnworthines most in the vse thereof .

4 Lastly , fasten we stedsted fastly vpon the merite of Christ , and looke we in him , vnto the recompence of the reward : and so shall we preuent all ouerrating of present blessings : as finding them to be swallowed vp in these bottom lesse fountaines , and boundles Oceans of eternall happines . Hebr. 11. 26. 1. Ioh. ● . ● .

Well , Thus we haue now discerned two properties of an hypocrite , euen in this , that he makes himself Rich: Either hee boasts of that which is not in him at all , or else , what he hath , he sets vpon the Tenters ; making it the worse for vse , by how much it is more in shew , and so necessarily abusing the same to his further condemnation .

Shall we now consider further the reason of all this : The holy Ghost resolues vs he Makes himselfe rich , he is not made rich ; receiuing Gods blessings in mercie , but he makes himselfe rich , vsurping , and encroaching vpon the blessings of God : whatsoeuer is lent him , for the good of others , he claimes proprietie as to his owne , yea he pretends singularitie ; As whosoeuer were poore , yet he is rich , none rich to him , he is more holy then any . Behold here then two further properties of an hypocrite , whereby he makes himselfe rich . And in the feare of God , let vs trie our selues by them .

First , He makes himselfe rich , That is , though he haue no power of true riches , nor any right vse of them ; yet he makes himselfe rich of that he hath no right in .

An Hypocrite is an vsurper and encroacher vpon the blessings of God : ●4 . Propertie of an hypocrite , an intruder vpon Gods blessings . though he haue them , yet be hath no right in them , they are not freely giuen , but lent vnto him , Reasons . 2. he must pay the vtmost farthing for the abuse of them . 1. They are for others good , and not his owne , he hath them in anger , and not in mercie , 2 he is not of Gods houshould , and therefore an Intruder himselfe , and how can he then but intrude vpon the blessings of God ? 3. he comes in at the window & not at the true dore , Ioh. 10 And therefore he shall one day be indited of forcible entrance : Friend how commest thou in hither ? thou hast no right in this busines , It is not for Tobiah , but for the true Israelite to build the house of the Lord : And doth not his manner of building proue him no lesse ? doth he not build with vntempered morter ? doth he not plucke downe with the one hand , what he hath built with the other ? Is not his building the tower of Babell , to outface heauen , & confound himself ? Gen●s . 11. Ezech. 13. Vse . 13. Ma. 22.

Learne we hence , Vse . 1. not to enuie at the glory of an hypocrite ? Are his feathers his owne ? when each shall require his owne , will not his Nakednes , be his shame , though himselfe cannot be ashamed of it ? when the Lord takes away his blessings , because they are abused , when the world withdrawes her applause , because she is inconstant : when the conscience recouers her feeling , being reuiued by diuine iustice ; when hell shall gape on him being inlarged by his delusions : shall he not now be turnd out naked , into euerlasting vengeance ? shal not the God of this world that great vsurper , and enuier of the diuine power , by his limited authoritie seaze vpon this vsurper , And haile him , to most boundlesse , and endlesse torments ? Math. 27. Ierem. 6. Iesa . 66.

2 Learne we here therfore in the feare of God , to trie our selues whether we be vsurpers of Gods blessings or no. How we may trie and preuent vsurpation .

1 Doest thou not come in at the right doore ? Is not Christ thine , and so all thine ? 1. Cor. 3. 3. 2. Is not thy person accepted , & so thy sacrifice ?

● Doest thou stand vpon thy merite : & not the mercy of thy God ? 4. Dost thou pretend natures priuiledge , and not hold of grace ? 5. Doest not thou daily renue thy right in Christ , and hold wholy and entirely of him ? Doest thou not renounce thy selfe to be iustified thereby , though thou knowest nothing by thy selfe , 1 Cor. 4. 4. 5. that still thou maist be found in Christ not hauing thine owne righteousnes ? 6. Doest thou not still liue by faith in the sonne of God , Gal. 2. 20. so vsing present , as that thou forgettest them , in comparison of what is to come ? 7. Doest thou not so enioy the blessings of the God , as that like a feeling member thou communicates them to others ? Luk. 22. 32. 33. endeuouring to strengthen thy brethren and raise vp such as be weake , Gal. 6. 1. Art thou not carefull to giue vp thy account daily , by renued repentance ? 2. Cor. 5. 9. 10. 9. Doest thou not prepare thy self daily to a more full possession , renouncing the world , & dying daily to it ; 1. Cor. 15. hungring after Christ Iesus , that thou maist enioy his glorious presence ? Surely if these things be not in thee & abound 2. Pet. thou art no better than a thiefe and a robber : thou shalt one day be spoyled , because thou hast spoyled others : Thou hast robbed God of his glorie , & thy selfe of the true vse , & comfort of his blessings , thou hast beene straight handed to thy poore breth●●● , in not communicating vnto them . And therefore the Lorde will strippe thee thou glorious sepulcher : thy skirts shall be discouered , and filthie nakednesse proclaimed , yea , thine owne tongue , and wisedome shall fall vpon thee . Isay . 47. Psal. 64.

3 And therefore , seeing it is so dangerous to be an vsurper : learne we in the Name of God to preuent this great euill : As first ,

1. Disclaime we Nature , and all the painted shewes thereof . 2. And labour we to renue our right alone in Iesus Christ : 3. That we may finde him , let vs seeke him in his owne ordinance . 4. And that we may seeke him aright : let vs seeke him by Faith . 5. Hauing foū● the Lord IESVS , let vs labour to be found in him : denying our selues by vnfained repentance . 6. Let vs renue our repenatāce , that we may renue the euidence of our right in CHRIST : that so we may be renued to a further vse , and increase of all his meanes , 7. Casting away to this ende euery thing that presseth downe : and vsing the world , as if thou vsedst it not , 8. And so labouring after the best graces , that thou art still contented to be abased , that God may haue the glorie , preferring the same euen before thine owne saluation . Hereby thou shalt approoue thy right in Gods mercies : by this thou shalt preuent all intrusion , and vsurpation of the same . Rom. I. Phil. 3. Ioh. 5. 35. Hebr. 4. 1. Phil. 3. 8. 9. Math. 16 Heb. 12. 1. Cor. 7. 1. Cor. 12. Rom. 9. Exod. 32.

4 Lastly , seeing the hypocrite is but an vsurper of what he holdeth , 1. Cor. 3 . therefore let it comfort vs , that as we haue a right in all , so the small things that we haue shall be better then great riches of the vngodly . Psal. 37 . And rather then faile , whatsoeuer the hypocrite hath , as he hath it for our good and not his owne , Iob. 27. so he shall prepare it for vs , to preuent our care & trouble therein , but wee shall put it on , wee shall diuide the siluer and enioy the blessing that he hath abused , and vsurped vpon .

But how doth the hypocrite prooue himselfe to be an vsurper ? Behold saith the spirit , He makes himselfe rich : that is , though he hath right in nothing , yet hee thinkes himself the only man , whatsoeuer others haue , yet he is rich , he wants nothing : Nay in comparison of him , all others are but Beggers , prophane persons , vncircumcised , publicans : This is an other propertie of the hypocrite , to despise all others , Property of ●n Hypo●rite , to des●ise & abase ●ll others , ● regard of ●imselfe . in regard of himselfe , to affect singularitie , and runne to separation , stand apart , come not neere me : I am more holie then thou . So did the Pharisies , those great Hypocrites , Esay . 65. separate themselues from the vulgar and publicanes : so doe they account no better of them , then of an accursed people that knowe not the law . Ioh. 7 47. 48. And thus further dooth the Hypocrite make himselfe rich . Wherein , marke ( I pray you ) the particulars of this singularitie , & ground thereof : that so wee may distinguish betweene things that differ , & learne so to maintain the bond of communion , that still wee separate the precious from the vile : that they may returne vnto vs & not we vnto them . Ier. 15. 19

1. First , the Pharisies ground of singularitie & separation , is Intrusion , into Gods prerogatiue : Namely , And so proues himselfe an I●truder . to iudge of mens estates before the time , this people is accursed , so do they iudge of the vulgar and ignorant people , they take vpon them to determine their estate : A certaine note of an accursed Pharisie , to account those accursed , that are not of his Last , to condemne such as haue not attained , or will not be stinted by his mesure , and in the feare of God let vs trie our selues : 1 for this peremptory iudging conuinces vs to be intruders : & therfore we may feare , By peremptory iudging . that while wee thus exclude others , Vse . our selues may be cast out , how camest thou hither ? wil one day be the enquiry , & the issue is , Goe , take him forth , & cast him , &c. Mat. 22

2. Consider we the particulars of this singularity , By vnnecessary separation . he will not wash with the publican , he will not eate with him , he wil not communicate with him , no not in ciuil occasions . Certainly , if it were in our choice , to sort our selues , this were not amisse : In priuate where we haue power , to haue such nere communication with grosse & open sinners , is an abuse of holy liberty . The man of God wold not endure this , Ps. 101 & 119. But here we must be wise , only to iudge by the outward appearance , & the present time , as for the har● , or state of the person , in the purpose of the Almighty , these two only belong to the absolute , allwise , & allseeing God . And therfore we must bee able so to discerne of the present state , so to tender the same , as that the more apparant and dangerous the sinne is , because now there is most neede , we must not faile to prouoke to repentance .

And here we must also be patient towards euill men , bearing with them wisely , and raising them vp with the spirite of meeknesse , so long as they will endure to be handled and launced of vs . And yet in our launcing and searing , wee must be exceeding carefull , that we neither take away any but the dead flesh . And that wee take it away tenderly , euen by degrees , least Nature being desirous to thruste out her Enemie , thrust out her selfe : and the conscience beeing humbled for sinne , bee fainted in casting it out : Oh where is a Friend found , but in the day of aduersitie ? And therefore howsoeuer , wee may not admit such to our bosomes : Yet in the Name of God , let them come to our oratories , let them be partakers of our prayers , though yet wee may not admit them to our Tables : faile we not to counsaile them , though yet wee may not comfort them .

And therefore though we are to denie them the seales of mercie , least they should bee puffed vp before the time , as being admitted to the Feast , before they haue on their wedding garment . Yet are wee to bring them , yea wee may safely compell them to come to the wedding , and to take hold of the Key of mercie , the preaching of the Gospell , that so their hearts may be gaged & opened to repentance . Math. 22

Comforting our selues , 1. that our labor shal not be in vaine , though they will not leaue to be ashamed , Isay , 49. 1. 2. Zeph. And howsoeuer they shal proclaim their impudency , by intruding vpon the things of God , therby to hide their sin , by affecting credite of profession , thogh we ought to be grieued with their desperatenes , and so to eat the Passeouer with soure hearbs . Yet shall not their presence by Gods mercie driue vs away , we haue tried our selues and so wee may eate for our comfort and strengthening in Iesus Christ : Howsoeuer they shall eat no better then Iudgement for their boldenes and presumption , 1. Cor. 11. 59. 20. Shall not to the pure all things be pure ? Tit , 14.

Is the light of the Sunne abased , by shining on the dunghill ? Shal not the Lord bee glorified in accomplishing hereby his worke , as wel for the greater condemnation of the wicked , that are now made more inexcusable , as for the furtherance of his Childrens happinesse , by trying their Faith and Patience , by exercising their Wisedome , in this communion with the wicked ?

