A godly & fruitful exposition upon all the First epistle of Peter by that pious and eminent preacher of the word of God, John Rogers.

A Godly and Fruitful EXPOSITION ON THE FIRST EPISTLE OF St. PETER .

THe general scope and intent of this Epistle , The general scope of this Epistle . is , To confirm those Christian Jews whom he had procured to the Faith by his Ministery , that they might persevere in the same to the end , notwithstanding any troubles they should meet with for the same .

More particularly he layeth before them , The particular scope . The wonderful riches of Gods mercies vouchsafed them in Christ Jesus by his Death and Resurrection , whereby they were recovered out of their woful estate by sin , and brought to an happy and blessed condition , even Salvation through him . Hereunto he exhorteth them constantly to cleave , and not to suffer themselves to be withdrawn therefrom by any means ; as also ▪ that they would walk worthy so great mercy in an holy life and conversation ; both in the general duties of Christianity , and the particular duties of their special Callings ; and that they would so do , notwithstanding any troubles they should meet withal for the same .

The parts of this Epistle are two ; The several parts thereof , and matter contained therein . 1. The Preface , in the first two Verses of the first Chapter . 2. The Substance of the Epistle , in the following Verses and Chapters to the end . This containeth Doctrine and Exhortation : Doctrine , from the Third Verse of the first Chapter unto the Thirteenth of the same : Exhortations in all the rest of the Chapters and Verses ; and they be of two kindes : 1. Unto general Duties belonging unto all Christians . 2. Unto special , to several sorts of men and women , according to their special Callings .

CHAP. I.

Verse 1. Peter , an Apostle of Jesus Christ , to the Strangers scattered throughout Pontus , Galatia , Cappadocia , Asia and Bythinia . Ver. 2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father , through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience , and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ : Grace unto you and Peace be multiplied .

THese verses contain the Preface , The sum and parts of the Preface . in which two things ; 1. An Inscription . 2. The Salutation . In the former we have a description , 1. Of the person writing , and that both by his Name , Peter , and by his Office , An Apostle of Jesus Christ . 2. Of the parties to whom he doth write , and that both by their outward state to the World-ward , viz. Strangers scattered up and down in strange Countreys , namely , Pontus , Galatia , Cappadocia , Asia and Bythinia ; and by their estate to God-ward , viz. Parties belonging to salvation , which he sets forth by the causes thereof and degrees , namely , 1. Their Election . 2. Sanctification . 3. Redemption by the obedience of Christ Jesus , which shewed it self in his shedding his blood for them . In the latter , a brief but pithy Prayer to God for his favor , as the fountain from whence all happiness was to be bestowed , yea multiplied upon them .

Peter ] Three Names are given unto this our Apostle in Scripture : The several Names of this our Apostle . 1. Simeon of Simon , that he had at his Circumcision . 2. Cephas , by interpretation a Stone , Acts 15. 14. which our Saviour Christ gave him at his calling , thereby signifying what he meant to do for him , Iohn 1. 42. namely , to make him a stout defender of the Faith , on the behalf whereof ( though he was born of Parents of small note ) he proved one of notable courage : This is in the Chaldee or Syriack tongue . 3. Peter , which in Greek is all one with the former , 2 Pet. 1. 1. so that these two Names were in effect but one : In his second Epistle he names himself Simon Peter .

Here learn ,

1. Christs kindeness to Peter , in giving him a Name to assure him of some grace which he would bestow upon him : Though we cannot do so , What Names Parents are to give to their Children . yet it behoves us to give our Children such names as may edifie them , and put them in minde of some good thing ; either to imitate some good man or woman whose Name they bear , or else to follow some good that the Name puts them in minde of .

2. In that he puts his Name to his Epistle , he shews his godliness and innocency , Such as set forth Books ought to set their Names thereto . which makes him bold , for Truth may be blamed , but cannot be shamed : Contrary to many Hereticks , and false Apostles and Teachers , the Devils disciples , which pen Books stuffed with Errors , either under the Names of the Apostles , that so they may the sooner beguile and get credit to their Lyes ; or else without Names , lest being found out by their Names , they should suffer , and be brought to punishment for their Errors ; or their infamous Names being seen in the forefront of their Book , should cause any judicious and honest Reader with indignation to cast it away . The Apostle , I say , contrariwise having the sound and holy Oracles of God from Heaven to deliver unto them , puts to his Name . There are many worthy Works , Why some worthy men have not done thus . I confess , which have no Names put to them ( those especially which were written in the times of Persecution ) whereof the Authors , howsoever desirous to spread the Truth of God hated and persecuted , hereby notwithstanding shunned the hands of cruel tyrants . This is not for any fault in the matter , but only avoiding danger in speaking of the truth . This is no disgrace to them , but to their times , and their enemies ; for men need not cast themselves into peril till God call them .

This condemns the vile practice of the wicked , Use. which hide themselves in the dark , and in corners , lewdness not abiding the light : We must do nothing , but that we dare put our hands to it , and our Names . We must do as the Angel did that rolled away the stone , and sate upon it when he had done , as if he should have said , Let me see who will control that which I have done . We must do so , as we may bid our Adversary write a Book against us for any gross or unlawful thing we have done and stand in . Alas ! what a folly is this , you flee mens eyes , but can you flee the eyes of the Almighty ? And if you cannot abide mens censure , how shall you be able to stand before the Judgement seat of Almighty God , who is a consuming fire ?

An Apostle of Jesus Christ ] The word is general , Wherein the Apostles differed from all other Ministers and signifieth one sent ; but here ( as elswhere often ) it is taken specially for one , and the principal sort of Ministers , differing from all others in these particulars : 1. They were immediately called by Christ own mouth , and sent abroad : Many were called by him for Disciples , and out of those he chose his Twelve Apostles . 2. They had a larger measure of the Spirit then others , so that they could not erre in their writings . 3. They had also a larger Commission , Mat. 28. 19. Go ye ( saith our Savior ) and Teach all Nations : They were to preach to all the world ; but this Calling is ceased . This notwithstanding it hath communion with all other sorts of Ministers that they were called and sent : No man ( saith the Apostle ) takes this honor to him , Heb. 5. 4. but he that is called of God , as was Aaron ; and so were also the Prophets .

There are two things required in a Minister : Two things required in a Minister . 1. That he be lawfully called : and 2. That being in , he discharge his duty faithfully .

Touching a Ministers Calling , He must have an inward calling : and it must be both inward and outward : 1. He must have an inward Calling from God ; which appears 1. By an aptness and competency of Gifts to teach and edifie the Church of God . 2. By a willing minde to employ the same , seeking not his own advantage and ease , but the glory of God : This makes the Minister . As when God calls a King , he gives him the heart of a King : So if he appoint a man to be a father of Souls , he fits him for it . An outward . 2. He must have an outward Calling from the Church and those that are in place to alow and disalow Ministers , whose approbation they must have , which is not to make them , but to approve of them for their further comfort , that they may more boldly go forward .

The Brownists call us Bishops-Ministers , Use. because they call us to this Office , but they do but alow and approve whom God hath made .

Both must necessarily concur , the one go along with the other : He that wants the inward , though he have the outward , is not a true Minister of God ( yet his actions are not to be esteemed nullities and void ) and he that in ordinary times having the inward wants the outward , Perk. Treatise of Callings . goes not to work humbly as he ought .

Well did Peter declare himself an Apostle , one sent from God , a Messenger , who was to deal faithfully in his Message ; For he publisheth not here his own Inventions , Poets Fables , Heathen Stories , Philosophers Conceits , 1 Pet. 4. 11. or mens Devices and Opinions , but the holy Oracles of God from Heaven . So must every Minister of God speak as the words of God ; What is the Chaff to the Wheat , either ones Opinion to establish anothers Conscience ?

But why doth he call himself by this great Name of his Office , and put this high stile before his Epistle ? Why he nameth his Apostleship . Not for vain ostentation , or for his own sake , but for the peoples good , even to procure with them the more authority to that which he was to write ; for who should dare to refuse that which comes from the Lord Jesus , the eternal Son of God , the Light of the world , the Savior and Judge thereof ? Nay , who should not with all high reverence submit himself thereunto ? So did the Prophets begin , The word of the Lord , Thus saith the Lord , whereby they set their peoples faith on work to look to God , and not to men .

Hence let the Ministers of God learn to procure what credit and authority to their Ministery they can , Use. signifying often , that it is Gods will , thereby drawing their peoples mindes upward from the instrument . They must deliver such soundness of Doctrine , as may be food it self , not froth , which accordingly they must deliver in a grave and religious maner ; adding thereunto , as Prayer , so also a godly life , and all little enough , considering the prophaneness of our hearts , that so little regard what we hear , yea hear without preparation or reverence , being of us no sooner gone then forgotten .

But how dares he call himself an Apostle , Q. that had deserved by his most shameful threefold denial of his Master , to be utterly discarded of his Office ; and utterly cast away for ever ?

By the grace of God he doth this , A. by Faith apprehending the mercy of God towards him ; and he doth it to publish his grace and favor , who had upon his true Humiliation and Repentance not only forgiven his sin , and received him to mercy , but restored him to his Office again . Mark 16. 7. Go your way ( said the Angel unto the Women ) tell his Disciples , and Peter , that he goeth before you into Galilee : And afterward our Savior by a threefold Commission restored him to his Office , Iohn 21. 15 , 16 , 17. from which by his threefold Denial he had shut himself .

Hence note , That

Repentance will wipe away our sins , Repentance wipeth away our sins . and make them as if they had never been , Joel 2. 12 , 13 , 14. Mic. 7. 18 , 19. 1 Joh. 1. 9. which

1. Shews Gods unspeakable mercy towards penitent Sinners . Use 1.

2. Is a matter of endless comfort to us , Use 2. which through our corruption fail and sin daily . As verily as we be unfeignedly humbled with desire of forgiveness , and not to sin , so verily may we believe our selves pardoned ; Mat. 6. 12. for which accordingly we are enjoyned daily to pray ; yea if we have been overtaken more foully for want of watchfulness , yet let us not despair as Cain , or run from God as Judas , which is worst of all , but address our selves to come with a heavy and bleeding heart to God , 2 Sam. 12. 13. with whom there is mercy . David having confessed his sin , Nathan said unto him , The Lord also hath put away thy sin , 1 Ioh. 2. 2. thou shalt not dye . Unto every penitent soul his Son will be a propitiation for their sins . Luke 15. 20. As the prodigal was embraced of his father , so will our heavenly father receive us , if we return unto him .

3. May be a most effectual means to humble such as have run on in their sins , Use 3. without humiliation , that at the length they may take this course ; Ier. 3. 22. Return ye backsliding Children ( saith the Lord ) and I will heal your backslidings : See to this purpose Hos. 14. 1 , 2.

Oh , Ob. but I have been thus and thus bad , will some say .

No matter what thou hast been , Sol. so now thou with thy whole heart turnest to God , and neither art now , nor hereafter intendest to be as heretofore . Time past shall not be remembred .

Oh , Ob. but I have committed many great sins .

It 's not that shall stand between God and thee , Sol. if thou be truly humbled , Gods mercy and the merit of Christ is as well able to take away and heal great as small offences . Ezra 9. 6. Though our Iniquities be encreased over our heads , and our Trespass grown up unto the Heavens , yet if with Ezra we be truly humbled , ibid. 10. 2. there 's assured hope of pardon .

To the Strangers , &c. ] Though haply there might be some Gentiles amongst these , yet it is more probable that they were most Jews , which were principally his charge , Gal. 2. 7. as the Gentiles the Apostle Pauls .

They are called Strangers , Why called Strangers . not as all Christians be , while they be here on Earth , Psal. 119. 19. absent from their heavenly Countrey and Inheritance ( for so are we Strangers in our own Countrey , Towns and Houses ) but Strangers , as being in a strange Countery , forced by persecution to leave their own and fly into another , which might be either through the Wars and Troubles which were raised in their own Countrey , or by the persecution raised in Jerusalem about the death of Steven .

Here see ,

1. That sundry of the Jews received our Saviour Christ and believed in him , Though the body of the Iews did not receive Christ , yet there were among them sundry believers . and were soundly converted , though the body of them did not ( for he came unto his own , and his own received him not ) those made a good progress in the course of Christianity , who were contented ( even with the loss of their liberties ) to undergo such dangers as might befall them in a strange Land , Ioh. 1. 11. onely that they might keep faith and a good conscience .

2. The estate of the Church of God here on Earth , Gods Church here on earth is under persecution . namely , to be under persecution ; In the world ( saith our Saviour ) ye shall have tribulation . Always there hath been enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the Serpent . Ioh. 16. 33. Thus was it when the Church was but in one Family , in one Countrey , one Nation . The world having Power , Authority , Wealth , is full of malice against the poor Church , so that were it not that God Almighty defends it , it could not endure ; It 's as a Sheep amongst wolves , or a Ship among the waves . Though God will exercise it to keep it from errors , and corruptions , which it is subject unto through much prosperity and peace ; though it have need of some peace to gather it self , Act. 9. 31. yet if 't be long in peace it gathers mud as standing waters , rust as the ploughshare in the hedge , yea settles it self on the lees , therefore God pours it out from Vessel to Vessel . Ever mark , after long prosperity grew pride , and thereupon errors and corruptions , which like a canker brought destruction . Contrarily , the Church never shines so gloriously as either in , or presently after persecution ; Then life , zeal , sincerity , heavenly-mindedness , and such like graces appear in their true lustre .

It followeth ,

1. That as we are not to conclude for a company , Use. 1. because they have so much peace , that therefore they are beloved of God ; so must not we against any , because they be few in number , and outwardly despised and slighted . 1 King . 18. 19. Four hundred false Prophets were maintained by Jezabel , whereas Micaiah the onely true Prophet of the Lord was put in Prison ; Jeremiah and Baruch were the true servants of the Lord , whom whole multitudes of proud men and false Prophets resisted .

2. That we are to prepare our selves for persecution , Use. 2. especially having had so long a time of peace . To this end we must resolve to part with all for Christs sake , and for his Cause and Religion . Thus did these Jews , thus the holy Martyrs ; and great reason : For what would it advantage us , Mat. 5. 12. if we should gain the whole world , in the mean time losing our souls by denying Christ . Iam. 1. 12. On the contrary , If we forsake any thing for Christ here , Mat. 10. 39. we shall have a Crown of everlasting glory , Great is our reward in Heaven . But how far are most of us from any such matter ; many are destitute of knowledge , and how can they suffer ? Many have no love to the truth , but are carnal and prophane persons , which never could yet be wrought upon by the word to embrace it , or be ruled by it , that will not leave their vile lusts for it , and how shall these leave their goods and liberties ! Nay , that which is most to be lamented , how few professors be like to stand to it , many are more likely a great deal to flinch ! Alas , what poor faith is in most ; especially how are most given over to the world , being too eager and earnest for these things , neglecting good duties , and slubbering them over for the worlds sake ; How wil these forsake it altogether , and leave Houses and Lands , when they will not lay aside their businesses for an hour or two to hear the word , or a quarter of an hour for prayer in their Families ? O let 's therefore labor , as for good store of Faith , so to come to a contempt of this world ; In the mean time , use we it moderately and in his place , denying our selves by little and little , else we shall never come to it all at once ; but for our livings sake shall be subject to fall from God , and renounce our Religion , a fearful state .

3. The lawfulness of flying in time of persecution : The lawfulness of flying in the time of persecution . The Jews here did it , to save themselves from danger : It 's lawful for a Minister or any other tyed by calling , either when persecution is onely or chiefly intended against him , or having consent for a time to go aside , seeing it to be best for the rest : It 's lawful for any , either when God makes a way for them that seems to call them thereto ( whereunto if they should not yield , we are to think they have some extraordinary motion of the Spirit of God to the contrary , as it 's written of some of the Martyrs ) or finde themselves as yet not strong enough to endure their rage ; Those , I say , may slie to be reserved as a seed to propagate the Church afterward .

Throughout Pontus , Galatia , Cappadocia , Asia and Bythynia . ] The places whereunto they fled for habor , were Regions and Countreys in Asia the less , where there were then famous Churches .

Note hence ,

1. The large extent of the Church of God in the time of the New Testament , The large extent of the Church under the New Testament . that whereas before it was kept within the pale of Judea , in the New , since our Saviours ascension , it 's dispersed over all Nations far and wide , from the Sun-rising to its going down ; that it might be fulfilled which God spake to Abraham , that in his seed all the Nations of the world should be blessed . Gen. 12. 3.

But what 's become of those Churches of Asia now ? Quest.

They are all ( lamentable to be spoken ) under the tyranny of the Enemy of God and Christ Jesus , Ans. the Turk ; They are now no Churches , but Synagogues of Satan , cages of unclean birds ; so are also the Churches to whom Saint John wrote in his Revelation ; Be we not therefore high minded , Rom. 11. 21. but fear ; for if God hath not spared the natural branches , take heed lest he also spare not us ; yea considering our luke-warmness , unthankfulness , contempt of the Word , and such other our crying sins , we have cause to fear the like judgement .

2. The singular diligence and care of this holy Apostle , The Apostles diligence and care in his charge . over the charge committed to him : Not onely did he preach to them , being present with them , but wrote also being absent , being in persecution , and scattered throughout strange Countreys ; he encourageth them unto constancy , and that they should not faint under their troubles ; of such helps there is great need in such cases , and at such times . He was careful , not onely to gain them to God and the Faith , but to hold them fast , See Act. 14. 22 that as they were begotten , so they might be nourished up in the faith ; as they were converted , so he was careful to confirm them , this being no less necessary then that : For Non minor est virtus , quam quarere , parta tueri . having offended , but again put in trust with the sheep , he is now careful of his Commission , Use. which is set down for the example of all Ministers , even as we love Christ , so will we , must we , feed his sheep and lambs . We must labor by all diligence and faithfulness to convert and build up , yea in times of sickness or any affliction , when Satan waits to tempt them , and they be weak , we are to come and strengthen them , we are to shoar them up , that they reel not , to comfort them that they despair not : But how do they perform this duty , that never come at their charges , seldom or never preach , put it off to another , though never so unfit ? how also they , that either preach not , or but unprofitably , which come not to a poor or mean mans house upon any occasion ? How shall they be able to answer the great Shepherd of the sheep , when they shall be called to an account ? See Heb. 13. 17.

Elect , &c. ] Here he describes them by their inward estate to God-ward . I will not here handle the common place of Election , I have done it at large , and I reserve such things to Catechizing ; onely now of such things as are necessarily occasioned by the text : whereof this may be one , That

God hath chosen out some men to salvation , God hath chosen some to salvation . as he did of the Angels , which are called the Elect Angels . Before the world , he Ordained and decreed some persons to obtain salvation , 1 Tim. 5. 21. even the vessels of mercy , Rom. 9. 23. which he had afore prepared unto glory ; See to this purpose Acts 13. 48. Eph. 1. 4. 1 Thess. 5. 9.

This must needs be so , Reason . for whatsoever falls out in the world , universally or particularly , God in his eternal and unchangeable decree Ordained the same . And if wise men do not ( especially ) great things , whereof they have not before deliberated , much lels doth God .

Let us hold fast this truth inviolable , Use. according to the Scriptures , casting away all carnal conceits of cruelty or the like in the Lord , and with the Apostle Paul , Rom. 11. 33. what we cannot understand , learn we to adore and admire .

Q. But how could the Apostle know they were Elect , may one know the Election of another ?

A. For our own we may , How we may know the Election of others . as we shall hear by an by ; for others we may also , though not with the same knowledge and judgement of certainty , because the heart of man is known to none but to God only , and a man may go far who yet may fall away ; but with the judgement of charity , which hath degrees according to the fruits we see in them , if they only profess Religion , and be in the Church , we may hope , but it is but weak hope where we see no fruits ; where we see some good likelihoods of religion , some good beginnings , we may more strongly be perswaded ; for to such a man may say , If these things be in you , in truth you are the very Elect of God : Now when we see the fruits of faith , sanctification and godliness in men , and that they shew it not by fits , but constantly ; not in some things , but in all ; not in prosperity onely , but in adversity too , in persecution , and under the Cross , we may the more , yea very boldly judge of them as the Elect of God ; and so doth out Apostle here , as appears by the next words , Unto Sanctification of the Spirit : He saw good signs of Sanctification in them , and that they suffered persecution for Religions sake , therefore he so hoped of them , he so stiles them .

We should not onely labor to have sound testimonies to our selves of our Election and Salvation , Christians must so live , as that even others may be perswaded that they belong to God . but so live , as we may get a good and full testimony thereof in the conscience and minde of the Church and Brethren with whom we live ; For a good name in the Church is a precious thing , and much to be desired : The voice of the Church is the voice of God . Heb. 11. 2. We are so to live , that whatsoever befalls us , as to die suddenly or strangely , or to have great and extraordinary afflictions while we live , our lives notwithstanding may have spoken so well for us , as we may have good report while we live , and when we be dead ; See Pro. 10. 6. So have many poor godly ones in Scripture , and in our times , when great and mighty ones that have been wicked , their names be rotten , and so not at all , or else stinking , and so as a dunghil or puddle , which the more it is stirred , the more it stinketh : They therefore that live vilely in their lusts , bring an ill name upon themselves , who can judge they are Elect , or shall be saved ? yea many be desperate , they care not what men say , as bad a sign as can be ; such also as walk hollowly , and by halfs , in some things well , and in some other taking such liberty as will not stand with Christianity or a good conscience ; These cause that the Church of God cannot conceive so well , nor give so full a testimony of them as were to be desired , but are forced to speak doubtfully . Oh let us so walk , that by sincerity and constancy in godly courses , we my get a large and full testimony in the conscience of those we live withal : It 's a Crown and Garland to us whiles we live , and a confirmation to us , that we deceive not our selves ; It 's an honor when we die , as the contrary , even to be accounted vile , a fearful punishment ; yea it 's a comfort and crown , to our Wives , Children , Friends , and a provocation to them to follow our steps whom they hear so well spoken of .

According to the foreknowledge of God ] God in his foreknowledge and eternal decree hath ( as ye heard ) appointed some to Salvation . See Mat. 25. 34

Q. Why did God before all worlds thus decree of men ? Why God decreed to save some .

Ans. Of his own will , Rom. 9. 16. which is the first and highest cause ; It 's not in him that willeth , Eph. 1. 5. nor in him that runneth , but in God that sheweth mercy . Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children , by Jesus Christ to himself , Rom. 9. 2. according to the good pleasure of his will : He hath power over us , as the Potter over the clay . As he did not therefore chuse some , because he foresaw they would receive grace , so neither is foreseen infidelity the cause why God refuseth any , but because he would ; for though he neither hateth nor casteth away any but for their sin , yet this was not the cause of the Lords decree , but his own will , which is that which maketh any thing just and good . Our will indeed being so corrupt , must not be a reason of our actions , but in God his is , whose will maketh a thing good , and not because a thing is good , therefore he willeth it . Beyond this will of his we must not enquire , but in humility lay our hand upon our mouth , and admire the depth of his wisdom , and be content to stay for further knowledge of these things in the world to come : In the mean time sit we down quietly , believing what God hath revealed in his Word .

It followeth ,

1. That if any can prove his election , Use 1. he must stand and admire at the unsearchableness of Gods free mercy , that he should think upon him a poor worm before the beginning of the world , and one that should be of the common stock of Adam , a sinfull wretch ; think of him I say , to choose him to life passing by so many . Oh how should this ravish our hearts , and inflame us with love !

2. That if any be rejected , Use 2. they must not complain of cruelty in God , for that they are rejected ; Is the clay to say to the Potter , why hast thou made me thus ? Rom. 9. 20. Beside , thou art not condemned but for the just deserts and sins which thou hast committed against God ; all that can be said , is this , He gives not his grace to them , as he doth to his elect , whereof who shall complain ? God is bound to none .

Unto the Sanctification of the Spirit ] The end why we were elected , The ends why we were Elected . is , 1. In respect of God his glory . 2. In respect of our selves , our Salvation , which we come unto by Santificaction , See Eph. 1. 4 which is the end of our Redemption . 1 Thess. 4. 3. 7. All that were elected , in time he brings into the world ; Luke 1. 74 , 75. we come in enemies to God , children of wrath , polluted ; but he lets us have the word , Tit. 2. 14. whereby he effectually calleth us to faith and repentance ; Sanctification the end of our Redemption . and so purgeth and washeth us by his word outwardly ; and his spirit inwardly , whereby our nature is cleansed from the love of all sin , Rom. 8. 30. and made pure in Gods fight , and we enabled to dye to sin , and live righteously .

Hereby may every one examine and prove whether he be elect or no , Use. 1. ( viz. ) Not by climbing to the top at first , and flying unto the unsearchable counsels of God ( the way to dazle and confound us ) but by the lowest step , our Sanctification .

Here 's also comfort to them that can prove their Sanctification in truth , Use. 2. though imperfectly : There 's no condemnation to them , an infallible mark of their election ; which may the more soundly comfort them , because it is unchangeable as God is , so that all the Devils in Hell shall never be able to prevail against their Salvation , which is a Bulwark and Castle against all temptations . Once the childe of God and ever so , onely labor to walk worthy of this love , and grow in sanctification , that we may have the more plentiful and strong argument of our election past , and glory to come .

Here 's also terror to those that walk after the flesh , Use 3. and the lusts thereof , that lie yet in their sins ; they need not make a question about their election , they may know that as yet they have no mark of it ; such rather carry a mark of reprobation about them .

Break off your sins therefore , Use 4. and turn to God ; who would not leave any sin that would hinder assurance of Salvation ? and who would not do any duty that might assure him thereof ? Let this be a strong and sharp spur to move us to Repentance ; and be not desperately careless , saying , If I be elected I shall be saved let me do as I will ; and if I be rejected , let me do never so well , I shall be damned . These are flat lies ; use thou in humility the ways and means to attain faith and sanctification , that thou mayst be assured of thine election , else if thou wilt desperately justle against God , see who will go by the worst .

Yea , Use 5. not only the prophane bear a brand of reprobation , but even those that have some shew of holiness , such as like H●rod , hear gladly , and amend many things ; or such as like the Pharisees , make clean the outside of the platter , the inside being full of filthiness , such as have a shew of godliness , yet by some sins deny the power of it ; or such holiness as stands in Ceremony , the substance being neglected . These kindes of holiness are no marks of Election ; therefore do not we content our selves with these , but labor for true inward and sincere sanctification , Christs obedience and sufferings the meritorious cause of our salv●tion . which is in the heart , in one thing as in another , in trouble as well as in prosperity .

Unto obedience , and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ ] The meritorious cause of our salvation is Christs obedience and sufferings ; and his obedience was chiefly in the offering up of himself : for though the Father had Elected us to salvation , Rom. 5. 19. and made us happy in Adam , yet we wrought our own overthrow by sin , Phil. 2. 8. and so deserved the curse of God here and for ever . The only way then to deliver us from this , and to save us , was by the Lord Jesus , God and man , who suffered all the wrath that was due to us for our sins , and so discharged us . To appease this wrath there was in our selves no power ; no means else in the world would serve , even the Angels were unable to help us herein . This hath Christ done for us , and that fully , the dignity of his person being such , that he is both God and M●n in one person . Of this the blood of the lamb sprinkled on the Israelites houses was a sign , all Sacrifices tended hereunto , our Sacraments point thereat ; all Scripture layeth our Salvation in the Cross , Rev. 1. 5. Blood and Sufferings of Christ .

Here see ,

1. An admirable mixture of Justice and Mercy , Use 1. so that God is not all mercy , as the world imagines : Therefore , for prophane impenitent ones , they shall bear the just wrath of God themselves , and not by every late forced , Lord have mercy , have God at command as they imagine : For if Christ was feign to suffer , and the Father would not be intreated , notwithstanding his strong cries , but when he stood as our Surety , laid on load and spared him not at all , shall his prophane enemies think to escape as they list ?

2. Gods infinite mercy to mankinde , Use 2. to appoint a way to save some of them , whereas no Angel that fell shall be saved .

3. It sets out the depth of our misery ; Use 3. therefore they that are still in it have no small piece of work to bring to pass .

4. It teacheth us how to esteem of sin , Use 4. as being of that weight , that nothing but the blood of Christ will satisfie for it .

5. Its sets out the infinite and unspeakable love of God , Use 5. to give us his Son , and of Christ to give himself , seeing no less means would serve ; Who can sufficiently either admire or express the same ?

6. Here 's matter of endless consolation to all troubled sinners , Use 6. when Satan and the terrors of Conscience shall pursue them , to flie to Christ Jesus and his sufferings . This is their Castle , their quietus est ▪ send Satan to thy Surety , all is fully discharged in his death : But this is only for humble bleeding sinners , that turn to God with all their hearts ; but as for proud persons that live still in their lusts , what have these to do to talk of Christs death ? yet have these it in readiness , Christ hath died for us ; What , for such prophane ones as make his death a packhorse , and lay on more load , which is to crucifie Christ again ? No , let these know , they shall bear the burthen of their own sins ; but let the true penitent be of good comfort , and know , that all his sins ( how great soever ) be done away : Neither let such think , that their afflictions are any part of the punishment of sin , for it is all done away once in Christ , and therefore shall not again be demanded of them ; but they are loving chastisements to humble them for their sins past , and prevent others for the time to come ; both furthering their Salvation .

7. For all that know they have their part in Christs death , Use 7. how should this work with them ! 1. For sin past , it should vex and grieve our hearts , for we were the Crucifiers of Christ ; Judas , the Soldiers and Jews but our Servants , whom our sins set on work : It 's our great fault , that we can think of our sins without being humbled , shall Christ shed tears of blood for our sins , and we not be troubled for our own ? 2. This should make us hate sin for ever , being as it were the knife and spear that killed Christ ; what father could ever love that knife that should kill his childe ? 3. How should this inflame our hearts with love to him again , and carry us on in a zealous care of obedience all our days ? our woful coldness in Christs cause and service deserves to be rebuked . Alas , how little will we do for his sake ; we ought to be ready to leave Goods , Liberty and Life for him ; we should herein but do as he hath done for us , yea who began thus to do for us , when we were even his enemies ! How much more any other thing ! And may not this stop the mouths of all prophane persons , which will be talking , they hope to be saved by Christ , when they shew no love nor thankfulness to him , but live yet in their sins to anger him .

8. An exclusion of all feigned and false satisfactions of mens own devising , Use 8. whereof the Church of Rome is full , which would strike in for a part with the merit of Christs death , which makes a great stir about the Cross , when in the mean time they make void its efficacy .

Sprinkling , &c. ] By this word he alludeth to the sacrifices of the Law , which all pointed at the sacrifice of Christ ; and to shew , that as it had been nothing that a sacrifice had been killed , unless the blood thereof had been sprinkled upon the people ( for so was the maner ) so it avails us nothing that Christ died , Gal. 2. 20. unless his blood be sprinkled on us by the hand of a true faith , Christs death is particularly to be apprehended by Faith . applying Christ Jesus to our Consciences . It s not Christ that saves , but Christs death apprehended by a true and lively faith , for a particular perswasion hereof are we to labor .

Here also in this verse is an excellent proof of the holy Trinity , A proof of the holy Trinity . three persons and one God , which is so to be worshipped ; all that do otherwise worship an Idol , and not the true God .

Again observe , That

Election is attributed to the Father , Election the work of the whole Trinity Redemption to the Son , Sanctification to the Holy Ghost . It 's not but that they be the common works of the whole Trinity , as all the works of God towards the Creatures are , Iude 1. in which respect Sanctification is also attributed to the Father ; but because of their immediate working . The Father elected in the Son , and by the Holy Ghost , Father , Son and Holy Ghost elected . The Son is the immediate worker of our Redemption , he shed his blood , as the Holy Ghost the immediate worker of Sanctification .

Grace unto you and Peace be multiplied . ] The usual salutation of the Jews , asking the favor of God as the root and peace , that is , all happiness , as that which flows from thence , for so by peace the Jews meant , Peace be with you , Peace be to this house , &c.

Hence note ,

1. That we should seek the favor of God , Why Gods favor is to be sought . as that which draweth on other things , yea all things , for in love is no lack ; Men may have other things without this , but they will have an ill farewel , as they that have possession , but no right title to that which they possess .

2. What a Minister should chiefly desire for his people ; Ministers must labor that their People maybe brought into Gods favor . even that they may be brought into Gods favor by Christ , have their sins forgiven , Christ made theirs , and they assured thereof , with so much prosperity as may stand with happiness ; So Husbands and Wives each for other ; So also Parents for their Children : The favor and grace of God is the principal and root of all good . Men may have abundance of outward things , but if they flow not from Gods love they will have a hard farewel . Psal. 30. 5. This brings sufficiency , In his favor is life : yea this were sufficient if it came alone , but in Gods love is no want of any thing needful ; worldlings indeed do greatly seek after wealth for their children , and rejoyce to see them wealthy and healthy , though in the mean time they see in them no true tokens of Gods favor , but alas what are these ! It should more glad us to see an humble , godly heart , turned from sin and embracing righteousness , though sickly and poor , then to flow in all the wealth of the world , and be ungracious , and to come home in a Gold chain , or to hear that our childe were like Joseph , the second man in the Kingdom , without grace : But men do for their children as for themselves , labor more for goods then grace . But what shall we say to those Ministers that check their people for forwardness , and seek to discourage them ? what also to those Parents , that are so far from desiring grace for their children , as they check and discourage them for their forwardness thereunto ? such would like them rather if they saw them jolly as the world ; See Pro. 10. 1. Oh a hard part of Parents !

Be multiplied . ] He desires not that they be once taken into Gods favor , and his other graces begun in them , but that they be continued , and daily encreased more and more ? He was covetous to have his spritual children thrive apace , and grow very rich in grace ; Such covetousness , Ministers must labor that their people may grow in grace . even a desire to joyn grace to grace , is both for our selves and others commendable . So should a Minister desire that his people may not be a little better then the worst , but to exceed others by far , that they may answer the time and means ; and to this end , as to pray , so to call upon them continually , and they not to think amiss of this , but to rejoyce in it as a special fruit of his Love ; so must Parents to their Children : God gives us leave to be covetous in these things , and to joyn grace unto grace , 2 Pet. 1. 5. as men do house unto house , so shall we honor him much , for a little grace will go but a little way . Thus shall we benefit our Neighbors much , when our branches spread far , and our lips feed many . Thus shall we have a large Testimony to our selves of our Salvation while we live , and make a wide entrance for our selves into the glorious Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ . 2 Pet. 1. 10 , 11.

Verse . 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , which according to his abundant mercy , hath begotten us again unto a lively hope , by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead .

NOw followeth the substance of the Epistle , The sum and substance of the whole Epistle . consisting of Doctrine and Exhortation : Doctrine to the thirteenth Verse ; Exhortations in the Verses following . The Exhortations are to continue constant in the profession of the Gospel of Christ , and to stick close to that Salvation purchased by Christ , and revealed therein ; and that they would lead an holy and and godly life , answerable to this profession and Gospel , both in their general and particular callings ; yea now in their present troubles , and notwithstanding any other they might meer with hereafter . Now this being a very weighty building , therefore he had need lay a foundation fitting for the same , and so he doth , which is this , namely , The singular benefits that we receive by Jesus Christ his Death and Resurrection , viz. Assurance of Salvation , Hope , Joy , Peace , &c. and at last everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven ; all which are revealed and wrought in us by the Gospel , which is no new Doctrine , but that which of old was revealed to all the Prophets , though now more clearly and fully manifested . Therefore seeing God hath done so great things for us by Christ Jesus , and these things are revealed in the Gospel , which is very ancient , good reason they should cleave to Christ , and be carried after no other way of Salvation , accordingly walking worthy of the benefits they have both already reaped hereby , and may further hereafter . The Doctrine setteth forth the great benefit that we reap by Jesus Christ ; namely , That we are begot to a lively hope of Salvation , and of being partakers of such an inheritance , as is without comparison , which is every way set forth , according to its excellency ; where we have , 1. The benefit , That we are begotten to a lively hope : 2. The moving cause , The abundant mercy of God : 3. The means whereby , namely , The Resurrection of Jesus Christ : 5. The end , That we may partake of Salvation , which he calls an Inheritance , and describes it by several properties .

Blessed be God ] For the maner of speech , Gods blessing man . we read of three kindes of blessing in Scripture : Eph. 1. 3. 1. God blesseth man , when he bestoweth upon him his favors and good things , Mans blessing man . earthly and heavenly : 2. Man blesseth man , and that either ordinarily when he prayeth to God to bless him ( Thus Moses is appointed to bid Aaron bless the people ; Num. 6. 23. and the form of prayer is set down ; Mat. 5. 44. Thus Parents bless their children ; and we are to bless them that curse us ) or extraordinarily , when by the Spirit of Prophecie the Prophets of God have not onely prayed to God for a blessing on their posterity , but have pronounced a blessing upon them , foretelling what their state should be in time to come . As Isaac blessed Iacob and Esau , Gen. 27. 28. and 49. 3. Iacob also his Sons , and Moses the twelve Tribes at his death : Deut. 33. 1 , 2 , &c. 3. Man blesseth God , when he ascribeth that honor , praise and thanksgiving which is due to him for his Mercy , Wisdom , Mans blessing God . Justice , Truth ; not when we give him any thing he hath not ( that cannot be ) but when we ascribe and give that to him which is most justly due to him already . Thus understand we the phrase here , as elswhere often .

For the matter , Being to repeat the great benefits that come to us by Jesus Christ , he doth it not barely , but begins with praise and thanksgiving for the same , Blessed be God , &c. saith he , as if he should have said , For these unspeakable and great benefits bestowed on us unworthy ones , Oh my soul , Spirit , and all that is in me , come forth to render thanks to God ; Teaching us , That

When we speak , or have any occasion to think ( as we ought often to speak and think ) of Gods mercies , Gods mercies to be thought on and spoken of with admiration . especially his special mercies that concern our Salvation , we should do it with admiration , and setting forth his praise . Thus both David and Paul : Even his outward benefits ought to stir us up unto thankfulness ; how much more ought we to be stirred up for spiritual favors and deliverances from the bondage and thraldom of Sin . Psal. 103. 1 , 2. Satan and Hell ; Eph. 10. 3. how can we do any less ? 1 Tim. 1. 17. All creatures , Psal. 107. 1 , 2. Sun , Moon , Fouls , praise God in their kinde , and yet they have onely been created ; what we then that have been redeemed when we were lost ?

They that have felt their bondage , and finde themselves delivered , cannot but break out into his praise . Indeed , the common sort that have those things but in their brain onely , and never had the feeling of the one or of the other , they can speak of these things but faintly , and from the teeth outward , and not from the heart as others ; but for any to boast of great matters done for them , and yet shew no whit that they be ravished with love to God , neither breaking out into his praises in words , nor shewing it in their lives , they do certainly lye and deceive their own souls , Psal. 116. 10. for they that have had experience of the sowre and of the sweet cannot but speak . See Luke 1. 46. 47. I believed , therefore have I spoken , 2 Cor. 4. 13. saith David . Impossible it is for any man to think of his Election , Redemption , Calling , &c. And not be ravished therewith ; It 's our duty then to stir up our selves often , and from time to time , by the deep meditation of Gods special Mercies , which , as it will shake off dulness , so will it much revive us to duty .

And Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ] Mark , that he cannot speak of God , Rom. 15. 5 , 13 , 33. but with some token of reverence and title of his . Thus , as he is elswhere stiled , 2 Cor. 1. 3. The God of Hope , the God of Peace , the God of Patience and Consolation , 1 Tim. 1. 17. the King everlasting ; so is he here , the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . We must not think or speak of God but with reverence . His practise must be our patren , we must never think or speak of the holy and blessed name of God , but with all high reverence , his greatness compared with our baseness might induce us hereunto .

This condemneth as well the Blasphemy of Swearers , Use. as the unreverent takers of Gods Name in vain , after what maner soever .

He is termed , Why God is termed the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ . the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , not only nor so much in respect of his Manhood , viz. that he took the lump whereof his humanity was framed , which was of the substance of the Virgin , and first Sanctified and freed the same from all stain or blemish of Original corruption , and actually United it from the first conception thereof to the Godhead and second person , and so framed the humanity of Christ of this substance , and infused into him a reasonable soul ; but especially in respect of his Godhead , by an unspeakable communicating of the whole essence of the Father to him before all worlds , which mystery though we cannot fully understand , we must believe and adore .

Here he is stiled , the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ( as formerly he was wont to be called , and known by the name of the God of Abraham , Isaac and Jacob , to distinguish him from all false gods ) whereby he sheweth himself more cleerly to us , and the way how we should get into his favor , namely , by his son , there being no other way whereby our persons or service can please God .

If therefore we would obtain any thing at Gods hands , Use. we must not come barely to the Father , as for forgiveness of sins , mercy or any thing else , but with respect of his son Jesus Christ , by whom only he is and will be merciful unto us .

Speak we something of his three titles , Gods Son why termed Iesus

1. Jesus a Savior , so called by an Angel from Heaven ere he was born , Mat. 1. 21. for that he was to save his people from their sins : who is an absolute and sufficient Savior , Act. 4. 12. yea the only Savior , neither is there , was there , or shall there be any other .

2. Christ anointed to be our King , Christ Priest and Prophet , through whom we are made Kings , Reu. 1. 6. Priests and Prophets . If so , 1. Where be our sacrifices of our selves , of Prayer and Praise , Morning and Evening in our Families ; a Priest must not be without sacrifice . 2. As Prophets do we teach our Families , do we instruct and examine them ? 3. As Kings do we master our affections ? If we be led Captive of our frowardness , worldliness , and the like , what Kings are we ? Look to it .

3. Our Lord . Our Lord . He is our Lord every way ; 1 Pet. 1. 19. by purchase and by conquest ; Col. 2. 15. He bought us with his precious blood , He also conquered all the Enemies that held us captive , Heb. 2. 14. Sin , Satan , Death , and so delivered us . If any great man would by money ransom , 1 Cor. 15. 26. or by his sword rescue out of his Enemies hands any captive , he were his Lord ; so is Christ our Lord either way . Whence ariseth ,

1. Comfort to all that know themselves redeemed by him , Use 1. that he will never lose that which he hath so dearly bought , and taken such pains with every way , to come into the world , to die for us , then so to work , as we may come to the knowledge of it by his Word and Spirit ; Whereby Faith and Sanctification are wrought in us .

2. Instruction , Use 2. it s our duty to submit our selves to him as our Liege-lord , Psal. 2. 12. to be his loyal people ; we must kiss the son , take up his yoke : He hath paid full dearly for our service and love ; Mat. 11. 29. his we are , being now no more our own . There are too too many that yet do not so cleave to this Lord and his Word , 1 Cor. 6. 19. but that they suffer other things , other Lords to carry them away . Many could be content to have Christ their Savior , but they will not have him their Lord and King , to rule in them and over them ; Psal. 2. 3. Let us break their bands asunder ( say they ) and cast away their cords from us : Psal. 12. 4. And again , Who is Lord over us ? Let such to their terror consider that fearful sentence passed against them ( But those mine Enemies that would not that I should reign over them , Luke 19. 27. bring hither , and slay them before me ) They are counted Gods Enemies , and adjudged to be slain before his face ; Psal. 2. 9. Yea , he will break them with a red of iron , and dash them in pieces like a potters vessel : Others will let him be their Lord as far as they please , and in what they list , as if they would appoint their work themselves ( as some coy servants ) which the Lord will not indure : Mat. 11. 29. Well , let us bring our hearts to yield unto him as our Lord , else we shall never have Salvation by him : There 's no refreshing by him , unless we take up his yoke , both must go together ; they that will not willingly stoop to him , he will be their Lord and King in despight of them , and that to their confusion .

Now for the afflicted conscience that travels for mercy and pardon , and desires after Christ more then all the world , dost thou as earnestly desire him to be thy Lord and King ; and art thou willing to take up his yoke , and that he shall rule and reign in thee , and none else , and that in all things ; be of good comfort , thou art one of those whom Christ will save .

Which according to his abundant mercy , &c. ] Now we are to observe , 1. The benefit bestowed for which he blessed God , namely , For begetting us again unto a lively hope . 2. The moving cause , His mercy , nay abundant mercy . 3. The means whereby , The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ; of which as they lie in order .

Hath begotten us again unto a lively hope ] This is the benefit , What means here by hope . God hath begot them again to the hope of Salvation , for so he means ; for by hope is not strictly meant that grace of hope which proceeds from Faith , which is that whereby we wait patiently for that which by Faith we believe , but it s here meant of both faith and hope , even assurance of Salvation ; Hereunto ( saith he ) they were begot again .

Whence note , That

We have not the assurance of Salvation of our selves by nature , Assurance of Salvation comes not by nature . or by our first begetting ; no , by nature we are the children of wrath , enemies to God , dead in sins and trespasses , having no hope , and without God in the world : Eph. 2. 12. Nay , to have Faith and hope of Salvation , is the onely work of God , as our Savior unto Peter upon his confession of him , Math. 16. 17. Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee , but my father which is in Heaven : So may we affirm about this particular . See to this purpose Joh. 6. 29. 1 Pet. 1. 7. Acts 16. 14. Eph. 2. 8. Phil. 1. 29. Heb. 12. 2. The titles given unto Faith shew as much , Tit. 1. 1. as precious Faith , the Faith of Gods elect , Iude 20. most holy Faith ; have we any such thing in our selves ?

The means whereby he works this Faith , The means whereby God works Faith . are , 1. The outward Ministery of the Word . 2. The inward working of Gods Spirit preparing us by the Law ; Rom. 10. 17. then working it by the promises of the Gospel : Father , 2 Cor. 4. 13. Son , and Holy Ghost work Faith .

God that brings light out of darkness made all of nothing , Eph. 6. 23. and raiseth up the dead to life , he only works Faith in us , and puts life into these dead hearts of ours ; it s a great work of God that we can do nothing toward it . To be humbled truly in the sight of our sins , is a great work hardly brought to pass ; yet this no part of Faith , but a preparation : Then when we see them , it s a great work of God that we are not swallowed up of desperation , but that God upholds and works by the Gospel longing after mercy , and so by degrees gives power to apply it ; many that long seek and cannot lay hold , or having , yet quickly let go , finde faith a great work of God .

What shall we say then to the hope that s so common in the world , Use. 1. almost at every hand ? Go through a Parish , and you shall finde few but hope to do well , to be saved , making no doubt of it , having no fears , asking no questions about it ; yea , thank God they have been of this perswasion ever since they can remember . Surely this is but a false hope , a presumptuous conceit of their own heads , without ground or bottom in Gods word , an illusion wherewith the Devil seeks to undo them , getting them to bear themselves fair in hand , that they might not be troubled till wrath overtake them without help ; yea , it may appear they are not begotten again to it , for being asked , how long it hath been thus with them ; they thank God they have ever been of a good belief : and they have no ground for it , but because God's a merciful God , &c. not considering that God is as Just as Merciful , and that his justice must first be satisfied , ere he can shew any mercy . Besides , they cannot say it hath been wrought , as God worketh Faith in his , viz. First , he humbles and brings to the Gates of Hell , and then lifts up ; this is not with them : They also cannot say nor remember when it was wrought , nor how they came by it , nor that it hath been otherwise with them at any time . Besides , Act. 15. 9. true Faith purifieth the heart , and he that hath it purgeth himself as he is pure , 1 Ioh. 3. 3. which is not in them , but they abide in their sins ; at least in the love of some , and have no Faith for outward things ▪ but use unconscionable shifts : Rom. 5. 5. Therefore whereas true hope makes not ashamed , but in the needful time and great day will make men lift up their heads with joy ; this will be like Aegypt , a deceitful and broken Reed , to lay them under feet that do trust to it : Contrarily , know we that Faith and Hope are not so easily gotten ; they must be wrought from Heaven , herein both Father , Son and Holy Ghost must joyn : therefore wofully do they deceive themselves , that trust to any blinde conceit in stead of the true work of God ; as they do desperately that put off Conversion and Faith till the latter end , as if they had them at command ; we must in time labor for this true work of grace .

But if any can prove themselves begotten truly to this hope , Use 2. they have great cause of thanksgiving , whereinto the Apostle here breaks out ; Oh what a thing is it , not only to give his only Son to the death for us , but to reveal it to us in his word , and thereby to assure us that we have our part in the same , and we poor sinners may come to know our sins forgiven , and that we shall be saved : Oh unspeakable favor I What is like this ? Or what can make a man miserable that hath this ? prize we this as a Jewel , nourish we it by all good means , especially by keeping a good Conscience ; rejoyce in it , as being of more worth then all the world : let not a few wants or afflictions daunt us , or take away this joy . It 's a fault in Christians that they will be heavy if they want something they would have : Oh! Is it not enough that God loves thee ? Again , a little cross casts us down and quells us , as if we had nothing to comfort us ; Oh , no earthly thing should daunt us , while we know this : He that said , I could be content to lie as a fire-block in Hell till the day of Judgement , so I might be sure to be saved then , would have been glad of assurance in this life though with many crosses .

If any have not yet this hope , Use 3. let them give no rest to themselves till they have attained it ; there 's no peace without it ▪ Sin lieth at the door , See B. Halls Heaven upon Earth cap. 4. and 6. a wounded conscience will arrest us , though we may still it for a season ; pacifie it we cannot , till our sin be taken away and forgiven : Assuredly their estate is most dangerous which neither have it nor seek after it .

A lively hope ] so called , Why termed a lively hope . not only for that it is the hope of life , but because it doth exceedingly cheer and comfort the heart of him that hath is , and puts more life into him then any other thing can do . Herein it is opposed against all other vain hopes of the world , in outward and transitory things , which yield no sound contentment to them that have their part deepest in them . Herein also from the forged hope of Salvation , that the world fain to themselves , which also hath no life in it , no heartning in it : But true Faith and hope do exceedingly revive the heart which before was dead without any true comfort , See Mat. 9. ● . yea being stung by the Law , Psal. 4. 7 and 51. 7. 8. and so full of terror and discomfort , joy and gladness comes from perswasion of pardon . Neither comforts this only in prosperity , See Psal. 112 , 7. 8. when the world can be merry , but even in adversity and trouble , when they be dismaid , and dead , as it were , on the nest ; Through this they can even in Prison with Paul and Silas sing Psalms , Acts 16. 25. as through this the Martyrs endured the fire ; Daniel and the Three Children went cheerfully to suffer : This also makes a Christian lively to serve God , Psal. 51. 15. and in every duty to praise him , as David , Open thou my lips , saith he ( namely with assurance of thy love ) and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise : So to do good to others , as being fitted to teach them as well the way of Gods justice against sin , ibid. 13. as the way of his mercy to them that repent ; yea hereby we shall be fit to every good duty , Psal. 119. 32 : I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge mine heart , namely , by the perswasion of thy love , and by thy Spirit and the hope of Salvation .

It s a fault in Christians , Use. that they be no more cheerful in this hope , but lumpish and soon daunted in afflictions ; a fault I say , that we are no more active and lightsom in Gods business .

Let every one then labor for it ; till this we are not alive , our soul never prospers , nor sees good day : This , even this , is the beginning of life , and the first step to eternal life . Would any man live , and be cheerful , and see good days , and have that which might keep him from being daunted in adversity , persecution , death at the day of Judgement , let him by all means get this : Without this , mens hopes are vain ; their stout courage will fail them in those times when God shall frown . It s Faith onely , which will carry a man through all things : Hereby he shall have a heart to serve God , yea , both do and suffer the greatest things for him and his sake .

According to his abundant mercy ] The moving cause of this benefit of our calling to Faith and hope , Gods free favor the cause of all our good . is Gods mercy , nay , hit abundant mercy . The cause of all the good that ever came to us , or ever shall come , is no other but onely free favor : Why did he elect us before the world , Eph. 1. 4 , 5. but onely of his undeserved love , According to the good pleasure of his own will ? not for works we had done ( it was before the world ) not for any we were like to do , as who do none , till he work them in us . Rom. 5. 10. So also , Why redeemed he us , when we were all fallen into condemnation ? even for his meer mercy ; was there any thing in us could deserve it , Iam. 1. 18. when we were utterly unable to do any good , nay , when his utter enemies ? why also hath he called us ? Did we , or could we do any thing before our calling to deserve it ? We were not onely unable to think a good thought , but serving the Devil with all our power , walking in our lusts , after the Prince that ruleth in the children of disobedience . Eph. 2. 2. &c. See our case in Ezek. 16. both in respect of our Parents , sinners , and our selves , or any thing we can do : Nay , to cut the throat of all conceit of any merit less or more , before or alter , Man could not be saved without abundant mercy . he saith , His abundant mercy : So that a little mercy , such as is in man , or some reasonable store , as in Angels , would not serve the turn , nor was sufficient to save us , or move the Lord to call us to this hope , but an abundant deal of the mercy of God , which is infinite .

Was it a small matter that moved God to chuse thee to Salvation , Use 1. rather then thousands of others ? or was it a small mercy to give us his onely Son , to save and deliver us by suffering all the wrath due to us ? What , Not his Servant , nor his Friend , but his Son , his only begotten Son , the wisdom of the Father , the Image of the invisible God , the engraven form of his Person , to stoop so low as to become man ! nay in that base estate to be despised of men , to be hated , spitted upon , mockt , shamefully Crucified , and he that knew no sin , to stand in the stead of most vile sinners , and so to be dealt with , and that for us no friends , but enemies ; no good persons , but vile and wretched ones ? Was a little love enough to bring this to pass ? Ioh. 3. 16. Oh no , but a love without measure , without example , never such another , even that any Father gave his only begotten Son to save traitors and enemies .

It was wonder that the Father did not rather suffer all mankinde to perish , Use 2. then to give his only most blessed Son to suffer the least of these indignites . And it was no small love of Iesus Christ that moved him to leave the glory of the Father , and stoop to the estate of a man , and all his infirmities save sin , and to endure all these tortures of men , and his Fathers wrath especially ? It was no small love that made him give us his heart-blood ; when he shed a few tears for Lazarus , the Jews said , Ioh. 11. 35 , 36 Behold how he loved him , but having shed his blood for us , what may we say ?

So also is it a small measure of mercy to call us to the hope of Salvation from our wretched estate , when we went on in sin , and minded no good , See Eph. 2. ● . nay all evil ? It must needs be a great deal of mercy to move God to think well to us , Tit. 3. 5. when we went on madly in our sins , and did fight against him : so also to forgive so many and horrible offences as we had committed ; no marvel though David craved the multitude of Gods mercies : Psal. ●1 . 1. If they were not infinite our sins could not be forgiven , for our sins come as neer infinite as number can make them ; then to cloath such wretches with the righteousness of his Son ; then to forget and forgive all that is past , and take us into favor , and make us here heirs of all his promises and priviledges , and of life eternal hereafter , who will not admire it ? Is not this abundant mercy to work this hope in us , whom he might have justly condemned ; and when he might also have been glorified in our condemnation , as he was in Pharoahs Plagues ? So also to adopt us for his children , men adopt that have none of their own ; God had a natural beloved Son , Eph. 1. 5. men adopt their kinsmen ; God us , nothing of his kin , yea his enemies ; 1 Ioh. 3. 1. men adopt for some good quality , we had no such thing to move God : was it not a great deal of mercy that moved God to call Paul that ran a persecuting of him in his members , to forgive Mary Magdalen , Manasses ? &c. So every one of us , What were we when God called us ? Must not we say , that it was abundant mercy that ever we were called , forgiven and saved ?

They that have had their part in this abundant mercy , Use 3. must be stirred up to abundant thanksgiving , Psal. 116. 12. saying with the Psalmist , What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me ? We must testifie our love in ●ealous obedience all the days of our life , Tit. 2. 14. shewing forth the vertues of him that hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light , and be a peculiar people to him , zealous of good works , walking worthy of the Lord , Col. 1. 10. which is by pleasing him in all things ; we must be ravished with zeal towards him , as he hath been for our good ; 2 King 19. 31. The zeal of the Lord of Hostes hath done it . Oh how this rebuketh the scant duty that God hath from us again ! We receive abundant mercy , but return poor sparing obedience ; what slender zeal in Prayer , or works of mercy ? How quickly are we weary of well-doing ? What small things will we stick at to God , that stuck at nothing to us ? If he should call us to part with our Goods , Country , Liberty , it were no more then Christ did for us , yea if to dye , did not he even dye for us ?

It teacheth us also to shew mercy one to another , Use 4. in giving , forgiving , Mat. 5. 45. and the like ; Luke 6. 36. herein the Lord himself going before us as a patern of imitation .

It sheweth also the miserableness of our estate , Use. 5. that without abundant mercy we can never be saved ; therefore must we seek for it earnestly and betimes , as becometh those that need such an infinite thing , which condemns the notable carelesness , and desperate boldness and presumption of the World , that put off seeking for mercy till the latter end , as if they had it at command : But do they think abundant mercy is so easily gotten ? Heb. 12. 17. Many have not found it so , nay they shall , with Esau , howl for the blessing and go without it , because they despised it , Mat. 25. 12. when it was so often offered : The foolish Virgins sought to enter in when it was too late .

By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ] The means whereby we are begotten to this hope , The means whereby we are begotten to this hope . namely , the Spirits assuring that Christ Jesus is risen for us , and giving us power through his resurrection to rise to newness of life . 1 Cor. 15. 3. &c.

The benefits that come to us by Christs resurrection are many ; Benefits arising from Christs resurrection . 1. We are hereby assured , that he hath fully paid our debt and discharged all ; for if one sin had remained unsatisfied for , the justice of God could not have suffered him to have risen again . Rom. 4. 25. 2. Hereby we receive power to rise to newness of life . ib. 8. 33 , 34. 3. Hereby we are assured of the resurrection of our bodies at the last day : 1 Cor. 15. 17. The same power that did the one , shall be able to do the other ; The head being risen will draw all the members after it .

We should therefore often meditate on our Saviour Christs resurrection , Use. and the benefits thereof , especially on the Lords-day , the day whereon he rose again ; by which very day we are put in minde thereof : and among other things , we must labor by Faith to draw vertue from his resurrection , whereby we may be more and more enabled to walk in newness of life : for as our Regeneration hath two parts , a dying unto sin , and rising to newness of life , so have these two springs , Christs death , and his resurrection .

Verse 4. To an inheritance incorruptible , and undefiled , and that fa●eth not away , reserved in Heaven for you .

HEre he explains what we are called to , namely , the lively hope of the Kingdom of Heaven , The Kingdom of Heaven why termed an inheritance . which as it is here termed an Inheritance , so is it in the next verse Salvation . This is called an inheritance to shew us the nature of it , being also described by sundry properties , under divers-phrases , as if no words could sufficiently express the same . Those shew the perpetuity and purity thereof , as also how we shall come by it ; it s reserved for us , but where ? in Heaven , where it s out of danger : but how shall we come to it being here on earth among many dangers ? We are kept for it , and that by a mighty hand , even the power of God , by the mean of Faith ; kept , I say , unto this Salvation , prepared long ago , and which shall be shewed us in the fulness of it , even at Christs second coming .

An inheritance ] Therefore no purchase , no wages of a servant , but an inheritance given by a Father to his son , not ( such as many heirs have ) entailed , or as any natural son , which hath it by a kinde of right after his father , See Act. 20. 32 but an inheritance of Adopted children ; Luke 12. 32. taken in as the childe of a Traytor , Rom. 6. 23. nay a Traytor himself , and so made heirs , then which what can be freer ? This is said to be given , and what s freer then gift ?

This serves to confute not onely the gross Opinion of Papists , Use. that we , God setting us forward , and helping us , can do such things as whereby we can merit Heaven and Salvation ; but that which is more nice , is of those which say , that we have no good of our selves , but that it s wrought in us by God alone , yet now look for Salvation by their Holiness and Sanctification ; No , God forbid , for our Sanctification being imperfect , God might justly condemn us for it , and count our works a polluting of his grace ; Psal 146. 2. therefore David saith , No flesh ( before nor after grace ) can be justified in thy sight ; Rom. 3. 20. not onely by nothing of our own , Luke 18. 11. but by nothing that God worketh in us . What differ these men from the proud Pharisee , he attributed his holiness not to himself , but to God , and thankt him for it ; but he thought this would merit ( that he was not so and so as others ) and challenge something at the hand of God , and therefore was rejected . True it is , God not onely disproveth not , but liketh and accepteth of our works , though unperfect , yea crowns and rewards his own grace in us ; yet not for the worthiness of the work , but for the persons sake that is in his favor by Jesus Christ , whose perfect righteousness is imputed , to make a supply of our imperfections and wants .

Seeing therefore it is an inheritance every way free , bestowed upon us onely by right of Adoption in Jesus Christ , which by his grace he hath called us unto ; let us so acknowledge it to the glory of God , and like Adopted children , love our Father , fear him , be zealous for his glory , and take his part .

Incorruptible , 1 Cor. 2. 9. &c. ] Now he describes it , rather setting down what it is not , The happiness of Gods people in Heaven abideth for ever . then what it is , which no tongue can express ; it is without end , perpetual , called therefore everlasting life : Life for the excellency , Everlasting for the continuance ; God endures for ever and ever , so the happiness of his servants : no death there to deprive us of it , Heb. 12. 28. or take us from it ; no sin there to provoke God to take it from us , it abides firm for ever , it cannot be moved . All earthly inheritances are subject to decay , liable to a thousand perils , alterations and troubles , they may be taken from us , and we from them by death . How were the Canaanites put out , and the Israelites succeeded in their places ? How did the Chaldeans displace them , as themselves were by the Medes and Persians ? These things below are the meat that perisheth , uncertain riches , a treasure which moth and canker corrupt , and whereto theeves may break in and steal , whereof also civil or foraign Wars might quickly deprive us ; neither are the smallest inheritances void of cumber , as being in danger of bad titles , oppressors , tyrants , and the like , or to be spent and wasted by unthrifty heirs .

Undefiled ] There comes nothing to taint it , Why termed undefiled . it s most pure ; how can it be otherwise , being the habitation of the most holy God , who is Holiness it self ? Act. 20. 12. holiness becometh the presence of God , where his holy Angels attend upon him : This is prepared for them that are sanctified ; Apoc. 21. 27. neither can any unclean person come there : Hereof the most holy place in the Temple , called the Holy of Holies , was a figure , and this is also called the holy Jerusalem ; Apoc. 21. 10. pure gold is the wall thereof , and precious stones that have no mixture of any impure thing in them ; the gates That withereth not , or fadeth not away ; A metaphor taken from herbs and flowers , which though fair and fresh , and of good smell in the morning , yet in a short time fade and wither , lose beauty , smell , and all . The Kingdom of Heaven always one and the same . This Kingdom is not so , but continues ever fresh and flourishing , always the same , alters not through continuance or length of time . There 's nothing in this world but welks ; the older we grow , the more we wrinkle and wither , the more do we fade both in beauty and strength : so do inheritances ; so goodly and fair houses in time are ready to drop down , or are quite consumed : Kingdoms also fade and decay , that were sometimes flourishing ; so also Cities , yea every thing is the worse for the wearing : Not so with this , here 's an inheritance indeed , could we but conceive and express the fame .

This sets out the excellency of the children of God , Use 1. that are beloved of God , attended by the holy Angels , heirs of the promises here , and of such an inheritance hereafter : If any man knew the excellency of a childe of God , covered with Christs Righteousness , heir apparent to such a Kingdom , endued with the Spirit of Sanctification , and who he were that is one of them , he would fall down at his feet , and kiss the ground he trod on , and cry out , Blessed be the day that ever thou wert born ; but twice blessed the day wherein thou shalt die , for then thou shalt be blessed , and that eternally : but this the world seeth not , they see us but outwardly , and so our state is mean , they see not our inward estate . Simile .

If the yong Prince should come on foot in his working-day cloaths through a Town , and none knew who were his Father , nor what he is born to , he might go through the street , and no man greatly regard him ; but if in his best apparel , and known what he is , then every man would look after him , and reverence him : so the world sees us in our working-days cloaths , and therefore neglect us ; if they did see us in our holy-day apparel , they would admire us : but being ignorant of the Father that begat us , and that will give us this inheritance , how can they take notice of us ?

This should stir up them that have attained hereunto , Use 2. to be highly thankful for the same ; and good cause why , for we were begotten and born at first to a woeful inheritance , to hell and damnation , children of wrath , but now begotten again to this happy inheritance ; walk we therefore as becometh those that are called to so high an inheritance : Phil. 3. 20. Kings Sons must not carry themselves like base persons ; so neither must we , Col. 3. 1. but have our conversation in Heaven , seeking for those things that are above , and esteeming of this world as vain ; so using it , as that thereby we may be furthered to our true inheritance , not hindred ; we must long to be at it : How do heirs under age , long to be of age to come to their Lands ? so should we ( here as it were under age ) long to come to our Inheritance ; as they that be long tossed on the Sea , long to come to the Haven , and Pilgrims to be at their own Country , and Prisoners to be at liberty ; so should we desire to be dissolved , that we enjoy Heaven , our Haven , our Countrey , the onely place of freedom . A wonderful fault in Christians , that so little think of it , take so little pleasure therein , are no more thankful for the same ; seek after earthly things too eagerly , and do not so much aim after this : Oh what great unthankfulness is this ! to be called to such an Inheritance , and so little to think thereof , so little to long after it ? Oh how we linger here below ! if God should not drive us out by crosses , as Lot was fired out of Sodom , we would never be weary , we would still say , It s good being here ; say we then out of our earnest desire hereof , Rev. 22. 17. Come Lord Jesus , come quickly .

Here we sin , Rev. 7. 17. and taste of sorrows many ways ; then shall we sin no more , feel no more affliction , pain , sorrow , trouble any way : All tears shall be wiped from our eyes , then shall we be perfectly both holy and happy ; when we come there , we shall not need to plow , sow , eat , drink , sleep , we shall not need travel any more to hear more Sermons , God shall be all in all .

This should comfort us against the fear of death ; Use 3. what should we need to fear , since when Our earthly house of this Tabernacle shall be dissolved , 2 Cor. 5. 1. we know we have a building of God , an house not made with hands , eternal in the Heavens . To go out of prison to liberty , is it not comfortable ? out of of a miserable world , to a most happy Inheritance , what more desireable ? So if we be deprived of our earthly Inheritance , as these Jews were that were scattered into other countreys for Religion sake , comfort we our selves notwithstanding , that yet we have an Inheritance ( as hard as the world goes ) and that a good and a sure one ; Act. 7. 5. as long as we have this , we are happy : So though we have no Inheritance here , not one foot ; yet if we have assurance of this , we may rejoyce , and having this , bear with the want of other things : It s better , then without this to be Lord of a Town , Owner of a Kingdom ; it s our great fault , that if we be somewhat shortened here , we are so much cast down thereat as if we had nothing .

This should make us count all the labor , Use 4. pains , reading , hearing , conferring , praying , and all happy that hath brought us to the hope of this Inheritance ; we have travelled well , it s happily bestowed . Hereupon for the time to come , we must be encouraged to any pains , to do any thing , to suffer any thing for the attainment and enjoyment of so blessed an Inheritance : This Inheritance should we desire for our children above any other , and use the means accordingly ; how do men toil to make their children rich , how few use means to make them gracious .

This may stir up them that have no hope to labor after this Inheritance ; Use. 5. Lay up a treasure in Heaven ; Mat. 6. 20. Labor for the meat that endureth to everlasting life . Ioh. 6. 27. This is worth our pains and cost , this is good wisdom : Mat. 13. 45. The wise Merchant spying the Pearl hid in the field , goes and sells all , and buys it ; so every one that is a true Esteemer of this Pearl , prizeth it above all that he hath ; But few do thus , because this Pearl is hid from carnal men , they do not see it , and many among us will not see it , though it be discovered to us : But O woful and miserable world , he that would look upon most men , might think there were no such inheritance : How do some spend all their time in pleasure , and never look after any thing else ? How do most men rake after the world , night and day ( Sabbath and all ) by right and wrong , hook and crook , and suffer no stone unrolled for this pelf and trash of the world , that never set their hearts once to enquire after any other inheritance for time to come , as if Heaven were here : poor beasts , they might as well go on all four : Oh base , that men should spend their time , their thoughts , their pains , and all , for that which may be lost ere morning , and no whit for that which will last for ever : Thus with Judas , most sell Christ for Thirty pieces ; with Esau , their Birthright for a mess of Pottage ; and with the Gadarens , prefer their hogs before Christ ; others that seem not altogether eaten up of the world , or so prophane , will talk of this inheritance , but how do they hold it ? by every blinde conceit ; they that cannot even by learned Counsel make sure enough their Earthly inheritance , can of their own heads make sure their Heavenly : Nay , the world if they see any take pains in Hearing , Reading , Praying , and the like , wonder at them , count them fools , say , they will beggar themselves , I wonder what they mean , &c. Dost thou wonder ? They desire to attain an heavenly inheritance , not easily attained : They may rather wonder to see thee so earnest for this trash , which thou must leave thou canst not tell how soon , and have no care for the time to com , which is for ever ; let such leave off seeking for the body , 1 Tim. 6. 19. and now care for the soul , Laying up in store a good foundation for themselves against the time to come , that they may lay hold on eternal life : Oh get good evidences to shew for it against all cavillers ; content not thy self with this , that God is merciful , and Christ died for all men , and the like , but labor to gain assurance upon good ground , that thou art one of them to whom God hath promised mercy , and for whom Christ dyed : To this end , examine thy Faith by its undoubted fruits , Repentance and Charity .

If it be an undefiled inheritance , Use 6. let every one therefore labor to wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb , and by the Spirit of Sanctification , else can we never come there ; none but such are admitted into Gods presence : what an impudent sawciness then is it in a number that wallow in the filthy mire of their sins , and yet hope to go to Heaven as well as the best ? Are swine , and such filthy cattel used to be brought into Kings Presence-Chambers ? No , thou must be washed ere thou come here , and that so , as all the water in the sea cannot wash thee : If such as thou go to Heaven , then who go to Hell ? If you will say Turks & Pagans , then look into the Parable of the Sower , three sorts of hearers perish ; you know and do not , they know not the will of God : Dost thou think that thou canst go on in thy lewdness , and step out of thy filthy life into Heaven ? No , then had all Gods servants lost a great deal of labor : We read of one , and but of one , that made any short cut , namely the thief upon the Cross ; labor thou therefore in time to be washed , in time for Sanctification , and hereafter ( as heretofore thou hast still done ) put not off from day to day : But the Apostle contents not himself with the foregoing description , he yet adds more touching the same ; what then ? We notwithstanding must learn to be wise according to sobriety ; and that we ( forgetting our weak understanding ) mount not up to search more curiously into Gods mysteries then he hath revealed ▪ lest the glory thereof dazle and confound us : We are ready , & have a tickling desire to know further then God hath revealed , which breeds rather jangling then godly edifying : It may be enough for us to know that this inheritance and happiness is such , as that when all that mens tongues can speak is uttered , yet it is nothing to the excellency of it : So laying aside all curious questions about it , let us rather imploy our pains and study to get assurance of it .

Reserved in Heaven ] This inheritance is here described by the place , not in Earth , not in Paradice , where Adam was , not in Canaan , which flowed with milk and honey , but in Heaven .

Hence note , that

Heaven is the place wherein God hath appointed to glorifie his Saints , God hath appointed to glorifie his Saints in heaven . even the third Heaven , the place of his presence ; where he manifesteth himself most clearly to his Angels and Saints ; that Paradice whereinto Christ ascended at his death , where also he promised that the penitent thief should be with himself ▪ the bosom of Abraham , whereinto Lazarus was received .

For where Christ is , there shall all his Saints be ; as he himself hath promised , and will perform : See to this purpose , Mat. 25. 34. Joh. 14. 2. and 17. 24. & 2 Cor. 5. 1. This is not every where , as some have imagined , Col. 3. 1. but above in the highest Heavens : Christ was taken up , Act. 1. 9. and who knoweth not that Heaven is above , as Hell is beneath ?

This sheweth the excellency of this inheritance : Use 1. Oh how infinite odds is there between Heaven and Earth , both for Glory and Eternity ! Therefore it s called a glorious inheritance : Eph. 1. 18. If the outside be so decked with Sun , Moon , Stars , and such an excellent beautiful sky , Rev. 21. 11. what is the inside ? According to our weakness , St. John describes it by things of most worth amongst us , as pure Gold , and precious Pearls : In this will God glorifie all his Saints , whensoever we die , our souls shall be taken up into it , as our bodies also at the last day .

How doth this set forth the unspeakable love of God , Use 2. and merit of Christ , that we who were worthily shut out of the Paradise on Earth , should be received into this Heavenly Paradise .

How should this ravish their hearts , Use 3. that know themselves heirs of this ? How should it make them despise these things here below , when they know and finde them experimentally lets hereunto ? How should it make us walk with an heavenly minde worthy of that inheritance ? Out minde and soul should be there , and savour of it , whither at the time of our dissolution we are to be carried .

How should this stir up all men to seek after this glorious inheritance , Use 4. this Treasure in Heaven , so excellent , so incomparable ? But Oh , the blinde world thinks not of this , because it s not seen with the bodily eye : Men labor and strive to get up aloft here , to fet their nest on high , from which yet they may come down quickly , as many do , and must do at their death ; but how few labor to get up to this height of glory in Heaven ?

In Heaven ] Hereby our Apostle meets with , The prevention of a conceit of the Iews . and seeks to cure a gross imagination of the Jews , which dreamed of an earthly Potentate , and thought Christ should come and deliver them from the Romans : See it in the two sons of Zebedeus ; Mat. 20. 21. yea after three years teaching of Christ , Acts 1. 6. after his death and resurrection , they were not free of this conceit : our Savior used to call their mind from this to heaven , Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of , saith he ; and , I came to serve , and not to be served .

So Peter draws them to look for their glory in Heaven ; we must not therefore look for an happy estate here below but in Heaven : Here the Cross , there the Crown ; here the Battel , there the Victory ; The Crown of Thorns here , the Crown of Glory hereafter ; many would follow Christ and the Gospel , if there came any preferment by him , Mat. 8. 19 , 20. that now do not ; so would the yong rich man : But Gods children will serve him , though they undergo troubles here for the glorious inheritance hereafter .