Well , who so is wise shall vnderstand these things , and to whom the arme of the Lord shall reueale them . But as for the Hypocrite , these things are hidden from him : Luke , 19. 41. 42. Iohn , 9. Hee is ordained to condemnation and yet must flatter himselfe , that hee is in the right way : yea , rather then he will not chuse the right , hee will goe alone , and seeme to outrun all , hee forsakes the societie , least it should staye him in his course : And so he makes himselfe rich , in singularitie and separation .

And thus haue we a little traced the hypocrite in this mysterie of iniquitie : Thus whiles hee makes himselfe rich , in pretending to out-runne others , he outrunnes Gods ordinances , and so loseth himselfe . And these are the ends of all his masking , he would not seeme what he is , but rather , what he is not , and so deceiues himselfe . And by his glorious shewes hee deceiues others : drawing Disciples after him , and making them two-fold more the children of hell then they were before : As furnishing them with meanes to commit sinne more greedily , and yet to hide it more cunningly , that so being made more inexcusable , and abusing great blessings , they may be beaten with many stripes . 2. Tim. 3. 13.

Whereby we learne , Vse . as to preuent and auoyd singularitie , 1. by suspending our iudgment of others , How to preuent fin● gularitie . 2. & iudging our selue , 3. by labouring especially after the power of Godlines , 4. and measuring the same , by truth in the inward parts . So hereby to trie our selues , whether we be tainted with this leauen of the Pharisie or no. And to order & guide our selues wisely in these euill daies , that we may maintaine the vnitie of the spirit in the bond of peace . Ephes. 4.

To this end , be we wise to obserue the policies of the hypocrite in making himselfe rich : as also carefully to discerne the ends of this policie .

And here , let vs not forget in the first place , that the ground of this policie , is not so much to attaine to any substance of riches , as rather to conceale his pouertie from himselfe , and others . To this end , howsoeuer he will admit the letter of knowledge , Math. 5. yet he cannot abide the spirituall power and application thereof , to search his inward corruption And hence it is the he will acknowledge no more then what is broken out into Act. And herein also he is growne so wise , as to take notice of no more , then the world discernes . And that he may seeme to be perfect , or at least , not be shamed : he will labour to hide , euen what the world apprehends . And to his purpose he hath many fetches according to the diuine Iustice meeting with him in his wisedome , and confounding the same .

As first , because he boasts of the pride of the holy mountaine , How the Hypocrite hides his vilenes . and will still haue religion to be his cloake to hide sinne . Therefore doth the Lord according to his desire offer him such deceiuers as may now wilfully blinde him . And thus he heapeth vp teachers according to his owne lusts , 2. Tim. 4. 2. which may not onely helpe to excuse , & diminish sinne , crying peace , peace , God is mercifull : what need this strictnes , haue not all their infirmities : but may further also cry ayme to his lusts , prophecying of new wine & strong drinke , yea promising constancie and securitie in this belly happines , to morrow shall be as to day , and much more abundant . Mich. 2. Esay . 56. Ierem. 6.

And if now it shall so fall out that the Lord shall make such deceiuers vile before the people , Malach. 2. giuing vp to grosse wickednes , to their iust reproach before men that thus abase the ordinances of God to the satisfying of their lusts : Amos. 7. So that now the Prophet shall be come an example of his owne loose and corrupt doctrine : Oh what a warrant , proues this to the hypocrites licentiousnes ? haue not they knowledge ? are not they my guides ? if I do as they say ; Nay what they say , they confirme by practise ; may not I safely imitate the same ? behold here another meanes , wherby the hypocrite iustifie himselfe .

And yet that his confusion may be the greater , euen wherein hee affects perfection : Behold a further degree of Gods Iustice , in giuing him to this policie , that he which can deuice starting holes for himselfe to breake out into all licentiousnes ; yet to colour his vilenes , Note . he must now put on a face of seueritie and strictnes against others : not onely restraining them wherein himselfe takes libertie , as if he had some priuiledge to sinne , or could more command repentance , but whispering many times in their care , Math. 2. that they must do as he saith & not as he doth : Thus doth he further hide his owne nakednes , by reprouing others , and by looking too much abroad , he becomes starke blind at home . And if now in looking abroad , he can stumble at some strawe , finding somewhat amisse , though he haue no calling to amend it , or at least haue greater reason to see the good he enioyes , and so in thankefulnes to vse the good , mourning so for the euill , that he maintaine the peace of the Church . Oh what a further occasion , doth this proue not onely to hide his former nakednes , but much more to enrage and increase the same : so iust is the Lord to confound him in his policies ; so merciful vnto his Church to make him a Phisitian to the same : Now must he be accounted the onely zealous man that can cry out against abuses ? Now must he hide his owne nakednes , by clamouring against the nakednes of his betters : Now personall abuses must be imputed to the callings : & the abuse of the calling , must necessary chalenge the goodnes thereof .

And if now he can proue so happie , Act. 4. as to draw disciples after him , because the multitude is apt to affect nouelties , and especially through enuie growes discontent with superiours , Rich in followers . that so he may become a leader of a Faction , and haue the multitude to iustifie what himselfe shall practise : will not this be a further meanes to hide sin ? Nay wil not this giue occasion to broach new Opinions , that so his followers being still entertained with more matter , might lesse looke vnto the nakednes of their leader , might more admire , and so be dazeled with his rough garment . I meane pretence of zeale , & further illumination ? Practise of the Anabaptist . will not this proue a notable meanes to aduance our hypocrite in the hearts of these deceiued people , euen aboue all that is called God ? Especially , if we shall consider , a further policie of Sathan , namely , vnder pretence of reformation to make way for further libertie in the flesh , by hoping to make spoyle of the fat offals of poperie ( A shrewd spurre to our carnall Reformers ) and further vnder pretence of this open strictnes , to claime priuiledge for secret loosenes , especially vnder colour of wilfull pouertie , to broake for couetousnes , for the maintenance of the flesh ; can the hypocrite desire more then to haue the glorie of a Reformer . And yet make his belly his God , that his glory may be his shame . And yet that he may keepe his disciples in awe .

Adde we hereunto , that other stratagem of the hypocrite , namely , to lay grieuous burthens on others , Math. 23. which he will not himselfe touch with his little finger , so promising libertie , as that it shall proue the greatest bondage : as being iealous to loose his traine which he onely reserues to make bootie of . Oh they must not be free to trie all things , to trie the spirits , but they must sweare to the Iudgement of their Oracle , Practise of the Iesuite . and seeke after no other : Gal. 4. he is iealous ouer thine amisse , euen to exclude them that they should loue none but him . Him onely they must follow in his iudgement , though they must not follow him in his practise : nay though he euery day varie in his Iudgement , And Seperatist Smith . according to the gift of Illumination : Yet they must alter with him , though it be from worse to worse , yea rather then he must want , they must be wholy emptied ; if he do but censure , they must tremble and submit , though it be contrarie to the word , yea contrarie to himselfe . In a word , they must be meere slaues and bauds to his lusts enduring to be brought into bondage , Cor. 11. yea smitten on the face ( and yet esteeme themselues highly graced as suffering for the Gospels sake . ) Behold the bondage of the hypocrites Proselites , ●y making others ●ore both ●wardly ●d our●ardly . and therein obserue the riches of the hypocrite , how he makes himselfe rich in enthralling the poore conscience ? oh how triumpheth by this meanes in the flesh of his deceiued followers ?

And if now he canne further yet get this start of them , as to make them , through his owne inconstancie of opinion , vpon pretence of new reuelations , now to stagger in their iudgement , & so apt to be carried about with euery blast of vaine Doctrine , as heereby they must necessarily be brought to seeke of their estates , and so to pinne them wholly vpon his sleeue : how doth hee by this meanes now tyrannize ouer their consciences ? How doth he spoyle & empty them at his pleasure ? Must they not now , though hee should call in question their saluation , yet yeelde vnto it ? And will they not be willing to giue euen the first fruit of their bodie for the sinne of their soule ? What shall be too deare to obtaine a good looke , some faire worde to make such fools faine ? doth not the Hypocrite heere aduance himself aboue all that is called God , presuming to shut and open Heauen at his presumption to let in , & thrust out , whom he pleaseth ? Is not this his chiefest treasury wherby he preuails with all ? Is he not especially rich by this presumption , to binde and loose at his lust ? Doeth he not hereby promise securitie of his happinesse vnto himselfe ? Doth he not now resolue that he sits as a queen , and shal neuer be remoued ? Reuel . ●8 . Esay , 47.

And is not this presumptuous vsurping of the power of God : a iust occasion to prouoke the Lord to fight against him , and to giue him vp wholly to a further delusion ; euen to fall to further presumption in sinne , that so the Lord may not be mercifull vnto him ? Doth not this securitie giue the bridle vnto sinne ? Is not the measure of sinne heereby made vp ? And doth not the vengeance hang ouer his head ? But can the Hypocrite discerne the plague ? No surely : The god of this worlde doth yet further blind him : He still sayes he is rich , and wanteth nothing : For can he want so long as God hath mercie ? Hath hee not had good experience ? And can the Lord faile him ? shall not all things turn to the further aduancement of the mercies of God ? And may hee not therefore sinne , that grace may abound ? Rom. 6. And though he doe continue in sinne , can God forget to be mercifull ? Thus doth the Iust Lord giue vp the Hypocrite to presumption , on his mercies , as a iust punishment of his presumptuous intruding into his absolute soueraigntie . And thus is now the Hypocrite onely rich in presumption : hee sowes the winde , and must necessarily reape the whirlewinde . For , shall not the Iealousie of the Lord break out against such presumptuous sinners , that in vaine doe flatter themselues in their iniquitie ? shall they not at length be found out in their moneth ? shall not their iniquitie appeare worthie to be hated of God and men ? Ierem. 2. Psal. 36. 4. 5. Surely , the Lord will not bee mercifull vnto him , that thus● addeth drunkennes vnto Thirst , blessing his soule , that he shal haue peace though hee walke after the stubbornnesse of his heart : Deuter. 29. 18. 19. Though hee hath a long time helde his peace , yet will hee cric like a Trauelling woman , he will destroy and deuoure at once : Isay , 42. 15. And yet see a further power of delusion : My Maister hath deferred his coming ; Matth 24. 1. Pet. 3. 4. And therefore where is the promise of his comming ( saith the Hypocrite ? ) And thus dooth he make himself further rich , in abusing Gods patience . Thus doth hee open his mouth against Heauen , and defie the Iustice of the Lorde , Abuse of Gods patience . that whereas the Lorde in great patience beareth with such vessels , as are appointed to greatest condemnation : Doth not the wicked abuse this patience , to the nourishing and defence of his presumption ? Is hee plagued like other men ? Hath not he bene spared when others haue smarted ? Psal. 73. and therefore doth not the Lord loue him ? Nay , is he not more righteous then others ? And if now this patience of the Almightie , Abuse of Prosperitie . shal be a means of the continuance & encrease of his prosperitie , doth not this further encrease this delusion ? would the Lord so blesse him , if he did not loue him : If his paths were not acceptable , could he so wash his feete in butter ? could he so abound and encrease ?

And hath not Sathan yet a further meanes to encrease this delusion ? yea surely , the prosperitie of fooles shall prooue their destruction : Pro. 1. The more the Hipocrite enioyes the pleasures of sin , the lesse dooth hee thinke of GOD as he shuld : the more doth hee conceiue basely of him . And because the Lorde holdes his peace , therfore doth he conceiue , that either the Lorde sees not , & so denies his prouidence , or els he will neither do good nor eull : & so denies his Iustice : or els he is like vn to him , he likes of his sin , & so denies & depraues his goodnes . But will the Lord take this at the hypocrites hands ? Surely no : Behold , because when he knows God , seeing he will not glorifie him as God , therefore shall he be giuen up to are probate sence : Euen to call Light darknes , & darknes light : Isay , 5. 19. Isay , 3● . 3. Flattering himselfe hereby in his Iniquitie , though hee commit it with greedines , and blessing his soule herein , as a great purchase , that now his conscience can excuse for sinne , that so with authoritie hee may more securely reuell therein . And thus through custome of sin , his deceiued conscience becoms at length past feeling : And this proues a further● occasion to encrease this delusion , that now his estate is good , All is well with him : seeing the Byrde in the bosome hath lost her tongue , the dead Conscience sayes nothing to the contrarie .

And if now all being husht at home , the crie shall goe well abroade , the world shall so flatter the Hypocrite , because hee sawnes vpon it : doth he not make himselfe rich with the words of men ? Is not his case good , seeing all speake well of him ?

And say that some in the world will not be measured by his line , say that his holines is confounded by some one in a Citie , or two in a Tribe , some rare Byrds that the world knowes not , and is not worthie of ; Yet shall not this any whit take downe the conceit of his Riches : his estate is yet good enough , though hee cannot attaine vnto them : For why ?

Doth not God bestow his graces diuersly , to som one , to some fiue talents , & yet he that hath but one , hath therof sufficient : wil God require any more at his hands then he giueth ?

May not the prime times require greater strictnes than those that come after , wil not a lesse measure serue at one time , then at an other ? May not lesse be required of him then of other men ?

Nay , hath he not more reason to be borne withall then others , hee hath had more hinderances , and therefore though he haue lesse , may it not be sufficient ? And thogh hee come short of some , yet d●th he not exceed others ? and may it not be presumption , to seeke to be with the foremost ? nay , is it not dangerous to be singular , & to be like nobodie ?

And doth not the Hypocrite now make himself rich , in his pretended zeale , for the preseruation of unitie , curbing & suppressing all true measure of holines , as being singularity , and so an enemy to Concord ? Reuel . 14. Doth not he thinke to doe God good seruice , In compelling to his measure ? that so hee may yet further flatter himself in his riches , because none shall exceede him ?

And doth not this power of delusion make way for all desperat wickednes , Is not the measure of sin hereby hastened ? doth not the Lord now put in the sickle ? Is not the dead conscience now reuiued to begin the execution ? & yet for al this the hypocrite will make himselfe rich : Either now his repentance must heereby be appoued of the Church , & so bee receiued again to do more mischief : or els if he cannot be receiued of the Church , Note . hee will set vp a new Sinagogue of his owne , by despising the ordinarie meanes , as too base for his illuminated spirit , whereas indeed he reiects the meanes , because they enraged his conscience .

Thus doth hee maske it stil vnder his vaile of holines , Anabaptis● Familists . that so hee may commit sin more greedily without controulment , pretending hee hath the Annoynting , and so no need of the word , when in truth he hateth the word as conuincing his conscience . And casts it from him , that he may take his fill of sinne , and so makes himself onely rich in the diuels treasure , and yet pretends the riches of the blessed Spirit . Behold the polices of the Anabaptist and Libertine the familist and Papist . And yet doth not Sathan help them with another policie , that they may make themselues rich ? Surely , as harlots when they want naturall beautie , vse to adulterate their feature with paintings thereby to seeme that which they are not : Euen so the hypocrite wanting the inward beautie and power of religion , labours to inrich himselfe in the outward forme thereof , and as if the natiue forme were to plaine and abiect , behold he adulterates the same with far fetcht painting ; borrowing some colours from the Iewe , and some ornaments from the Gentile : And so makes himselfe rich in whorish fashions , and outward pompe .

Behold the height of Antichrists wisdome , Vse . And blessed be God for the truth of the Gospell : yea blessed be the name of his Maiestie for euer , that giues vs hearts to labour , the power and simplicitie therof . Shal not the Lord roote out euery plant which his owne hand hath not planted ? Shall he not aduance his blessed Sonne Iesus vpon his holy hill of Sion ? Certainely Antichrist is falling , and the Iewes must come in : and happie is he that can possesse his soule in patience : that can keepe himselfe vnspotted of this present world ? Doth not the blessed word abide with vs ? and is it not able to make the man of God perfect to euery good worke ? The Lord make vs thankfull for the good things we enioy : If we be faithfull in a little , shal we not be entrusted with greater blessings ? If we beleeue , shal we not see greater things then these ? Onely let vs be so wise to discern these cloakes of shame , as not to stumble at them : what is good in the hypocrite , let vs not refuse , because he doth abuse it : what is euill in him , let vs so detes● , as that still we loue his person , and labour his reclayming . So shal he returne vnto vs , and not we vnto him , though we be all in all vnto him that we may winne him vnto Christ Iesus : so if we cannot better him , yet he shall not make vs worse , though happily we may be abased by his malice and frowardnes , yea ought to be humbled that the Church is troubled with him . But shall be not he be troubled that troubles Israel . Behold and tremble at the issue hereof , doth he not very fearefully deceiue himselfe and others ? Yea surely .

The euill and vnbeleeuing shall waxe worse and worse , deceiuing and being deceiued . 2. Tim. 3. 13.

Obserue how the glorious Lord confound the wisdome of the wise , and taketh them in their owne craftines .

First the hypocrite deceiues himselfe . As

First he is blinded , he knowes not his owne estate , and so must needs be deceiued because he wil not see it . And so is giuen vp .

2 To conceiue better of it then it is . And because he will not take the paines for a better , therefore he deceiues himself esteeming this sufficient . And to this end he deceiues himselfe further .

3 By reiecting the power of the word which might lead him to a further measure : vpon pretence that he hath no need of it , or it is not sufficient to informe him .

4 Choosing such false waights , as may make his copper cu●r●nt , as , Example , and reuelatrō , tradition , multitude : And that he may yet furter deceiue himselfe , Behold ,

5 He abuseth the true Rule to further this delusion : either sticking in the letter , and so deceiuing himselfe thereby in an outside holines , or abusing the same to iustifie his ambitious tyrannie , ouer the consciences of men : Nay , he cannot kepe himselfe within this narrow compasse , vnlesse he also abuse the Lord of glory himselfe , and so further deceiues himselfe most dangerously hereby To this end he arrogates the prerogatiue of God , to Iudge of mens estates , that the Lord may Iudge him iustly , that vniustly Iudgeth of others . Thus doth he encroach vpon , and abuse his Iustice in corder●ning the righteous , and absoluing the wicked , that so he may be an abomination to the Lord . Thus doth he presume of his mercies , that he may exclude repentance . Thus doth he abuse Gods patience to nourish securitie , that so a suddaine destruction may come vpon him . And thus doth the hypocrite deceiue himselfe .

And doth he not also deceiue others .

Yea surely , and that many waies , and so also deceiueth himselfe by encreasing his condemnation .

As first he deceiueth them of their outward estates vnder pretence of deuotions deuouring their substance , and emptying their purses vpon a vaine hope to haue some true riches for their soules .

Secondly , hee deceiues them in their estimation and good name , making them either partakers with him in his filthines , or else for the credit of profession to conceale and iustifie the same .

Thirdly he deceiues them in the maine matter , of their saluation . And that

1 In their affections : making them through his scandall , to hate religion before they knowe it , and so keepes them out from entring into the fould .

2 In their Iudgements when they are entred : either stinting them to the letter of the word , or his sence thereof : not enduring the trial of the spirit : or vpon pretence of insufficiencie in the word ; stumbling them with his own fancies in steed of Gods reuealed will : and so keepes them from practise , as being not certaine what to do .

3 In their practise he also deceiues them : as either tying them to his scant measure , or stumbling them by his crooked turnings and wandrings out of the way , whereby either they neuer attaine to the right way of practise , or else are turned out of it againe , Gal. 3. by his prophane and deceitfull walking . And so he further deceiues them of the true recompence , either prouoking to vaine glory , or deceiuing of others for the satisfying of the flesh , by attaining honours , riches , &c. 2. Col. 23.

And thus hee deceiueth himselfe and others .

1 The summe and vse of all is ,

That wee wisely measure the glory of an hypocrite by the issue thereof , that so wee may not be dazeled and deceiued thereby .

2 That wee daily labour to see our pouerty in our selues , that so we may seeke after the true riches , Math. 5.

3 That we account our onely riches , the righteousnes of Christ , apprehended by faith , and transforming vs into the same Image , from glorie to glory , Plut. 3. 8. 9.

4 That we expect and hunger after these riches , not to be fully enioyed in this life , but rather to be obtained when corruption shall be put off . Phil. 3. 13.

5 That considering the terrors & glory of that day , we are daily made manifest vnto our God , and also vnto the consciences of such his seruants , with whom we are most conuersant . 2. Cor. 5 . 11.

6 That we endeuour the hastning of the apperance of Christ , and our owne fitnes thereto , by plucking some daily from some noysome lust . 1. Cor. 13 .

And prepare we our soules daily to afflictions that so suffering with Christ we may raigne with him . 2. Tim. 2.

Euen so Lord Iesus let thy Kingdome come , to subiect vs under thy Scepter , that so we may be made meete partakers of that glorious Inheritance with the Saints in Light .

Thus farre of the Estate of the Hypocrite and his wisedome in making the best thereof . Now let vs consider on the other side , the estate of the Regenerate .

Hitherto thou hast heard ( deare Christian , ) of the true estate of the Hypocrite : Namely , that he is worth nothing ; all hee hath is onely for the good of others , and his owne further condemnation . And that it may appeare the our destruction is from our selues , thou hast also heard of the Hypocrites carnall wisedome , in the Husbanding of his estate : Namely , that he makes himselfe rich ; Assuming the esteeme and shewe of what he hath not , that so he may the better hide what he is , and so ripen his sinne , and hasten his condemnation . And shal not the consideration hereof cause thee to feare thine estate , and depart from euill : daylie ? shall it not send thee to the true Touch-stone , to trie and examine thy selfe ?

Beholde then a liuely patterne follows for thy instruction , and beeing directed hereby , thou shalt find sound comfort . Though out of the former discouery thou shalt safely conclude , that there are but few good hearts , that so thou mayest not content thy self with the broad way , yet shalt thou now see that God hath not left himselfe without witnesses , thou shalt not go alone . Blessed be God thou hast a clowd of witnesses , the way is well beaten and traced for thee . And therfore in the name of God walke in it , and the Lord giue thee wisedome and vnderstanding in all things .

And for thy better incouragement hereto ; Take this short view of the subiect and summe of these ensuing Obseruations . Obser . I. Doctrines and Obseruations , contained in this second Treatise .

1. The Elect alone is possessed with true and great Riches .

The Reasons hereof , and , hence concluded . 1. The Excellencie of their Estate . 2. How we may know whether we are partakers of this riches or not . 3. How wee may preseru● and encrease this Estate .

2. Gods Children are poore in spirit , though they haue great Riches , Obseru. they make themselues poore .

The Reasons heereof , together with the ground of this pouertie , seruing for triall , as also . 2 the manner , and 3 Measure tending thereto , and 4 Lastly , the Practise and Vse thereof .

The Estate of the true Nathaniel . That maketh himselfe poore , Hauing great Riches .