Reserved for us in Heaven ] This meets with an Objection that these Christians might make : The preventian of an Objection . Alas , come to this inheritance ( it were happy indeed if we could ) but what hope of it ? Alas , we are tossed up and down , stript of all our goods , and persecuted ; we are so far from hope to obtain this eternal inheritance , that we cannot keep these earthly ones which we have : He answered , this is safely reserved for us , and is out of danger to be lost ; and though they lost their earthly inheritances , they were but uncertain and transitory things , whereof God never promised that they should be other ; but this is eternal , whereof they shall be most sure : Mat. 25. 34. For , hath the Father prepared this inheritance ere the world was , and chosen us unto it ? hath the Son purchased it for us when we had lost it ? Gods children sh●ll not miss of Heaven . Hath the Holy Ghost assured us of it , and sealed it to us , and given us the earnest of it , and shall we miss it ? God forbid , the Spirit of truth cannot deceive us ; shall Christ lose his death ? Oh no , it s reserved for us in Heaven , where no Devil can come , nor wicked men to take it from us .

Let this be a comfor to all the faithful servants of God that are justified and sanctified , Use. to sweeten all their afflictions here below , that they may be as sure of Heaven in the end without fail , as if they had it already : Many children lose their temporal inheritances , for want of good Gardians and Keepers , they are often wasted and gone ere they come to years , or are suffered to be recovered from them by some others ; but the Lord is a faithful keeper , we are yet under age ; when we shall come to age and dye , the Father that kept it for us , will bestow it on us ; Christ Jesus our head and elder brother , he hath taken possession of it for us , and tells us , that where he is , there shall we be . But if we say , we have many ill willers , there can none come into Heaven , but our Friends : The Devil our deadliest adversary , he comes not there , though he did into the earthly Paradise : And for the wicked , though they hare Gods children , so as they could wish , that as they take away their earthly Inheritances , so they should never be happy , if they could help it ; its past their power to deprive them hereof ; they shall go to Heaven do what they can , yea oftentimes they help them sooner thither then otherwise they should be ( though no thank to them ) and at the day of Judgement , to the increase of their torment , the godly shall be taken up in their sight to Heaven , when themselves shall be thrust into that place of utter darkness , to be tormented with the Devil and his Angels for ever and ever : Hereof we have need to be throughly perswaded , else when great afflictions come , they will be ready to overwhelm us , as it did almost befal both Job and Jeremiah . Oh the afflictions of this present time are not worthy the glory that shall be revealed ! let the assurance of Heaven keep us from wishing we had never been ; whatsoever troubles we do here meet withal , pray we still , Lord increase our Faith ; but more of this hereafter .

For us ] Namely , To be particularly assured of Heaven a special comfort . himself by the judgement of certainty , and them by the judgement of charity .

Here note , that

Its a Christians special comfort , Gal. 2. 20. that he knows and believes that this Inheritance is for him in particular ; Iob 19. 25. I know , saith Job , that my Redeemer liveth ; Ioh. 20. 28. My Lord and my God , saith Thomas : This nature of Faith is signified in the particular distribution of the Sacrament .

To believe it in general , affords no sound comfort ; it may indeed allure one for a while to the profession of the Gospel , to hear that there be such excellent things , Heb. 6. 6. but it will not continue , but will fail and fade away : They that have no more but tasted of the powers of the world to come , will assuredly fall quite away ; but a particular assurance is the mother of all comfort , and the onely foundation of a true good life , and continuance therein unto the end ; The onely prop and pillar to uphold us in Troubles , Dangers , Distresses , Persecutions , and what not .

Therefore labor for it ; Use. But this were presumption , say the Papists , and to this purpose they abuse that of the Preacher , The Righteous and the Wise , Eccle. 9. 1. and their works are in the hand of God , no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them ; but hereby is meant onely , that by these outward things no man can conclude whether he be loved or hated of God , but that therefore we may not know at all , it s most gross . Indeed if we should say this of our own heads , it were presumption , but when we speak it from the Word , and the witness of the Spirit of truth , Rom. 8. 14. then it is not ; As many as are led by the Spirit of God , they are the Sons of God , 2 Cor. 13. 5. saith the Apostle ; And , Know ye not that Christ Jesus is in you , except ye be reprobate . And the Apostle Saint John tells us how we may know that he dwels in us , 1 Ioh. 4. 13. even Because he hath given us of his Spirit .

If therefore we finde the fruits of the Spirit , an hatred of all sin , an unfeigned care to please God in all things , love to Gods Word and his people , grieve that we can serve God no better , strive after more power , and that in the use of the means ordained to that end ; we should be injurious to the Spirit of God , if we did not believe this inheritance to belong to our selves in particular ; Rom. 8. 30. Therefore if we finde our selves regenerate and sanctified , we need not doubt of glorification .

Verse 5. Who are kept by the power of God , through Faith unto Salvation , ready to be revealed in the last time .

THey might say its a goodly Inheritance indeed , and reserved for us , but how shall we come at it , that are lost on the sea of this world ? how should a Mariner come to the Haven in a great tempest through the midst of rocks and sands , The preventi - of another doubt . and many Pirats in his way ? This doubt the Apostle removes , by shewing , That they are kept by the power of God , through faith unto salvation . God doth , as if a King should lay up an infinite treasure in a most safe place , and bid his subjects fetch and take it , but in the way are many Theeves , and also Lyons , Wolves and Bears , against whom he promises them safe conduct and protection , with his gards to go along with them .

Here then is a further benefit that God bestoweth upon his , that he sets them not onely in hope of Salvation , and in a good way , but so confirms them therein , that they continue to the end , and that by upholding them through his mighty power , against all oppositions whatsoever .

Kept ] Therefore we have many enemies and hinderances of our Salvation ; Gods children have many enemies to hinder their salvation . 1. The Devil , whose subtilty , malice , power and vigilancy is extraordinary ; his names in Scripture , Serpent , Dragon , Lyon , and such like , with his continued practises ( there recorded ) to hinder our Salvation , evidence the same : Accordingly doth he daily endeavor to have us in one extreme or another , as either to be of no religion , or a false religion ; if of a true , then that either we may be carnal and secure , or run on to an erroneous and preposterous zeal ; so as he drives some to presumption , he drives others to desperation . 2. The world ; whereof 1. The evil examples therein , like a common stream carry us away , as sheep or cattel seeing a few go in at a gap , will in too , whatever come of it . 2. Ill counsel , and that both to yong men , What will you in the prime of your youth give your self to this precise course , never merry more ? no body will care for you . Old men , What will you now be an hearer of Sermons , and of another minde then heretofore ? what is this , but to disgrace all your former life ? you have ever been counted an honest man , do not now discredit your self : and to rich men , will you go among them , a company of poor despised people ? it will be no small disgrace unto you . 3. The profits and pleasures thereof , whereby most men are beguiled and enchanted : By profits some are kept from professing religion altogether , their Oxen and Farms keep them off , they have no leasure ; yea , some that have heard with joy , and ( with Demas ) gone further , have been choaked by these thorny cares , as others besorted with pleasures to the ruine of their whole man . 4. Adversities , Persecutions , Mat. 26. 56. Troubles every where to be found therein : All forsook Christ when he was first taken , 2 Tim. 4. 16. and the Apostle Paul saith , That at his first answer all forsook him . Rom. 8. 7. And 3. which is the worst , our own corrupt nature , Gen. 6. 5. the wisedom whereof is enmity against God , and all the thoughts of our hearts are onely evill continually : 1 Pet. 2. 11. Our fleshly lusts fighting against our souls ; Oh the abominable corruption that lurketh in us ! we drink in iniquity like water , we hale it to us as with cart ropes , naturally we can do nothing else ; as a traytor its ready to deliver us up to every Enemy , Ioh. 17. 11. therefore Christ had cause to commend us to his Fathers custody .

These be so mighty , as that few can be saved for them : These not onely carry down the common sort , but even such as have made great profession , and have received great gifts ; many of these , with Demas , are eaten up of the world , as others scared by persecution ; yea , hereby even Gods sanctified ones ( with David and Peter ) are shrewdly shaken . Psal. 73. 2.

We should therefore Be strong in the Lord , Use. and in the power of his might ; Eph. 6. 10. Putting on the whole armor of God , that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil and his adherents . No marvel then , though our Savior still stirs us up to watch and pray .

By the power of God ] We cannot keep our selves ; Christians cannot stand of themselves . No alas ! not for an hour : look on David and Peter , nay Adam in the state of innocency ; yea , as being left for a while , we fall into some one or other sin , as into security , Psalm 127. 1. or the like ; so we could not but fall quite away , if there were no other help but our own .

This should make us hang down our heads , Use 1. and humble our selves , and cling to God : If we trust to our selves we shall speed like Peter ; therefore crave new grace , and continual supply .

And if we be kept , Use 2. we may know to whom to ascribe the glory and praise thereof .

Though we have many opposites against our Salvation , Use 3. and we cannot keep our selves , there is one notwithstanding that both can and will keep us , so that we cannot fall from our happy state of grace , in despite of all the enemies of our Salvation whatsoever .

He opposeth to the mighty adversaries of our Salvation , Gods almighty power is sufficient to uphold us against all our enemies . mighty defence , even the Almighty power of God ; that is , His Almightiness , whereby he rules all things in Heaven , Earth , Sea , and all deeps , whom neither Angels , Men , Devils nor Hell can resist . Whatsoever disguise we see any Christians to come to , See Rogers his Book of Direct . we that escape them , are so kept by the power of God ; the Father having elected us , the Son hath redeemed us , and so committed us over to his Father to be kept : so that our Salvation is not in our own keeping , Ioh. 17. 11. as it was in Adams , for then woe unto us , we should soon lose it ; but it is in a sure hand , which makes our state by Christ much better then our state in Adam .

This is most comfortable Doctrine against all fear of our own weakness , Use 1. or any other enemies ; Psal. 121. 4. Though they be strong , yet the Father is stronger , Ioh. 10. 19. and none can pluck them out of his hands : Our adversary is as a roaring Lyon , See Phil. 1. 6. but we have the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah on our side ; Ier. 31. 3. and being made members of Christ , will be suffer any to pluck and rend us from him ? no assuredly , we are not now enemies as in time past , but Gods sons and daughters , therefore not like unnaturally to be forsaken of him in our need ; Rom. 5. 10. For if when we were enemies , we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son ; much more being reconciled , we shall be saved by his life , being delivered from our greatest fear , everlasting condemnation : Objections against this , answered by Downham . lib. 3. cap. 13. it s most certain , that our combats that remain , shall not be deadly , but onely to exercise our Faith ; let us believe this firmly , God who hath bestowed grace on us , will uphold us to the end , so that we may say , Though we can do nothing of our selves , we are able notwithstanding to do all things through Christ that strengtheneth us : Phil. 4. 13. And , We know whom we have believed , and that he is able to keep that which we have committed to him , 2 Tim. 12. whose love also is unchangeable .

Why , Object . we have known of great professors who have faln finally , as Judas , and many in our time .

Yea , Sol. but not such as were taken into the Divine protection and keeping of God , but hypocrites : They went out from us ( saith Saint John ) but they were not of us . Peter was kept by the power of God , though shaken by temptation , yet was he not overcome . Judas was never but the childe of perdition , and had common graces , and was never justified nor sanctified .

Let us then look we be found , and indeed be such as are taken into Gods keeping , and then safe enough ; then may we triumph with the Apostle , Rom. 8. 31. If God be on our side , who can be against us ? And , who shall seperate us from the love of Christ ? Rom. 8. 35. 37. Shall tribulation , or distress or persecution , &c. Nay in all these things we are more then conqu●rers through him that loved us : So must it needs be , except we think the Lords arm to be shortened , or his power weakned , that he cannot help , and that there should be any stronger then the Almighty : Indeed if we be but Hypocrites , and out of Gods keeping , we may fall into any sin , and miserably fall away for ever , for what have we to stay us ? For as if God take not the care of a man , all creatures are lyable to do him hurt ; as Cain said murmuringly , Gen. 4. 14. Thou hast cast me from thy face , and every one that findes me shall slay me : Noting indeed truly that he lyeth open to a Thousand perils that is not kept by God ; so is it for spiritual dangers , he that is not kept by God , may fall into any sin irrecoverably , and perish eternally .

This then confoundeth that hellish Doctrine of Rome , Use 2. that the elect and sanctified may finally fall from grace , which is contrary to the whole Scripture .

Through Faith ] God keeps us , Gods people are kept thr●ugh Faith . but by no miracle or extraordinary way , but by Faith ; not without us , but by working and increasing the grace of Faith , and true beleif in us : some would understand it , through hope , because hereby we wait for Salvation , and indeed there is great affinity between Faith and Hope , so that in Scripture they are sometimes put one for another : By Faith we believe the goodness of God towards us , by Hope we wait till we finde and feel him so to us ; by Faith we believe eternal life , by Hope we patiently wait for it : And as there could be no Hope , if there were not Faith before , so Hope doth greatly help Faith ; it keeps it that it makes not too much haste , nor break off in the mid way ; for God oftentimes after his promises deferreth to perform them ( so that the wicked also come to say , 2 Pet. 3. 4. Where is the promise of his coming ) yea ere he come , he hides his face , and seems as if he would not fulfil the same ; now therefore here doth Hope her Office , and steps in , and sustains Faith very well , so that a Christian must necessarily have both to go along with him : But I see no reason to alter the Apostles words , but to take Faith properly for the grace of true Faith and believing : though this is true , that Hope helps well on , but he speaks of Faith , which includeth Hope as a necessary companion .

But how doth faith bring us to Salvation ? How Faith bringeth us to Salvation . It is said by the Apostle Paul , By grace ye are saved through Faith : Now as it first apprehends Christ and Salvation , Eph. 2. 8. so it holds this hold , and continues our comfort , and still carries us on in the service of God , and an holy life : This assurance of eternal life makes us contemn profits , offered to pull us from a good conscience , Heb. 11. 24. as Moses did Pharaohs Court , and pleasures of Aegypt ; so to despise the Cross , and overcome troubles that would draw us therefrom , as the holy Martyrs did from time to time .

Also Faith apprehending the promise of God for our upholding to the end , rests upon the goodness of God , which is constant , and his power , which is infinite : Therefore when any shall perswade us we shall never hold out , we shall be forsaken , Faith then puts up head , and saith nay to it , because God hath promised to keep us unto Salvation .

The wicked come and say , where is now thy God , by reason of troubles which befal the Godly ; so the Devil and their own unbelief assaults them , Psal. 42. 5. 11. now Faith helps and saith , Why art thou cast down , why art thou disquieted , trust yet in God , he is my present help and my God : and , Psal. 23. 4. Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death , I will fear no ill : and , the name of the Lord is a strong Tower ; Pro. 18. 10. the Righteous runneth to it , and is safe : 1 Ioh. 5. 4. This is the Victory that overcometh the world , called therefore the shield , Eph. 6. 16. By which we quench the fiery darts of the Devil : For this purpose our Saviour when he prayed that Peter might hold out , prayed that his Faith might not fail : Luke 22. 32. If that fail we are gone , if it hold , we shall be too hard for all the world ; so long as our Faith holds , all the world , with all the Engines it hath to destroy us , can never overturn us : Contrarily , without Faith we can neither begin nor stand against any temptation or danger .

This teacheth men to labor for this true Faith , Use 1. without it they may fall to any thing , as the second and third sort of ground mentioned by our Savior in the parable ; most people content themselves in being professors , but labor not for this grace of Faith , and therefore do they fall away , and never come to Salvation .

It teacheth also the Godly , Use 2. still to say with the Apostle , Lord increase our Faith , Luke 17. 5. using all other means to that purpose : A little Faith will go but a little way ; the least , if true , shall get to Heaven , but with much ado , as a poor tattered Vessel may get to shoar , especially if there come no storms , Simile . but if there do , it s in great danger , and very hardly attains unto it : but as a strong Vessel comes safely , though it have strong tempests ; so a strong Faith , though it be strongly assaulted , and put to it ( as oft it is ) both in life , and in the end of life , yet it conquers .

We have had none but calm times hitherto , but what we may have we know not , whether common trials , or particular ones , accompanied with pain , grief , vexation , &c. Labor therefore for good store of Faith .

Unto Salvation ] kept not for a while , Phil. 1. 6. but to the coming of Christ , to the enjoying of Salvation , and not as Moses , who had only a sight of Canaan .

He keeps us by his power : Christians must not look here for outward prosperity . whereto ? Not that our finger shall not ake in this world , but have all peace and prosperity , and every bodies good will : No , but to Salvation in the end of our life , for here we must suffer with him , Rom. 8. 17. if hereafter we mean to raign with him ; we must be Baptized with the Baptism wherewith he was Baptized .

It is true that godliness hath the promises of this life , Use. and of that which is to come , but of this only , so much as God shall see meet .

Therefore let us dream of no tranquility here , but expect that in Heaven , where we shall be happier then can be uttered .

Ready to be revealed in the last time . The fulness of our happiness not to be had here , ] When shall we have it ? It was prepared before the world , we shall have a measure of it in death , but the fulness thereof is deferred till the day of Judgement , Christs second coming , Act. 3. 19. which is called the time of refreshing , and our full redemption .

By the last time , Act. 2. 17 may be understood , in divers places of Scripture , all the time from Christs coming in the flesh , Heb. 1. ●● till the end of the world , so called , in respect of the former times ; and because they go directly and immediately before the end , and because God hath perfected his will , and the revelation thereof to his Church in his Son , and no more is to be added .

They under the Law waited for a cleerer and fuller manifestation thereof , but now we have all we shall ever have ; but by the last time here , the worlds end is meant , for then shall there be no more time , as there was none before the creation ; Gen. 8. 22. the Sun , Moon and Stars were made for signs and season ; Winter and Summer , to measure days , moneths , years , &c. but then shall they cease ; in Hell the wicked shall have none , in Heaven the godly shall need none ; so there shall be no more time , no more day in Hell , but all night , no night in Heaven , but all day .

Well , But at the last day . our full Salvation we shall have at the last day , and not before ; then shall our bodies ( whatsoever in the mean time becometh of them ) as they have been companions with our souls in well-doing , and have been redeemed by Christ , as well as they be raised up , and set on the right Hand ; when both joyntly shall hear this comfortable sentence , Col. 3. 3 , 4. Come ye blessed of my Father , &c. then shall we be ever with the Lord in Heaven both in body and soul : Now our life is hid with Christ in God ; 1 Ioh. 3. 2. But when Christ which is our life shall appear , then shall we also appear with him in glory .

We must therefore wait patiently , Use. 1. not making too much haste ; in the fulness of time we shall have our hearts desire : Christ was promised in the beginning of the world , but came not till long after , even when the fulness of time came , Iam. 5. 7. so ▪ shall our happiness in the appointed time .

We are taught to pray , Object . Thy Kingdom come ; and in the Revelation it s mentioned that the souls under the Alter cried , Rev. 6. 10. How long , O Lord , holy and true , dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth !

True , Sol. but yet patiently awaiting Gods good time that he hath appointed . Use. 2.

Hereby also we may stop the mouths of mockers that shall come to us , and say , 2 Pet. 3. 4. Where is the promise of his coming ? we may answer , it is coming , and it will be here too soon for you , and God is not slack as you think , but therefore deferreth , as willing that all men should come to Salvation , even all such as he hath elected , who being once all born and called , the end shall quickly come : And as this may stop their mouths , so it may make us patient to tarry for our fellow brethren .

When we therefore make too much haste , what is it , but that we would have our full , happiness , and leave out some of the elect to be quite put off ; Simile . as if we should desire to be over a water , and then draw the bridge that the rest shall not come over : And the rather let us be patient , Iam. 5. 8. not onely because of the greatness of the reward when it cometh , but also because it hasteneth ; we have the vantage of our Forefathers , which lay long in the earth , waiting for that day , but now it s at hand ; we hasten to it , and it hastens to us , we shall meet ere long , and as our Apostle saith , 2 Pet. 2. 3. The damnation of the wicked sleepeth not , so neither the Salvation of the godly , now ready to be revealed .

Last time . ] The coufutation of an error . Some gather hence , That we shall have no part in glory at all , till the day of Judgement , but that the souls of the Saints go to a middle place , &c. confuted by our Saviors speech to the thief , Verily I say unto thee , Luke 23. 43. To day shalt thou be with me in Paridise ; the Angels carrying Lazarus of soul into Abrahams bosom : Luke 16. 22. See also Eccle. 12. 7. Phil. 3. 13. Rev. 6. 10.

This should make us labor for pure and holy souls , Use. seeing they must be in Heaven as soon as ever they depart from our bodies , which we know not how soon it may be : They must be carried up above the Starry Heaven into the most solemn appearance that ever was .

Verse 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoyce , though now for a season ( if need be ) yeare in heaviness through manifold temptations .

HAving shewed the Inheritance at large , here he sheweth by what way God will bring us thither ; namely , by weeping-cross , by the rough way of affliction , which yet shall not be to our hurt or consuming , but to the trial of our Faith , that it may be ( being purified ) to our honor at Christs coming : Therefore though our afflictions breed heaviness , yet not such , but that the assurance of our Salvation makes us in the same to rejoyce .

Wherein ] that is , In which Election , Sanctification , Lively hope , and happy Inheritance ye rejoyce : Here he setteth down another benefit bestowed upon us by the Gospel ; namely , Spiritual joy , and rejoycing proceeding from Faith and Hope , yea , and that in adversity .

He knew they rejoyced in the assurance of their happiness , he knew it by himself , he did so , and therefore they could do no other , for the same Spirit worketh alike in the elect , which makes that they can the better tell how to speak , to advise , counsel and understand one another .

But in commending them , Phil. 1. 18. he exorteth them , namely , That they would do so still ; We must rejoyce in the assurance of our Salvation . for being now in persecution , he requires them to reioyce yet in the assurance of their eternal happiness , as Paul of himself in another case .

Hence note , See Psal. 4. 7. & 50. 12. that

Its the duty of all those that be assured of their Salvation , to rejoyce in it , Mat. 9. 2. which being attained unto , breeds joy , and no marvel ; For , Luke 10. 20.

Is liberty joyful to the captive , Act 8. 8. 39. & 16. 34. health to the sick , sight to the blinde , life to the dead ? Then must Salvation needs be so to them that have felt themselves condemned ; for them to be the children of God , that were the slaves of Satan , heirs of Heaven , that were firebrands of Hell .

Who can but rejoyce , that knoweth that there 's no condemnation to him ? Though thousands perish , God loves him , he shall want nothing ; such need not fear though Heaven and Earth should come together , he knows that Heaven 's prepared for him , without which there can be no true mirth .

This rebuketh Christians that do no more rejoyce in their happiness , Use 1. so seldom think of it , so little refresh and quicken up their hearts by it .

Wee could be merry in it , Object . but our wretched nature and corruptions , that break out so continually , so many ways damps us , and causeth us to go heavily , when we might else rejoyce .

True , Sol. but this is not all the cause , we rejoyce too much and too often in earthly things , and therefore so seldom in the true treasure and best inheritance ; and this is unthankfulness , and too much baseness , and a great fault . If we did more often comfort our hearts in this assurance , it would sharpen us on much to duty ; the want of this is the cause of our dulness .

This also rebukes the fond world , Use 2. that thinketh the Christian state so lumpish , as that there 's no mirth in it ; and that if they should undertake that state , they should never be merry more : such are afraid of their own shadows , Phil. 4. 4. they are desperate and mad men , that can or dare be merry till they be Christians , 1 Thess. 5. 16. who onely have commission to be merry .

The wicked are bidden indeed , but it s with a choak in the end , that they must come to Judgement .

Religion takes not away , Religion reforms mirth . but onely reforms mirth ; it takes away the filthy and wicked mirth , that provokes God to anger , and ends in howling , as the wicked cannot be merry , but in swearing , drunkeness , ribaldry , mocking the children of God , and the like : What , no sport but with firebrands and edgetools ? with nothing but that which must anger God , and wound our own souls ?

Again , Moderates our lawful mirth . It moderates our lawful mirth , wherein many rejoyce too excessively , teaching us first to rejoyce in God and his love , then in these things , as coming from thence , and as helps , and for the hope of better things .

Oh that roysters and carnal worldlings would set less by this joy , Use. for howling will be the end , and labor for the ground of true joy , which may make their hearts merry here , Pro. 14. 13. and bring them to endless joy hereafter . Eccles. 7. 6. The wicked laugh , but in the midst thereof their heart is heavy .

They have many secret stings ; it s with good and bad men as its with a true man and a thief , the true man goes home merry , and there sits down quiet , though he have no great provision ; the thief having his purse full of money at his Inn , calls for great cheer , wine and musick , and yet with a trembling heart , a fearful eye , an ear that lists to every knock , thinking still that some are come to apprehend him ; he is not therefore so truly merry as the poor true man : so is it with good and bad men .

Ye rejoyce ] They were in affliction , Being assured of Heaven we must rejoyce even in our troubles . yet rejoyced in the hope of Heaven ; whence learn , that being assured of Heaven , we are to rejoyce even in affliction , in troubles .

This is often commanded ; We are to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations . Rom. 5. 3. For

Our light affliction which is but for a moment , 2 Cor. 8. 2. worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory : Mat. 5. 11. And , Iam. 1. 2. The sufferings of this present time , Reason . are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us . 2 Cor 4. 17. Therefore our assurance of Heaven should swallow up our heaviness , Rom. 8. 18. and not be swallowed up of it . We must be content with hungry men to eat good meat , Acts 5. 41. though it have sharp swace ; as others have not been daunted by any troubles , 2 Cor 6. 10. but amidst them expressed no small mirth ; Heb. 10. 34. so also must we .

Herein there 's no small odds between christians and carnal men , Use 1. for these though they have all that this world can afford them to make them happy ( like Dives ) Wife , Children , Friends , and the like ; yet dangers and troubles shall sooner make them weary of this happiness , whereof he is in present possession , then the childe of God can be of that whereof here he hath but the assurance : for example , Take a man and give him what the world will afford him , yet let a Mill-stone hang by a small coard over his head , at his back a fierce adversary with his sword drawn , before his face an hissing Serpent ready to sting him , on each side ramping and devouring Bears and Lyons ready to tare him in pieces , would not this fear daunt him more then all his jollity would comfort him ? Would he have any joy at all , the case being thus with him ? Dan. 5. 6. As in Belshazzer : Nay , let him have but the gout or stone , and how will he take on ? But take a Christian that hath the hope of eternal life , and set all these about him , they shall not daunt him , nor make him comfortless ; He will hope and rejoyce notwithstanding , as Paul and Silas in prison : As the fear of Hell will abate all joy , so the hope of Heaven will abate all sorrow and fear : The assurance of Salvation will comfort one more , then the enjoying of all the world ; what can daunt him that hath this ? such is the power of Faith . Use 2.

This also sheweth the difference between the joy of an Hypocrite and a true Christian ; The one can rejoyce in prosperity , but not in adversity , neither fasteth the Hypocrites joy , more then for a season : The wicked cannot bear , but fret at troubles , because they know no assurance of ease , but rather that they are forerunners of greater sorrows : As one may be drowned in a small River if he fall in headlong , and come safe to land in the main Sea , if he have a board to swim on ; so the wicked are overwhelmed in less troubles , and the godly upheld in the greatest , by the assurance of an happy end .

This also rebukes our daintiness and faint-heartedness , Use 3. that are straight dismaid at a little trouble : He hath not rightly profited in the knowledge of God , and life eternal , that is dismaid by these troubles ; If thou faint in the time of affliction , Pro. 24. 10. thy strength is but small : We are ready ( like the Israelites ) to murmure if we lack any thing in the way to Canaan ; the assurance thereof should have made them ( as it may us ) to bear many difficulties : To this end we set before us the Godly courage of the Martyrs , and many of our Godly predecessors : True it is , no affliction is joyous in it self , but tedious , yet Faith comforts , Rev. 16. 21. and even in it affords joy ▪ The wicked then must labor to get assurance of Gods favor , else they may come to be Blasphemers , or to do in their troubles as Ca●n , Achi●ophel , Judas .

Though now for a season , &c. ] Here he sets out their joy by the contrary that it was mixed withal , namely , heaviness , occasioned through temptations , which are aggravated by their number , Manifold , yet diminished again by three things : 1. They are but short , for a season now . 2. The author or sender , God , he seeth it good , if need be . 3. By the end that their Faith may be tryed , and so found to their honor at the last day , as in the ensuing Verse .

Manifold Temptations ] They were driven from their Native country , forced to fly for their lives , & so questiōless met with variety of troubles .

Whence may be noted , that

Even such as are highly in Gods favor , and shall be heirs of Heaven , must undergo , not one or two , but many troubles : Gods children must here undergo many troubles . As the Israelites went to Cannan through the Wilderness , where sometimes they wanted water , sometimes it was bitter , sometimes they met with Enemies , Psal. 34. 19. as at other times were encountred with other difficulties , so shall we in our journey to Heaven : Acts 14. 22. Behold it in Noah , though he was saved from the flood , 2 Tim. 3. 12 yet was it as it were by an Hundred deaths ; what toil had he in making the Ark , whilest the world sported ? Was he not also shut up in a close place amongst Beasts for a long time , where questionless there could not be but a noysom savour 〈◊〉 when he came out of the Ark , was he not mockt by his own Son , so that his own mouth was feign to curse him ▪ The same might also be instanced in Abraham , Jacob , Job , David , Paul , and others ; one might marvel where they should have a breathing time ; as one flood calleth another , one wave followeth another , one Cloud after another comes over the face of the Sun , so did their troubles and crosses as it were strive for place , and crowd to prevent one another , the end of one being the beginning of another .

Reasons hereof may be these , Reasons .

1. To drive them to repentance , 2 Sam. 12. 18. as the death of Davids childe begotten in adultery , Gen. 42 ▪ 21. Josephs brethrens hard usage in Aegypt : They are as the Shepherds dog . to fetch us out of the corn , to bring us into compass again ; Psal. 32. 4 , 5. & 119. 67. 71. which David acknowledged again and again : As they prepare some which have never repented , so do they ●waken others to the renewing of their repentance .

2. To keep them from sin , Hos. 2. 6. being therefore compa●ed to an hedge of thorns . Iob 33 ▪ 17.

3. To humble them ; 2 C●●on . 20. 37 we have a proud nature , and while we be in health , we think our heads half touch the clouds , therefore God pulls us down by troubles ; no rule in a house where children be without rods : so the Lord should have no rule with us , were it not that sometimes by himself , sometimes by others he chastiseth us .

4. To make them more holy , Isa: 4. 4. to scourge off the rust , Heb. 12. 10. purge out some of the rem●ant of this old man , Isa. 27. 9. and renew the inner man . Afflictions are like the furnace , like the fan , like physick , they are Gods pruning knife to cut off our superfluous branches , and make us more fruitful , as the Gardiner prunes the Vine yearly , that it may fructifie .

5. To wean them from the world , to which even the best are too much addicted , and to make them willing to die , and to be gone hence , so setting them on work to look after , and make sure of a better inheritance ; how loath was L●t to come out of Sod●m , though it were then even ready to be burnt ? what would have drawn him out , if it had not been that ? How loath were the Israelites to leave the fleshy pots of Aegypt , and go to Canaan , being there notwithstanding in bondage ▪ what would they have done ▪ if they had lived there in honor as Joseph ? God was feign to raise up a persecuting Phara●h , whereby they were made to cry 〈◊〉 him , and he thereupon sent them Moses and 〈◊〉 , yet even then were they scant willing .

6. To prove the Devil a li●● , who gives out , That Gods servants do serve him for wages ( Doth Job ( saith he ) fear God for nought ) that so they may triumph in their obedience . Iob. ● .

7. To keep them from hell and condemnation . Ioh ●● . 18.

8. To bring them to Heaven ; 1 Cor 11. ●2 . no marvel then , Psal 9● . 1● , 13. if that man be blessed whom the Lord chasteneth , Heb. 12. 6. his chastisements being indeed sight of his love . Therefore

1. We should not dream all of peace and prosperity here , Use 1. but of trouble also ; accordingly looking for it one after another ; if God spare us , it is because of our weakness , but look we not long to be spared , but in the mean time gather strength ; if we expect troubles , they prove the weaker ; if they come on us unlooked for , they daunt us the more . In our prosperity we must think often hereof , thus reasoning with our selves , Well , now I am in health , how shall I do when long and strong sickness shall lie upon me ? now I have wealth , what shall I do if all be taken away . and I be put to a poor condition ? now I am in mine own Countrey , House and Land , what should I do if I were imprisoned or banished among them I know not ? This will partly make us use our present prosperity more soberly , and also we shall be fitter to meet with adversity when it comes : if it come not , its labor well lost ; if it come , well bestowed .

2. We should bear them patiently , Use 2. seeing not onely we must needs undergo them , but they are so many ways for our good : We must not then be dismaid at them , seeing even Gods dearest children have undergone them , they have been their lot : But how loath are we to think of troubles till they come ? They will come time enough we say , but never the sooner for thinking on them , it may be the longer , and to be sure the lighter .

3. We must be thankful for them , Use 3. as we would be to one that tames our wilde Horses or Steers , or to a Physician for purging our superfluous humors . It s no matter , so as our souls gain , though outwardly we smart : Shall we thank and reward the Physician for very untoothsom Phisick , and which makes us sick at the heart , and shall we be unthankful unto God for healing our souls , what means soever he useth ?

4. We must neither think them the better that are without affliction , Use 4. nor them the worse that are afflicted ; the latter may be happy , as the former miserable .

5. We must make a right use of afflictions , Use 5. whensoever they come upon us .

Temptations ] That is , troubles or tryals .

But it s said , Object . God tempts none .

There be two kindes of Temptations ; Sol. one , Tryals , by leaving us to our selves , 2 Chro. 32. 31 ▪ as Hezekiah ; or by afflictions ( as here ) to bring to light what is in us : The other , Suggestions to perswade us to evil ; of the first God is the author , of the latter , the Devil and man .

Afflictions , Afflictions ar● tryals . as Poverty , Sickness , Banishment , Imprisonment , are Temptations ; they serve to try what is in us , not but that God knoweth what is in us already ( he knoweth both the heart and reins ) but that our selves and others may attain this knowledge . Sometimes we overprize , sometimes we underprize our selves : But they sometimes bewray hidden grace ; as who would have thought of so much Faith in Abraham , Patience in Job , Meekness in David and Moses , if they had not been tryed ? Sometimes also hidden corruptions ; for who could have thought of so much weakness in Peter , and the rest of the Apostles , if they had not been tryed ? So what grace hath appeared in some , as weakness and impatience in others in the time of affliction , neither of which before could have been believed ?

Are afflictions tryals ? then

1. Labor we for such soundness of grace , Use 1. that when afflictions shall come , they may finde us pure gold and wheat , and not cast us out for chaff and dross .

2. Do we consider that God now tryes us by them , Use 2. and so look we to our selves , observing what they discover , if it be more grace then we thought , that we may thank God ; if more corruption , be truly humbled , laboring for more grace : yea , whatsoever shall be discovered , we are to thank God , as which will tend to our good . There 's therefore no cause why we should be impatient in troubles , for they try us ; and who would be unwilling to be tryed ? It s a sign he meant not well that would not have his gold put to the Touchstone ; or he that proffering Land to be sold , would not have his Writings perused .

In heaviness ] Can heaviness and rejoycing stand together ? Here on earth heaviness and rejoycing may stand together . A. They can in divers respects and degrees : In Heaven where our joy shall be in such an high degree and great measure , we cannot mourn , nor the wicked in Hell rejoyce ; but here on Earth we may : The wicked be merry , because they have their will , yet inwardly they are wounded in their consciences , for fear of that which may come after ; So the godly are joyful in the assurance of Gods favor and Heaven , and yet heavy thorugh troubles which here lie upon them : As a sick man hearing glad tidings may rejoyce , and yet be heavy for his pain ; a Father also may be heavy for his childes death , and yet rejoyce for his happy end and godly departure : Ezra 3. 12 , 13. Amongst the Israelites upon the rebuilding of the Temple , some wept and others rejoyced ; both might have been ( and haply were ) even in some one .

Gods servants as by their Faith they are not freed from afflictions , so neither from heaviness , Heb. 12. 11. but have sence of their miseries , which are grievous to them , 2 Cor. 6. 10. as Poverty , Iohn 16. 20. Sickness , Imprisonment , and the like ; even our Savior himself mourned and wept , and so he said his Disciples should : Nay , our Savior himself shed tears of blood in his passion , saying , yea crying out , My soul is heavy unto the death : Faith makes us not blocks , neither takes away sense , onely moderates our grief . The Martyrs had pain , but Faith prevailed and enabled them to bear it : Where there 's no pain , there can be no patience ; nothing due to blockishness , else were frantique persons worthy commendation , which feel nothing : Faith moderates our grief , makes us wait upon God , speak good of him , using no unlawful means when the cross is upon us .

1. This is contrary to that blockishness of the Stoicks , Use 1. that profess to be moved with nothing so much as to change countenance , but to be at the hardest tidings , as if the joyfullest news had been brought them .

2. To those half Stoicks amongst our selves , Use 2. which think it too much weakness to complain or make moan in any affliction .

3. This may comfort the servants of God when they are pinchad hard by troubles , Use 3. and are affected thereat , and feeling pain declare it : Though they may be thought impatient , they are not ; God knows we be not iron , as long as Faith can moderate ; and we being heavy and pincht to the heart with pain , are yet upholden with the joy of eternal salvation , Iob 13. 15. and can say with Job , Though he kill me , yet will I trust in him , in the mean time using no unlawful means , our care is good : Job is renowned by S. James for a mirror of patience , Iames 5. 11. yet he rent his garment , Iob 1. 20. shaved his head , put on sackcloth , and the like .

For a season ] Our afflictions are but short , The godlies afflictions are short . as our life is , as a span long , as a vapor , a Weavers shuttle , a thought ; yet in this short time our good days have been ●o then our afflictions . 2 Cor. 4. 17. Psal. 90. 9.

We think them long if they have been on us a few days , Psal. 30. 5. and 125. 3. but it s our weakness , they are short in respect of that we have deserved , in respect of the pains we be freed from , Isa 54. 7 , 8. and joys we go to .

If our enemy should burst with malice , he cannot hurt us after this life .

Therefore bear them patiently , Use. think them not long : They that lie in Hell shall have a long task indeed ; let us think of our long eternal joy : we if our afflictions be but very short think much , but look on Jacob and David , that from their youth were never free .

If need require ] That is , See Cap. 3. 17. as it seemeth good to God , as it pleaseth him , as he seeth it fit and expedient .

Hence note , that

Our afflictions come not to us at adventure , Afflictions come by the wise disposing of Almighty God . nor by the will of Satan and wicked men , for then woe to us , they would afflict us too much ; nor yet by our own will , for then either we would have none , or too little ; but they come by the will , providence , and wise disposing of Almighty God , who is infinite in wisdom , and knoweth what is best for us : who in love will do for the best to all his . Therefore ,

1. We may bear them more patiently , Use 1. seeing they come from our Master ; Nay , from our most wise and gracious Father , thanking him that he hath not left us into the hands of Satan or any of his , but hath the rod in his own hand , and knoweth when to stay ; with him is mercy , with them none .

2. We must not rush into troubles , Use 2. and draw them upon our selves , not being called of God thereto ; but must be wise as Serpents , we must save our heads , whilest we may lawfully , and not exasperate men against us wilfully : Neither must we trust to our great strength , for then we prove weakest ; they have not always proved the stoutest in the end , that have been forwardest to thrust themselves into trouble● Our Saviour Christ bade them , when they were persecuted in one city , fly into another , but if the will of God be that we shall suffer , we must be couragious , and quit our selves like men .

Verse 7. That the trial of your Faith being much more precious then of Gold that perisheth , though it be tried with fire , might be found unto praise , and honor , and glory , at the appearing of Jesus Christ .

HEre also he qualifieth their troubles from the end of them : A quilification of their troubles . They come not for our hurt , but for our good ; Thereby we are no more hurt , then Wheat is by threshing , or Gold by fining , they come for the trial of our Faith , and tried Faith , is better then any tried Gold ; For that will perish , and be lost , but this will abide , and come forth to our honor and praise , at the great appearing of Jesus Christ : It may be conceived , as if he had said , The affliction and persecution which you now suffer , bear patiently , as serving for the trial of your Faith , which ( how painful soever the tryal thereof may seem for the present ) will be found to your praise at the great day . This being so , who should not willingly undergo them ? If we take pains and toil our selves to get riches , and so long as we get them , forget our toil ; should we not much more be concent to endure some trouble , that our souls may get the true riches ?

Now particularly for the trial of our Faith afflictions come , 1. To try whether we have any at all . 2. Whether it be so much as we take it to be . 3. To purge and refine that which we have .

1. To try whether we have any Faith ; Affliction tryeth whether we have Faith . as God doth it sometimes by false teachers and heresies , so doth he also by afflictions , wherein many that have not received the love of the truth have been carried away ; Iam. 1. 3. 2. whereas others , Deut. 13. 3. though haply of less parts , but more soundness , 1 Cor. 11. 19. have resisted and stood to the truth ; for there be false Faiths , and our hearts are deceitful , and the Devil is subtile to make as believe we have the right , when we have nothing less . Affliction will prove this , Mat. 4. 16. as in those whom our Savior termeth the stony ground , They went far , yea farther then most in most congregations go , yet had they not that which would serve to Salvation ; affliction discovered what they were , that they were not such as before they were taken to be . The Israelites were proved in the wilderness , whose troubles manifested their unbelief ; Heb. 3. 19. for which they were both plagued in the wilderness , and shut out of Canaan . Many a one thinks himself a tall man , till he comes into the field with his adversary , where he proves himself a rank coward ; many think they can do great matters till they come to it : A Mariner is not tried till a storm , nor a friend till adversity ; he that then stick● to one , is a friend indeed : So afflictions have discovered many that have thought but too well of themselves : Many talk that they believe in God , and put all their trust in him , yet when they are visited with sickness , losses , and the like , they run to witches and wizards for help , or in poverty , steal , lye , dissemble , or use any other unlawful courses to help themselves : Many also that in prosperity profess the Gospel very forwardly , when trouble comes fall quite away , are not onely shaken as Peter , or a good man may be on the sudden , or for a while , but fall quite away , when many poor souls , it may be of less gifts , have stood out and suffered .

Seeing then that God will try us by troubles , Use. we should labor to have true Faith against troubles come , How we may1 try our Faith . that we prove not dr●ss : Therefore let us try the Faith which we think we have by the touchstone of Gods Word , Rom. 5. 1. 11. if it will abide that , then will it endure the furnace of affliction . 2 Pet. 1. 6 , 7. It may be tried , 1. By the maner of Gods working it , even through humiliation . 2. By such companions as go with Faith , or follow it , as peace , joy , and the like ; so if we love God most dearly ( as they that have much forgiven , Luke 7. 47. love much ) if we love his Saints and people most heartily , Cant. 5. 8. if we wonder at and admire his unspeakable mercy to us , 1 Ioh. 3. 14. passing by so many thousands of others , Ioh. 14. 22. with one hearts and mouths enlarged , Psal. 103. 1. praising him secretly and openly for the same ; 1 Thes 5. 14. if we pity , comfort and strengthen others , if we long to go hence where we are absent from God , and to be with him ; if we mourn for our sins committed against him , 2 Cor. 5. 6. who was kinde to us when we wandred from him , Ier. 31. 18 , 19 ▪ and have an hatred of all evil , with an unfeigned care hereafter in all things to please him , Rom. 5. 8. they are infallible tokens of a sound Faith : It s needful that we should thus try our Faith , as being of that absolute necessity , that by it Christ and Salvation are made ours , without it , no hope of either . In so weighty a thing we had not need to venture without tryal , without it no person or work is pleasing to God , and its the foundation of a good life , and all true comfort therein .

2. To try whether our Faith be as much as we take it to be , Affliction ●●●eth whether our Faith be more or lesse then we take it . or more ; this affliction will discover : sometimes we think we have more then we have , as Peter , who notwithstanding his bold and confident protestations to our Savior Christ , shamefully upon the trial denied him . Contrarily , others think they have little Faith , that upon the trial appears more , and shines gloriously , as Jobs and Davids . Who also could have believed that there had been so much in many poor Martyrs , if they had not come to the field and encountred with Tyrants , and their Torments ? as who would imagine such sweetness in Spices , till bruised ?

We should not be against such afflictions as are sent for this end ; Use. for what s more comfortable then to know we have more Faith then we knew of ? and what more necessary , then to know that our Faith is weaker then we imagined , that so we may labor to have it strengthned ? If it appear weaker , then be we humbled , and distrusting our selves , let us ever fly to God for more grace and strength against temptations , so will God give us as much as shall stand with his glory : but if we trust to our selves , and be slack in seeking to God , then are we like to bewray our own weakness .

3. To purge and purifie that true Faith which we have , Affliction ●●●veth to purifie and encrease Faith . and encrease the same ; this also is most necessary : for though a small Faith , being true , will save us , yet the more and purer it is , the better it will carry us to Heaven ; and though by a weak Faith and mingled with corrution , we shall see the face of God , and his loving countenance , ye● the cleerer and brighter it is , the more certainly & comfortably shall we see him : As they that have weak eyes , yet see so as they are directed to their ways end , Simile . who if they had cleerer , would be there sooner , and with less danger .

As therefore its requisite to have those gross humors purged th●● dim the sight , so those , corruptions that dim the eye of our Faith . Beside , such is our corrupt nature , that much dross and corruption is mingled with the grace of God in us ; so as except it be subdued by continual affliction , it will wax wanton against God , and hinder his grace in us . Simile . Standing waters corrupt , and bodies not exercised , are full of gross humors : So would it be with our souls , were we not continually exercised with troubles ; as the finest Wheat not fa●●ed , will be musty with dust , the finest cloaths catch dust and moths , if not continually brushed ; the finest vessels take soil , if not continually scoured : so our Faith not looked to , is quickly overgrown , as the 〈◊〉 with weeds , if the husbandman plucks them not out : As far , brush , weeding-hook , Psal. 119. 67. 71. wisp , fornace , are to these things , so afflictions to the children of God . We are as an untamed heifer , if not held under the yoke ; Ier. 31. 18. God therefore purgeth , scoureth and weedeth us , that his graces in us may shine in their perfect colours : Simile . As the Vine-dresser shreds his Vine , and cuts off much , which one would think were against the Vine , yet makes it more fruitful , so doth the Lord deal by afflictions with his servants , which are his Vine branches .

Though the outward man decay ( by sickness , poverty , disgrace , imprisonment , 2 Cor. 4. 16. and the like ) yet is the inner man ( Faith , Hope , Comfort , &c. ) increased daily ; for Faith the more its cut , the more it grows ; the more it s trodden on , the thicker it comes up . And by afflictions there 's purged away a great deal of pride , self-love , worldliness , hypocrisie , and the like , which long peace gathers , whereof Jonah had experience when he was cast into the Sea ; those tame us also : A man that was conceited against his neighbor for smal causes in prosperity , in sickness and affliction will be glad to take every one by the hand ; therefore are the most afflicted , for the most part , fullest of Faith and Grace , and purer then others ; and a man is never better then when he is in , or newly come out of affliction . 1 Thess. 5. 16. Hence it is , that we are willed to be thankfulfor them , Iam. 1. 2. 12. yea to account it exceeding joy when they come , those being blessed that are so affected .

Being much much more precious , &c. ] He sets out tried Faith by comparing it with the most precious mettal we have , 2 Pet. 1. 1. even gold , preferring it by far before the same , Faith more precious then gold . which is elswhere termed also precious , and much more precious is it every way . 1. Gold comes out of the earth , Iam. 1. 17. Faith from Heaven , whence every good and perfect gift is . 2. Faith is more rare , termed therefore the Faith of Gods elect , Tit. 1. 1. whereas most , even of the most wicked , are not without gold . 3. Faith cannot be purchased with all the gold in the world . 4. It s hardly gotten and hardly kept , and hath many and strong enemies , our own nature , the world and the devil are all against Faith , but not so against getting of gold . 5. It apprehends Salvation and life eternal , and so is the instrument of our happiness ; so is not gold , but the instrument of many a mans damnation , by unconscionable getting , and covetous keeping the same , many cast away their souls . 6. It will comfort a man with true comfort in his life , Iam. 5. 3. carry him strongly through troubles , and boldly through the gates of death . 7. Gold perisheth , here canker and rust consume it ; we may be taken from it , as it from us , but Faith endureth till Christs appearing , to our full Redemption , as the fruit thereof for ever .

The uses hereof are ,

1. To them that want gold , Use 1. and yet have Faith , know that thou art rich , Iam. 2. 5. richer then he that hath thousands of gold , and hath not Faith ; thou hast enough , that hast Faith , it assures thee of eternal life , and entitles them to Christ , yea , hath the promises even of this life . Seest thou a worldly rich man , and wouldst thou change states with him ? Oh but both would do well : Thou canst not tell if both would do so with thee ; besides , God divides his gifts , they that have much of the one , have less or none of the other ; therefore as long as we have of the best kinde , let us think our selves well dealt with .

2. To the rich , Use 2. Rejoyce not that thou art rich , but that thou hast Faith : Again , think all your pains to become you well , and well bestowed in getting this precious Faith . If any should say , What you ? such wealthy men ; it s a disgrace to you to toil so in hearing Sermons , which few do but mean persons ; do not these exclude themselves with their own mouthes ? But do not rich men travel to London , and to Markets and Fairs to enrich themselves , and take great pains , and is it a shame then or a disgrace for them to travel for that which is much more precious then gold ? Hereat if any wonder , tell them , You seek that which is more precious then fined gold ; and that you are so far from thinking your selves too good for this , that you highly thank God for vouchsafeng you this favor : yea , that you are so far from thinking that you credit the Gospel , and its beholding to you , that you confess freely , that its your credit ; and that if you have any thing in you worth the commendation , you may thank the Gospel for it : for , as for wealth it commends not a man , even reprobates are not without it .

3. To them that have not Faith , Use 3. poor souls , labor after it , that you may be made inwardly rich ; seek for it in the means appointed , the preaching of the Word . But O poor & miserable creatures , that regard it not for the most part , but think their poverty here shall serve for all ; but worse in the highest degree remaineth behinde , if not prevented in time , could any look into your souls , they might perceive them more empty of grace , then the poorest houses are of provision .

4. To rich men that have toiled for gold , Use 4. seek this that is so much better : Many toil by Sea and land , and undergo no small perils to get gold , and to wax mighty , but as for Faith , they will scarce stir over the threshold for it : But will your gold procure a pardon for your sins ? Alas , it s no payment with God for any thing , especially sin : Will it shelter when Death and Judgement comes ? Alas no , it bears no sway in the other world , see Job 36 ▪ 18 , 19. Prov. 11. 4. Zeph. 1. 18. No , it will not abate your pains in Hell one jot : O once consider your folly , and labor for that whereby you may have comfort when you draw away , and your friends are thinking of a Coffin to bestow you out of the house , and thereafter you may enjoy life everlasting .

May be found unto praise , and honor , and glory . ] The farthest end of our affliction that our Faith thereby tryed , Faith will be crowned at the last day . may come forth to our honor at the great day . Tryed Faith is better then any thing that can be set by it , Iames 1. 12. for all else vanisheth , but our Faith will be crowned at the last day : 2 Tim. 4. 8. Then will it be said , Well done good and faithful , servant , enter into thy masters joy ; Matth. 10. 32. and , Come ye blessed of my Father , &c. They that confess him before men , he will confess them before God , which shall be no small honor : Matth. 19. 28. They which followed him in the regeneration , shall sit upon twelve Thrones , 1 Cor. 6. 2 , 3. judging the twelve Tribes of Israel ; and The Saints shall judge both the world and Angels : what pains soever we have taken to come to our Faith , and to keep it , it shall not onely comfort and honor us here in the Church , but hereafter also in Heaven .

What an encouragement is this to them that have Faith , Use and a provocation to all to labor for it ? It will not onely comfort us now , and make us please God , but will give us boldness also at the great Day , when the fearful and unbelievers shall stand trembling , and be cast into the lake which burneth with fire and brinstone ; Rev. 21. 8. yea , though our Faith be tryed by afflictions and persecutions , yet we should rejoyce , for they will turn to our glory : Our shame , reproach , infamy , imprisonment and troubles , will turn to our praise , and honor and glory at that day ; when we are reviled ( by private persons ) when persecuted by publique Magistrates and false Witnesses coming against us , yet we should not be troubled , Mat. 5. 11 , 12. but rejoyce , For great shall our reward be in heaven ; our poverty shall be recompenced with great riches , our shame with honor , Phil. 1. 28. and if we be rejected of men , we shall be taken in of God : Yet do not our afflictions or persecutions deserve any of this honor , as the Papists would gather from hence , and from 2 Thess. 1. 5 , &c. Rom. 8. 18. Alas , no ; For the afflictions of this present time , are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us : God indeed will crown his own graces in us , and hath promised to reward the sufferings of his servants with glory ; and so he is become our debtor , not by taking any thing of us , but by promising us all things : We should therefore be comforted in all our sufferings , and oppose unto the ignominy thereof , the glory and honor we shall then have , which is infinitely greater : O who would not endure casting out by men , being a token that we shall be honored of God , and taken in at that day . Indeed if there were no day of Judgement , nor reward , we might be sorry ; but seeing there is , let us lift up our heads , and wait for that day : As the wicked shall have a second course to mar all their mirth , so contrarily the godly to swallow up their sorrow .

At the appearing of Jesus Christ ] Namely , to Judgement : True it is ( as we have heard ) our souls enter into glory at death , but our perfect happiness is not till the end of all ; 2 Thess. 1. 7. besides , that which we have at death is not seen but to our selves , whereas then it shall be manifest to all . We must be content to wait for our full Redemption till then ; Christ will come on the last day to Iudge the world . on that most solemn day shall we be honored by the Lord himself : Then shall our Savior come to judge the quick and the dead ; and though he defer to gather his Elect , and be gone into Heaven , yet he will come , and that in another fashion then he came first ; namely , in wonderful majesty , glory and power , which cannot but be a terror to his enemies .

1. This must needs comfort all that have and do still embrace Christ Jesus as their Savior and King , Use 1. for he shall be their Judge , and therefore shall it go well with them .

2. But wo to them that have despised him , Use 2. where shall they appear ? Not to appear is impossible ; Psal. 1. 5. for He numbreth the stars , and calleth every one by their name ; he will not be bribed , for he is more just , and besides , we have nothing to give . To escape also is impossible , for he filleth all places , and whether can he go , that hath this revenging Judge over his head , Hell under his feet to swallow him , on each side Angels and Devils to torment him , within a tormented Conscience , and without all the world on fire ? And to abide his wrath its intolerable ; Psal. 76. 7. for if when it s but a little kindled no man can stand , then how when its all on fire to consume his enemies utterly ? Nah. 1. 6. Kiss therefore the Sun , seek to be reconciled , get him thy Savior and thy King , get pardon of that which is past , not adding more to the score against thy self .

One thing more . The phrase here used seems to imply , that

The reward of Gods servants shall not be privy , The godly shall be publikely rewarded . but seen and known , yea and that of those that have most hated , disgraced and persecuted them , accounting them mad , and esteeming basely of them ; even before them , I say , they shall be honored of God : As it will be a torment to the wicked to see Christ whom they have pierced to be in such high dignity and power ; so will it increase their torment to see them whom they so basely esteemed of , as not worthy to live , to be received into honor , and stand on Christs right hand , and themselves , of whom they were so well conceited , cast out : But its just with God , that they which willingly and of purpose have vexed and disgraced his servants here on earth , should against their wills see the glory that he hath prepared for them .

Verse 8. Whom having not seen , ye love , in whom though now ye see him not , yet believing , ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory .

HEre he proceeds to commend these believing Jews ( yet withal admonishing and exhorting them ) and that for the great measure of their faith , and the fruits thereof , love and joy , which are described by that which might have hindred their faith , namely , that they never saw Christ , and yet believed in him , and rested on him for salvation , and so loved him , as they were well content to suffer for his Name , yea and rejoyce with such a joy , as for the excellency and greatness thereof could not be expressed . In that he commends them , it s to this end , that he might encourage and provoke them to go on forward , and increase more and more . To this end doth the Lord commend the good Churches in the second and third of the Revelation ; and S. Paul in all his Epistles , 1 Thess. 4. 1 , 10. even that he might provoke them to go on in well doing : Whereat Ministers should aym in commending their people . And this must be the end of all good Ministers in the commendation of their people , not of flattery ( that were abominable , and being men-pleasers , they could not be Christs servants ) nor out of a conceit that they have gone far enough , and now may stand at a stay ( that were sensless , Gal. 1. 10. for that we have is nothing to that we might have had , or should have , and want ) but to be a spur to provoke them to go on forward , it being a shame for them not to satisfie the expectation of such as have a good opinion of them ; and so must the people take such at any time , not being lifted up therewith , but rather humbled thereby ; conceiving , that the Minister rather sheweth what he would were in them , or should be in them , then what is indeed in them ; and that he would not have them stand at a stay , but proceed and go on more and more .

Speak we particularly first of their faith , though last set down , as without which there can be no true love .

They never saw Christ , yet they believed in him ; they saw the Scriptures speaking of him to come ; they heard of him also by faithful witnesses ; the Apostles had preached of his person , birth , life , death , resurrection and ascension , and that he came to save them that were lost : This they believed , and so believed in him for salvation , though they saw him not .

This shews the nature of true faith , Through faith we believe even things above the reach of our reason . namely , to believe things , not onely that we see not , and are hidden from our sense , but such things as are above the reach of our reason , and which we cannot comprehend . So Abraham , when a son was promised by Sarah , stood not to scan this by reason , Heb. 11. 1 , 3. and 17. but believed it , and is accordingly commended for it ; So Joshua and the Israelites compassing the walls of Jrricho : Gen. 17. 17. Therefore both Zachariah and Sarah failed , Rom. 4. 19 , 20. in that they doubted of Gods Promise , Heb. 11. 30. for that it was against reason : Luk. 1. 18 , 20. Hence it is that our Savior rebuked for his Thomas infidelity . Gen. 18. 12. If all that Thomas had gone and preached to , Ioh. 20. 25 , 29. should have been of his minde , he would have made a poor preaching ; Christ must have come to the earth again , and here tarried : Iohn 8. 56. No ; Faith hath eyes , as well as the body ; Abraham saw Christs day , Heb. 11. 27. and rejoyced ; and Moses endured , as he which saw him that was invisible : Yea , it hath a more certain eye then the body , for it depends upon that which is more constant then Heaven and Earth , even Gods Word , Iob 19. 25. which shall endure when the others shall vanish away ; therefore is faith called a knowledge , 2 Cor. 5. 1. not a guessing uncertainty .

Hereby we believe the Incarnation of Christ , the framing of his body in the womb of the Virgin , she untouch'd of man ; so the mystery of the Trinity , and the Resurrection , the Union of Christ and Believers , the glorification of our bodies in the Kingdom of Heaven , and the like ; yea , we so believe them , that ( as Moses was content to part from the honor of Pharaohs Court for the Kingdom of Heaven , Heb. 11. 26. so ) for the assurance we have of them , we are content to forego both pleasures and profits , which we have eagerly followed after ; yea , to endure present pains and losses , Heb. 10. 34. and 11. 35. and that grievous ones , for the joys to come , not seen , but believed , whereof we have store of Examples , both in the Scriptures and Church Histories .

1. This condemneth Atheists , Use 1. that reject all that they cannot conceive in their foolish and corrupt brain ; but Religion is not a matter of Reason , but of Faith : Wo were to us , if there were nothing for us , 1 Cor. 15. 19. but that which we see with bodily eyes ; the wicked were then in better case .

2. It stirreth us up to try whether we have faith , Use 2. or not ; If we so believe the things to come , as whatsoever would let us from the joys of Heaven , we avoid it , and would rather endure any thing , then be deprived thereof , we are not without faith : The wicked will not do so ; they will provide for the present time , they will have their will , will here take their ease , enjoy their unlawful profits and pleasures ; as for the time to come , they are ignorant of it , what it will be : If any come after , so it is , but they will make sure work for the present ; a Bird in the hand , is worth two in the bush : Neither will they suffer any thing for Religion , or the Gospel , or hope of Heaven ; a sign they want that grace of true faith : They have Carnal eyes to see these things here below , but no Spiritual ones of faith to see the things to come , and so give no glory to God : Hab. 2. 4. But the just shall live by faith , and We walk not by sight , 2 Cor. 5. 7. but by faith ; Thus must we do here for maintenance , thus for deliverance out of dangers . As Historical believing the truth of these things , puts a difference betwixt Atheists and common Christians ; so the particular believing and applying these things , between these and true Christians . The servants of God would not lose their part in that which is to come , for all that is here present : They say , the Bird in the bush is worth two of that in the hand . If the world count themselves wise that can save themselves from danger , and Gods servants fools for suffering , See D. Taylor on Acts 10. page 296. be it so ; it shall one day appear who hath made the best match : Oh , say they , we are sure of this , we have it in hand , 2 Tim. 1. 12. that you look for is uncertain ; Well , as uncertain as it is , we will not change with you , for we know whom we have believed .

If this be so , Obj. then why may we not believe that Christs body is bodily in the Sacrament , under the signs of Bread and Wine , though our sense and reason say otherwise , seeing our faith goeth beyond both .

Though faith believeth that which no sense nor reason can comprehend , Sol. because God hath said it , yet it crosseth not our senses , and the things which are daily subject to the same , Ioh. 20. 27. wherein there is certainty : 1 Ioh. 1. 1. If we might give no credit to our senses , there would be no end of conceits ; therefore seeing all our senses say it is Bread and Wine , we are to believe it to be no other .

Whom having not seen , ye love ] Now of the fruits of Faith , love and joy ; for its impossible for us to love him , unless by faith we be assured of his love to us , 1 Ioh. 4. 19. for we have not loved him , but he us first ; so is it not possible , but believing in him , we should love him , and his love must constrain us , having done so wonderful things for us . Then

True love is the fruit of faith , True love the fruit of faith . and it cannot be sundred from love to God , and our brethren for his sake : He that knoweth , and believeth that he hath much forgiven , Gal. 5. 6. must needs love much . 1 Ioh. 5. 1.

1. This confutes the Papists , Use 1. which distinguish faith into formed and unformed , and that this latter is sufficient to the salvation of the people , Charity giving a form to it ; but we must know that there 's no true faith without it .

1. It serves to confute that Slander wherewith they burthen , Use 2. not us , but the Doctrine of the Gospel ; namely , That Justification by faith onely , is a Doctrine of licentiousness : But while we establish faith , we set up good works , as who teach that they cannot be sundred : Though works have no place in our Justification , yet they are necessary to our Salvation .

3. Perceive the force and power of faith ; Use 3. faith made them love Christ , though they had never seen him , as which told them of so great things done for them by him , whereby they could not but be exceedingly knit in love unto him , and be content to suffer for him . It s an encrease of love , to love one we never saw ; for sight moveth much , and draweth the heart : but by faith we love that we never saw ; as we love many good Christians which we never saw , because by faith we believe that they be members of Christ , and fellow-members with us : So we love Christ , because we believe what great things he hath done for us , and that we shall see him one day in his glory , when we also by him shall be set in possession thereof ; so that if we believe these things , 1 Ioh. 5. 1. we cannot but love Christ , though we never saw him : How to try both our faith and love . Faith is not idle , but worketh by love to God , and to our brethren ; and hereby we may try our faith , as our love , by the fruits thereof : namely , 1. If we take care unfainedly to keep his Commandments in one thing , as in another . Psal. 97. 10. 2. If we love the brethren , Ioh. 14. 15. and 15. 14. and 21. 15. which are members of Christ , so as we dare not harm them ; yea , love them , not onely because they have his image restored in them , but are a part of Christ , 1 Ioh. 5. 3. as it were , and of our selves . 3. If we be content to suffer for his sake , and will not be pluckt from him , but are vexed to see him dishonored by any . 4. If we long for his coming , that so we may be with him , and married to him , to whom we are already betrothed : It s the Churches voyce ( and should be ours in particular ) Come Lord Jesus . Rev. 22. 20. If the husband be gone a long journey , his wife doth not much love him , if she never desire his coming home . 5. If in the mean time we desire to hear often of him , Simile . and from him ; as the wife that loves her husband , will send or be often at the Carriers to hear of her husband , and receive Letters from him : So must we frequent the Word upon every occasion , where we may hear of him , and of his great honor and glory , and of his providing us a place there , and of the glory there , and how he would have us in the mean time to carry our selves , taking heed of any other lover in his absence , which also doth inform us , That his coming draweth nigh , and is at hand ; Thus to hear of him , and from him , as much and as often as we can , we should be desirous . By this Touchstone we may thus try both our faith and love .

In whom though now ye see him not , yet believing , ] Here 's the object of our faith , Ioh. 3. 15 , 16. the Lord Jesus Christ .

The common people say , They believe in God , and trust in God ; which is in truth but meer self-deceiving : for though when we believe in Christ , Faith must directly fasten it self on Christ Iesus . we believe in Father , Son and holy Ghost ; yet our faith must directly fasten it self upon Christ Jesus , who hath wrought our Redemption , and on our behalf suffered all things ; and so he must come in as a Mediator between the Father and us , else how should we poor worms come to put our trust in that glorious God , and being vile sinners , dare to look for any favor at his hands , but in and by him ; who without him is a severe Judge ? How dare any poor wretch put his trust in God for all good , that knoweth not that he is his God , nor how to bring it to pass ?

Here also the Divinity of our Savior Christ may be noted ; A proof of the Divinity of Christ . for we may believe in none , but in God : If even he be cursed that putteth his trust in any other for outward things , Ier. 17. 5. how much more for Salvation ? Ioh. 1. 1. He created all things , Tryeth the hearts , Forgiveth sins , Stilled the Sea with his word ; Mat. 9. 2. and 8. 26. Raised the dead by his own power ; all which point out his Deity : yea , it appeared even in his greatest abasement ; He took upon him the seed of Abraham , Luke 1. 41. but in this seed were all the Nations of the earth blessed ; He was compassed in the Virgins womb , yet even then at his presence John the Baptist sprang in his mothers belly ; He was laid in a Cratch , but even therein was he worshipped by the Wise-men of the East ; He was hungry , but he fed five thousand with five loaves , and a few small fishes ; He slept , but at his awaking he caused the winds and waves to cease ; He paid Tribute , but out of the fishes mouth ; He wept for Lazarus , but he raised him from the dead ; He was taken by wicked hands , but then he healed him with a touch whose ear was cut off ; He was crucified and dyed . but at the same time he darkened the Sun , and shook the earth , the vail of the Temple rent , Mat. 27. 54. which made the Centurion say , He was the Son of God ; 1 Tim. 3. 16. He was buried , but he raised up his body the third day ; He was manifested in the flesh , but justified in the Spirit .

And it was necessary that he should be both , else had he been no Savior for us , which sheweth our gret misery , and Gods great mercy : Who should not embrace him , that abased himself so low for our sins ? as if a King should rise from his throne , Simile . and row in a galley-slaves room ; what then should not we be willing to do for him ? yea , to abase our selves to any service he requires of us on the behalf of our brethren ; but how few embrace him ? how few entertain him with an humble and contrite heart ?

Ye rejoyce ] The other fruit of Faith is joy ; Ioy a fruit of Faith . being assured of so great things done for them by Christ , and so great things prepared for them by him , they could not but rejoyce ; for as the feeling of Gods wrath for our sins is fearful , Prov. 18. 14. and cannot be endured ( a wounded spirit who can bear ? ) as may appear by the heavy cryes and complaints of some of Gods servants in agony of conscience , O I am cast out of his sight , I shall perish , O what shall I do ! but especially by the desperate horror of the wicked , who feel it so intollerable , as that they cannot bear it , as Judas , who went and hanged himself ; for no man seeing and feeling himself under the wrath of God , and no way to be freed therefrom , but must needs wish he had never been , or now were not , Psal. 4. 7. or were a Toad , or the vilest creature : so contrarily , they that feel themselves freed from this , Rom. 15. 13. and called to the hope of so great glory , must needs rejoyce ; as Joseph doubtless was a glad man , when being delivered out of prison , he was advanced to honor .

The way hereunto is true Faith : Use 1. Worldlings indeed think Christianity a dumpish estate , but it s the onely estate wherein we may be merry ; and whoso is merry , not being assured of Gods favor , is a desperate person : as if one were merry that hanged over a deep pit by a twined threed .

In the midst of their mirth , Use 2. the wicked have secret gripes ; as thieves condemned , though they drink and play at cards , yet to think that on the morrow they must be executed , chokes them and their mirth .

The wicked also can be merry in nothing but some wickedness or other , as if one should be merry when he eats and drinks poyson , when he slashes and cuts himself ; for hereby provoking God , they increase their own damnation .

This joy then coming from Faith , Use 3. comes not from our works , or any thing that we can do : Why no true joy can proceed from our selves . These cannot bring sound peace to the minde , or quiet to the conscience , or joy to the heart ; for 1. We have many sins , and therefore can merit nothing of God . 2. We know by our selves , that even many of them are unto us unknown : who knows the errors of his life ? Psal. 19. 12. no man can say , he hath found out all his sins , or the corruptions of his heart , so that he can say , now here be no more . 3. Our best duties be mingled with much weakness and imperfection ; so that though they may appear before men , and be well accounted of and reverenced , yet when they come before God , then they must hide themselves ; as the Stars and Moon shew a goodly light in the night ; but when the Sun appears , they appear not . The Nazarets vow was pleasing to God , Numb. 6. 13. yet the time thereof being expired , there was a sacrifice appointed for the sin of such a one ; what , of such a one , as had lived and served God in that strict order ? yea , even they must acknowledge no desert , but as they stand in need of mercy , earnestly call upon God for it , Who will shew mercy to thousands of them that love him ; and keep his commandments : our works then , or any thing that we can do , cannot bring us sound peace and joy , as being imperfect and unable to abide the justice of God ; but Faith , that layeth hold on the all sufficient merit and satisfaction of Christ , and his most perfect Righteousness , whereby they are made ours , brings us great joy , as whereby we dare come before God with boldness and confidence .

Unspeakable and full of glory ] What maner of joy is that of believers ? The joy of belivers is unspeakable . Unspeakable , such as cannot be uttered with the tongue : why ? because it is for glory and happiness , which is unspeakable ; for such things as neither eye hath seen , 1 Cor. 2. 9. nor ear heard , therefore such as the glory is , such is the joy , it s an everlasting weight of glory : a wise man joys according to the object of his joy , but a fool reioyeth in a trifle of nothing ; unspeakable things are believed , therefore it must needs be an unspeakable joy .

Full of glory ] Not a vain , Their joy also is a glorious joy . carnal or flitting joy ; that will fail and shame them that have had it , but a glorious joy , in the glorious Lord Jesus Christ and everlasting glory ; glorious things believed , bring a glorious joy : Psal. 103. 1. What was Davids when he said , Bless the Lord , O my soul , Psal. 116. 12. and all that is within me bless his holy name , &c. and , What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me ? What the Virgin Maries , Luke 1. 47. when she said , My spirit rejoyceth in God my Savior ? and cannot many a Christian say , that after long and heavy seeking after God and Christ Jesus , God hath sent down such glimpses of joy into their hearts , as they could not express ; and would think , O if this would always last , it were a little heaven ; and so it were indeed , for its the same joy for quality , that we shall have in heaven , though the quantity be but small in comparison .

Here then see the happy estate of a Christian above all other men , Use. and the difference between the joy of all rich worldings , that fat themselves in their rich comings in , and richly furnisht tables , and coastly attire , and the godlies ; for do these bring unspeakable joy ? O no! there 's indeed small joy in them , besides much vexation that accompany them ; and what a torment is it for such to think , that they must be snatcht from this in a moment , and are provided for no better ? neither is their joy glorious , but base and childish , that turns into shame in a few days ; their joy is in vain things , and not in things that abide ; Phil. 3. 19. they rejoyce in the Creature , not in the Creator ; yea , their glory is their shame .

Verse 9. Receiving the end of your Faith , even the salvation of your souls .

HEre 's the ground of their joy , the end and reward of their Faith , the salvation of their souls : Salvation of their souls , why , was there any danger of the contrary ? O yes ! By nature , and through sin , Every man is danger of utter destruction . we have deserved the utter damnation both of our souls and bodies , but through Christ we escape it , and obtain , the salvation of both ; every man is in this danger , neither is there any help to be had , but in and through Christ apprehended by Faith . Acts 4. 12.

How then doth it behoove every man to bestir himself about this so weighty a matter ? Use. For what shall it profit a man , Mat. 16. 26. to win the whole world , and lose his own soul ? yet the most makes small account hereof , but rather set themselves altogether about their profits and pleasures , O madness to be condemned ! nay , if they see any earnest about this , they wonder what they mean ; what they mean ? they seek salvation ; if thou wonder at that , wonder still ; but the time will come , when thou wilt wonder at thine own folly , that sought'st not after this , though thou hadst missed of whatsoever else : when thou seest any grieve and mourn , wondrest thou what they ail ? It s for the want of salvation , as thou art when thou wantest money ; if thou thinkest their grief and heaviness to be but melancholly dumps of foolish weak folks , which they may shake off at their pleasure , and be merry as formerly they were wont , thou art much deceived .

Receiving ] He saith not you shall receive , but receiving in the present tense : The godly by faith do even here enjoy salvation . Whence note , that

The Servants of God by faith do even here enjoy Salvation and Eternal life , even presently we have glory , though not in the fulness thereof ; 2 Cor. 3. 18. 1. Because we are as sure of it , as if we had it , as who have Gods Hand for it , even his Word , 2 Cor. 1. 22. his Seal , his Sacrament . 2. Because even here we have the earnest of it , Eph 1. 13 , 14. which is his Spirit ; when earnest is given between honest men , Ioh. 3. 36. there 's no going back ; and shall God say , and not do it ? See also Ioh. 5. 24. shall he promise , and not perform ? He is not a man , that he should lye or repent : He that believeth on the Son ( saith the Son himself ) hath everlasting life . 3. Because by faith we are already entred into the first degree of it ; being knit to Christ , and so perfectly justified , we are come to the suburbs of our glory , and are as it were at the gate , lacking nothing but to be let in by death : As we say to our friends , having come a long way to a City , and are but at the walls thereof , Rom 8. 23. and not entred therein , Now we are at it , ye are welcom to this place ; Eph. 2. 5 , 6. so having received the first-fruits of the Spirit , we may thereupon affirm that we are in Heaven . Heb. 12. 22 , 23 This sheweth the happy estate of true believers , Use. that are so sure of their happiness , and as it were entred upon it already : Thou therefore that believest , be of good comfort , thou art even as sure of Heaven , as if thou wert there already ; Rejoyce always , serve God chearfully , and bear afflictions patiently : Being at the suburbs , thou wantest but letting in , when Death as the Porter shall open the gate . Thou hast paid the price , and hast good Evidence to shew for it , which by thy learned Councel is judged sound and good ; God hath given thee his own Writings , and thou hast sure under his Hand and Seal , onely thou wantest Livery and Seisin , which thou shalt have in good time , which in the mean time is never the farther from thee .