Herein remember , First his Estate , hauing great riches .

Secondly , his Wisedome , in Husbanding the same ; Hee makes himselfe poore .

WHat then is the Estate of the true Nathaniel ? Surely He hath great Riches : He is not onely Rich , but he hath great Riches , Obseru. & no meruaile , For All is his , Because CHRIST is his , in whom are hidden all the Treasures of wisedome and knowledge . The sincere Christian , a great rich man . Colloss. 2.3 . To whome all power is giuen , in Heauen and Earth : Matth. ●8 who is King of Kings , & Lord of Lords , Reuel. 16. and that not so much for himselfe , as to make vs Kings and Priests vnto our God , yea through Christ , wee are Heyres euen fellowe Heires , of a Kingdome Immortall and vndefiled , that faileth not , and cannot be shaken , Reuel . 1. Rom. 8. Hebr. 12. 2. Cor. 5. 17.

2. Thus being in Christ , we become new creatures , & so are invested with true Godlinesse , which is great gaine , euen durable riches , which the world cannot strip vs of , which shall continue and abide with vs , vs for euer , 1. T●●n . 4. Prou. 8. Matth. 6.

3. And enioying Godlines , we are satisfied therewith , learning true contentment in all things , as well to want as to abound : And so hauing nothing , yet we possesse all things : Phil. 4. 2. Cor. 6. Though the wicked haue prosperitie , yet we fret not at it , though wee endure affliction , yet are wee exceeding rich , in ioy vnspeakable & glorious , yea rich in conquest ▪ & rich in patience , that wee may not fainte . Psalm. 37. 1. Pet. 1. 8 Rom. 8. Iac. 1.

4 Thus as in Christ we obtaine the right , & royaltie of all things , so also by him we receiue grace to vse them aright . And so though in the Iustice of God , we might be accounted vnprofitable Seruants , yet through the merite of CHRIST we become rich in good workes , growing in grace , & encreasing mightily in the power of godlines , euēvn till we shal be filled withall fullnes of God : Eph. 3. Luk. ●7 . 10

5. And howsoeuer our portion of this life be vsually but a small thing , yet by the blessing of God it is great riches , as being much better them great riches of the vngodly : both in that wee haue grace to vse it well : & it is also as a pledge of further heauenvly riches as by the true vse whereof , storing vp a good foundation against the day of Christ Iesus , Psalm. 37. 1. Tim. 6.

6. And to say the trueth , would there be any riches in the World , would there be any world continued , but for the Elects sake ? thogh for the Elect , the worldes time shall be shortned , that they might more speedily enioy the fulnes of their riches . Nay , Is not the riches of the wicked , treasured vp for the iust ? Are the worldlings any other them the childrens Factors , & Stewards to bring it in , and lay● it out for them ? Matthew . 24. Iob. 27.

7 What shall we say , if any be rich for the present , it is onely the true owner , he may iustifie his estate . he may only promise securitie thereof : if any be rich in hope , surely the child of God i● the only man , who is the vndoubted heyre of the immortall & superexcellent waight of glorie , which can not be conc●iued by the largest hart . 1. Cor. ● . 2. Cor. 4.

And to conclude , euen when he seemes to be most poore , then is the childe of God m●st rich , then is the triall of his faith , then is he most rich in Hope , most feruent in prayer , most glorious in patience , then hath he most boldnes and interest in the fauour of God , then is he sent to renue his estate in the merite of Christ , and so is partaker of the exceeding riches of the mercy of his God . Ephes. 2. And is it not great equitie that he that is poore in the world , should be rich in faith ? ●acob . 2. Is it not meet that if Diues haue his portion in this life , Lazarus should haue his portion of comfort which the other despised ? Luk. 16. Doth not prophane Esau contemne the birthright in comparison of the messe of pottage ? Genes. 27. And is it not iust with God to giue them this Heauenly pearle , that like wise merchants are content to sell all they haue to buy the same ? 2. Tim. 4 Matth. 13 10. Is it not meet , that the members should be conformable● to the head ? 11. Can the members be poore , when all treasures belong to the head ? 12. Must they not be made rich and abounding in good workes , least they may seeme to labour in vaine ? 1. Cor. 15. 13. Are they not to be purged that they may bring forth more fruit , Ioh. 15. 2. that so they may be pertakers of that glorious inheritance with the Saints in light .

And are they not rich in humilitie that they may still be more enriched by Christ are they not rich in patience to expect the recompence of the reward . Thus abasing themselues ? are they not exalted ? are they not encreased in riches by making themselues poore . Behold the estate of the Saints : they haue chosen the better part . Luk. 10. They haue great riches , Iesus Christ : and all things with him . A blessed portion , making them truly blessed : are not their lines fallen in pleasant places , haue they not a goodly inheritance ? Ps. 16. that haue heauen for their Kingdome , and the earth for their footestoole , that haue all good things here to enioy , and so fitted by these things to fulnes of ioy .

1. Behold then the estate of the Saints of God , And tell me if any may compare with him in happines ? Doe not they , I pray you , serue the best maister ? haue not they the best father that thus prouides for them ? Is any God like vnto their God , that doth so vnto them that waite vpon him ? Esay . 64. 5. And shall we then repent vs of our choyce ? shal we think it is in vaine to serue this blessed God ? Psal. 23. Mal. 3. 3. Shall we not be enc●uraged to his seruice , though we must runne through fire and Water to such a wealthie place , by the recompence of so great a reward .

1. Haue wee any cause to doubt , seeing all shall turne to our good ? Nay , Are not our afflictions the bruches of Gods fauour ? Is not our Gold therby Refined , and made more pure and durable ? Hebr. 11. ●6 . Ps. 66. Rom. 8. 29.

3 Oh let vs distrust all other portions , Of Triall . if we haue not our part in this riches : And if euer we haue tasted how sweet the Lord IESVS is , let vs not seek after great matters , seeing Christ is sufficient . If God shal cast vpon vs earthly possessions , let not our harts be set vp on them , Psal. 62. 10. least wee exclude this heauenly treasure : If the Lord shall empty vs of outward things , yet let it suffice that we cannot loose the best treasure : Nay , let it comfort our hearts , that now wee haue more triall of our loue thereto : nay , more le●surē , and occasion to employ the same .

And yet howsoeuer the world may basely esteem of vs , for want of these outward things , Hebr. 11. Ioh. 16. 2. and shall thinke it doth God good seruice in stripping vs of them : yet let vs here learne to ouercome euill with good : Rom. 12. praying for them that persecute vs , and doing good to them that hate vs : that so wee may proue our selues the Sonnes of our heauenly Father : and so maintaine our Right in this heauenly inheritance , preparing our selues hereby gratiously thereunto . Math. 5.

4 And seeing the Saints haue onely the true , and great riches : All are beggers and banquerouts in comparison of them : let this teach vs what to thinke of such Ignorant Protestants , and obstinate Papists , what of al Turks and Infidels , that yet are without Christ , surely they are a poore people and without vnderstanding , Ierem. 4. 22. they haue no part in Christ , and therefore no portion of heauenly riches . And therefore let this prouoke vs further , to lament their estates , and to mourne for the generall ignorance of the Land : Let vs acknowledge the Iustice of God in pleading his controuersie against the same , Vse . 4.1 . because there is no knowledge of God in the Land . And if the Lord hath emptied vs of our wine and oy●● , our first borne , his outward blessings , if we sow much and reape little , and that which we reape be put into a broken bagge Agge . 1. 9. Let vs consider the true cause , because the house of God lies wast , we despise , and reiect the true and spirituall riches . And therefore let vs learne the true remedie . First secke the kingdome of God and the righteousnes thereof , and then all these things shall be cast vpon vs . Math. 6. 33. And seeing the haruest is great , and the labourers few tha● should bring vnto vs these heauenly treasures .

Oh let vs mourne , especially , for the hand of God , in this particular Iudgement :

4 And let Ezechiel be asigne of the consumption decreed , Ezech , 12. Esay , 28. 22. Oh let vs pray for , and labor the conuersion of our brethren , Let vs not forget the First-borne of our Father , of whose fatnes we are now partakers , who hath bene made poore , that wee may be made rich : seeing our pouertie now sh●l be the means to enrich him againe .

Howsoeuer ; Let euerie one labour to saue his owne soule : Labouring to store vp against the dayes of ●amine , And to employ his Talent , while there is yet light , Iohn , 12. That so hee may maintaine and encrease his estate : Is not the night comming , when no man can worke ? are not the shadowes drawing to the West ? Rom. 11.

And seeing manie boast of their Riches and Righteousnes , and yet who can finde ● Faithfull man ? Prouerb . 6. Therefore in the feare of God , labour wee to trie our estates , whether wee are partakers of that durable Riches .

Surely , Rules of Triall . by Nature wee are starke Beggars : and by abuse of the meanes of grace wee become Desperate Banquerouts : euen twice dead , and pluckt vp by the rootes . And therefore if we would approue our selues to haue this heauenly riches , we must not relie on our nature , any glory thereof , seeing the wisedome thereof is enmitie against God , excluding the hope of heauenly riches . Rom. 8 ▪ 7.

1 Wouldst thou then attaine to the true riches in Christ , Let thy first practise now be to discerne thy natural pouerty , ( by the meanes before laid downe . ) 2. And hauing discerned thine estate in nature , thou must in the next place , denie thy selfe , Math. ●6 . 22. acknowledging , that neither in nature is there any dramme of this true riches , neither can nature further thee thereunto . Nay thy greatest enemie in the obtayning thereof , thou shalt find to be euen thine owne wicked heart : thy best wisedome , and counsell , will cause thee most to rebell against thy God , and resist thy chiefe good : Esay .

47. Thus shalt thou prepare thy selfe to receiue this heauenly treasure , by emptying thy heart of ● what cannot profit , and so castingaway such impediments , thou shalt be in some measure fitted to entertaine the same .

1 To this end take vnto thee the true glasse which many discouer truely vnto thee thy naturall estate , namely , the law of God . Rom. 7. And when thou hast seene thy face therein , cast not away the glasse , least thou forget thy true feyture , lacob . 1 . But rather reuiewe thy selfe often therein , according to the checks of thy conscience , conuinced by the word , & make vse of such outward Afflictions which doe accompanie the word , the rather to abase the pride of thy flesh , and to confound thee in thy carnal happines And prosecute the Enditement of thy conscience by Iustifying the Lorde , and condem●ing thy selfe , arraigning thy selfe , at the barre of his Maiestie , and casting downe thy selfe at the Throne of his Grace , begging Pardon instantly for thy sinnes , and quite renouncing all thy former wayes ; That so thou mayest be found in CHRIST , not hauing thine owne righteousnes .

Now that thou mayest be found in CHRIST , thou must ( in the next place ) labour to seeke CHRIST , where he may be found , Esay , 35.

And now thou must seke him in those his precious promises of the Gospell : Apprehending ( through him alone ) free pardon of all thy sinnes ; And so recouering grace from him , to walke in newe obedience .

And least seeking him heere , thou mightst happily misse of him , thou must seeke by Faith , that so thou mayest applie these promises in particular , vnto thine owne Soule : And thou must waite with Patience , at the gates of Wisedome , being contented to submit thy selfe to the meanes , till thy heart be captiuated therewith , & thy whole man brought in subiection to the obedience of Iesus Christ . Prouerb . 8.

And lastly , thou must seeke in perseuerance and constancie of endeuour , The though thou faile in practise , yet the willing minde may be accepted , according to that which thou hast . 2. Cor. 8. 12. resoluing thy selfe , that thy great riches , stands rather , in the acceptance of thy endeuours , then in any worth of thy weldoing , though yet thou shalt exceed herein the Scribe and Pharisie . Yea the God may ●aue onely the glorie of all his mercies . Let this be the triall of thy greatest riches : that though the Lord bestow great things on thee , yet thou seest thy selfe most vnworthie of them . Genes. 32. Yea the more graces thou receiuest , the more thou art abased by them , Yea in the greatest sence of Gods fauour , thou art so emptied of all carnall confidence , that thou then most fearest thy selfe , when grace doth most abound : that so thou maist worke out thy saluation in feare and trembling . Phil. 2. 12. And yet in thy greatest abasings , thou must giue glory to thy God , in depending on his pretious promises beyond al feeling thereof , though hee should kill thee , yet trusting in him .

And seeing thou art an Heyre , and not an Hyreling , Romanes 8. Iob. 1. Se●uing GOD , not simplie for what hee giues , but because hee commaunds , and meerely for his glorie , dooing his will cheerefully : therefore howsoeuer , hee hath promised thee Heauen for thy seruice , and to encourage thee thereunto , doth enable thee by faith , to see a farre off , and to haue respect vnto the recompence of that rewarde , yet herein shall be the triall of thy greatest riches : that not simplie for that reward , thou performest obedience vnto God , but as ( rather then the glorie of GOD shall be diminished , thou couldest be contented to bee without thy greatest happines : Exod. 32. Roman. 9. because thy chiefest happines , shall bee attained and enioyed , in giuing glorie alone vnto thy God , so that thou mayest the better be prepared to that happinesse .

Thou shalt still denie thy selfe : so farre to giue glorievnto thy GOD ; and that in thy best endeuours thou shalt discerne thy greatest vnworthines , that thy God may haue the glorie of all his free mercie , in thy greatest Feelings of ioy , and partakings of comfort , thou art most emptied of all Pride and confidence . That so , Securitie beeing preuented , thou mayest still by Faith see a farre off , & runne with ioy the race that is set before thee . Hebr. 12. 5. Rom. 4. giuing God the glorie , still in hoping aboue hope . Yea interressing hereby thy selfe dayly , as an heyre , in the assurance of thy heauenly possession , by this , that though thou art now the sonne of God , yet because thou know est not what thou shalt be , Ioh. 3. 1. therefore thou art carefull to walke so farre as thou knowest : so making sure thy election by constancie and power of weldoing , 2. pet 1. 10. that it is rather thy comfort , that thou hast done the will of thy God ; yea rather herein thou art comforted , that thou seest in thy shortnes of weldoing , thy vnworthines , & so hast no cause of thy selfe to expect that glorious recompence , that either any such glorious prize remaines for thee : or that there is any proportion betwixt thy finite & corrupt obedience , and that infinite & most perfect recompence of the reward ? Rom. 8.

And therefore , as thou canst not so serue thy God , as by the worth thereof , to obtaine , and expect that recompence , so yet that thy free obedience may more gratiously be manifested , though there were no such recompence , yet thou couldst willingly serue thy God , euen for the worth & goodnes that thou discernest in him , though no other goodnes should herein redound vnto thee , then that herein thou hast approued thy selfe a louing and obedient childe to so gratious a father .

Thus shall we attaine these heauenly treasures . And thus we may also trie our selues , whether we doe truely enioy them or no.

And seeing it is as great a vertue ( to preserue and encrease ) as to obtaine the same , Rules how to encrease . therefore learne we further , how to encrease in grace , how to thriue in heauenly substance .

1 To this end know we , that the meanes of obtaining , must be the onely meanes of encreasing .

2 By Christ we obtaine this riches , through the ministerie of the word , and therefore by the same meanes we must encrease the same . 1. Pet. 2. 1.

3 Submit we our selues therefore constantly to a powerfull ministry , whereby the graces we enioy , may still be stirred vp , and prouoked to vse , and knowledge may be increased to see our wants , and our wants may besupplied , by seeking still to be renued in Christ . And hereby trie we our selues , if euer we truely attained this heauenly riches , then surely wee shall not either fall to no ministerie , or to liuelesse and flattering meanes ( as the manner of hypocrites is ) but rather stil keepe our selues from securitie and Apostasie , by cleauing to a sound and conscionable ministerie . And lest hereby we deceiue our selues .

2 Therefore in the next place , Let vs labour that the word may come home , and dwell with vs in our families , and priuate waies , Coll. 3. 15. that it may be the guide of all our courses , and keeper of vs in a constant course of Godlines : not entertaining it by starts , or onely making it an Idol , when we come abroad : but informing our Iudgments dayly hereby , and reforming our liues also by this rule . And this is my intent in the Daily sacrifice .

3 And yet that these things may be so in vs , that they may abound , labour we thirdly , to reuiue our estate daily in Christ , by renued repentance , from whom onely we must deriue all our durable riches . 2. Pet. 1. 8. 9. Rom. 12. 12.

4 Yea that we indeed may thriue in all the graces of God , seeing that we are inriched in every part at the first in some measure : no facultie of the soule , but is in some measure renued , yea the members of the body made conformable to the will of God , Note . Rom. 6. therefore that we may grow in grace , and encrease this heauenvly stock , Let vs labour to come forward , in each part together , hauing that principall care of the greatest , that we neglect not the least as hauing respect to all Gods commandements , Psal. 119. 8 so maistering one sinne , that we giue no indulgence to any ; least the least thiese remaining , let in all the rest at pleasure : so labouring the inward man , as that we also bring forward the ou●ward , hauing our conuersation holy , as that which must trie our inward sinceritie : that so our whole nam , euen bodie , and soule , and spirit , may be kept blamelesse , vnto the day of Christ Iesus . 1. Thess. 5.

5 And to this end , because without the remainde● , we shall not be perfited : therefore , Hebr. 11. that wee may thriue our selues , let vs labour to bring on others with vs , watching ouer each other by an holy Iealou●ly , and gracious admonitions , yea as need shall require , sauing with feare plucking some out of the fire . Iud. 22. 22. Ezek. 32.

6 And seeing our blessed GOD alone , will perfect the worke , which he hath beg●n in vs , 2. Phil. 6. Ephes 6. therfore be we instant with him , in feruent prayer , that he would hasten his worke , and glorifie himselfe perfectly in vs , and though for temporal things we are to begge with condition , both in regard wee knowe neither what is fit , neither what measure is most conuenient for vs , yet concerning heauen'y blessings , wee are to coue● and desire the best graces . 1. Cor. 12. And therefore take we heede of entertaining such delusions in iudgment ▪ that we may be too holy , that such a measure will serue the turne . But rather resolue we , that we can neuer sufficiently be thankeful vnto our blessed God , for his mercies bestowed and prouided for vs , Psal. 16. yea acknowledge we that when we haue done all we can , we are but vnprofitable seruants . And therefore , howsoeuer we faile in practise , Luk. 17. 10. yet let vs stand sound in iudgement that God is worthie of the best , that though we condemne our selues , yet wee may iustifie our God , that he , may not iudge vs , according to our vnworthines .

8 And though we can not in practise , answere our purposes , yet let this be a meanes to continue our spirituall thrift , that here we giue not ouer practise at all , because we cannot attaine perfection herein ( as the manner of the A●hiest is ) neither stint our practise by any false rules , 1. of example , multitude , flesh and blood , our owne abilitie , custome , &c. ( as if because we cannot doe what we would , or should , therefore it is sufficient , ● to doe what we may : can flesh & blood doe more ? ● . Or to do as others doe , Z●cha . 3. would you haue vs like no body , monstrous person● ? 3. Nay would you haue vs hypocrites , taking more vpon vs then we can do ? ●or all this will proue no better then the plea of the hypocrite . But rather , let vs iustifie God , by endeuouring what we cannot doe , and let vs condemne our fayling in practise from the constancie of our purpose , proposing the best paterne , though we come short thereof : that it may appeare we hold by mercie , & not by any merite of our owne , and resoluing perfection , when we do but follow after it : that so the Lord may Crowne our constant resolutions , with such a measure of practise , which may in truth answere our desires , though in measure and extent , it still came short thereof .

Comforting our selues , Vse of Comfort . that howsoeuer in the worlds esteeme , we are accounted most base and beggerly , yea many times in our owne Carnall eye , appeare to be nothing , euen to haue lost all , yea also sometime in our spirituall discerning , see our selues farre from great riches , yet notwithstanding , in the acceptance of the Almightie , vouchsafing vs in Christ , and inuesting vs with his righteousnes , we haue right in all riches , and by the assistance of the spirit , haue so farre vse of them , as shall fit vs to fulnes of happines , in a better life : perswading our selues , that either we may misiudge ou● estate , esteeming it poore , when we are rich , through violence of tentation , or wa●t of spirituall Iudgement , which shall not be imputed vnto vs : or though wee discerne the truth , yet seeing we l●ue by faith , seeing a farre off vnto the recompence of the reward , therefore , if now in comparison of what we shall enioy , wee esteeme of what we haue alreadie not to be great riches . It is not because our estate is not rich indeed , but as a droppe is not discerned , being cast into the sea , so well may the sence of our present riches , be swallowed vp in the hope of that infinite sea of happines which is laid vp for vs .

And yet that we may not proue vnthankefull for what we haue receiued , here ● . let vs compare our present estate in grace , with what we were in nature . And by this it shall appeare , How we may d●…cerne ●●hat we haue attained great riches . we haue attained to great riches . 2. Let vs compare our selues with others that maske it in th●ir she shews , & we shall finde , that our grfts are gold in comparison of their drosse ; 〈◊〉 least the abuse of our graces may seeme to diminish the worth of them , 3. Let vs measure them by the free bountie of the giuer , and not by the weake hand of the receiuer : 4. Let vs consider them , not by the possession , but by the vse thereof : nay let vs not rest in the vse , which at the best is imperfect , but rather comfort our selues with the acceptance of our weldoing through Iesus Christ .

Let not the opinion of others preuaile to diminish our estate . Let not the suggestion of Sathan deceiue vs herein , But labour we to measure our riches by the truth of the word . And if euer we found any truth , Note . and power thereof , knowe wee for a certaintio , that the grace of God cannot be in vaine , once rich in Christ , and euer encreasing , though not sensible to flesh , yet iustifiable by faith : though not discerning at all times , the leading forward thereof , yet beleeuing the promise , that God will perfect his workes . And in the accomplishment thereof , will worke strangely , and by contraries , that he alone may haue the glory , bringing light out o● da●●nes , and turning all about to our good , which shall be discerned in the issue , though for the present we may be to seeke , that so we may liue by faith , and not by sense , giuing glory vnto our God , in hoping aboue hope . Yea though it may fall out , that we shal haue sometimes lesse riches then heretofore we haue had , Note . hauing leftour first loue , Euen when we haue le● our first loue . and so wanting that life , and power in holy duties , not feeling that confort in them , as heretofore we haue done , yet for al we may haue great riches , because we haue that which shall be sufficient to conduct vs to happines , yea happily more fitly , then the former measure , 1. seeing now we shall be more exercised in saith , by how much wee haue lesse feeling : 2. we shall now be more humbled in the sence of this decay , Note . & so be more purged of spirituall pride and hypocrisie , which might hinder our following hard after the marke : 3. by humilitie , we shal be more fitter for such communion with our blessed God , although it be not in the same manner as was needfull before , Note . to confirme vs in the truth and difficultie of a conuersion , against these troubles & contradictions which may cal in question the same . Yet now it shall be much more auayleable to further vs to perfection . Benefits of our decay . 1. As casting vs more entirely vpon the mercy of God in Christ Iesus , 2. weaning vs from the loue of the world , and 3. prouoking vs to groane and hunger after those durable comforts of a better life , seeing the best comforts here are so short and mutable : 4. And making vs more fearefull and watchfull to preserue and recouer what we may , that so we may be made meet for that glorious Inheritance .