The end of your Faith ] Or the reward which God hath promised so often , No pains too much to get faith . who would not take any pains to get faith , being so rewarded ? The world wondreth at them that take pains to hear the word , yet this is the means of faith , which is the instrument of Salvation ; yet wonder they not at themselves and others , that travel weekly as much and more for worldly trash , Use. who for faith would scarce stir their foot over the threshold : But do not we rest our selves either upon our gifts of Knowledge , Utterance , Profession , shew of Zeal , outward Civility , Eph. 2. 8. and the like , for nothing will save us but faith , and Salvation is the end hereof . If a man had lived in the days of Christ , and both heard him , conversed with him , and seen his miracles , yet without faith he might be damned , as Judas : Were one the kinsman of Christ , should he handle him in his arms , nay , were one his mother , what would the same avail without faith ? Therefore refuse no pain to get faith ; for though its beginning be bitter , yet its end is happy .

If the Apostle had said , Salvation not the end or reward of our Works . End or reward of your works , the Papists would have had their mouthes made up , and run away with a full cry , Lo here , whether our Works merit not Heaven and Salvation , or no : Alas ! there 's no such matter ; Can they not distinguish between Merit and a Reward freely given ? True , the Scripture calleth Heaven a Reward , and promiseth the same to them that hold out in well-doing ; but doth it not also call in an Inheritance ? and who knows not that that is free ? There are two kindes of debt , one of desert , and another of promise ; Herod made conscience to keep his rash Oath to the daughter of Herodias , she deserved it not , but he promised it : And when God promiseth Eternal life to constancy in well-doing , is it to puff us up , as if we did deserve it ? no such matter , its onely to help our weakness .

He calls us to deny our selves , to wean our selves from the pleasures of this world , See Mr. Greenham , pag. 754. to suffer Reproach , Persecution , and the like ; now these be harsh to our nature , therefore to encourage us , God makes these Promises , and accordingly at the end of our work , we shall have the thing promised , We cannot inherit heaven . not because we have earned it , but because Christ hath purchased it , and God hath promised it to us . That we cannot merit heaven , may thus appear ; 1. Because our best works be stained with many imperfections ; and what 's good in them , is Gods gift , not our goodness . 2. Because there must be some proportion between the thing merited , Rom. 8. 18. and that wherewith , but here there 's none ; as a man cannot buy a great Manor for a trifle , so the things we can do or suffer here , are not worthy the glory to be revealed . 3. Because that whereby we must merit , must be free , and that which we are not bound to do ; but we are bound to do all that we can , and having so done , we have done but our duty , and consequently not merited ; As if we had a lame servant , Luke 17. 10. and assoon as he did a little service , he would think he merited of us , when if he could do much more , by the state of a servant , he owes us more ; 1 Sam. 18. 23. David said , Seemeth it a small thing to you , to be son in Law of a King ? ( yet hereby should not he have had the Kingdom ) howsoever by his Victories he deserved well ; what then should we in respect of God ? But as the whole Scripture labors to beat down our Pride , Arrogancy , and any Conceit that we might have of any thing in our selves , so this place saith , The Salvation of our Souls , is the end and reward of Faith , not of Works ; and yet not the reward of Faith , as if it merited any such thing , as it is a Grace in us , no , but onely it apprehends it an instrument , that whereby we are justified and saved , and that which meriteth our Salvation .

The Salvation of your souls . ] Believers shall have also the Salvation of their bodies . Not but that the servants of God shall have Salvation of their bodies also , as being made by God , rede●r●ed by Christ , and shall be glorified after the Resurrection ; and therefore Christ took not onely a soul , but an humane body also : but he speaketh of the soul , as of the principal part , which first entreth into Glory ; and for the bodies of Gods servants , wherewith they endeavor to praise and glorifie God , they shall be glorified as well as their souls .

Be we therefore encouraged even in our bodies , Use. to take pains in Gods service ; never a member that honors him , but shall be filled with honor at the last day , and for ever .

But what 's that we have , and our Faith findes in Christ Jesus ? not Ease , Health , Worldly Honor and Preferment , but Salvation ; 1 Cor. 1. 30. CHRIST was not made these unto us , but Wisdom , Righteousness , Sanctification and Redemption : We have by him also right unto outward things , and possession of as much as shall be meet , but so as we may have and must expect , to drink of the same cup that our Master did , even to meet with Reproaches , Afflictions and Trouble .

Whe must therefore when we follow Christ , What those are to look for that follow Christ . or embrace him and his ways , not expect all Prosperity here , and Ease and Contentment outwardly , but rather think of the contrary , that it may appear that we follow him not for any by-respect ; See Mat. 8. 19. but Salvation we shall have , and he that thinks not that sufficient , though it be joyned with troubles , knoweth not its worth . The favor of God , the Kingdom of Heaven , is great riches , though not accompanied with outward either pleasure or profit : Ioh. 6. 26. Many profess Religion for advantage , and many will profess so long as no hurt comes of it , but if any trouble arise , then they give over .

Verse 10. Of which Salvation the Prophets have enquired and searched diligently , who prophesied of the Grace that should come unto you .

HAving spoken of Salvation by Christ , laid hold upon by Faith , which they had obtained ; He now commends and sets forth this Salvation and the means thereof , to be the onely true way , and the Gospel revealing it to be the most blessed and excellent Doctrine that ever was : for 1. It s no new device of any , or first preached by the Apostles , but that which the holy Prophets that have lived in all ages ( men endued with the Spirit of God ) have studied and enquired into , and found , and have in their writings prophesied of the same ; enquiring also to know the time when our Savior Christ should be exhibited into the world ; who understanding by the Spirit , that he was not to be born in their days , but in the last ages of the world , yet seeing him afar off , were glad , and took it thankfully , and so believing in him , were saved by him . 2. That the Gospel and Salvation by Christ , was preached by the holy Apostles , men set apart by God for that business , endued with his Spirit that came on them from Heaven ; and so it s the same that was known to our Forefathers , and Patriarks , and Prophets , not varied , but the same Doctrine and constant way of Salvation . 3. That the very Angels as they wondred at the wonderful mystery of Christs Incarnation , and learned ( as is very probable ) something by the Apostles Ministery , which they knew not before ; so , into the fulness of this Salvation they desired to see . So we have a commendation of the Gospel , or the way of Salvation therein preached : 1. By its antiquity ; the Prophets knew and embraced it : 2. The Apostles not of their own heads , but by the Spirit extraordinarily sent upon them , preached it . 3. The Angels desire further to see into it . In the Prophets search we are to observe , 1. The substance they sought . 2. The circumstance of time : for the substance , it was privately for their own benefit , who therefore enquired into it , and searched it our diligently ; and publiquely , for the benefit of the Church , who therefore prophesied of it .

Of which salvation the Prophets have enquired , &c. ] In that the Apostle , No point touching salvation is to be taught or received , but what s grounded on the Word . to prove that this was the true way of salvation , produceth the writings of the Prophets in the Old Testament , learn , That for all matters of faith that we reach the people , and would have them receive , we must ground them on no other proof , but the Word of God ; no point ought to be admitted touching salvation , whereof God is not the author , and author he is of nothing , but of that which is in his written Word , 2 Tim. 3. 16. which is a perfect Rule , able to teach all truth , and confute all error .

1. This confutes the Papists , Use 1. who lean so much on Councels , as they banish the Scripture as a dumb Judge : Of those , howsoever the more ancient of them are to be reverenced , and did worthily oppose & conclude against the Heresies of their Times ; yet even in them some things are left rawly , whether those worthy men intending the greatest , less regarded smaller matters , or whether they erred as men , that we might not put too much confidence in them , or give too much to them : But for many latter ones , they are patcht by the Pope and his Adherents , which will be sure to do nothing against him , and the greater part overcomes the better part ; Therefore we are not to rest in these , Isa. 8. 20. but go to that Law and to that Testimony , which alone must Judge and bear Rule in the Church : For , though Christ hath promised , Mat. 18. 20. that where two or three be gathered together , he will be amongst them , yet they must be m●t in his Name ; which is , when they all submit themselves to the Word of God , and suffer Christ to be President of their Assembly by his Word , and not when they will set up Conceits of their own devising .

2. Ministers must learn in all matters of faith , Use 2. to bring forth the written Word of God , Luke 24. 27. and not mens Judgements , which are of no force to stablish the Conscience , Acts 18. 28. neither Popish Traditions , by them termed Apostolical and unwritten Verities .

3. People also for their part must receive nothing , Use 3. but that which they see grounded hereupon : Ioh. 5. 39. To this end they are to search the Scriptures , Acts 17. 11. and with the Berea●s to confer place with place , to finde out the truth : Gal. 1. 8 , 9. If an Angel from heaven should bring any Doctrine contrary to this , we are to hold him accursed . Assuredly , for want of Catechizing publikely , and reading the Scripture privately , if a cunning Heretique should in most Congregations open his pack of Wares , they would go for currant , few or none being able to control him .

Enquired and searched ] The words imply the great pains they used herein , The Prophets took great pains to know the mystery of our salvation by Christ . as Daniel by prayer , fasting and meditation : They had a little hint from God , and they found the savor of it , so as they followed it most earnestly to get out more , and plodded upon it to see further and further . Dan. 9. 3.

What then are all of us to beat our heads , and to set our hearts upon ? even upon the mystery of our Salvation by Christ , that we may 1. Know it , and every part thereof . 2. Give full assent thereto . 3. Labor for a particular perswasion thereof by faith . These things belong to us , whom it much concerneth to know this by an effectual knowledge , Ioh. 17. 3. feeling the power of Christ in us , Phil. 3. 8. causing us to dye to sin , and live to righteousness ; 1 Cor. 2. 2. and this we should do : 1. For that its the chiefest thing in the world ; Its life eternal to know him , and all is dung to this ; yea , we should desire to know nothing but Christ , and him crucified . 2. Because in seeking we may finde more in one day , then all the Prophets and Fathers could finde by all their diligence all the days of their life .

This condemns the monstrous Unthankfulness of our days , Use. that make no reckoning of this so blessed Gospel , of those glad tidings that should be the glory of the world , without which the world is dead in sin , and comes to confusion . O how few regard to hear the Word ? Many run to Sports and Pastimes , others to Markets and Fairs , but in many places , what thin Churches ? their Oxen and Farms draw them away : Others hear , yet it is without any regard , any life ; Israel never loathed Manna more , then most do the preaching of the Gospel ; O they have had Sermons in many Congregations , until they have even loathed them ! O how few can be brought to see their own misery ! how few to prize Christ , and to whom he is indeed welcom , how few that will stoop to his yoke ! Sundry in shew would have him their Savior , and talk that they hope to be saved by Christ , but that 's but a Bawd for their sins , whereby they may go on the more freely in them ; yea , are not the truest and painfullest Preachers and Professors of the Gospel hated ? what this will come to , is easie to see ; assuredly ( being like Ch●razi● and Bethsaida ) we may justly fear some iudgement at hand . Time was , when Christ was welcom amongst us , and the kingdom of heaven suffered violence ( as haply it doth still in some parts of the land ) but O dead hearts , and unthankful in most places . Those under the Law , saw but a little , yet took it thankfully ; we have much revealed , yet little regard it : To prize the Gospel , and seek after Christ , will be our wisdom and welfare ; then to enquire for Salvation by Christ , there can be no greater thing , it becomes us well : if for this we be counted fools , well , we be such fools as the Prophets were , who enquired and searched after Christ ; God be thanked for our so doing , let us continue in Gods name ; this shall bring us comfort living and dying , when carnal Wordlings shall perish for want of comfort , and go to hell .

But did they onely enquire after Salvation , and the way to it , and found it not ? Yes , as they foretold Christ to others , so did they finde that in him they sought for , The Prophets and old Fathers were saved by Christ as well as we . and were saved by him .

The Prophets and old Fathers were saved by Christ as well as we .

This confutes two pestilent Opinions , 1. That of the Anabaptists , That the Fathers had no other but earthly Promises and Rewards , Acts 4. 12. & 15. 8. and there was an end , Heb. 13. 8. and had no heaven , nor hope of any such thing ; most vile ; Use. 1. for 1. God gave them his Word , which was to convert their Souls , Psal. 147. 19. & 19. 7 , 23 and to be an immortal seed , to beget them to eternal life ; and the Prophets in their times were filled with the Spirit of God ; Rom. 3. 2. but God did not all this for nothing . Zech. 7. 12. 2. He made a Covenant with them , Levit. 26. 12. I will be your God , and you shall be my people : Now to have God to be our God , contains not onely Earthly things , but Heavenly and Eternal , Psal. 33. 12. For blessed is the people , whose God is the Lord : Our Savior Christ saith , Mat. 22. 23. God is the God of Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob , not of the dead , Mat. 8. 11. but of the living ; so that they live not in Soul onely , but in Body also to Godward , Heb. 11. 13. for he will surely raise them up again : Gen. 47. 9. Jacob speaking unto Pharaoh , mentioned the days of his Pilgrimage ; both he and the rest confessed themselves Pilgrims : see what construction the Holy Ghost makes hereof , Heb. 11. 15. namely , That this was in respect of some other Countrey ; but what Countrey , Earthly or Heavenly ? If Earthly , then that from whence they came , Caldea ; but if it had been that , they had leasure enough to have returned thereunto , but they desired a Heavenly , therefore God prepared for them a City , even such a one as they desired , Iob. 19. 25. an Heavenly one . Job believed that his Redeemer lived , Luke 16. 23. and Abrahams bosom is put for Heaven .

But such speeches as Jobs , Obj. are of some few principal men , and not of the people , with whom no doubt it was as with us , most understood not , neither believed , though others did .

This comes of a false understanding of the Promises . Sol. The Lord provokes them to keep his Law , and promiseth them a plenteous Land ▪ and threatned the loss thereof if they obeyed not ; But who knoweth not , that as Egypt was a Type of their Spiritual bondage , so Canaan , of Heaven , 2 Cor. 5. 7. and Heaven promised under it ? even as the Lamb in the Passover was a Type of Christ , the true Paschal Lamb and Christians Passover , as the Apostle affirmeth .

2. That of those which affirm , Use 2. That they were saved by some other way ( not by Christ as we ) and what ? by the keeping of the Law , it s otherwise ; The Law was not to this end given them , that they might be justified thereby , more then to us , or that they could keep it more then we ; for never could any keep it , but to shew Gods perfect righteousness , and their own sinfulness , and so drive them out of themselves , to Christ the true Sacrifice : Notable is that Speech of Saint Peter , Acts 15. 10. Now therefore why tempt ye God , to put a yoke upon the necks of the Disciples , which neither our Fathers nor we were able to bear : He meaneth not here , the Ceremonial Law , wherein an hypocrite might go as far as another ; Mat. 19. 20. nor the bodily observance of the Moral Law ( whereof the yong man bragged so much ) but the true Spiritual Rule of Righteousness , which never any could keep ; so they were saved by the Grace of Christ as we : See Rom. 3. 30. Abrahams Faith was imputed unto him for Righteousness , and he was justified both before he was Circumcised , and four hundred years ere the Law was given .

Who prophesied of the Grace that should come unto you . ] The Doctrine of the Gospel not new . The Doctrine of the Gospel is no new device of man , nor first Preached by the Apostles , Rom. 1. 2. & 3. 21. but almost as old as the World : The Spirit hath given testimony of it in all ages , all the Prophets have looked into it ; some Promises were given unto particular persons , some did concern all in general ; those especially which were delivered by the Prophets : This was signified by all the Sacrifices and Washings in the Law , wherein there was an acknowledgement of guiltiness and uncleanness , Heb. 9. 12. and a promise of something to satisfie and cleanse ; 1 Ioh. 1. 7. which was not the blood of Bulls or of Goats , Rev. 13. 8. but of Jesus Christ , who is therefore said to wash away our sins by his blood , and to be the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world .

This condemneth that wicked slander of the Church of Rome , Use. that stile our Religion , The new Gospel , or a yesterdays Religion ; Nay , theirs is a new Religion ; who knoweth not , that though the Mystery of Iniquity began already to work in the Apostles times , and the Devil had spread some Heresies ; yet alass , Popery was not then hatcht , and it was not come to the top , till within these three or four hundred years by-past , the whole being at several times patched up with several pieces , by one Pope after another : and new it is , as being of mans brain , most things therein having no ground in the Word of God , nay , altogether contrary thereunto .

The Prophets foretold of Christ , The Prophets foretold of Christ . and that very fully , of his Nature , Offices , Birth , Life , Death , Sufferings , Patience , Resurrection , Ascension , &c. See Gen. 49. 10. Isa. 7. 14. Isa. 9. 6. Jer. 23. 6. Isa. 53. 8. Zach. 12. Psal. 110. 1 , 4. Isa. 61. 1. Dan. 9. 25. Mic. 5. 2. Psal. 22. 16. Psal. 16. 10. Psal. 68. 18. Hag. 2. 7 , &c.

This sheweth what an agreement and blessed harmony there is betwixt the Old Testament and the New ; The harmony between the Old and New-Testament . no diverse matters , but the same Christ , the subject matter of both , driven at in the Law , pointed out in all the Sacrifices : Act. 18. 28. The Old Testament is the New folded up , the New , Luke 24. is the Old unfolded and opened , the one proving the other ; and hence are these Phrases , As it is written , And that it might be fulfilled .

1. This condemneth them that reject the New-Testament and Christ Jesus , Use 1. and yet retain the Old , as the Scribes and Pharisees did , and Jews and Turks do ; Ioh. 5. 46 , 47. but hold one , and hold both , deny one , and deny both . O the lamentable blindeness of the Jews , that were so well acquainted with the Old Testament , which did so foretel Christ ! and yet when he came , in whom all was fulfilled , they could not see it ; a forestalled conceit of an earthly Potentate hindred all .

2. It teacheth us to labor to be acquainted with both , Use 2. and reverence both , the one giving light unto the other ; and they especially that are of better understanding , and have more time , let them read orderly , not here and there a Chapter , and that most or always in the New-Testament , but going on throughout both ; They that are slow and dull , and can read little , no matter though they hold themselves most to the New ; but for the others , let them be acquainted with both : Are we ignorant of the one ? its for want of acquaintance with the other ; Hath God set on work his holy Prophets , to Prophefie such things as be greatly for our Confirmation , and kept them through so many storms of Persecution , and shall we not be conversant therein ? yea , those Chapters that seem of least use in Leviticus , touching cleansing of many sorts of uncleanness , have this main use , even to teach , That God cannot abide sin , but that it must be cleansed through the blood of his Son : the Chapters also of Genealogies in Numbers and Chronicles , are of good use for the understanding of the rest of the Scriptures , though but a few understand the same .

Of the Grace ] He calls Salvation Grace , Salvation why called Grace . and that most worthily , as being freely both Elected , Ioh. 3. 16. Redeemed , and Effectually called .

1. This condemns , Eph. 2. 4. 1. That Luciferian conceit of Merit or Worthiness in us , Use 1. poor miserable sinners : 2. Them that challenge part in Christ , and all that he did , and yet shew no part of thankfulness and duty again , but live as they list , and will not onely not part with their lives , but not with their lusts for his sake , they are lyars , and deceive their own souls .

2. It should teach us to acknowledge the whole work of our Salvation to be of Grace , Use 2. and thereupon to walk the more thankfully and zealously ; The Prophets did partake of Salvation , though they saw not . yea , often meditate of this Free-grace and Salvation , whetting up our selves thereby .

That should come unto you . ] Why ? were they not partakers of Salvation themselves ? Yes , as we have heard , but they never saw the time of Christs exhibiting in the flesh , Christ in the flesh . nor so clearly ; They received not the promises , Heb. 11. 13. onely saw them afar off , a●d were perswaded of them .

Verse 11. Searching what or what maner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signifie , when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ , and the glory that should follow .

SEarching what or what maner of time ] They took great pains to know Christ , & would gladly have learnd that he should have come in their days , so they should have had a clearer Revelation ; yea seen him whom they so much longed for and loved . Luke 2. 25. Simeon waited for the Consolation of Israel , Luke 10. 24. as many Prophets and Kings desired to see and hear thereof ; and this was lawful , We must endeavor to know what 's profitable to be known . unless God had enjoyned the contrary : If then we know a thing to be good and profitable to be known , we must refuse no pains in searching it out , but Study , Meditate , Pray , Confer , Read , &c. Prov. 2. 3 , 4. We must call for Wisdom , and cry for Understanding ; we must seek and search for her , as for silver : The Word is like a Noble man , that one must make some suit , and use some means to come unto ; with which being once acquainted , wherein can it not pleasure us ? when we have sued to it by pains , it will be beneficial unto us indeed : whereas prophane Books ( easily enough attained unto ) usually work much mischief ; many of us read much of the Scriptures , but take no notice whether we understand the same or not , or take no pains to come to knowledge : to be inquisitive of the meaning of this or that place of Scripture , Use. were profitable when Christians meet together , whether Ministers or others , The prophets searched into this great mystery , through the direction of the Spirit . or both .

As they desired to see Christs first , so should we long for his second coming .

The Spirit of Christ which was in them ] See how they sought into this matter , not of their own heads , but by the guidance and direction of the Spirit ; and that 1. Because it was a matter so high and above their reach , as in which they could know nothing without the help of the Spirit . 2. To avoid curiosity , searching no further then God should see good to reveal unto them .

This teacheth us , Use 1. that when we search into any point of Doctrine , or to know any thing , we must not go to work by our own head or wit ( for that were Pride and the way to Error ) but by the help of the Spirit ; and therefore no further then the Spirit shall guide us : this we do , if we keep our selves to the written Word of God ; for Gods Spirit teacheth us according to the Word , and no otherwise .

This condemneth the frenzy conceits of the Anabaptists , Use 2. which boast of Revelations of the Spirit ; counting whatsoever comes in their head , and they conceive ( though contrary to the Scriptures ) to be a Revelation , which is wicked ; for the Word and Spirit cannot be divorced , either the one contrary to the other : We must hold us to the written word , searching thereinto according to sobriety , proceeding no further then it , and there staying where it stayeth .

This is also contrary to the Papists , Use 3. that will have their humane Traditions and unwritten Verities , whereby upon the point they overthrow the Scriptures . Gods Spirit the Author of the Old Testament . Again , in that the Spirit of Christ was in the Prophets when they prophesied , see the authority of the Old Testament ; the Spirit of God is the Author of it , therefore is it to be highly esteemed as the New , 2 Pet. 1. 21. and all questions are to stand and fall by the sentence thereof .

Read , Use. believe and obey it , and be out of all doubt of it , without ifs and ands : As the Papists most wickedly would have the authority of the Scriptures , to depend upon the testimony of the Church ; and because they say its Scripture , therefore they believe it , and otherwise would not ; they would give no more credit to Pauls Epistles , then to Esops Fables , if the Church did not give testimony thereof , which is a blasphemous Opinion : The Scripture is above the Church , and that whereon it s grounded , and hath no greater testimony then from it self : we testifie that God is the true God from all Idols , and Christ from all false Christs ; do they therefore depend upon our testimony ? and are we above them ? Though the Church discerneth the Word or Scriptures from false writings , and therefore rejecteth a great many of Epistles and Gospels , of Bartholomew , Thomas , Thaddeus , as adulterous ; yet this proves not that they depend on the Churches testimony . Simile . A Kings Letters come to a City , the Officers thereof , by the stile , sign , or some other thing whereunto they are accustomed , accept of them , yield to them , and testifie that they are not false or counterfeit ; are they therefore above the King or his Letters ? A proof of the Divinity of the Holy Ghost .

Further , here is a testimony of the Divinity of the third Person ; for the whole Scripture is given by inspiration from God , 2 Tim. 3. 16. and here it s said , The sufferings of Christ foretold in the old Testament . it was by the Spirit ; and who could foretel things so long before but God ? confer Acts 1. 16. with 4. 25.

When it testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ ] Namely , That he was to suffer for us , Luke 24. 26. and so to enter into his glory : This we finde in the Old Testament both plainly expressed , and under types and figures ; as of Isaacs offering , the Brazen Serpent , the Paschal Lamb , Jonas , &c.

This serves to answer all prophane Infidels , Use. ● that scoff at Christians because they believe in a crucified God , for so do they contemptuously speak of Christ .

A. He suffered what was necessary for the Savior of the world to suffer , Phil. 2. 8 , 9. and what the Scripture foretold he should suffer ; and though he suffered and was abased , yet he overcame it , and entred into glory : Had not these things been foretold , they might have been offended at his dejected estate , Luke 24. 21. for so were the Disciples notwithstanding , but being foretold , they are not ; yea if he had not suffered for us , we had been yet in our sins , yet under the curse , as if he had suffered , and had not conquered and entred into glory , we had been never the better .

It was needful that Christ should suffer for us , Why it was needful that Christ should suffer for us . for we by Adams fall were plunged into sin , and so in danger of the curse of God , and lyable unto all wrath here and hereafter ; This Gods justice could not suffer him to remit , but the death threatned must be paid : To this end our Savior became man , and suffering all that was due to us , thereby discharged us : He was arraigned before an earthly Judge , that we might never be brought to our answer before the heavenly ; accused , that we might be cleared ; condemned , that we might be acquitted before God ; counted among vile sinners , that we might be reckoned among the Angels ; spitted on , that we which had deserved that God should for ever have spitted on our face shame and confusion , might be received into favor ; did undergo the curse , that we might be blessed ; dyed , that we might live , &c. then this , there was no other way whereby we could have been discharged . See Isa. 53. 1 Pet. 1. 19. & 2. 24. 1 Iohn 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5. Hence perceive ,

1. The depth of our misery . Use 1.

2. The unspeakable love of God , Use 2. and Christ Jesus .

3. Comfort to all that have their part in Christ , Use 3. all their sins and punishments are discharged , crosses and death are now become blessings , no punishments of sin ; whoso do not by Faith take hold on him , must suffer for their own sins , and that for ever .

4. That as we are to hate sin with a deadly hatred , Use 4. so must we testifie our love to him that hath redeemed us at so high a price ; Numbers will talk of Christ , that he dyed for their sins , which yet are so far from being humbled to repentance hereby , and to turn from sin to God , as that they seem rather emboldened and heartened to run on in sin , 1 Cor. 15. 14 , 17. and sin more freely ; such vile wretches crucifie Christ again , neither shall have any benefit by his death .

And the glory that should follow . ] It was necessary that he should have overcome , else had his death been in vain .

Hereof there were three degrees , Three degrees of our Saviors victory . 1. His resurrection . 2. His ascension . 3. That he shall one day come into judgement , & bring all his servants into his glory ; Iohn 14. 3. and 17. 24. whereunto may be annexed the consequents of each .

But how shall we come to glory ? Through afflictions we also must come into glory . even by the same way that our Head , our Lord and Master hath gone before us , namely , by sufferings ; for through many afflictions we must enter into the Kingdom of God , Act. 14. 22. and God will have the Members made conformable to the Head . Rom. 8. 17. It followeth hereupon ,

1. That afflictions or persecutions are no ill sign , 2 Tim. 2. 12. but rather of the way to Heaven and glory ; 1 Pet. 5. 10. it should encourage us to suffer , Heb. 12. 3. seeing glory follows , Use 1. and a great reward ensues thereupon .

2. That those which will suffer no affliction nor persecution for Christ and the Gospel , Mat. 5. 12. but shifting themselves therefrom , Acts 5. 41. aym at the glory of the World , Use 2. are not in the way to glory , but shame hereafter will be their portion .

Verse 12. Unto whom it was revealed , that not unto themselves , but unto us , they did minister the things which are now reported unto you , by them that have preached the Gospel unto you , with the holy Ghost sent down from Heaven ; which things the Angels desire to look into .

YE have heard what the Prophets searched into , and by what guide ; now see what was revealed unto them , & how far forth they were satisfied ; namely , that the things which they sought into , even the time of Christs coming , should not be in their days , but in ours ; They took the pains , we have the gains ; They laid the cloath , and we come to partake and feed on the dainties ; The fruit of their ministery , was to our benefit : So that we have the advantage of all our Forefathers of the Old Testament .

Unto whom it was revealed , that not unto themselves , &c. ] Lo , say the Anabaptists , the Jews foretold many things of Christ , but had no part in him themselves , The Anabaptists confuted . those concerning us ; They had Canaan , and temporal benefits , and looked no further ; But how absurd this is , we have already shewed , having sufficiently proved the contrary : And these words are not to be understood of Christ , or of the substance of salvation , but of the time of his coming , and of the maner and measure of revealing him to them more darkly , to us more clearly ; to them more sparingly , to us more fully : They believed in Christ that was to come , we hear of Christ already come , and that he hath finished all things , and how ; and thus are we to understand , Heb. 11. 13 , 33 , 39. where there seems an opposition : They received the promises , that is , the fruit of them , and salvation by Christ ; and they received not the promises , that is , saw not the exhibiting of Christ , who was promised to the World : For more plainness , there was never but one Covenant between God and his people , from the beginning till now , nor shall be , which is the Covenant of Grace , except we mean the Covenant of Works , which was between God and all mankinde in Adam ; the foundation and matter whereof was our own strength and righteousness , but this was soon at an end ; Adam had soon broken this , and overthrown himself , The Covenant of Grace one and the same throughout all ages . and with him all us : The Covenant of Grace then the Lord entred in his great mercy with Adam in Paradise , which was founded in Christ Jesus , requiring of us to believe in him , and repent of our sins , and he would forgive us our sins , and give us salvation and life eternal : This for the substance thereof , was never altered one jot , onely the Lord hath revealed his Son more fully to us , more sparingly to them ; more plainly to us , more darkly to them : Herein may be considered , both the Author , Matter , Form and End .

The Author , The Author , the same God to them and us .

The Matter , Matter , Christ Jesus the same to them and us .

The Form was generally also the same , Form , and for as God required Faith and Repentance of them , as well as of us , so he gave them the same means for the working thereof , the Word and Sacraments .

The End the same ( viz. ) End thereof . the Salvation of his Elect , and Eternal life .

The difference is in the measure of his giving them , The difference about the measure given , and persons to whom . as also in the persons to whom ; then was it to the Jews onely , who were the peculiar people of God ; now the partition wall is broken down , and the Covenant is to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews : So also for the measure , he spake to them by visions and dreams , to us by his word , and when to them by his word , it was both more sparingly , and more darkly : Also our Sacraments compared with theirs , are , as fewer , so more easie , and more significant ; and for the Spirit , they had him more sparingly ( except some extraordinary persons ) whereas it was promised , Ioel 2. 28. that he should be poured upon us : And for the common people , they are far inferior to Christians now ; they saw Christ to come afar off , we already come , yea , that he is dead , risen , ascended , and shall come to judgement : They had him under Types and Shadows , we have the substance , the body it self ; theirs was as the seed time , our time as the harvest ; they had the twilight , we have the noon day : And there was great reason that the time when Christ himself should come , should bring more glory with it ; as the coming of a King himself , hath more solemnity and priviledges , then when the Kings Harbenger comes before ; and that when the sun of Righteousness should arise , there should be more light then before . Why God sent his Son no sooner .

But why did God send his Son no sooner , and not in their time rather ?

A. We must not quarrel with God , we may as well ask him , why he made the world no sooner , why he put distinction between the summer and winter , day and night : We must know , that all things are done in infinite Wisdom and Justice by the Lord , though we know not always the reasons of his dealings : Gal. 4. 4. He came in the fulness of time , he could come no sooner , nor tarry any longer ; we are to thank God that he is come .

The difference between them and us , is onely in the measure of Revelation and means ; therefore we call their time the Old Testament , or Covenant , and ours the New , not two , but one ; onely the Covenant to them was sealed in the blood of Bulls and Goats , Luke 22. 20. ours in Christs own blood , as he himself witnesseth .

The cause why their time was called the time of the Law , Why theirs was called the time of the Law , and ours of the Gospel . ours the days of the Gospel , was not but that they had the Gospel also preached , as Adam in Paradise , so Abraham , so the Jews in all their sacrifices and cleansings ; but because then the Law was so much preached , and the Gospel so darkly and sparingly , as now the Law more sparingly , the Gospel more frequently .

Neither is God to be charged with inconstancy , God not to be charged with inconstancy . because he taught his Church otherwise then , then now he doth , no more then a Father , for training his children up otherwise when they be children , Simil. then when they are men grown ; he doth both in wisdom . The Lord trained on his children in their infancy , by those babish rudiments , fit for the time , reserving greater things for the grown age of his Church ; yea , such is his constancy , that he hath never altered the way of Salvation , but hath ever been the same from the beginning , and shall be .

Seeing then that the Lord hath honored us to live in these days , Use. and revealed his will so plentifully , O how joyfully should we embrace Christ Jesus , and labor to be found answerable in Knowledge , Faith , Repentance , Zeal and Holiness ! Our Forefathers saw but a little , and took great pains for it , and were glad of it ; How glad then should we be of that we have ? Luke 2. 25. Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel , and was so glad that he had seen , and taken Christ in in his arms ( though then in his swadling clothes ) that he was willing to dye ; O how joyful would he have been if he had seen his Miracles , heard his Preaching , known his Resurrection , Ascension and Glory , Psa. 119. 127. as we do . David was so glad of the Word , that he accounted it better then gold and silver , and sweeter then the honey , and the honey-comb ; Iob 23. 12. and Job esteemed it above his appointed food : Alas , What a little had David ( especially Job ) in respect of that we have ? we have the whole Old Testament , which some of them had not , and the New also , an Exposition and Commentary thereof , which they had not at all ; How cheerfully then may we come to Christ , and believe in him ? How should we walk , that know he is gone up to heaven to prepare a place for us , and will come again to receive us ? But alas , if the Lord come to look for these fruits , where be they ? Alas , to whom is the Gospel welcom ? How many be there that would as willingly there were no Preaching as any ? and are there not many that hear onely for the fashion , that will hear but when they list ? The Lord publisheth his Gospel , and offereth his Son to the world ; but alas , men have more minde to their Oxen , Farms , Pleasures , then to imbrace it ; many savor not of the Gospel , many count it rather a burthen then a jewel : yea , of those that hear the word usually , How few are there that hear it with delight ? how few finde such need of Christ , as they desire him more then all the world ? as they will willingly stoop to his yoke , and serve him ? And as many have no more knowledge , then if they had never had the means thereof ; so even they that have some measure of knowledge , make no conscience of their ways , are utterly void of Reformation : Thus do not they take thankfully this great jewel of the Gospel , the onely glory of the World , but most unkindely requite the Lord ; yet what s their saying ? They hope to be saved by Christ , as they that believe stedfastly in him ; but how they came by their Faith , or any good fruits thereof , they can shew none : For this God must needs have an heavy controversie with the Land ; and were 't not for a remnant that he hath to gather , we should quickly perceive it : O therefore let our conversation be such as becometh the Gospel , See Heb. 6. 7. bring we forth meet fruit , to the pains God hath bestowed on us : But as for those that live and make no account of , nor receive any profit by this Gospel , their condition will be heavy , God will take his Word from them , or snatch them from it ; and not onely Abraham , Isaac and Jacob , and old times shall rise up against such , but even the good Souls that saw but a little light fifty or sixty years ago , and had but a little knowledge ( for the means were small ) yet were zealous and godly , and sundry gave their lives for the Truth ; even these , I say , shall rise up and condemn them : Then would they be glad of one of the days they have had , but shall not have any . Awaken therefore to day , while it is called to day , for we may fear it draws to night-ward , towards the Sun-setting of the Gospel .

The things which are now reported unto you , by them that have preached the Gospel unto you , The same Gospel which was preach'd by the Prophets , was also preached by the Apostles . &c. ] The second part of the commendation , The same Gospel preached by the Prophets , was also preached by the Apostles since Christ , men that were trained up with Christ all the time of his preaching , and were witnesses of his Life , Death , Resurrection and Ascension : These have preached this Gospel , and that not of their own mindes , but by the Spirit of God , which was sent down from heaven upon them , and that in an extraordinary and visible maner . The Prophets preached of the same Christ , and that by the Spirit ( as we have heard ) so that they and the Apostles agree notably in one ; but the Apostles received a greater measure of the holy Ghost , and a more plain and visible sign , not onely perceived of themselves , but of others .

In that he addeth , Which the holy Ghost sent down from heaven , he alludes to that of Acts 2. 17. taken out of Joel 2. 28. And it shall come to pass in the last days ( saith God ) I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh &c.

If then the Gospel was also preached by the Apostles , Use. and that by the Spirit sent from heaven upon them , Hereby may all that hear it be induced to embrace it ; as on the contrary , their case must needs be fearful which reject and despise it : Heb. 2. 1 , 2 , 3. Such is the case of the Jews , though they killed the Prophets , yea , though they rejected Christ and his preaching , yet were they not cast off , till they had rejected and resisted the preaching of the Apostles , who with one consent bare witness of him ; confirming also their Doctrine by Miracles from heaven : Acts 13. 4●● ▪ having done this , their sin was at the highest , and from them the Apostles turned unto the Gentiles . Such is the condition of the Turks , utter enemies of Christ and true Christians . Such is also theirs , who among our selves despise this Gospel : 〈◊〉 but none do so : Yes , many in sundry degrees ; for all that receive not the Gospel , embrace not the Gospel , do not believe , obey and repent , all these despise it ; for to believe and repent , are the Commandments of the Gospel : therefore he that yields not unto them , despiseth the Gospel . He that is not with me ( saith our Savior ) is against me ; All these have a dreadful account to make : For , though now it be preached by sinful men , yet it is the Gospel that was preached by Christ himself , See 1 Pet. 4. 17. and after by the Apostles inspired by the Spirit , and it hath been abundantly confirmed by Miracle : Heb. 2. 1 , 2. This is that ( I say ) which we preach ; 2 Thess. 1. 8. let every one therefore take heed , lest they set light by it , as though it were not the Gospel of Christ , but of men .

Again , The Apostles have left a perfect direction for all things needful for our Salvation . in that the Apostles were so filled with the Spirit to preach and write , we learn , That they have left unto us a perfect Direction for all things needful for our salvation , and for the good estate of Gods Church , and that therefore there 's nothing to be added , detracted or altered .

1. This condemns them that trust in new Gospels of Thomas , Use 1. Thaddeus , Bartholomew , &c. and in Traditions and unwritten Verities ; which is to accuse the holy Ghost of want of care for his Church , as not having left that which is sufficient for salvation .

2. It condemns them also that take away and alter at their pleasure ; Use 2. what is this , but to tax the holy Ghost for leaving something not necessary , nor profitable for his Church , and by altering or taking away the same , to make our selves wiser then he ?

Which things the Angels desire to look into . ] The third commendation of the Gospel , The Angels defire to see into the further end of that salvation that is preached therein . They are not ignorant of any thing the Church knoweth ; but they have gathered some things they knew not of , or not so much till they came to pass ; as , touching the Incarnation of the Son of God , both Natures in one person , &c. This they desired to see before he came ; Exod. 37. 8. and this was figured by the Cherubims looking down toward the Mercy-seat , which covered the Ark , which was a figure of Christ , signifying that they desired to look into that Mystery of his Incarnation ; and when they saw it , they admired thereat , even to see the Eternal Son of God joyned to mans Nature , it to be worshipped without Idolatry , and his Manhood to suffer , the Deity remaining free without suffering : So also by the Church they learned the Mystery of the calling of the Gentiles . Eph. 3. 10. But now that which they desire to see , is that which is yet to come , namely , the fulness , perfection , and accomplishment of the salvation of Gods Church and People ; Why the Angels desire to see the perfection of the salvation of Gods Church . namely , to see the day of Judgement , when God shall be perfectly glorified in his Saints .

They desire this ; 1. Because they are enforced to see now a great deal of sin in the world , yea those duties which the Saints themselves perform , See Rom. 8 ▪ 19. full of corruptions and weakness , which after that day they shall see no more : 2. Because that day shall be our perfection ; Alas , here we are imperfect every way , and weak , then shall we be perfect and free from sin , and in a most happy estate both in body and soul , which for the love they bear to God and us , they long to see : for as God revealed himself more darkly to the old world , more clearly to us ; so when we shall come to heaven , much more clearly then now : There shall be as much and more difference between that which we shall know then , See 1 Ioh. 3. 2. and that which we know now , as between us and the darkest times before us under the Law ; 1 Cor. 13. 9. 10 , 11 , 12. Here ( as children ) we are weak , and rather stammer , then speak plainly of God , his Word and Works ; but when in the life to come we shall come to mans state , it will be far otherwise : Here we see with spectacles of the Word and Sacraments , but there without , and that most perfectly .

1. Is there such an happy condition remaining for all Believers ? Use 1. O how should we rejoyce , that are entred into the first degree of it , and expect the other ! How should we bless God for his Gospel , and for the pains which we have taken herein to attain the same ! Yea , how should we walk thankfully , that look for such a state ? how zealously and heavenly-minded , not defiling our selves with this world , nor sticking here , but mounting up in our affections , and having our conversation there ?

2. How should we long for the day of our dissolution , Use 2. to enter another degree ; but especially for that last day , when we shall be made perfect ? The Angels have what they shall have , yet in love to God and us , they long to behold our perfection ; what should we then do , that shall have the benefit of it ?

3. This should teach them that be yet void of grace , Use 3. to embrace the Gospel , that they may come to this happy estate , else they shall go to one as miserable as this is happy ; from which the Lord deliver us .

Verse 13. Wherefore gird up the loyns of your minde , be sober , and hope to the end , for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ .

HEre followeth the 2d part of the Epistle , containing matter of Exhortation , built on the foregoing Doctrine . Being begot again to the hope of such an inheritance , and to such salvation , whereinto the very Angels desire to look ; they were thereupon to trust stedfastly , ( without wavering ) to the end , honoring this hope and Gospel by an holy life and conversation , not only renouncing the lusts of the time before their calling , Doctrine and Exhortation must be joyned together . but also living in Sanctification of life , wherein they might resemble God their Father , who being holy , requires that his children should so be ; even holy , as he is holy : whence may be noted , Mat. 6. & 7. That for the building up of Gods Church , Doctrine and Exhortation must be joyned together . Rom. 12. Thus our Savior preached , 1 Tim. 4. 1● . thus also the Apostles ; Heb. 2. 1. & 4. 1. & 12. 1. as the one must inform the judgement , so the other pull on the affections ( which are as much or more corrupted then the understanding part ) wherby Knowledge , Conscience and Practice may go together .

Knowledge without Zeal is blockishness , as Zeal without knowledge rashness ; but better less Knowledge and more Zeal , then more Knowledge and less Zeal or care of obedience . Doctrine without Exhortation , is to set a dull Horse in the way , and not spur him on : Exhortation without Doctrine , is to spur a Horse forwards , before he be put into the way ; the one is the Foundation , the other the Building , both which must go together .

Ministers that would go to work indeed , Use. must go with their tools , use both Doctrine and Exhortation ; as he that would cleave a knotty Log , must both use Beetle and Wedges , the one without the other would be to no purpose : We must be like careful Messengers , not delivering barely our Masters message , 1 Thess. 4. 1. but earnestly entreating on his behalf : We must not bear the ayr as it were , multiplying words , yea good words , without a ground : Neither must we deliver sound Doctrine strongly proved , so leaving it , but urge and apply it , Practice being the life of all , and people being unapt to make particular Application ; yea , it is the principal part of our Ministery , to draw on the will , and to perswade and work upon the affections , for want of which many finde but small fruit in their Ministery ; for people are grown to that pass , that it is not the excellency and weight of the matter that will move ( which for the most part proves but a sound with the most ) if it be not whetted by some enforcement of Exhortation .

People also must not onely be willing , Use. but glad of this kinde of teaching , Heb. 13. 22. suffering ( as the Apostle speaks ) the word of Exhortation ; but too too many had rather have general Doctrine , then be called upon to Practice and examination .

In this Verse our Apostle Exhorts to stedfastness in Faith , and to relie and trust on the Salvation , to the hope whereof they had been called by the revelation of Jesus Christ , even the Gospel of Christ , and therefore to remove from them all such impediments as might hinder the same : Those were of two sorts ; 1. Such as were in the understanding part , implied in the first part of the Verse : And 2. Such as were in their affections , implied in the latter .

Gird up the loyns of your minde , ] A borrowed speech from those that wore long garments , which when they went any journey , or were to stir about any thing , Exod. 12. 11. they were wont to gird up , lest they might be troubled or hindred thereby . The meaning is this , As men do thus gird and truss up their clothes , lest they should be hindred in their work or journey , Luke 12. 35. so shake off all that may hinder you in going your Spiritual journey to Heaven , Ier. 1. 17. and doing the work of the Lord . By the loyns of the minde , we are to understand all lets in the understanding part , namely , all corrupt opinions about Salvation , contrary to the Word ; Those must be reformed , else can we not trust perfectly , or hope to the end . The corrupt conceits of the Iews about Salvation . The Jews wanted not theirs , nor we ours : for the Jews , 1. They looked for earthly promotion by Christ , as a Potentate of the world ; This could not but much hinder them from trusting in him for Salvation ; This they must gather up , if they would profit by him , knowing that he is made of God unto them not ease , riches , &c. but Wisdom , 1 Cor. 1. 30. Righteousness , Sanctification , and Redemption . 2. They did still stick much to Moses his Law and Circumcision : This also hindred them from resting wholly and onely upon Christ for Salvation ; This also they must tuck up , acknowledging Salvation to be by him alone . 3. They prized not Salvation at so high a rate as they should , and this also was no small let unto Salvation .

For our selves , The corrupt conceits of Christians about it . How many corrupt conceits be in peoples heads that hinder them from Faith ? As some think that they be no great offenders , and hope to be saved by good prayers , good meaning , civil life , &c. Others , that it s no such hard matter to be saved , but if that men call to God for mercy , they shall do as well at the last , as they that make all the stir : These conceits be as it were the strong Castle of carnal People , whereinto being once got , all that we can say , proves unable to beat them out ; Others hope to be saved by Christ , who yet live in their sins ; Others think that if they should Repent , and go to Sermons , they should never be merry again : Now these , and such like , must be reformed , finding these lets , we must gird up our loyns , and remove them : Nay , even Gods good servants that are truly humbled in conscience for sin , and ●it to believe , hungring after Christ more then all the world , as desirous to turn to him , yet are held off by some false conceits , O they be unworthy that God should forgive them ! Therefore he will not , their sins be too many and too great ; and , O if they could sorrow as deeply as some , and serve God as well , then they would hope , &c. and , O they have so many corruptions , and such a rebellious heart , as they know God will not forgive any such ; whereas it is not that will hinder , so as our hearts be unfeignedly bent to strive against our corruptions , and serve the Lord in truth .

Neither do the very best prize so highly this Salvation as they ought , The best prize it not as they should . we weigh not what God hath done for us in Christ : This is the reason why we walk not more thankfully , joyfully , and zealously ; let us gird up these loyns , rid our selves of these impediments , up , and be sound of these points , and whatsoever thought would hinder us from resting on Christ Jesus for Salvation , Mark 10. 49 , 50. let us cast it from us , as the blinde man did his cloke , when he went to Christ .

Be sober ] Sobriety is a vertue that keeps us not only from things unlawful , What sobriety is . but moderates us in the use of things lawful , that we exceed not our bounds therein : Luke 21. 34. These may be referred to two heads , Profits , and Pleasures , 1 Iohn 2. 15. which we are most subject to abuse , and are therefore dehorted from them .

For the former , which is Pleasure , thereto may be referred meat , drink , 1 Cor. 10. 31. apparel , recreation , &c. All which we must use soberly to the glory of the giver , our own good , and the good also of others .

1. For our meat and drink , Sobriety about meat and drink we must neither be excessive , nor over curious , as Dives that fared deliciously every day , making his belly his God ; we must eat to live , and thereby be more fit for duty .

2. For our apparel , About apparel . we must not exceed for the matter of it , nor for the fashion , God hath given it for necessity , comeliness and decency ; 1 Tim. 2. 9. it must not be newfangled , 1 Pet. 3. either we use it to wantonness or pride .

3. For Recreation , About recreation . it must be sparing in time , place , measure , to make us more fit for our duty ; for God hath not set us here to satisfie and pamper the flesh , but to mortifie the lusts thereof ; not to play , but to do his work ; to this end is Recreation to be used .

1. This rebuketh those that wallow in beastly and unlawful lusts , Use 1. in whoredom , chambering , wantonness , drunkenness , &c. so in games altogether unlawful , yet many make a practice of these , to whom Solomons speech would well suit , Eccle. 2. 2. I said of laughter , thou art madness : For a man to sport at Gods dishonor , and their own destruction , is madness : Can we play with nothing but edge tools ? the Lord will laugh such to scorn ; Iam. 4. 9. O turn your beastly pleasures into weeping and wailing .

2. This rebuketh also such as are drunk with lawful things , Use 2. as some that so glut themselves , and so pamper the body , that they make themselves unfit for any duty ; many waste and consume themselves this way , Bodies and Goods , yea , Souls and all : Others also are so curious in their meats , as that nothing can please them , nothing's good enough for them ; yea , are more angry for any want this way , then for any sin in themselves or others ; they have fat Bodies , but lean Souls : O , think they , this is a goodly life , but indeed it is a swinish life , fitter for beasts then men , most unseemly for a Christian : So for Apparel , they that follow every new fangled Fashion , and are so proud and costly , and so over curious , as they spend no small time in trimming themselves , taking no care to trim their Souls with Christs Righteousness and Spiritual Graces , How are they to be reprehended ? What painted Sepulchres are these ? may not an image have gay clothes put on ? yet how many spend their precious time and goodly patrimonies about this vanity ? So for Recreations , some are so mad on them , as they think and speak of nothing else , as if they were set here to eat and drink , and rise up to play ; thus spend they the greatest part of their time .

3. Let us therefore pare away whatsoever super fluity hath been in us in these things , Use 3. and learn soberly to use these mercies , as the Gospel teacheth us , so as thereby we may ever be made fitter for our duties , and to serve God , and that they may be as a staff in our hand , to help us on in our journey , and this is to walk pilgrim like ; be we more careful in feeding , clothing and making merry the Soul .

For the latter , About profits . namely profits , we must also be sober , both in getting and keeping them .

We must not onely use no unlawful means to get the world , but use the lawful means moderately , not setting our affections upon the world , See Mat. 6. 24. or being too earnest to compass it , 1 Tim. 6. 6. filling our selves with too many businesses , Heb. 13. 5. and following the same too eagerly , lest we neglect good duties , Iam 44. or be hindred from doing them as we should . 1 Iohn 2. 15 ▪

1. This condemns those that use flat unlawful means to get the world , Use 1. swearing , lying , deceiving , oppression , usury , false weights , and the like : Hab. 2. 6 , 9 , 12. These pull a w● upon themselves , Ier. 17. 11. besides that they heap up but chaff , 1 Thess. 4. 6. which the wind of Gods wrath will scatter ; God is an avenger of all such things : O what reckonings do these multiply against themselves ! What answer shall they make that sell their souls to hell for pelf ?

2. This condemns not those onely that get thus , Use 2. but those that follow the world so eagerly , as they minde nothing else ; of which sort most are , all day long nothing but of the world , no Prayer , no hearing of the Word ; they think and talk of nothing else but the world , Lords days and all ; they think Prayer would be an hindrance , they savor nothing but of the earth ; they make more account of their old Shoes , then they do of a Sermon , they prize not such things ; when they are called to the Wedding Feast , they have Farms and Oxen to hinder them , or if they come , all runs over , for they be full already , or as the Pharisees , Luke 16. 14. mock at that they hear , or if they hear with joy , the thorns ( worldly cares ) quickly choke it ; O this world undoeth most men ! its an enemy , but not of it self , but by reason of our sottishness and drunkenness , See 1 Tim. 6. 9. and note the place . that cannot moderate our selves , but take too much of it , and wound our selves many ways ; What will it profit them in the end to have embraced this strumpet ? she will serve us as Delilah did Sampson , deprive us of our strength , and give us into our enemies hands , and as Jael the Wife of Heber did by Sisera ; thus will she serve her favorites .

3. Learn we to be wise indeed , Use 3. laying up a treasure in heaven , and laboring for meat that endureth to everlasting life , Mat. 16. 26. For what will it profit a man to win the whole world , if he shall lose his own soul ? O that Gods good servants should be so incumbred with the world ? O that that these base things should beguile and ensnare those that are born from above , to the hope of so great glory ! Many good Christians are half drunk , they are unfit for good duties , cannot minde heaven , from Monday morning till Saturday night , and it is well if they be sober on the Lords day ; many be not , but let both their hearts and tongues be employed on the world , who yet count themselves Christians .

O what excellent Christians would some be , were it not for the world ! but how doth it mar many , keep them from good duties , weigh down their mindes ? Heb. 12. 1. its that wherewith they are too easily beset .

O let 's winde up our plummets ( as the clock-keeper ) once every day , Simil. keep our mindes from being weighed down with the world ; we must set apart some time to draw up our minde , especially Saturday night , not letting them down all the day following : We must so use the world , as not to run into evil for it , neither to neglect any duty to God , our Souls , our Families , our Neighbors , the Poor , or any other , we must use it to further us , as the Pilgrim doth his staff : Learn we to prize Spiritual graces , which are the onely current coyn in the Countrey we are going to ; yet is not the seeking of Gods Kingdom the way to hinder us of that which is meet , but rather the onely furtherer : Mat. 6. 33. would we have more then will do us good ? But if we shall have less of the world , are we not more then enough recompenced , if we shall have more peace of Conscience , more credit here , more favor with God , more joy in death ?

Hope to the end , for the grace , &c. ] This is the main Exhortation to constancy in the Faith , Mr. Esty on the place . to the which the other two former Exhortations served as furtherances ; others read the words thus , Trust perfectly on that Grace , &c. Where we have three things , 1. What they are exhorted to , namely , To trust : 2. How , Perfectly : and 3. On what , Grace ; That is , Salvation ; which is described by the means how they came by it , It was brought them , and that by the Gospel which revealeth Jesus Christ .

1. They are exhorted to trust and believe in Christ for Salvation ; Faith is a particular assurance , that whatsoever Christ hath done , he hath done it for me : What Faith is , with the parts thereof . This is to put on Christ , to eat and drink his flesh and blood ; It hath three parts : 1. Knowledge of the mystery of Salvation . 2. Consent . 3. Particular Application : Iohn 3. 16. This is the instrument of our Salvation , and puts a difference between justifying and temporary Faith , what else soever a man hath , there 's no Salvation promised to it ; Rom. 15. 3. This the mother of all true joy and peace , The mother of all obedience , Heb. 11. 17. and good life : See it in Abrahams offering up his Son ; Hereby we are induced to do or suffer any thing for Christ : This we must labor to come to , when we feel our misery , and desire to come out of it , and hunger after Christ : we ought to believe that we shall be saved , Iohn 6. 40. This is the will of God ( saith our Savior ) that ye believe in him , &c. God is willing and de●irous we should believe ; Mar. 1. 15. The commandment of the Gospel is so , and its commandments are as necessary to be obeyed as those of the Law , He that believeth , 1 Iohn 5. 10. hath put to his seal that God is true : It s therefore our fault , that being come to the birth as it were , we stand still and do not believe , when God hath made us fit to believe ; either raze your selves out of the number of weary loaden sinners , &c. or else believe you shall be refreshed , and are pardoned in Christ .

2. They are willed perfectly to trust ; How they were to trust . namely , 1. Sincerely without faining . 2. Stedfastly without wavering . 3. Constantly without breaking off . Sincerely , nor fainedly , but so believe as we have ground out of Gods Word for it : many say , they hope to be saved , and this is all ; but put them to prove why , and whereon their perswasion is grounded , they can say nothing : Can you prove it out of Gods Word ? What promise have you thence ? if you have , then it s well , See Downham , Christ . War . else its Presumption , not Faith . Try it by the fruits of Humiliation , and by the fruits of Sanctification , by thy love to the Word and Saints . Stedfastly , without wavering , we must not be off and on , we hope well , but we cannot tell ; Gods promise is not yea and nay , Heb. 10. 22. but most certain and infallible , so that we may be out of all doubt : Rom. 4. 21. To this purpose its called assurance of Faith , and ( as Abraham ) we are willed to ask in Faith , Iam. 1. 6. and not to waver : It s true , no mans faith is so perfect , but there may be sometimes some doubtings , but they are not of the nature of Faith , but being from our corrupt nature , are contrary thereunto .

1. This condemns the Papists , Use 1. that tell us we may be of a good hope , but are great enemies to assurance ; we may be assured , say they , in respect of God , but in respect of our selves we cannot ; he being faithful , changeth not , but we are weak and variable , may be well now , but by and by fall ; a tormenting Doctrine : If we look to our selves , we need not doubt , but despair rather ; and God hath not promised Salvation to us upon condition of our constancy , as to Adam , Iohn 13. 1. but of his unchangeable love , Phil. 1. 6. he will never leave us , but finish the good work he hath begun in us ; yea , say the Papists , if we hold out : What a foolish repetition is this ? God will do great things for us , if we continue ; what were this to us , if we were left to our selves ? Ier. 32. 40. nay , he will give us a minde to continue , and so do all these things for us .

2. This reproves even good honest humble Souls , Use 2. that long after Christ , and hate sin with a deadly hatred , and have many excellent things in them , and yet stand at a stay ; they would not for all the world , but hope that God will have mercy , but cannot be assured : Why , Is not God faithful ? hath he not said , that such and such shall be saved ? shall he say it , and not do it ? God forbid .

O am I so unworthy . Object .

Therefore he will have mercy on thee ; Sol. if thou didst not feel and bewail that , he would not care for thee .

O my sins be so great . Object .

Is his mercy onely able to take away small ones , Sol. or the blood of Christ onely for lesser offences ? take heed .

O but it s not for me . Object .

He names thee not ; Sol. but faith he not , All weary and heavy loaden ones shall be eased ? all that take up his yoke , shall finde rest to their Souls ? excludes he any ? exclude not thy self .

O but I have such a corrupt heart , Object . and offend him every day .

But how dost thou like thy sins ? Sol. I hare them , they are as gall to my mouth , I desire to be rid of them , &c. Why , then be of good comfort , no better sign of a childe of God , then that thou strivest to mortifie them , and to please God : There is none free from corruption , yet if thou fightest this Spiritual combat , thou mayest believe and be thankful ; therefore this do , strive against thy corruptions all thou canst , and labor to reform more and more , and then shalt not thou need to doubt of thy Salvation . Lay the foundation of thy Salvation once sure , and never raze it more ; if there be any fault in the roof , be mending it , but let the foundation he still : Imitate thy Father Abraham , Heb. 11. 17. God promised him a Childe , What did he ? he neither looked on his own old age , nor the deadness of Sarahs Womb , but looked on the promise of God : So do we look , not on this or that , our own unworthiness , or what Satan saith , but on Gods promise ; If the Devil do but put into your head , you shall not be saved , it shall prevail more then all we can say out of Gods Word ; fie upon it : Is not he a lyar , and a murtherer from the beginning ? Doth he not tell them that have no Faith , that they have , as them that have it , that they have none ; Cleave to one testimony of Gods mouth , and let all the temptations to the contrary be gone : Renounce Thousands of them , and stick to the promise .

O but I feel it not . Obj.

No , Sol. how canst thou , when thou wiltst not believe ; believe first , and thou shalt feel after , but though thou shouldst not feel of a good while , yet believe the promise of God , constantly without breaking off ; believe to morrow as to day , next year as this , we have good leave , God is the same , so shall we with Abraham , Isaac and Jacob , dye in the Faith .

Therefore use all good means to continue it and encrease it , Use 3. hear diligently , receive the Sacrament carefully , pray continually , always keep a good Conscience ▪ Iohn 15. 10. Wood is not more necessary and apt to nourish fire , then good works and well doing to nourish Faith : Also observe the dealings of God , and grow by your own experience : Many that have believed , and were very earnest in their beginning till they got it ; after , growing secure and worldly , and withal neglecting the means , have ( with David ) fallen into some one sin or other , thereby losing the peace and comfort they formerly enjoyed : A great loss indeed , more then if a man were stript of all to his shirt . O le ts take heed of this loss , as we are to be wise as Serpents , so let us shew our Serpentine wisdom in this one thing especially . The Serpent will be sure ( so much as in her lies ) to save her head ; Simile . so must we our Faith , for on this hangs all : and if by any means we have fallen therefrom , recover we our selves by all means possible .

3. That which they are to hope for or trust on , Salvation a most special grace . is Grace , that is , Salvation : Every benefit is grace , but to be delivered out of our lost and undone state , and brought again into the favor of God , and saved , Eph. 1. 5. is a most special grace . Our Election is of grace , Ioh. 3. 16. so our Redemption , Iames 1. 18. so our effectual Calling .

1. This condemns the Papists , Use 1. that teach partly Grace , partly Works : No , these cannot be mingled , either all or none ; they be as contrary as light and darkness , Rom. 11. 6. honey and gall , else were grace no more grace . Gal. 1. 7. To joyn any thing with Christ , is to pervert the Gospel : They now begin to be ashamed , and mince this Opinion , saying , We be saved most by Grace , yet partly by Works ; and , that these Works be died in the Blood of Christ ; and , that it is most safe to rest on his merits alone : Well , God make them so ashamed , as altogether to renounce it , and so let us in the mean time .

2. Let us serve the Lord with a chearful and constant love and service , Use 2. for his free favor to us all the days of our life .

3. Shew we grace and favor to others , Use 3. not to such as have deserved well of us , but even to such as have not , nay ill , as we had of God .

Grace ] That is , Salvation . See , he calls their mindes from looking for earthly preferment by Christ , whereunto they had a lingring minde , and calls them to look for Spiritual riches , even Salvation by him . What we are to expect by Christ . What are we then to expect by Christ , and by professing the Gospel zealously ? not Wealth , Honor , Peace , Credit in the world , but pardon of our sins , freedom from Hell and Gods wrath , peace of Conscience , joy in the holy Ghost , that our persons and works shall please God , Angels to be our guard , our Prayers to be heard , our Souls at death to be carried into heaven , both our Bodies & Souls to be glorified at the great day ; Will this satisfie us ? Hereof we may be assured , if we believe in Christ , and zealously embrace the Gospel . Iohn 18. 36. As for other things , his Kingdom is not of this world , he promiseth not plenty , peace , ease , &c. He had them not himself , but ( contrarily ) troubles , 2 Tim. 3. 12. as all shall have that live godly in him .

This teacheth us to lay our hand upon our heart , Use. when we go about to profess , we know what we shall finde , but it may be sorrow withal ; if we can be content so , then may we go forward , else not . Many having gone on in profession not so advisedly , and after having found the wind and tide against profession , and reproach , trouble and danger for the same , have shrunk away , and with Demas , have forsaken Paul , and embraced the present world : Others seeing how hardly such be dealt with , though in their conscience they think best of such , yet keep in their heads , thinking that its best sleeping in a whole skin : But alas , they make but a weak choyce ; were they not better have these heavenly comforts and priviledges here , and be acknowledged of Christ , and saved at the great day , though with some sorrows here , then to make the world their friend , and God their enemy , and to have him ashamed of them at that day , as he will ? for we cannot have it go on our side now and then too .

That is to be brought unto you ] God tarried not till they sought Salvation , but he of his goodness brought it them , which he useth here as an Argument to perswade them to trust stedfastly to this Salvation , and look accordingly for it , because God would bring them to the Faith of it , when they thought not thereof .

Note here , That

Salvation is not of our own procuring or seeking : Salvation is not of our own procuring or seeking . Alas , what could Adam and we in him do ? we could fall , but what then towards our Salvation ? we could run and hide our selves , and excuse our sin , and encrease our danger , Ezek. 16. 6. but God was fain to bring him the seed of the woman , Eph. 2. 5. he could not make himself an help , a wife ( for God made and brought her to him ) much less a Savior . So , what s the reason he hath given us the Gospel in this Land , and not to our Forefathers , not to many other Lands ? we sought it not , but when Idolaters in darkness , God brought it . So have we not been brought by marriage or by Service into Towns where we have had the Word , when we purposed no such thing ? So to our hearts , what were any of us when God called us ? Did we seek him ? Alas no , we ran from him rather , long ere we yielded , but he followed us , and overcame us : See it in Saul , Acts 2. & 16. did he seek Salvation ? he was going to Damascus to persecute , Luke 19. God brought it him ; so to Zacheus , the Goaler , &c. so we . Rev. 3. 20.

This teacheth us ,

1. To be humble . Use 1.

2. To be exceeding thankful all the days of our life . Use 2.

3. To rest confidently on him for the time to come , Use 3. in the experience of that we have had ; as thus , That he that brought us Salvation , the Word to us , or us to it , and gave us to see our misery , long after Christ , Rom. 5. 8 , 9 , 10. have some taste of his love , and some desire to please him that were far from these , he will continue this , and will never leave us : Thus the Apostle reasons ; But God commendeth his love towards us , Gen. 32. 10 , 11. &c. So Jacob in danger of Esau , He came over Jordan with his staff , and God had given him two bands , therefore he was perswaded to relie on God for present deliverance ; for why ( might he say ) I am perswaded thou hast not done all this for me , to be lost in an instant , as an ox should lick up a flower , or a candle be put out at once . We use not Gods mercies well , when we grow not stronger by them for time to come .

4. Comfort to a fearful heart , Use 4. that fears he shall not hold out , or that God will cast him away : O its impossible , did he bring thee Salvation that regarded it not ? and now hath given thee an heart to prize it above the world , and to walk in the way to it , will he now disappoint thee ? No assuredly : If he would not have saved thee , he would have let thee alone as thy companions and many others , and never have done this for thee .

O but the Devil is so strong and subtile , Object . and I so weak and simple .

He that hath pluckt thee out of his hands , Sol. will never suffer him to get thee captive again ; It were else a disgrace to Christ : Except therefore he be stronger then God and Christ , thou needest not fear .

At the revelation of Jesus Christ ] He plucks these Jews from Moses Law , and the Ceremonies which were out of date , ( but they could hardly be so perswaded ) and brings them to the Gospel which discovers Christ : He was in that Law covered with Vails of Sacrifices and Ceremonies , &c. All these be done away in the Gospel , where Christ is laid open without any covering . Note ,

We have the excellency of the Gospel , The Gospel lays open Christ Iesus unto us . that doth uncover and lay open Christ Jesus unto us , brings us tidings of him , who is the Way , the Truth and the Life , and the onely Savior of the world ; So that the Gospel is the glory of the World : The Sun is not so necessary in the Firmament , as the Gospel is to the world : This teacheth us Christ , which is life eternal , and St. Paul desired to know nothing , but Christ and him crucified , Phil. 3. 8. and counted all dung for the excellent knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord : O how welcome should this be ! It is well called glad tidings , so it is indeed : The Gospel is our pardon . If we should finde evidences of great Lands and Inheritances to come to us , or a Will wherein were bequeathed great Legacies to us , how glad would we be of the same ? How often would we revise and read them over ? The Gospel brings us tidings , and tells us the way to come to an everlasting inheritance , and therein are bequeathed such blessed Legacies , Item , I give thee forgiveness of thy sins by my Sons death ; Item , Eternal life by his obedience . Item ; I give thee assurance that thou shalt be raised here from sin , and that thy body shall be raised at the last day by my Sons Resurrection ; Item , I give thee assurance of a place in Heaven by my Sons Ascension .

1. Is it not a marvel then that the Gospel is so hardly entertained ? Use 1. and that the World cares so little for it ? It s welcome to most people , not as if it brought them news of a blessing , but as if it would spoil them of all they have .

2. How should they that want it be set on work to labor to get it ? Use 2. as without which there 's no Salvation ; Its light , food , armor , without which darkness , famine , spoil : If the Sun should be wanting to a Town , and could be procured , how would all joyn to get it ? Or rain for a dry and barren ground ; who would not wonder at any that should be against it ? yet who joyns , who labors for the Gospel .

3. If the Gospel be the revelation of Jesus Christ , Use 3. then are the Ministers revealers of this blessed Secret , therefore worthy to be acknowledged for their works sake , 1 Thess. 5. 12 , 13. for the greatness of their work , and the excellency thereof : Pharaoh reverenced and advanced Joseph for smaller matters ; Rom. 10. 15. O how beautiful are the feet of such : Most people either rate them , or at least set light by them , not reverencing their calling , but esteeming them more base then the meanest Tradesman ; But that grieves us not so much , as that unkindeness that we meet with from them , from whom we look for most comfort and encouragement .

Verse 14. As obedient children , not fashioning your selves according to the former lusts in your ignorance .

TO Faith he addeth Repentance and Sanctification , by the one to testifie the other , 2 Pet. 1. 5. ( as in the second Epistle , he wills them to adde unto their Faith , vertue ) as if he should say , You that sometimes were the Children of wrath , and are now by grace made Gods Children , walk obediently as becomes such a mercy .

This Sanctification hath two parts : The two parts of Sanctification . and stands , 1. In renouncing evil , or the lusts , which ( before grace ) we were wont to be led by . 2. In putting on , and embracing holiness of life , that we may resemble the disposition of our Father who is holy , and looks for holiness in his ; yea , holiness in all maner of conversation .

For the order , Obedience and Sanctification follow Faith . first goes Faith , then Obedience and Sanctification ; for as the light and Sun-beams comes from the Sun , a river from the Spring head , Simile . fruit from the tree , so doth obedience from Faith : Till a man be pardoned and believe , Heb. 11. 8. he cannot repent nor obey the will of God , no more then a dead stick can bring forth fruit . When by Faith we are ingrafted into Christ , then we receive power , not before ; one that hath never been humbled aright for sin , cannot hate and flie from sin as he should : He that seeth not the love of God to him , cannot love God , nor set upon a good life ; to deny his lusts , being as dear as his life , and to yield obedience , is irksom to nature : for this cause the Devil is such an enemy to our Faith , and labors to shake it , for then he knows he damps our care of a good life .

1. This condemns Papists , Use 1. that boast of holiness of life , and yet overthrow the foundation of it , ( viz. ) A true justifying faith : They may stir up good moods , and a blinde devotion , by scaring men with the pains of hell , and telling them of the joys of heaven , but no sound Obedience , godly Life , renouncing Lusts , &c. without the work of Faith , from that will be Obedience , even to suffering .

2. It confutes them that think Repentance is before Faith ; Use 2. they are indeed wrought at once , and Repentance sheweth it self first , but in order of nature , Faith is as the root : Many humble souls hold off , and dare not believe , O say they , if I could repent so heartily as I see some , and could serve God as I would , then I could believe .

3. It teacheth men , Use 3. that if ever they will set upon a good life indeed , and in time , they must begin at the right end , and lay a foundation of true justifying faith ; for want of this , many deceive themselves that have some purpose to do well , being afflicted , or somewhat stirred at the Word , and fall out of a bad course , to leave this and that evil , or take up good duties ; and many that never had experience of the work of Faith , that think they live well , or some that upon some occasion thus promise , You shall never hear me swear more , I le never play more , Never come in an Alehouse ; yet this lasts not , but they fal to their old byase by and by , because they took not the right course : Many also purpose to repent , and do great matters , but this is a greater matter then the world thinks off ; a man must first be the childe of God , ere he can obey , and Faith must be wrought first , ere he can come to true repentance ; therefore put it not off , it s not the work of a day , or sickness the fittest time to be allotted thereto , but constantly to be set upon , till we shall attain thereunto .

As obedient children ] Or children of obedience , that is , given to obedience , and studying thereto with all their might of body and soul , as if you could imagine obedience to be a creature , and a mother that had children , resembling her self , Eph 5. 6. so must we be ; the contrary hereof is elsewhere expressed , Col. 3. 6. Children of disobedience , that is , given over unto all disobedience , and in other places the like phrases , and to the same purpose are used , see 1 Kings 21. 5. Psal. 50. 18 , 19. Mat. 7. 23.

Hereunto the Apostle exhorteth , for that they were called to be children , God calls for obedience . which strongly enforceth this duty of obedience .

Obedience is that which God still calls for , which he doth again and again require at our hands ; Ier. 7. 23. its better then sacrifice , as contrarily , Iam. 1. 22. rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft . 1 Sam. 15. 22. The Israelites ( doubtless ) spake well , Deut. 5. 29. But O that there were such an heart in them ( saith God ) that they would fear me , and keep my commandments always : Neither hearing the Word , See Isa. 38. 3. nor knowing or speaking of it , pleaseth God , without obeying ; Iohn . 14. 15 , 21. nothing else can comfort our Souls and Consciences in death ; nothing else can approve us to be the servants of the Lord , Mat. 7. 24 , 25. or that we love him , Iohn 10. 27. or that we shall continue to the end , His sheep hear his voyce , and follow him .

For the maner of our obedience :

1. We must obey , We must obey in all things . not to halves , or where we lift , but in all things , not as Saul or Herod , Psal. 119. 6. Nadab and Abihu ; there were the same persons , incense , Luke 1. 6. censers , altar that should be , onely the fire was not the same , who therefore were punished by fire from heaven . Lev. 10. 2.

2. We must not on the other side run without our errand , Which are commanded . nor do things whereof we have no commandment ; this is no obedience , be it never so costly or painful , have it never so goodly a shew : And here falls to the ground all Will-worship of the Papist , to whom it will be said , Who required these things at your hands ? as also all good intents without warrant of the actions : How was God displeased with them that offered their sons and daughters to the fire , Ier. 7. 31. having no such commandment from him .

Moreover , Be the commandment never so strange or unpleasing . we must obey the Commandment of the Lord , be it never so strange , harsh , unpleasing , or contrary to Nature , denying our selves contrary to custom , though all the world counsel to the contrary : and that not indenting or covenanting with the Lord beforehand for wages or success ; as to say , I would do such a thing , so I thought no hurt would come of it , or that I should thrive in that course , or that I should not meet with trouble : no , we must follow the Lord , as the blinde man follows the staff of his leader , and chooseth not his own way . Thus did Abraham in forsaking his own Countrey at Gods Commandment in his old age ; it was his Native Countrey , that wherein he had lived so long , he was to go he knew not whether : He had questionless contrary counsels of his Neighbors , What a mad man are you to remove now , and seek a new dwelling in your old age ; you are here known , here are your Kindred , you know the Countrey , and have thriven : It s as if one should remove a tree that hath grown long in place , into another place when its old : Well , for all those he persisted in his obedience to Gods Commandment .