Thus are the Saints endued with great riches , thus doe they manage and encrease the same : so the holie Ghost addeth , that He mak●th himselfe poore : the meaning whe●● of , is not , that either he de●ieth what God hath bestowed on him , or d●ss●mble●h it to be lesse then indeed it is , neither that he playes the ill Husband , and so diminisheth his estate , in effect , though yet his estate be subiect to decayes : B●t the blessed Spirit would herein commend vnto vs the good husbandrie of the Saints , who though they haue great riches , yet in wisedome They make themselues poore :

That is , because what they haue is given , ●easons . therefore they emptie themselues of all desert thereof ; And so ascribe their righteousnes to their maker . 1. Cor. 4. 7.

2 Because what they haue , is at the best im●erfect : therefore they abase themselues in hungring after a f●rther portion : ●hil. 3. and so in comparison of what is before , forget what is behinde : so reioycing in their present estate , as that they cannot measure Gods fauour simplie by it , and so are abased & impaired in themselues : so comforting themselues in the truth of grace , as that still they liue by faith hastning to perfection , so approuing themselues by the present worke , as that still they denie themselues , that they may be found in Christ , by whom the work must be led forward to perfection .

3 Because whatsoeuer we haue , we are most vnworthie of as of our selues , therefore though we are rich in God , yet are we poore in our selues , abasing our selues , and condemning our vnworthines , that we may be encreased in riches , by giuing the glory onely vnto our God , of all his free mercies , who will honour those that honor him .

4 Because , the least which we haue is subiect to most abuse ; The more grace , the more ●entations ; therefore also doth the child of God make himselfe poore , not onely fearing himselfe daily to preuent securitie , and so prepare for tentation : but also i●dging himselfe daily , by renued repentance , for giuing occasion to the tentation , and entertayning the same : and can he but make himselfe exceeding poore , when he considers how he yeelds to the tentation ? must hee not abase himselfe that he may aduance the free mercy of God that sanctifi●s the tentation , thogh it preuailes for a time , turning his very sinnes to good , all together furthe●ing his happines , hath he not cause here to mag●●fie the ●ree mercie of his God ? Doth he not make himselfe more poore , the more he aduanceth Gods mercie ?

5 Yea , hath he not cause to feare most , when he gets most ground of tentation ; when hee attaines greatest conquests , is partaker of most sweetest comforts , Saints most feare , when t●ey haue greatest graces . lest these comforts should proue occasions to the flesh , lest he might be puffed vp thereby , to robbe God of his glorie ? hath he not now most need to be in his owne eyes v●le ? hath he not now greatest cause to glorifie his God , and doth he not giue God most glorie in these his grea●●st deniall of himselfe ?

6 Seeing the Saints though they haue great riches , in regard of the new man , yet 2 stil they are exceeding , 3 poore in the olde , therefore seeing 4 the meanes to grow in the spirit , 5 is to decrease in the flesh : 6 Is it not then great wisedome to crucifie the Olde man , daily , and mortifie the deedes of the flesh , that so the newe man may growe to perfection ? Col. 3. 5. Rom. 8. 10. 11. 15.

7 And seeing it is the Lorde , that as hee giues the Blessing , so hee onely giues grace to vse it aright . And at the least we must no more abase the same , wee haue not abilitie at all to vse it aright , ought we not in this respect to make our selues poore , both acknowledging our sufficiencie to bee of God , ● . Cor. 2. and not of our selues : How to abase our selues in the gifts of God . Confessing that in vs , that is , in our flesh , dwelleth no good thing : Rom. 7. 2. Ascribing onely vnto the Lord the will and the deede . Phillip. 2.

Yea , especially condemning our selues , euen when wee haue done our best , that so wee may not be iudged of the Lord , Luk. 17. 10.

8 And seeing that though wee knowe nothing by our selues , yet heereby we are not iustified : Haue wee not cause heerein to make our selues poore ? still denying ourselues , that wee may be found in CHRIST , 1. Cor. 4. 4.

9 Ye● , especially , seeing we know not our owne heart , we may be deceiued in our estates , or deceiue our selues by the same , in resting ●oo much vpon the worth thereof , ought we not in this respect to abho●●e and ab●se our s●lues ? should not this make vs poore in our owne eyes , and Iealous ouer our selues , least we haue laid a wrong foundation , or built hay and stubble vpon the right ? Iob. 9. Ierem. 1. 10. 1. Cor. 3. 15. Math. 7.

1● And seeing , the best through securitie 〈◊〉 full fearefully , thogh not fi●ally , to the dishonor of God , The danger and measu●e of the fals of the Saints . and ●ounding of his owne conscience , to the reproach of his pro●●ssion : and stumbling of his 〈◊〉 brother , opening the mouthes of the wicked ▪ & grieuing the spirit of God , procuring hereby grieuous Iudgement to himselfe , and his posterity , ought not this much more to make vs feare , that we may depart from euill ? should we not in regard hereof , worke out our saluation with feare & trembling ? Phil. 2. 12. Is not he blessed , that thus feareth alwaies ? Pro. 28. being lowly in his owne eyes , and so submitting himselfe vnder the mightie hand of God ? 2. Sam. 12 Pro. 14.

11 And whereas our riches are daily to be scoured , lest they gather rust , and to be exercised with afflictions , The crosse how to be vndergoe . that they may be more purified : Is it not wisdome to vndergoe willingly , what necessarily will follow : Though we must not seeke the crosse desperately , yet must wee not take it vp , when it is offered ? Matth. 16. 22. Is it not here the best wisdom to be poore in our owne vnworthines , that so we may hereby be prepared to afflictions , that by this means , we may the better endure and conquere the same ?

12 Lastly , seeing Blessednes is promised to the poore in spirit , Math. 5. 8. not to him that is made poore outwardly , by crosses & afflictions , as to him , that through this outward abasing , is brought to a sight of his inward wants , and so in the sense thereof , humbles him●elfe vnder the mighty hand of his GOD , begging pardon for his sinne , and so confessing his pouertie , desirous to be found in CHRIST , and so renouncing his own righteousnes ;

13 And seeing the life of grace , is nothing else but daylie renued repentance , So much we truely liue , as Christ liues in vs . And he liues onely in vs when we die to sin , must we not make our selues poore ? yea , daily sacrifice our selues , by mor●ification of the flesh , that so wee may be daily reuiued by IESVS CHRIST ? Galat. 5. Rom. 6. 2. Cor. 5.

14 And though wee haue many excellent graces , yet seeing they are nothing in comparison of what wee shall haue ; ought wee not to make our selues poore in the conceit and confidence of all present good , that so we may still aspire to that eternall happines 1. Ioh. 3. 1. 2. P●il. 13.

15 To conclude this point , Is no corruption to be put off , that we may be cloathed with incorruption ? 1. Cor. ●5 . 2. Cor. 5. And are we not to sigh and groane , that we may he cloathed vpon ? Are we not to be poore in our owne eyes , because while we are presentin the body , we are absent from the Lord ? nay so long as we are in the body , we cannot please our God as we would , we grieue his spirit , offend his maiesti● : surely if we make not our selues poore in the sence hereof , we neuer yet had true riches , much lesse shall encrease them . 2. Cor 5. 1. 2. 3 4. 5. 6.

Doe we not daily encrease sinne , as wee multiplie our moments , and haue we not cause to be abased herein ?

Well thus you see there is great reason why Gods children should make themselues poore .

Shall we now consider the ground and manner how they doe abase themselues ? shall we discerne a little further the measure of this abasing ?

Surely for the ground of this their pouertie , 1. It is not forced from them by feare of vengeance , G●ound of spirituall pouertie . which they are freed from , but rather from an holy desire , to be auenged of themselues , for the abuse of Gods mercies , that so iudging themselues , they may not bee iudged of the Lord .

2. Neither dooth the feare , that God accepts not their persons , wring from them this emp●ying of themselues , because though they feele not this alwaies , yet by Faith they liue in the Sonne of God , and so aboue present feeling , either comfort them selues , with former ● assurance , or waite vpon the Lorde , in belieuing vnder hope aboue hope : but the ground of this abasing , Is an holy feare of our selues , least either wee may fall into such grosse euils , as may depriue vs of former confort , or may bee ●ainted with some spirituall wickednesse , of pride , vaine-glorie , when we stand and abound in comforts : that so robbing GOD of his glorie , wee may be stripped of further comforts .

3 Neither doth this abasing proceed frrom hypocrisie , that so wee might the rather be magnified of others : Although who shall hinder the light to breake out , and if we be approoued of men , shall not this tender to their further condemnation , that will not be like vnto vs ?

If we haue cause to make our selues poore , what little cause haue they to bragge of their beggery ? But we make our selues poore , to preuent hypocrisie , not hereby to denie what we are , but least we shuld assume what wee are not , or seeme to be better then we are : hereby we preuent slightnes and customarines in holy duties , which breeds hypocrisie : ●hereby we preuent pride ▪ the damme and nurse of hypocrisie : 3. hereby wee still yeeld vp our harts to the s●arching and view of the Al●●igh●ie , to cleere vs of hypoc●isi● : 4 hereby we renue our repentance daily , and so scoure off all tainture of hypocrisie .

4 Neither are they conuinced with the inward sence of their begg●rie , a●d so are forced to make themselues poore , as the hypocrite often is , denying his profession , being ashamed of his shewes , reiecting the meanes , &c. But they are conuinced ●ith the want of what they should haue . And therefore , though they haue great riches yet , seeing it is nothing to what they should haue , therefore they still emptie themselues of all confidence and conceit of sufficiencie , which the hypocrite flatters himselfe in , that so still they may be prepared to receiue further riches . And to this end they are further conuinced with many wants in the vse of present graces : And so are daily prouoked to denie themselues , that they may be found in Christ Iesus , and in him grow to perfection : yea they are further conuinced with the rebellions and continuall oppositions of the old man : And so haue cause to make themselues poore , Note . considering what they haue bene , yet considering what the least relicke of corruption might do , if the Lord should looke vpon vs in iudgement , euen to infatuate all present grace , and depriue vs of all hope of further measure , this is the meanes to make them abase themselues , that so still they may flie into the bosome of Gods mercie .

These are the grounds of this heauenly wisdome , that the Child of God , makes himselfe poore .

By which we may trie the truth of Grace in vs , and also bee led forwa●d to perfection .

To this end consider we further the manner how the Saints make themselues poore , by what meanes they abase themselues , what is the practise of this heauenly wisedome .

Surely the Lord that ordaines the end fitteth also the meanes , sutable thereunto . And therefore the manner of this practise is holy and warrantable .

Though they are said to make themselues poore , yet this is not to exclude the grace of God , by which onely they doe all good , but rather to exclude conction , and all by respects , which might moue them hereunto : and indeed to implie , that freely and comfortably they make themselues poore , In great wisedome and equi●ie are moued thereunto : according to the manifold reasons & grounds laid downe before .