The Jesuits train up their Schollars in strange obedience , The strict obedience of the Iesuits to their Superiors as that they must do whatsoever their Superiors bid them , and that speedily without questioning ; as to water a rotten tree , to pour a vessel of good wine into a gutter , to set trees with the roots upward , &c. when his Superior calls him to go in an instant , and not to stay to make up the circle of an O ; when he is writing and made the one part of it , he must not stay to make up the other part : They to justifie this , and provoke to obedience , tell a miracle , That one thus called of his Superior , and leaving his O in the midst half made , at his return found it made up a perfect O , and so gilded , that it shined , &c. Such obedience owe we to God , and these rules be very good , so as the Commanders and Commandments were good . We must obey God directly , and never cast about beforehand what shall be the end , we must leave it to him , and to obey him must needs fall out well . Abraham did not amiss , but sped well in obeying God : So Noah and the rest . Abraham never shifted for himself , but twice about his wife , and he was like then to have spoiled himself , if God had not helpt him out of the bryars ; So Jonah : Our own Devices never succeed , though never so likely . But we have such reaches before-hand , that mar our obedience : Oh , if I were ruled by the Preacher , I should not thrive by plain dealing , nor wax rich ; or if I should leave such a course , or such a course , I should be poor ; If I should do thus and thus , I should come to trouble : but let us do our duty , and let the Lord alone for his part to look to us ; in obeying him we cannot do amiss . The wicked will leave their sin a little while it may be , through Sickness , or Fear , or Counsel , as the Dog that is beat from the Carrion , Simile . or called away , yet hath a Dogs eye back again after it , Mat. 21. 30. and will be at it again , as soon as one's back is turned ; yea , and if haply they give good words , yet will not their doings be answerable .

3. We must obey without reasoning the case , Without consu1lting with flesh & blood . or consulting with flesh and blood ; we must binde Reason hand and foot to follow God ( as it were ) blindefold , as Abraham in offering Isaac , and Joshua in compassing Jericho , 2 King . 5. 11. and not as Naaman the Syrian : Our Reason proves a very great enemy to obedience .

4. We must obey , Whosoever , or whatsoever be against it . whosoever or whatsoever be against it : If Profits , Pleasure , Farm , Oxen , &c. calls us away , and God invite us , we must follow him , else have we no part in him : If Father , Mother , Friend , See Deu. 13. 6. nay the Wife of our bosom entice us from him , we must not give ear to them ; nay , if our right hand , eye , or foot offend us , we must cut them off and obey God . He that hates not father and mother , wife and children , Mat. 5. 29. yea his own life for my names sake ( saith our Savior ) is not worthy of me ; Luke 14. 26. yea , if any should command and threaten us contrary to our obedience unto God , Dan. 3. 17 , 18. we must not yield to them , but rather obey God then them . Acts 4. 19.

5. Speedily , Speedily . not hereafter , but to day , while it is called to day , &c. not repent hereafter , when I have taken my pleasure a while longer , hear Sermons when I am thus rich , have Prayer in my Family when such businesses and le ts be over ; nay , thou mayest be dead , or meet with more ere they be gone .

6. Voluntarily , Voluntarily . not be haled onely by pain and misery , as Pharaoh ; God loves a chearful servant .

7. Constantly , Constantly . not for a while , as Joash , but as Caleb and Joshua followed the Lord to the end , yea when most revolted : See the contrary punished in the Prophet that came from Bethel . 1 King . 13. 24. We must not be weary in well doing . Gal. 6. 9.

Reasons hereof may be these : Reasons .

1. Gods Soveraignty over us , we Clay , he our Maker .

2. His Will a rule of Righteousness .

3. His great mercies every way , even to the worst , but to his children wonderful ones .

1. This condemns them that are so far from obeying , Use 1. and that in all things , and after this maner , See Exod. 5. 2. that they will obey in nothing , but as if they were set to cross the Lord , Iob 21. 14 , 15. what he forbids , they love , what he enjoyns , Ier. 6. 16. and 44. 16. they cannot away withal : They live like masterless men , as if they ought nothing to any , were beholding to none ; What , art thou not a piece of Clay , the Lord thy Maker ? even he that threw Angels out of Heaven , Adam out of Paradice , opened the Earth , rained down fire and brimstone on Sodom , &c. If his Soveraignty move thee not , consider , I beseech thee , his Goodness ; Who hath nourished thee up ? given thee a comely body , a reasonable Soul , and so long kept thee , that thou art not now in Hell ? What s all this for , that thou shouldst flie in his face that gives thee bread ? He lets thee hear his Word , calls thee to Repentance , &c. Is it that thou shouldst tread these things under thy feet ? Oh , thou art of thy father the Devil , whose works thou dost ; and except thou fall down at the Lords footstool , Psal. 50. 22. and humble thy self before him , he will confound thee ▪ O consider this , all ye that now forget God .

2. It condemns such also as obey God to halves , Use 2. and in what they list , in the mean time lying still in some beloved lust ; So Pharaoh obeyed , Exod. 10. 26. so Herod and Saul : But as Moses would not part with one hoof , so will not God have us cast off any one Commandment ; God will have no parting Stakes : 1 King . 3. 26. The Devil , like the Harlot , would be contented with the one half , but God , like the true Mother , will have all or none . If God were so revenged of half-obedience under the Law , what then now ? This halving is an Argument of no true Faith , for that purifieth the heart ; Acts 15. 9. also of no Repentance , for he that repents truly of one sin , repents truly of all : Whosoever therefore thou art that dost thus , thou art in the gall of bitterness , and bond of iniquity , thou art in the state of damnation . If thou livest in the practice and love of one known sin , profitable or pleasing , this one shall be enough to sink thee down to destruction , Simile . as one leak in a Ship may endanger the whole , and one gate in a City open let in the Enemy .

3. This rebukes the servants of God that yet walk not in that obedience that were meet , Use 3. but leave undone this and that duty , slighting over others , and letting loose their affections and lusts ; O this is not the chearful and constant obedience that we ought to perform in all things . If neither his Authority , nor his outward Benefits will move us , consider we his love towards us in Jesus Christ , that of children of wrath he hath made us his children , that by giving his Son , he hath freed us from Damnation , and means to save us : Oh , the Name of Children calls for much obedience , Gen. 13. 8. as the Name of Brethren should still all Controversie . And this is the Argument which the Apostle here useth to perswade to obedience : Oh , we be Gods Children , Children ought to obey their Parents , there 's nothing more uncomely then the contrary , much more we the Father of our Spirits : Christ the natural Son was obedient to the death , How obedient then must we be , being but adopted ones ?

Again , What may stir us up unto obedience . That he hath called us to the hope of such an Inheritance , what obedience doth this challenge ? For this is the force of the coherence of Verse 13. with those that go before . Wherefore gird up the loyns of your minde , &c. That is , Seeing God hath done such and such things for us , let us trust perfectly on that grace that is brought unto us , and walk obediently : Yea , the more we profit in obedience , the more comfort we may have , that we be the Lords , and have true Faith ; the more will our comfort be also in our death : So many of us therefore , as can prove our selves the Lords , do we labor to walk worthy hereof in all due obedience ; and for others that know not they are the Lords , let them try it by obedience .

Many Covetous , Use 1. Usurers , Oppressors , Swearers , &c. will say , they believe : no , be tryed by this rule , If your heart stand to obey all Gods commandments , it is so ; but while you live in any thing you know is sin , you are voyd of Faith .

Other poor humble Christians that hate sin deadly , Use 2. and unfeignedly desire to please God in all things , yet say , they cannot believe ; Why ? who hath wrought these things in you ? Not flesh and blood , they are the gifts of Gods sanctifying Spirit , therefore they come from Faith ; as if we see a Sun-beam , we say , the Sun is risen ; if an Apple that is good , Simile . we say , there is a good Tree : Except therefore you will say that men can gather Figs of Thistles , or Grapes of Thorns , you cannot deny but that you have Faith ; wheresoever Sanctification is , there Faith went before ; O but I finde it but weak , yet as long as it is in truth , with desire of increase , it presupposes Faith : as if we see a Sun-beam , though but dimly , yet we say , the Sun is up , after it will shine out more clearly : So we say , it s a good Tree , though the fruit be small at first , so long as it is good .

If any shall say , Obj. I feel in me no such thing now , therefore I have no Faith , what shall become of me ?

Was it ever so with thee ? Sol. Look to the time past , and thou must not deny the mercy of God shewed thee : Thou canst not deny , but it hath been so , then thou hast had Faith , then hast thou Faith still , though it seem raked up in the ashes : Simile . when thou with the bellows of Prayer and the Word , and God with his Spirit shall blow away these ashes , it will uncover it self , and burn out again .

Not fashioning your selves , Two parts of obedience . &c. ] There are two parts of Obedience , or Repentance , a dying unto sin , and a living unto righteousness ; a renouncing of lusts , Isa. 1. 16. and imbracing holiness ; a ceasing to do evil , and a learning to do well ; Rom. 12. 9. an abhorring of that which is evil , Col. 3. 10. and cleaving to that which is good ; a putting off of the old man , and putting on of the new ; he that hath the one , hath also the other , they are married by the Lord , and none can divorce them : Therefore if any man seem to have the one , and not the other , he hath neither in truth : If therefore any leave evil , and do not good , or if any do some good , and hate not all evil , he is but an hypocrite .

For the order here used , We must forsake evil before we can do good Simile . he sets renouncing of our lusts first , before imbracing of holiness ; men put off their old rags , ere they can put on new apparel ; purge the stomack of ill humors , ere they take good nourishment ; dig up the weeds , ere they sow or set herbs : so in this case .

Where therefore there remaineth the love of any lust or sin , there is no true grace in that heart , neither will any grow till that be rooted out , God will not plant any of his grace there , till the Devils planting be pluckt up . Many think they be Christians , and do many things well , though they keep the love of some sin ; no , mark , the love of grace and goodness , and the love of any sin , cannot be in one heart , they are so contrary the one to the other ; therefore while thou livest in any known sin , and lovest any lust , as sure as God is in heaven thou art an hypocrite , and let me perish if there be one dram of true grace in thee , but thou standest in the state of damnation .

Therefore renounce and bid adieu to thy lusts ; Use. and seeing you make a profession , and do many things , will you lose heaven for your lust , for one sin ? 1 Cor. 9. 24. so run that you may obtain , lose not heaven for a little , make either something or nothing of thy profession , banish from thee all sin , that God may work some true grace in thy heart .

In your ignorance ] He fathers their following of lusts on their ignorance ; Ignorance is the cause and root of a bad life . and ignorance is the cause and root of a wicked and bad life : For till men know the will of God out of his Word , how can they do it ? and what are we prone to by nature , but to all the evil in the world ? Therefore the devil labors by all means to hold people in blindness , & of all books , hath most been an enemy to the Bible , and to sincere and diligent reading and preaching the Scriptures , for were those away , he knows all iniquity must needs abound , as there did in Popery , when people were nuzled up in blindeness ; O what abundance of sin was committed ? but it did not so much appear , because they were in the dark , and the light of Gods word discovers sin , which was then very rare : Simile . As if one come into an house at midnight , he ●ees no faults , but when the morning comes , then he sees a number of things out of order ; so in this clear light of the Gospel , we see the wickedness that then appeared not in the dark . Whether will not our nature run ? and whether may not the devil and world lead one , when he hath no eyes to see whether he goes ? The blinde eats many a fly , and a man may lead a blinde man into the deepest pit . Simile . As the Raven first picks out the Lambs eyes , and then kills it at his pleasure , when it cannot see to escape away , so doth the devil by people : Ignorance is often compared to darkness , and they that go in the dark often stumble , fall , and hurt themselves : Sampson when blinde , was led to any thing , as to grinde , to make Sports , &c.

1. This teacheth us to desire that the clear light of the Word may shine more and more brightly into all places of this land , Use 1. for there are many places that have either no preaching , or else very seldom ; So as for want of knowledge , people wallow in a number of lusts most fearfully , the Lords day most grievously Profaned , preachers slighted , &c.

2. Every Minister is to endeavor to the utmost of his power , Use 2. to bring their people to the knowledge of their duty , that so they may be either truly converted , or at least hereby restrained .

3. People are to labor for knowledge , Use 3. else they must needs be captives of many lusts : Think not as many do , because ye are poor and not book-learned , therefore you shall be held excused ; many think their very ignorance shall be a good plea , because they know nothing , God will hold them excused : Iohn 3. 19. Is light come into the world , and shall mens sin ( their ignorance ) hold them excused ? its otherwise .

4. All parents are to have a special care , Use 4. where and in what Towns and houses they place their children ; they must place them where they may learn to know God , to discern between good and evil , and if it prevail not with them by and by , yet there 's hope it shall lie as seed in their hearts , that will shoot up in time .

But how can he say , Why being so well instructed in the Law , they are here termed ignorant . In their ignorance , seeing they were well instructed and expert in the Law , having it read among them daily ? and had they not good knowledge in the Law , and in the Prophets ? True , yet he justly calls them ignorant ; 1. Because though they were so cunning in the Law and Prophets , yet they knew not Jesus Christ , the end of the Law , and so the sum of all . 2. Their knowledge was onely in their brain , and not effectual in their hearts to renew and reform them , Rom. 2 17 , &c. but they were carried away by their lusts , notwithstanding of their knowledge .

1. Then all the knowledge in the world without the knowledge of Christ Jesus , All knowledge without the knowledge of Christ is nothing . is nothing : If a man could measure the heavens , tell the number of the stars , had skill in all Arts and Sciences whatsoever , yet without the knowledge of Christ it were vanity . Paul knew much being brought up at the feet of Gamaliel , Phil. 3. 8. But he counted all things else loss and dung for the excellent knowledge of Christ Jesus ; 1 Cor. 2. 2. He desired to know nothing but Christ Jesus , and him crucified . If a man were the wisest in a County to arbitrate and compound controversies , yet all this were nothing without the knowledge of Christ .

2. All the knowledge of the world , Knowledge without reformation is but ignorance . if it reform not a man , is but ignorance ; So much a man knows as he obeys : That is not knowledge that is in the brain , but that which soaketh down into the heart , and transformeth a man into the similitude thereof ; so much men know , as they mortifie their lusts : He that lives after his lusts , let him have never such store of knowledge , he knows nothing yet as he ought to know : what if a man know he should not Swear , Lye , commit Adultery , &c. yet doing these is he any whit the better ? Is he not rather much worse ? Yea , the Devil himself hath more knowledge then any man : The world wonders many times to see men of great knowledge do such and such things : Alas , Knowledge and Conscience are two several things , and often sundred in the subject .

1. Then , let no man boast of his Knowledge : Many love to hear themselves talk , but look what power they have over their lusts , what mastery over their affections .

2. Do not we labor so much for knowledge , Use 2. as for the power of it ; Therefore when we have heard a Sermon , let 's not content our selves that we can repeat it , have a good memory and utterance , but by our selves pray earnestly , and travel upon our hearts , that it may effectually work in us : A little well learned of an humble Soul , craving to be ruled by it , is better then much that a vain bragger can repeat , that will be ruled in nothing but when he list .

But he would not have them live now they had Knowledge , Such as have attained knowledge , must not live as they did before . as they did in Ignorance , and now God having wrought in them the hope of eternal life , he would have them walk far otherwise then they did ere they had this ; being called out of the world , they were not to live after the corrupt maners thereof . Rom. 12. 2. Men and women would be loath to be seen abroad in such attire as they go in on nights ; Rom. 13. 11 , 12. were it not a gross thing for any to do their work as badly by day light as in the dark night ? Eph. 4. 17. & 5. 8.

People therefore that live under the Word , Use. must not do as they did before they heard it : Why may we not do this or that , will some say ? we do but as we have done , and as other Towns do ? well , is it not enough if upon your true humiliation God pardon the time of your ignorance , Iohn 9. 41. though he now expect obedience ? and so must you now obey , else your sin will be great , and ye must be beaten with the more stripes : will God look that your work should be done no better then theirs that have no light , Luke 12. 47 , 48 when he allows you candle ? our conversation must be such as becometh the Gospel . Phil. 1. 27.

So for Christians that have received assurance of Gods love , and entred covenant with God , they must not yield to their lusts as others , to whom God hath not shewed such mercy , or as themselves did before they knew God in Christ Jesus : they must not be as worldly now as before they knew God to be their Father , and that there was a better inheritance for them ; as proud now of apparel , following every fangle , as before they knew the true apparel of Christs righteousness , & to be deckt with grace to be the best attire ; as froward as before they had the Spirit to refuse these corruptions ; they must not backbite , slander , talk of other mens faults , rejoyce in their infirmities , as they did in the time of their ignorance ; they must not talk of worldly matters on the Lords day , as they were wont ere they knew the holiness thereof , and what a strict rest & observation God requireth ; nor follow gaming , as before when they knew no better mirth ; Gal. 5. 25. nor be so vain in talk , as before they knew it to be a fault , & as carnal persons be : Then what singular thing do we ? We must be now as much altered in our behavior , as our case , we hope , is altered from top to toe ; as from being heirs of wrath , to be heirs of heaven : Kings sons and daughters must not live as every ordinary base person , nor Gods Chrildren as Worldlings . Let us therefore so many as have given our names to Christ indeed , and know our selves delivered out of this evil world , and are assured that God is our Father , and we his children , walk as it becometh children of such a Father , and such an hope of so glorious an inheritance , not avoiding gross and outward ungodliness onely , but resisting our own lusts ; for Christians must make an account they have themselves , their own very hearts to strive against : Our adversary is in our bosom and bowels , no marvel then if our strife be somewhat hard , for our crown after our victory is wonderful great .

Verse 15. But as he which hath called you is holy , so be ye holy in all maner of conversation . Verse 16. Because it is written , Be ye holy , for I am holy .

HEre 's the other part of Sanctification , Holiness must be added to abstinence from evil . namely , Tit. 2. 12. The affirmative , which sheweth what we must do ; this must necessarily be added to the former : so that it s not enough that we fashion not our selves to our former lusts , but we must also be holy . Our Savior Christ cursed not the fig-tree because it bare bad fruit , to poison them that came by , but because it bare none ; as that also for which the dresser of the vineyard pleaded : Luke 13. 7. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit , is hewn down ; The bad servant bound hand and foot , Mat. 3. 10. not for rioting out his talent , Mat. 25. 30. but for not well employing it ; so on the day of judgement shall it be said , Verse 41. Go ye cursed , &c. not for casting me into prison , but not visiting me therein , &c.

This is the more to be urged , This duty needful to be urged . because a great many as long as they be not hurtful , think themselves in a very good case as can be , though in the mean while they do no good : They do hurt to none ; alas , this is but half , God forbidding an evil , commands a contrary good : what if one do not that which is forbidden , and yet leave the duty commanded ? what obedience is this ?

Let a number that think they have repented , Use. and a number of civil persons try themselves by this : You have left , or do keep no ill company , but do you care for and delight in good company ? alas , a number have no savor nor minde to such : You do not prophane the Lords Day , but do you carefully sanctifie it publiquely and privately ? You have banisht Cards and Dice out of your house , or never had any , but have you entertained Reading and Prayer in their stead ? banisht the Devil , and entertained God in his room ? you are peaceable , and not boistrous and spritish in your Family , but do you any good ? So , it s not sufficient that we drive none from God and his Word , and well doing , by mocking or any other discouragement , but provoke one another to goodness , Psal. 51. 13. the Husband the Wife , Parents their Children , Masters their Servants ; and so on the contrary , Wives their Husbands , &c.

It s not sufficient to say , I hinder them not ; this shews onely , thou art not so bad as some , but proves not that thou art indeed good : So many in a Town think it enough if they do no hurt in it , but they will sleep in a whole skin : But they must not onely haunt no Alehouses , or be disordered , but seek to suppress such as be ; else if they gather not with Christ , Luke 11. 23. they scatter ; if not with him , then against him : Iudg. 5. 23. for this Meroz ; was cursed . How a number of rich men in Towns can shift this curse , Neh. 13. 17. I know not : O what evil is this that ye do ? Too many are content to let goodness go by ; they are no enemies to good Ministers or people , &c. but they will do nothing to procure the Gospel to a Town , or to hold it where it is , but if we have any truth in us , we will , though we meet with hard measure for our labor ; Christ hath done more for us : So much have we profited in the hatred of evil , as we have gotten in the love and practice of the contrary good , and no otherwise .

If this would serve for men , to leave evil , many would be Christians , but this is but half ; he that stands here will come but half way , almost onely with Agrippa to heaven , Acts 16. 28. not altogether : Repentance hath two feet , he that stands not on both is a lame Christian. If there were a Preferment for a man at London , and he should go half way , and there stay , would he not lose it ? might he not also be justly accounted a fool , a negligent and lazy person ? Such are we , if through lack of one part of Repentance we deprive our selves of heaven .

But as he which hath called you is holy , &c. ] Speak we first of the Exhortation unto holiness , ver. 15. then of the Reason enforcing the same , ver. 16.

Touching the Exhortation , it s to Holiness , whose extent is in all maner of Conversation , which is set out by a Simile , viz. As God is holy ; who is described by a main benefit bestowed on them , Their Calling : But as he that hath called you is holy , so be ye holy , &c.

The Exhortation then is to Holiness ; we were made holy at the first , we are now filthy and unclean ; we must have the image of sin put off , Christians must be holy . and a new image of God put on ; we must be sanctified persons , set aside for the Lords use , as the Shew-bread , that none might meddle with , or put to any other use . We must be for the use of neither Flesh , World , Devil , but for Gods use onely ; we must have no more Body , Soul , Wit , Will , Reason , Hand , Eye , Finger or Foot , but for the Lords use . 1 Thess. 4. 3. This is the will of God , even our Sanctification : Angels our fellow servants be holy , Heaven the place we look for is holy , no unclean person comes there ; Ioh. 15. 3. and 17. 17. God hath also given us his holy Word , and holy Sacraments to encrease us in holiness ; so holy Sabbaths , and his holy Spirit .

This the end of our Election , Eph. 1. 4.

This the end of our Redemption , Luke 1. 74 , 75.

This the end of our Calling . 1 Cor. 6. 20. Yea , 1 Thess. 4. 7.

As without holiness no man shall see God : Iam. 1. 18. So , Heb. 12. 14.

The inheritance is prepared for them that are sanctified . Mat. 5. 8.

1. This condemns such as are so far from holiness , Acts 20. 32. as they give themselves over to all maner of lewdness and prophaneness , Use 1. and mock at those that desire any better , Oh , you be of those holy ones , of the holy brotherhood : and what are you ? of the prophane ones , as Esau ? Take heed , you will speed as Esau did . If you be not holy , you shall never see God , but ( as Belshazar saw the hand-writing ) to your terror : Is it not too much you be prophane your selves , but would you that others also should be so too ? Doth not God enjoyn holiness ? speaks he not to all ? Therefore except you will publish to the world that you are marching in the Devils Rabble , and have renounced your part in heaven , and vowed your own destruction , break off your fins by Repentance , and cease to be for the Devils use any longer : Confess and cry for pardon of that is past , enter a new Covenant , renounce thy old Master , with whom is ugly works , base scullery , woful wages . Rom. 6. 22.

2. This also condemns all civil persons that rest herein ; Use 2. you must exceed this , else you cannot enter into the Kingdom of heaven . It s great pity , that many men of very fair carriage are no better for themselves , and they trust to their honest and just dealing with their Neighbors ; but alas , it will deceive them for want of holiness . Alas , that you will see nothing into the first Table : How little do most regard the true Worship of God , and the Spiritual use of it ? How seldom do they pray , or have any divine Meditation ? How little regard they the Sabbath ? How often swear ? and such persons be the best Papists we know .

In all maner of conversation . Holy in all maner of conversation . ] Not where , when , to whom , and what we list , but at all times , in all places , towards all persons , and in all things , Psal. 145. 17. as God is holy in all his ways and works .

1. This serveth to rebuke those that will yield in some things only : Use 1. what is it if a man be not covetous , if he be proud or unclean , &c. some will yield in great matters , but in small do as they list ; as to swear by their Faith and Troth , especially in that which is true , talk vainly , play a game or two on the Lords day , put a little false Ware , deceive a little , &c. Some again will yield in all small matters , but in some great thing they will not ; 2 Pet. 1. 5. as to give all diligence to encrease in every grace , Col. 3. 17. and that no corrupt communication should come out of their mouthes : Eph. 4. 29. though thou hast spoke many good words , yet hadst thou better be silent , then have no more good to speak . There are some devout in the Church , but Spirits in their houses at home ; In their own Town well ordered , but in strange places as the company is , riotous , wanton , 1 King . 20. 23. deep in gaming , &c. as though God were God of the Mountains , and not of the Valleys , of one place , and not of another . Some must be vain at the Table , and Christ-tide , howsoever at other times . Some in adversity will be very humble , good words , golden promises , but in prosperity nothing so . Some in prosperity carry themselves well , in adversity not stick to run to a Witch : At the Communion , or a day or two after , Simil. will be demure , but not so long . Some use their Superiors well , their poor Tenants or Workfolks hardly : Alas , there is no part of our life , wherein God gives any licence to do evil ; in our particular Callings let us shew the truth of our Christianity . Some servants will make a shew of Religion , and be desirous to hear , but are lazy and unthrifty in their Callings : Some men carry themselves very forwardly , that in their shops and dealings shew it not . Papists seem very devout in some things , yet you shall lightly ever know any that make Conscience of an Oath , or of the Lords day

2. Let us prove the truth of holiness in us , Use 2. by the generality of it ; keep a constant tenour , an even hand , and let there be a proportion between every part of our life , not one part as it were devout , another prophane and wicked ; Dan. 2. 32. like Nebuchadnezzars Image , one part gold , another silver , another brass , &c. These cannot hang together , but let it be in all things , and this will afford true comfort on our Death-beds , 2 Pet. 1. 11. and give us a large entrance into the glorious Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ : True it is , we cannot come to any perfection here on earth , but shall be subject to offend ; yet this were to be wished , that all our actions and behavior , and all our speeches and thoughts were such as become holiness ; and it s that we should endeavor unto , the beginning whereof is simplicity , and truth of heart , desiring without dissembling , or feigning to walk so as we may please God in all things .

Wonderful is the weakness of most part of Christians , who howsoever in many things they do well , yet many of their actions and speeches are not answerable : Well , let us notwithstanding endeavor it , and that every day more & more ; and le ts not be discouraged , though we cannot attain to all we would , but if we can gain ground this way , though it be but a little at once , yet our labor shall not be in vain : we must every day exceed our selves a little , and so not bearing with our selves in our corruptions , but unfeignedly striving against them , we may receive no small comfort ; let us therefore not bear with our selves in the least evil , Rom. 7. 19 , 24. but strive to reform our selves in every thing ; in the mean time ( with the Apostle ) mourning because of the corruption .

But as he that hath called you is holy , ] That is , God : This is the Simile , whereby the Exhortation to holiness is set forth , which hath in it also the force of a double reason to perswade thereunto : 1. From the person calling . 2. From the calling it self .

The person calling , God is holy . God : he is holy , therefore must we be so . Concerning Gods holiness , we need say little ; It s his very essence , and uncreated in him , he hath been so for ever , and is so infinitely : Isa. 6. 3. The Angels cannot cease praising the same , Holy , holy , holy , Rev. 4. 8. &c.

He is the Fountain of holiness , and conveyeth the streams thereof into his Creatures , Lev. 20. 8. Men and Angels : He is holy by nature , whatsoever holiness is in Angels or Men , is not by nature , but by grace : He sanctifieth the place where he manifesteth himself , as the ground whereon Moses stood by the bush where God appeared ; Exod. 3. 5. much more Heaven , where he most clearly sheweth himself to the Saints .

This should teach us , Use. as to acknowledge him so in his Word , and in all his Works , and that we should not dare admit a thought to the contrary , though we cannot see the reason of all things , so the use hereof is , That we should study after holiness , that so there may be some agreement between him and us , as we are bidden be merciful , and perfect , Mat. 5. 48. as he is , and our Savior faith , Learn of me ; not that he requires an equality , Mat. 11. 29. which can never be here and hereafter : Here we cannot be perfectly holy as he is , in Heaven we shall be perfectly holy , but not infinitely as he is , because we are finite ; but so that we labor to imitate him , that we may have his blessed Image renewed in us daily , Psal. 84. 7. and grow more and more like unto him , going from strength to strength , till we appear before the God of gods in Sion : Can the most holy God abide unholy persons ? Lev. 12. 3. He hath pure eyes , Hab. 1. 13. and hateth sin , Psal. 94. 20. abhorreth iniquity , what agreement between light and darkness ? God and Belial ? Therefore the Lord so often called upon the Israelites , to keep themselves from all kindes of Pollution , and instructed them unto holiness in innumerable things , whereof some were very small : Therefore as we take Gods holy Name upon us , hear his holy Word , partake his holy Sacrament , and take his holy Name in our mouthes , let us also study after holiness , else never look to see Gods face : He can no more endure prophane persons , then we to take a Toad in our mouthes . This holiness stands not in coming to Church , mumbling over a few Prayers without understanding , coming to the Communion at Easter , &c. The Pharisees fasted oft , prayed long , gave Alms , had broad Phylacteries , yet were rejected by our Savior Christ ; It stands in the purity of the heart , and the whole conversation . But how little doth this example of the Lord prevail to bring men to holiness ? most follow after their own hearts lusts , and the corrupt example of men , we do as we see others do , and why , ( say we ) should we be wiser then our Forefathers , then all our neighbors ? and thus being willing to follow such examples , we draw one another to all evil : But follow we not those in evil , but the blessed example of God himself , as in holiness , so in sanctifying his day . Thus of the person calling .

The calling it self . A twofold calling . A great benefit indeed : why , Is it so great a benefit to be called ? Yea , as is here meant .

There is a twofold calling ; 1. Outward : When God calls men by every days new benefits , by every new correction , by his Word , whereby yet they are never aw hit the better , Rom. 8. 30. nor converted , for many are called , Eph. 4. 1. but few chosen , 1 Thess. 5. 24. and this is common to Reprobates . 2. Inward and Effectual : when besides and with the outward means , God speaks inwardly by his Spirit to the Conscience : The parts of the inward calling . The parts hereof are ,

1. The enlightning of the minde to understand the Principles of Religion , which though alone it be not sufficient , nor more then may be in a Reprobate , yet it s the foundation of the rest , without which no effectual calling .

2. The opening of the heart to believe ( as Lydia's was ) when one believes every thing particularly to belong to them , Acts 16. 14. and so the promise of Salvation among the rest , till then her heart ( as all ours ) was fast lockt up , Col. 1. 13. not able to believe .

3. The change of the whole man : Eph. 2. 1 , 2. This is essentially necessary to Salvation , Rom. 6. 17. for by nature we are slaves of sin ; 1 Cor. 6. 11. as long as we continue as we were born , The fruits of this inward calling . we are far from Salvation .

The fruits hereof are ,

1. When a man goes about the works of the same , and labors to walk worthy of it in an holy life .

2. When a man highly esteemeth his calling , and the hope of glory he is called to , as Paul accounted all dung in respect of the excellency of Christ crucified ; and the things he esteemed highly before his calling , afterward he made no reckoning of .

3. When he will suffer any thing for the same , rather then be drawn from the hope thereof .

Some are called sooner , some later , as in the Parable of the Laborers hired into the Vineyard .

Examine we our calling , Use. for much hangs upon this , Our Election past , Rom. 8. 30. and Glorification to come . Calling is the fruit and proper effect of Election ; 2 Pet. 1. 10. if the one , Marks of effectual calling . then certainly the other : Notes hereof are both Negative and Affirmative . Negative ,

1. Not to hear the Word , Negative . and that diligently ; so doth the Devil , he will not miss a Sermon , nay marks every point in a Sermon , to keep thee from the obedience thereof , or turn it one way or other to hurt .

2. Nor to hear joyfully .

3. Nor to reform many things , as Herod .

4. Nor to do some choyce duties , as Ananias and Sapphira . Affirmative ; Affirmative . But

1. To seek above all to be at peace with God , and to have his Spirit to assure us of our everlasting Salvation , not to serve the time , nor any such thing , but above all to be assured of Gods favor .

2. That we hate unfeignedly all evil , but especially the special evils of the Time , and of our own Nature .

3. To affect heartily all good , but especially those good things that the World and Times least regard , and our selves be most untoward unto .

If by these notes we finde we be called , then have we cause to rejoyce , and to praise the Free-grace of God , who for no desert , but his meer mercy , hath vouchsafed to call us that were vile , as Abraham an Idolater , Paul a Persecuter , Zacheus a covetous person , the Goaler a desperate Ruffian ; and hath now put a difference , and that for no goodness in us , rather then in others : And hath he done so to all our companions ? No , they abide in ignorance , unbelief , impenitency : And now our work must be this , even to study after holiness more and more , being called out of the world , that we should no longer fashion our selves according to the same , having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , Eph. 5. 11. but reproving them rather : As you would be loath to be put back with the world , and have as they shall , so be not as they , no not in the least things ; and as our hope is in Heaven , so have we our conversation there , as being called of God to that high Priviledge : If you be not effectually called , and have had so long and so great means of calling , it s a fearful sign that you hearken not , 1 Sam. 2. 25. because the Lord will slay you . The earth that after much cost , Heb. 6. 8. yet yields nothing but bryars and thorns , is reproved , reprobate ground , near the curse , whose end will be to be burned . 2 Cor. 4. 3. If the Gospel be hid , Acts 13. 48. it s hid to them that perish . So many as were ordained to eternal life , believed ; therefore if thou hast hitherto stopt thine ear against the Lords calling , take heed thou provoke him not further , but to day , whilest it is called to day , give ear and obey : It s more then thou couldst have looked for , that he should have all this patience , abuse it no longer , lest it turn into fury , and the Lord in his wrathful indignation flying away from thee , pronounce that he will never more speak to thee , and either snatch thee from the Word , and send thee to Hell , or the Word from thee ; or if thou hear , Isa. 6. 9 , 10. that he yet bid the Minister preach to harden thee , and let thee alone : Hos. 4 17. agreeable to that , He that is unjust , let him be unjust still , Rev. 22. 11. &c. which is most fearful , and curse thy heart , as Christ did the Figtree , never fruit grow on thee , never good motion come in thy heart , or if any do , let them dye presently & not live , and give thee over to be more strongly tempted by Satan ; Devil , take him , and hurry him at thy pleasure , & lay down thine own corruption unbridledly , which is the fearfullest curse under heaven : O le ts seek to escape it , and tremble , to prevent this fearful judgement , which lighteth on many that have long lived under preaching , and are hardlier won at last then before . Some of you haply having barren Trees in your Orchard , and having resolved to cut them down , have tryed one year more ere you cut them down : We may fear there be sundry of us in this place going upon our last year ( who they be God knows ) If now you listen not , Prov. 1. 24 , &c. the Lord will hew you down , and cast you into the fire ; and then will you call and cry to God , but in vain , he will not answer you then . When God shall cast such into their deserved place , how shall they then fret and vex themselves ? What beasts were we that we did not yield to the Word of God , which so often called upon us ? Others obeyed , and they are well : O that we had profited at such a time , when such good motions came in our mindes ! O that we had yielded to them , and not cast them off as we did ! but then all too late ; they may fret , and gnaw their tongues for vexation , but to no purpose : Endeavor we therefore in time to prevent this . Thus of the Exhortation .

Now follows the Reason of the Exhortation laid down in the 16 Verse , Because it is written , Be ye holy , for I am holy ; where 's to be considered , 1. That he urgeth still the matter in hand , and cannot have done with it . 2. How he urgeth it , even by Scripture , It is written . 3. The Text it self , Be ye holy , for I am holy .

1. I say , he still urgeth the matter in hand , much pressing his Exhortation unto holiness , and is very earnest herein .

The Reasons may be these : Why the Apostle is so earnest in exhorting to holines . 1. Because the thing in hand is so excellent and necessary , then which nothing can be more : Holiness makes us like God and Angels , unlike Devils and our selves ; without which there 's no seeing of God . 2. Because we are altogether so untoward thereunto : Who seeth not what a work we have to bring any to turn from their sins , and to take an holy course ? how few such , and with what a deal of pains ? and when converted and brought to a love of holiness , and desire to please God , yet who findes not what a stir he hath to bring himself to any good Duty , Prayer , Meditation , Examination of his heart , &c. or when we are brought to do good things , yet to do them in a right maner , but the heart will be gone ? especially in all things , and in our whole conversation ; therefore no marvel though the Holy Ghost dwell long upon it .

1. This teacheth us Ministers in weighty points , Use 1. to dwell as it were upon them , and not sliding from them too quickly , to urge them again and again , questioning their hearts whether indeed they will do so and so , or not , &c.

2. People , Use 2. when they perceive their Ministers so to urge such and such a point , Lam. 3. 40. they must consider it the more seriously ; so when we read any thing , 2 Cor. 13. 5. wherein the holy Ghost is more earnest or repeats it often , as to search and examine our selves , we must take knowledge of the weight of the matter , and of our own dulness , dwelling the more thereon in our observation and attention ; where the holy Ghost is earnest , we must not pass it slightly over .

2. He proves it by Scripture , Ministers must prove their Doctrine by Gods Word and so must we when we would prove any thing to the Conscience ; for Gods Word is the Judge of all truth and falshhood , good and evil ; it s the Golden rule , the Ballance of the Sanctuary . Luk. 10. 25 , 26. Philosophers prove things by Reason , in Gods School proof must be from the Scripture : We must not look what this man , or that man , or twenty men say , this stablisheth not the Conscience ; but the Word of God , that bears meat in the mouth , that is of weight and authority , either to make to yield , or at least to leave without excuse : One Testimony of Scripture , is of more weight then the testimony of a thousand men , for that is the Word truth , and all men are subject to error , and thereto may people say indeed , Acts 12. 22. The voyce of God , and not of man .

A number of people in Cities and great Towns , Use 1. if Preachers alleage , Fathers , Councels , School-men , &c. O how they applaud them ! but if any shall alleage Scripture , properly and plainly , Oh , he is a plain homespun Preacher , he may do well in a Countrey Town ; but Christs sheep do otherwise , they reverence and adore above all the Word of God .

This condemns the Papists , Use 2. that deal most treacherously , and will not have the scriptures to be judge , but Fathers , Councels , the Church ; And who is the Church but themselves ? and the Head of Councels but the Pope ? and so upon the point , the Pope is the Church , and so its like enough to go well on their sides : And in their Councels , who is any thing but the Pope and his Consistory ? as he will have every thing , so it shal be , as in their last Councel of Trent , which they so magnifie as the most sacred Assembly that ever was , which indeed was nothing else but a conspiracy of Traitors , against the Crown and Dignity of Christ Jesus , and his Truth ; there such were pickt as were fast to the Pope and the Religion of Rome , and such as were sworn to be true thereto ; and when some few spake somewhat more boldly in some things , then was well liked of , they were quickly packt out , and this charge they had after they had sate a while , That they should interpret no Scripture , but such as might stand with the Doctrine of Rome ; this was good stuff , that whereas they should have brought their Doctrine to the rule of Scripture , they must bring Scripture to their Doctrine , as if the Carpenter should cut his rule according to the piece , and not the piece according to his rule : And howsoever they sate there at Trent , disputing for a fashion , yet nothing was concluded , but such as the Pope and his Consistory at Rome devised , which being set to them , they were to publish ; and thus the parties become Judges , and they that should stand at the Bar to be judged , sit on the Bench to judge their own cause , therefore it must needs go well on their side : They cannot away that the Scripture should be the Judge , because they then know how it would go with them and their Doctrine , but we must receive it , and try all Doctrine by it , and stand to the sentence thereof , as being the onely Judge : So here the Apostle enjoyning holiness , takes this as a sufficient proof , It is written , though that was against their nature and disposition ; though by following after it , they might be counted Puritans , Singular , Proud , Hypocrites , &c. yet they must not stand reasoning the case with flesh and blood , they must be holy , for so it was written .

If then we know any thing once proved by the Word of God , Obedience is to be yielded to those Doctrines which are proved by the Word . we must make no more ado ; if the Word command a thing , we must yield and obey ; if forbid a thing as vile , we must dare no more meddle therewith , then to eat poison .

For the Word of God is the Royal Law , Reason . that Rule of Righteousness that must command all the world , Prince and people must stoop hereunto ; Amos 3. 8. This is the Law of his Kingdom , whereby all we his Subjects must be ruled : If the Lyon roar , the Beasts tremble ; and if the Lord speak ( who is our Soveraign ) is it not meet that we should take knowledge hereof , Deut. 5. 27. and yield obedience thereto ? this was ever Preface enough to the Prophets in their Sermons , Thus saith the Lord , The Word of the Lord , &c. and his Word not being left us in vain , to shake it off at our pleasures , the same may command obedience .

1. This condemns the prophane and dissolute world , Use 1. do men go by any such rule , and try , ere they do any thing what God saith of it in his Word ? O that were too much preciseness : But by what rules then ? If it stand with my pleasure , with my profit , with my ease , with my credit , most do so ; I shall be accounted a fool if I do not so : O cursed rules , What ? shall Profit , Pleasure , Mammon , and our Lusts become now as it were our God ? dare we cast the word of God behinde us ? do we provoke the Lord to anger ? are we stronger then he ? Oh let him that thinketh , he standeth , 1 Cor. 10. 12. take heed lest he fall : It s written , we must be holy , therefore we must be so ; why , then it s written , we may not swear ; therefore we must not swear ; so , oppress , deceive , commit uncleanness , &c. because the contrary is prescribed in the Word : And yet how dare men live in those very sins against the Scriptures ? Hath not the world smarted sufficiently yet , whereat to take warning ? What threw Adam out of Paradise , drown'd the old World , brought such variety of Judgements upon the Jews from time to time , if not their disobedience ? have there drunkards enough , swearers , prophaners of the Lords-day , Usurers , &c. been plagued , and sent to Hell already ? This rebelling against the Word of God , hath made all the racket and havock in the world , and hath brought to confusion the Proudest and Mightiest : If we had not the Word , but were left to the light of nature , God might condemn us for our sins , how much more when by the Word he hath told us all his minde ? Well , let us look to it , if the Word may not be a light to guide us , it will be a fire to consume us ; If it be not strong enough to make us yield obedience , it will be strong enough to throw us headlong to confusion , as whereby we shall be judged at the latter day : If when God smites any one part of us with pain in extemity , we be weary of our selves , when yet we have many comforts , and many to pity us , and hope also of an end thereof , what shall their care be that are smitten and plagued in all parts of Body and Soul , there being no eye to pity them , nor hope of an end ? which yet ensueth upon the disobedience to Gods Word ; Then will they fret and vex themselves , O beast that I was , that took not warning at such and such a time , &c.

2. For as many as are willing the Word should guide them , Use 2. and be it with or ( in appearance ) against them , are willing to be ruled , let these be of good comfort : It s a good mark of Christs sheep , they hear his voyce and follow him , Iohn 8. 47. and he is of God that heareth and obeyeth his word .

Again , Gods Word the rule of all Truth . in that it s said , It is written ; we note , That the Word of God is the rule of all Truth and Doctrine .

This condemneth the Papists , Use which as if the written Word of God were insufficient and imperfect , and the Prophets and Apostles either would not , or could not , or might not leave a perfect direction for us , See Isa. 8. 20. divide the word into written , and unwritten ; Thereupon imposing a great number of Traditions , Iohn 5. 39. & 20. 24. Degrees , and old received Opinions and Customs upon the people , 1 Cor. 4. 6. as matters whereon to ground their Faith , 2 Tim. 3. 16 , 17. and binde their Conscience , as much as any of the written Word , Sadael de verbo Dei Scripto . and that upon peril of Damnation ; which is a fearful Abomination .

They have indeed need of unwritten Traditions , to shore up a number of points of their Religion , or else they would fal to the ground for all the written Word of God , as having no authority from thence : But what a Religion is that , which must thus be maintained without the Testimony of the Scripture ? we must learn to detest all such Traditions , else what a Flood-gate should we let open , to let in all Errors and uncertainties without end ; Yea , were this granted , every dream of a Fryers brain , and any old Custom , would be imposed upon the people for a Law : Cursed be they that adde to the All-sufficient Word of God , Rev. 22. 18. God will adde to their plagues .

3. The Text it self , It s written ; where ? In Leviticus 11. 44. & 19. 2. The Word is the Rule , the written Word , the Canonical Scripture , that onely .

There are other Books called Apochrypha , The use of the Apocrypha Books , with the respect which is to be given thereto . usually joyned with the Bible , which are not Gods Word , nor of equal authority of the same , but are the writings of men , of good men , and have also good use ; some part for the helping out of the story of that dark time , from Malachi to John the Baptist , and other parts for instruction in good maners , and to a godly life , and are therefore to be read of us ; yet were not they written by any Prophet , are not Originally in the Hebrew ( as all the Old Testament is ) but in the Greek ; neither were received of the Jews , Rom. 3. 2. to whom were committed the Oracles of God , for which they were not blamed of our Savior Christ , as questionless , they should have been , if they had done amiss . Further , we finde no Testimony of our Savior Christ , Evangelist or Apostle , cited out of them : They have also their weaknesses and imperfections , and the best parts thereof savor of a man , and have not the majesty and weight of Gods Word ; Therefore are they not sufficient whereon to ground any part of our Faith , or to say , This is true , fo●so it s written in such a book : No , but to read them and try them , and where they consent with the Word , then say its true , not because it s so there , but because the Scripture approves it ; where they jar from Scripture , there are we to leave them : we must walk in a middle path wisely and soberly , as not to match them with the Word of God , so not to reject them , as some have done , for that they observed others magnifie them too much , hereby running into a contrary extremity . As nothing makes a handmaid so much despised , Simile . as when she is set in her Mistresses Chair , so long as she stands as an handmaid , all like her , and say , she becomes her place well ; So when the Apocrypha is equalled with the Scripture , it is justly to be disliked , when made to serve it , of good use .

It is written , ] But he tells not where , because they were so well acquainted with the Scripture , as they could straightway say , Oh , we know where it is , It s written in such a Book , such a Section .

This sheweth how cunning we should be in the Scriptures , Christians must be ready in the Scriptures . and every part thereof , reading them diligently , as by our selves , so with our Families ; and great cause : We have a corrupt heart within us , therefore had need have the Word dwelling in us to subdue it ; Iohn 5. 29. We have plenty of duties , Col. 3. 16. therefore had need of plenty of knowledge in the Word ; we shall have plenty of strong and subtile temptations from the Devil and World , Iosh. 1. 8. and therefore had need to be ready herein to resist them : Psal. 1. 3. & 119. 97 , 98 , 99 , 101. Herein must we meditate day and night , that we may observe , and do and prosper , that we may be as fruitful trees , that we may become wise in all our ways , yea , wiser then our Enemies , then our Ancients : This is unto Gods Children a storehouse of all good things ; its Food to nourish us , Armor to defend us , a Light to guide us , an Apothecaries shop containing all things for meat and medecine for the food and health of our Soul , Purgations to purge out our sins , Cordials to comfort us , Preservatives against every poisonful temptation of Satan : Herein is our Fathers Will , wherein are our Legacies , in every leaf and line some good .

1. This condemns the Church of Rome , Use 1. that make it a deadly sin for the people to read any part of Scripture ; one of them saith , He thought it was the device of the devil that the common people should read the Sriptures , which might make all loath their Religion ; for is it any thing else , but as thieves which blow out the candle that they may not be seen .

2. This condemns those amongst our selves , Use 2. that say , It was never merry world since every Plowman and Weaver could talk of the Scripture , and that the world was far more quiet before ; these be no● led by the Spirit that Moses was , Numb. 11. 29. who wisht , That all the Lords people could prophesie , and the Apostle Paul , who often speaks of the encrease of knowledge .

3. This condemns the woful carelesness of most people , Use 3. that regard not to read the Scriptures , and therefore are exceedingly ignorant therein , so that if a Minister quote a place , he had need name both Chapter and Verse ; nay , if it be amongst the books of the Old Testament , yea , some Epistles of the New , they cannot tell whereabouts to finde them , but are often fain to turn to the Table of the Book . Rich men are so mad of the world , that they can finde no leisure , Mammon is so mighty with them , as God and his Word have no time with them : And might they not finde that in one leaf of the Bible , whereof if they could make use , it would profit them more then the whole world ? Some are all for the world , out of one business into another ; others can finde leisure to play at Tables , Cards , Bowls , &c. or to stand in shops two or three hours , spending the time in idle discourses , and unprofitable frothy talk , if not in hurtful slandering and backbiting their neighbors , and reproaching the servants of God , who yet can finde no time for the Word : Others are very cunning in their Statute Books , but not so in the Scriptures : As for the poor , because they be poor and not Book-learned , they think it concerns not them , or that God looks for any such thing at their hands ; and therefore are as ignorant as if they lived in Turky , altogether without fruit ( as the fig-tree whereunto our Savior came ) foolish , and carryed away with every temptation , and all for that they meditate not in Gods statutes : They live ignorantly and loosly , and dye blockishly and miserably ; yea , and they perish worthily , for that being offered a guide , to take them as it were by the hand , and lead them through this wilderness , this narrow unbeaten path , from all by-ways , and bring them to Heaven , yet will not entertain the same . Simil. If the King should send a Letter to any of his Subjects , and they would not vouchsafe to open it , or look therein to read it , What a contempt were this ? The Scripture yet is the Lords Letter , sent to us to inform us of his will : O what shall the condemnation of this Land be , that having the light , love darkness better ? and God having given us his Word , ( which he gives not to all ) we make so light account thereof , we will not bestow the searching of it : Nay , every toy proves sufficient to keep us from it , O woful unthankfulness ! How did our Forefathers make account of the Word , Job , David , they in Queen Maries time , whereof some read it by stealth in Hay-gofes , &c.

O how precious was it to them ! See the Book of Martyrs . Cra threw away his Money , but kept his New Testament when he suffered Ship-wrack : Many poor Christians and dear servants of God in Spain , and elsewhere , do now read the Word of God , and other good Books with peril of their lives : O how shall they rise up against us , which may with peace and much liberty , and sundry encouragements , read and be conversant in the Scriptures , yet regard it not ? God sends his Letter to us , we will not vouchsafe to open it : What will we regard , if we regard not the Scriptures ? I tell you , God hath no greater blessing to bestow on Mortal man : This little Book is the glory of the world , without which all the world is but a dung-hill , and if this were taken away , it were better for us not to be , then to be , for we should do nothing but grope in darkness , and be devoured of our lusts till Hell snatch us away ; le ts learn therefore at last to be wiser , and that whilest we may : Casting away our toys and vanities , learn we to be better acquainted with the Word , then at any time heretofore ; all that be strangers to it , be strangers to true comfort : Yea , resolve we that no day shall pass us , without reading some part of Scripture for our instruction , else how shall we do our duties each to other ? how use prosperity and adversity ? how to learn either to live or dye ? Here ( as good housholders ) we may provide store both for our selves and others .

For the words themselves , Be ye holy , for I am holy : They are taken ( as ye heard ) out of Leviticus ; Them the Lord used to his people , whom he had chosen from all others , on whom he bestowed many outward mercies , and betrusted them with his Word , who thought they should see round about them the Gentiles abounding with idolatry , and all maner of sin , yet they must not follow them therein : But as I have set you out from all other , for my self ( saith the Lord ) so set your selves apart to my use , and service , and be ye holy to me , as ye observe me to be .

Hence learn , That

Where God bestows on a Land , The more the Lord bestows on any , the more he expects from them . or Corner , or Town , more mercies then on others , he looks they should not be as other places ( that have not had the same favors , but have been left to themselves ) but abounding in holiness , holy as he himself is holy .

Here I might speak of this Land , Use. what God hath done for it , and what he expects at our hands , even that we should be better then any other Nation ; and then , how we are so far from being more holy then others , that if any Nation have any sin , we get it from them , and appropriate it to our selves : What should I speak of the common sins of the times ? The last Assizes , and every one shews what state we are in , what horrible incests , the daughter being with childe by her own father , and the Wife burning the childe ; another ravishing his own daughter , being thereof accused by his own childe and wife ; What cruel murthers ? besides the common mother sins , ignorance , extream worldliness , and that overspreading canker and leprosie of this Land , the contempt of good persons : If any be more forward , careful , zealous then the common sort , he is hated , mocked , discouraged all that may be : Not the simplest fellow in a Town , though he cannot understand one petition of the Lords Prayer , but will mock at those that be any thing toward in Religion , or forward to hear the Word , refrain from disorder , and keep the Lords Day , &c. this sin abounds most fearfully in this Land : In other Religions , which are indeed false and irreligious , look who is most zealous and forward , he is most reverenced and regarded ; onely in the true Religion , if any be but careful to bring into use and practise , that which he hears & knows , and dare not do as others , but rather reprove them , he makes himself as a wondering stock , and is hooted as an howl , & one that shal sure be hoysed up in charges , hu●cht at , complained of and vexed : This sin ( not repented of nor left ) wil be the moth & confusion of this Land , as we may justly fear . God is every year upon us with one new punishment or other , but they prevail nothing , we are as bad stil or worse : what therefore may we not look for ? How sped the Israelites at last ? we may fear , lest God make us as famous for judgement , as we have been for mercies ; we may fear , that it shall be said of all that pass by , How is this famous nation become thus desolate ? and answered , Because they despised the Lord , his Gospel and servants , after many mercies bestowed upon them , to have brought them in love therewith .

Be ye holy , &c. ] Some urge this exhortation and the like to establish Free-will , The Popish Doctrine of free-will , hath no ground from this place but without cause : They shew not what we can , but what we should do , and what God will require of the wicked , or else condemn them , and what he will enable his servants unto , as give their endeavor thereto ; to the wicked they are commandments of conviction , which God may justly require of them , because he made them able to do the same ; to his servants they are not so , but with the exhortation he conveys such grace , as whereby they are enabled to do the same .

Lastly , Nor is it against the marryed estate . this place is abused by sundry , to cry down the married estate , & to magnifie single life , but there is no holiness in the one , more then in the other ; Tertull. for neither if we marry not have we the more ( as the Apostle speaketh about eating ) or marry have we the less , Hieron . the Kingdom of God not consisting in these things : Rom. 14. 17. The benefit of the one more then the other , 1 Cor. 7. 32. consists onely in this , That a single life hath freedom from many troubles and cares , and so more liberty to every good duty , Ibid. 34 ▪ but this gift is given but to few ; therefore rather then they should live discontentedly , he perswades them to marry : Let them therefore that live single , take heed they put no holiness therein , or think that thereby they please God the more , but rather let them use it well , and profit thereby , in being so much the more zealous and forward in every good work , publike and private , else that their single life will one day be a witness against them ; but especially take heed of a filthy sole life , for many wanting the gift of continency , yet to avoid troubles , cares , and charges of marriage , and that they may live easily , proudly , and gather riches , will live singly , though impurely ; Such shall one day know , that they had better been married , then here to burn with lust , and hereafter in hell for ever : Marriage is no opposite to holiness , but an help thereto , ordained by God in mans innocency for holy ends , Heb. 13. 4. Honorable amongst all men , and the bed undefiled : Hereunto if a man enter holily , and in the fear of God , beginning with prayer , then chusing for the fear of God with consent of Parents , and care to know his duty , and praying for Grace to bear the crosses of marriage , he cannot but finde it holy . Thus of the Reason .

Verse 17. And if ye call on the Father , who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work , pass the time of your sojourning here in fear .

HEre the Apostle proceedeth in matter not unlike the former : Before he exhorted to holiness in all maner of conversation , now to pass our time in the fear of God ; the same thing , but in other words , and urged with new Reasons : Or this may be the intent of the holy Ghost , to meet with a secret corruption of mans heart , placing holiness in outward observance of duties ( as the Jews were much given that way ) thereupon exhorting not to rest in the outward doing of them , but to do them carefully , and in the fear of God , with desire therein to glorifie God , and to do the most good : And this fear of God is a great help and fnrtherance to holiness . Herein he wills us to pass our time here in this world , Why we ought here to pass our time in fear . using three Reasons for the same ; 1. From this Priviledge , that we call God Father , we must then so behave our selves as Children of such a Father , and as he may not be ashamed of us , when we so call him , saying , Callest thou me Father ? away varlet , and bastard , thou art none of mine , I acknowledge thee not , neither hast thou any quality of my Childe . 2. From the nature of God , who is a Judge , and that an upright one , who will Judge every man , and that without partiality , and give him not according to the outside , but the inside of his works . 3. From the invaluable price of our Redemption , laid down in the following Verse . Speak we first of the Exhortation , then of the Reasons thereof .

Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear . ] This is the Exhortation ; and very requisite it is , to speak of the fear of God , that knowing the nature thereof , we may the better try whether it be in us ; for though most men will challenge it to themselves that they love , fear , and put their trust in God , and serve him , yet alas , there 's no such matter in them , Hereof see Dr. Taylor on Acts 10 p. 108. there belongs more to it then the world thinks , as I hope we shall see ere we part .

There be three kindes of fear ; Three kindes of fear . 1. Natural , being an affection planted in man at his creation , Natural . as his other affections , whereby he shuns any evil thing that comes towards him , which is not in man onely , but in all sensible creatures : This in it self is not evil , it was in Adam in his innocency , Heb. 5. 7. it was also in Christ , who was heard in that which he feared . If a man should see a beast run at him , or a man with a drawn sword , he cannot but fear ; onely the excess of it is a fault , when men having promises of Gods Providence and Blessing , do not believe them , but are swallowed up of fear , are at their wits end , made unfit for any duty , or reach out their hand to any unlawful shift or means . Jacob no doubt was afraid when he heard of Esau's coming against him , but yet his faith comforted him in his fear , and made him pray to God , and use wise and lawful means . David , when they of Ziklag were ready to stone him , feared , no doubt , but yet by faith comforted himself over it , that it did not swallow him up , which is a thing worthy to be spoken of , because many good servants of God , are yet fearful to be alone in the dark , fearful of death , of the day Judgement : The best may be so a little , but we must take head of too much fear , being in our way , and having Gods Promises , as our Savior to Peter , when he cryed out , Mat. 14. 31. Save , Master , I perish , so may it be said unto us thus fearing , O ye of little Faith . 2. Slavish ; Slavish . when men fear God onely in respect of his wrath and punishment , and abstain from sin , not for any hatred thereof ; or do good , not for love , but either because Gods judgements are on them already , or hang over them , were 't not for them , they would not care what they did : As a galley-Slave that rows and toils but onely for fear of the whip , Simile . and were 't not for that , he would do nothing , being in the mean time so far from any love , as he could eat his heart for whom he works ; or as a Trewandly Boy , that learns onely for fear of the rod , not out of any love to his Book or Master : This may be and is in the reprobate , as in Ahab and Pharaoh , but is not that ( as neither the former ) which is meant here . Filial . 3. Filial or son-like fear , whereby the Children of God considering his Power , See Mortons Threefold estate pag. 122. Justice and Truth , and especially his Goodness in it self , and shewed towards them , stand in a reverend awe of him , and are careful to please him , fearful to offend him , even chiefly for the love they bear him , yea , and would not grieve him , though they knew they should not be punished for it , as having been so gracious and merciful a Father to them ; as a good and gracious Childe would not willingly grieve his father , though he knew he would not cast him off , or shut him out of doors , This last often enjoyned . even because he is a loving Father unto him : This proceeds from Faith , and is that which is here meant .

Hereunto we are often exhorted , Psa. 2. 11. as may be seen by the places quoted in the margent , Eccles. 12. 13. which ( howsoever abused by the Papists , 2 Cor. 7. 1. who understand them of slavish fear , Phil. 2. 12. to overthrow assurance of Salvation , and to maintain that vile Opinion , That a true Christian may fall finally ) are meant of a reverend awe of offending God , which is not onely not against Faith , but stands well with it , nay proceeds from it , yea , the more Faith , the more such fear .

This proceedeth from the consideration both of Gods greatness and goodness , Whence it proceedeth . The benefits hereof , Pro. 1. 7 whether joyntly or severally considered ; to this purpose peruse Psal. 130. 4. Jer. 5. 22 , 24. & 10. 7. Hos. 3. 5. Mat. 10. 28. Heb. 12. 28 , 29. Eccles. 12. 13. This is the beginning of wisdom , Heb. 11. 7. and hereby we eschew evil , Gen. 25. as both Job , Nehemiah and Joseph : This is a spur to obedience , and the fountain thereof , Rom. 3. 18. wherewith Noah being moved , prepared the Ark , The opposites hereunto . the want of which is a floodgate to all iniquity : Hereunto there are four main opposites , 1. Prophaneness , when men dare live as they list , and their lust is their Law . 2. Security , when men live carnally and wretchedly , contenting themselves that they be none of the worst , they be not such and such kinde of persons , yet go on without regard either to God or his Word ; The evil they abstain from , as it is not from the fear of God , so if good come in their way , they do it after their fashion , and evil also , as comes to hand ; they dare commit sin in hope of mercy , and think they shall do well enough . 3. Hypocrisie , which hath more shew of Religion , but resteth in the outward ceremonious performance of duties , and looks not to do them in the right maner , and so are not guided by the fear of God in their lives . 4. Slavishness , when men fear indeed , but never , but under or in expectation of the rod ; they then will flie to a book , have good words , golden promises , &c. The marks hereof . at other times they care not what they do , or at least be as before .

Contrarily the true fear of God is known by these notes ; 1. To hate evil , and not leave it off onely for some sinister respects . 2. Not onely gross and open evils of the hand , Prov. 8. 13. but inward corruptions of the heart , as Pride , Arrogancy , Hypocrisie , Hardness , Frowardness , Wordliness of the heart , &c. spying them out , mourning for them , and striving against them , as being seen to God , as well as gross sins to men . 3. All evil , the evil way , every evil way . 4. Such evils as a man may go closely away withal , Gen. 39. 9. as Joseph might with uncleanness with his Mistress , Neh. 5. 15. but would not , as fearing God . 5. Such as a man may carry out by strong hand , Joh. 31. 15 , 21 , 23. by might and authority , and no body to control him , yet dares not do it , because there 's an higher who hath forbidden it . 6. It will make a man watchful to avoid evil , as the Hare hath an eye to passengers as she sits . 7. It will make men avoid the occasions of evil . 8. It is ever joyned with the fear of his Word , and as is the one in us , Isa. 50. 10. & 66. 1 , 15. so is the other .

If it be thus , Use. 1. then I may too truly and plainly conclude , That there is but a little fear of God in this Land ; for how few hate evil , secret corruptions , all evil , such as they can go cleanly away with , such as they can carry away by might and colour of Law ? How many live prophanely , as if there were no God , no Law , no Judgement day , no reckoning to be made , but do what their lust leads them too ; and that which some would not , nor durst do for a world , they make no bones of .

Another sort live securely and carelesly , not so bad as the former , but such as look not to God , nor set him before their eyes in their deeds .

Others perform more duties to God , but so as they regard not why , nor in what maner , but rest in the work wrought , not casting with themselves how they may do them aright , and thereby taking notice as well of their own weakness , as Satans malice .

Others slavishly fear in their misery , but in their prosperity regard nothing but their own will : These being called out , a few there be remaining that truly fear God , See B. Halls 3. epistle of his 6. Decad. for which he may justly have an heavy controversie with this Land , that after so many happy means , so few should be found that truly fear him , though many think they do : How few keep Gods commandments all , alway with delight ? let every man examine himself carefully by these notes .

If any be loth , and would have a wider sieve , truly I can give no wider , God hath given me no wider to let Hypocrites , Prophane Persons , &c. scape through ; I try you but by the Word , and by it you must be judged at the last day .

But for those that do indeed fear God , Use 2. there 's abundant comfort for them , Prov 31. 30. they have that which is better then all the world ; Psal 112. 1. & 128. 1. yea , Gods mouth pronounceth them blessed . Both the quoted Psalms are a storehouses of promises made to such ; there are others also in Psal. 25 12 , 14. & 34. 9 , 10. & 84. 11. & Mal. 3. 16 , 17. which are duly to be weighed : Such as fear God , need fear neither Man , Death , Devils , Hell , Day of Judgement , &c. which are indeed the terror of the world , only let them be provok'd to fear him more and more ; for even of Gods children , not a few have but a small measure hereof , whereby it comes to pass , that they hate not sin so heartily in themselves and others as they should , neither are such enemies to privy corruptions , but that they break out often , and so pull many a sorrow and gripe of Conscience upon themselves , which more fear of God would have prevented : Our often falls argue too little fear , as may appear by our small zeal to duties , and our little trembling at the Word of God ; therefore labor we for more , 1 King . 18. 3● ▪ that it may be said of us as of Obadiah , That we fear God greatly , Prov. 19. 23. that so we may be preserved from evil : Oh , this is the keeper of all vertues , holding all in good order , a watchman indeed to look to our heart ; if it be there , and temptation comes , up starts it , and says , Nay : This will keep the heart clean , hold out ill , set us on to good .

Means to attain hereunto , Means to attain unto the fear of God . may be these , Let us often set before our eyes our own baseness , Gods greatness , power and justice , with the effects thereof on Adam , the old world , and others ; especially do we consider what God hath done for us , that so our care and resolution may grow how to please God : If this religious awe be in us , O how it will keep our lives from innumerable evils , and replenish them with all goodness , that having finished them well , we may come to the Lord in peace at our latter end : O if we did consider the unspeakable mercies of God towards us , we should see cause enough , though there were no hell , yet to fear more then death it self to offend God ; but because our nature is so exceeding lewd and prone to sin , its good to think often , that that God under whose power we live hates all sin , and will not let any go unpunished : What cause have we then to grow in the fear of God , that have seen his greatness and just displeasure against sin so much , every year one punishment or other ? What cause have we also to fear God , that have such experiences of his goodness in 88. when he delivered us from the Spanish Armado , and after from the Gun-powder Treason , and now of late hath begun to relent towards us , A great drought , Anno 1615. and gives us some showers of rain ? But alas , if we will prove our selves by the notes before mentioned , it will be evident that most have not the fear of God , which is a fearful thing : As no better testimony can be given of a man then this , that he feareth God , as Job and Obadiah ; so none more fearful then this , There 's no fear of God before his eyes , Mal. 3. 8. none in his heart , God hath threatned to be a swift witness against such ; Deut. 28. 58. 59 , 65 , 66 , 67. and such may justly fear all things , even the tiles of their houses , Iob 15. 2. their tools , every stile they go over , every crow that flies over their heads , all creatures , from the angels to worms ; they have cause to fear the bread they eat , the hair of their own face , lest it choke them , yea , the thought of their own minde , lest it turn to their ruine : And though haply they do not fear , yet they have cause so to do , epecially lest the Devil pursue them in every corner , and lest God should give him commission to haunt them and theirs : They have cause to fear every thing , as Cain doubtless , that every thing would kill him : a fearful state ; yet none so bold as blinde Bayard , none fear so little , as they who should fear most : well , they that fear Gods judgements least , shall feel them most .

Let them therefore labor to get out of this case , and seek to be reconciled to God , else they shall fear him in spite of their hearts at the dreadful day , when they shall stand quaking like Belshazzar , when the Lord shall come from heaven in flaming fire , &c. when he shall come armed against them .

Pass the time ] That is , God requires our whole time for his service the whole time , for he names no part of time ; he will have all , as who made all , who is worthy of all , if it were more and a great deal better , Prov. 23. 17. & 28. 14. and we owe nothing to any , but to him ; we owe the World , Flesh , and Devil nothing : What fruit and joy shall we have to do that which we must again undo or unsay , Luke 1. 35. and vomit up our sweet morsels : Is there any service to the Kings service ? Can we spend our time better then in Gods ? There is no part of it that God allows to spend in vanity ; even our youth must be employed for God , which is the best time of all , when wit is freshest , and the memory best , yea , the whole man every way fittest to serve God .

1. This condemns the common sort , Use 1. which ( though they minde to serve God afterward ) think their youth too good , and too soon for Gods service , yea , think themselves hardly dealt with , if any perswade them to leave their tricks of youth , and turn to God ; nay , they think it unseemly ( so vile is the World grown ) to be Religious in youth , and that its never spent in the kinde , except it be in Swaggering , Vanity , Ruffianlike hair , and Fashions , Riot company , Drinking , &c. They think its time enough to repent afterward , when they have been married a while , and they be groan somewhat ancient : Thus vile wretches dally with God , and their souls , giving the wine to the Devil , reserving the lees and Cask for God : But is thy Youth too good for God , thinkest thou ? and is not too good for the Devil and thy lusts ? Who is the better Master ? Who pays the better wages ? which is the better work ? the Devils Kennel stuff , or Gods service in righteousness and holiness ? that which thou must afterward unsay , and be ashamed of , or this that is pleasing to God , and Angels ? Fond Youth , that promises to thy self repentance afterward , see thy folly , knowest thou that thou shalt live ? canst thou boast of to morrow ? hath not God cut off many as likely to live as thy self , and prevented their Repenrance ? Nay , what if thou knewest thou shouldest live , hast thou power to Repent ? do not many after they are grown ancient , finde as great a let of the world , as in Youth they did of their pleasures ? and have become so worldly , that they have been as far from Repen●ance as before ? and this is just with God , because they will take upon them to be carvers of his gifts at their pleasure : And what if thou knewest thou shouldest both live and repent , yet were it not better for thee to turn to God now , then to follow thy lusts till then , and so to be long out of the service of righteousness ? This were , as for one to feed on draff and Hogs meat , which might have Angels food : And besides , thou treasurest up a great deal of sorrow for thy self , and it may be , fasten some punishment upon thee , such as thou shalt never get out of in this life , though thy soul be saved : Therefore follow the Lords counsel , who knows what s best for thee . Begin betimes , come into the Lords work with the first , before the Devil hath trained thy wit , tongue , &c. so will it be easie to thee , and never depart from thee , and ( though there be a divelish proverb , A yong Saint , an old Devil , yet ) if thou be truly turned to God in thy youth , thou shalt never fall off : Contrarily , they that take liberty to be yong Devils , in hope to be old Saints , if God snatch them away while they be such , they will never prove either yong or old Saints .

2. This condemns those that can afford no part of their time to the fear of God , Use 2. but still it s too soon : They have spent their time lewdly and vainly , as the Prodigal , as their middle age in extreme hunting for the world , and yet in old age it s too soon till their death-bed : How many wicked , prophane , covetous old men are there , of fifty or sixty years , and yet as far from God as ever ? They smell of the Spade , but savor not of God , nor any goodness ; these be unreasonable persons , and see what truth is in the Devil : He makes men believe he will hold them but a while , yet when the time is more then come , he will hold them still , not let them go ; what a fearful answer have such men to make , that should spend all the time of their life in Gods service , and spend none ? when God shall call them to an account for their time , how they have spent their youth , how their middle and old age , and finde that none was for himself , all for the Devil , then shall they certainly have their wages , with whom they have wrought .

3. This condemns also those that having come in late into the vineyard , Use 3. yet work lazily , do not throughly imploy themselves in this great work .

4. This may stir up Gods servants to afford God their whole time , Use 4. for that he requires : Alas , none of us have done so , but spent a great deal in vanity and lewdness , grievous to be spoken of , some more , some less ; every one of us have come short of that we should have done : what then ? This cannot be called back , it must be redeemed ; and seeing we came not so early to the Lords work as we should , we must now work the harder ; The longer it was ere we came , the more painful we must be , and employ us the faster , and now be as earnest in goodness , as we have heretofore in vanity ; we must now speak as much for God , as heretofore for Baal , and for goodness against the enemies thereof , as herefore in defence of Sin . Simile . As travellers that have loytered in their way , when they see Night approach , ride hard ; so let us be as earnest , and go as far to draw men to God , as we were wont to call them to vanity ; let old men that came in so late , call upon yong men , and give them counsel by their own miserable experience ; and if any call us , let us go as readily and gladly , as ever we did to any pastime , and the worse we have been before , be now ( as the Apostle Paul ) so much the more zealous : What shall we say to those that came not in till the tenth or eleventh hour , had they not need to work night and day ? as also set forward the work in others all that ever they can , calling on others , and on their Families to this end , and spending all thier affections about this ? They cannot but vex to think how they have spent their youth and middle age , thereupon wishing with all thier soul , that they had spent the same in Gods service .

5. But for those that have long continued in this Christian course , Use 5. they must not now leave off , but continue therein to the end . There 's no time wherein we must cast off our care , or lay away our Armor , or be off our watch : What! must ancient Christians walk in awe and fear of offending still ? Alas , yea : Have they not still an evil and false heart ? Will the Devil ever be at peace ? Nay , he laboreth with old Christians most , that he may foil them in the end , to make them call their estate , and all they have done into question , and to shame their profession , and open their enemies mouthes : The righteous are but scarcely saved ; 1 Pet. 4. 18. all our diligence , watchfulness , care , is little enough to carry us through this evil world , wherein so many enemies lye in wait for our souls . Besides we see such famous Examples as Moses and Aaron , those famous servants of God , who yet in their old age at the waters of Meribah doubted , and did not glorifie God , Num. 20. 10 , 11 , 12. but said , Hear ye rebels , &c. So Noah , that had seen the old world drowned , himself miraculously preserved , and been a Preacher of Righteousnes so long , in his old age was caught with Wine , and uncovered in his Tent : So Solomon to whom God appeared twice , and was the mirror of Wisdom , yet how fell he in his latter time ? so Asa and Joash . The Devil will say of an ancient Christian , This man hath done me much hurt , hath been constant many years , and many have followed him , now if I can foil him in his old age it will be worth the while ; so shall I make him call all the time past into question , Prov. 23. 17. and 28. 14. shake weak ones , make my company cry out , Look on this old professor , they are all Hypocrites : Be we therefore in the fear of the Lord all the day long , for happy is the man that feareth alway : O let ancient Christians look to themselves now a while , and anon they shall be at their journeys end ! so look to thy self , that as thou hast begun and proceeded well , so you mayest shut up all well , as Abraham , Heb. 11. 39. and 13. 14 Isaac and Jacob , who dyed in the faith , and had good report in the Church of God .