That this may the better appeare , obserue we the manner ? Can they auoid the presence , ●ow the ●aints make ●●emselues ●oore . of the Almightie ? And doe they not abase themselues in his glorious presence ? Do they not bring their hearts to be searched by him ? do they not submit themselues in all things to his blessed wil ? do they not feare to offend him , care to please him in all things , grieue because they haue displeased him , yea because they cannot please him as they would ; striue to approue themselues in all things vnto his blessed maiestie .

And in all these abase them selues , making themselues poore , in , and by the practise of all these .

2 Can they doe any thing without the grace of Christ lesus ? And do they not abase themselues , by denying their owne righteousnes , neither resting in the measure , nor approuing the perfection hereof , nor iustisying themselues thereby , that so they may still hunger after the righteousnes of Christ Iesus ? do they not make themselues poore by labouring still to be couered with the righteousnes of Christ , by ascribing the worke of saluation meerely to Gods mercy through him ; by giuing God onely all the glorie of his truth and faithfulnes ?

3 And can they seeke vnto Christ , vntill they be lost in themselues , And therfore doe they not make themselues poore , by often meditation of their first estate in nature , Discerning ●nd 〈◊〉 ●●●ure . yea considering euen what hinderance , the very relicques of corruption proue to weld●ing of themselues , how ( if God should giue way ) they might wholy abolish grace , doe they not make themselues poore , in the serious discerning and casting off this bodie of sinne that remaineth in them , Humble● in greatest pre●ent●g●ace . and hangeth so fast vpon them .

4 Lastly , seeing our life is hid with Christ in God , we know not what we shall be , we haue nothing in comparison of what remaynes , to be enioyed , doe not the Saints therfore make themselues poore , By reiecting ●r not resting in sense . either in reiecting carnall sence , or not resting in spirituall sence , of any present good , doe they not abase themselues by learning to liue by faith , still out of themselues , so vsing present grace , Liuing by faith abon● feeling . as that still they are abased in it , in regard of what , is before them : 1. Ioh. 3. 1. Col. 3.

And seeing afflictions are the meanes to trie and perfect grace : Doe not the Saints make themselues poore , in taking vp the crosse daily , following such a measure of holines , which the world hates , & so necessarily persecutes while power is in it hand : keeping that straight way , Vnde● go●ing 〈◊〉 . which lies full of crosses , that so on s . they may be tried and fitted to perfection .

Behold here the manner how the Saints abase themselues .

And let this teach vs to entertaine this practise : Let it comfort vs against the contradictions and imputations of the world , which either would hinder , or chaelenge the same .

To this end consider we in the last place the measure of this abasing . How farre he saints ●o abase ●hemselues . 1. How farre the Saints doe impouerish themselues . As first

1 In their greatest abasing , they onely confound and subdue the flesh , to which they are not debters : As for the spirit and inward man , that is hereby cased , and much more aduanced to libertie of weldoing , and comfort therein , by how much the more , flesh and blood is not consulted with , nor honoured in the same : 2. Gala. 25. Now the hypocrites abasing , is to satisfie the flesh : 2. Coll. 23. Gal. and to the abasing and so renouncing by degrees of all spirituall duties , and graces : Math. 25. Iob. 21 . 15.

2 The greatest abasings of Gods children , whether they be outward in the bodie , or inward their spirits , serue to the aduancing of God , and onely the humbling and denying of themselues , if they are afflicted , neuer so gri●uously , they iustifie God , and iudge themselues ; 2. If they are wounded in cons●ience : they complaine off , their want of faith , to lay hold of comfort ; and not of Gods faithfulnes in supporting without comfort , Iob. 13. 15. If they dispaire , it is onely in themselues , and of themselues , they dare not though the Lord should kill them but trust in him , they cannot dispaire of God , Ps. 37. Note . seeing his hand is put vnder , in their greatest faintings hee answeres them not according to their infidelitie , and therfore , hee is in mercie with them .

If they condemne their vnworthines , they onely condemne themselues herein , 1. because they abuse Gods blessings , not because they were not worth the rec●iuing ; 2. because they cannot discerne any reason as of themselues , why God should be so good vnto them , not because they see no reason in God , that he shall loue , Note . where he pleaseth , and keepe his promise , where once he hath loued : Ioh. 15. 3. because through want of faith they cannot see their worthines in Christ , not because the worthines of Christ , doth not belong vnto them .

3 And though the Saints , doe so farre abase themselues , that the more seruice they doe vnto God , the more they see their faylings : And therefore are yet more vile in their owne eyes , because hereby they see themselues more vnworthie worthie to doe God any seruice ; Yet are they not hereby distracted in their obedience , or deiected from further performance thereof : they doe not now remit their zeale , and abate their courage in weldoing ( as the hypocrite doth ) but rather the more they see their ●aylings , the more are their desires enflamed , ●ote and resolutions confirmed , that they had need to be more diligent , and constant in weldoing , though they finde little comfort in the Action , yet still in obedience to Gods commandement , they will doe good while they may : liuing by faith , insteed of comfort , and wayting with patience the crowning of the worke , Gal. 6. Ioh. 12. And will not the glorious Lorde returne vnto ▪ them at the length , shal not they that humble themselues be exalted ? Yea surely :

4 There is not the lowest measure of humiliation the child of God shal bring himselfe vnto , but as the Lordes hand is lower , to holde him vp from further sinking : So Iesus Christ his head , being exalted , Psal. 37. will also reach his hand in time , to raise him vp againe , Ioh 8 32.

Yea , euen this worke of humiliation is a great aduancement , 1. As hereby getting conquest of pride , Benefites of abasing securitie , & hardnes of heart ? 2. What sinne is there , which is not crushed by this meanes ? 3. what grace is it , that is not tried heereby ? 4. what vertue which hath not in this worke receiued some enerease : & can such conquests want their triumphs , Rom. 8 . shal not such trialls yeeld ioy vnspeakable & glorious ? can encrease of grace bee without sound comfort , 1. Pet. As for the hipocrite , State of the Hypocr●te in affliction . it is not so with him , if he be outwardly afflicted , hee is vsually driuen to dispaire : if he dispaire , he renounceth mercie : if he be wounded in spirit , he cannot ●ndure it : if he see his vnworthines , it is rather because God bath not giuen him better , And that Outward . then thst hee hath not deserued it , he rather accounts God beholding vnto him , for the receiuing the blessing , then himselfe beholding vnto GOD , for the abuse thereof : as for the righteousnes of Christ , well may hee make an Idole of it to cloake his hypocrisie , either he thinks he hath no neede of it , or if hee haue it for complement , that s all hee seekes .

But if the Lorde once begins to reckon with him , and to call vpon him , though it be in the coole of the day , reviuing his dead conscience : and quailing his carnall conforts : by arresting him with some sharpe and suddain seourge : How dooth the hope of the hypocrite perish in a moment ? Inward . If carnall wisdome and naturall courage will not serue , to bite in the affliction , or ouermatch the same , but that out it must , and our counterfeit must come downe : doth not he fall into mischief ? pro. 24 neuer rising againe , will not all his carnall helpe further to keepe him downe ? yea , to en●rease his torment , & so to begin his hell , euen in this life , can hee expect deliuerance , that makes a mock of Christ ? Heb. 6. 5. 6. can he haue comfort , that refuseth triall ? can he rise again , that casts away his confidence , yea , is confounded therein ?

Well , thus we see , the measure of the Saints humiliation , how farre they make themselues poore , that they may encrease their estate ; wee see herein how they differ from the Hypocrite . What doe we learne hence ?

1. Surely , to trie our selues , by this measure of humiliation , whither wee haue receiued grace of God in vaine , by examining our selues in the former degrees :

And for Conclusion , Vse . seeing it is the practise of the Saints , thus to abase themselues , How to make ourselues truely poore in spirit . let vs take heede of presuming aboue that which is meet . Let vs auoyde the meanes , which may flatter vs in our estates : either keeping vs in the ignorance thereof , that wee may not attaine to the true Riches : or dazeling vs , with the knowledge thereof , being rich , to hinder our encrease .

To this end , auoyd we ignorance of the measure of our riches , and labour we still to cast vp our iust account daily by our Vse , and acceptance of well dooing : For so rich iust we are , as we are accepted .

2 Take we heed of flatterie and ▪ daubing whereby wee are prouoked to esteeme our case , better then it is , and so neuer labour to be abased in our selues : and submit we ●o a powerfull and conscionable ministery .

3 Auoid we multitude of worldly busines , & seeking after great matters , and learn we contentment , in the meanest estate , and this shall prepare vs to abase our selues in our spirituall condition .

4 Meditate wee often vpon the failings of the Saints , and such abasings of themselues , which proceed● therevpon : and if wee come short of their graces , let vs consider that we haue neede to be abased .

5 Consider we the pollicie of Satan , which will not sticke , if he cannot tickle vs with pride , and lull vs in securitie , at least to deiect vs with the conscience of our vnworthinesse , and insuffi●iencie of Gods Blessings , 1. Because others haue more , 2. Or they are giuen not for good , Note . because we cannot but in some measure abuse them . 3 Or they are decayed , and therefore not entending our perfection , 4. Or they are common and ordinarie : and ther●ore not to be regarded : To preuent this abasing , had had we not need to make ou● our selu●s poore ? to see our vnworthines of the least , and therefore to blesse GOD for any : to see the sufficiencie of what we haue aboue our desart , that so we may giue God glorie , that makes what we haue to serue the turne : to be so abased in our decay , that still we are contented to abase our selues further , in giuing vnto our GOD the glorie of his faithfulnes , that he will recouer & satisfie vs againe : to be so abased in our abuse , that yet we can be more abased , in renouncing our owne righteousnes , because we are corrupt ; and yet the more ab●sed , in giuing the Lord the onely glorie of all his free mercies , by resting alone vpon CHRIST , for the acceptance of well doing : Thus must we abase our selues , to preuent satans abasing .

6. Lastly , let vs consider , that if wee make not our selues poore , to preuent securiritie and vnthankfulnes , Our God will abase vs , and that many wayes , 1 both denying comfort of his graces : Yea , 2 Taking them from vs , How God abaseth his children , and why . yea , leauing vs to reproachefull and grosse offences : yea , yeelding vs to the smiting of a wounded spivite , and shal we not then preserue peace of conscience , by abasing our selues ? shall wee not preuent the reproach of our profession ? Comfort in the practise of this . shal we not preserue the comfortable vse of Gods blessings ? yea , shall wee not take down the pride of our harts , that the graces of God may not be taken from vs ?

Well , let these motiues serue to prouoke vs to this holie wisedome , comforting our selues , that we can neuer be losers at Gods hands , if he winne glory by our abasing of our selues :

2 Nay the more we loose , in conceite of Gods blessings , the more we shall gaine in the vse of them , the more we shall reape c●mfort by them .

And therefore , in the feare of God , let vs set vpon the practise of this dutie : And the Lord giue vs vnderstanding in all things , and accomplish his owne worke which he hath begun in vs , euen for his blessed sonne Christ Iesus his sake our onely Lord , and ●all sufficient Sauiour . To whose glorious Maiestie with God Almightie the father of all spirits , and God the holy Ghost , the guide and comforter of the Elect. Three persons in Trinitie ▪ ou● God in Vnitie , Mig●● , and Ma●estie ▪ As we acknowledge to be due , so from the ground of our hearts we desire to be giuen . All glorie power dominion might , maiestie , thanksgiuing , and entire obedience of vs and all the Churches from this time forth , and for euer more Amen .