Of your sojourning ] We are here but for a little while , Doctr. not Dwellers , but sojourners , Christians here in this world are but Sojourners . and must away to our Countrey and Home in Heaven : Therefore we must pass this little time so as we may honor God , and so provide for our end , as that dying we may live for ever ; our life is so frail , as that it cannot ( as I may so speak ) be set out by things frail enough : 2 Cor. 5. 1. It s compared to a Tent , set up in the Morning , pulled down at Night ; some booths stand two or three days , some a weak , but easily overthrown , quickly removed ; so to a Vapour , a Bubble , Iam. 4. 14. a Ship under Sail , having Wind and Tide with it , an Eagle in the Aira , Iob 9. 25. Post , Psal. 10. 9. a Weavers Shuttle , a Tale that is told , a Thought , yea to nothing ; Psal. 39. 5. whether we be eating , drinking , sleeping , waking , playing , &c. it continually runs on , and never stands at a stay : The swiftest things have staid , even the Sun it self at Joshua's prayer , but not Joshua's life , nor any mans : Many dye the same day they are born , some the same year , some in their youth , and even they that live longest , yet dye : We are as a Traveller that lodgeth in an Inn for a Night , as a Player comes on the Stage to play his part , longer or shorter , and comes away when it s done ; or as one that goes to the Market , to buy one thing , and to sell another , and then home again . Therefore we have great reason to spend the time of our sojourning here in fear , we should spend that little time in well-doing to glorifie God , do good in our places , and work out our own Savation ; not havocking away our precious time , or spending it about needless things , Gal. 6. 10. as God hath given us this time , so to do the work that he hath sent us hither for : This the Apostle requireth of the Galarians , As we have therefore opportunity , let us do good unto all men , where 's implyed , that having but a little while to tarry , we are to bestir our selves : Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do , do it with thy might ( saith the Preacher ) even whatsoever our duty doth any way require of us : Eccles. 9. 10. I must work the works of him that hath sent me ( saith our Savior ) while it is a day , Iohn . 9. 4. so must we : Psal. 90. 12. This is the effect of that prayer , Teach us so to number our days ( as being few , flitting and hasting away ) that we may apply our hearts to wisdom , even do a wise mans part , to know the work we came hither for ; see we do it , and not spend our few days in other business and lewdness , that we must after be ashamed of , such work as we shall never have thanks for : Seeing we are but on this Stage , to play a part and down again , it were meet we should play an honest Mans part , the Christians part , the good Magistrates , the good Ministers part , the good Husbands , the good Parents part ; not a Thieves part , nor a Cousener , nor the part of an idle Person .

1. This condemns them that make the clean contrary use , Use 1. let us eat and drink , Isa. 22. 13. for to morrow we shall dye , as if they had said , the Prophets say , we shall be cut off and dye , let 's be merry while we may : Such Epicures , that think there is neither pleasure nor pain , when they be gone hence , shall finde ( though no pleasure because they have had it already , yet ) that pain , and that eternal , will lay hold on them : Sowre sawce to their sweet meat .

2. This condemns the common sort , Use 2. which will not consider of the shortness of their life , though both the Scriptures and Experience preach it continually , and therefore thinking the time long , care not how they squander it away , and thereupon follow their pleasure , as drinking , riotous living , &c. even selling themselves hereto ; and so ( to use their own Phrase ) drive away the time : Alas , they need not drive it , it runs fast enough , unless they spent it better : Others are all for the world , toiling and moiling night and day , scraping together by hook and crook , and minde nothing else : Is this the work for which God sent you into this world ? Is Lying , Swearing , Sabbath-breaking , Whoring , &c. any of Gods work ? pointed he out any time for this ? And did he set you here onely to rake for the World , to Oppress , Deceive , gripe the Poor , & c ? No , but to set forth his glory , and work out your own Salvation ; but this lies all undone , you never went about it , as neither to do good in your places , in the Church , Common-wealth , Town , Family , &c. where you live : Now if you have done hurt to the glory of God , your own Souls , Simile . and to others by your ill example , have you not ( think you ) spent your time well ? A man hath two Servants , and sends them to Market to sell his Corn , do Errands , buy Provision , &c. The one , when Market begins , gets him to an Ale-house with his Companions , and there calls for beer by the yard , or by the dozen , and sits quaffing , and prating , and gaming , and thereafter hath his Harlot , thus holding on till Night , and then is the Market done : The other being a worldly fellow , pitcheth down his Masters sack , and spying good Commodities , he falls to look after them for his own gain , and buyeth what 's cheapest , and most profit to be had by , and so he spends the day , wholly omitting his Masters business : Well , Market is done , and all the people gone : Being come home , their Master falls a reasoning , What , was it a good Market to day ? how sold the Corn ? and have ye sold it all ? have you brought Provision ? did you the Errand to such a Man ? They answer , they have not done any of those ; No , saith he , what then ? What have you done , Sirrah ? And what you ? How spent you your time ? One makes answer , I went into an Ale-house to drink two or three pots , and good fellows came in so fast , and held me till Night , that I could not do your business : The other saith , he saw there some good Bargains and Penyworths to be had , and while he followed these for himself , Market was done ere he was aware : would not the Master hereupon pull the coats of these varlets over their ears ? would he not discard them in his displeasure , yea and get them punished ? yet thus for all the world do most men with God ; Some hunting after their pleasures , as others after the things of this world : Well , let them that have hitherto mis-spent and lost their time , let them , I say , yet ere Night come , bethink themselves and fall to their work , and dispatch it ere Market be done , and thank God that they be yet alive : It s better to be a living Dog then a dead Lyon ; Eccles. 9. 4. thank God thou hast yet an hour , and use it well . There be thousands in Hell , that if they had the whole world , would give it for one hour here upon earth , and if it were so much worth to them , it s as much worth to thee , that hast lost all the hours of thy life hitherto ; O therefore whilest thou hast yet an hour , bestir thee , for the night approacheth : Thou hast plaid a bad mans part hitherto , now ere thou goest off the stage , unsay that part , and tell the world it was not that part thou shouldest have plaid ; now begin the honest mans part , defer not all thy work to the last , as most men do , that think when they be sick , and fear they shall dye , Oh , then they will send for a Minister , and as though we could work miracles , we must teach them in a rice the whole way to Heaven ; and , O I pray you give me some good counsel , I sent for you to speak a few comfortable words to me , and then either the Minister daubeth with untempered morter ( which is a just judgement ) or if he be faithful , and begin to wade into his misery , this he thinks to be strange ; Oh , I sent for you to tell me some-words of comfort , not to speak so much and such things to me . And let all good Christians be wise , let us think of our brittle state , le ts ply us , and be doing all the good we can to our selves or others ; and do not we put off from time to time , I will next year take up prayers more constantly , when such a business shall be over ; I will be liberal hereafter , or at my death , I hope I shall do my duty in due time ; O fie upon it , that a Christian should say . Hereafter , and be bold to put off time , and in the mean time we dye ; Oh , do all the good we should now , lest on our death-bed with grief we be forced to say , Oh , I thought to have left this sin , done that duty , &c. if I had lived a year longer , I would have put off some of my dealings that have clogg'd me , given up some of my Farms ; I purposed to have got out of the Usurers books , and never take that course more ; I purposed to have done more service to the Town where I live , more good then ever , and now death prevents me .

And if ye call on the Father ] Now we come to the Reasons of the Exhortation , The first Reason of the foregoing Exhortation . whereof the first is , Because they call'd God Father , it was therefore meet they should walk as children in awe and reverence , and that not when and wherein they list , but in all things , for he cannot be their Father unless they be his Children . An impregnable reason , That they which call such an holy God Father , Doctr. should walk in fear and obedience as sons : Such as call God Father , must walk in fear and obedience as sons . No Father without sons , and the very name of Father calleth for reverence and obedience ; Therefore when God would include all Superiors ( to whom reverence and obedience is due ) Magistrates , Ministers , Masters , Governors , &c. he calls them in one word , Exod. 20. 12. Fathers ; even as he that calleth one Master , thereby professeth service and obedience , and the King his Soveraign , professeth subjection , so calling God Father , we do thereby make known our filial awe and reverence . See Mal. 1. 6.

By the name of Father ( which we ascribe to our Fathers ) as we acknowledge one to be the Author of our Being , 2 Cor. 6. 18. and that we owe him obedience , What the name Father implyeth . so we challenge much of him , as that he should have a care of us , to preserve us , defend us , and provide for us all things needful , for thus do Fathers to their children , especially their dutiful ones ; in like maner when we call God Father , we both ascribe so much to him , and profess to look for so much from him , as that it requireth of us to pass our time in a reverent awe of him in all things .

1. This condemns them that live wickedly , Use 1. and in their sins , and yet call God Father ; they might as well say any thing : If one should fight against the King on his Enemies part , and say he were a good Subject ; or say he is a mans servant , and yet doth nothing that he is bidden , but is drunken , quarrels with his fellow-servants , beats his Master children , breaks down his windows , rails upon him , should this be counted a good servant , or the other a good subject ? so the Lord defies that such should call him Father , and counts it a disgrace to him to be call'd Father of such miscreants , See Psal. 50. 16 that live like bastards , that have no care to please God , Ier. 3. 3 , 4. no fear of offending him , Luk. 6. 46. nor delight to be in his presence : We should take it as a disgrace to have some base and filthy person come in a market to us , and call us father , yet this may and doth befal men , yea , good too , who have lewd children , and such be like them neither in favor nor condition : yea , there 's scarce one childe like the Father , or one like another ; but it s nor so with God , he hath never a childe but is like him , and hath his image in him , Psal. 15. 2. ver. 15. of this 1 Iohn 3. 9. like hearted and like handed to him , innocent hands , and a pure heart , holy as he is holy , hating sin as he he doth , loving his Word , People , Righteousness , &c. as he doth , He that is born of God , sinneth not : Those are true properties of a childe of God ; yet even others have a father too , Christ hath pointed him out , Ye are of your Father the Devil , Ioh. 4. 48. and the lusts of your Father you will do : Such as care for no goodness , nor for Gods children , but are Lyars , Deceivers , Oppressors , and the like , they are like the Devil ; God is not their Father , but their Enemy , with such all the Angels and Creatures are at defiance , and wait for their destruction ; all the judgements of God hang over their heads , their death will be a passage to their endless wo and misery .

Therefore never call God Father till thou change thy maners , nor look for any priviledge of a childe from him , as either protection or maintenance , no nor so much as good look : But shall I thus leave these ? God forbid ; for though we finde them children of the Devil , yet we would be glad to bring them to be Gods : Therefore humble your selves , confess your sins , as the Publican and the Prodigal , entreat and sue for Pardon , change thy behaviour , and when thou canst feel thy heart effected like a Childe , or truly desirous so to be , then call him Father : In the mean time , if thou wouldest mourn for thy sins , and labor for a contrite heart , See 2 Cor. 6. 17. and abstain from every unclean thing , thou shouldest be received , thy sins pardoned , and God would be a Father unto thee ; But if thou goest on in this graceless course , as thou workest , so shall thy wages be .

2. But dost thou unfeignedly desire to fear God , Use 2. 1. In thy general calling as a Christian , to walk holily , righteously , and soberly ? Fearest thou to offend God thy self , or to see him dishonored by others ? carest thou to please him ? lovest thou to be in his presence ? dost thou conscionably hear his Word , and patiently bare his Corrections ? 2. In thy special calling , art thou careful to glorifie God , as a Parent , Childe , Master , Servant , &c. not onely in ceasing to do evil , but in doing good , yea , and laboring to do it well ? Thou mayest comfortably , and with good leave call God Father , and make account of him so to be , 1 Iohn 1. 12. which is the greatest priviledge in the world ; Christ is thy Brother , thou art Heir with him of all good things in this world , and Salvation in the Kingdom of Glory hereafter : Angels guard thee , nay , are thy Servants ; Afflictions , Corrections , Death no Death , but a passage to Life : O let us be perswaded to increase more and more in this care , and every time we call God Father , we may be put in minde , and provoked to labor for the affections of dutiful Children ! We can readily look that God should be a Father to us , that we want nothing , but we for our parts , can be content to be wanting in our duties many ways , we neglect this and that duty ; yea , in those we perform , how cold are we , little differing from Hypocrites ? how often do we break out into gross evils ? how little grieved , when we offend or see others offend ? for these the Lord is often driven to afflict us . As it s between natural Parents and Children , we see that love descends , but seldom ascends ; They look for all maintenance from their Parents , but care little how small reverence or obedience they give them ; So we deal with God , our head must not ake a little , but he must presently give ease , but we can be slack enough in the performance of our parts .

Who without respect of persons , judgeth according to every man works , ] Here 's the second Reason , The second Reason of the foregoing Exhortation . He whom we call Father , is also a Judge , and that a very sharp-fighted one , that will not be carried away with shows , and false glosses of good works , but will look into the inside , and judge accordingly ; If they proceed from an honest heart , he will surely reward them , if not , they shall not onely miss the reward they look for , but have , for all their gay shows , their reward with Hypocrites : Therefore it stands us in hand not onely to renounce evil , and to do good , but to do the same with a right affection .

Here I might speak how God judgeth , How God doth and will judge of mens actions . and will judge mens actions : as 1. In this life he approveth the ways of his Servants by his Word , and by his blessings upon them outward and inward ; and disalloweth the wicked actions of the World , 1. In this life . and their courses , by his Word , 2. At death . and by his judgements sometimes . 2. In the end of this life , by receiving the soul of the one into glory , and by casting down the other to confusion . 3. On the day of Iudgement . 3. And especially at the last day , by receiving the one into everlasting glory , and throwing the other into endless misery . Which may

1. Make us all look to our ways , Use 1. to walk in reverence and fear all our days : To this purpose peruse Ecles . 12. 13 , 14. Act. 24. 16. 2 Cor. 5. 9. 2 Pet. 3. 11.

2. Be a strong bit to hold back the wicked from running on ; Use 2. nay , to bring them on their faces for that which is past , that it may be here pardoned , that they meet not with all their abominations at that day : For we must all appear before the Judgement seat of Christ , 2. Cor. 5. 10. that every one may receive the things done in his body , See Rev. 1. 7. and 20. 12. according to that he hath done , whether it be good or bad : Even they that have been judges of others , they that have ben quit , yea , they that have had their sentence here too , shall appear before a wise Judge that cannot be deceived , a Just one that will not be bribed , from whom they cannot flee , as being Infinite .

But because this is not the main drift of the Apostle , I pass it over the more briefly , the chief force lying in this , That God judgeth according to mans works , without respect of persons .

The person of man is taken , The person of man how taken . 1. For those outward qualities that be common to good and bad , that yet set out a man , as Birth , Wit , Learning , Strength , Beauty , Wealth , &c. Now God is no respecter of these things , though amongst men they are much lookt after , by reason of which not a few scape their deserved punishment , Deut. 16. 19. and yet the same is prohibited of God ; He forbids it in others , therefore will not himself have respect of persons .

Therefore let no man think he shall escape better by his Wealth , Use. Birth , Learning , Authority , &c. and because of them embolden himself to do that which a poor ignorant mean man may not ; Gods laws be not Spiders-webs : Nay , for these a man shall scape the worse , for the greater the wages are which God gives , he requires the more work ; the higher place he sets men in , he looks for the better carriage : where there 's more knowledge , there must be more obedience , else there must be more stripes . 2. For the outward appearance of a work , the shew of Holiness , Costliness , Painfulness , Multitude , &c. and so it s here ; God respecteth not the out-side of a work , and the shew that it hath to the eye of the world , but looketh to the inside , See Psal. 51. 6. & Rom. 2. 2. and respecteth with what heart it s done , and from what affection it comes : Isa. 1. 15. and 58. 4. The Jews did abound in their outward works and service , yet their hands being full of blood and abomination , his own Ordinances were irksome to him , See Mic. 6. and accordingly he did reject their Humiliation , though it was extraordinary : So he respected not the sacrifice of Cain , Gen. 4. 5. though he were the first-born , nor made choyce of Eliab , 1. Sam. 16. 7. for all his outward appearance . Iohn 4. 24. God is a Spirit , Prov. 23. 26. and will be served with a spiritual service ; My son ( saith he ) give me thy heart ; 1 Chro. 28. 9. God seeth into the heatrs and reins , whom therefore we are to serve with a perfect heart and willing minde .

To the being of a good work , Four things required to the being of a good work . these things are required ; 1. That the person be justified in Christ , and so pleasing to God . 2. That it be done in Faith , or a particular perswasion of the lawfulness of the thing done . Gen. 4. 4. 3. It must proceed from a sanctified heart , Rom. 14. 23. else the fountain being impure , makes the sacrifice or work abominable to God . 1 Cor. 10. 31. 4. It must be done to a good and right end , our own discharge , and the good of our brethren , as inferior ends , but the main end , the glory of God .

1. Here are rejected all the works of natural and unregenerated men , Use 1. all the civil vertues in the Heathen Philosophers , their Justice , Temperance , Splendida percata . Liberality , Fortitude , contempt of the World , Patience , and the like , which great works of theirs were but shining sins : So the actions of such as are meerly civil , though never so fair conditioned to the world-ward , these are in no account with God , nay their hearing , praying , Alms-giving , are abominable , till their persons please God , and be sanctified ; and all such , though haply of great age , did never in thoughtword , or deed please God , trust nor then to these things : Oh , many will brag with the Pharisee of their just dealing , but resting thereon , they shall have the Pharisees reward . Many a poor man will say , I thank God I have lived honestly , followed my work , earned my living truly , no man can say , Thus and thus hast thou done amiss ; but even this not done to a right end and in a right maner , is sin .

O but Christ loved the rich yong man , Object . though not yet converted .

He loved that seed or good that was in his own work , Sol. but not the person .

2. Here are rejected all works of Hereticks , Use 2. though never so costly , devour , painful ; as their early rising to Mass , their painful travel on Pilgrimage , their costly gifts to Religious houses : So of other nations , that coming into the Temples of their gods , throw themselves down on the ground , smite themselves on the breasts , &c. of all these being done without Faith , God will say , Who required these things at your hands ? The faster one runs in a wrong way , the further he is out , and the longer ere he come in .

3. Here are rejected the works of hypocrites and carnal Gospellers , Use 3. which make a profession , hear , receive the Lords Supper , joyn in outward performance of duty , but look not to themselves , their hearts remaining tainted with their lusts : Such as yet live in some sins , may go to Hell with Water of Baptism on their faces , and the Bread of the Lord in their mouthes . They care not how works be performed , but slubber them over , so they be out of their hands , they care not how ; these will be paid according to their work : They make sale ware for the Lord , slight and of no substance , but this the Lord cannot abide , he will have it substantial : If it come not inwardly from a good heart , let the outside be what it will , it s but like a painted Tomb or gilded Idol , hollow within , that cannot speak . We are here met to day to hear Gods Word , a good work , an excellent work , if all came with an upright heart , God requiring it , and that we should know his will , and in all things be ruled thereby , but few be such ; but when they have heard all they can , yet do as they list , at least in part : It s true , Ahabs hypocritical repentance was rewarded with a temporal benefit , but not for love of the work , but for example to others , how well God would reward things done in truth .

4. Let this teach all Gods servants , Use 4. not onely to have a care to do duties ( so can hypocrites ) but to do them in a right maner : Herein lies the difficulty to bring our vile hearts to do them aright , else the doing of the duty is an easie thing , and no straight way , if that were all ; but we have a wretched heart , full of inwindings and privy corruptions , that cannot be seen to others when we do our duties , for even sundry of them are unknown to our selves , pride , hypocrisie , dulness , earthliness , unbelief , and the like ; look therefore when we Hear , Pray , give Alms , follow our Callings , or whatsoever , that we do it well and substantially , using all skill and diligence , for we have a God with whom we deal , that looks to the inside , and hates all slightings ; and he will pay well , cares not what he gives so the work be done well . Commonly men that be good husbands , will look to have their work well done ; so doth the Lord , and he pays presently in hand , Peace of Conscience , Joy in the Holy Ghost , with divers outward Blessings , besides the inheritance reserved for us hereafter .

Verse 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things , as silver and gold , from your vain conversation received by tradition from your Fathers ; Verse 19. But with the precious blood of Christ , as of a Lamb without blemish , and without spot .

HEre 's another main Reason of the foregoing Exhortation , The third Reason of the foregoing Exhortation . drawn from a wonderful benefit bestowed upon us , namely , Redemption , procured by no less price then the precious blood of Christ ; Were we redeemed at such a rate , and by such a great and unspeakable price ? Then we must pass the time of our sojourning here in fear .

Here consider , The parts of this verse . 1. The benefit , Redemption . 2. From what , Their vain conversation ; which is set out by the Original of it , The tradition of their fathers . 3. The price whereby purchased : which is set down , first Negatively ; where 's shewed , what it is not , no worldly thing , such as silver and gold , described by the nature and quality , Corruptible things ; then Affirmatively , where 's shewed , what it is , namely , Blood , precious blood , The precious blood of Christ , as of a Lamb without blemish , and without spot .

Forasmuch as ye know , ] Here note , Doct. That

A man may know himself to be a redeemed one , A man may know himself redeemed . he may know that there 's no condemnation to him , and that he is translated from Death to Life ; 1 Iohn 3. 14. He may know , that he serves not sin as he was wont , but his heart is to serve the Lord , and that he walk not after the Flesh , but after the Spirit .

And doth a man know himself redeemed , Use. he must pass his time in the fear of God , and therefore in vain do such boast that they are redeemed , that live yet in their sins .

That ye were redeemed ] Here note ,

1. That as Mercy presupposeth Misery , Doctr. so Redemption Bondage and Slavery ; Redemption presupposeth Bondage and Slavery . neither is the bondage wherein we stand , such as of Pharaoh , or the Turks , but Ten thousand times worse , even of Sin , and of the Devil ; God indeed made us free in Adam , Sin nor Satan had nothing to do with us , but we all sinning in Adam , became subject not onely to the Wrath and Curse of God , the first and second death , and the forerunners of both , but to sin also , and so by nature we can do nothing but sin , we drink sin , as a thirsty man doth water ; It s as natural to us , as for the fire to burn : So fast is our will bound to the will of the Devil , that for our lives we cannot think a good thought . Now as all bondage is abhort'd of the nature of man , so the baser person one is in bondage too , the more odious it is to them that see it , and the more tedious to themselves that bear it : Now none so base in the world , as sin and the Devil , the woful enemies of God and our souls .

This should humble us all , Use. being in this woful case , and so would it do if we could be brought to believe it : Iohn 8. 33. But ( as the Jews ) we think we were never in bondage to any , and finding our bodies at liberty , conceive so of our souls , whereas both be in a spiritual bondage unto evil : Nay , such is our woful bondage , as we cannot believe we are in it , nor can desire to come out of it , but naturally we love and desire it , & thereupon are enemies to the means of our freedom : most think that if they may have their lusts satisfied and fetch their flings in all maner of evil , some of pleasure , some of their unconscionable dealing , &c. O it s a little Heaven ! O such Towns and Houses where they may thus have their wills , are the onely places ! but for the Towns and Services where they may not thus lash out , but are restrained , and must be brought to the Word , Prayer , Reading , Repetition , Catechizing , and the like , O fie upon it , say they , Here 's a Bondage , a Slavery , who would be tyed thus ? If my year be our once , I le lay a stone there , &c. This is a hard saying , who can bear it ? Let us break their bands , and cast their coards from us : If this Preaching be suffered , we shall do nothing shortly , we shall not be merry , we shall have our hands bound behinde us : Thus counting Gods service , which is perfect Freedom , to be Bondage , they hold their woful Slavery to be the onely Liberty , and therefore are not onely willing so to continue , but are against the means of their Delivery , which is a great depth of bondage : for let one be a slave to the Turks never so though his body be bound , yet his minde is free , he retains an earnest desire to be set at liberty : well , men must see it , and feel it , else they shall never be delivered , and if they dye in this case , they must have their wages according to the work .

2. That there is a way out of this bondage , Doct. for our parts we could finde none , There 's a way whereby to come out of our bondage . we could desire none ; nay , God of his infinite mercy having found it out , and prepared it , we have no desire of it : This indeed is a great and wonderful mercy ; He might have been glorified in our confusion , and hath provided no remedy for the evil Angels , as he hath for us . It followeth hereupon ,

1. Seeing there is away of Redemption , Use 1. that all that know not themselves delivered , must give all diligence , that they may have their part in it : Believe Gods Word that thou art now in Bondage , but abide not in it , seeing there 's a way-out : will any of the Turks Slaves stay in Prison , if the door be set open , and liberty offered and proclaimed ? Luke 4. 18. Christ was sent to proclaim liberty to Captives , and so doth : Do this the rather , for the redeemeth not all , most shall bear their own burthen : He prayed not for the world ; All mine are thine , Iohn 17. 10. saith he to his Father , thine by Election , mine by Redemption .

But is not he the propitiation for the sins of the whole world ? Object .

This is to be understood of all Believers , 1 Iohn 2. 2. of all Nations through the world , Sol. in this last age since Christ .

2. That they which know themselves delivered from so great Thraldom , Use 2. both of Death and Damnation , and of Sin also , must now serve God , and that under the hope of eternal Life : They must study how to shew their thankfulness in all dutiful obedience all the days of their life ; If any were ransom'd from the Turk , doth he not count himself his that hath ransom'd him ? so should we : As we have yielded our members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin , Rom. 6. 13. so must we now yield them as instruments of righteousness unto God : We have taken great pains for the world and vanity , forgot our meat and sleep , thought the time short , feared ever we should come too late , have pleaded for Baal : O le ts now do so for goodness , we have spent our substance on lewd persons , & to follow our lusts , now let us spend it in the service of God , and on Gods Children ! O le ts not serve the Devil and sin in any point more forwardly then God! we must glorifie God in Body and Spirit ; 1 Cor. 6. 20. we must have neither Heart , Tongue , Wit , Will , Eye , Ear , but for the Lord , and all to be at his command : O that we would often think of our Redemption , both from whence and to what ! This would make us gather up our feet in our Masters service more roundly , and call home our ranging Wits , Wills , and parts from following our Lusts , to yield better obedience to God .

From your vain conversation , ] Here whence , and from what they were delivered vain , Iam. 2. 20. that is , empty , fruitless , unprofitable , as , But wilt thou know , Psal. 33. 17. O vain man ( O thou empty Cask ) that Faith without Works is dead ? And an Horse is a vain help : Such was the conversation of the Jews , both their worshipping of God , and the rest of their lives ; It was empty , and therein was no substance , as a blown bladder , that made a great show , but had no substance therein , which was also unprofitable unto them , even their conversation , I say , was vain , who were the people of God by name , and his Law , Word , and Worship amongst them . Whence note , that

Till a man be converted to God , Doctr. and the work of Regeneration wrought in him , The whole life of an unregenerate person is vain . his whole life is vain : None of his actions either please God , or profit himself ; for till a mans person please God , his works cannot .

Be a man an Hundred years old , and not born again , the time is yet to come that ever he thought , spake , or did that which pleased God , or shall do himself any pleasure .

Therefore it concerns every man to try in what state he stands , Use. and to labor to prove himself a person reconciled to God , and converted .

Received by Tradition from your Fathers . Obs. ] He turns not off the fault wholly from the Children to the Parents , Children readily follow the evil example of their Parents . but shews that their Parents giving a bad example , they by their sinful nature were as ready to follow it ; to follow their Parents , I say , which were corrupt both in their Lives , and the worship of God : Concerning the corruption of their Fathers , it s to be understood , not of all , for God had his among them : Abraham was a true worshipper of God , and a sincere man in his conversation , Gen. 18. 18. and so taught he his Family , and lost not his labor : So Isaac , Jacob , Moses , Joshua , and the Prophets ; In this respect the Apostle said , Acts 24. 14. I worship the God of my Fathers .

But more generally of the whole body of the Jews , Whom we are here to understand by Fathers . which was shamefully corrupted in all things : Hereupon what a stir had the Prophets continually with them for their idolatry , & corrupting of Gods worship in the first Table , and their unrighteousness towards men against the second : Mat. 15. 4 , 5 , 6 , &c. and 23. 23. Afterwards it was worse with them , They corrupted the true and sound interpretation of the Law ; They were full of Hypocrisie and Ostentation , and would set up their own Traditions , and make them equal with the Word of God ; Mat. 15. 9. They taught for Doctrine ( even things necessary to Salvation , and parts of Gods worship ) the commandments of men : Therefore they did often quarrel with our Saviors Disciples , sometimes for eating with unwashen hands , as at other times , for not fasting , for plucking of ears of Corn on the Sabbath-day , &c. Yea , they were so wicked , as they would set up their own Traditions , to the casting down of Gods Commandments , and so set themselves above God : Mat. 15. 4 , 5 , 6. the former was fearful , but this horribly blasphemous , as by their Corban they set a Son free from any duty to his Parents : Shall not God be master of his own Worship ? hath he not left his Word for a light and a rule , 2 Tim. 3. 16 , 17. and that most sufficient ? must there be any thing added hereunto ?

If any say , 1 Sam. 15. 22. they did these things of a good minde , let him know , that to obey is better then sacrifice , and to hearken , then the fat of Rams ; let such call to minde Gods justice against Nadab and Abihu : Lev. 10. 1 , 2. There were the same Incense , the same Censers that should be offered in the same place by the right persons , onely they took strange fire , which yet could burn well : shall man make himself wiser then his maker ?

This condemneth the Papists , Popish Religion stands in patches . for they are nothing but inventions ; almost their whole Religion stands in patches : How have they defiled Gods Ordinances with their wicked inventions ? Baptism with Salt , Cream , Spittle , Oyl , Crossing , & c ? How the Supper of the Lord , by taking away the breaking of the Bread , using gay whole round Cakes , the Priests forsooth for holiness , putting the same in the peoples mouthes ? ( with their polluted hands they must not touch it ) as if their mouthes being clean , their hands could be unclean ? How by keeping away the Cup altogether ? how by taking away that plain apparel which Christ and his Disciples used , and bringing in costly apparel , like that of Aaron , fitter for an Emperor ? Not to speak of their Altars , Musick , Elevation , Censing , Reservation , Fastings , Vows , Pilgrimages , set numbers and stints of Prayers , and that upon Beads , their Penances , Indulgences , &c. one devised one thing , another another thing , those that came after not being willing to be behinde herein them that went before : Thus ceased they not , till they had filled all with trash ; and then lest they should be loathed and laught at , they began to urge them more stifly , and enjoyn them under pain of great sin to be obeyed .

They also prefer their own Traditions before Gods Commandments : Usually they count it more hainous to work on an Holy-day , or Saints-day of their own devising , then on the Lords-day : So to eat a bit of flesh on Friday , then to commit whoredom all the days of the Week : So to speak against any of their toys , when to swear or take Gods Name in vain ; The one is punisht more severely , the other not regarded .

Here may be also noted , That

Parents had need give their Children good example , Doct. and take heed of the contrary , Parents must give their children good example . which they will readily enough follow : The Parents actions be Copies for their Children , their examples Precepts , their Precepts Oracles , to evil especially , whither their nature is prone : See 2 Kings 17. 41. David would wal'k wisely , in a perfect way , in the midst of his house ; 2 Chro. 22. 3. so must Parents , for in vain do they counsel their Children , if their own example be not answerable . Psal. 101. 2.

1. This condemns them that are most cruel examples to their Children , Use. 1. of Swearing , Lying , Stealing , and all Wickedness , and Cursed speaking , so of prophaning the Lords-day , railing on Gods Servants , raging in their Houses , &c. They chalk them the way to destruction , and therefore will be guilty of it .

2. Parents must be careful , Use 2. not onely not to be examples of evil unto their Families , but examples of much good ; that so their Children may imitate their reverence of Gods Majesty , and his worship , their attendance on the Word upon all occasions , their conscionable care of the Sabbath , with their daily use and exercise of Religious duties .

Further , in that they be rebuked for thus learning of their Fathers , learn , that

It s no good rule for us to follow the examples of our Ancestors : Doctr. The Word of God is the rule , To follow the examples of our Ancestors is no sure rule . whereby we must live ; the other being indeed a Leaden rule : So far are we to follow them , as they follow Christ : Yet are not we to reject a thing simply , because it was done thus long ago , or done by the Fathers in the old time , but rather being good and warrantable we are to follow it , because Antiquity hath reverence joyned with truth ; yet we must not follow a thing simply , because ancient ; evil is almost as ancient in the world , as good , better a new truth ( that is , truth newly revealed ) then an old error .

This condemns the Papists , Use. most of them have no other reason for their Religion , but , Thus did our Forefathers ; So long , and so long it hath been , and shall we be wiser then they ; My Father , and my Grandfather ( God rest their souls ) they did thus , &c. a poor blinde rule : They walked in darkness , and so went out of the way , will you do so that have the light ? It s no more a rule for Doctrine or Maners to say , Thus did our Forefathers , they were of this minde , and why am not I so to be ? then if any should Swear , Rail , Lye , Curse , and say , I do but as I heard and saw my Father do ; will this go for payment , trow ye ?

Not with corruptible things , as silver and gold , ] The things whereby we are not Redeemed , are silver and gold ; These he names in stead of all other worldly things , Pro. 10. 19. as which answer all , and by them Houses , Lands , yea , the most costly things , and most precious Pearls are bought .

By these men may be ransomed and redeemed out of bodily Thraldom , Doct. but all the silver and gold in the world is insufficient to redeem even one man out of his Spiritual bondage : The things of this world are insufficient to redeem any out of his spiritual bondage . See Mat. 16. 26.

The Reasons hereof may be these ,

1. God hath no need of any of these things , and they are his already : Reas. 1. The earth is the Lords , and the fulness thereof ; The gold of Ophir and Havilah , Psal. 24. 1. as are the beasts on a thousand mountains . Psal. 50. 10.

2. Our soul is an immortal and incorruptible being , Reas. 2. a Creature that had a beginning , but never shall have end : Now gold and silver are things corruptible and vanishing , therefore are not of worth or value to redeem or countervail the soul ; for there must be some proportion between the thing bought and the price given , so is there not between the world , and the soul of a man ; one soul is more excellent then the whole world .

3. Sin is a transgression against an Infinite God , Reas. 3. and so deserveth an infinite punishment , a death , and that eternal and infinite : now a death must be paid , Gods justice hath set it down , no such price therefore will be taken , neither are these things infinite , all the world is not .

4. Many times even for a Trespass committed against men , Reas. 4. these things will not be taken for a recompence . Prov. 6. 35.

5. These often , Reas. 5. when God sends some bodily judgement , are unable to do men any pleasure , Pro. 11. 4. nor can at all pacifie God . Ezek. 7. 19.

6. These cannot redeem a mans bodily life , Zeph. 1. 18. and save it from death ( for many would give much to procure that ) nor can they prolong a mans ( ones own brothers ) life an hour beyond his appointed time , Reas. 6. much less can they redeem his soul. Psal. 49. 7.

7. These cannot purchase Wit , Reas. 7. Learning , Eloquence for those that want them , much less Sanctification and Grace ; as also if a man were born Blinde , Lame , Deformed , they cannot purchase Sight , Strength or Beauty .

1. This condemns those gross Absurdities , Use 1. nay , Blasphemies of the Church of Rome , they by Pardons and Indulgences , sold for Money , take upon them to forgive sins ; yea , they give those to houses of Gentlemen , for many years to come , perswading also , that by their Masses ( which they must purchase with their Money ) they shall be freed from Purgatory , and sent to Heaven : Among them , belike the rich are in a good case , they may sin freely , but the poor are in an hard taking : O cursed Blasphemy ! None can forgive sins but God onely ; yea , whereas all the Silver and Gold of the world cannot satisfie for one sin , yet will they set it at such and such a rate of Money : It may be said to them , as Peter said to Simon Magus , Your Money perish with you , Acts 8. 20. because you think that the gift of God ( such a special gift as is the Remission of sins ) may be bought with Money .

2. We must learn by any means not to hazard or sell our souls for Silver or Gold , Use 2. not for the whole world : If a man should sell his soul for the whole world , would the same price redeem it again ? no , not if there were ten thousand worlds : Then is it a very hard bargain to sel any commodity at such a rate , as a man would give a thousand times as much for it again , and yet must go without it ; what shall I say of the common sort , which so basely esteem of their souls , that they sell them away to destruction for toys of this world : How many sell themselves to hell , some by Robbery , Bribery , Oppression , Simony , Sacriledge , Cousenage , Lying , Swearing , &c. others for a bare living and maintenance ? O poor woful Creatures ! They know not what they do : They are like yong Heirs , that know not the worth of their Inheritance , and so part with all to some couzening companion for a Horse , Dog , or Hawk , nothing to the true worth of it , and then fret to think that they had such a living whereby they might have lived in good fashion all their life , and now it s gone , and they have nothing , but like prophane Esau's have lost their birth-right : O if men knew the worth of their souls , they would then despise the whole world if it were offered for them , Mat. 4. 9 , 10. but an Omnia Dabo pulls most of the world upon their knees to worship the Devil : Many Shop-keepers say , they would not give their lying for Forty pounds a year ; but poor blinde Creatures , yong Heirs , if they gate Forty thousand pounds a year , they were great losers , for if they would give it , and as much more to it , it would not recover their souls again from Damnation thereby deserved ; Oh , the soul lives for ever , and sin casts it into everlasting Wo and Torment : And for enjoying a few short pleasures of sin , Heb. 11. 25. shall we throw our selves into everlasting torment ? Moses would not thus do , but left Pharoahs court and the delights thereof , which he could not hold without sin : O le ts be wise at last , and royally set such a price on our souls , as if the Devil would say as he did to Christ , All this will I give thee , we may tell him he bids like an higler , and if he would give us seven worlds , Use 3. we would not part with our Souls .

3. We wust be more afraid of sin , then of any thing else , seeing the price is so great that must satisfie for it , even more then the loss of all that we have : If we should commit sin to save all we have , we lose ; But how little account do men make of sin , whereas nothing but Christs blood can satisfie for it ? If we were set to pay Twenty shillings for every sin we commit , how shie would we be ? but considering that the very greatest sum can neither take it away , nor pay for it , we ought to be the more careful ; but , O Lord , men commit sin as if an half peny would satisfie for it , nay , a straw under their feet : Thus do many rap out oathes , others talk ribaldry , others lye , others rail , curse , backbite , &c. The devil thinks , nay he knows he doth us a greater spight to make us sin , Iob 1. 11. then to pluck away all that we have ; see this in his dealing with Job , he desired to spoil him of his goods , Why ? because he hoped thereby to bring him to blaspheme God ; and its true , he doth us more mischief by bringing us to commit one sin , then by stripping us of all the estate we have : O do not that , which when done , Doctr. all the world cannot make amends for .

But what are these things ? The things of this world are corruptible , vain and uncertain . what 's their nature and quality ? they are corruptible things , vain , uncertain , of no continuance ; fire consumeth houses , water wares , death cattel , land is subject to barrenness , to bad titles , wranglings , enemies , all these outward things , sick of a consumption : They may hold out for a time , but at length perish ; nay , our selves and our own lives as frail as any thing , 2 Pet. 3. 10. a bubble , a shadow , a vapor ( as we heard larely ) yea , Use 1. the very heavens shall pass away .

1. Therefore be not proud of these things , alas , they be gifts of Gods left hand , Pro. 23. 5. common to the bad and good , also they have eagles wings , 1 Tim. 6. 17. and are uncertain : And yet how do these things lift up mens mindes , and make them contemn their brethren ? and so lordly , that they are not fit to be spoke too , froward , contentious , &c. there 's little cause they should so do , but rather make them the more humble , for the more a man hath , the greater account he is to make : If of any thing , be proud of grace ( yet not of that ) and disdain not a poor Christian ; Iames 2. 5. for though he have no wealth , yet if he have more grace then thou hast , he is the better man , I mean in the sight of God , who therefore is not to be contemned for his poverty .

2. Trust not in them , Use 2. let them not be thy strong city ; hereof Job particularly acquits himself , 1 Tim. 6. 17. and so should we . Prov. 10. 15.

3. Esteem of riches accordingly , Iob 31. 24. and seek them in their place : To this purpose peruse Matth. 6. 19 , 20 , 33. Use 3. John 2. 15 , 16 , 17 , & 6. 27.

4. This condemns the common sort , Use 4. that seek after nothing else , as if there were no other heaven , nor other end of mans being here : Multitudes seek after them by right and wrong , yea , the most unlawful and vile courses : Others not so openly evil , yet so seek these things , as regarding them more then that one thing that is needful , being so addicted hereto , that in the whole day they cannot spare one quarter of an hour for prayer in their family ; so in the whole week no leisure to break off and hear a Sermon , nay , Sabbath and all , onely coming to Church ( and some scarcely that ) but will lose as little time as they can , for they will talk of the world till they come to the Church door , and in many places in the very Church , and as soon as they are out again , to it again : With them every little time for God and the Soul is too much , no time for the world enough ; every small measure of knowledge , a shadow of any thing in that kinde is much , but much of the world seems yet small : Mammon is much beholding to them , God and their Soul but a little ; therein they are wise , and have tongue enough in such things , none at all in heavenly matters , and so they bring up their children , and so match them : Thus they set the cart before the horse , and speed in their souls accordingly ; yet is one dram of Faith Repentance , Knowledge , worth all the silver and gold in the world . Yea , it s not onely the fault of the common sort , that they see no better things , but even of Gods children , that have the substance , and yet will be catching at the shadow ; so did not Abraham , Isaac and Jacob , they dwelt in Tents , and counted themselves Pilgrims , neither regarded Moses the pleasures of Egypt .

But with the precious blood of Christ ] Here 's the true price of our Redemption : Doctr. It s true , Christs blood the true price of mans Redemption . we are redeemed by the whole course of Christs obedience , which he performed from his birth to his death ; but it s ascribed here particularly to his death and suffering , being the principal part of his obedience , Rom. 5. 19. whereby he satisfied Gods justice for our sins ( by his blood , Phil. 2. 8. is here meant , all his sufferings from his beginning , and that not onely visible from men in his body , but the inward terrors of God upon his Soul , yea and death it self ) and no less payment would serve the turn for us , for by our sin we had deserved death of body and Soul , the first and second : Therefore blood must be shed , death must be paid , else Gods justice cannot be satisfied ; well , be it so , Would not then the death of some Saints have done the turn ? All men are inwrapped in one and the same Condemnation , unable to help themselves , much less others : Neither could the very Angels help us , for having sinned against an infinite God , we deserved an infinite punishment , which being finite , we could never overcome ; therefore it must be blood of Jesus Christ , his that was both man , that he might suffer , and as mans nature had offended , therein give satisfaction ; and God , that he might make his sufferings of infinite worth and value , and that he might overcome the same ; therefore it is called Precious , by reason of the hypostatical union of the Divine Nature therewith , and so was the blood of that man that was God , and so after a sort , the blood of God : Hence he is called The Lord of life and glory , Acts 3. 15. & 20. 28. and said to have purchased the Church with his blood . No less would have served the turn , so precious is the work of our Redemption , and our estate before so miserably woful : Isa. 53. 5. This was plainly prophesied , Acts 4. 12. Other way of Redemption there was none in the world , Rev. 13. 8. neither is there Salvation in any other : He is the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world ; Heb. 13. 8. & 10. 14. He is the same yesterday and to day , See Rom. 3. 25. and for ever : This was signified by the Sacrifices of the old Law , Eph. 1. 7. which were types hereof ; and this indeed is an All-sufficient way : 1 Pet. 2. 24. He is the surety that hath paid our debt , satisfied the creditor , and freed us , 1 Iohn 1. 7. by whom we are discharged from all the wrath of God that we had deserved . Rev. 1. 5.

But how could he in so short a time dispatch that which was infinite , Object . and we should have lien under for ever ?

Because he was God . Sol. It was more that he should suffer for a moment , then all men and Angels for ever : As a rich man is able to pay that debt in an instant , that a poor man can never be able to winde out of ; so did he that quickly , which we could never have done : Therefore let every man trust to this ; if this be not a sufficient way , thou mayest say , I am content to perish ; thou mayest well enough , and I with thee for company .

1. This confoundeth all other false and devised satisfactions by any other , Use 1. and sheweth the most fearful state of all that know not nor embrace Christ ; as 1. The Jews that look for another Christ : 2. The Turks that trust in Mahomet , and do not acknowledge Christ ; so the Pagans that are utterly ignorant of him : The Papists also that make him but half a Saviour , and adde a number of other Merits and Satisfactions , with their blasphemous Idol of the Mass , their Pilgrimages , Penances , &c. yea , not onely say they are the sufferings of the Saints , meritorious for themselves , but even to put something into the common treasury to help others : These also among our selves that hope to be saved by their good meaning , good prayers , and civil life , and either do not at all look to Christ , or but to halves , being as good as not at all ; So those that make God an Idol , all of mercy , and no justice , when as they are both essentially in him , and he could not be God without both , and the one is infinite in him as the other ; yet by crying God mercy , they think to escape , never considering how his justice should be answered ; but he should not be just , nor God , if he should let thy sins go unpunished .

2. This sheweth the fearfulness of sin , Use 2. such was our case that ( as if one had committed a fault , and there were no way to scape , unless he could obtain the Kings son to dye for him ) we could not but perish , unless the Son of God had dyed for us .

3. This should much grieve and humble us , Use 3. to think what our sins have done , even that they occasioned all the torment our Savior was put to : It was not Judas nor the Jews , Pilate nor the Soldiers that crucified Christ , but our sins , they being but our servants and executioners ; How should this go to our hearts , that our lying , swearing , whoredom , pride , profaneness , &c. was the cause that put our Savior to all those indignities : Shall he be pierced , yea to the very heart , for our sins , and shall not we be pierced with grief for our own sins ? Shall he shed Tears of Blood , and shall we have dry eyes ? Shall he say , his soul is heavy to the death , and shall not our hearts be heavy ? could we having a friend that loved us so dearly as he would take our room , to endure much for us ; could we I say , stand by , and see him tortured for our cause , and look on it with dry eyes ?

4. This should make us take heed of sin for the time to come , Use 4. and avoid it above all things in the world , look upon every sin in blood ; no sin but hath a bloody face , when we have committed it , all the world cannot satisfie for it , it must be blood , the blood of the Son of God ; one drop of which was of more worth then Ten thousand worlds : if it were but the blood of a man must be shed for every sin were 't not fearful ? but it s Christ Blood , therefore how careful should we be ? But , O Lord , How small account is made of sin ! How doth the world make a May-game thereof ? How do men think they can appease Gods Wrath with a broken sigh , or a Lord have mercy upon us , for we are all Sinners , or by making some counterfeit shew in their sickness , or on their death-bed ? And do not the Papists think that it may be done away by auricular Confession , Penance , Pilgrimages , Holy-water , Popes Pardons , the saying over of so many Ave-maries , Paternosters , &c. But those that set so light by sin , are such as never knew the weight of it , nor have part in the remedy ; and therefore in vain do such say , they hope to be saved by Jesus Christ , and he dyed , and shed his Blood for their sins , and yet they still live in sin : What is this but to make a light account of Christs blood ? Heb. 10. 29. a treading of it under foot ? an accounting of it an unholy thing ? a despiting of the Spirit of grace ? Yea , if even Gods Children did so weigh this unspeakable price as they should , they would be more afraid to offend then they are : This also should awaken those that know no part in their Redemption , that they have the greatest matter in the world to seek ; Such should never be quiet , till they finde themselves discharged , for without this , there 's nothing but eternal destruction , they shall bear their own burthen .

5. This setteth out the unspeakable love of God and Jesus Christ , Use 5. that when we had plunged our selves into this miserable estate , and could not onely not help our selves out , but not so much as devise a way out , that he did both finde out the way , and was content to bestow his Son on us , to suffer the curse and death that we had deserved , Simile . that so we might be freed : What man would beat his Son , to spare his Servant ? What man would kill his Son , to save his Enemy ? What Prince would give his onely Son and Heir for a base Subject , nay , to redeem a Traytor ? and that not to bondage , but to death ? Iohn 3. 16. yet all this hath the Lord done ; God so loved the world : O wonderful , that the Father did not rather suffer all the world to perish , then that his most blessed Son should suffer the least of those indignities that he indured ! And was not the love of Christ infinite , that for us gave himself , and did willingly lay down his life for us , which could do nothing to deserve or requite it , nay , which were his very enemies ? so to endure such base and cruel dealing from men , who himself was Lord of the world , and could have commanded the earth to swallow them , so to be spitted on , mocked , scourged , nailed to the cross , &c. but above all , that he would undergo his Fathers displeasures for us Rake-hells that had so provoked him .

6. And what doth this call for at our hands again , Use 6. but admiring at the infiniteness of the price , we study all our life how to walk thankfully before him , giving our Bodies , Souls , Lives and Labors to him again most zealously , faithfully serving him in all obedience , yea if he should call us to lay down our lives for his Names sake , to do it chearfully , as he did for us : we are not our own , but the Lords who hath bought us , and paid dearly for us , and so must have neither Wit nor Will , 1 Cor. 6. 2● . Body nor Soul , Hand nor Foot , but for him , and which we are to employ in his service . If one should redeem us with a great sum of Money , Simile . we would ever be thankful , and count our selves his ; if one should give all his Substance , more ; if one should give himself to serve and be bond for us , yet more ; but to lay down his life for us , a Superior for inferiors , yea for enemies most of all ; so far and all this hath Christ done for us , How then should this dissolve and break our hearts to love , and cause us out of love to serve him ? O woful dulness in us and unthankfulness , that can say , We have part in such a Redemption , from such a misery to such a glory , and by such a price , and yet can be ready to think every thing too much for him ! How dull are we , and slow to do his service , in hearing the Word , Prayer , and other duties ? How quickly are we weary of well doing ? How think we every little time too much for him , that thought not his pains , his abasement , nay his life and heart-blood too much for us ? When we have him asking us in his poor members some small refreshing , how hardly and sparingly ( if at all ) doth it come from us ? nay , we will not part with our lusts and sinful affections at his request : Will we give our lives for him , and not our lusts ? how shall we ever martyr our bodies for him , that will not martyr our affections of Pride , Envy , Covetousness , unlawful pleasure in gaming , &c. O shall we grieve him that hath done so wonderful things for us ? It was grief enough to him that he suffered already , though we grieve him not again by our unthankfulness : O that we would labor to gratifie him by all means possible : To this end do we often meditate of this price , come we oft to the Sacrament , there may we see it , there eat and drink it worthily , there sprinkle it upon our Souls , and apply it to our selves , that so an edge may be set upon our care and zeal .

7. In vain do they lay claim to the blood of Christ , Use 7. that yet live in their lust ; O impudent faces and lyars that they are !

As of a Lamb without blemish and without spot . ] In what respects Christ is compared to a Lamb. Here Christ is further described by his innocency and purity , compared therefore to a Lamb ; Where allusion is made to the Lamb in the Old Testament , used in the Sacrifices , and the Paschal Lamb , which as it signified their own guiltiness and danger ; so yet that there was help ( not by their blood , but ) by the Sacrifice and satisfaction of another that was signified hereby , Iohn 1. 29. namely , Christ , who is termed , The Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world : The Paschal Lamb was to be a Male without blemish , of a year old , a pure and perfect one , signifying the Purity , Perfection and Innocency of Christ Jesus ; so he is called a Lamb , Isa. 53 7. to shew his willingness and patience in suffering both from God and men .

Our Savior Christ was innocent indeed , Isa. 53. 9. no guile found in his mouth ; he was most pure and perfect in his birth , for he was conceived by the Holy Ghost , and so freed from the least touch and contagion of Original sin , which was in the Virgin his Mother ; as also that matter of his body was filled with all holiness that it was capable of , and likewise immediately from the first moment of the conception , united unto one person with the Godhead , the second person in Trinity : He was so in his life , Iohn 8. 46. Who could accuse him of sin ? Mat. 27. 4 , 24. so also in his death , for he that betrayed confessed the same , and his Judge two or three times so pronounced him ; Luke 23. 41. one of the thieves also that were condemned with him , gave the like testimony of him : and it was necessary he should be innocent , See Heb. 7. 26 , 27. else he could be no Mediator for us , he himself had needed a Savior .

But how could it stand with Gods Justice to punish an innocent ? Object .

He being sufficient to pay our Debt , Sol. offered himself our Surety to his Father , Isa. 53. 6. who therefore could not refuse him , but imputing to him our sins , 2 Cor. 5. 21. laid the punishment thereby deserved on him .

1. This sets out his love so much the more , Use 1. that being innocent , would suffer for us wicked wretches .

2. This teacheth us to imitate him , Use 2. and in all things to be innocent as he was ( for this cause are we thrice termed Sheep and Lambs in our Saviors charge to Peter ) we must walk holy in the duties of the first Table towards God , Iohn 21. 15 , 16 , 17. and righteously in the duties of the second towards our brethren ; Eph. 5. 15. we must walk so exactly , that we may not justly be blamed : Iob 31. 35 , 36. Be we as Job , as Zachary and Elizabeth , and as Daniel , whose enemies could finde no fault in him in respect of his outward conversation , Luke 1. 6. and therefore were fain to take another course to entrap him : Dan. 6. 5. Samuel could say , 1 Sam. 12. 3. Whose Ox have I taken , &c. and though we cannot say with our Savior Christ , Who can accuse me of sin ? being privy to our selves of so many corruptions and infirmities as the best of us are ; yet that we may truly say , Who can accuse me of this or that gross sin ? or of any infirmity that I know by my self , and both mourn not for and strive against ? O it s a shame that Christians should hurt others in their goods , in their names , that they should revile , censure , backbite , &c. consider that there are many eyes upon us , Gods , his Angels , the Devils , both good and bad mens .

3. In that Christ being so innocent , Use 3. was yet willing to suffer and offer his blood , let us imitate him in this also ; let us be patient in bearing troubles and persecution ; we must suffer for his sake ( though causlesly ) chearfully and willingly , being called hereto ; for it s our honor , and we must reign with him . To suffer with Christ hath these things in it , Rom. 8. 17. To suffer as a Member of him ; To suffer for his cause , and to suffer willingly as he did ; we must also suffer patiently such afflictions as are of Gods immediate sending , as in like maner injuries and wrongs from men , against frowardness , hastiness , and revenge : Use we meekness and patience , Mat. 18. 15 , 21. these we must follow .

If Christ were thus innocent , Object . how comes it to pass that he was called a Samaritan , a friend of Publicans and Sinners , a glutton , a wine-bibber , an enemy to Cesar , and Barabbas preferred before him ?

He might be , Sol. and was innocent for all this : The holy Ghost saith not , he was never ill spoken of , for the Devil and his instruments will speak ill of the best persons and things , yea , of goodness it self .

Learn we then not to listen to nor believe all we hear ; Obser. even Elijah will be accused for a troubler of Israel , We are not to listen to , either believe all we hear . and the yong Prophet called a mad fellow , and that Micaiah never prophesied good , and that Jeremiah raves , and it s not meet that he should live , Paul a pestilent fellow , Ier. 26. 20. and a mover of sedition , and now adays , the true servants of God , good Christians , Acts 24. 5. called of some Hereticks , of others Puritans , Factious , Proud , Singular , Shismaticks , worse then Papists , &c. And may they not be the good servants of God for all this ? You shall have Elimas's ready to buz in yong Gentlemens and ignorant persons ears , that begin to set on to Religion , O these Puritans are the vilest persons in the world , even as the name of Hugenot in France was enough to help one to his death ! But let such take heed , believe not all , its malice speaks : So take heed we believe not all we hear of particular Ministers , and Christians , some slandred one way , some another : Is this a new trick , or rather is it not the old course of Satan to raise up such things to hinder men , if he could , from profiting by their Ministers , or set men off from the profession of Religion ? It s more to be wondred that he raiseth not up ten to one ; therefore never condemn them in your hearts , till you have tryed them : Do them that equity , ere you believe it , ere you report it , ask and expect , if they have so carried themselves as they have deserved to be wel thought of before : Is it not therefore a grievous thing , that even such as profess the same truth , and that have also good things in them , hearing an ill report of their Neighbor Christian , shall be too ready to believe it , and report it to others ; but I hope , saith he , it is not true , and so he tells it to another , and so it encreaseth like a Snow-ball , who should rather have stopt it , when he heard it first , and have used means to have come to the truth .

Verse 20. Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world , but was manifest in these last times for you . Verse 21. Who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the dead , and gave him glory , that your faith and hope might be in God .

HE proceeds to speak of Christ , as of one of whom he cannot make an end of speaking , and describes him , 1. By his Antiquity . 2. By the time of his taking flesh , and the reason of it : He was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world ; there 's his Antiquity : He was manifest in these last times for you ; there 's both the time , and reason of his Manifestation . Those for whom he was manifested he describes also , 1. By their Faith in God . 2. By the means whereby they did attain thereto , namely Jesus Christ ; where 's shewed , both why they did for the time present , and might still also believe and hope in God ; namely , because he raised him from the dead , and gave him glory , both which were for our good .

Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world , ] The prevention of an Objection . Here the Apostle prevents an Objection : He had said , they were redeemed from their vain conversation , which they had received from their Fathers by Christs Blood : why then belike ( might they have said ) our Fathers lived and dyed in their sins , and in their vain conversation , or else they had some other way of being Redeemed and Sanctified , and so God had no Church in former times ; yet saith the Apostle , God had his Church among the Forefathers , and such as were Redeemed , Justified , and Sanctified , as well as we , and that also by no other way then we ; for Christ , though he came not in the Flesh till these last times , yet he hath been the Savior of the world from the beginning in Gods counsel , and the effic●cy of his death and merit : So that first he answereth what they might have doubted of their Fathers , and then shews Christs Antiquity , that they might see he was not a new way devised of late , and that after Four thousand years it came into Gods minde thus to redeem mankinde : Oh , No , saith he , it was ordained before the world , and hath been in force in all times : And this he speaks the rather , because we are ready to suspect Novelty , neither can we freely fasten our Faith upon any new devised way : He tells then , they may freely rest upon him , as being the ancient way of Salvation .

But was manifest in these last times for you . ] He adds these words to stir up their hearts to more thankfulness and duty , who being so unworthy , should yet have the vantage of all the Fathers : Christ was but promised to them , he was performed to themselves : Now its worth much thanks to have a benefit promised of God , who is so sure of his Word , and to us so unworthy , but then it deserves much more thanks when the benefit is performed .

Who was fore-ordained , ] Acts. 1. & 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ordained before ; The word signifieth foreknown , as it s elsewhere rendred , to shew that Gods foreknowledge is not idle , nor separate from his Decree and Will , as some think .

Now that Christ was ordained before the World ; Doctr. he was he that was foretold by the Prophets , Christ was ordained before the world . signified by their Sacrifices , promised to Abraham , The seed in whom all the nations of the world should be blessed ; Gen. 12. 3. & 3. 15. so to Adam , The seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the Serpent ; Rev. 13 8. yea , he is termed , The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world ; Iohn 6. 27. neither is this all , He was ordained before the world : Whatsoever God brings to pass in time ( as nothing , Eph. 1. 4. nor the smallest or most casual thing but comes to pass by his Providence ) that he decreed beforetime ; for nothing comes to pass without Gods knowledge ( for then were not he infinite in Wisdom ) nor without his Will , for then were not he infinite in Power .

How could this be , Object . seeing there was no need of Christ till after the world was made , and man was the last creature that was made , and that in innocency ; Was the remedy ordained before the malady ?

The remedy was ordained before the misery ; Sol. was , but not before the misery was foreknown to be : Thus was the Lords order , He before all time set down this to glorifie himself : How ? In the Salvation of some of mankinde , and condemnation of others : Well , how could he bring this to pass ? he decreed to make man male and female , and to make them holy ; he decreed also to leave them to themselves , that falling , he might make a way for the glorifying of his mercy and justice , which if man had continued righteous , had been stopt up ; then he decreed to give his Son to redeem the vessels of mercy . Now for his decreeing of Adams fall , let it not seem strange ; he did not onely foresee , but decree it , yet so , as he is altogether free from any fault thereof : God , Man and the Devil had all a hand in that action , yet man and the Devil most guilty , and the Lord most free , as may appear partly by their diverse ends that they aymed at , and partly by their maner of bringing it to pass . Their ends ; God aymed to glorifie his mercy in saving some , and his justice in condemning others ; a good end : The Devils aym was to strip the Lord of any creature on earth to serve him , and to overthrow all mankinde : Adam and Eve they listened to the Devil , counting God as it were a lyar ( that had threatned them when there was nothing so ) and envious of their good estate , therefore thought without him to thrust themselves up into his seat , and make themselves equal with him ; two vile ends : for the maner also there are great odds ; God effects it thus , He makes man an holy and happy creature , gives him a commandment to exercise his obedience , gives him power to obey , useth reasons to have him take heed of breaking it , threatens death thereupon , onely leaves him to himself , and to the Devils temptations , yet sufficiently armed to resist him , onely follows him not with new grace , which he was not bound to do : Who can finde any fault in this ? The Devil effects it by alluring and tempting them to do that which God forbade , and that by his vile lyes : Adam and Eve they believe the Devil , and break the Commandment of their Creator : Who can herein lay any thing to Gods charge , or have cause to complain ? Hath the Devil ? nothing done but what he perswaded to : Hath Adam and Eve ? nothing done but what they voluntarily without any compulsion yielded unto : Have their Posterity ? Neither ; for 1. The godly they are restored to a better condition in Christ , then they lost in Adam . 2. The wicked they are never punished till they have justly deserved it by their own sins ; therefore it s without cause to complain : So is God just , Man and the Devil to be condemned .

What! Object . shall they be blamed for doing the will of God , for doing that which he had decreed ?

They aymed at no such end , Sol. but to fulfil their own lusts ; therefore are they justly to be blamed .

1. This setteth out the exceeding goodness and mercy of God , Use 1. thus graciously to plot a remedy so soon , which no man could have done , God like a Father did plot and forecast for us : If we had been left without a remedy , or must have shifted for one , it had gone ill with us . Now as this should make us love the Lord for his goodness and care , so what a comfort is this to poor souls , that seeing their misery , desire above all the world to be delivered out of the same ; Shall these miss of it , if they seek it of God with humble heart ? If the Lord had this care of his Church ere it was , will he suffer it to want any thing now , that is , if it seek it of him ? Did the Lord ordain a remedy before the world was ? was he so careful ? and now will he not bestow this remedy on all that truly desire it ? Will a Father be so provident to lay up corn and necessaries into his house , before there be need of them ; and when need is , and the children call and cry for bread , will he deny it them ?

2. This should marvellously provoke all to labor for their part in Christ : Use 2. Was he fore-ordained of the Father , and did he come and suffer , and shall we not lay out for him ? O monstrous carelesness and unthankfulness ! yet how few seek him ? how few seek him aright ? Few seek him as a Savior , fewer as their Lord and King , most so coldly as that they shall not obtain such a benefit as this .

3. This sheweth , Use 3. that as God ordained some to Salvation before the world , which was the cause of ordaining Christ , so this was most free ; Ioh. 3. 16. for what could we do to move him before we were , before the world was ? No , as God sent his Son into the world of his meer mercy , so he ordained him of the same .

4. If Christ were thus ordained , Use 4. then he is no new Savior , but the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world , Rev. 13. 8. by whom all the Fathers have been saved ; Ioh. 8. 56. Abraham saw his day , and believed , therefore none needs doubt or fear to trust in him : Rom 9. 33. He that believeth in him shall never be confounded , nor make haste . O that the Jews and Turks would believe this ! but they will one day be confounded with shame , and make haste to seek another Savior , when their former shall fail them .

5. Lay for Christ , Use 5. ere thou lay a foundation for the world , let him be first sought after : Mat. 6. 33. Till we have Christ , Ioh. 6. 27. neither our persons nor works please God , nor have we right to the things of the world , nor any promise of blessing .

Before the foundation of the world , ] Obs. As the foundation of the world was laid , The world shall not always continue . so it may and shall be unlaid , and pull'd down , and that by him that laid it : The time will come , when the Elements shall melt , &c. 2 Pet. 3. 10. when the earth , with all the works therein shall be consumed with fire . As all things here be frail , and of no continuance or certainty , but subject to many alterations ; so the world it self , that hath worn out many generations of people , it self shall have an end , already waxeth old .

Trust not to it , Use. it will deceive all that do ; It s like a great round Bowl , whereon if a man should offer to stand , it would roll away , and lay him under feet , if not break his back : Too too many break themselves with the world , onely Heaven lies foursquare .

But was manifest ] He is manifested three ways ; Christ how manifested . 1. By the Word and Sacraments : 2. By his coming in the flesh : 3. By his last coming to Judgement . Here the second is chiefly meant ; for he was revealed in all Ages to our Forefathers in the Word and Sacraments , Heb. 9. 26. but yet not so evidently and clearly as in our times , in these last times , wherein he was made manifest in the flesh .

Note here ,

1. The constancy and unchangeableness of the Lord , Doctr. who as he Ordained Christ before the world , God is constant and unchangeable . so he sent him in due time into the world : The Lord is not as man , that he should lye or repent , his purposes are unvariable , and his promises most certain and sure ; he wants no power to effect his Decrees and Purposes , No length of time could make him alter or fail , neither the wretchedness of the Age that he came in , which was wofully corrupt , when even they that bare the Name of the Church were defiled in Judgement and Conversation , God notwithstanding would accomplish his purpose : So it is with every one whom he elected before the world , he will not lose one , but in time afford them effectual means for Faith and Repentance ; Acts 13. 48. no length of time , no mans badness shall hinder this work . The Lord had decreed to call and make his Covenant with Abraham , and yet what was he but a blinde Idolater till God called him ? What also Paul , who notwithstanding was ordained from his Mothers womb , nay , before the world , to be a special instrument in the Church ?

1. This may comfort godly Parents over their children that be yet uncalled , Use. 1. they may have hope they be in the compass of Gods election , and so that God will one day have mercy on them : Oh , but they be thus and thus bad ! It s grievous indeed , but that shall not hinder , if they belong to Gods election : Shall the wretchedness of man make the faith of God of none effect ? nay , let God be true , and every man a lyar ; wheresoever God hath any elect ones , he will finde them out and remember them .

2. It teacheth us also to be constant in all our good purposes ; Use 2. Hell is full of purposes , Acts 11. 29 , 30 Heaven of performances : Psal. 76. 11. How many good purposes in sickness , after the Word , before the Sacrament , &c. have we , which prove as blossoms without fruit ?

2. The constancy of Gods promises they be Yea and Amen ; Gods promises are unchangeable . no length of time can make him break a promise ( as this of sending Christ into the world ) as neither the unworthiness of men : The Israelites as wretched as might be , yet they could not make him break promise with Abraham to give them Canaan ; one would think he should cut them off in the mid-way , but he had respect to his Name : This was the cause that Gods Servants were always glad of a promise , Neh. 1. 9. as Nehemiah . So are his threatnings , as that with Adam and Eve , though then there were no more upon the earth : So even with our Lord Jesus himself , that innocent Lamb of God , yet standing as our Surety , God spared him not , but according to the threatning of death , gave him to dye ; notwithstanding of his prayers and strong cryes , he abated nothing , but laid it on him to the uttermost .

1. Here 's a comfort to Gods people , Use 1. finde out , apply , and hold fast the promises in all our necessities : Stand upon them , on any one one of them , as upon an unmoveable foundation ; God cannot fail , who ever trusted in him and was confounded ? Happy is the man that trusteth in him .

2. Let the wicked know how small account soever they make now of the Lords threatnings , Use 2. they shall finde them too true for them : And if the Lord Jesus , the innocent Son of God , the Surety , found it , shall those horrible monsters , that shake off all care of God and goodness , think to scape free , and finde his Word loose ? No , though they bare themselves upon late repentance .

In these last times ] Christ was not exhibited till after Four thousand years of the world : Obser. and why not before , Christ was then exhibit it when God decreed that he should so be . or all this while ? because God decreed it to be no sooner : why decreed he it to be no sooner ? because he would not : If any go yet further , and ask why he would not ? this is Presumption , and curious Pride : we must not ask a reason further then the will of God , where none is revealed , God determined ( as we shall see after ) to bestow a greater priviledge on the last age of the world , then on the former , and who should question him for the same ? This then was the time which God in his counsel had appointed , Gal. 4. 4. which is called by the Apostle , the fulness of time : when all time was run out that was to be before , then he came ; so that he could not possibly have comed any sooner , nor tarried any longer : If we respect the Power of God simply , he could have sent him sooner , but if Gods Decree , he could come no sooner ; even as Christs bones could not be broken in respect of Gods Decree , though the nature of them was as other mens , subject to be broken : Nor could Christ have lived longer in the world in respect of Gods Decree , Doctr. though he might by the course of nature and strength of body continued many years . What God hath decreed shall be in due time accomplished .

Note we then from hence , that

What God hath decreed , as he will effect , so will he do in the due and appointed time ; Acts 16. 6 , 7. whomsoever he hath chosen he will call , every one in their time , yet after Peter writes to the Christians scattered in those places ; what is this , but that the time of their calling was not yet come , Mat. 10. 5. which afterward was fulfilled ? At the first sending out of the Apostles , Mat 28. 19. they were forbid to go into the way of the Gentiles , but afterwards ( and that upon the forementioned ground ) bid to Preach to all Nations : Rom. 11. 25. So the Jews shall be called , but when ? when the fulness of the Gentiles shall be come in : Some were called into the Vineyard to work at one hour , some at another .

1. This may teach us , Use 1. being truly called , and our time come , highly to praise God .

2. And for those that yet be behinde , Use 2. be not out of hope , wait still , use the means , &c. and when God sends the means , hope the time is coming : who knoweth whether God hath not some Elect among the Indians that he will send means unto , which they have hitherto wanted , and so call them to the knowledge of Christ Jesus ? The like may be said of particular persons : But let none hence cast off care , and say my time is not yet come wherein I shall be called , and so neglect the Word , and live badly , but let such use the means with all speed , to day , while it s called to day : The longer any goeth on uncalled , it s the more dangerous sign of no Election of God .

3. Here see the reason why many a good Prayer and good Enterprize taketh not effect by and by , Use 3. but the wicked prevail , even because the time is not yet come .

Further , Three differences of times . observe three differences of times , Before the Law , Under the Law , and After the Law , or after the manifestation of Christ : Why is this last called The last times ? Why this called the last time . A. They be so in comparison of former times ; and these from Christ onward , are the next before the end of the world , when there shall be no more time .

God will never speak to his Church after any other maner ; Obser. he will make no new Covenant , God will no otherwise reveal his will , then he hath already done . no new Gospel , Religion , maner of Worship , Sacraments , Faith , but hath revealed all his will to us in his Son Christ Jesus , he will never alter his course ; we have all that ever we may look for here on earth , Heb. 1. 1. nothing can be more clear .

This condemneth the Turks , Use. which look for their Mahomet , and the Jews which look for I know not what Messiah and Lordly Savior : The Papists also , being belike ashamed of what God hath revealed in his Gospel , patch together an infinite number of mens inventions , so that their Religion is as a beggars cloak , full of pieces , of divers colours set on at divers times .

These being termed the last times , Doctr. because they be the immediate times before the Worlds end ; We now live in the latter end of the last times . it followeth , that having been so ever since the Apostles , we live in the latter end of the last times .

1. Here 's comfort to Gods people , that the last day is so near , which therefore they may wait for with patience . Use 1.

2. Terror to the wicked , Use 2. that think it will not come , because defer'd , and so many hundred years it hath been called the last time ; but God is not slack , but patient for his Elects sake that yet are behinde : If it had come one hundred years ago , we had been prevented , But a thousand years are but as one day with the Lord , and it will surely come , and that too soon to the wicked , who shall feel the terror thereof .

For you ] The Reason of Christs coming thus towards the end of the world , Why Christ came towards the latter end of the world . because God had appointed to do a greater favor to the last age , not but that those which went before , both knew and saw Christ , as Abraham , though afar off ; So that here the Fathers are not excluded , but he was manifest for us , that we might have a fuller sight of him then the fathers ; their light was but dim in comparison of ours .

How much then are we bound to God ? Use. and ought we not to have more knowledge and faith , and shew more tokens of thankfulness then they ? But alas , though we have the Gospel and Sacraments so clearly , never did iniquity more abound : Thus do we reward the Lord for his kindeness .

Who by him do believe in God ] He saith , They believed , how came he to know that ? he hoped so , and in charity so judged of them , as who willingly gave themselves to the profession of Christian Religion , and for the same did undergo persecution : Therefore I say , he hoped the more confidently of them , even as we may do of such Assemblies as these on the week days ; What we are to do , and how to carry our selves , that others may think well of us . a man may hope better of them , then of those which come by commandment ( as others of Custom , not Conscience ) especially considering the discouragements they meet withal , and their constancy notwithstanding ; A man cannot but think they should come for Conscience , and expect better things at their hands then others ; which I desire you would be careful , to declare well at home in your places and several dealings , not onely to Gods glory , your own comfort , and winning on of others , but stopping up the mouthes of the worst , that are ready to pry into , and speak all evil of the forwarder sort of professors .

By him ] We cannot believe in God , Doctr. but by the Son : For 1. The Father dwelleth in the light that none can attain unto ; We cannot believe in God , but by the Son . How then shall we come to him of our selves , we being so poor and weak , and he of so infinite Majesty ? Reas. 1. As in the Summer we cannot directly look upon the Sun shining in his full strength , but may view it in a pail of Water ; 2 Cor. 4. 4. so must we see the Father in the Son , who is the image of the Father , Heb. 13. and the ingraven form of his person . 2. God is infinitely just , Reas. 2. and we extreamly wicked , he a consuming fire , and we stubble ; How then can we come to him , believe in him , or take comfort , but onely in and by the Lord Jesus our Mediator ? who by his death hath made satisfaction to his Father , Iohn 14. 6. and covered us with his righteousness : Eph. 3. 12. He is the Way , the Truth and the Life , none cometh to the Father but by him ; Heb. 10. 19 By him we have boldness and access with confidence : Its life eternal to know the onely true God , Iohn 17. 3. but how shall that be done ? onely by Jesus Christ : He therefore that would believe in God , and have comfort thereupon , must first know and believe in Christ Jesus , even know him to be for natures and offices as he is , God and man , and believe in him as the onely Savior who reconcileth us to the Father .

1. Therefore Jews and Turks believe not in God , Use 1. because they believe not in Christ , and know him not .

2. All are Hereticks that deny any of Christs natures or offices , Use 2. for we must believe him to be such as the Word declares him to be .

3. The Papists , Use 3. which in effect deny his Humane Nature , by standing for Transubstantiation ; and his offices Priestly , by their Masses , Satisfactions , Joynt-intercessions ; his Prophetical , by their own Traditions ; his Kingly , by making the Pope head of the Church , making Laws to binde the Conscience , to forgive sins , save , damn , &c. Therefore they cannot truly believe in God , and therefore it stands them in hand to know Christ aright , and then to believe in him .

4. This condemneth a number of ignorant creatures among us , Use 4. which will come to God , but how ? by their good meanings , good prayers , good serving of God , civil life , and the like ; as others which seem better taught , by their repenting , and crying God mercy : Oh , this goes for current , and in the mean time take no thought how his justice should be satisfied : These may cry their hearts out to God , and finde no mercy ; they must bring Christ their Surety in their hand , and plead mercy for his sake , and his satisfaction : Such as were stung by the Fiery-Serpents , could not be otherwise healed , but by looking up upon the Brazen-Serpent , neither we otherwise accepted of God , then through Christ : Humble thou therefore thy self , confess thy sins , judge thy self , know Christ , and plead his satisfaction .

That raised him up from the dead , Obs. and gave him glory ] The Father is here said to have raised up Christ , In Christs Resurrection the whole Trinity had a hand . and yet the Son saith of himself , That he laid down his life , and took it to him again . A. Whatsoever the Father did herein , the same did the Son , and the Holy Ghost : The work is common to all .

Here I might speak , 1. Of our Saviors Resurrection , and shew how carefully all the Evangelists have recorded it , with the witnesses thereof , and how all the Apostles in their Sermons stood upon it , and how the Devil and the Jews endeavored to hinder it , and what great benefits ensue unto us hereby . 2. Of his Ascension , after forty days being on earth , Phil. 2. 9. and how he changed his place , and vanished not , and how though absent in his Humanity , he is ever present by his Spirit , and how he is most highly advanced , and how his Godhead was not thus advanced ( it was impossible ) nor his manhood by it self had such a name , and such glory due to it , but that the person of Christ , God and man was advanced , and how now he makes intercession , and hath prepared a place for us ; but of these I have spoken at large on the Creed .

That your faith and hope might be in God ] Every one that believeth in Christ that these things belong to him , The benefits which those reap that believe in Christ may boldly believe and hope in God , for all good for this life , and that which is to come , look for a full discharge of all sins , for power to rise to a new life , for a glorious resurrection ; look also on God with boldness , by the intercession of Christ , and be assured of , expect and wait for an entrance into the same glory our Head is entred into .

Verse 22. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit , unto unfained love of the brethren ; see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently .

A Good life is an inseparable companion of Faith and Hope ; God having bestowed upon them the former , the Apostle would not have them to be wanting in the latter . Generally he exhorts to Sanctification , vers. 14. then particularly , first to renounce their lusts , ibid. then to embrace the contrary , Holiness , vers. 15 , 16. This he divides into two parts : 1. The fear of God ; which contains all parts of Piety towards God , vers. 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21. 2. Love to our brethren ; which comprehendeth all the Duties we owe to them . These two are knit in a comely order , not to be sundred .

In this verse we have an Exhortation to true and Christian love ; wherein we have , 1. The ground of it , The grace of God , which they had received , namely , for that they were Justified and Sanctified ; which is set out by the part purified , Their Souls : the outward means whereby , the word called Truth , which they did obey ; and the inward worker , the Spirit . 2. The end of it , which was as to all good duties , so to true love amongst the rest ; as if he had said , Seeing you are pardoned and purged to this end , that you should love purely , see that you do so . This ground is a Reason of the Exhortation ; where it seemeth the Holy Ghost keeps a good order both in his Exhortations and Reasons . Before he exhorted to the fear and love of God , now to the love of the Brethren : Before he had used Reasons both from the Godhead in general , vers. 15 , 16. and from the first two persons of the Trinity ; the Father , vers. 17. and the Son , vers. 18 , 19. Now he useth one taken from the third person , the holy Spirit of God , who had wrought grace in them , and purified them to this end .

From the order which the holy Ghost useth , Note we two things :

1. Where there 's no love nor fear of God , Doct. there can be no true Brotherly love , Where there 's no love nor fear of God , there can be no true brotherly love . that being indeed the root from whence this springeth .

1. Therefore there can be no true love amongst the wicked : Drunkards meet together , and Pot-companionship is common , but this is no love , Use 1. its conspiracy ; Love rejoyceth in good , not evil . No more is a company of Thieves and Traytors that conspire together , 1 Cor. 13. 6. or many or fewer that combine against a good part , they may stick close , and hold together in evil , but this is no love ; nor in those Towns where there 's scarce any , or but mean teaching , where people meet twice or thrice a week to Bowls , and women to Stool-ball , or other games , thus to spend out their time , and to no good , is far from love ; and yet if one speak against such things , Oh , say they , You are an enemy to love and friendship ; and , It was as a peaceable Town till such a one came , as any other whatsoever , now there 's no good-fellowship &c. But our Savior Christ saith , He came to bring no such peace in evil , but rather debate : The Devil is content with this peace , because they strengthen one another in evil ; for if any good come to cross this merry prophane world , then will it be opposed : What hold is thereof their love ? they go arm in arm to the Tavern , yet straight ready to stab one another , or betray each other , Iudges 9. 23. as Joab did Abner , and it was between the men of Sechem and Abimelech ; if they be once out at deadly defiance , it s seldom forgiven , never forgotten .

2. Nor can the wicked love the children of God truly ; Use 2. they may be convinced in their conscience ( as Saul ) that they be the Servants of God , innocent men , and God may encline their hearts to favor them , as Cyrus to set the people at liberty to return and build ( For if a mans ways please God , Prov. 16. 7. his very enemies shall be at peace with them ) and Ahasuerus and Artaxerxes favored Ezra and Nehemiah ; yea , as God kept Daniel among the Lyons , so he can and doth keep his children among the wicked ; and as he made the Ravens bring Elijah meat , so he can make even the wicked instruments for his childrens good , but love them they cannot : They may do a man outwardly some good ( and not amiss to take it ) but to do it aright they cannot , as neither to pray , or do any other duty ; and what hold of their favor ? If they cry Hosanna now , within a while they will cry Crucifie him ; as those of Lystra would have sacrified to Paul and Barnabas as gods , Acts 14. 15 , 16 , 19. but by and by upon a lying report of some , stoned them ; and as Herod reverenced John the Baptist , yet at the perswasion of Herodias her Daughter , cut off his head : Judas betrayed Christ , and David complained that it was his familiar friend that did him the greatest hurt . If some great body shall say to them , I perceive or hear you are a great favorer of Puritans , they are gone , and hide their heads : if the multitude go the other way , or it be any thing dangerous , when there 's most need of them , they are gone .

2. Upon this coupling of these two together , Doct. Note further , that Wheresoever there 's the true fear and love of God , Where there 's the true fear or love of God , there 's also brotherly love . there will be also love towards our Brethren .

1. Therefore they that declare no love , but that they are void of all bowels of compassion , 1 Ioh. 1. being all for themselves , are also void of the love of God . 1 Ioh. 4. 12.

2. They also that malign , Use 1. mock and persecute the better sort , no worse brand of such that they have in them not the least dram of the love of God : Use 2. He that loveth him that begetteth , 1 Ioh. 5. 1. loveth also him that is begotten ; Psal. 15. 4. and they that love God , make much of them that fear the Lord , Psal. 16. 3. having all their delight in such : The contrary is a black mark , and as bad as may be , as bad a brand as any can bear ; as hereby we may know that we are translated from death unto life , 1 Ioh. 3. 14. so by the contrary , that we are yet under darkness .

3. They that are contentious , Use 3. giving or embracing every trifling occasion conducing hereto , and can fret , and fall out , and live in enmity , and that day after day , week after week , moneth after moneth ; let these suspect themselves , either the love of God hath no place in them , or else it s in a very small measure , and their corruption overgrows the same .

Having purified your souls ] These words are the Ground and Reason of the Exhortation ; namely , That forasmuch as they were Justified and Sanctified by the Spirit of God to the exercise of all good duties , and so of love , that they would do that for which they had this cost bestowed upon them .

This presupposing a former impurity , Obser. notes the uncleanness that is in Soul and Body : There 's uncleanness in us , both in Soul and Body They were created pure , but are now defiled in the sight of God , and that with sin , which God who is of pure eyes cannot abide ; we are guilty of Adams sin , born in Original sin , therewith tainted throughout , so with infinite actual sins : Not only are our eyes full of adultery , our feet swift to shed blood , our mouthes full of cursing , &c. but our very souls defiled , and every faculty thereof , Gen. 6. 5. the thoughts of our heart being onely evil continually , thereout proceeding Murthers , Matth. 15. Adulteries , &c. whereby we are defiled : Isa. 1. 16. This is implyed in that of the Prophet , Cease to do evil , learn to do well : Iam. 4. 8. and that of Saint James , Cleanse your hands ye sinners , and purifie your hearts ye double minded : Rev. 3. 17 , 18. We are not without filthy nakedness , we are so corrupt , that our nature taints all our actions be they never so good in themselves , yea , the best and most holy of Gods Ordinances , the Word , Sacraments and Prayer , making them abominable in the sight of God : So impure that we cannot cleanse our selves , nay , nor desire it , conceiving that even our uncleanness is purity , and becomes us well : So as all the water in the Seas , all the help of Men and Angels cannot help us ; it must be the mighty work of God alone , as the very water in Baptism teacheth us .

This should humble us , Use. and make us desire speedily to be cleansed , which is by the Blood of Christ Jesus from sin past , and from the taint of nature by the Spirit of Sanctification : But how few are thus affected ? how few take knowledge of their uncleanness , and that sin doth so defile them ? 1. There are even open prophane ones , which yet seek no washing , but refuse it , yea , think themselves clean enough , yea , hate them that wallow not in the mire as themselves , thinking strange to see any cleanse themselves by the Word and Prayer , yea , think them strange that will not go on in their filthiness , by companying and joyning with them . 2. Civil persons can see no such thing , therefore few of them are cleansed , because few finde themselves leprous , and desire to be cleansed ; let such take knowledge of their uncleanness , Iohn 3. 5. yea , let the civilest know , that if they be not born again of water and the holy Ghost , they cannot see the Kingdom of God : Seek therefore to be purged in time , Mat. 5. 8. that you may please God , and see him , for without holiness none shall see him : Heb. 12. 14. He onely that hath innocent hands , Psal. 15. 2. and a pure heart , shall enter into his Tabernacle ; else person , service , and all , is loathsom to God , and what should such a man do living ? And the servants of God that are in some measure purged , must desire to be more purged of these evils that cleave to them , Obs. and prevail so much over them , Where there 's sanctification of the soul , there 's also sanctification of the body . and defile even their best duties .

Your souls ] Hereby he means the whole man , both Body and Soul , for God sanctifieth throughout , and there the body is Sanctified , where there 's Sanctification of the Soul , as from which comes the Sanctification of the Body .

In obeying the truth ] The Word of God is the outward instrument of our cleansing : Doct. Thus were Zacheus , Mary Magdalene and the Goaler ; The Word of God is the outward instrument of our cleansing . thus also are we sanctified . The Law pulling down , the Gospel by degrees lifts up , working an high prizing of the remedy , vehement longing after it , Ioh. 15. 3. & 17. 17. at last some perswasion which Faith unites to Christ , whereby guiltiness and sin is pardoned in Christs death , and corruption being taken away , the grace of Sanctification is given , which Faith sucketh from Christ the fountain of life ; so that as he that is out of Christ can do no good , Iohn 15. 5. so united to him , we receive sanctifying grace ; Acts 15. 9. therefore Faith is said to purifie the heart , namely , by uniting us to Christ , and the Word is the instrument to work Faith : Besides , the Word purgeth thus , not onely setting before us as in a glass all our faults , and what we should do , but it worketh in us care and conscience to be obedient .

1. Therefore thank God for the Word , Use 1. the instrument of purging : Where it is not , all lie in the mire ; O how we should desire the free passage of it !

2. If we see our children and servants defiled , Use 2. we must bring them to the Word , and pray and wait thereon .

3. For our selves , Use 3. we are to try , whether it hath been effectual to wash us , both heart and hand , if yea , then there 's comfort , it hath obtained the right end ; if not , but that we remain in our filthiness , or in any part of it willingly , it s a fearful sign : Many have been cleansed by it , what hath it purged us of ? Hath it washed our mouthes from swearing , lying ? our hands from wrong ? our eyes from wantonness ? our hearts from the love of all sin , our master sin , especially as Zacheus ?

They obeying the Word , their Souls and bodies were purged thereby , 1 Sam. 15. 22. else they could not : This is better then Sacrifice , and disobedience is that which the Lord cannot away withal , Ier. 25. 12 , 1● . but will grievously punish . 2 Thess. 1. 8. All the stir is about obeying the truth , for men can be content to hear , 1 Pet. 4. 17. but to obey is death ; O how would the Word purifie men , if they would obey it ! its just with God to take away the Truth from us , because we obey it not .

Truth ] The Word is called Truth , Why the Word is called Truth not true onely , but Truth , the Truth , Iohn 17. 17. nothing but Truth , and in matters of God and our Salvation , all the Truth , Iames 1. 18. the rule of Truth .

1. Then Traditions contrary to this , Use 1. are lyes , and whatsoever else .

2. It s Blasphemy to speak against this Truth , Use 2. or any part of it .

3. Let Gods poor people get the Word on their sides , Use 3. humble persons get a promise , and stay upon it against all contrary temptations : They are lyes , the Word is the truth ; yet they suffer themselves to be more carried away with a temptation of Satan , or that riseth of their own unbelief , then they are comforted by three or four plain promises of Gods Word .

4. Let the wicked that make such slight account of Gods threatnings , Use 4. know , Heb. 13. 4. that they shall prove all too true for them ; they shall not be held guiltless : and they go in danger of all Gods wrath and curses every hour , and hang over the pit of Hell , &c. These things move not , but the Word ought to make their hearts ake and tremble , as who shall one day finde whose word shall stand , theirs or the Lords .

Through the Spirit , Doct. ] The inward worker is the Spirit , without which all will be in vain . The Spirit is the inward worker of Sanctification . It s the Spirit that worketh all from first to last , opens the understanding , works Faith , and then conveys power from Christ , to dye to sin , and live to righteousness ; without him we shall have but binde eyes , Acts 11. 21. and 16. 14. ears stopt , no hearing ears : he opened the heart of Lydia .

We must not then trust to our selves , Use. or our wit , learning and parts , but acknowledge the very best thing in us , the wisdom of the flesh , to be enmity against God : Nor must we trust to any Preacher in the world , Rom. 8. 7. for its God onely that giveth the encrease ; but ever come in humility , 1 Cor. 3. 6 , 7. calling upon God , both on our own and the Preachers behalf , that God would give us his Spirit to make all effectual , that through him we may understand , believe and obey .

Unto unfained love of the brethren ; ] Hence note ,

1. That till a man be cleansed by the Spirit of Sanctification , Obs. he is not fit to do any good , Till we be cleansed by the Spirit , we are unfit for any duty . no not for love ; for the heart must first be emptied of the love of all evil , ere the love of any good can take place : The garden must be rid of weeds and stones , ere we sow and plant .

For those therefore that declare by their loosness , Use. that there remaineth the love of some lust in them , it s as sure as God is in heaven , for all the countenance they make of Religion , and shew of profession , and good things , there is not any dram of true grace in them , and all the seeming good things they do , are in hypocrisie , and to no purpose ; for the love of evil , and of good , cannot be at one time in one heart . O look to it , will you lose all your comfort here , and all your labor , yea Heaven it self , for some one sin ?

2. The end of our Sanctification is to be fruitful in good works , Obs. and to set upon good duties . The end of our Sanctification is to be fruitful in good works .

Such therefore as profess themselves to be Sanctified , must be more fruitful .

Touching the grace here exhorted unto , Eph. 2. 20. speak we both in general and particular : Iam. 1. 18. In general ; where consider ,

1. What Love is . Use. It s a Sanctified affection of the heart , wherewith whoso is endued , What Love is . endeavoreth to do all the good he can to all , but especially to them that be nearest unto him . It s an affection seated ( as is said ) in the heart , as the others of Hope , Fear , Joy , Grief , &c. are . They were all good and well ordered in Adam , but ever since his fall wofully corrupted , and utterly disordered and perverted ; as this of love is turned either into an hatred of that we should love , or into self-love .

It s a Sanctified Affection : For ere a man can love , he must be Regenerate and Sanctified throughout , which comes by being united to Christ by Faith , whereby our affections are in some measure purged and restored to their former integrity , as to hate evil , and love good , God , Gal. 5. 22. and our Brethren for Gods cause : Love is a fruit of the Spirit , and must come from a pure Heart , 1 Tim. 1. 5. good Conscience , and Faith unfained , and therefore cannot be in an unregenerate person ; there may be indeed a shew and shadow of it , but that s no true love : They do not love one another , neither possibly can love the people of God . See Psal. 41. 9. & 55. 13. There 's no trust in them , they do but watch their opportunity when to do them mischief : Mat. 10. 21. O the wretched condition of such ! how needful wert for them to be wearied thereof ? And for the people of God , they must not trust them , or too much open themselves to them : He onely that fears God is to be trusted , he dares not deceive .

Wherewith whoso is endued , endeavoreth : Though love be in the heart , yet it must and will shew it self forth in the Life , See 1 Ioh. 3. ●7 . Words , and Deeds , to Soul and Body , else it s like the love of bad men to God , who yet keep not his commandments ; Iames 2. 14 , 15 , 16. or like the worldlings Faith which is without Works .

To do good : For it s the nature of love , it can do no hurt , but what good it can it will do , to Soul and Body ; and wheresoever any true good is done to Soul or Body , Rom. 13. 10. Goods or Name , there was love , love did it .

To all : For though brotherly kindeness be to the people of God , yet love reacheth to all , whether near or far off , to Strangers , Enemies , such as are not yet called , under the Turk , Pope , Pagans , &c. for whom we are to pray , and to do them all the good we can , with the pitiful Samaritan . Luke 10. 34.

But especially to them that be nearest : So God gives leave , nay , commands that our love begin at our selves and ours , and so go on forward to them that be nearest by nature : ● Tim. 5. 4 , 8 , 16. Therefore they that prefer Strangers before Kinsmen , and Kinsmen before Children , are blame-worthy , and to bestow upon any , to the undoing of ones Family , is not love but folly : as in them which wil spend in lewd company , their Wives and Children at home being in want . So must it be to them that ●e nearest by grace : Gal. 6. 10. This is often commanded , and highly also commended in the Scriptures : Rom. 12. 10. and 13. 8. This is the bond of perfection , It bindes up all the duties that we owe to our Neighbor , Col. 3. 14. which are many , holds them together as the bond of a Fagot , and makes every duty easie , as where this is not every duty is irksome , nothing comes well off hand ; It ties Societies together and Families : O how it keeps out evil , how it sets up good ! By it small things have become great , and for want of it great things have come to nothing : It s the fulfilling of the Law , Rom. 13. 8. It s a most beneficial vertue ; other vertues benefit our selves , Gal. 5. 13 , 14. but this doth good to others : Psal. 133. Faith draws all from Christ to us , Love lays out it self for others good , as the Sun that hath no light for it self ; other vertues be like the Bung of a Barrel , Love like the Tap that sets it abroach to the benefit of them that need . If a man be as full of gifts as a Tun of Liquor , if he have no Tap , others may starve ; 1 Cor. 13. 1 , 2. so for Temporal things : without this all gifts are nothing , but as sounding Brass . We are not born for our selves , but the perfection of all we have is to employ : This is the lasting vertue , which ( when others , as Faith and Hope , shall end ) shall spring afresh , abound , and abide for ever ; that vertue that makes us like to God , for he is Love , and doth good to all , even his enemies , though he have a special affection to his Children : O that I could paint out the face of this lovely vertue , that every one of us might grow in love therewith !

2. The properties thereof , The properties of love . whereby we may try whether it be in us , and in what measure . They are laid down by the Apostle unto the Corinthians , 1 Cor. 13. 4. Charity suffereth long , and is kinde ; Charity envyeth not ; Charity vaunteth not it self , is not puffed up , doth not behave it self unseemly , &c. Take we notice of a few of them ; 1. Love will interpret things doubtful to the best ; ( that is , speeches or actions of men towards our selves or others ) and if they may be taken well , will not take them ill : Our nature is to take every thing in the worst part , Love doth otherwise ; the Mother saith a pin pricks the Childe , or it breeds teeth , when it may be its of frowardnes that it cryes . Thus Josephs Brethren sold him spitefully into Egypt , afterward when by reason thereof they were afraid , what construction made he thereof ? God ( saith he ) did send me before you to preserve life . Gen. 45. 5. If a thing be plainly evil , yet it will make it no worse then it is , nor say it was done deliberately , when it may be it was done rashly ; or maliciously , when it may be it was done weakly and in temptation ; for one may do injury to a bad action , in making it worse , and its better to judge a little better of a thing , then worse then it is : Always provided this be understood , not of palpable , notorious , foul evils , nor of continued courses in sinning ; for what good or charitable construction can a man make of these ? Therefore such say foolishly , when being informed hereof , they Reply , Oh , ye must not judge ; what can be judged of this case , but onely that there may be Repentance ? It s a fault in Ministers and others that will extenuate foul sins in bad persons and wicked livers , in the mean time aggravating a Professors oversight . 2. It will depart from its own , Mat. 17. 27. rather then break love , as give way in conference , and yield , Gen. 13. 8. though we know we have the truth , so it be in small matters ; after offences yield , and sometimes seek Reconciliation , though it were meet the other should seek to us ; for why ? it more prizeth and esteemeth love , See M. Perkins Christian Equity . then small matters : It will lay down the bucklers , go on the lower ground , yield the way or the wal , when there 's no reason for it . 3. It doth no hurt ; it s against the nature thereof so to do , whether in life , Rom. 13. 10. chastity , goods , and good name : See it in God , a perfect patern of love , He doth all good ( no hurt ) to his Children : It provokes not , but strives by all means to please all as far as may be with a good conscience ; it seeks not its own things , but others as well . 4. It s not easily provoked , but forbears , forgives , puts up , &c. It wil cover natural infirmities , See Mr. Perkins cases of Cons. such things as be weaknesses in our brethren , natural defects , not done of set purpose , or breaking out into extremities : 1. 3. cap. 3. pag. 135. As some be a little too quick , some a little too slow ; some seeing a fault are too ready to speak , 1 Cor. 13. 5. some a little too slow to speak or reprove ; some a little too fine , earnest , negligent , merry , solemn , others a little too homely and plain , remiss , sad , sullen , &c. If they were not so much on either hand it were better : These love will cover , or nothing ; love will not stand upon them , rebuke or reproach them , it will not deal hardly with them for these things , but wisely bear them : Thus will a loving husband bear with his wife , that fears God , though haply somewhat quick , and curst , haply not so cleanly , or provident altogether as were to be desired : So a wife with her husband , though haply not so affable , or whose nature will not suffer him to use such complements to his wife as some can with facility : So if a servant be very trusty and careful to please , onely somewhat slow , the Master must not hereupon rebuke him too oft , too openly , too sharply , sometime lovingly in private he may : So a Neighbor confers with a Neighbor , and the one is a little too quick ; love will not see it , but consider its a natural infirmity , it s not much out of the way , though somewhat it is ; love will not exasperate him , or answer him tartly , but go on friendly , in a maner not so much as taking notice thereof : Love will also cover and put up wrongs done unto it , not seeing small ones , but forgiving , and putting them up , saying , Thus ought I to do , he is a man , I am also subject to offend my Neighbor , and would be forgiven , and stand also in need that others should pardon me : And as a Christian I must do , For I sin daily against God , Mat. 6. 12. and so crave to be forgiven of him , as I forgive others : If they be greater matters , yet love will easily accept of any indifferent conditions of agreement , and that unto Seventy seven times : If they be so great , that without great prejudice to our estate and reputation they cannot be passed by , then its lawful to have recourse unto the Magistrate , and use the benefit of the Law ; but so as there be no malice , and the revenge be not in any case sought after . Two Caveats to be observed of them that for redressing of wrongs make use of the Magistrate . Herein two Caveats must be observed , It must not be for trifles ( which ought rather to be forgiven ) and it must be the last remedy , when all other ways of more peaceable and quiet agreement have been tried , as the cutting off of an arm or leg , when no ways else will help : Hereto belongeth also , that love covers folks faults from the World , 1 Cor. 6. 7. except it hath cause and calling to speak thereof , commonly it speaks of their vertues : The contrary is most wofully common , little of mens vertues , except a word or two to make way to speak of their faults , and these we delight to be much in ; Simile . As the Crow that likes the Carrion , and the Hog that delights in mire , rather then to lie on the green grass , or the Flie , that is more on a galled or sore place of a Horse , then on his whole body , or one that passing by sweet flowers in a garden , gathers Hemlock onely . 5. It s bountiful , beneficial and helpful , not having that to it self which it hath , but ready to distribute and communicate to the good of others , whether they be gifts Spiritual or Temporal . Spiritual ; for love begins at the Soul , and doth good to that first , whether of our Children , Servants or Neighbors : Love taketh to heart their Spiritual wants , giving counsel to the ignorant & doubtful , comfort to the afflicted , admonition to them that be out of the way , exhortation to them that be in the way , and especially if they begin to slack , Mat. 5. 42. adding prayer for all . Temporal ; It will give to the poorest that are to be helpt by alms , Deut. 15. 10. as it is able ; it will give in greater measure on solemn times , Acts 4. 37. yea of the main stock in persecution or hard times ; it will give cheerfully , and such God loves ; it will also give quickly , 2 Cor. 9. 7. that is to give twice ; it will also lend to them that be a degree above the poorest , Prov. 3. 28. which having a Trade , Skill and will to follow their Trade , onely want a stock to employ themselves and theirs : These a man is as much bound in conscience to lend unto , according to their ability , and honestly to pay again , as to give a piece of bread , or a peny to a poor miserable creature ; by this help many have lived in good sort , and brought up their Families . To the wealthy that have no need of us , yet we must be neighborly and friendly , communicating in kindenesses with them , inviting them also sometimes to us , and going to them being invited ; so we must visit them in their sickness and heaviness , and comfort them in the best maner we can .

Now love being such a thing , Obs. and these being the properties thereof , There 's little love in the world . if we try the world by the same , we must needs conclude , that there 's little love in the world . 1. Who takes not things in the worst part , hardly construing mens words and actions ? the doubtful ones ( haply not bad ) they judge to be evil ; those that be evil indeed , they make far worse then they are : 1 Sam. ● . 14. Thus did Ely judge amiss of Hannah , when her lips onely moved ; & the Jews with our Savior Christ , when he said , Iohn 2. 20. Destroy this Temple : this is the cause of innumerable contentions and breaches among men . 2. For departing from right , who doth it ? who stands not out stifly to the uttermost ? This is an usual speech , It s my right , and I will have it , I ask no more but my right , and that I will not lose ; this is thought but reasonable , and he is thought but an honest man that will have but his right , but it s an ill speech and resolution , whether it be in conference : If a man know he hath the truth ( though it be but in small matters ) yet he will hold it out , though the other be never so peremptory , till in conclusion , they fall flat out , this is nought ; in small matters it were better to yield : so in Dealings , Covenants , Bargains , Bonds , men will have their right ; herein right may be extream wrong , always provided that we give not away anothers right , Exod. 10. 9. especially Gods : Moses would not yield an hoof ; yet most men are stiff in their own , will yield enough of Gods right ; as they will not suffer their Servants to play one hour in the week day , but for the Lords day , they will suffer them therein to play as much as they will . 3. Whereas love does no hurt to any , Whence comes all the hurt and mischief in the world ? Stabbing , Fighting , Quarrelling , Railing , Reviling , Scolding , Crying , all the defiling of mens Wives , Children , Servants ? So for Oppression , Bribery , Thievery , Cousenage , false Weights , deceitful Wares ? So Slandering , Defaming , Backbiting , Mocking ? All these abound in the World : I am sure they come not of Love , it was never at the doing of them , and those that will so readily provoke one another by words and deeds they care not how , are far enough from love . 4. For being provoked , O Lord be merciful to us , who can bear any thing , but taunt for taunt , quip for quip ; he shall have as good as he brings , is common with every one : How do men stand upon every small trespass ? Hence the innumerable Contentions and Suits in the Land , thousands in a year for meer trifles , wherein ten times as much is spent then is sued for , which is a shame for England , having had the Gospel of Peace so long : Oh , mens stomacks be up straight , all their blood in their faces , or looking as pale as ashes , or secretly practising to revenge , hand on the Dagger straight , straight on the top of the house , fly in our Neighbors face by and by ; so little love is there to forgive till Seventy , I may say till Seven times ; so short Spirited , as we can bear nothing ; and that which is worse , if we have once taken up a displeasure , it s not easily laid down , but Sun after Sun , Moon after Moon , yea , Year after Year it continueth ; quickly provoked , hardly pacified , especially truly . It may be we live not in open enmity , yet in secret grudging , the heart not sound , but ready to break out upon every occasion , can abide nothing but Revenge , which is fearful . 5. Where is communicating of Spiritual good things ? Parents bring up their children brave , but how few Catechize , Counsel and Instruct them , pray with or for them ? So for Servants , They give them Meat , Drink and Wages , with work enough on the six days , little caring how they spend the Lords day , neither instructing them , examining them , or drawing them to hear the Word , or Read , and Pray : What love call you this ? shew you not as much to your Beasts ? So for our Neighbors , who admonisheth them that be out of the way ? do we not rather let them run on , talking of their Infirmities behinde their backs , and spreading them to their grace ? Nay , do not many , yea most rejoyce thereat ? what consolation to the heavy ? who takes it to heart ? how few are able to comfort fitly ? but utter vain , idle , if not more hurtful words to to such , nay , many rather laugh and jest at heavy conscienced persons , every man saith , Is he is Brothers keeper ? Nay , alas , so far from communicating Spiritual grace to them ( which they ought ) or to call one another to go to the house of God , as they rather use all means , by jesting at them , troubling them , &c. to discourage them ; yea , how many have given lewd and wicked counsels to others to the dishonor of God ? For outward things , how backward are most from giving any more then they needs must ? What contentions at making of Rates ? For lending , where is this ? but rather as if God had never given precept for it , or as if it were like a Statute repealed , which is of no use , so is this duty : That cursed Trade of Lending upon Usury , hath eaten up , and banished out of the Countrey this Christian duty of free lending ; What rich man hath almost at any time any thing to lend ? Some are so grim and austere , as a poor man dares not speak to them for such a thing : Some put so much to Usury , as they neglect their Trading , set none a work , nor have ought to lend at any time , but rather borrow ; and if a poor man happen to do any work for them , they cannot pay him in a good while , they are so bare ; for as soon as any money comes in , it must out straight to Use , as if it would burn a hole in their Cupboard if it lay there two or three days , or a week . Others are ever Purchasing , and are ever in debt , and will be ; then wrangle at Rates , grudge at this and that , are never fit to lend ; such bring a curse upon themselves willingly , which is to borrow , when as they might else lend . Others are so miserable , that though they have wherewith , yet will not lend : So for Neighborly dealing , Mat. 24. 12. inviting , visiting , &c. Love is very cold . Here I may adde , That there 's a great deal of counterfeit love , Pot-companionship , and joyning in vanity , a deal of fawning , crouching , conguing , &c. a great deal of self-love , 2 Tim. 3. 2. making others faults great , and their own small or none ; nay sometimes extenuating and making light of the vertues of others , highly esteeming their own ; being ready to provoke and wrong others , but bearing nothing , straight provoked , seeking their own in all their dealings and courses , so making sure for themselves , without regard to their Neighbors : These be the times . Now let every man examine himself , and see how it s with himself in these , who findes not himself ready to take things at the worst ? and have we not often done so , when as afterward having heard that it was nothing so , but quite otherwise , we have been put to shame , and forced to say for our own excuse , We heard or thought it had been so : The like might be particularized in the rest .

3. The causes of the want of love : The causes of the want of love . 1. Want or weakness of Faith ; when our Savior taught his Apostles this Duty , they said , Lord , encrease our Faith : Assurance of pardon makes us forgive . 2. Pride , Luke 17. 4 , 5. whereby men think highly of themselves , meanly of others ; think they may speak or do any thing , but that others may say or do nothing to them : Prov. 13. 10. Onely by Pride comes contention , but humbleness causeth love : Eph. 4 ▪ 2. Pride makes men think themselves so wise and good , as every body should say as they say , and yield in all things to them , when they do not , they break the peace , as Haman with Mordecai : Pride cannot endure a reproof , therefore could not Herod abide John , Ahab , Elijah and Micaiah : Pride makes men think so highly of themselves , and meanly of others , that they will not bear any wrong , but take the least in scorn . 3. Covetousness ; this makes men contend for trifles , Oppress , use false weights and sleights , as also hinders from inviting and meeting together . 4. Envy at the thriving and wealth of others about them , or equal to them , as Labans sons did at Jacob ; Cain , that Abels Sacrifice was better regarded then his ; Esau , that Jacob was blessed ; and Ismael , that Isaac was the son of the Promise . 5. Frowardness and shortness of spirit breaks love very often , for angry words stir up strife . 6. These very days of peace make men grow hollow and strange , and to set little one by another : As when Sheep see a Dog , they run all together ; so trouble makes men to make much one of another , whereas its otherwise in peace : These be woful causes .

4. The effects of this want of love , The effects of the want of love . are lamentable every where , both in Church and Commonwealth ; O what woful breaches and contentions ? what wrongs and enmities ? So in Families , so among particular persons , how break they out to the dishonor of God ? yea , sometimes Professors one with another , to the shame of their Profession , the interrupting of their Prayers , or either the hindring of themselves from the Sacrament ( as many a time it is ) or slubbering it over , and coming with festred hearts , and so depriving themselves of the benefit thereof , nay , provoking the Lord by their unworthy receiving .

Seeing these things be so , Use. O let every one of us , finding our selves faulty , humble our selves , crave mercy , and labor to be reformed herein : To this end learn we to pluck out of our hearts those noysom weeds , that this precious plant of love may grow . We must strive against infidelity , and labor for more faith : In humbleness of minde we must labor to esteem every one better then our selves ; we must labor for a moderate affection to outward things , setting more by peace then them ; we must also avoid envy : We have more then we could have look'd for ; Is our eye evil because our Masters is good ? we must also cease from frowardness , and be gentle and meek ; and labor we that this love to our brethren may shew forth it self in all good fruits , as in judging the best , departing from our right , not provoking , or being easily provoked , but forbearing and forgiving : Alas , we have need that others should forgive us ; for who lives , and is not subject to offend ? God forgives us many and great debts , and shall we catch our neighbor by the throat ? Mat. 18. 26 , 28 God bids us ask forgiveness on no other condition , but to forgive our offenders ; and there 's no better sign that a man is forgiven of God , then to shew mercy to men ; none can be assured of that , but they will forgive : Let us therefore from the sea of compassion that God sheddeth out upon us , let fall some drop thereof on our neighbors , and not seek revenge , which every bad man , Pro. 19. 19. 11. yea beast can do , but pass by offences , which is the glory of a man : Besides , revenge is the Lords Office , and to revenge , is indeed to resist the Lord , without whose Providence nothing is done ; this kept David from revenging himself on Shimei . Not to revenge , is always the best way for us , and the worst for him that wrongs us : There 's no dealing with a man that commits his cause to God ; more safe to anger a Witch , then an Innocent meek spirited man that hath his recourse to God ; thou hadst better deal with one that will take revenge on thee to the uttermost . To this end keep we out anger if we can ; if not , yet let it not rest in us , as it were sowring in our hearts : Let not the Sun go down upon it . This indeed the world accounts a base thing , Mic. 7. 18. but its honorable , it makes us like God : Neither must we labor for this a little , or some few times , but for a long skirted love , Prov. 10. 12. that will cover even a multitude of offences . And let our love shew it self in giving Spiritual and Temporal things ; for God gives to good and bad , and makes us but Stewards of that he gives us , that we may dispense the same ; yea , the more we give , the more we have , as which encreaseth by giving : and for Temporal things , Pro. 11. 24 , 25. the high-way to thrive therein , is to be merciful ; as to beggary , to be pinching .

5. The general reasons inciting to this duty of love , Reasons inciting us to this duty of love . 1. God requireth it of us , who is love ; and if we perform it , we do not so much serve our Neighbor as please God , who takes it as done to himself : If we neglect it , we neglect not our Neigbor onely , but God , Isa. 58. 2. who takes himself wronged in this point . 2. We are all one flesh , and all have some part of the Image of God upon us : But for the people of God , . 1. We be members of the same body : The members of the Natural body not onely hurt not , but help each other , else quickly would the body be brought to confusion . 2. Brethren , Gen. 13. 8. not Natural ones , but a better Brotherhood , a nearer Bond : Now between Brethren there must be no contention , 1 Cor. 6. 6. and it were a shame for such to contend . 3. Both the Word requires it , and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper calls for , and puts us in minde of it . 4. No better Argument that we are in the light , Ioh. 13. 34 , 35. love God , are Christs Disciples , 1 Ioh. 3. 14. and translated from death to life , then this . 5. The beauty of a Christian is love ; he 's the best Christian who loves most , whose lips feed most , whose branches spread widest . 6. As it brings us much peace to our conscience , and will comfort us not a little on our death-bed , that we have not lived to our selves , but to be useful to many , especially to Souls ; so it procureth us love in the places we live in , and in the Church of God , where we have a good name . No man is well beloved , though he have good things in him , if he be not loving ; Oh , say they , he is a good honest man , but a harsh Censurer , Contentious , and so hasty , that no man can tell how to speak to him ; he is a strait man , no man is the better for him by counsel , encouragement , admonition ; so for other things : But if a man be full of love , Oh , it shall procure him love again , he shall be commended while he lives , and mourned for when he dyes ; See Pro. 10. as they wept for Dorcas ; but a proud , churlish , Acts 9. 39. close man , he shall live without being desired , and dye without being mourned for : Many would have Love , and Good-will , and Credit , but will not seek this way to procure it ; they live closely to themselves , neither being useful , or any way liberal to their Neighbors , let them never look for it : Many care not , so they may scrape all to themselves ( for their good name let it go whether it will ) but these are bafounded , and its a curse so to live . Thus in general .

In particular , Touching the love to the Children of God , which is here chearfully called for , consider we both the duty , and the maner how it s to be performed .

For the duty it self , it hath these two things in it , 1. That we have brotherly and tender affections one towards another . 2. That we shew it forth by brotherly actions and fruits answerable ; Rom. 12. 16 , 17. both which must necessarily go together .

1. Then , Obser. In vain do any challenge tender and loving affections , except they shew the fruit thereof to their Brethrens Bodies and Souls especially . The fruits of love towards our brethren must accompany the profession thereof .

2. It s not enough to do brotherly offices , unless they proceed from brotherly affections : Many a man will give frankly , and do other duties required of him , but defiles his liberality with insulting over the parties relieved , Obs. upbraiding them therewith , The doing of brotherly offices must proceed from brotherly affections . and thinking thereby to make them subject unto them ; whereas a gift should be given chearfully , and seeing one that stands in need of our help , we ought compassionately to tender his estate as our own ; remembring Gods commandment for relieving such a one , and thanking God we may : and though the party ought to be thankful , yet should not we stain our liberality with any sinister maner of giving : It must be frank , that s the nature of a gift , and it must also come from compassion and feeling . So for reproving , admonishing , &c. ( an excellent duty , I would it were more usual ) it must proceed from a brotherly affection , not proudly , imperiously , or harshly : So we must invite from a brotherly affection , else our brotherly action loseth his grace with God , yea , with men also if they perceive it .

And though we are chiefly to love Gods servants , Love must reach to all . Christians , professors with us of the same Religion , and our fellow Brethren ; yet we are not to neglect any , we must love all , all that either be , or may be the people of God , though they be yet Pagans , Heathens , &c. for they are our own flesh , and have in them ( as ye heard ) some part of the Image of God , as in their Soul , which is a Spirit , and Immortal , and the Majesty of their face above all Creatures : A King , though an Heathen , hath a part of the Image of God in his Soveraignty .

Then we must love the Devil , Object . as having some part of Gods Image .

We are not , Sol. because he is pronounced of God as his final and desperate Enemy , appointed to destruction : So if we knew any such men ( as the Prophets did ) we ought not to love them , but hate them ; not pray for them , but against them , as David did . For others , though Infidels we must love them , and if God cast them into our lot , we must do good to them , to their Souls and Bodies .

They be strangers to me . Object .

So was the Jew that fell among Thieves to the Samaritan , Sol. and in that Christ taught who is our Neighbor : Luke 10. 33. Gods Image ought not to seem strange to us , but loved wheresoever we see it .

They never did ought for me . Object .

But God hath , Sol. who bids thee love .

They have wronged me , Object . and are mine enemies .

This is no sufficient ground for thee not to love them , Sol. for the rule is not to love for that thou art loved , Matt. 5. 44. but because the Lord commands it : Rom. 5. 10. God is not our enemy , he deserves well of us , and to him we owe all that may be ; and he hath turned us over to pay some of the debt we owe him to our enemy , and he will take it as paid to him : Note . O that we could learn this Lesson ! And if we must love that small part of the Image of God where we see it , then where its more , we must love more : Therefore where we see the very face of his Image renewed in Wisdom , Holiness , Righteousness , and the Sanctifying Grace of Gods Spirit vouchsafing to make a man a new Creature , and Holy as he is Holy ; Oh , this we ought to embrace , love , reverence in a high degree : we cannot shew a better tokenof our love to God , 1 Ioh. 5. 1. & 3. 14. then to love his Image , and the more we see it , Zech. 2. 8. to love it the more , such are dear to God , as the Apple of his eye .

1. Those that make all alike , Use 1. make one as welcome as another , make no difference of good and bad in their countenance , help , assistance , they be not endued with the Spirit of God , for where it is , it will take knowledge of his own work , and make a man love it ; yea , though a carnal man should have some natural parts of civility , Gal. 6. 10. skill , &c. more then a Christian man , yet we must affect grace most : These men be neither fish nor flesh .

2. But much worse are those that of all persons like the Children of God worst , Use 2. and that for their zeal and forwardness ; If 't were not for them they could like them , and therefore chuse swearers , jesters , and prophane persons for their companions , and cannot away with the society of Christians , who in their liberality will rather give to bad persons , fitting in the others light , and making them fare the worse for their zeal and godliness : Of all men they cannot away with these Puritans , and had rather their Friends should be any thing then of that number , their Sons , Daughters , and Tenants , &c. They would love them , 1 Iohn 3. 14. ibid. 10. if they were not so precise : A bad sign , such are not translated from death to life , are not of God , are in darkness to this hour ; Psal. 15. 4. & 16. 3. they are not led by Davids Spirit , who could not abide the workers of iniquity : The more of Gods Image a man seeth in another , to like him the worse is a fearful sign of no love to God : If you will needs hate , hate not them which God loves , but whom he hates ; hate them not because he loves them , and because of their goodness , Gen. 27. 29. for God saith to them as to Jacob , I will bless them that bless thee , and curse them that curse thee ; Num. 23. 8. even Balaam himself refused to curse Israel : If they shall stand at the last day , and be damned that gave them no meat , then what shall become of their haters , imprisoners , and that for their goodness ? Then would they be glad to be with the least of them , but it shall be far from them , how little soever they regard them in this world , and then shall their time of glory be , as is their enemies in this world : We must therefore labor to be religious , else we can never love them that be so because of their goodness .

Here also observe a difference between the love we ought to bear to the Wicked , How we ought to love the Wicked . Pagans , Infidels , &c. we must love them as our flesh , not as our brethren , for they have not God for their Father , the Church for their Mother , have not suckt the same breasts with us , the Word and Sacraments : Therefore look how natural Brethren be affected each to other , so ought Christians , Fellow-heirs of the same Inheritance , as having a better Brotherhood , as much as the Spirit is better then the Flesh , and Grace above Nature . Our Savior prefer'd the hearers and doers of the Word , before his natural Kindred : This is a more lasting Brotherhood , which abides longer then this life , even for ever , when it shall be with a most intire affection each to other , which often in this life is not , because of the weakness of Grace : It s unseemly for Kinsmen to disagree , Gen. 13. 8. much more Brethren , but most for Christians to fall out , See 1 Cor. 6. 8. to contend , wrangle , and be at odds : Do we not profess we are members of Christ , and perswade our selves our Neighbors are so ? We do ; then let Nature teach us : See how the natural members be affected ? Are we not Fellow-Brethren ? When therefore we live in enmity with our Neighbor that is a Christian , we do as much as in us lies put him out of the Lords Roll , and unbrother him ; for is he our Brother , of the same Father and Mother , and can we jar with him ? especially ( though somewhat should fall out otherwise then well ) can we suffer the Sun to go down upon our wrath ? God forbid : When we come to Heaven , we shall love all our Fellow-Brethren , better then ever two Brethren loved in this World , and shall we not aym at it now , and come as near it as we can ? Iohn 15. 19. and we have need so to do , for the World loves their own , therefore hates us ; shall not we then hold together ? shall we be divided within our selves ? O what wrack comes of this in the Church of God in these days ? whiles Brethren differ and contend , the common Enemies , Atheists and Papists multiply .

For the maner of it , Doctr. It must be without faining , love unfained ; God hates dissembling in every thing , Love must be without fainng . loves simplicity and plain dealing , Rom. 12. 9. as in Jacob and Nathanael : If love , which is the main vertue , be counterfeit and false , 1 Iohn 3. 18. what shall become of all the duties that proceed from thence ?

Two sorts of persons may be here chiefly taxed :

1. Such as pretend to love , Use 1. but indeed hate , as Joab to Amasa , Saul to David , Psal. 28. 3. Judas to our Savior Christ ; such have a mark of Rebrobation , workers of Iniquity , to whom belongs some notable judgement of God ; Gen. 3. 5. they be like the Devil , who pretended to love Eve , Mat. 4. 3. and our Savior Christ : of these see Psal. 12. 2. & 55. 12. & 62. 4. Pro. 26. 24. Jer. 9. 2. 1 Sam. 18. 17 , 25. 2 Sam. 20. 9. Those are more dangerous to them they hate , then if they bare open hatred ; as one enemy within the walls , is worse then ten without : it s also worse for themselves , for any vice cloaked or masked under shew of vertue , is double iniquity ; such shall receive greater damnation , yet how common is this ? Many will speak men as fair as may be , yet lie in wait to do them a shrewd turn , and as soon as their back is turned , raise a slander of them , and do them all the hurt they can : Others haply have done so with us , but so must not we do .

2. Such as pretend they love , Use 2. but do not : Many will salute with Good morrow , and Good night , when as there 's no true love ; one handful of true hearty love , is worth ten armfuls of their Court holy-water , crouchings , and congees down to the ground . These are clouds without rain , vessels with false bottoms , that have onely a little water in the top . Such are they who pretend they love the poor , who yet coming to them , can get nothing of them , but what they are enforced to , and that very hardly . So many good Ministers have proved the good-will of a number that have made goodly shews , but have found small kindeness at their hands : What love call you this ? its dead , as Faith without Works : Iames 5. 17. Such is theirs , who will speak well of such and such , and seem to pity them , saying , They are worthy men , and pity they should want , but yet relieve them not at all . If God should so feed and deal with them , they would soon complain .

See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently . ] Here 's the Exhortation ; wherein we have again both the duty required , which is to love one another , and the maner also , with a pure heart fervently .

Love one another ] This noteth ,

1. A mutual love : Obs. It must come from one to another mutually , and be at every hand . Love must be mutual . As others are to love us , so are we to love others ; none free . Many wil look for a deal of love from others , that yet care not how little they themselves part with ; would be visited , but care not to visit others ; would have their own vertues commended , but will not do so by others ; have their infirmities covered , but will not do so by others ; would not be provoked , yet will provoke ; would not that others should be quickly angry with them , who will yet be angry with others : Acts 20. 35. Alas , this is weakness ; It s a more blessed thing to give then to receive , and we should rather strive to go before , and set others in our debt by love : A good minde rather remembers the debt that is going from him , then that which is coming to him . This often comes of pride in some men , to look for much of others , and perform little themselves : The husband often looks his wife should walk at an inch with him , though he will break many ells out of square ; So the wife will look for much of her husband , not caring how little she perform : This is no equity ; We must do as we would be done to . It s more dangerous for us to neglect our duty to others , then for them to neglect theirs to us ; let us therefore strive who shall perform most each to other , Husbands , Wives , Neighbors , &c.

2. A community : Obser. We must not love one or two , or a few , but all that fear God in the place wherein we live . In love there must be a community . Love communicates it self , and is not ingrossed to a few .

Many can be content to love one or two , or a few , but they oppose and justle against many others , and live unkindely with them : This is no true love , nor ought love so to be ; yet in many Towns there is siding , which at the length turns to its undoing ; yea , we must love the meanest that fear God , and not neglect them , as the meanest member of the Body is regarded of the chiefest ; we must not have the Faith of Christ in respect of persons . Iames 2. 1. God hath vouchsafed to give his Son to Redeem them , his Spirit to Sanctifie them , and Heaven to be possessed of them , and shall we despise them ? Nay , we ought rather to encourage and hearten them on in well doing , seeing so few of that sort fear God . If we regard them , they will bear their poverty the better , and it will be a great chearing to them : There 's nothing more comely , then for the wealthy to be thus affable and kinde to them ; Prov. 22. 2. The Lord is the Maker of both , and being fellow-Brethren and fellow-Members , Iames 2. 5. the one as dear to God as the other , a little wealth must not puff up the ones minde over the other .

With a pure heart ] Every kinde of love is not that which is here required ; Gal. 5. 22. it must be the fruit of the Spirit , 1 Tim. 1. 1. proceeding from a Sanctified heart , and be agreeable to the pure Word of God .

This hath many properties : The properties of pure love . 1. It loves for some good actions , which condemns the common love of wicked persons , as of the Fornicator and his Harlot , the Adulterer and his Mate , the Drunkards and Thief , though sworn Brethren . To love any because they can rail against goodness , or Dice well , or are eager against the Servants of God , 1 Cor. 13. 6. &c. this is cursed love . True love rejoyceth not in iniquity , a worse note cannot be , then for one to love them , whom as Rebels and Conspirators against God , he sees fighting against God . 2. Pure love is that which is grounded on Grace and Religion , not on any transitory thing , which condemns the carnal love of the world , which love onely for worldly respects , as strength , beauty , and the like ; or if it be for any inward gift of the minde not Sanctified , that s also but carnal , as wit , skill in Arts , Musique , &c. these are worthy love ; but to love onely for these , is not true and pure love , for thus the Heathens loved ; Gen. 25. 28. as Isaac loved Esau for his hunting , and many a man his wife for her beauty : These are false grounds , when they fail , love fails . 3. Pure love is in respect of the party himself whom we love , and for no respect to our selves , or commodity of ours , which condemns the world , which onely loves on such respects , as because he is my Uncle , my Friend , loves me , hath done this or that for me , or may do me a pleasure ; therefore I will make much of him , or for fear he may do me a shrewd turn . This being shak'd out of the clow●s , Mat. 5. 46. is indeed but self-love , as having a respect onely to our selves . Many a man shews kindeness to others to purchase credit : The charitable deeds of the Papists were of self-love , for they were done out of opinion of merit : So the love of worldlings , they have a reach at themselves . 4. Pure love reflects chiefly on anothers Soul , therefore hates his sin in him , whom he loves most dearly , advising him from all evil , counselling him to all good .

This condemns all impure love : Use. So to love , as not to tel our neighbor of his fault for angring or disquieting him ; Lev. 19. 17. this is hatred : So Parents that love their children so well , as they will not nurture , rebuke or correct them , do indeed hate them , & slay them in following their ways : He that spares the rod , hates his childe . Prov. 13. 24. It s as if any should be so tender over a childe , as not to suffer the wind to blow on it , and therefore holds their hand before the mouth of it , but holds it so hard , as they strangle the childe ; Simil. or as the Ape , which hugs her yong one so hard , that she strangles it . Again , friends perswade a man to do this or that for preferment , which he cannot do with a good conscience , Oh , they love him , they would fain see him prefer'd ; woful love to the body , by destroying the soul : A neighbor hath his Childe or Cattel strangely handled , one comes in of love , perswading to send to such a Cunning-man or good Witch ( one of the Devils worsts instruments ) Is this love ? Is he a friend that will do that whereby a peny may be gained , but many hundred pounds lost ? So when a Christian is ready to suffer for a good Conscience , and a friend comes and says , Oh , I pray cast not away your self , I wish you well , do as the times are , and as others do : This was the tormentors love to Martyrs ( tormenting love indeed ) that by saving their bodies , their souls might perish : Thus would Peter have perswaded our Savior , Mat. 16. 22. O Master , these things shall not be unto thee ; but if Christ had not suffered , we had all perish'd in our sins , yea , the Saints in Heaven must have come out from thence , for they went to Heaven by Christ who was to be crucified ; What love was this ? our Saviors Answer shews , that he gave him no thanks for that counsel .

Fervently . ] This stands in two things , Earnestness and Constancy .

1. For the Earnestness of our love , Obs. we must stretch it to as many persons as we can , A Christians love must be earnest . and to as many duties , as giving , forgiving , &c. and therein we must not be sparing ; as in giving , For he that gives sparingly , shall reap sparingly : 2 Cor. 9. 6. So for forgiving , it must not be onely an offence or two , 1 Pet. 4. 8. Charity covers a multitude ; thus is God to us , in giving for Soul , Body , Goods , Good-name to us , to ours , day and night , never weary , never upbraiding us : So in forgiving , how merciful is he to pass by our many offences , and that daily ? should not we then herein resemble him ? Again , a little love is soon quench'd , soon hindred , but we must love so , as if we meet with many temptations from our selves , or the parties whom we are to love , our love notwithstanding must last still ; yea , we must not onely do these things when we can well do them , or there 's nothing to let us , but even forget our ease , pleasure and profit to do our neighbor good : Love seeks not her own things , 1 Cor. 13. 5. is laborious ; we love our selves fervently , and therefore must so love our neighbors .

This condemns the cold frozen love of the world , Use. wherein there 's no heat or fervency , a little thing lets : We are so full of self love , that we will not speak so much as a good word in defence of the very best , 1 Sam. 30. 23. whether man or cause , Hest. 4. 16. if thereby we may be prejudiced never so little ; Obs. so did not Jonathan , so did not Hester , when she adventured her life for her people . Love must be constant .

2. For the constancy thereof , Heb. 13. 1. Unity must be kept , we must seek Peace , Eph. 4. 3. and follow after it , and its a part of fervency when it will not easily be broken off . Psal. 34. Gods love is constant , ours must be so ; the Devil will assay to break it off , we must therefore the more stand in it : Oh , it s the easiest matter in the world to break off love , but we must not embrace any occasion moving hereunto .

This rebukes the inconstancy of many men , Use. that are won with an Apple ( as we say ) and lost with a Nut , that will upon every slight occasion break friendship ; I loved him as well as could be ( will some such say ) till such and such a thing fell out : and what , are you now broke off ? what can worldings do more ? If God should so deal with us , how miserable were we ? but his love is constant , yea , he loveth us in our adversity and low estate , nay , best then , and is then nearest with his comforts ; so it ought to be with us , for then our Neighbor hath most need of us , and then our love will appear most free , not mercenary : But how contrary this is , daily experience sheweth , while men be in prosperity they have many friends , which in their affliction forsake them ( as Doves , that come to fair houses , not to low cottages ) whereof Job often complaineth .

Verse 23. Being born again , not of corruptible seed , but of incorruptible , by the Word of God , which liveth and abideth for ever .

THis duty of love is of such use , and we so untoward to it , and so hard a thing for us to love as we ought , that it s urged with a Reason : Iames 4. 5. True , it is so , and no more then needs ; for the spirit that is in us lusteth after envy . Tit. 3. 3.

The Reason is taken from the grace of Regeneration bestowed upon them , They were born again , and therefore were to shew the fruits thereof , as in other things , so in this of love . Where might be noted ,

1. That such as are not born again , Observ. cannot love , no more then men can gather Grapes of Thorns , No unregenerate person can truly love . or Figs of Thistles , or pour Wine out of a Bottle full of Vinegar ; but as Grapes are gathered of the Vine , so must love come from a Regenerate man , not otherwise .

2. That the Regenerate man must needs love ; Observ. therefore they that declare no love , Such as are born again , must needs love . but hate their Brethren , the people of God especially , shew they be not born again , nor of God . But I proceed to the words .

Being born again , 1 Ioh. 3. 10. ] Here 's occasion offered to speak of the grace of Regeneration . Touching it , consider briefly these particulars :

1. What it is to be born again ; What Regeneration is . It s to be made new creatures , to be cast in a new mold , to have the corrupt Image of Sin , which we have by Nature ( and wherein we were conceived and born ) put off throughout , and the contrary good one , wherein we were at the first created , put on , to have the understanding enlightned with distinct knowledge of God , the heart bowed to the obedience of God , &c. new thoughts , 2 Cor. 5. 17. desires , speeches , actions : In the new Creature all things must become new ; Thus it s done to all that were elect before the foundation of the world : They are changed up and down , from a good state by Creation , to a bad in Adam ; from thence to a good one in Christ , by grace here in expectation of glory hereafter : For the wicked , they are changed from good to bad , and there remain the same ( but still worse and worse ) for ever ; we should give God thanks that made us so good at first , be humbled to see our base and woful state now , and seeing there is help , never to be quiet till we recover our first condition .

2. That the Lord is the Author hereof , The Lord the author thereof . he takes away the stony heart , See Deut. 29. 4. and gives a new heart , an heart of flesh ; It s his work onely , nor Man or Angel can change the heart , Psal. 51. 10. to work a deadly hatred of that which by nature we love as our lives , Ezek. 36. 26. and to love and take delight in those courses , Iohn 1. 13. & 3. 5. duties , companies , which sometimes were as a Prison : Acts 11. 21. Alas , the best Paul and Apollos cannot ; often even of their Children or very Friends , 1 Iohn 3. 9. not a few remain unconverted , though haply in the mean time God bless their labors to convert many others ; Yea , if an Angel should take a man and carry him to Heaven , and shew him the Joys thereof , and thence to Hell , and shew him the Torments thereof , yet this would not convert him , neither all Mercies , Afflictions , or Plagues of Egypt : It s a great work of God , and so great , as if all things were not possible to him ; he could not do it ; It s a greater work then the Creation of the World : In that , there was no opposition , in this much : we have not onely no aptness to good , or to be wrought to goodness , but a violent opposition against it ; there but to make the things , here both to put out the corrupt nature , and to put in the contrary good ; then he made all of nothing , now he makes good of nought . Simile . As its easier making a thousand glasses , then the setting together one that is broke ; so it was easier ( to speak quo ad nos , for all things are alike easie to God ) to make the world , then to repair the broken Image of God in man : It s a miraculous work of God , greater then any miracles that Christ or his Apostles wrought ; our Saviors several miracles upon the bodies of men , are all done in the conversation of a sinner ; sight restored to them that were blinde , and darkness it self , hearing to the deaf , speech to the dumb , feet to the lame , Devils cast out , yea many , for the Devil possesseth us , and all our Parts and Members , Hearts , Hands , Eyes , Tongues , Feet , &c. as any Captain holds a Castle , and hath it at command . Thus it s a wonderful work of God to see a mans Soul and Life , Acts 3. 10. his wit , will , desires , Iohn 9. 8. affections , and all altered from black to white : It was a wonder to see the Criple go , and for him that was born blinde to see ; but it s more marvel to see a man converted : for whereas God gave power to work all these miracles ( the raising of the dead not excepted ) to men , 1 Tim. 4. 16. this of regenerating is his own onely : If we finde it ascribed to Ministers , as Paul is said to have begot Onesimus , and as a Father the Corinthians , 1 Cor. 4. we must not conceive as if it were not proper to God onely , but know , that it is ; for that God would keep them the instruments by whom he works from contempt : 1 Cor. 7. 16. A good Husband or Wife may be a good means each to other , but have no power of themselves : Adam could easily cast away himself , but none could restore him but God onely ; as a Childe of half a year old may break a glass , which all the men in the Town cannot set together again : It s wrought of God by uniting us to Christ by Faith , through his holy Spirit , which works this alteration , when pardoning our sins past , he taketh away the guiltiness and punishment thereof in his death .

Let all that can prove it , Use. give all glory to God , for so unspeakable a mercy , even that when they were going headlong to destruction , when as vile as any , he yet called them , passing by thousands which yet lie in their sins : And for them that can prove no such thing , let them not delay , nor put off to the last , as the fashion is , as though it could be dispatcht in a trice , or with a wet finger , but seek it both earnestly and quickly in the means appointed : Why do men think they shall repent on their death bed rather then now ? Is it because the pain or fear of death will make them ? Alas , all the Plagues in the world cannot change a man without God , and will God be near to work then ? Nay , he that was rejected in health and life , will more likely cast off in death ; and if he will not bless his Word , will he work in the end by other means ? This is little better then Sauls practise , to go to the Devil when God would not help him .

3. That the Lords own will is the moving cause hereof ; The Lords will the cause hereof As he Elected freely , and gave Christ of his love , so this : Nothing in us could move him hereto , Iam. 1. 18. but whom he elected before the world , those doth he of the same grace effectually call and convert , Iohn 3. 16. which should binde our hearts more effectually to praise and serve him all the days of our life .

4. That the excellency of this grace is such , Without regeneration , all things else that we have are nothing . as all things without it are nothing ; If we had the wisdom of Solomon , the strength of Sampson , the policy of Achitophel , the wealth of Ahasuerus , &c. if we could measure the Heaven , Earth and Sea , and knew the nature of all Creatures therein , from the Cedar to the Hysope ; nay , if we could understand the Bible , could Preach never so Learnedly , and had all gifts of knowledge and utterance , yet were we not born again , all were nothing : Besides , it s the more excellent , both because so rare ( only the Elect of God are born again ) and because Eternal . In the natural birth we dye , because born of mortal seed , and nourished by corruptible food , but they that be born again never dye more , never come more into their former state , as being born of the immortal seed , of the Word , and Spirit , and being thereby nourished , are joyned to the fountain of life , Christ : Again , by our first birth we are made miserable , by this happy ; by that sinners , by this righteous persons ; by that children of wrath , by this children of God ; by that slaves of Satan , by this servants of righteousnes ; by that limbs of the Devil , by this members of Christ ; by that heirs of Hell , by this heirs of Heaven : O happy day , O happy birth ; before Regeneration , Sin and Satan wholly ruled in us , but after , Grace and the Spirit of God .

1. This should teach us , Use 1. if we can prove it in our selves to rejoyce , and remember our birth-day . Many delight to talk of their age , as others , when , where , and what year they were born ; But canst thou tell where and when thou wert born again ? thou canst else have little joy of thy first birth . The older thou art , the more shame and greater condemnation if thou art not born again : He that is not regenerate is a Bastard ; for though he have after a sort the Church to his Mother , yet he hath not God to his Father ; and though in the Natural birth the Mothers side is the surest , yet in the Spiritual birth it s otherwise : Therefore if thou hast Wit , Beauty , Strength , Wealth , and the like , rejoyce not in them , but that thou art born again ; yea , though thou art Poor , Weak , Sickly , yet being born again , thou art happy : If God hath denied thee Wealth and Health , or taken them away , yet if he hath given thee grace , thou art to rejoyce exceedingly .

2. It may teach us to rejoyce , Use 2. if we know our children new born : We rejoyce at their Natural Birth ; but alas , wert not for hope because they be of Christian Parents , we might rather weep : for when a childe is born , there 's come a sinner , a guilty person into the World , one that is in danger of all evil , subject to a great deal of sin and sorrow , and one that hath deserved to be cast into Hell ; O therefore , if we know them born again , there 's cause of rejoycing , yea , we must rejoyce at the new birth of a servant or any other as the Angels do : The World likes such the worse , a sign they are the old men .

3. If we know it not , Use 3. we are to use the means , bring them to Baptism , after teach them what is fit , that they may make conscience of their Covenant , and bring them to the Word ; if they be any whit forward , further them , if backward or unwilling , use thy Authority over them .

4. Rebuke them that desire to see them Strong , Use 4. Fair , Rich , Healthy , and the like , in the mean time not respecting whether they be born again or not .

5. He that is not born again , Use 5. hath nothing excellent in him , but abides in death , and is the servant of sin .

5. That it s so necessary , Regeneration of absolute necessity . as without which there 's no entring into the Kingdom of Heaven , for thereinto can no unclean thing enter , and they onely which are pure in heart shall see God : Iohn 3. 3 , 5. We are born impure , sinful , Revel. 21. 27. defiled from head to foot ; while we are in this state , there 's no possibility of serving God , Mat. 5. 8. as either by thinking , speaking , or doing good ; we must therefore be washed and made clean .

The world imagine no such necessity herein , it s a riddle to them , few know what any such work or change meaneth : They think to be saved by their good meaning , civil life , and living orderly , O this is sound ; if these do not well , God help us all : Again , though openly bad , if they can cry God have mercy on their deathbed , they shall do well enough : Here 's no dreaming of a new birth , of any change in the understanding , will , affections , yea , throughout both body and soul ; Col. 3. 9 , 10. but none of the others will serve the turn , therefore try whether ye be new born : If we live still in sin ( as in lying ) it s a certain argument we are as we were naturally , 2 Cor. 5. 17. He that is in Christ is a new creature , and such a one walketh not after the flesh , Rom. 8. 1. but after the Spirit ; if thou art thus , thou hast put off thy old conversation , and put on a new .

6. The effects of Regeneration ; The effects of Regeneration . 1. An hatred of all sin , a love of all good . 2. A strife and labor to do the one , and avoid the other . 3. A diligent use of the means for this purpose , and a Spiritual combat against the lets , wherein being conquerors , we have peace and joy ; if otherwise , See also the notes laid down . grief . 4. Delight in the Word , Prayer , and Heavenly things , whereas we were wont to delight in vain and worldly things ; so to cry , 2 Cor. 7. 11. Abba-Father , to love the Father , to desire the sincere milk of the Word , and to live innocently : If upon tryal of thy self by these notes , 1 Iohn 2. 29. thou findest thy self not born again , 1 Pet. 2. 2. thy case is fearful ; it had been better then thou shouldest thus dye , that thou hadst never been born , or born a Toad , whereof when its dead , there 's an end ; but the man that is not born again while he lives , when he dyeth , the second death will lay hold on him eternally ; yet alas , a number of old folks ready to drop into the grave , are not yet born again ; What shall become of these ? few men are born again when they become old , which I speak not to discourage you quite , but to awaken you the more earnestly to look about you ; some were called about the eleventh hour , but let them that have day before them , not defer or put it to the venture .

6. That the life of a Regenerate man cannot be that it was , A Regenerate man is not the same he was before . or as is the life of carnal men , for the case is altered ; he is now united to Jesus Christ as an imp to the stock , a member to the head ; by Faith on our parts , but principally by the Spirit of God : by which Faith we draw , and by which Spirit is conveyed to us vertue from Christs death to kill sin , our old man , and the corruptions thereof , whereby it hath a deadly wound given it , which it shall never recover ; so from his Burial , his Spirit conveyeth power to hold under our corruptions , that they get head no more ; so from his Resurrection , power to rise to newness of life : so that now being graft into such a living stock , by such a cunning hand of the Spirit of God , the Regenerate man receiveth vertue accordingly : He was before a branch of the wilde olive , but now of the true olive , therefore the fruits are and must needs be accordingly ; so that though he sinneth , yet it s not as before : before he was guided by the Spirit of Satan and the world , now by the holy Spirit of God , and therefore must needs bring forth the fruits of holiness , Gal. 2. 20. as it is holy , must needs be renewed throughout , though not wholly and perfectly .

1. Here 's a great comfort to Gods children , Use 1. and infinite cause have they to praise God , that whereas before they brought forth nothing but fruit unto death , now they are enabled to bring forth fruit to God , and to life ; before servants to the flesh , reaping corruption , now to the Spirit , Gal. 6. 8. the fruit thereof being everlasting life : There must needs be joy in doing such work .

2. This condemneth them that say they believe , Use 2. and they are converted , and hope to be saved by Jesus Christ , and yet continue in their course : No , every one that s in Christ is a new creature ; it s a disgrace to Christ to say such fruit comes from him .

7. The growth of one that s truly Regenerate , A Regenerate man groweth by degrees . he is not at his pitch the first day : It s not with him as with Adam , who was perfect at once in his creation , but he comes to it by degrees ; as every thing that moveth from one place to another , doth it in some space of time , so in this motion from sin to righteousness and life eternal , it s done in time , and by degrees , and that not in all alike : But as some men are of greater stature , some of smaller , and sometimes the yonger are taller then the elder ; so it may be in this : but all do and must grow , and that by the Ministery of the Word and Sacraments , as Corn by the early and latter rain springs up by degrees : and a Babe first small and weak , yet by good tendance and Gods blessings grows bigger and stronger in every part , then can go alone , speak , digest strong meat , begin to bear burthens , and do the works of a man ; so must a Christian grow from a Babe to be stronger , to digest strong meat ( higher Points of Doctrine ) to be able to go alone in good Duties , by the finger , as in Prayer , Reading anothers Prayer , but now can go alone in it , so in other Duties ; then stronger to bear Afflictions . Temptations , Mocks , Discouragements , and also to put up wrongs , and go through duty and service .

1. This may rebuke them that are so far from growing , Use 1. as they go back , and are worse then sometimes they were . These may suspect that either they never begun in truth , but were suddenly moved , had but some common gifts , and were but built upon the Sand ; or else that they have ill behaved themselves , beginning in the Spirit , to end in the Flesh : Were you too well ? what fault found you that you are weary , and gone back to your old Master ? If you belong to God , and do not awaken your selves , the Lord will whip you home , will send you as Runnagates to the house of Correction .

2. For those that stand at a stay , Use 2. and no difference can be discerned between that they were many years ago , and now , they also are in a woful case . Doth not a man look his childe should grow in learning every year , and would it not grieve if he should stand always at one stay ? We love to see our children grow , and would grieve to see them Dwarfs , and no bigger now then they were many years ago ; and have we no care of our own or their growth in grace ? As men every year aym more and more to grow in wealth : and as in a Race men press hard forward towards the mark , so should we to grow in grace . But why do men grow no faster ? Why men grow no faster in goodness . A. 1. Some are proud , and conceited they have more then they have , and so strive not . 2. Some compare themselves with them that are under them , and not with them that exceed them in grace , and so think they have enough ; whereas in worldly things they reach always at those above , that they may not onely equal them , but over-top them . 3. Some are so cloyed with the love of the world , and multitude of businesses , that they can spare no time for this . This is the bane of Religion , and hinders from many a duty publike and private , choking the Word in the obedience thereto , and practice thereof , and causing many a duty to be but poorly performed . 4. Ill company is as great a hinderance to Spiritual growth , as the East and North winds to tender flowers and plants . 5. Neglecting and failing of the means of growing ; as if any man want his meals , he will soon faint , and if any Tradesman want his Markets , he will soon be Bankrupt . 6. Some use them negligently , as Hearing , Praying , &c. and thrive accordingly : He that keeps the Market but once in a moneth , will not gain much ; so they that hear the Word but now and then at their leisure , will not get forward very fast , especially they that keep not the main Market , nay , the Mart of their Souls , The Lords day , when they should make off their corruptions , and provide themselves with all Spiritual commodities . 7. Such as hear often , but without preparation before , or regard after . Do men thrive by meat taken into a full or foul stomack ? or by swallowing their meat whole ? no more shall we Spiritually thrive though we swallow down whole Sermons , unless we chew them by Meditation and Practice they will never nourish us .

And whereas many humble Souls complain that they do not grow , A Caveat for such as complain they do not thus grow . though earnestly desirous thereof , and diligent in the use of the means , they must examine themselves , whether indeed they have used the means , and that diligently with preparation and prayer ; If not , they must reform the same ; if yea , they may be of good comfort , for assuredly they cannot but grow somewhat , though not as they would : They must yet be constant , and that God who hath given them an heart to use the means of growing , See Wilson of Sanctification , pag. 11. 12. will also enable them to grow : we must be growing as long as we live here . If we had Methuselahs years to live , and still took pains , yet still there would be work ; so hard is it to get victory over , and to subdue this Army of our lusts , and to draw dry this ocean of our corrupt affections .

Blessed is he that makes this his chief or onely work , to mortifie more and more his sinful nature , applying the Word , Promises , Threats , Mercies , Judgements , general , particular , on our selves or others : To this end God hath given us many means to subdue them , therefore will be angry if we keep them not under , and grow especially against our strongest corruptions ; they offend God , hurt us , glad Satan , defile the Temple of the holy Ghost , were the cause of Christs death , are of long continuance , and therefore must be put away : And as we must labor daily to mortifie our lusts and old man , so to grow in all graces .

8. The perfection of a Christian : There 's no perfection here in this life . There 's none here in this life we know but in part ; there be still remnants of sin in us : we are indeed perfectly Justified , not , but in part Sanctified . Sin and Grace is mingled in every part , 1 Cor. 13. 9. ( not sin in one part , and grace in another ) as heat and cold in lukewarm water , Eph. 5. 27. light and darkness in the twilight : God will have it so to be , Reasons hereof 1. That we might be saved of mercy , and by Christs merit , and not by any merit of our own : for if we were perfectly Sanctified here , then should Christ seem onely to make us fit to merit our own Salvation . 2. That his power might be made known in our weakness , whereby we are enabled to overcome such mighty enemies of our Salvation . 3. That continually we might be kept humble , ever thankful to God for daily pardon . 4. That there might be continual use of the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , and one of another . 5. That there might be something to weary us hence , and make us long for Heaven , where we shall attain that which here we can never : But though these Corruptions remain , yet they reign not ; they are indeed troublesom and hurtful , as the Canaanites to the Israelites , or Rebels that make Insurrection in a Kingdom , but have not the Scepter in their hand , but are subdued in time ; and they dwell in us as unwelcom guests . There is always a Civil war in a Childe of God ; two men in one man , the old and the new ; two laws , the law of our members , and the law of our minde : the Flesh and Spirit fight each against other , Rom. 7. now the one prevailing , then the other , Gal. 5. 17. yet so as the old man grows weaker , and the grace of God stronger . It had a deadly blow at first , and still languisheth , and is in a Consumption ; Simil. as a Serpent that is deadly wounded in his head , yet wrigles with the tail ; or a Soldier deadly wounded in his brain , yet thrusts with his weapon . The Scripture speaks of the old man in Regeneration , as if it were crucified and wholly destroyed , because it s so wounded that it can never recover his former strength .