Conclusion to to the Reader .

THus hast thou ( Christian Reader , ) a briefe of such Meditations which it hath pleased my good God to impart vnto mee , concerning the Estates of the Hypocrite and syncere Christian , as also of their seuerall wisdomes , in Husbanding their Estates : My harts desire is , that thou wouldest laye these thinges close into thy heart : neither stumbling at the want of complement , which my leisure and weaknes , yea indeede the matter it sesfe , would not afford , or at such obscuritie , which partly the briefe handling , but especially the matter being experimentall , may giue occasion vnto : But in the name of God , Iudge wisely of my drift heerein . And labour with thy God in prayer , that thou maist s●und the depth thereof . And seeing thou wilt hardly plough without my hayfare , therefore let this experience be a meanes to prouoke thee to discerne thine estate : And so buy thou in the teare of God , that spirifuall eyesalue , Reuel. 3. 18. 19. o● thy Sauiour Tesus Christ , labouring to be found in him , not hauing thine owne righteousnes ; That so being pertaker of his spirit , 2. Cor. 2. thou maiest be able to discernt all things , comparing spirituall things with spirituall things . And so being able ther by to trie all things , 〈◊〉 Thes. 5. thou maiest hold that which is good that it may hold thee for euer . Certainely , if euer Times had need of direction , and resolution ; these are they : wherein because we will not obey the truth , ● . Thess. ●2 . it is ●ust with God to giue vs vp to strong delusions to beleeue lies . In so much that if it were possible , Math. 24. the very elect might be seduced , I would it were not more then manifest , that euen the most are growne cold and carelesse , of what they should , i● not staggering in their Iudgements , yet vnstable in that practise readie to embrace this present world , but that the world flies from them . Blessed be our God , who knowes what s best for vs : how gladly would we serue God and Mammon too , how willingly would we haue our heauen here , and yet not forgoe our right thereof in another life . But our GOD will not endure our halting , he confound● our confidence , in exceeding mercy . And happie is he that can prepare his soule to afflictions . Certainely , if we will not trie our selues , the Lord will take vs further in hand : haue we not had enough alreadie for the iniquitie of Baal peor , for our sparing of B●nhadad , and enduring the viper in our bosoms , that poysons our people daily , and stings them to death , but that Ham●n must be further aduanced , and poore Mordekay humbled . Hath not the spanish Inuasion , yet scholed vs to haue no fellowship with Gods open enemies , hath not the powder Treasons taught vs , what to expect of secret Enemies .

The Lord make vs wise , to see the plague , and hide our selues . Hath not the Lord fought against vs , with all the Elements ? hath not the Infections ayre brought vpon the land euen A seuen yeeres pestilence , raging & scowring our most secure and eminent places , euen round about . And hath this Iudgement yet brought vs to see the plague of Atheisme and Securitie , the plague of Hypocrisie and Pr●phanenesse , that is in our harts , and spreades it selfe as a leaprosie ouer all the quarters of the Land ? Haue not the fearefull Earthquakes , so often of late renued , in our most lof●tie palaces signified plainely vnto vs , that the Land is wearie of her burthen , and doth threaten to spew vs out ? doe they not forewarne , to tremble and stand in awe of the Maiest●e of our God , and obey his Prophets , lest being pertakers of the gainsayings of Core , our mother earth at length shall swallow vs vp , and so in the middest of our securitie , we shal sinke downe into Hell ? can we forget how the Lord hath pleaded his controuersie , further against vs ? Nay doe we not see how still this controuersie is renued , euen by most strange and fearefull fires , arresting , not onely our solitarie corners● , and obscure Villages , as if the poore igno●ant people were the greatest sinners , but ●easing vpon our most popoelous Cities , and best affected places , thereby conuincing their coldnes , and deadnes in religion : And that , ( as it hath bene obserued ; ) vsually vpon the Sabbath dayes : meeting therin with the raigning sinne of the time ( the prophanation of the Sabaoth . ) And confounding herein the pride of our holy mountaine , as causing hereby the Sabaoth to become the day of greatest distraction , & busines which ought to be the day of holy rest : to be the day of greatest griefe , and astonishment , which should be a day of ioy and thankesgiuings vnto our God ? And hath not the hand of the Lord bene yet further stretched out ? hath he not conuinced our coldnes in religion , by that cold Element of the water , haue not the mightie waues pleaded the Lords controuersie against vs , breaking their ac●ustomed bounds ? and taking away the pray ; and none could deliuer , convincing herein our daily rebellions that will not be kept within the bands of obedience , either to God or man ▪ Is not the hypocrite like the raging of the sea , foaming out his owne shame ? Esay , 48. hath not the proud waues convinced the hypocrite , hath hee not vomited out his own shame , in seking his glorie , hath he not cast vp myre and dirt , while he iustifies the wicked , which are of his owne humour , hath he not condemned the gouernment , and resisted Moses and Aaron , And so in seeking to amend others hath confounded himselfe . And is not the hand of the Lord stretched out still , The first borne . hath he not confounded our carnall confidence in taking away the first borne , euen the hope of our happinesse , that so at length , out Eyes might be towards him alone .

Hath he not sent A spirit● of diuision among vs ? euen Ephraim against Manasses , and Manasses against Ephraim , Isa. 9 . and both against Iuda ? the Papist against all sectarie , and both against the true Israelite , Inward diuision . the wise and sober protestant , that seekes after peace , in truth & holines : Well , who so is wise , let him vnderstand these things : Let him know , that as the Lord hath seuen plagues more ; Leuit. 2● . Yea , a consumption decreed , euen to sweep vs away ; Isay , 18. So also his hand is not so shortned , that he cannot saue . Blessed bee our God for the experience of his greate Saluation : hath hee not preserued our Annoynted often from the snares of the hunter , and from the noysome pestilence ? Hath hee not giuen him an heart to begin , & go forward in the most glorious worke of detecting Antichrist , and demolishing his kingdome : And will hee not gratiously preserue him to accomplish that worke ? Hath hee not supplied our former losse in som gratious mesure , by that happie Marriage ? Hath hee not left vs an hopefull Prince , for the continuance of the Gospell ? Hath he not recompenced vs the yeares that the pestilence hath consumed : Ioel. 2. And if we belieue , shall we not see greater things then these ?

The Lord make vs wise , to be thankfull for what we haue ; Surely , as the least we haue is mor●● then we deserue : Math. 2 ▪ 5 so if we be faithfull in a little , the Lord will encrease vs : and if we First seeke the best things , all these things shall be cast vpon vs . Matth. 6 ▪ 33. Labour therefore in the feare of GOD , as we haue receiued CHRIST , so to walke in him : Haue wee not receiued him in Truth ? Is he not daily crucified vnto vs in the Conscionable Preaching of the word ? and liuely administration of the Sacraments ? Coll. 2. 5. And shall wee yet crucifie him againe by our vnnaturall contentions , shall we crucifie him againe , by our tearing and deuouring one another : Blessed be God , euen the Father of our Lord Iesus , G Iesus Christ , that experience and wisdom hath wel cooled our vnnaturall heate , and kindeled it more kindly against the common Aduersarie . And shall not the patient abiding of the righ teous be ioy ? shal not the meek and quiet spirite possesse the Land , when the turbulent Sectary shall spue himselfe out ? shal wee not be thankfull for the Truth , though wee are farre from perfection ? And if we cannot amend all , shall wee not therefore labour more carefully euery man to mend One. The Lord giue vs wisedome to walke vprightly , in these Euill times ; that wee may neither Wound where we should heale , nor heale where we should wound , Ezech. 13. Labouring wisely to heale what we haue rashly wounded : and to wound more deeply , what in carnall wisdome we would cure . That so , sound peace may redound to our Church , and comfort to our soules : Is it not more then time , now to couer the nakednes of our mother , whom we haue vnnaturally stripped , both of credit and maintenance , reproching her as an harlot & so worthy to be dispoiled ? might we not doe well to recouer her credit , by discouering our owne nakednes ? Our ignorance in speaking euil of the things we know not , or haue not bene able to discerne , our pride in censuring what wee haue no calling to amend , our curiositie , in seeking a knot in a rush , our Hypocrisie , in stumbling at strawes and leaping ouer blockes , our vnthankefulnes in not acknowledging the good things we enioy , our vnprofitablenes in neglecting our necessary callings vnder pretence of scanning and iudg●ng of the callings of others .

What should I say ? haue wee bene free from malice and birternes in our censuring and deprauings , condemning callings for personall abuses , & exasperating the Magistrate by our presumtuous importunitie and insolent calumniations , hath not our inconstancie & differences discouered apparantly the matter of our Building ? hath it not brought distraction and confusion to our selues , and others ? hath not our carnalnes and couetousnes in the manner of our building , each seeking to build vp himselfe with the ruines of his mother , and yet vnder pretence to repaire the same ? Hath not this discouered the plague in our hearts while we haue sought to remoue the plague in our Churches .

And is not the Lord exceeding mercifull thus to bring to passe , that we haue wisely discouered our owne soares , while we haue vnwisely labored to launce the diseases of our mother , that so we might be either forced to seeke helpe for our selues , & so hereby giue some rest vnto the Church of God , or else by purging out , & healing our particular euils , we may by this ●canes the better further the healing of the whole bodie when euery member shall labour it own soundnes . Surely if I faile not in my skill , this will be the best way to procure peace abroad , is to maintain warre at home . If each could discerne how much he had to doe heere , he should rather craue the helpe of the Church for his priuate cure , then to vndertake a publike cure which doth not concerne him .

The Lord open our eyes that we may see our owne nakednes , that so finding how bad we are , we may esteeme of other better then ourselues , especially whom the Lord hath in mercie set ouer vs : that wee may giue vnto Cesar the things that are Cesars euen al holy conceipt , reuerent behauiour , & all harty obedience , to what is commanded in the Lord , and all patient subiection to what is inflicted by him , we would rather lease our liues then lease our obedience , rather haue no peace at all then not seeke the publicke peace . Oh let vs pray for the peace of ●erusalem , let vs denie our owne wisedome that we may be wise to sobrietie , bearing with euill men , patiently expecting their saluation , and imploying our selues faithfully in the good things we may enioy , that the constant keeping vp of the Arke , may be the ouerthrow of Dagon euen of euery thing that the hand of the Lord hath not planted : surely if my poore helpe may further herevnto : As I haue to this end lent thee ( deare Christian ) heretofore some light , and doe now tender thee , to this purpose , this touchstone :

So , as the Lorde shall giue health , and wisdome , as thou shalt digest this , thou mayest shortly haue more . Onely I stay til some vnnaturall heate be past ouer , that Affecti●n being purged of carnall respects ; The truth may be tendered vnto thee with more sincerity , and receiued , with more profite . And so I commend thee to the word of Gods grace : submitting my selfe thereby to be iudged of thee , desiring thee especially , to iudge thy selfe thereby : that so thou mayest truly discerne of thine Estate . And labour to keep thy selfe vnspo●ted of this presen● world : That so thou mayest bee presented blamelesse , at the day of Christ Iesus : To whose blessed protection . I do vnfainedly commend thee ; And , In whom I rest .

Thine in the best bonds ; Tho: Cooper .

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