1. This condemns all Anabaptists , Use 1. and others that dream of a purity in this life .

2. It teacheth us to bear with one another : Use 2. The husband , though godly , must not look the wife should be without fault , nor the wife the husband ; so the Master the Servant , or the Servant the Master ; there are none without Imperfections : we never read of any , but noted with some weakness , Christ alone excepted ; therefore think it not strange , neither neglect the graces that be in any for one or more infirmities , so as they grow to no height .

3. Here 's comfort to those that doubt of their Conversion , Use 3. because they meet with temptation , and feel sin rebelling in them , and their corrupt nature lusting after evil . It s not so much a sign you are not converted , because you have sin ( for that s common to all ) as that you are , because you feel it , strive against it and grieve for it : This is indeed a sign you have the Spirit in you . The godly and wicked sin both , but there 's great odds in the maner ; the wicked sin willingly and advisedly , yea , delight in it , are loath to be hindred from it ; when they have done , are not humbled , but go on therein : whereas the Regenerate sin not with full consent , but haled thereto by force of temptation , and strength of corruption , being thereafter humbled , ashamed , grieved . If it be thus with thee , be of good comfort , be still constant in resisting , use means to subdue the old man , and cherish the new , so shall you every day get the victory more and more , and when you be overtaken thus , it shall not be laid to your charge , but pardoned in the Death and Obedience of Jesus Christ : Neither shall your corruption recover it self again to rule over you as before , but shall still languish ; and this is the cause why the Scripture speaks , as if our Regeneration were perfect , our old man destroyed : And at last by death we shall get a final and perfect victory , and never feel sin more , for with laying down our bodies , we lay down our sin , and not before .

Not of corruptible seed , &c. ] Here is set down , 1. The efficient cause of our Regeneration , both Negatively ; where 's shewed , what it is not , and Affirmatively , what is not . 2. The instrument thereof , the Word of God . 3. A description of God , that he liveth and abideth for ever .

Not of corruptible seed . ] Of mortal seed we are born , Observ. not born again ; Regeneration cometh not by nature . by it we are made Creatures , not new Creatures ; we are not born holy , but by being born again we are made holy : The godliest Saints of God cannot convey grace into their Children , See Iohn 3. 6. but sin and nature ; Psal. 51. 5. whence it is , that even Abraham had an Ishmael , Isaac an Esau : Iob 14. 4. As we are born of our Parents , we are altogether corrupt , our understanding seeth little in heavenly things , and our Reason is an enemy thereto ; as that there is one God in three Persons , Christ God and Man , born of a Virgin , the world made of nothing , Man saved by the imputed righteousness of another , the near Union between Christ and a Believer , the Resurrection and last Judgement , &c. Reason sees them not , yields not to them , nay , being much urged , Mat. 16. 17. laughs thereat ; and that which it doth understand , it conceives not as it ought : the will desires nothing that good is , or at least as it ought , for it is defiled , and so the whole man . Again , mortal seed begets that that is mortal onely , and not immortal ; but when we be once Regenerate , we never dye more , but live the life of grace here , and shall that of glory hereafter ; a final fall , or the second death can never befal the new Creature . 1 Ioh. 5. 18.

Let none therefore trust in this , that they were born of godly Parents , but desire God as their Father to beget them anew .

But of incorruptible , Observ. ] Namely , by the Spirit of God , which is the true efficient cause , Gods Spirit by the word doth alter and change mans heart . who doth alter and change our hearts , and conveys power to kill sin in us , and to quicken us to a good life : Usually these words and the next are put together , and understood of one thing ; namely , that the Word is the immortal seed of Regeneration , 1 Iohn 3. 9. & 5. 1. and after a sort it may be so called , but properly the Spirit of God is the seed , Iohn 3. 5. the Word is the instrument , and we know the Word of it self can do no such thing , no more then a Tool can work without the hand of the workman . Joh. 1. 13. is a notable Exposition of this place , where by Blood , and the will of Man , and of Flesh , the same is meant that here he calleth mortal seed , and that which is here immortal , or incorruptible seed , is there but of God : All Men and Angels cannot do this , whomsoever God useth as the instrument , he himself is the worker ; therefore is the Spirit compared to water , as washing and making fruitful , and to fire , as through whom our corruptions are purified .

1. This should stir up those that are born again , Use 1. to labor with all their might , to shew themselves thankful to God , that hath done that for them that their own Father , their Preacher , nay all the men of the world could not have done for them ; and to labor to glorifie his name in all holy obedience all their days , Iam. 1. 18. for therefore hath he done it , that they should be as the first fruits of his creatures , even set apart for his service as the first fruits were .

2. For those that are yet natural , Use 2. let them not trust to Ministers nor means , but desire Almighty God to open their heart , and to work in them that work that may be to their Salvation .

3. Here 's an exceeding comfort to all new born persons , Use 3. namely , That though they have a corrupt Nature , the Devil subtile , the World naught , and themselves subject to many temptations and dangers , yet they shall never fall finally from God ; it s not possible they should perish , for then the immortal seed ( the Spirit given them , and which is in them ) should perish , which is more impossible then that that should perish , Eph. 4. 30. whereby they are sealed unto the day of Redemption .

By the Word of God ] It s the mean to make of the servants of sin , Obser. the servants of God ; Gods word is the instrumental cause of our conversion . of unclean , clean ; of vile persons like Lyons , Tygers and Bears , to make meek humble Lambs ; to raise up the dead in sin , and to bring to the Kingdom of Heaven , which is therefore called , The Gospel of the Kingdom : Rom. 6. 17. See to this purpose Psal. 19. 7. Isa. 53. 1. Ioh. 15. 3. Rom. 1. 16. 1 Cor. 1. 21. Jam. 1. 18. Acts 26. 18. and for examples hereof , Isa 11. 6 , 7. Acts 2. 37. & 11. 21. & 16. 30. The Law preparatively makes a way for Conversion and Faith , Ioh. 5. 25. by humbling and affrighting the heart with the sight of misery ; the Gospel effectively : This works Faith and Repentance , tells us of the remedy , the sufficiency of it , and how freely it is offered , then works an earnest desire after it , and an heart to leave any thing that might let us from it ; not that God is tyed to this , God doth not always tye himself hereunto . but thus it hath pleased him to appoint ordinarily to work : In times of persecution he can bless , and doth reading of the Word to convert , yea , the report of private men : So also for Infants he hath another way ( no less easie to him , then hidden and admirable to us ) how to work in them , as he sanctified John Baptist in his mothers womb : Luk. 16. 29 , 31 He hath not ordained Angels to come and tell us news from heaven , nor any to come from the dead with tidings , but Moses and the Prophets , Ministers to open and apply the Scriptures , and this he makes effectual . It s true , God prepares men sometimes by crosses , as the fire doth the iron , but most are moved presently at the Word ; some by sickness or terror outward or inward , sent of God , have something brought to their conscience that they have heard , and so are converted ; as others thereby prepared to the Word , and thereupon converted by it , as by experience hath been often found . This is the reason that the Devil hath ever been a spiteful enemy hereto , an enemy to true , sound , plain and diligent preaching ; raising so many Enemies against it , laying so many logs in the way to hinder the course of it , raising up such in the Ministery as either preach not at all , 1 Cor. 2. 4 , 13. or seldom , or in the fleshly words of mans wisdom , crying down preaching , under this or that colour , &c. for he knows well that its the mighty Engine to batter his Kingdom ; it s that which pulls down the walls of Jericho , 2 Cor. 10. 4. how base soever in the worlds eyes : It s the strong voyce of God that casts Satan out of his hold and possession , his mighty arm that plucks us out of his power and Kingdom , and translates us into the Kingdom of his dear Son .

1. This teacheth us highly to esteem of it above all other means , Use 1. not preferring or equalling thereto either Reading or Prayer , publique or private ; For what were this but to thwart the Lord ? hath he blest these alike to win souls ? If thou sittest at home and readest , when thou shouldest be hearing , God will curse thy pride , that thinkest to be wiser then he , or teachest any so to do .

2. It teacheth us to praise God for his unspeakable mercy towards us , Use 2. that whereas most of the world sitteth in darkness , he hath given us the means of the new birth : If thou art hereby Regenerate , thou art happy , if not , thy case is hard ; then will it profit us , when it hath wrought this in us ; therefore pray unto God to continue his Word , and give it power to change thee , and that he would whet this two-edged sword to pierce through thee , and make it an hammer to break thy stony heart .

3. They that have it not , Use 3. should mourn for it , and pray for it , as being subject to perish , Prov. 29. 18. For where prophesie faileth , the people perish : we must pity them who do not pity themselves .

4. Labor to profit daily by it , Use 4. for it s also for our further building up , and whereby we go on to perfection , praying that it may be so long continued , till we shall have no more need of it , or our poor children whom we leave behinde us .

5. Pray to God to give it free passage every day , Use 5. to the winning of many souls , to the accomplishment of the number of Gods Elect , and let every man further it what he can to the utmost of his power , herein shewing himself Christs true friend : And let all men take heed of hindring the same ; hinderers are enemies to mens souls , and to the Kingdom of Christ , and friends to the Devils Kingdom .

Here I may speak how God hath appointed Ministers to be the bringers of this glad tidings , The Ministers of the Word , are appointed of God the instruments to convert souls . that converts the soul , and that the Lord useth them as instruments to win the soul , who are therefore called in Scripture by many Honorable names , as , Men of God , Angels , 2 Cor. 5. 20. Ambassadors from God , Spiritual Fathers &c. so , Builders , Laborers , Watchmen , Shepherds , &c. in respect of their pains ; They are appointed over the Lords flock , they have the trust of Souls , the greatest trust that can be ; other callings are about mens bodies or goods , but this their Souls .

1. Therefore for Preachers , Use 1. we must be faithful , in token of our thankfulness to God , that hath so highly honored us , and deeply entrusted us , Dan. 12. 3. so shall our reward be great above others ; if we be unfaithful , 1 Pet. 5. 4. we must look for greater damnation , as being treacherous in so weighty a work .

2. For people , Use 2. how ought they to regard Gods faithful Ministers , that watch over their Souls ? Alas , how little are they regarded ! how poorly maintained ? every thing too much , every little enough for them ; whereas Lawyers , Physicians , &c. live wealthily , are much sought to : It s a plain sign men love their Bodies better then their Souls , and the Earthly Inheritance better then the Heavenly .

Which liveth and abideth for ever . Whence it cometh to pass , that the Word worketh Regeneration . ] These words spoken of God , are to shew how it comes to pass that the Word is able to Regenerate and beget us to a new and immortal life ; namely , because it is the Word of him who liveth , and giveth life to all , and endureth for ever : If it were not the Word of such a one it could not ; for as for the word of man , it can do no such matter . All the wisdom of all the men of the world put together , and used to perswade a sinner , are not able to change his heart : The word of a man can but stir up that in a man which is in him already ; but to put any thing into him that was not in him , it cannot .

1. This teacheth us to preach the pure Word of God purely , Use 1. and not our own Devices : for what is the chaff to the wheat ? not any word of man , this or that ( how wise or ancient soever ) can put life into a man : So , nor to mingle mans word with Gods ; it hath no need of help from mans testimony , let it alone , it shall be able to perform that which its appointed for . The Word of God is sharp enough to divide between the joynts and the marrow , Heb. 4. 12. though it be not whetted on this or that mans Grindstone . As Pearls need no painting , so that which is of incomparable power , 2 Cor. 10. 4. and is pronounced to be mighty , hath no need of the help of weak man .

2. Let him that is born anew by the preaching of the Word , Use 2. be well assured he shall live and endure for ever , as God so liveth and endureth ; as every one that is not begotten thereby , shall through Gods judgement live after a sort and abide for ever , but it shall be in everlasting wo and misery .

Verse 24. For all flesh is as grass , and all the glory of man as the flower of grass : the grass withereth , and the flower thereof falleth away . Verse 25. But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever ; and this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you .

THe Apostle now laboreth to make men labor for their part in this Regeneration whereof he had spoken , and that is by shewing the miserable state of a carnal and unregenerate man ; and that a man without this hath nothing that good is , nothing that can please God , that can stand him in stead , and bring him to Salvation ; for whatsoever is in man besides this , is flesh , is corrupt and sinful , and so consequently vain and vanishing as grass ; yea , the best thing that is or can be in an unregenerate man , is but as a flower , that fadeth soon away , and cannot abide the heat of the Sun ; no more can any thing in an unregenerate man abide the censure and judgement of Almighty God : and this he doth to drive as well carnal men out of themselves , and make them labor for this grace of Regeneration ; as to stir up them that were Regenerate , to be thankful to God for this marvellous work , and labor to walk worthy of it in all fruits of holiness and obedience .

Now having laid out the misery of a carnal men , yet he leaves him not so , but tells him that there is a means to help this , and to bring him to an happy state , and to live for ever ; namely , The Word of God , which endureth for ever , whereby the Soul is converted , Faith wrought , we united to Christ , and fetch from him as pardon of sin by his death , and favor by his obedience ; so , ability to live the life of grace here , and the life of glory hereafter . But lest any should say , But where is this Word that is able to do thus wonderfully for us ? and how must it be dealt with to make it thus effectual for our Regeneration ? He tells them , that its among them ; and being sincerely preached , and humbly heard , believed and obeyed , would become effectual to their Salvation .

In the words we have both the Law and the Gospel : 1. The miserable state of all unregenerate men . 2. The mean to make us live for ever . Both these are set down in two Propositions : The first concerning the base estate of a carnal man , hath two branches , one a degree above another ; The first , that all flesh ( that is , whosoever is carnal and unregenerate ) is grass , that is , frail , brittle , fickle , perishing , which is not onely in respect of his bodily estate , but any thing else in him . The second , that the glory of man ( that is , the best things that be or can be in him ) are as the flower of grass , vain and vanishing . The second concerns the Word of the Lord , that it endureth for ever , and that to make us live for ever , by uniting us to Christ the Fountain of life .

The words are taken out of Isa. 40. 6 , 7 , 8. ( where note by the way , that no text is ever cited out of the Apocrypha ) the Apostle being guided by the same Spirit that the Prophet was , looking upon the same sense , not standing precisely upon the very words .

All flesh is as grass , ] Though it be not chiefly meant of the frailty and brittleness of our bodily condition , Psal. 103. 15. yet it is also included ; of which a little .

This our life is often compared to grass , Wherein mans life may be compared to grass . and that fitly : for as grass is subject to come to an end many ways , so we . It may be blasted with the East-wind as soon as ever it peers out of the ground ; if not that , yet in the spring the beasts will crop and bite it off ; if it miss both these , yet the mower will cut it down with his sithe ; if it escape all these , yet there is one thing coming that it cannot escape , namely , the cold frosty winter , whereby it must needs wither away : So we may be blasted as soon as we be born ; how many have dyed the same day they have been born , or shortly after ? if we scape then , yet some disease may bite us in our youth ; or if we miss both these , death with his sithe may cut us down in our middle age ; but if yet we scape , the winter notwithstanding of old age will wither us away , and we cannot shift it .

Alas , we are as a bubble , a vapor , of no continuance , so vain a thing is man , Mr. Midman at that time so kild . lighter then vanity : A little too much heat or cold , * a little blow with a Horse foot , a bad savour , or the like , can quickly make an end of us : Alas , we carry the matter of many diseases daily about us , in our bosoms and bowels ; insomuch that all must dye : It s so appointed , Heb. 9. 27. It cannot be shifted , It s the way of all flesh , high and low : This grim Sergeant knocks at every door , spares none , will not be bribed by any , Money , Physick , Wit , Wealth , cannot free us from it ; even Methuselah dyed : They that have been most unwilling , yet have dyed ; where are all our Forefathers ? where all the mighty Monarchs ? long since gone , and so must we , there 's no remedy : yet we know not when , to day or to morrow , this year or the next ; nor where , at home or abroad , in our bed or in the fields , by sea or land , nor how of a natural or violent death : Here to day , to morrow gone ; The fairest flower may be soon welked : A few years ago we said , Our Fathers and Mothers are dead , and shortly our Children will say so of us , Eccles. 1. 4. one Generation passeth , another succeedeth .

1. This may well serve to humble us , Use 1. pull down our Peacocks plumes : Alas , why should we be proud ? proud against God , as most be to shake off his commandment , to stand in no awe of his Word , but to do that which he flatly forbids , nay , though he threaten never so severely ? O thou poor Worm , thou Snail , what art thou poor Potsheard , that darest lift up thy self against thy Maker , the mighty and glorious Lord of Heaven and Earth ? Dan. 5. 22 , 23. shouldest thou not fall down at his footstool , and say , Speak Lord , for thy poor Creature is ready to do whatsoever thou requirest , as its right meet , and my bounden duty so to do ? proud against our Neighbors , what art thou that liftest up thy self proudly , vaunting of thy Beauty , Birth , Strength , &c. mayest thou not be laid full low ere to morrow Night ? what art thou that treadest others down by thy greatness , mayest thou not be laid where others shall tread on thee , and that shortly ? what art thou , who so proudly deckest thy self with endless cost and time ? why dost thou so gorgeously set out , and take such delight in a piece of clay ? may it not lie by the walls this week ? may not a Tuft of grass be cut down this night ? O that there should be such excess , cost , vain fangles , endless and too much time spent in trimming up the body , and no care of decking the soul ! O this curious and long dressing and pinning is but for a day ! and yet what a great deal of precious time is spent this way ? Also what art thou that bearest malice against thy Neighbor , and will not be pacified , but threatnest to be revenged ? Alas poor soul , where mayest thou be ere that time ? lay down thy displeasure to day , lest thou dye to morrow , and dye in wrath .

2. This may abate our care for the world : Use 2. O how do men toil and care , Use 3. as if they were to live here , and never dye , when as dye they shall , How to be prepared for death and that haply very suddenly !

3. This should make us labor , always to be prepared for death : To this end , 1. Labor to be assured of the forgiveness of our sins , and that the book be crost , the reckonings cancel'd , and God at peace with us ; wo be to him that dyes , these things being not discharged : But alas , most as if they were not enough indebted already , run on more and more . 2. Walk ever carefully in the fear of God , that we may be found well-doing ; but how do most live in sin , that they are unfit to dye . 3. Be we not fettered nor intangled with the profits , pleasures , Luke 21. 34. and excessive cares of this life . 4. Imploy we our selves carefully in some measure about the work whereunto we are called . 5. Wait we for the Lords coming , being always desirous thereof .

4. It should make us ( seeing we be but grass ) not to promise great matters of our selves ; Use 4. We will do this or that , We will be revenged of him ere seven years come to an end , We will go and buy and sell , and get gain , Iam. 4. 13. and tarry thus long , We will repent seven or ten years hence : Alas poor fool , art thou not ashamed to shew thy folly ? Alas poor Creature , whereof art thou made ? Thou thinkest of heart of Oak , Marble or Cedar , remember thou art but grass : Reckon not without thine Hoast , boast not of to morrow .

Be we hereby stirred up to do all the good we can , Use 5. while we may , and work while its day ; Eccles. 9. 10. If thou hast to repent , do it to day , hear this Sermon , Gal. 6. 10. keep well this Sabbath , thou knowest not but it may be the last ; come this Communion , thou knowest not whether thou shalt live till another .

6. Never trust to any mortal friends , Use 6. haply they may be gone when thou shalt have most need of them , and when they might do thee most good ; Trust in God that lives for ever , who is Almighty , ever a merciful Father and a Friend to his : So , make the best use of any friend while thou hast him , People of their good Ministers , Husbands of their gracious Wives , 2 King . 2. 3 , 5. Children of their godly Parents , &c. Thou knowest not how soon they may be taken from thee ; we shall hear lamentings after the death of such , buts it more wisdom to make use of them while they be with us : so for thy Enemies , fear them not too much , Exod. 4. 19. they are but grass , they may be taken away ere the time come wherein they should have hurt thee . Matt. 2. 10.

7. For our Children , Use 7. delight not too much in them for their beauty , stature , growth , they are but grass ; If we set our minde too much on them while we have them , we will be too excessively grieved when God takes them from us ; love them moderately of Gods blessings : If we bring them up in the fear as God , that they may prove gracious , and instruments to honor God in Church and Common-wealth , we do well : Take heed we prank them not up too much , or too much cocker them , and give them the head , as David to Absolom and Adonijah ; as also that we rake not greedily for them , and so hinder God of his service : If they be perkt up to high , or regarded more then the glory of God , it s the next way to provoke God to pull them down .

And all the glory of man as the flower of grass : ] Not onely the glory of men , as Nobles , Princes , Great-men , High-born , Wise , Witty , Learned , and the like , which are the chief , are as flowers , somewhat finer and fairer then grass in colour , & of them some fairer then some , but even the greatest man is but a flower , that for all the beauty fades assoon as another : But this is the meaning , that

The glory of a carnal man is but a vain thing , Doct. and the best part of an unregenerate man is corrupt ; The glory of a carnal man is but a vain thing . the best gift is but vain , our understanding not dark , but darkness : The natural man perceiveth not the things of the Spirit of God , neither can ; flesh and blood reveals no such things to him : Eph. 1. 8. Our understanding is altogether blinde in the first Table , 1 Cor. 2. 14. unless it be for some few general notions , that serve to leave us without excuse , as , That there is a God , That he must be served , but what , and who he is , and how to be served , alas , here we dote : Hence have risen so many thousand Inventions , Images , Idols , so many kindes of Services in all Nations , Rom. 1. 23. Turning the glory of the incorruptible God , into the similitude of a corruptible man , calf , creeping thing , &c. In the second Table , God for the preservation of civil society , hath left a little more light to discern between right and wrong , just and unjust , good and evil , as appears by the Laws of the Heathens against vices and for vertues , yet herein how blinde is carnal man ? In the general he holds adultery , murther , &c. to be evil ; but in particular , lust and anger ( practised by himself ) not so , or but a little ; but for concupiscence , original sin , the root of them , alas , this is quite hidden : So for our will , it s altogether corrupt and rebellious ; it ought to be guided by Reason , yet often when Reason speaks , and would guide right , it will not onely not be ruled , but will over-rule Reason ; as the horses draw Coach and Coachman over hills and dales whither they list , See Gen. 6. 5. yea all that is in us is onely evil ; Our Righteousness is like a filthy clout , Isa. 64. 6. we are not able to think a good thought ; In me , that is , in my flesh ( saith the Apostle ) dwelleth no good thing : Rom. 7. 18. & 8. 7. The wisdom of the flesh is not onely an enemy , Eph 2. 1. but enmity against God , and our own conversion and Salvation , and we are dead in sins and trespasses , and so cannot stand before God ; our sins must be taken away in Christ , and Christs righteousness imputed to us , and put upon us ; we must also be purged and renewed , Mat. 5. 20. Either must our righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ( who yet were very strict and civil ) or we cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven : What if a man could rule Towns , Countreys and Commonwealths , as long as he hath no true rule over his own heart according to Gods Word ? What though a man could compound all the controversies between man and man in a Countrey , and were reputed the wisest man therein , yet if he know not the great controversie that sin hath made between God and himself , and seek and know that compounded in Christ , what would it avail him ? What if a man were never such a skilful Lawyer , and could help every man to his inheritance , if he knew not that hell were his inheritance by nature , and labored for a better , and for the same shew good evidence ? What if a man ▪ were so skilful in Physick , as he knew the cases and cures of all diseases , if he know not the Spiritual diseases of his soul , and how they must be cured in the blood of Jesus Christ .

This may stir up all men to examine themselves in what state they stand : Use. If thou hast not felt an Almighty work of God in thee , to renew and alter thee throughout , then art thou yet but a carnal and unregenerate man , then thou art in a woful case , thou hast nothing that can please God , what shall become of thee ? rest not in this state : O that people could be perswaded of their woful and wretched miserable state , then were it easie to perswade them to seek to have it bettered ! The Lord ferret you out of your holes , and muses that you have to lurk in : Alas , they will not all hide you f●om the All-seeing eye and justice of God : O pitty thy soul ! This is the first step to Heaven , to know thy naked case : Take out this first Lesson , Thou canst never learn any other till this be learned ; Thou that hast not learned this ( as most have not ) thou hast learned nothing to do thee good by all the Sermons which thou hast at any time heard .

The grass withereth , and the flower thereof falleth away . Observ. ] Even so whatsoever is or can be in a meer unregenerate man , Nothing in an unregenerate man can abide the Lords examination . when it comes to the Lords examination , it will not abide , but vanisheth away , as snow on the Sun-fide of the house , and Butter before the fire .

But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever ; ] Having told them of their misery without Regeneration , he leaves them not there , but tells them of a remedy : To what purpose were it to tell one of his nakedness , unless he were also told how to come by clothing ? that he is sick , unless he be told how he may be cured ? to rake in the wound and sore , unless a Playster be applyed ? This were but to encrease a mans grief ; so to Preach mans misery , and there leave , were to drive a man to dispair , were either to make men blockishly careless what they did , or desperately to rage , and run into the Gulf of all impiety , seeing there is no remedy : The Apostle therefore doth both , teaching Ministers wisely to joyn Law and Gospel together ; we must not onely tell people of a remedy in general ( so leaving them to se●k it themselves ) but prescribe them the way by dutiful attendance to the Word of God ; else they are like to do as sick folks , that having no counsel from the Physician , take things of their own head , which rather increase the disease then otherwise , even by some blinde courses of their devising seek a remedy , which will do them no good .

The Word of the Lord is the means appointed of him , Doctr. to make us live that be dead , Gods Word is the means whereby we may live for ever . to convert the Soul , to work Faith , whereby we are united to Christ the fountain of life : It s the Conduit pipe , whereby God conveyeth the life that is in him into us ; without the Word , Iohn 5. 25. we are sta●k dead , where that fails , the people perish ; without the Word , Prov. 29. 18. I say , we are but dead men , and we must dye and perish eternally if it help us not : But if it be carefully heard , believed and obeyed , it will bring us to everlasting life , to an enduring state in Grace and Glory .

1. O then , Use 1. wherewith shall this Word be prized ? If even a Soul be more worthy then all the world , what is it worth that saves Souls ? O no marvel though David said it was better then gold and silver , Psal. 19. 10. & 119 72 , 127. and sweeter then honey : O how thankful should we be to God for this rich treasure hidden from most part of the world ? he hath given his Statutes to Jacob , Psa. 147. 19 , ●0 he hath not dealt so with other Nations ; what if we had this whole worlds wealth amongst us , if we had not the Word of God ? O what are we , that we should be preferr'd before so many great Countreys , and innumerable people ? O how great is the unthankfulness of this Land , that set so little by it ! why are the people so shie , and so hardly drawn to the preaching of the Word ? Is it not some great hurt it would do them ? It s even this , It would make them of sinners converted persons , bringing Salvation to their house ; of dead , make them alive , and to live for ever : without it we are sure to dye , and that eternally .

2. To answer the prophane world , Use 2. that wonders at people that take pains winter and summer , to travel and take such journeys to the Word ; they think they be fools , and laugh at them , What do they mean , say they ? What mean they ? they seek to have their Souls saved ; if you have any greater business in hand then that , or know a better way to effect it , then the preaching of the Word , you should do well to set about it : But if ye do neither of these ( as I know ye do not ) then cease marvelling at them , and give them leave rather to marvel at you , that can be so careful for toys , and so careless of your Souls for the time to come .

3. If we have the Word of God , which is sufficient , and appointed to save our Souls , then how dare the Brownists separate themselves from us ? Peter would not from Christ , when being asked of him whether he would go away , Ioh 6 68. Master ( saith he ) whether shall I go , thou hast the words of eternal life ; yea , though there may be some things amiss , and where at they are offended , yet seeing there is sufficient to the Salvation of our Souls , we ought to take heed of departing from those places where such means are ; they will go farther , and speed worse . Again , whereas they call our Ministers Antichristian , and B●alitical Priests , &c. what gross wrong is this ? will God bless the labors of such to the winning of Souls ? Have not sundry Ministers among us through Gods goodness been the instruments of converting many to God ? 1 Cor. 9. 2. Paul took that as a good Seal of his Apostleship , that he had been so blessed .

Of the Lord ] This is to exclude all mens Traditions , false Scriptures , &c. which have no such power , and to stop the mouthes of Enthusiasts , that depend upon immediate Revelations from God , as though the Scriptures were insufficient .

And this is the word , Doct. which by the Gospel is preached unto you . ] Where is the Word , The word by preaching is made the instrument of Regeneration . might they say , and how must it be handled to make it thus effectual ? He answereth , If it be effectually preached , as it is among you , this is the means ; it s not in heaven , but among you , and by preaching its made the instrument of Regeneration : For , How shall they believe in him , Rom. 10. 14. of whom they have not heard ; and , It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe : 1 Cor. 1. 21. The Eunuch having that by preaching opened and applied to him which he read , Acts 8 3● . was thereupon converted ; See Neh. 8. 8. that which could not be done by bare reading , was done by preaching . It s true , the Word read and preached are both alike apt to convert in respect of themselves , but not in respect of us ; as whole loaves , and bread cut in pieces and made small , have like nature and aptness to nourish in respect of themselves , but not in respect of us : for whole loaves will not enter into the mouth , nor into the stomack ; or if they could be there , so fit to digest as when cut small , yea and chewed , for then its fit : So a sentence of Scripture must be broken , and divided into Doctrine and Use , then its fit , and not till then to nourish us ; so that the cause why the Word read is not so apt to Regenerate and nourish us as the Word preached , is not in the Word it self , but in us , in respect of our weakness that cannot conceive it , nor yet apply it to our selves .

Therefore they that would have bare reading in Congregations , Use. and that as sufficient for the Salvation of a Congregation , they are Enemies to the Souls of Gods people . True it is , the reading of the Word , as well privately as publikely in the Congregation , is an exercise both holy and profitable , and hath ever been used in the Church of God , and is to this day , but yet not as sufficient ( as the other ) to Salvation .

Preached ] This he addeth , that they might not look that God should speak to them from Heaven , or by an Angel , he hath thought good to speak unto us by men , whom he sends to preach unto us .

Unto you . Doct. ] In that it was preached as to others , so also to them ; note , That the Word ought to be preached in every particular Congregation ; The Word ought to be preached in every Congregation . They that have it not , must seek it elsewhere , for it will not avail them that its preached in the same Land , Countrey or corner , except they also have it preached ; nor yet will this serve for their excuse , We had it not in our Town : If light be come into the world , we must seek after it , as men go from Market to Market for provision .

And if the Word be truly preached in any Congregation , Use. the people ought in any wise to attend there , and wait for a blessing thereon : They must not discourage their Ministers through their absence , but rather by their presence and prayers for them in preaching , and themselves in hearing , help them forward .

And this is the word , &c. Obser. ] Peter boldly avoucheth it was the Word of God that was preached among them ; The Word must be so preached , as that the Ministers thereof may avouch it to be indeed the Word of God . and therefore that they which resisted it , resisted not him , but God : So must we preach , that we may boldly say thus and avouch it .

Those Ministers that broach Errors , and corrupt Opinions , or that plead for Baal ( for this and that Disorder ) or they that bend the edge of their Ministery against the forward and better sort , and so weaken their knees , Use. and strengthen the hands of the wicked , these cannot thus say , This is the Word of God that is preached unto you ; God would not have said thus , neither saith Gods Word thus : and they that resist not God , but man , nay , the Devil , that moves him to utter these things . We ought to take heed , not daring to utter any thing , but that whereof we may boldly avouch ; Thus saith the Lord , He that speaketh , 1 Pet. 4. 11. let him speak as the Oracles of God : But if we speak nothing but the Truth , and as God would , let all take heed how they shall dare to resist or gainsay it , or not yield obedience thereto ; for he that resisteth it , despiseth his own Salvation , and resisteth not a mean man , but Almighty God , whose Word and Ordinance it is to save the Elect : and be sure if it save you not , it will condemn you , For as the rain cometh down , Isa. 55. 10. 11. and the snow from Heaven , and returneth not thither , but watereth the earth , and maketh it bring forth and bud , that it may give seed to the sower : So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth ( saith the Lord ) it shall not return unto me void , but shall accomplish that which I please , and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it .

CHAP. II.

WE have finished the former Chapter through Gods goodness ; many that heard the beginning thereof , dyed ere we came to the end , many dead since : We set now upon this second , hoping for the same assistance ; and I pray le ts all attend to the beginning with carefulness , for no doubt sundry of us ( so frail are we ) shall never live to the end of it , and therefore are to make the best use of that we shall hear .

In the latter end of the former Chapter , The coherence of this Chapter with the former . he had spoken of Regeneration , whereof he was perswaded many of them were partakers ; now he perswades them to declare and honor that state and calling by a life answerable , even an holy conversation , both in their general and special callings , renouncing the sins and corruption from which they were called , and which became not new persons , and performing all the contrary good duties , beseeming them that are called to the state of grace and hope of glory .

This whole Chapter contains Exhortations ; The sum of this Chapter . some general to all Christians , from the beginning to the thirteenth verse , some special , from thence to the end .

In the three first Verses he exhorteth as well to the laying aside some faults , The sum of the first three Verses . as the performance of a most necessary duty : The faults to be avoided and abandoned , verse 1. The duty to be practiced , verse 2. Whereunto is annexed a Reason why they should so earnestly long after , and heartily embrace the Word of God , even because they had already found some benefit thereof , yea the special goodness of God thereby , verse 3.

CHAP. II. Verse 1. Wherefore laying aside all malice , and all guile , and hypocrisies , and envies , and evil speakings : Verse 2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word , that ye may grow thereby . Verse 3. If so ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious .

WHerefore laying aside , Doctr. &c. ] Sundry things may be hence observed in general : Regeneration and the love of sin cannot stand together . 1. That Regeneration and the love of sin cannot stand together , it must needs be accompanied with a new life : This is the end of our new birth . The life of a Regenerate man must be a continual practice of mortification , Rom. 8. 1. and study to please God ; 2 Cor. 5. 17. this may be seen from the dependance which this hath with the former , Gal. 5. 24. Wherefore laying aside , Rom. 13. 1. 2 &c. as if he should say , Seeing you are Regenerate , and God hath done so much for you as thus and thus , therefore we must lay aside , &c.

1. Here 's reproof for those that bless themselves , Use 1. as if they were Regenerate and Believers , who do yet still live in their old lusts ; Do Vines bear Haws and Brambles ? do men gather Grapes of Thorns ?

2. Admonition to all that have proof of this work of Gods special grace in them , Use 2. which Man nor Angel could not have wrought , and which is given but to a few , that they labor to shew forth their thankfulness , by renouncing all evil , and setting themselves on the contrary duties to please God .

3. Comfort to them that do thus , Use 3. They may rejoyce in the assurance of their Regeneration , they have cast off the work of darkness , put on the armor of light .

2. That there 's no perfection here to be attained , Doctr. for men cannot lay away that they have not , There 's no perfection to be attained here . but that they have ; even the best have remnants of the old man , they have sin dwelling , though not reigning in them ; they are sanctified throughout , but not perfectly ; so that though it be true , 1 Iohn 3. 9. & 1. 11. That he that is born of God , sinneth not , it s also , That if we say we have no sin , we deceive our selves , and the truth is not in us ; God will have it so to humble us , and exercise us in his Word , Sacraments , Prayer , &c.

1. This condemns all such monsters as challenge any perfection or purity here , Use 1. whereof have been sundry sorts , raised up by Satan at all times , as the Pelagians , Catharists , Caelestians , Donatists , Anabaptists , Libertines , Family of love , &c. a dangerous Opinion : 1. To puff up with arrogancy while they look for inherent righteousness to come to heaven . 2. To drive such into desperation that feel the corruptions of their hearts rebelling , and cannot be rid of the same , which yet was the case of Paul himself : We are at the best unprofitable servants , and while we live shall for many things stand in need to make this Petition , Luke 17. 10. Forgive us our trespasses .

2. This must not yet quail or discourage us from this Spiritual combat , Use 2. but rather set us on work more carefully ; for though we cannot overcome in all , yet we may prevail much ; and though we shall have cause to say with Paul , Rom. 7. 24 , 25. O wretched man that I am , &c. yet we shall also have cause to say with him , I thank God through Jesus Christ ; and though we shall have cause to grieve that we can get no more mastery , yet we shall have cause to rejoyce , that we have attained to that we have , wherein though we have gone on but slowly , yet sincerely : Original sin is not a cistern , if it were , we would never leave till by the grace of God we had emptied it ; Simil. but it s a spring , when we have pumped out all we can at night , at a Fast , at a Sacrament , yet it will come in again quickly ; there will still be more , whereat notwithstanding we must not be discouraged , and give over , but out with all again , for the longer we tarry , the fuller it will be , therefore we are to set upon it both quickly and continually .

3. That it s no easie thing to be a Christian , Doctr. it s no plain , nor easie life or work , To be a Christian , is a work of great difficulty . but a very difficult , sore and painful life , for a man to renounce those sins which be so neer to him , and he so wonderfully given to , to deny himself , and take up his cross , therefore we are bid , strive , Luke 9. 23. labor , study , give all diligence hereunto , mortifie our earthly members , pluck out our right eye , cut off our right hand , &c. so many affections as be within us , so many armed soldiers we have to fight against ; therefore is our life compared to a warfare , as who are to fight against three sore Adversaries , the Devil , the World , and our own Lusts , the worst of all : O how hard it is to resist the multitude and example of the vulgar and most ! how hard to despise the baits of unlawful Honors , Profits , Pleasures ! how hard to overcome the contrary troubles for well-doing ! how hard to resist the Devil ! but chiefly our own corrupt heart is a rebellious traytor , subtile and wicked , which few overcome , and great is their reward which doovercome .

1. They that finde themselves in an easie way , Use 1. are not in the state of grace : It s easie to follow the course of the world , and our own will , but he that doth thus , is in the broad way ; but to deny these , and obey God , we shall finde hard , it will cost much labor , many prayers , sighs , tears , much hearing , meditation , partaking of the Sacrament , and the like .

2. For them that wrestle , Use 2. and finde themselves beset , and therefore are fain to take pains , let such be of good comfort ; this is the way to heaven , be not discouraged , go on ; the work is hard , but the crown and reward is wonderful eternal .

4. That under those corruptions here named , Obs. all others are included , Vnder those here named , all other corruptions are included . and the first word may be taken very fitly for all naughtiness in general , the rest being particular branches thereof , elsewhere more are set down : Therefore a Christian must not renounce onely some evils , but all , all being hateful to God , he must cast away every thing that presseth down , Col. 3. 5. we must cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit : Heb. 12. 1. The Spirit of God , 2 Cor. 7. 1. and the love of any one sin , cannot be together in one heart ; and here he names onely those wherein they were most faulty , and which were contraries to that love exhorted unto in the former Chapter .

Therefore wheresoever there 's the love and practise of any one sin , Use. assuredly the Spirit of God dwells not in that man , neither is there any work of Regeneration in him .

5. That most of those here mentioned be inward corruptions , Observ. which we must as well avoid , Most of the corruptions here named are inward . as the outward , the sins of the tongue , and the like : It s not enough to pare away the outward sins , but the heart also must be purged ; we must be sanctified throughout , our whole Spirit , Iam. 1. 26. Soul and Body , 1 Thess. 5. 23. must be kept blameless .

1. This condemneth those that will look to the outside , Use 1. and yet in the mean time suffer their hearts to boyl full of Lusts , and swarm ful of Corruptions , of Pride , Envy , Impatience , Unbelief , & the like , making no conscience of these ; This is an ill sign : These haply may bridle themselves awhile , but they wil surely break out one time or other ; if they should not , yet were they but painted Sepulchres in Gods sight .

2. This may comfort Gods Servants who groan under their inward corruptions , Use 2. and when men think they have done well , yet they shake their heads at themselves , at their dulness to good , at their Pride and Hypocrisie therein , at their unwillingness thereto , at their wandrings : This is the minde of Gods true Servants , and this also may much comfort them .

Wherefore laying aside ] Now of the vices themselves , or corruptions rather as they are in the Regenerate .

I remember I requested in the beginning of the Chapter to attend to it , because we knew not whether we should live to the end of it , or no ; and is it not proved true ? Some that were at the first Sermon ( there being but a little intermission from the course of my Ministery here ) are now at their long home ; The Author was absent at this time three weeks . not Ancient alone , but Yong and Lusty also , that might have lived to see the most of us buried : Therefore I see we had need take heed not to Chapters onely , but to every Verse , every particular Sermon , this very Sermon , accordingly making the best use and benefit thereof , seeing no man knows whether he shall hear another , so vain a thing is man ; and I pray God we may so do .

All malice , ] The Word signifieth very properly all kinde of naughtiness , and so may fitly here , as the genus of the vices that follow , and all others , and accordingly speak we thereof . Naughtiness : What is that that is naught ? Obser. and what makes a thing naught ? That which is forbidden by God in his Word , That s naught which is forbidden in Gods Word . as that is good which he approveth ; for his will is the absolute rule of righteousness : who doth not see a thing first good , then willeth it , but willeth and commandeth it , and thereupon it becomes good , Iohn 3. 4. and so on the contrary ; and therefore sin is said to be the transgression of the Law .

This teacheth us to examine all things , and knowing any thing commanded , Use. to conclude that its good , and thereupon to do it ; contrarily , knowing any thing forbidden , that thenceforward we know it to be naught , and therefore abhor it ; for what good can come of that which is naught ? and what should we have to do therewith ? The Lords will is a rule of Righteousness , all promises made to the obedience of it , and all the threatnings and plagues upon the world have come because of disobedience , that God would have his will , and men will not , but have theirs . This is the trouble of the world , and that which hath cost the world full dear , yet how few knowing Gods will can be content there to rest , and say , Now I know this is forbidden , I have done with it , I know this prescribed , I will therefore obey it ? O this were a happy world !

But if by this word we understand malice in particular , What malice is It s an old grudge upon some wrong done , or conceived to be done to a man , whereupon he waits to do some hurt or mischief to him that did it .

Anger is like a fire kindled in thorns , The difference between it and anger . soon blazeth , is soon out ; but malice , like a fire kindled in a log , it continues long : This is often forbidden , Eph. 4. 31. and yet as Esau hated Jacob , and Haman Mordecai ; so the world hateth Gods Servants , Col. 3. 8. as being reproved of them , and who run not with them into the same exce●s of riot .

1. We ought to take heed of the beginnings of unadvised anger , Use 1. it rests in the bosom of fools ; Eccles. 7. 9. whereas he that is so slow to wrath is of great wisdom : God is slow to wrath , and so should we be .

2. If we be overtaken ( as a right good man may ) take heed it fester not , Use 2. grow not to hatred , heal it quickly , as we do our wounds : The Devil is an ill Counsellor , cast it out to night , how can you else lie down in peace , or pray ? prayers be lost , and that 's a grievous loss : Nay further , Cast it out to night , thou mayest dye ere to morrow ; and then shalt thou either dye in malice , or else forgive per force , when thou canst not retain it any longer , nor any cares for it ; for what needs one care for thy hatred , if thou be once dead ? Again , Mat. 5. ●3 . thou art not fit to come to the Sacrament ; not fit to offer thy gift at the Altar : And to be revenged , what a madness is this ? It may be thou dost but imagine a wrong , and then there 's no cause , thou dealest unjustly : but if there be , wilt thou revenge ? It s the Lords office ; Take heed of perking up into Gods place , as if he would not deal equally , either not revenging at all , or not sufficiently ; The Lord knoweth what is best , let him alone , else thou turnest off his hand from thine adversary against thy self : Nay , what is this but to be revenged of God , 2 Sam. 16. 11. as it were ? for hath not he a hand therein ? Is it not by his appointment ? Iob 1. 21.

And all guile , ] What we are to understand by guile . It s meant of guile , that is between men and men in their dealings each with other , as in buying , selling , letting , hiring , borrowing , lending , paying wages , doing work , partnership , and the like ; when men would seem to do well , but do otherwise ; when one thing is pretended but another practised : Prov. 20. 14. Guile in the buyer is naught , Prov. 11. 1. as not to pay , or to pay in ill coyn ; so also there may be many frauds in the seller : 1 Thess. 4. 6. These God forbids , and he is an avenger of such things ; we are not born for our selves , but for the good each of other : we must love our Neighbor as our self , and do to him as we would be done to ; we must not lye one to another , seeing we are members one of another , as it were monstrous in the natural body , to see the hand beguile the mouth , &c. and yet how common is this sin ? how doth one spread a net for another ? not caring how they come by their goods , so they be once masters of them .

The buyer should look to himself , Object . his eye is his Chapman , he should have had more wit .

Thou shouldest have looked to him , Sol. and God will say to thee , thou shouldest have had more love , and more honesty .

Yea , Object . plain dealing is best , but he that useth it shall dye a beggar .

This proverb was never framed in an honest heart , Sol. but in an unbelieving and prophane heart ; It s as much as if we should say , men should speed the worse for obeying God , and they that dishonor him most shall speed best at his hand .

We must maintain our charge , Object . and except we use our wit , and the best shifts we can , we shall not do it .

Saith not the Scripture , Sol. A man cannot be established by iniquity ? Hath not our Savior promised , Prov. 12. 3. that if we shall in the first place seek Gods Kingdom , Matt. 6. 33. all other things shall be added unto us ; we shall have that which is meet , and Gods blessing withal , and that s better then never so much with his curse , an ill conscience , and the loss of our Souls , God will rifle in it , and scatter it at his pleasure : What if we get not so much , or so hastily , as they that care not what they do ? ( and yet God often crosseth such , and hath ways to defeat them , as to bless his servants ) A Thief robs by the High-way , he steals Twenty pounds , sooner then an honest man can earn Twenty pence , what then ? would the true man change parts with him , when he sits quiet on his Loom , or is threshing in the Barn without fear , whereas the other hath the Countrey raised after him , and being apprehended is haled to the Goal , thence to the Bar and Gallows ? whose part is best ? There 's no less difference between goods well and ill got .

All ] This is added to shew ( lest any should think none but guile in great matters or measure forbidden here ) that there 's a through-Reformation required ; Obs. Therefore it will not serve any mans turn to say , Guil is to be avoided as wel in small as great matters . My shop is not so dark as others ; I mingle not my commodities so much as such and such ; I never deceived in any great matters : All guile must be abandoned of a Christian that cares for his Soul . A Christian must shew forth the truth of his Christianity in his particular Calling , in his shop , Buying , Selling , &c. that men may take his word , and believe it , as if they had seen it with their own eyes , yea , count his words as good as a bond , that they dare rest on his faithfulness , that he will not deceive : O some smile at this , as if there were none such , I hope there be some , its pity they be so rare ; It s but that every Christian should do , and must , if he will honor his profession , and do as God requires .

And hypocrisies , ] Not that grossest ( as I take it ) that our Savior Christ condemned in the Scribes and Pharisees , and that which is so common in the world , that come to Church and place all their Religion in Ceremony , and make no account of the power of any part of it in their lives ; and yet of this hypocrisie Gods servants have remnants , whereby oftentimes they draw nearer to God with their lips , then their hearts ; their knee is bowed , when the heart is not humbled ▪ the tongue goes , when the soul mourns not unto God : But this chiefly is meant , What s here to be chiefly understood by hypocrisie . when a man is willing to be better thought of then there is cause ; when he hates sin indeed , but not so much as he would seem ; so loves good , hath some care in his Family , &c. this often befals good men , and is for want of setting our selves in the sight of God nakedly , and looking to him with whom we have to do : Now he seeth what and how we do , so that we are to lay away all approving of our selves to men , that is not joyned with as narrow a care to approve our selves to God that seeth our very hearts , and let us rather do more then is thought of us , or then we desire should be thought to be in us , then less ; that if we deceive the opinion of men , it may be in the better , not in the worse .

And envies , ] What Envy is . Of this I have spoken in handling the Ninth Commandment : It s a bearing ill will , and wishing hurt , not for any hurt done to us , but because another man prospers , or doth or is accounted of better then we would have him , or we our selves are ; therefore we seek to disgrace him , cannot abide his commendations , labor his ruine : Thus Cain against Abel , the Scribes and Pharisees against our Savior Christ . This is forbidden by the Apostle , and reckoned of him among the fruits of the flesh . Gal. 5. 21. The more a man clears before men his innocency , the more is the envious mans envy fed , whereas were he found blame-worthy , this would stanch it : Lay away all envy , save emulating the grace of others , I mean so far as to strive to reach and exceed them therein , and all good fruits thereof .

And evil speakings , ] What we are to understand by evil speakings . Namely , against our Neighbor , in slandering , backbiting , reviling , &c. whereof also I then spake at large ; Whoso bridleth not his tongue ( how religious soever he seemeth ) his Religion is vain : Iames 1. 26. Le ts desire therefore , and pray the Lord to set a watch about the door of our lips . See Iam. 3. 5. The tongue is a slippery member , as little as it is it may do much good if well ruled , Psal. 120. 4. much hurt , if otherwise ; an evil tongue is compared to Fire , a Razor , Coals , a Sword : these things must be laid aside , not to put them on again at any time , as men do their work a-days clothes , but as Joseph laid away his Prison garment when he went to Pharaoh , at no time to put them on any more .

As new born babes , &c. ] Having prepared the ground , he now comes to sow the seed ; and having purged the stomack of ill humors , he comes to prescribe wholesom food , namely , the word of God , which he would have them seriously and heartily to love and long after , and the Ministery thereof , being that wholesom means of nourishment that God hath ordained to this end , that they might grow and encrease from grace to grace thereby , till they should come to the full measure of their Sanctification which they were to attain unto in this life : So that in this verse we have the Affection , the Object , and the End ; or , 1. A duty required , namely , to desire after the Word of God , which is set down by a similitude from children new born : and 2. How the Word of God is described , namely , from the nourishing nature thereof , it s called Milk ; the purity , its sincere Milk ; and the end thereof , that they might grow thereby .

He had before willed them to lay aside all malice , &c. now to desire the sincere milk of the word : Hereby implying , that

The Word of God cannot thrive or prosper in an unsanctified heart , Doct. neither can a man either affect it , The Word of God cannot thrive in an unsanctified heart . earnestly desire it , or truly delight in it , as long as he lives in any one sin : For 1. The Word of God is holy , and will not abide in an unclean heart , no more then Rose-water will keep good in a musty or foul vessel . 2. It crosseth all our sins and corruptions ; whoso therefore loveth any one sin , cannot love the Word : Hence it is that so few affect the Word soundly , even because it crosseth that which they love , and so few grow by it , because their hearts be defiled with some sin .

Therefore let us abandon the love of all evil and sin from us , Use. if ever we mean to finde the Word sweet unto us , or to prosper thereby ; so far doth any man profit in the love of Gods Word , as he profits in the hatred of sin : The best nourishment taken into a corrupt stomack , yet nourisheth not ; so it s with the Word : The most come to Church with hearts over-grown with rank weeds more or less , therefore cannot the Word thrive in them ; and so the carnal people of the world receive no benefit after long preaching , and they that have good things in them , yet when they suffer some corruptions in themselves to wax too rank , do not thrive in grace .

The duty required is , As new born babes to desire the sincere milk of the word , so being much conversant both in the hearing and reading thereof .

The desire that new born babes or yong children have after their Mothers breast , Observ. is 1. Earnest : 2. Constant : 3. Impartial : Our desire towards the word must be earnest . Such must ours be towards the Word . 1. Earnest ; the new born babe hath not only an aptness to suck at the first , but makes aym at the dug , wrings and turns the head , and gapes , which is the wonderful work of God , nay , desires it so earnestly , as it will cry for it , yea and if it hath it not , Iob 23. 12. nothing else will still it ; and after it hath been accustomed thereto , Psal. 42. 1. & 119. 20 , 103 , 111 , 227. no dancing , rocking or gingling will still it , but the Big it must have , and that satisfieth it . Such must be our desire to the Word , an earnest fervent desire , so as nothing can satisfie us without it , Psal. 119. 98 , 99. but we esteem it above all , both profit and pleasure . Such as be new born do thus desire it ; and no wonder , for it made David wiser then his Teachers , 2 Tim. 3. 15 , 16. his Enemies , his Ancients : It makes us wise to Salvation , Iam. 1. 21. its able to save our souls ; it s the instrument to convert , to build up , to teach , instruct , convince , correct , &c. and to make perfect to every good work : Every part of it is so holy and profitable , the Promises so comfortable , the very Threatnings also able to subdue our rebellious Corruptions , and the Instructions thereof to teach us the way we have to walk in : O there can be no part thereof spared .

1. This condemneth those that have no desire at all to the Word , Use 1. had as leave be at home , as thereat , no Sermon , but for names sake ; that care not to come to the Word , or if they come for company or fear of the Law , yet it s without any appetite or desire , and therefore they come no more then they must needs for shame or danger : Tell whether Papists or others amongst our selves that care not for the Word , of profits or pleasures , they like it well , but as for a Sermon , they have no appetite thereto , finde no savor therein ; some had rather be with their Oxen , and at their Farms , some at Bull baiting , or some Play ; some had as leave be in the Churchyard as in the Church , love the Word as one would love a Prison : This is a certain sign of carnal persons dead in their sins ; as if a childe after it were born , or at any time , should lie a day or two and make no aym for the Big , would not every body say it were dead ? Many other would seem to desire Preaching , and wish they had a good Preacher , but in the mean time it troubles them not , they seek not to compass it , nor mourn for the want , nor will they take pains to stir abroad to hear elswhere till they have one of their own : Certainly these men have no life of grace in them , if they had , they would not onely wish for it , but earnestly desire it : Doth the childe onely sometimes make aym for the big ? No , but if it be well it will cry for it : These profit accordingly when they hear , because they hear not with a desire ; others can be kept from the Word by every trifle , and wonder that others are not : For this sin of the contempt of the Word , God may justly visit the Land , as he doth every year with one Judgement or other , and why rather then for this mother sin , and great unthankfulness for this most precious and invaluable Jewel ?

2. It may comfort those that long after it , Use 2. and so earnestly desire it , as nothing can please them without it ; a fair house , fertile ground , wholesom ayr , a good farm , all this gives them no content without the Word , which should sweeten and teach the use of all ; O if they had thought they should not have had the Ministery of the Word , they would never have come there ; and now labor by all means , not coldly , but with endeavor to compass it , going where it is , till they have it , taking great pains about it , hot and cold , in winter and summer , a good sign of health of such as are alive , born again , when men are not held away by any small occasion , are never so glad as when they are at it , Prov. 2. 3. and 8. 17. never so grieved as when withheld therefrom . These be they that shall profit .

2. Constant ; Constant. A yong childe having newly suckt , is quiet a while , but by and by will desire the dug , and cry for it again , and ever and anon must be sucking : Psal. 27. 4. So should we always be desirous of the Word , Psal. 119. 20. still hungring after it . Regenerate persons or true Christians desire it again and again ; for why , they seek so much to know , that they desire still to hear more ; they finde their Faith feeble , therefore desire more still that it may be strengthened : They finde many and strong corruptions , therefore they would hear that which might subdue them ; they finde many doubts and much weakness , therefore they desire to hear still as often as they can , and all too little ; therefore they think the time long from one Sabbath or Exercise-day to another .

1. For them that care not how little they hear , Use 1. with whom once a Sabbath is full enough , once a moneth for a need , yea , once a quarter would serve the turn ; It s a sign of clung and starved souls , for as they that be in health , must eat oft ; so they that have spiritual health in soul , must hear oft ; Therefore they that loath , and are weary of the Word , it s a sign of sick souls , having no Stomack to this food , it s a sign they are dead at the heart .

2. For those that feel an appetite from Sermon to Sermon , Use 2. and to hear oft , it s a sign they see their wants , and finde the goodness of the Word .

3. This may stop the mouth of barkers at such as go to the Word , Use 3. Why , were you not at Church last Sunday ? must you go again to day ? must you go on the week day too ? Why , know ye not that growing persons eat oft , are often hungry : They are growing , and therefore that they may grow more , must use this means ; they that see no wants in themselves , a Sermon now and then will serve their turn .

3. Unpartial ; Vnpartial . As the childe cares not whom it sucks , rich or poor so the milk be good , so must we not look at the man , or at his outward appearance , so as he deliver the Word of God soundly , truly , and sincerely , that it may appear good milk .

Many look upon pomp and outward complements , Use. so as they set light by the Ministery of them that want them , counting them plain men , simple men to see to ; let such know , that not painting of the Cask makes good wine .

These being the duties of the people , thus earnestly , constantly , and impartially to desire the Word of God , by the way in a word Ministers must learn their duty , and how to carry themselves .

1. As the People be the Children , Obser. so Ministers be the Nurses , therefore they must be no dry Nurses , Ministers must have store of milk for their spiritual Children . then the people shall desire and miss , but have full breasts , that their Children may have enough to nourish them : They must Study , Read , Meditate , Pray , that their breasts may be full , as good House-holders , they must have old and new for every bodies turn , Mal. 2. 7. give every one their portion ; and as good Nurses that fear they shall want milk , eat and drink spoon-meat more then they are willing ; so must we study , against our ease to satisfie our spiritual Children , not woo-meal our Children .

2. Ministers as they must have milk enough , Obser. so must they have love good store , Ministers must have good store of love . to lay out their breasts publiquely and privately upon all occasions , as the kinde mother that sometimes a whole day together doth not pin up close her things , Acts 20. 31. but lets her breast always be in readiness . 2 Tim. 4. 2.

3. Ministers must have much patience , Obser. that though the people , some or all be wayward , Ministers must have much patience and take not the breast handsomly , yea , sometime fall out with the breast , when it comes too fast , and fall a crying , 2 Tim. 2. 25. as Children do ; They must I say have patience , and wait , putting it again in their mouthes , though they cag and puke it up again .

Milk of the Word ] The Word is here and elswhere compared to milk ( as to wine and bread , The Word why compared to milk . this being to the Soul as those to the body ) as in respect of the plainness of it to yong children , Isa 55. 1. which is therefore opposed to strong meat , 1 Cor. 3. 2. that is , harder Points , and Mysteries of Religion , Heb. 5. 12. so especially for the nourishing nature thereof .

1. Therefore they that may hear the Word , Use 1. and will not , starve their own souls , and are wilfully guilty of their own destruction ; They that take away the Word from any place , pluck away the childrens bread , and leave the people to perish for want of knowledge .

2. Christians must desire it , Use 2. and hunger and thirst after it , praying God to continue it , and that of all punishments , he would not send a famine of the Word : The Soul hath a life as well as the Body , bodily food will do it no good , therefore the Word must be had .

3. This also stops the mouthes of those that wonder at Christians because they hear oft , Use 3. they can never be content ; They did hear on the Sunday , must they go on the week day too ? Did not you eat yesterday , yet will dine to day again ? and no marvel , for you cannot live without it ; no more can the Soul without the Word , the Spiritual food thereof : And though your Soul be a small feeder , and little will content it , indeed nothing at all , because you have no Spiritual life in you , yet the children of God that are alive , must have it again and again : We say , They that are growing must eat oft , and are hungry , so must growing Christians hear oft .

It s also compared to milk for the sweetness of it ; Psalm 19. 10. nothing sweeter to a childe then the mothers breast , so is the Word to a new born Christian.

They that feel no sweetness therein , Obs. their mouth is out of taste with sin , Nothing sweeter to Gods children then the Word as they also to whom it seems bitter ; contrarily , they that finde it sweet , pleasant , delightsom , yea every part thereof , and to whom even the threatnings thereof are welcom , as whereby their corruption may be subdued , it s an infallible sign that they are Gods children .

Besides , Obs. as milk is a general food for all Christians rich and poor , so is the Word the common food of all Christians , The Word is the common food of all Christians . the means of their begetting and edifying ; the greatest must look for no other , so neither the poorest , none must neglect it , it s the common food of all that shall be saved : Happy is the Land therefore that flows with Peters milk and Davids honey , they have the best Spiritual complexions that be fed therewith .

Sincere ] That is , The Word why called sincere . Pure , Unmixt , a borrowed speech from honey that is not mixt , but sine cera , without wax ; and it s so called , not onely because its the purest thing in the world ( and therefore we o●ght to desire it the more earnestly ) but because there be such as will deal with the Word , as Hucksters that sell milk , and mingle it with water ; so some mix the Word with Errors , and deliver it not sincerely , whereof accordingly they were to take heed .

Hereof he had great cause to warn those Jews , because there were false Teachers , that labored to draw them from Christ altogether ; others joyned Law with Christ , as if Salvation were not by Christ alone : This was to put poison in the milk .

1. This teacheth Ministers to preach the Word sincerely without mixture : Use 1. For matter , all must be according to the Law and the Testimony , and the Ballance of the Sanctuary , so that they may boldly avouch thereof , Isa. 8. 20. that Thus saith the Lord , they must speak as the words of God , 1 Pet. 4. 11. and his Oracles : And for maner , it must not be carnal , in humane eloquence , and curious words of mans wisdom ; such teaching darkens the Word . The Lord hath left us marvellous things in his Word , Psal. 119. 129 , 130. and yet in a very plain maner , He saith they be wonderful in one Verse , and in the next , That the entrance into them giveth wisdom and sheweth light : So must Ministers deliver it in an holy kinde of plainness , not mingling therewith carnal and fleshly eloquence , fine conceits , and I know not what witty sayings out of Heathen Writers to garnish the same , but handle Spiritual things spiritually , not being ashamed of the simplicity and plainness of the Gospel , for this foolish and plain preaching shall be blessed , and be the wisdom and power of God , when that wisdom shall remain unprofitable and vain ; What is the chaff to the wheat ? all that vain Ornament doth but disgrace the Word , and it may be seen that God is displeased therewith , for that he blesseth it not to win Souls , as he doth that other which is despised of many of the world , and counted plain English preaching , a good English Sermon .

2. It teacheth the people to avoid all vain and humane corrupt mixtures , Use 2. accepting onely that which is sincere milk : For the matter , They must take no erroneous Points for truth , but be able ( with the Bereans ) to try all things by the Scripture , Acts 11. 17. and so rejecting the rest , keep that which is good ; they that through ignorance slap us all together , will be poisoned in stead of being nourished : It is the safest and best dyet which is most simple , and therefore some render this as a reason why our Forefathers were stronger , and lived longer then we do , even because of the simpleness of their dyet ; this Spiritual mixture hath been the cause of all Errors , wherein some truth is used to help away the falshood : So for the maner , They must affect a plain and Spiritual kinde of preaching , when the Text is clearly opened , aptly divided into his parts , the Doctrines maturely gathered , strongly confirmed for the setling of the judgement ; and lastly , Uses are made of Admonition , Reprehension , Consolation , Confutation , together with Exhortation , all applyed to the consciences of the hearers ; Oh , this is sweet ! Many simple people desire to hear Sermons , stuft with sentences out of Authors , and that in a strange tongue , and highly commend it , though they understand it not ; and is not this a great folly and judgement of God upon them ? A number of idle and vain curious heads , had rather hear fine witty conceits , ancient stories , pleasant discourses , serving rather to tickle the ear , then to edifie the Conscience , such are like those that desire sawce , and leave the meat . But Preaching was never ordained but to work upon the Conscience , and in such teaching the true Servants of God finde no favor , but grief ; when its kindely , naturally and spiritually handled , then its sweet to them .

That ye may grow thereby . ] Why Christians are to desire after the Word . The end of our desiring after the Word , of our Hearing , Reading , Meditating , Conferring thereof , is not that we might get some knowledge to tip our tongues with , and make our selves the better thought of in some companies , as some do , or that we may be able to discourse , haply eavil against it , but that it may work effectually in our hearts , to humble us , to work in us true Faith and Repentance , and being wrought , may be increased and set forward more and more , and hereat we should aim at all times ; when we read a Chapter , or hear a Sermon , we must come with this minde , that we may be the better thereby : For the Word is ordained and is apt and able not onely to convert , and beget us , but also to nourish us , that we may grow up from strength to strength . Eph. 4. 11. 15.

1. This rebuketh the common sort , Use 1. that come with no such minde and resolution , as appears by their continuance in their sins ; They wil be brought to reform nothing , though they hear never so oft , never so plainly : They come onely for fashion , and what Hypocrisie is this ? Yea , also if those that have some goodness in them came with this minde , and cast with themselves to go away gainers , and it would grieve them as much to make an ill market at Church , as at London or elsewhere , surely they would grow and thrive faster in Grace ; They could not then fit and sleep , for who sleeps at his Market while profit drops ? It s said of Agustus Caesar , that he thought that day lost , or ill spent , wherein he had done no good to others ; so we should moan our losses , and think that Sermon lost , whereby something hath not been added to the stock of our Faith , Knowledge , and Repentance .

2. Seeing the Word serves as well to build up as to convert us , Use 2. men o●ght to attend on the Word Preached as long as they live ; Acts 20. 32. yea , though already they be full of knowledge and able also to admonish of others : Rom. 15. 14. Therefore they that think they have profited enough , 2 Peter 1. and now may take their ease and let others hear , they have indeed got nothing as they ought .

Christians must daily grow in grace ; Doctr. For this as the Church of Thyatira was commended , Christians must daily grow in grace . even because their works were more at the last then at the first ; So the Church of Ephesus reprehended for revolting from her first love : 1 Thess. 4. 1. For hereby as greater glory to redound unto God ; 2 Pet. 3. 18. So more comfort to our selves , more good to others . Rev. 2. 19. & 2. 4.

1. For those that are fallen away , and now are nothing so good as heretofore , Use 1. let them consider , that relapses are very dangerous , let them weigh with themselves , whether ever they began in truth or not ; If not , then to begin to lay the foundation , though they may be ashamed at themselves , and say , Shall I that seemed to be so forward , begin in a new again ? yet better so then to perish ; if yea , then let them endeavor by all means to recover themselves .

2. For those that grow slowly or not at all , many things may be in fault ; as 1. Pride , when men think too well of themselves : 2. Worldliness , which the faster it goeth up , Religion goeth down , like a pair of scales , or as a Dog that is following the chase hard , and lights on a piece of carrion : 3. Ill Company , wholly addicted to their Sports and Pleasures : 4. Neglect of the means , or careless use of them , as those that have slack Markets prove Bankrupts ; O finde out those , and use the means constantly and conscionably , both publique and private , whereby being freed , thou must grow in some good measure .

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious . ] The Reason , They had tasted the goodness of the Word already , therefore to desire it more and more .

By tasting , What we are to understand by tasting . he means not such as in Heb. 6. with the top of the tongue as it were , and tip of the lips , which Hypocrites may have , but an experimental taste upon good proof ; as if he should have said , Seeing you have found by good experience , that the Word hath been effectual to enlighten , convert , comfort and sanctifie you , and the instrument working wonderfully for the Salvation of your Souls , you are the moreto desire it , and continually shew your affection thereunto . Therefore

Who so have at any time found the Word of God powerful to their Salvation , Doctr. as to humble them who before saw no danger , Such as finde the Word powerful for their salvation , are the more desirous thereof and affectioned thereto . to comfort them when they were in woful distress , to change their hearts , to be a word of life and Salvation , they will be the more desirous thereof , and affectioned thereunto ; it will draw their hearts to it , as the Adamant doth the iron , it will ravish them with the love of it ; so were David and Job , who found so much profit thereby : as they are most desirous and greedy of gain , which have felt the sweetness and comings in thereof ; as the Israelites after they had tasted of the Grapes , could not but desire more after Canaan ; so they that have tasted of the Word , can never be satisfied therewith , but still cry for more .

1. For those that are much affected herewith , Use 1. it s a sign of much good received thereby : It s true , an Hypocrite may hear it with joy , and have some flashings , but a constant desire after the Word , with delight , argueth an experimental feeling of the goodness thereof ; that heart is indeed drawn thereby , which still desires more comfort , more instruction , and more grace from thence .

2. For those that have no desire after it , Use 2. no delight in it , had as leave be absent as at it , at play or in their Shops then at Church , that are ( as most be ) strangers from it ; strangers in judgement ( as who cannot conceive thereof , though apt enough to conceive of worldly things ; ) strangers in their thoughts ( for of those many they have all day long , fewest ( if any at all ) be of the Word ; ) strangers in their affections ( as who have no delight herein , though in other things too much ; ) strangers in their tongues ( they speak not of it ; ) strangers in their actions ( as not being guided thereby ) their condition is fearful , the Word hath not been effectual to their conversation , and so they remain in the state of Damnation to this hour : Iohn 8. 47. & 11. 27. He that is of God , heareth Gods Word ( and that both with affection and obedience ) And his sheep hear his voyce ; they then that do not hear , are not of God , are none of sheep : These must desire God to make his Word effectual to their good , that it may convert them , for then will they affect it .

3. This serves also to stop the mouthes of carnal people , Use 3. that wonder at Gods servants for that they are so fond after the Word , and take such pains , and that so often ; O would you know ? they have found it a powerful Word to pluck them out of the jaws of Hell , and to save their Souls , that before were in the way of Damnation , therefore do they still desire it , and can never have enough thereof .

Tasted ] A borrowed speech from meats which are discerned by the taste .

Their Souls had tasted the sweetness of the Word , Obs. and therein the sweetness of Christ , Christ is sweet to a Christian , and sweetens all that he hath in whom is Salvation , yea and in him onely : O the vanity of all things without him ! he is sweet to him that hath nothing but him , and he also sweetens all that we have , without whom we could have but little joy therein .

This condemneth those to whom Christ is not sweet , Use. which favor profits and pleasures , but Christ is a sapless and dry thing to them : To some he is the joy of their hearts , and their very life , to others he is of no account ; such as have not found their sins bitter , cannot finde Christ sweet , or desire after him : Thus are civil persons , thus prophane impenitent ones , thus worldings ; these feel no need of Christ , they desire him not , Oh , it had been good he had never been offered to these swine that tread him under foot ; Oh , they that hear Christ preached , and have him offered daily , and yet neglect him , how shall they escape ? Is this favor granted to all to hear of Christ ? Alas , no , but to a few ; I tell you , those that perish in these times , shall have the deepest damnation in Hell , the fornace will be made seven times hotter for those that perish among us , then for others .

Gracious ] Great was our Saviors bounty , Obser. in forsaking the glory of Heaven for our sakes , Christ is every way bountiful to his . and suffering so much for us here , without which our condition had been miserable : He was bountiful of his life , of his blood for us ; through him we are delivered from Hell , and made heirs of Heaven , and was not this bounty ? and not this onely , but to reveal all this to us in his Word and Sacraments , which he doth not to the world .

O how should this unspeakable bounty affect us ? Use. all that have found their part therein , how should they be stirred up unfainedly to be thankful for the same , even to the laying down of their lives for his sake , if need be ? and how should it affect all to desire their part in this bounty , to finde that the Lord is bountiful and gracious unto them ? O happy are they that partake hereof ! and they that shall neglect and contemn the same for profit , pleasure , sin , or whatsoever , will have fearful experience of Gods severity .

Verse 4. To whom coming as unto a living stone , disallowed indeed of men , but chosen of God , and precious ; Verse 5. Ye also as lively stones , are built up a spiritual house , an holy priesthood , to offer up spiritual sacrifice , acceptable to God by Jesus Christ .

NOw he sets out the bounty of Christ to all that believe on him , and consequently , the excellent state and condition of such above all people in the world .

This stands in these things ; Wherein Christs bounty doth appear 1. That he gives them leave to come to him : 2. That having so done , he makes them partakers of that blessed and spiritual life that is in himself , whereas they were dead before , and makes them which were an habitation for the Devil , a dwelling-house for the Lord wherein to take pleasure ; and whereas before they were unholy and prophane , he being once come to them , will make them holy Priests , apt to offer such Sacrifices to God as he will accept of by Jesus Christ .

This he sets out in a borrowed speech , taken from the Temple of Jerusalem , which was the House of God , wherein he took pleasure , and in which he dwelt after a sort , A comparison between the Temple of Ierusalem , and that which Christ maketh of all that believe in him . by manifestation of his favors : As that was built of many fair stones in a magnifical maner , and in it were Priests that offered sacrifices to God , such as he required and accepted , such a Temple doth Christ Jesus make of all that believe in him , save that its every way more excellent : The foundation of that was but a dead stone , this a living stone , Christ Jesus ; all the stones of that ( though fair , yet but ) dead stones , of this all living , answerable to the foundation ; those joyned together with morter , these by the Spirit and Faith ; that was an Earthly House , this a Spiritual House ; there were Sacrifices of the blood of Bulls and Goats , but these be Spiritual Sacrifices ; there the Temple was one thing , and the Priest another , here the Temple and the Priest are all one ; there the Priest one , and the Sacrifice another , here both are one and the same .

Now this that he hath said concerning Christ Jesus , the foundation of his Church , and of the good estate of those that be built upon him , he confirms out of Isa. 28. 16. which accordingly he applies , as well for the comfort of the godly , as the terror of unbelievers .

For this foundation , consider what he is , and how esteemed : What he is , Christ why compared to a stone . A stone , so compared for his firmness , stability and continuance ; his nature , a living stone , whereby he differs from all other foundations : How esteemed of men , namely , wicked ones disallowed , but of God elect and chosen to be Mediator , and to the godly precious .

To whom coming ] The first priviledge , Obser. he gives us leave to come to him , To believe in Christ ( which is to come to him ) is a great priviledge . which is to believe in him , and is indeed a very great priviledge : He might scare us from him ( as Adam was kept out of Paradise by the blade of a sword ) but doth not , and this is the beginning of all good from Christ , till which we are never the better for him .

Hence observe , That if ever we would receive good by Christ , we must come to him .

But how can we come to him , Object . he is in Heaven , and we on Earth ?

Not with our bodily feet , Sol. but with the feet of our minde and heart , when we seeing our misery , and finding our selves wholly lost , come to him to seek for Salvation , and relie on him , and are ruled by him : This is to come to him . Such as go on Pilgrimage from this place to that , and seek him bodily in the Sacrament , do but deceive themselves , being thus void of Faith ; when they think themselves nearest him , they are as far off as ever .

To come to Christ and to believe in him are all one ; Ioh. 6. 35. and then we come to him , Doctr. when we go out of our selves , as being utterly undone , and go to him as an All-sufficient Savior , Christians must come to Christ . and relie on him , and are willing to take up his yoke , and forsake all other Saviors and Lords ▪ and this we must do , because

1. Of our own utter misery in our selves by sin , Reason 1. punishment , and inability to help our selves out , whereof if people were perswaded , it were as easie to perswade them to come to Christ , as to perswade a sick man to the Physician , one overloaden to be eased of his burthen , an hungry man to take meat .

2. In Christ there is sufficient to make us as truly happy , Reason 2. as we be utterly miserable in our selves , 1 Cor. 1. 30. Wisdom , Righteousness , Sanctification and Redemption : The sinner cannot complain of any thing , but there is help for it in Christ , do but ask the thing , and it s to be had ; Oh , I have deserved the wrath of God and Damnation , but I ( saith Christ ) have dyed for thee , and paid thy debt ; But how shall I come into the favor of God and be saved ? Oh , saith Christ , I have obeyed for thee , and purchased it ; But I have no power to do any good ? but I have enough ( saith Christ ) to make thee a Sanctified man .

3. Christ is willing to have us come to him , Reason 3. and therefore also doth earnestly call us : Isa 55. 1. If one know himself poor , and that such a rich man is both able and willing to help him , and is also invited of him to accept hereof , will he not thereupon go to him ? so is Christ to us , and accordingly we must come to him .

1. For those that are come to Christ , Use 1. and do believe in him with their hearts , and are guided by him , they may be of good comfort , having done what God requires of them , they shall finde fruit and benefit thereby , more then they can express .

This serves to provoke on those that are coming and coming , Use 2. and yet draw back , set one foot forward , and pull the other back again , fain would believe , and yet cannot , but fear ( Oh , it s not for me ) and cannot be perswaded that they be of the number of such whom Christ will save : Why , what would you have Christ say to you ? He bids all without exception , that are weary and heavy laden with their sins , to come to him , that is , believe in him ; it s also the end of his coming into the world : You stand in great need of mercy , do ye not ? O yes , above all the world , and cannot indure to think but that I should have part therein ; and Christ hath need of some to shew his mercy on , and therefore calls thee : Therefore as in a Market , one having need of a Commodity , another ( that hath it ) of money , me thinks these two should quickly agree , the Buyer and the Seller , who both come for that end ; so is it between Christ and the poor sinner , wherefore else doth Christ set forth his stall of so rich mercies , and call people to them ? to send them away empty ? no verily , Christ hath said the contrary , and so can assoon deny himself , as not save thee ; therefore believe , Iohn 6. 29. which is the great Commandment of the Gospel .

Oh , Obj. but I am so unworthy .

If it be so , Sol. thou art the more fit for Christ , he came for such , he accepts such . Luke 18. 13.

Oh , Obj. if I could weep as much as some , or had been so long , or so much humbled , or could repent and serve God as I would .

What God doth , Sol. he doth freely , and when thou canst do nothing but feel thy misery , Acts 16. 27. then believe Christ will save thee : What was the Jaylor when he did believe ? believing will break thy heart , and bring Repentence ; O that we should so much , so often , and so earnestly be perswaded to believe , and yet do not . If a King shall call a poor Subject , Simile . and reach him a handful of gold , will he draw back , and say , I am unworthy that he should call me , or I should come to him ; What am I ? I never deserved any such thing , &c. If it be great , great gifts become a great God ; and seeing he will do it , hinder not thy self , thou shalt be the more bound to love and praise him here and for ever ; yet is it no easie matter to believe : If a man had this Church lying upon his back , it were not so easie a mater to rise and stand upright ; so , when any have the wrath of the infinite God lying upon their Souls , what can they do ? howsoever , do your endeavor , strive against unbelief , discern between temptations that come from the Devil , and the promises of God ; those ( how many soever ) reject as lyes , but these apply diligently , stand even upon one word of Gods mouth , and let that comfort thee more then ten thousand temptations to dismay thee .

3. This Rebuketh the most part of men , Use 3. that will not come at Christ , though he call them , and offer them wonderful fair ; He bids them come , confess their sins , seek to him for Salvation , and be ruled by him , and he will take all their burthen on him and save them : But how few give ear to this gracious voyce and offer ? how many go on , and are not at all moved , though Christ be preached daily ? though they need him , he be sufficient for them , and willing to do them good ? and why ? few can be perswaded of their danger : Civil persons , Ignorant ones , and a number of Worldlings are so glued to these things , that they savor and minde no other life , nor offer of any such thing ; A number of prophane people will not part with their sins , though to obtain such a benefit ; And there be such a number of other Comes , that calls and carry them away , that though Christ call , Come , few follow him ; The Devil saith , Come , and they flock after him ; The World saith , Come , and they flock after it ; The flesh saith , Come , and they follow it thick and threefold , even striving who shall follow it fastest : But if they had wit to see whether these Comes tend , they would not be so forward ; The Devil calls , Come , as the Fowler calleth the Bird into his Net ; The World calls , Come , and serves her followers as Dalilah did Sampson , and Jael , Sisera ; The flesh calls , Come , but all that follow it shall dye ; Rev. 8. 6. The Harlot also hath a Come , Prov. 7. 18. but her Chambers go to Death and Hell , and he that goeth in into her , is led as an Ox to the slaughter ; the like might be instanced of others : So that Christ by his Ministers might cry , Come , but few hear and follow : O what woful unthankfulness is this ! Did Christ come down from Heaven to us , and will not we come to him one whit ? Hath he taken so long a journey , and come to offer himself , and do we refuse ? O horrible ingratitude ! Yea , what mischief is this to our selves ? Is it not to seek our own destruction ? If a King should send a gracious Pardon to a company of Traytors that had deserved Death , and they should go on and set light by it , would he not send an Host of armed Soldiers to destroy them ? So may the Lord justly deal with us . You are told you are undone without Christ , that he can and will save you , if you come to him ; if you will not , you cannot but perish , and whom then will you blame ? O whose heart should not leap at such an offer , and coming in , yield himself , and say , O it s the first bargain I 'le make , the best that ever I shall make ! How many thousands would be glad to hear such things as these , that do not , nor are vouchsafed the favor ? Do you think ever to have a better offer ? to make any better of your sins , then to renounce them , and embrace Christ ? O consider of this , and renounce all other Comes which you have already followed , and at last , ere it be too late , embrace this most blessed offer : O fall down and humble thy self !

O but will he ever pardon and receive me , Obj. who have been thus and thus ?

It s no matter what thou hast been , Sol. not number nor greatness of sins can let , Isa. 1. 18. if thy heart could be truly humbled , there s the greatest doubt : He as the true Samaritan will pour wine and oyl in thy wounds ; He is the true pool of Bethesda , now the water is stirred , step in , and though thou hast been Thirty and eight years , yea Forty eight and more sick of deadly sin , thou shalt be cured ; Christ is a perfect Physitian , what disease is there , that he cannot cure ? The Urinals that stand so abundantly in Physitians and Apothecaries houses may condemn the world , seeing there be so few seek to the spiritual Physitian ; labor to see thy misery , understand and apply the Law , to make the soul sick , as some make themselves sea-sick : When thou art touch't deeply with thy misery , come to Christ , he will do thee good ; If being burthened with thy sins , thou goest to the Devil for councel , he will tell thee thy ●ins be unpardonable , no mercy , better rid thy self out of the way as Judas : If thou go to the world , they will bid thee be merry , and put away these melancholly dumps and thoughts , Ride abroad , go to Cards , Dice , haunt Ale-houses , &c. and go to no more of these Preachers and Sermons , they put folks out of their wits , that s the good they do : People that were honest folks , and lived at quiet , since they have used to go after them , are grown full of fancies : But if you come to Christ , he will take pity on you , ease , comfort , and save you : O be perswaded , will you perish rather then humble your selves ? will you cast away your souls for love of your lusts ? We will hereafter , for we know that else there is no Salvation : O that s the Devils word , Hereafter , he knows delays to be dangerous . Accept it whilst it is offered , lest thou never come to it again ; If thou despise it , thou shalt hear a fearful , Go ye cursed ; If thou wilt embrace it , thou shalt hear a comfortable , Come ye blessed . The Lord perswade your hearts , and cause many to come this day , if it be his blessed will .

As unto a living stone , ] The next priviledge of a Christian by Christ , is , that being come to him , he conveyeth of that spiritual Life and Grace that is in himself into every of them ; which is here set down under the similitude of a building , of which there be two parts : 1. The Foundation : 2. The rest of the House raised and built thereupon , which be so coupled , as they make but one building .

For the Foundation which is Christ Jesus , Observ. he is compared to a stone , because as that s used for a foundation in an house of moment , Christ the Foundation that bears up his Church . as being sure , lasting , firm and perpetual : So is Christ Jesus the Foundation that bears up his Church , and by which it is saved , a sure , firm and perpetual Foundation , Acts 4. 12. without whom there is no hope of Salvation , he being the way , Iohn 14. 6. the truth , and the life : He that brings another Gospel , let him be accursed ; Gal. 1. 9. If he come like an Angel , spit on his face , defie him to Hell : Adam and all since have been saved by him , and all that are or ever shall be ; what he did , no other could do , and that he did which was needful for our Salvation .

1. This condemns all that build not upon this Foundation , Use 1. but on another , either in whole or in part ; as 1. The Jews , that look for a Savior in the Ayr , that will come they know not when : 2. The Turks , that build on a deceitful cursed Mahomet , that will never come till he be hailed before the Judgement-Seat of Christ for his Blasphemies . 3. The Papists , who though they acknowledge Christ in word to be the Redeemer and Savior of the World , yet they so pull from him , and adde to him , as they leave him but a bare Name and Title ; for then is Christ the Foundation and so acknowledged , when we acknowledge Wisdom , Righteousness , Sanctification , Redemption , Satisfaction , Life and Glory to be in him , and in him alone : Contrarily , they attribute part of these to their own Merits , Masses , Pardons , Satisfactions , and so they rake together a deal of Rubbish to joyn with the Foundation , which will not be , for he is an whole Foundation or none ; of them , some few whose eyes God opens in their end ( as finding no certainty nor sure rest in any thing of their own ) do renounce themselves and all in them , and onely lean upon Christ Jesus for Salvation , and so become happy indeed : They also hold that Peter is the head of the Church and Foundation thereof , who would not wonder at their wickedness , when as Peter himself saith it here of Christ , and attributes nothing to himself .

But is it not confirmed by that of our Savior , Object . Thou art Peter , and upon this Rock I will build my Church ? Mat. 16. 18.

The Question propounded by our Savior , Sol. was moved to all the rest as well as Peter , and answered of all , though by the mouth of Peter ; Christs meaning is , That on himself whom he had confessed , he would build his Church ; Would he build it on Peter ? then either on his Person or on his Faith : not on his Person ; and how weak was his Faith , which was so sore shaken by the speech of a Maid ? that could be no meat foundation to build on . 4. Those fools among our selves , who though they acknowledge no other foundation , yet build not upon him , but on their civil life , their bare hearing of the Word ( which yet they do , because it s commanded by Law , and stands most with their safety , and as the Papists , but for their purse , so they would not come to Church , but for shame or punishment ) their doing as others do , &c. foolish Builders that build on the sand ; their house ( as every other that is not built on Christ by true Faith ) how fair soever in their own eyes , will fall on their heads ; if any storm of trouble arise for the Gospel , they will quckly yield , and change as oft as Religion changeth ; and if no such change be , yet at death they shall drop into Hell for want of a foundation , as the five foolish Virgins were shut out of Heaven , for that they had no oyl for their Lamps , no stock of Faith to feed or back their outward Profession .

They that content themselves with any thing , with any gift , before they have got a true justifying Faith , will fall away , will perish , may prove Persecutors or any thing : They that so hear the Word , as they never give over till it hath humbled them , and brought them to Christ , and they have found sure foundation on him , and footing , and grace to be changed ; these build upon the rock : Therefore content not your selves with hearing the Word , nay hearing it with joy , and reforming many things , nay that you have been troubled for your sins ( as some have wept for their sins at a Sermon , but let it go over , and wear away , ere they came at Christ ) so bearing your selves in hand that ye are converted persons , for afterward by your falling away , or at your death , it will prove nothing so , and all for want of a foundation : There be even now thousands in hell , that have heard as many Sermons as ever you heard , or ever shall .

2. That Christ is a foundation , Use 2. and the onely foundation of his Church , is no small comfort to all that believe on him : They may quiet themselves amidst the multitude of contrary Opinions in the world , or temptations of Satan to make them waver ; they may answer , If Christ be not sufficient to save me , I am content to be damned ; I 'le never seek other foundation , you may well enough . Again , being built on Christ , there be many enemies will lay Battery against you to beat you off ; but be of good comfort , they may shake you indeed , but to overcome you , or pull you off the foundation , it s not possible , Mat. 16. 18. All the gates of Hell shall not prevail against you , all their power shall not quail you . As in a City the strength is placed at the gates , as the Port-cullis , and the Canon to keep from entrance , so if Hell should plant all its force against a Christian , yea the poorest Christian , it shall never be able to prevail against him , he is so surely joyned to the foundation , by the Spirit of God that lies so fast ; Will Christ suffer his Building to be defaced , or one member , or the least joynt to be pulled out of his body ? Christ that prayed that his Disciples might be kept , Iohn 17 15. prayed also for all that should believe .

Living ] Christ is a living foundation , Doctr. not onely because he hath life in himself ( as he is the Living Bread , Christ is a living foundation . the Truth , and the Life ) but because he giveth life to others , even all that believe in him . Hence percieve . Ioh. 5. 16. & . 5. 21. & 11. 25. & 17. 2.

1. That Christ differs from all other foundations , he gives life to his , Use 1. but whoso trusteth on any other , shall dye eternally .

2. An encouragement for all to come to Christ ; Use 2. He is not such a one as can do them no pleasure , but as he can and will save them , so he will also put life into them ; that whereas before they were as dead as a stock , to any thing concerning the glory of God , or their own good ; no Wit , Will , Memory , Affection , no Hand , Foot , Tongue , but all were stiff and stark lame to any good , yea dead ; being joyned to him , he will make them alive , 2 Cor. 5. 17. give them Wit , Will , and a Heart to that which is good , Eph 2. 1. so a Hand , Foot and Tongue , yea so change them , that they shall be nothing the same , but new Creatures . Hence it is , that some that were as very wretches as could be to their lusts , that loved a Sermon , Sabbath , or good Exercise , as a Bear doth the stake , have yet by the preaching of the Word been brought to Christ ; the case is so altered with them , that now they loath what they loved , love what they loathed . It is not a strange thing , to see a man that loved money as his life , and had no savor in any good , to set as light by it as his shoes , and to love the word that wrought this dislike in him ? So for a man that loved a pair of Cards , and Tables , and to ramble abroad on the Lords Day , and who could not abide to take a book in his hand , or to be in any Religious persons company , now to abandon the one , and to be earnestly affected with the other ? yet this Christ worketh in those that be joyned to him : O come to this Christ Jesus , humble thy self , believe in him , and give over thy self to him , and though thou beest as bad as the worst , he will so alter thee , as thou mayest prove a worthy Christian.

3. This serves to uncase a number of Hypocrites , Use 3. that think themselves stones of this Building , and hope to be saved by Christ , and to be Believers , and yet have no Spiritual life in them : If you can shew me that Spiritual life that you have got from Christ , to dye to sin and live to righteousness , then you say something ; but there be no dead stones in this Building , but living , answerable to the foundation : Therefore they that remain dead in their sins and old lusts , or any of them , Christ and they are assuredly as yet two , and not one : Shew your Christianity by renouncing all ill , and by your love to good , Prayer , good duties in your Families , and places where you live , and in all good Works .

Disallowed indeed of men , ] Here 's shewed how this foundation is esteemed , both of Men and God : He first speaks of men , and that by way of prevention . The prevention of an Objection . No marvel you speak of Christ to be such a Foundation , might they have said , we are sure , when he came into the world , a number cared not for him , would none of him , and those none of the fools or simple ones , but Wise , Politick , Learned Clerks : True , saith he ; but what then ? yet I have that which will weigh it down , namely , that he is chosen of God , and precious to him , and them that shall believe on him .

Disallowed he was indeed of men ; Christ disallowed of whom , and why . They called him the Carpenters Son , a Samaritan , Wine-bibber , deceiver ; They would have no other King but Caesar , never left him while they put him to death , with them Barabbas was meeter to live then he : What was the cause ? or how should they disallow him , when it was so plain that he was the Christ , foretold by the Prophets , who came at the same time , in the same place , and after the same maner , whose Life , Preaching and Works did well declare him so to be , what might be the cause hereof ? They looked for one that should come as an earthly Prince , to deliver them out of the hands of the Romans ; but his Kingdom was not of this World : Acts 6 , 14. They looked also for one that should have upheld their Customs , Law , and Traditions , but the date of them was out . ( See by the way what it is to have an old conceit setled in ones brain , O how hardly is it removed ! ) Again , How came they to this height of disallowing him ? at the first of ignorance and blindeness , but after of malice ; so men grow ( when they desire not to amend and see the Truth ) from one degree of wickedness to another : The Jews disallowed him , and do to this day , though the hand of God be heavily upon them , Mat. 27. 25. according to their own Imprecation , His blood be on us , and our children ; whose case is most fearful : So is the case of all others that disallow him , whereof there be multitudes among us . Why , nay , all we allow him ? O most of Pharisees disallow him and will perish .

Yes , Obj. most among Jews and Turks , but all we shall be saved , unless it be here and there an adulterer , or horrible drunkard , &c.

Consider that of four sorts of grounds ( Professors ) three are naught : Sol. O most among us disallow Christ , Mat. 13. 3 , &c. while they will not come to him , embrace him as their Savior , and renouncing all evil , take up his yoke as their Lord ; most amongst us allow a kinde of Christ , but not a true Christ : They allow a Christ that will save them , though they never be humbled , though they live still in their sins ; but Christ is no such , Christ will save no such : O let all such look to it , that will not come to Christ as he hath appointed ; you think the Jews , Judas and the Soldiers have a fearful account to make , so they have ; and how shall they appear before Christ at the day of Judgement ? but even thousands in our Parishes are in no better case , that break his bonds , and despise the offer of his blood ; Such are all Apostates that have profest the name of Christ , and fall away , all fearful ones , that deny him out of fear , and all that will not embrace him being offered .

Disallowed ] Was not this no ill sign of Christ that he was disallowed ? Doctr. O no : Such things are often disallowed of men , which are allowed of God . Even that may be disallowed of men , which yet is allowed , and highly accounted of of God ; nay , the more Spiritual any thing , any course , any person is , the more and the sooner will the world disallow him and it .

For , they be carnal , therefore savor the things of the flesh , not of the Spirit ; they be in darkness , therefore care not for the light ; The more Spiritual any thing is , the higher is it out of their reach : Those courses and persons that be carnal , the world allow well of ; four hundred false Prophets maintained at Jezabels Table , Heb. 11. 37. good Micaiah and Elias abused ; Iohn 6. 35. of those that wandred up and down in sheep-skins and goat-skins , the world was not worthy , yet did not the world think them worthy to be among them , Acts 4 , &c. but thrust them among the wilde Beasts : See Luke 6. 22 , 23. Others also were racked as the vilest Malefactors , yea , our Savior himself was so accounted , Isa. 8. 18. so the Apostles , men wonder at them as at a thief . Use 1. Hence learn

1. That we are not to esteem the worse either of our selves or others because of the worlds mislike ; many be so weak , that if they see the most , and especially any great ones , or any learned cry down a man or an action , Iohn 7. 7 , 48. &c. they are carried away , and open their mouthes wide against them ; but if that might have gone currant , Christ himself had been naught : we must not go upon any such rule , but examine whether they be allowed of God , or not ; if they be , then are we not to regard what the world saith ; The world wil prefer Barabbas to Christ , call evil good , Simile . and good evil : There 's no more heed to be given thereto , then to be judged of a blinde man concerning colours . As they that have sore eyes cannot abide the clear light and Sun-shine , Luke 15. 16. so cannot the wicked abide that which is pure and Spiritual , yea , the things that they highly allow , are abominable in the sight of God .

2. That they which disallow that , Use 2. and those whom God alloweth , are in a miserable condition , they cross God , and he will cross them : The time shall come , when they shall finde by woful experience , that he disalloweth them , when they shall be glad , and desire to be in the number of those whom they have most despised , but to no purpose .

Ye also as lively stones are built up , ] Now of the rest of the building that is reared upon this Foundation ; Every Believer is a stone of this building , a lively stone , and all together make up a spiritual House for the Lord to delight in , as many stones go to the making up of a material House .

Now in that Christ is compared to the Foundation , Doctr. and believers to stones built on him , There 's a near Vnion between Christ and Believers . it sheweth the near conjunction that is between Christ and them ; as stones are joyned to the Foundation by morter , so are believers to Christ by the Spirit : Accordingly he is compared to a head , Eph. 1. 22 , 23. and the Church to the body ; he to the Vine , and the Church to the Branches : 1 Cor. 6. 15. Such an Union is between Christ and Believers , as is between the husband and the wife , Iohn 15. 2. no more twain , Eph. 5. 30. but one bone of his bone , and flesh of his flesh : Before a man have Faith , he is as a dead stick or stone , by Faith he is united to Christ ; which is signified by these and the like speeches , Iohn 6. 51. eating Christs flesh , and drinking his blood , which is to believe in him , shewing that as the meat we eat is turned into our substance , 1 Iohn 1. 3. and nearly joyned to us , so are we to Christ by believing in him : and this is a real and true Union , but a Spiritual one , not that we are thereby united to Christs soul , but to his body also , and by his humanity to his Deity , and by both to God the Father , and the holy Ghost , which is an admirable prerogative : If any say , How can this be , Christ being in Heaven and we on Earth ? It is so by the Spirit on Gods part , and Faith on ours ; Those joyn things far distant in place most nearly together . If any say , I cannot see nor comprehend how this should be ; Eph. 5. 32. If we cannot , no marvel , for its a great mystery which we are to believe and adore in our hearts . The benefits hereof are unspeakable ( as the honor most glorious ) for by vertue hereof , we that were as dead as blocks and stones , draw spiritual life and Grace to become new Creatures , to dye to sin , and to lead a righteous life ; as the members receive sence and motion from the head , and the Vine-branches sap from the root : Hereby also we have title to Christ and all his good things ; He also bears our troubles with us , and hereby our souls shall be as filled with Grace here , so taken up to glory with him at death , and the body remains united to Christ even in the grave ; by vertue whereof it shall be raised up a spiritual and glorious body to be glorified for ever : And this is yet so much the more absolute and blessed a Union , because its indissolveable ; No violence of Satan , nor any other Enemy can break off the same : Rom. 8. 38. He hath not therefore fastened us as stones into this building to be ever pulled out any more ; 1 Iohn 2. 19. If they had been of us ( saith the Appostle ) they should have continued with us : What God hath joyned together , who can separate ?

1. This is for instruction to all that are believers , Use 1. and so members of this body , stones of this building , that they walk in their conversation answerable to such high Dignity , to such an Union : The Members must be like the Head , the stones answerable to the Foundation , as the Fruit to the true Vine : Take heed they disgrace not themselves and their stock by bringing forth sowre fruit , even of the wilde Olive , of their own sinful and corrupt nature , but mortifie the same more and more .

But how cometh it to pass that they which are graft into Christ should bear any sowre Fruit ? Object .

Even because there are some suckers of our own crabbish and sinful nature shut out , Sol. and have through heedlesness and want of care grown apace , and which we must pluck off by any means .

2. Comfort to all believers ; Use 2. O admirable priviledge to be joyned into one with Christ , and with God! What grace or good thing can he stand in need of , that is joyned to such a plentiful and living head ? He cannot but mortifie the strongest Corruptions , overcome the greatest Temptations , perform the most difficult Duties ; Such thou mayest draw from thy head , but make no obstructions by sin : Keep open the passages , and by the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , and other like means , fetch Grace from Christ Jesus : He also will strengthen thee , and even in the fiery Fornace be present with thee , and after take thee up to glory ; neither shall all the power of Hell ever seperate thee from him : for though Hypocrites that hang on onely by the untemperated morter of outward Profession shall fall off , thou that art saudered into Christ by the Spirit of God shalt never be pluckt off .

3. To discard all those that profess themselves believers , Use 3. and stones of this building , and yet have no life in them ; let such know , they have no part in Christ , nor fellowship with him .

4. This should perswade all men to labor to have part in this blessed Union ; Use 4. Till this be , they are quite dead , and have no more Spiritual Life then a stone hath : If thou beest not united to Christ , thou canst never have Life of grace here , nor glory hereafter ; And if not a Member of Christ , thou art a Limb of the Devil ; If not a Branch of this Vine , thou art a dry withered stick for the fire of Hell ; If not a stone of this Building , thou art refuse and rubbish to be thrown into Hell .

Q. How to become stones of this building . But how should we become stones of this building ?

A. By suffering the ax of the Word of God to cut off our knobs , to hew and square us , that thereby we may be humbled , and mortifie all our sins and lusts ; for if there be but one sin in us unrepented of , we are not fit to lie in this building : And though all stones be not alike , some bigger , some less , some more costly , some less ; yet happy we , if we be any true stone of this building ; let us now suffer our selves to be fashioned for it , Simile . it must be now in this Life , or never . As there was no hammer heard about the Temple , but all was hewen in Libanus , so must we be hewen in this Life , that we may rest in the Spiritual Temple for ever : Having a house to build , will we lay in a stone rough , as it comes from the Quarry , or a piece of Timber as it comes from the Wood ? See 5. H. on Mat. 3. 10 pag. 6. much less will the Lord suffer any to be joyned into his Spiritual building , till they be squared and hewen by his Word : Therefore le ts be tenderly affected one towards another , and build up one another , and do all the good we can one to another , not living to our selves , or having hand in Contentions , Rents , Divisions , which do so abound among Christians , and that for toyes .

Are built up a spiritual house , ] Hag. 2. 10. So foretold by Haggai ; Not a materiel one , as was the Temple of Jerusalem , but a far more excellent , as much as the body is better then the shadow , which the Apostle speaks , to take off the mindes of these Jews from the material Temple on which they too much doted , and on the promises made thereto ( not considering that it was appointed but for a time , and that it was but a type of this Spiritual house , infinitely more excellent ) and to labor to become stones of this Spiritual house , which did so far excel the other .

All the Church of God and Believers , Obser. make together a Spiritual house ; The whole Church makes but one Spiritual House . as a house , though it hath but one foundation , yet hath many stones to make up the building .

This sheweth the communion that the Saints have one with another , Use. members of the same Body , stones of the same Building ; with this Union that we have with Christ , we have also communion one with another , as Fellow-members , Stones , Branches . Besides ,

As all the Saints together are here said to be built up a Spiritual house , Observ. so els where the like is affirmed of every particular Believer ; Every particular Believer is also a Spiritual House . that whereas before he was but a Cage of uncleanness , and a Den for the Devil , and an Habitation for foul Spirits , now he is made the House of God , of a poor mortal man , Isa. 57. 15. an Habitation for God ; as a King maketh a Cottage a Court , Iohn 14. 23. so doth the Lord make a Bethel an House of God , 1 Cor. 3. 16. & 6. 19. of him that was before Beth-aven , an house of Iniquity ; which is an admirable advancement . 2 Cor. 6. 16.

1. This teacheth every one that is such , Use 1. to take heed he pollute not himself with any sin , thereby grieving and wearying so happy a guest . The Prophets were profitable to those with whom they sojourned ; The Widow of Sarepta had her oyl and meal increased , 1 King . 17. 16. and her life saved ; 2 King 4. 7. & 4. 17. The wife of one of the Children of the Prophets had her two Children kept out of the Creditors hands ; The Shunamite obtained a son ; but much more profitable is Christ , he brings Peace , Joy and Life : A pitiful thing that sundry Christians are so hasty , so furious , so full of pride , worldly , negligent in religious duties , and the like ; How can Christ tarry in such an house ? can he abide in an heart full of these ?

2. To deck and trim up the house of our Souls with all graces of the Spirit of God ; Use 2. therefore take pains , and think no cost too much in Hearing , Reading , Praying , to trim up this House for the Lord , that he may take the more pleasure therein . Solomon bestowed great cost on the Temple , and was seven years in building thereof , and shall we take no pains on this Spiritual Temple ? Hag. 1. 4. The Lord complained of his people that would dwell in fieled houses , and let the House of God lie waste ; much more may he of us , who minde many earthly things , and minde nothing so much the dressing up of our hearts by Prayer , Meditation , Watchfulness , and the like , as a Bride prepared for the Lord Jesus : When we dress up our houses to entertain strangers , it were good to have such meditations , Psal. 24. 7. saying to our selves , Lift up your heads , ye gates , and be ye lift up , ye everlasting door , and the King of glory shall come in , and thus entertain him most respectively here , till he shall vouchsafe to entertain us at our death into that habitation , that is not made with hands , 2 Cor. 5. 1. but eternal in the Heavens , and when thou art at the best , think that thy heart is too strait , nothing good enough to entertain such a blessed guest .

An holy Priesthood ] Another branch of the benefit that believers have , being received of Christ , and united to him , namely , That whereas they were unholy , now he makes them holy ; whereas they might not come near God , neither their persons nor works , now they are advanced to this dignity , to be a Priesthood , and every of them an holy Priest to draw near unto God , and offer him Sacrifices ; whereas before they did nor could do nothing but was abominable in Gods sight , now they are enabled to offer such Sacrifices and Services as God accepts , and takes pleasure in , and are not these great priviledges ? and all this comes by the means of Jesus Christ , whom while they were without , they missed all these priviledges , but having him , enjoy them all .

Holy ] They that are united to Christ are made holy , Doctr. that were nothing less before , Such as are united to Christ are made holy . and draw sap of Grace and Sanctification from him , through whom also they become new Creatures ; which is a wonderful priviledge , that such filthy and unclean ones as we are by nature , Rom. 8. 1. should be made holy ; 2 Cor. 5. 17. for holiness is the greatest gift that can be , a little of it is better then all the world : God is holy , his Angels holy , therefore he gives us his Word , his Sacraments , Afflictions , and the like means to bring us to holiness .

1. They that have any measure of holiness , Use 1. must acknowledge that they have received it from Christ .

2. Let every one try whether he be united to Christ or not by this mark ; Use 2. he is an holy head , and all that are joyned to him partake of holiness .

Priesthood ] Believers together make a Priesthood , Doctr. and every Believer is a Priest to offer Sacrifice to God . Believers are Priests to God

What , Object . are not Priests and Sacrifices at an end yet ? I thought they had been onely in the Old Testament , and now abolished .

True , Sol. some Sacrifices are at an end : There were under the Law Priests ordained to offer Sacrifices daily to God , for their own and the peoples sins , all which pointed at Christ the true Priest , and that blessed Sacrifice of his Body : Heb. 7. 27. & 10. 2 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 18. & 12. 25 , 26. All these Sacrifices did but tend and direct to that All ▪ sufficient Sacrifice of his Death . Now when he had offered himself on the Cross , and dyed for our sins , he put an end to all Sacrifices propitiatory , Iohn 19. 30. as who finished all himself , saying , It is finished ; so then , there is now no more need of Sacrifices for sin , Christ once offered being All-sufficient . Which

1. Condemns the Sacrifices of the Jews , Use 1. and all bloody Sacrifices , which are to the Devils and not to God .

2. Condemns the Blasphemous Sacrifice of the Mass , Use 2. where ( as the Papists say ) Christ is by the Priest offered daily on the Altar a propitiatory Sacrifice for the sins of the quick and the dead : This is to overthrow Christs Cross.

But though there be an end of all legal Sacrifices and Propitiatory , yet there are Evangelical and Gratulatory ; and though those Priests that offered blood and beasts be at an end , yet are there Priests still remaining in the Church of God , which the Apostle mentioneth , lest the Jews should think the former times better then these ; thereupon objecting , The prevention of an Objection . Have we no Sacrifices now to offer to God ? he answereth , We have , though not of the same kinde : We have no Propitiatory Sacrifices ( the date of them being out , and which yet were not taken away by men , but by him who ordained them but till this time , who yet is not inconstant in changing them , Christians now are not without Sacrifices which they must offer up to God . as having done away sin through the Sacrifice of his Son , of whom the others were onely the types and shadows ) but Sacrifices of thanksgiving we have , and that for the mercy of God in Christ , and all other blessings flowing from thence : This is no small honor and priviledge . It was an honor under the Law to be Priests , few were admitted to the Office ; they represented Christ , they went near and offered Sacrifice , the people standing afar off ; so is it now to be a Spiritual Priest , to have the honor to come near to God with comfort and boldness .

1. They therefore speak they know not what , Use 1. that use this as a name of disgrace , and call Ministers in derision , Priests ; and what is he but a Priest ? but it s an honor , and a great one , though Mass-Priests by their filthy lives have brought the same in disgrace ; yet is not this proper to Ministers onely ( which we speak not as though we were ashamed of it , Re. 1. 6 but that every one may have their due ) it s also common to all Believers , and they that will none of this , shake off the name of a Christian , but they that are wise will take their part in it . This is signified by the name Christian of Christ , which signifieth anointed ; of that anointing by the Spirit without measure , he was made and fitted our King , Priest and Prophet , and not so onely , but to make us so ; so that every one that believeth in him , he gives him the honor to be so : As we partake of the benefit of his Priesthood , and its parts , Satisfaction and Intercession , so of him we also are made Priests .

2. As we are to rejoyce in this priviledge , Use 2. so we must use it , and improve it carefully in offering Sacrifices ; What else becomes a Priest ? he were not worthy the name , that did not delight to offer Sacrifices to God . The Christians Sacrifices . Now the Sacrifices of the New Testament for Christians to offer , are these , 1. The offering up of our Bodies and Souls , Rom. 12. 1. and all that is in us to serve God , having neither Wit , Will , Memory , nor any thing else , but for the Lords use : It s meet we should offer this Sacrifice , for its his by right of Creation , Redemption , and continual Preservation ; we owe neither it , nor any part of it , to any other , all to him , and when we give it to him , we provide best for it : It s not onely never the further from our selves , but that is the happiness of it , we should give it , and thank him he will take it of us ; and this is the first Sacrifice to be offered : Till this be , no other will be accepted of , 2 Cor. 8. 5. Prayer , Praise , or whatsoever ; first the person must please God , then the work , as in Abel : And thus every man may try his Cristianity ; Do you give up your bodies and souls for his Service , and would not with your good wills that any the least part should be withdrawn from him , no not one thought if you could help it ? thou art a good Christian , this is a good Sacrifice , continue it still ; But how few do thus ? how few which give not their Hearts and Bodies to Profits and Pleasures , to Sin , the World , and the Devil ? How many Sacrifice to these all day long ? Christians in name , not in deed : They that give themselves wholly to sin are monsters , as they that give themselves partly to God , and partly to their lusts , are like Ananias and Sapphira : Oh , but though we do not thus , yet we offer other Sacrifices : Isa. 1. 13. Fie upon thee and them , they are abominable in Gods sight , as is the Sacrifice of the wicked : O give them no more as weapons of sin , to serve the Flesh , the World , and the Devil ( that were too too base ) but employ them for Gods service , not some part , but the whole , all too little , and wish it were better for his sake . 2. The Sacrifice of a contrite and broken heart , that is , an heart grieved and crush'd for sin past , Psal. 51. 17. comforted in Christ , afraid to offend , careful to please God , touch'd and grieved at the smallest offence : 1 Cor. 11. 31. They that offer this , Prov. 28. 14. scape Gods Judgement ; fearing alway , they are happy ; fearing small sins , they escape great ones ; being troubled at the least , they rise , and fall not into security : Such as offer this , and would it were softer , grieving and complaining of their hardness of heart , let such know , that there may be hardness as they complain , but not such hardness as they conceive , as who could not feel the same : But there are few broken hearts in any measure , most are not troubled for their sins past , nor afraid to offend , nor careful nor humbled after they have offended , being neither melted by mercies , nor moved by the Word and Afflictions : O the fearful state of an hard heart ; all have not alike tender heart , but assuredly he is no Christian that hath it not in some measure . 3. Prayer and Praise for Christ Jesus , Psal. 141. 2. and all benefits by him past , Heb. 13. 15. present and to come , for Soul and Body : O what a favor is it , that we worms on earth may come to the glorious Lord of Heaven and Earth ? but where are our morning and evening Sacrifices ? What , a Priest without a Sacrifice ? Psal. 14 2. They that pray not at all , Iob 27. 9. it s a sign they are prophane persons , as they that pray onely in misery are hypocrites : Hath God honored us to make us Priests by Jesus Christ , and do we neglect the Office , not appearing with our Sacrifice ? Heb. 16. 13. 4. Alms , mercy to all in hunger , thirst , Phil. 4. 22. sickness , prison , especially to the houshold of Faith : This we ought to do ; whensoever God prepares an Altar of the necessity of a poor Saint or Church , Mat. 25. 40. that then we Priests lay on our Sacrifice : God requires it , it s an honor , he counts it as done unto himself ; therefore he promises that he will requite it , and that not as we , a peny for a penyworth , but as Kings that use to reward a house largely , where they have found kindeness ; 2 Cor. 9. 6. therefore it s compared to sowing : God and his poor Saints are the best ground can be sown in : O that we had Faith enough in this Point ! If we did believe that we should have peny for peny , it would make us forwarder then we be , but he will do more : The world savoreth not this at all , and Believers fall too short in this Sacrifice ; but the more we offer it , and the better , the better Christians are we . Why called Spiritual Sacrifice .

To offer up Spiritual Sacrifice ] He calls them Spiritual , 1. In comparison of the carnal and bloody Sacrifices of the Law . 2. Because they must be done with the Soul , Heart and Spirit . 3. Because they must be done by the help of Gods Spirit .

Our services then to God must be done in a Spiritual maner , Obs. else they please not God ; Our services to God must be done in a Spiritual maner . They that give God their bodies , and keep their hearts to sin , perform a carnal and wicked , no Spiritual service and sacrifice : So we must pray and praise in a Spiritual maner , with our souls and best affections , Iohn 4. 24. not with labor of the tongue or knee : True , he will have the Body , but especially he will have the Spirit , which condemns the cold idle wordy Prayers of men , wherein there is no Spirit : So our alms and liberality must be done , not out of ostentation , for company , no nor for a natural kinde of pity , but for love to God , Mat. 10. 41. because he requires it , and to them , because they are the Lords .

Acceptable to God , ] It being a great favor to do any thing that may please God , The prevention of an Objection . they might object , as any weak Christian would ; Alas , I would go and offer these Sacrifices , but doth the Lord regard what I do ? will he once look to such a one , or such service as mine ? Yea , saith the Apostle , we may offer up Spiritual Sacrifice acceptable to God : Gods Servants shall not then need doubt , but being once Believers , their services done Spiritually are accepted of the most High God of Heaven , yea , of the meanest true Believer ; for he that vouchsafed to bring thee to Christ , to unite thee to him , to make thee a lively stone , a Spiritual house , an holy Priest to offer Sacrifice , he will also accept of the same : Let this encourage us much to these duties , what a spur is this ? True it is , if one knew he should not be accepted ; or if he did doubt whether he should or not ; this would take off all edge ; but when we are sure , that s a great encouragement : For who would not be glad to do any thing , wherewith God would be pleased ? Art thou afraid that he doth not accept thy Sacrifice , as who hast prayed oft and long , and art not heard ? Judge not according to that ; Dan. 9. 23. Thy Prayer sent up in truth , was accepted at first , though not granted by and by , as not being then time ; The Lord stays till a fitter time .

Acceptable , ] Not that God hath any need of them , but it pleaseth him for our encouragement so to tell us ; for if we serve him never so diligently , he is never the better , but our selves are the better , and our Neighbors by our good example ; Iob 22. 2 , 3. and 35. 6. So contrarily if we do never so ill , he is not the worse , Psal. 16. 2. as being most perfectly holy and good at first , and so is and will be .

To God , ] Here may seem a secret Antithesis between these words , To God ; and these , To Men : For indeed

Spiritual Sacrifices are nothing to Carnal men , Obser. but such only as stand in outward Pomp , Spiritual sacrifices are not regarded of carnal men . Shew , and Ceremony ; But it s the Spiritual service that pleaseth God : He cares more for a broken heart , and for the Sacrifice of praise Spiritually performed , then for Thousands of Bulls , or all the outside that so much pleaseth the eye : He cares not for the Papists going on Pilgrimage , numbers of Prayers , Fasting days , Pompous service , and curious musick , which doth more delight the ear , then tend any way to edification ; And because we reject these , they cry out upon us , as having no Religion : And are there not some among us , with whom its a foul matter to neglect any outward Ceremony , who yet do altogether neglect Spiritual services ?

By Jesus Christ ] Doctr. Our Sacrifices are acceptable to God , nor for own-worthiness , Through Christ our Sacrifices are acceptable to God . or the worth of the service , but for the sake , and by the means of Christ Jesus : He onely makes them acceptable to God , 1. In taking away our sins by his Death . 2. Covering us with his Obedience . Reasons 3. Inabling us by his Spirit ( who can do no good of our selves ) to perform these services . 4. Covering the wants thereof in his perfect Obedience , and making Intercession for us ; and in this worthiness must we offer up our selves , Prayers , Thanks , and Alms.

1. This condemneth them that do these Duties , Use 1. and yet are in their sins unpardoned , not having Christs Righteousness made theirs , and which do them not by the Spirit of God , but by their own might ; Their services are abominable .

2. Those that come in the worthiness of any Saint , Use 2. as the Papists which pray for this or that Saints sake , do grievously sin : Oh , but say they , he is indeed the Mediator of Redemption , others may with him be Mediators of Intercession : He is belike beholden to them that will leave him somewhat ; but there is no other Intercessor , but the Redeemer , 1 Iohn 2. 2. he that s the one , is the other also : Oh , but they conclude all their Prayers , per Jesum Christum Dominum nostrum . A good mends , when they have robb'd him , by joyning others with him , to conclude with his Name ; So those that come in their own worthiness , not asking for Christs : But we ought not to think of God but in Jesus Christ coming between . Note further , that

Our works , Doctr. even the best can never attain to that perfection to be worthy of themselves , Our works , though not without their imperfections , are accepted through Christ . as being still full of imperfection , but by Jesus Christ to all that perform them in Faith , and to their uttermost they are accepted as perfect .

1. This serves as to humble us while we live under the daily sence of the imperfections of our services ; So , to warn us to shrowd them and our selves under Christs perfection . Use 1.

2. To comfort them that in Faith strive , Use 2. and yet cannot perform them to their mindes ; They must not be dismaid , but believe that for Christs sake they shall be accepted : This is necessary to be known and believed , because many a good soul , when they have pray'd or done any service in the best maner they can , are yet discouraged : Why ? nothing pleaseth God but that which is perfect , and I know ( will such a one say ) how imperfect my poor service is , I cannot in any sort pray as I would , I cannot continue a short Prayer without wandrings , &c. Well , what thou dost , do in truth , and with all thy might ; and Christs perfect obedience shall make it up ; Though thy service be short , yet it is large enough to cover all ; wer 't not for this , we might be dismaid at our best duties : But this is not for the wicked and unbelievers , they think they will do as well as they can , and there 's an end , Christ shall do the rest : But what right hast thou to Christ ? and what canst thou do ? as good as nothing .

Verse 6. Wherefore it is contained in the Scripture , Behold , I lay in Sion a chief corner stone , elect , precious , and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded .

THe Apostle having already shewed both that Christ is the Foundation on which his Church is builded , and that Believers are built up on him a Spiritual House , &c. he now confirmeth both out of the Scriptures ; and needful it was fully to prove them , that so they might be strengthened to embrace Christ the Foundation of their happiness , and against that common offence of the multitude , which did not embrace but reject him .

Now that he had said , he sheweth to be no new thing , but such as was of old spoken of by God to his Prophets , as the Scripture of the Old Testament beareth witness , namely , that of the Prophet Isaiah , Chap. 28. 16. wherein is shewed of Christ , that He is a chief corner stone ; and of Believers , that they shall not be ashamed , and therefore are accepted of God .

In that he alleageth the Scripture for his purpose ; Note we , that

That which must confirm and settle us in any Point of Doctrine , Doctr. is the Testimony of the Word of God . The testimony of Gods Word , is that which must settle us in any Point of Doctrine . If God speak to his in his Word , we build that its true , accordingly doing or leaving undone ; nothing else can satisfie , not the minde of this or that man , or many men , or the practice of such and such , no not of the best ; but we must build our Faith on Gods Word that cannot deceive us , else shall we ever waver , never be at a certainty : Through men we may be driven hither and thither , but if grounded on the Word of God , nothing can remove us .

1. This condemneth the Enthusiasts , Use 1. that boast of Revelations , and so neglect the Word ; Isa. 59. 3. No , Gods Spirit and his Word are joyned together , and they that have at any time been most endued with the Spirit , have at no time neglected the Scriptures , but given themselves to the searching of the same : Gods Spirit speaks no otherwise then according to the Word .

2. Papists , Use 2. that thrust in Traditions and Humane Inventions , as whereon people must settle .

3. It teacheth us to search the Scripture , Use 3. laboring by all means that the Word of Christ may dwell in us plentifully , that so we may be grounded : If we hear God speaking in his Word , we must sit down by it , all mouthes must be stopt ; if not , we must not be carried without it . Obser.

Again , The Old Testament of the same Authority with the New . He alleageth the Old Testament , as Christ and the other Apostles did , for the Old was the same in substance with the New , and of the same Authority .

Further , Observ. In that he nameth not the place , nor the Prophet , it sheweth their skill , Of old people were more ready in the Scriptures then they are now . and rebuketh our ignorance , that have not the book of God clasped against us , as in Popery , but open , if we can take our time ; for the place it self , it s alleaged with some alteration of the words , though not of the sence : 1. He leaves out a word or two , and takes that which fitteth his purpose . 2. He turneth these words of the Prophet , He that believeth shall not make haste ; into these , He that believeth on him shall not be confounded : The Prophet sets down the effect , the Apostle the cause ; for unbelievers being ashamed , it makes them run up and down in their misery for some other help , seeing themselves disappointed and deceived .

The occasion of that promise there , See Calvin on the place . was to comfort the good in respect of the great threatnings against the bad and contemners , namely , that they should not be destroyed and cast off among the rest , and that the wicked might not scorn them , and think all Gods promises made to them fallen to the ground .

Behold ] This being a word to stir up attention , implieth , that

What the Lord saith , Doctr. he doth ; He is true of his word , the Almighty , What the Lord saith , he doth . and who cannot be hindred : He saith not , Such a stone shall be laid , but , Behold , I lay it , whereby he confirms the good , and puts them out of doubt , who by reason of the threatnings were grown weak , fearful , and in doubt .

Here see our infidelity in Spiritual things , Use. especially if we see any things against us , Luke 1. 18. such was Zacharias ; So was not Abraham , he looked not to carnal lets , but rested on Gods Word , had enough that God spake it , so should we : If we have any promise of Gods mouth , we should be of good comfort , and believe , and not be dismaid at our sins and unworthiness : Mat. 11. 28. Come unto me , saith our Savior , all ye that are weary and laden , and I will refresh you , &c. What promise more comfortable ? and yet many seeing their sins and danger , cannot be comforted and perswaded : But we must give God the glory to believe him on his word , and know that nothing can make him break promise or change his minde , either any hinder him from performing what he hath promised .

I lay ] It s God that layes the Foundation of his Churches Salvation ; Doctr. All the Men and Angels in the world cannot lay one stone in this building , God layes the Foundation of his Churches Salvation . unto this Foundation : Though God use the Ministery of his servants , Men , to this purpose , yet its God that by his Spirit makes them fit , Psalm 2. 6. and couples them hereto ; Iohn 6. 27. therefore much less could they lay this corner stone .

Paul saith , Object . he laid this Foundation .

By Preaching the same to the people , 1 Cor. 3. 10. not otherwise ; That Foundation which God had laid before the world , Sol. and appointed to be Preached , that he taught to the people , and that was all he did .

If God gave Christ generally for his Church , Use. then for every humble soul that seeth his need of Christ , and cometh with an heavy heart to him , and desires him above all the world , assuredly he will give him to such .

In Sion ] That hill in Jerusalem is put for the Church , whereof it was a type , See Psal , 2. 6. 8. and because the Gospel was first preached there ( Christ there revealed ) and from thence conveyed into all nations far and wide ; so that now by Gods mercy , we have him no less preached unto us then the Jews had , and have also our part in him as largely . O unspeakable mercy !

A chief corner stone , ] A chief stone , a foundation stone : This is the principal point in this first part of the Verse ; but of this on the fourth Verse , where was shewed , That he is not a stone as others be in the building , but the foundation on which they are all built , which sustains and holds them together , there being no other foundation but he . This the Papists overturn , and that both in respect of his Kingly , Prophetical and Priestly Office .

For his Kingly Office , The Papists take from Christ his Kingly , which is to rule over the consciences of his subjects by his Spirit , and to have power to make Laws to binde their consciences , they take it from him ; for with them , the Pope may also make Laws of his to binde the conscience , as much as any of Christs , and doth and may repeal some of his at his pleasure .

For his Prophetical Office , Prophetical , which is to be the onely Teacher of his Church , and to reveal all his Fathers minde , in the Books of the Prophets and Apostles ; this they take away , by adding ( as if the Word were altogether imperfect ) unwritten Verities , and mens Traditions , which ( say they ) are of absolute necessity to be obeyed to Salvation .

For his Priestly , and Priestly Office . they abolish both parts of it : 1. His Sacrifice All sufficient , and once offered on the Cross for all , by their blasphemous Mass , wherein they offer Christ daily ( as they say ) as a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the sins of the quick and the dead . 2. His Intercession , wherein they joyn many Saints with him ; What Salvation can there be for such ? le ts pray for , and keep our selves far from them .

Elect , ] Christ is chosen of God to the work of our Redemption , and furnished for it ; therefore make we choyce of him for our portion : wo to them that refuse him .

He that believeth on him shall not be confounded . ] Hereby is meant a true particular justifying Faith : Such as have this , shall not be ashamed , or seek at any time as confounded or deceived of sufficient help and Salvation ; therefore he shall never be put to make haste to seek any other .

The true Believer shall never be confounded , Doctr. but finde enough in Christ to satisfie him to the full , Believers do alway finde enough in Christ . to deliver him from all evil , and make him partaker of all Happiness , Wisdom , Righteousness , Sanctification and Redemption , Rom. 5. 1. and enough to make his minde peaceable and quiet , and to stablish him against all that his own conscience , or any , yea the Devil himself can lay to his charge ; but he findes enough to answer all at large ; As , Thou art a sinner , and hast deserved Damnation , and God is just . R. I grant all , but I have a surety able enough , Rom. 8. 33. who hath born all ; Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect ? It s God that justifieth , &c. His heart is fixed , he believeth in the Lord : In his life he hath that wherein he may quiet himself , and never be to seek , but may draw new life and grace from Christ , to enable him to hold on : In his death he shall not be comfortless , but finde enough in Christ to carry him to heaven , though through the gates of death ; He knoweth whom he hath believed : At the day of Judgement he shall not be ashamed , but lift up his head with great joy , when he shall see Christ coming in great glory and power , to save all them that have embraced him , and to receive them into the glory which he hath prepared for them ; then shall he be our Judge who hath been our Surety and Savior : Contrarily , they that believe not in Christ , are never in quiet ; as the Papists , that hope to be saved partly by Christ , and partly by Works , are often ( even the wisest of them ) distracted , The miserable condition of those that do not believe in Christ , and who they are . and cannot tell when they have done enough to rest in , and so are ever suspitious and doubtful , tost to and fro as one upon a ship mast : So the wicked among our selves that believe not in Christ ( though some securely flatter themselves ) are for the most part doubtful , having ever and anon thoughts that all is not well , and so not knowing what shall become of them ; and though they love their lusts so well , that they will not part from them for Christ , yet often do their thoughts accuse them of their Whoredoms , Deceits , wicked Courses , their hearts misgive them ; and so indeed their lives be as if one should lie in a bed too strait , and the clothes too short , and so they cannot sleep ; whereas he that is assured of his happiness , and his heart witnesses his upright care to obey Gods will , his bed and clothes be large enough , he sleeps quietly , and rests on a soft pillow , his good conscience : In the hour of death they are fearful & disquieted , and in death they are confounded , when they see the Devil ready to carry their souls to hell . At the day of Judgement , how will the Jews and Turks that altogether reject Christ , be ashamed and confounded , when they shall finde that their imagined Christ , and Mahomet hath deceived them , and led them into a false hope ? O what a case will they be in , when they shall see the true Christ whom they have rejected come to judge them ? O what wailing will there be ? how will they run up and down , and what would they not do , if they knew any way to help themselves ? then shall they finde it too late to sue to him : Rev. 6. 16. Then will they sue to the hills to fall upon them , and the mountains to cover them ; a poor request , which yet shall not be granted them : So all wicked men among us that have not kissed the Son , but broke his bands , and cast his cords from them , that have had him offered to them , but have not embraced him , nor believed in him , chusing rather to continue in their lusts , then to have their part in him , their condition is fearful : O that all would embrace Christ whilst they may , who else shall have sorrow and shame for their portion . Obser.

This phrase also implyeth , Believers can never fall away wholly nor finally . That

Believers can never fall away wholly nor finally , as the Papists teach , for then they might come to be ashamed : They may be shaken for the tryal and strengthening of their Faith , but overcomed they cannot be by all the gates of Hell .

Verse 7. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious ; but unto them which be disobedient , the stone which the builders disallowed , the same is made the head of the corner , Verse 8. And a stone of stumbling , and rock of offence , even to them which stumble at the word , being disobedient , whereunto also they were appointed .

NOw that which the Apostle had cited out of the Prophet , and was indefinitely spoken of all and every one , he comes to apply particularly to the Jews that he wrote unto , both believers and unbelievers , shewing the happy state of the one , and the miserable condition of the other , one and the same Christ being to them diverse : To Believers , precious , and fruitful to Salvation and all good ; but to the unbelievers and disobedient , a stone to stumble at , &c. though not of his own Nature , yet through their infidelity , so that they should not onely have no benefit by him , but destruction , stumbling at the word that foretold of him , and now testified of him . But least any should wonder at this madness in men , the cause is set down , that as God ordained some to life , and so to embrace Christ unto Salvation , so some others to stumble against him to their ruine : Besides this , he also removes a common and great scandal and log out of the weak and common peoples way , and that was , that whereas he had spoken so much of Christ , they could not see him to be such a one : and their learned Doctors and Rabbies , Scribes and Pharisees , High Priests and Elders , they could no way think well of him , they judged him a deceiver , and pursued him also , which they would never have done , if he had been the Savior and corner stone , as you speak , &c. But for this , faith the Apostle , If it were a new thing , that you never had had warning of , it were somewhat ; but this is no other then was foretold in Davids time , Psalm 118. 22. so long ago , therefore it needs not seem strange to you ; yet their strugling was in vain , for in despite of them he was made the head stone of the corner : This had been indeed a great temptation , if they had been to consult onely with reason ; For what should they have thought , but as they were taught and learned of their gave Teachers , of whom that People had a very great and high opinion ; But considering Gods decree , and that he had foretold it should be thus , and that God would save his Church by such a way that worldly wise men thought not of , and would effect his purpose not onely without the help , but even against the will of the great men of the world , it could not much trouble them .

And in that the Apostle doth apply that which was indifinitely said of all to particular persons , Observ. we may learn how to use the promises of God laid down in Scripture , Gods promises are to be particularly applied . even to endeavor to apply them to our selves particularly ; This is the nature of true Faith : It s but a cold and dead thing to believe those things in general to be true , which Hypocrites , yea Devils do ; but this to make them ours , as David , Psal. 18. 2. My Lord , My Castle , My Refuge ; and Job , My Redeemer ; and Thomas , Iob 19. 25. My Lord and my God ; Iohn 20. 28. and Paul , Who loved me , and gave himself for me , Gal. 2. 20. is that we must labor for : This particular Faith is that which is to Salvation , signified by eating and drinking : and Faith is compared to an hand ; and in our Creed every one of us is particularly bound from our hearts , to say , I believe .

How may we come to this particular perswasion ? Quest.

A person humbled , Answ. and seeking earnestly , God sends his Spirit to witness to his of the same , Rom. 8. 16. wherewith ( that it may appear that it s no presumption nor deceiveable perswasion ) he gives also the Spirit of Sanctification , namely , an unfeigned hatred of all sin , and true purpose to please God ; and whose findes these , may boldy build hereon : And though there will arise , through remnants of unbelief , sometimes doubtings and fears , yet this grace of Faith rooted in the heart , will never quite fail ; Psal. 22. 1. as , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me ? The last words savor of distrust or dispair , but yet so , as Faith still held her hold : So is it with every Believer in their temptations ; though they speak some words of doubting , yet some do come out by and by , that do argue a measure of true Faith : O lets never leave till we have a particular perswasion , and that upon good ground , that the promises of salvation especially ( and other particulars ) belong to us ; some think they do , and are very bold , that yet can render no reason thereof , but their perswasion is vain : some being put to particulars , can say nothing thereto , and so can never have comfort or joy while they live .

Unto you which believe he is precious , ] He saith not onely that Christ is most blessed and good in himself , but that that which is in him is to be communicated to others , or else what were it to us ? nay , he sheweth also by what means others may be partakers hereof , namely , by Faith ; For what were it , though there were never so much in Christ , and that for others too , if we knew not the way to come by it ? therefore he tells us , it s made ours by Faith : As , what were it if there were never so much water in a Well , and no bucket to draw it out ? or a very good Medicine , and no knowledge how to use it ?

But Christ is precious to those that believe in him ; Doctr. They shall be partakers of all that is in Christ whatsoever , Christ is precious unto all those that believe . Pardon , Grace , Wisdom , Righteousness , Sanctification , Redemption , Life and Glory is in him , or to be had by him , is ours by Faith , and no other way : If there be never so much in Christ , yet to the unbeliever it avails nothing , Iohn 1. 12. he shall not have a dram of benefit by him ; Therefore Faith is compared to an hand to lay hold on Christ , to a mouth to feed on Christ , &c. As a mans hand chopt off can take nothing , his mouth closed up can eat nothing , so without Faith , no benefit by Christ ; for Faith is the onely instrument that God hath ordained to convey all grace from Christ into us .

1. Here 's comfort to all such as can prove themselves believers . Use 1.

2. Labor we for this grace of true Faith , Use 2. which intitles us to Christ , and makes him ours , without which he will be a rock of offence to our condemnation : This Faith is not every idle perswasion of the brain of a carnal professor without ground , and never humbled , or any whit reformed , but it must be a work of the Spirit of God , which hath so much depending upon it , which few truly enjoy : And the rather are we to labor for this grace , because as it makes Christ ours , so all things else to work to our good , without which all turn to our destruction . Rom. 1. 16. As the Word by Faith is the power of God to Salvation , and the savor of life unto life ; so is it to unbelievers the contrary , even to their Condemnation ; as the sun-shine to good eyes is comfortable , but to weak and blear eyes offensive and hurtful : Thus are all other holy things ; Thus the Sacrament ; Thus also our meat and drink , &c. To believers that are not onely perswaded by the Word , that they are Gods creatures appointed to nourish us , but that we be such as having lost our interest in Adam , have it restored in Christ ; we using them also with prayer , may with good consciences make use of them , whereof those that have not this Faith are usurpers : Yea , that which is a part of the curse in its own nature , yet by Faith is made a blessing ; as our sicknesses , crosses and troubles which came in with sin as punishments , Rom. 8. 28. yet to believers , them that love God , all things ( even these ) work together for the best ; but to unbelievers they are the beginning of their sorrows . And

As Christ in our sense is precious to the Believers , namely , that they make most precious and high account of him , and so of the means that have brought them to him , the Word , and the means that yet still bring them tidings of him , the Word and Sacraments ; so also in this , that he is fruitful and blessed to them : Therefore never leave till we be in the number of these believers .

But unto them which be disobedient , &c. ] now to the other sort : The true and direct opposition had been to have said , But to the unbelievers ; Why then not so , but to the disobedient ? namely , to shew who they be that be unbelievers , Obs. by the effect , disobedience : For as Faith is the mother of obedience , Such are unbeleivers which are disobedient so Infidelity the mother of disobedience and rebellion : Unbelief hath the seat in the heart , who then can know it ? the Lord who seeth it , sheweth that they which be disobedient to the Word be unbelievers .

Hereby may every man try himself , Use. whether he be in the state of unbelief or not ; Thou art , if thou beest in the state of disobedience . Thus are they that live in the open breach of Gods Law , and are tainted with foul sins ; See also Iohn 3. 36. they are in unbelief to this hour , whom ( if they should thus dye ) this Scripture would send headlong to destruction : Thus are they , who though they reform some , yea many things , yet maintain themselves in the love and practice of some one sin , either by doing some forbidden evil , or neglecting some known required duty , which they will not reform , nor desire to do : Let these know ( whatsoever they are ) that they are in unbelief until this hour , and so stand in the state of wrath and condemnation : O that this might awaken all our carnal Professors that bear themselves in hand that they have Faith , when they have nothing towards it ; no , it must cost you more then ever yet it did , ere you enjoy it , and must be shewed forth by better fruits .

Now before he comes to shew directly what Christ is to the unbelievers , he doth by the way remove a stumbling block .

The stone which the builders disallowed , is made the head of the corner . ] This Text alleaged out of the Psalms , Psal. 118. 22. is meant 1. Of David , who by Sauls Courtiers was rejected , whom they would not have had King , yet God had so appointed , and would have it so . 2. Of our Savior Christ , whom the great learned men of his time did reject , and would not embrace as the Savior of the world : Where Christs Kingdom is compared to an house , and Christ to the foundation thereof , or corner stone , and the learned men of Christs time to builders , who should have built the Church of God ( by their place ) but they rejected the best part and foundation of this building : Therefore were like to make a bad building .

These indeed were Christs chief Enemies , and could not away with him , persecuted him , prefer'd Barabbas before him , crucified him , forbade his Disciples to preach in his name , yea imprisoned and scourged them for so doing .

How came this to pass ? They had a strong conceit that the Messiah should be an earthly Potentate , Acts 6. 14. and that he should continue Moses his Law and Ordinances : When therefore they saw the contrary , they would none of him ; but for all they were so expert in the Law , yet they fulfilled it to their own destruction , in rejecting him that was the fulfilling of the Law and the Prophets . See what a strong conceit and prejudicate opinion will do .

Now their rejecting of him was , Why the Iews did reject Christ . 1. To shew that God had purposed the Salvation of his Church and building of his kingdom by a way that the wise men of the world never dreamed of . 2. That their malice might appear to their punishment , and Gods power in resisting them . 3. To shew , that great men are not always the greatest maintainers of the Truth , but miss the cushion oftentimes ; they be not always friends and furtherers of the Truth , but often great lets and arch enemies thereunto : Thus it hath been for the manifestation of Gods power , who can do his will not onely without the help , but against the might of great persons . Ier. 20. 1. Thus was it in Ahabs time ; Thus in Jeremiahs ; Thus in our Saviors : They that should have been the first and chiefest entertainers of him , preaching to the people , Iohn 7. & 9. hated him , excommunicated him , and persecuted the people for believing in him ; so hath it been of long time , and is at this day with the chief of Rome : Oh , they boast themselves to be the onely Church , and all that vary from them to be Hereticks , and that they have all the marks of a true Church , Unity , Universality , Antiquity , with a perpetual succession of Bishops from Peter ; when yet they are the Enemies of the true Church of God , and have still so been ; a pack of erroneous and pestilent Doctrines they hold , contrary to Christs Truth , whose Church they persecute with fire and sword : The Church never found greater Enemies , nor any so great , as they that profess themselves to be the Church of Christ . For their succession which they boast of from the Apostles , it s very idle , and makes no more for them , then that Ahab was right owner of Naboths Vineyard , because he came into the possession of it ; or that a Thief having kill'd the master of the house , Succession is of Doctrine or Person . sits down at Table in his chair , and eats of his meat . Succession is of Doctrine or Person : Succession of Doctrine is good ; Therefore that company that continues in the Doctrine of the Apostles , and Fundamental Points thereof ( though some errors should be mingled ) and hath the Sacraments pure for the substance , that company is a church of God , though there be defects in maners , for so Christ said of them that sate in Moses chair ; for though both Doctrine and maners be necessary in a good Pastor , yet if he hold the Fundamental Points of Doctrine ( though he erre in life and maners ) we reject him not from being a Pastor . But as for succession of Person and Place , it s nothing : For Place ; Where hath God ever in the New Testament , tyed himself or his Church to any particular place ? or doth he not call it Universal , as being in the parts of it spread into all places ? Acts 20. 29. For Person ; as though Thieves may not succeed good men , and Wolves faithful Pastors : Therefore , though they could prove that there hath been ever since Peter a continual succession of Bishops in Rome , yet this would do them small pleasure ; but this their Personal succession they cannot prove , they agree not among themselves who was first after Peter . Again , it was broken off sundry times , when some of their Popes were condemned for Heresie , when there were many Antipopes , and in the days of Pope Joan ; unless they will say that these were true successors of the Apostles : But say they could prove this , yet what would it avail them , seeing they are altogether degenerate from the purity of the Apostles doctrine , and are become enemies and persecutors of the same ? They have overthrown the foundation , and almost all the Fundamental Points of Religion , and left nothing sound , brought in errors , and laden the Church with an infinite rabble of idle and most frivolous Ceremonies ; by their Doctrine overturning almost every Article of the Faith , and thereby violating every Commandment of the Law : and for the Sacraments , they have altogether abolished one , and turned it into a Sacrifice and blasphemous Idol ; and the other they have so besmeared with their filthy inventions , that it s nothing like it self . Not at all to speak of their filthy maners , that besides all other sins , are wholly sold to blood and murther , as being not from above , but from the Devil , Who is a murtherer from the beginning ; we therefore conclude , that they are none of the Church of God , but a Synagogue of Satan : They be the rightful successors of the Apostles , that being rightly called , do build upon their foundation , teaching the purity of Doctrine , and administring the Sacraments for substance sincerely , whether they have had long succession , or have but lately come to their places . Thus we see , that they which boast themselves to be the Converters of the world , the onely Church , are the deadliest enemies thereto ; they which would challenge to themselves to be the great Fathers and Builders of the Church , have not onely not built themselves , but ( as the Scribes and Pharisees , Mat. 23. 13. that kept back the key of knowledge ) have been the greatest lets to the building ; whose case is the more fearful , seeing they both may and ought , and profess to do great matters , yet are so far from doing , that they altogether hinder .

1. This serves to teach us , Use 1. not to stand upon great mens opinion , or hang upon their mouth , approving and disallowing upon their testimony or example : We must herein look onely to the Word of God ; yet the common saying is , Do you think that such great or learned men would say or do so and so , if it were not good and right ?

2. To magnifie the power and wisdom of God , Use 2. that hath used to build his Kingdom , and uphold it , not onely without the help , but against the wills of great men , that rather fret then rejoyce thereat .

Builders ] They would be so called , so reputed ; But what did they build ? Errors , their own Traditions , and humane Ceremonies , for which they were very zealous , being enemies to the true Building and Builders : They are so called , not because they were so , but because they should have been so , their place and office did so require : These should have taught the Law , and offered Sacrifice in memorial of Christ till his coming ; and being revealed , they should have preached him the Foundation , and built up the Church on him : But they did quite contrary . Hence note ,

1. That none will take so great names to themselves , Obser. as those carnal minded men who do least good of all , Such as do least good , challenge to themselves the goodliest titles nay rather do hurt : Yet will these ever challenge most to themselves ; as the Popish Priests , I warrant you , ascribe more to themselves , then the most faithful Pastors ; and so do a number of lazy Ministers at this day .

2. That such have been ever greatest enemies to faithful Builders , Obser. which have challenged to themselves the name of Builders , Such as would be reputed Builders , are usually greatest enemies to true Builders . being indeed nothing less : The Churches enemies are often in her bosom ; and godly Ministers ( as Micaiah , Jeremiah , the Apostles ) have lightly no greater enemies , then those of their own coat and calling ; so the Popish rabble hate all good Protestant , but especially godly and painful Preachers : Ezra . 4. 2. The Jews had no greater enemies then they that seemed desirous to help them in building .

3. That its the duty of Gods Ministers to be Builders of Gods Church ; Observ. so they are stiled , Ministers must be Builders . they are also called Laborers and Workers .

We must build by all means , 1 Cor. 3. 10. with both hands , Doctrine and Conversation : 2 Cor. 13. 1. All must be done to Edification , and not to Destruction in the Church ; all must be done for , nothing against the truth : We must build by preaching Christ the Foundation , and build thereon not Wood , Hay , Stubble ( false Doctrine ) but Gold , Silver , Precious Stones , answerable to the nobleness of the Foundation . We must daily edifie by Preaching , Mal. 2. 6 , 7. dividing the word aright , which was signified by that Urim and Th●mmim written on Aarons breast , 2 Tim. 2. 15. light of Doctrine , Exod. 28. 30. and integrity of Life ; 1 Tim. 1. 19. we must keep the Faith , even soundness of Doctrine in a good Conscience .

1. This rebukes those that build with neither hand , Use 1. but rather destroy , Prov. 14. 1. like the foolish woman in the Proverbs : Thus the Papists , who be woful Builders : They overturn sound Doctrine , and build trash of their own devising ; as if one would come to an house to build , and would put up the groundsels , and rear up a house of leaves , sticks and boughs , so do they Toys and Ceremonies : So also those that would build with one hand , live honestly , but Preach not : These be willing guides , but know not a step of the way : A man cannot be an honest man in that calling , that is not an honest Preacher ; His goodness must appear in his particular calling : See Dr. Dounham of the dignity and duty of Ministers , pag. 97. A Minister ought not only to be a Sheep in the Fold , but a Pastor of the Flock ; not only a stone in the Building , but a Builder : So those that build by Preaching , but pull down by Life , O pitiful people ! and O dreadful answer that such have to make , Ier. 48. 10. which have undertaken to Build , and yet pull down ; The curse will light on such : No Minister can do this as he ought , Who is sufficient for these things ? O le ts labor to Build worthily .

2. There 's comfort to them that unfeignedly strive to build both ways ; Use 2. As it s a special work they do to help up the Lords Spiritual Temple , so their reward shall be great in the Kingdom of Heaven : O happy is he that layeth but one stone into the building , and holds in the rest ! Oh , it s the greatest honor in the world ; other men deal about mens bodies or goods , we about their souls ; others build houses for men ( what though for Kings ? ) we a Spiritual house for God himself ; who would not be encouraged hereby , against whatsoever discouragements this world ( their 's especially which should most encourage us ) gives us ?

3. We must pray to God to furnish and send out many wise and able Builders into his Church , Use 3. that may be workmen that need not be ashamed , that may lay the Foundation well , and build answerably thereupon ; See Mat. 9. 38. The Lord send such into his Church .

But , Observ. though Ministers be chiefly Builders of the Church , yet we are to know , Every man must be a Builder . that every man also must be a Builder , and help the work forward , both of himself , by working the things that are publikely delivered on himself in private , Iude , verse 20. and by other private means ; as also one of another , Heb. 3. 13. by Admonition , 1 Thess. 4. 18. Exhortation , Consolation , example of Life , Iude , verse 23. and Prayer : For we are not born for our selves only , but to help to save as many as possibly we can : Every man must put his hand about this work : Being converted , we are to help forward the conversion of others : As formerly we drew others to vanity , so must we now draw them to grace .

But alas , great is the Impiety , and carelesness of the times this way .

Impiety ; The Impiety of these times . How few seek to build up , but rather to destroy by their vile example , yea , by reproaches , discouragements , and logs laid in the way of any that would come forward , and desire to do better then they have done ? O how few helpers do Gods poor servants finde ? There 's none so simple , but hath somewhat whereby to discourage and hinder them ; yea oftentimes even Husbands and Wives prove lets and discouragements to each other : O these wicked scatterers from Christ , That will neither enter into the Kingdom of Heaven themselves ( nor serve God ) nor suffer them that would : If they that win men to God shall shine in Heaven , what shall become of the enemies of Christs Kingdom , which do daily turn men from God ? he will be fearfully revenged on them ; These be like Devils , that turn'd our first Parents out of the way . Herein I may yet go more particularly ; thus , 1. By example they destroy altogether . 2. For admonition for any thing amiss , they are rather content thereat , and if men did otherwise , these would not like it so well : If any of Gods servants do amiss , their admonition is , to blaze it abroad in hatred of their persons and profession . 3. For consolation , if any be afflicted , they can say little to it , but I pray be of good comfort , nay haply utter much idle talk : If any be humbled for sin , either they give it out that they are mad , and that through running to Sermons ; or at the furthest , bid them be merry , put away melancholly thoughts , ride abroad to their Friends , Drink , Play , &c. Miserable comforters in-indeed . 4. For Exhortation to them that be going on well , they do quite contrary ; though they loved them never so well before , now they hate , revile , and discourage them all they can .

Yea the carelesness even of those that profess Religion , The carelesness of these times . is to be lamented : It s a very lamentable thing to see how every one casts off the care of others , as though it concern'd them not who admonisheth , comforteth , exhorteth , &c. And for example , is it not grievous that some that make great profession of Religion , yet walk so loosly , or have so foul things fall from them , as that in stead of edifying , the godly are wounded , the weak daunted , the wicked hardened in their courses against goodness , nay occasioned to speak ill of the Gospel and Profession , and professors thereof ? Such have lived to an ill pass , it had been better they had been taken away at the best , if ever there were any soundness in them : These had need not onely to repent between God and their own Souls heartily , but labor ro recover by all wise , godly and most holy carriage of themselves , that which they have lost , Mat. 18. 6. Else it were better a milstone were hanged about their necks , and they thrown into the bottom of the sea : O what evil examples are some professors for promise breaking , ill payment of their debts and work-folks ; as others for extream covetousness , hastiness , and the like ? Christians are as a City set on an hill , and have many eyes set on them ( the Canaanite also and the Perizzite dwelling in the Land ) and therefore must take heed and be watchful over themselves : Gen. 13. 7. Oh , God hath done great things for them , therefore they ought to shine as lights in the places where they live , to gain men to God ; If they will not , we have openly discharged the Gospel and our selves of their sin , and testifie that they never learned so in the Word of God : The Gospel is good , let them be what they will , and we neither defend nor like them .

Is made the head of the corner ] namely , The Foundation of his Church , or the Head , that is , the principal part of the same , notwithstanding Satans rage , and his instruments rejecting of him ; these great Rabbies and Doctors would none of him , yet he was the Foundation of his Church for all that , he had still the place that God appointed him to , though these great men rejected him , and cast him off . So

God will do with his Church and Ministers , Obs. and build up his Kingdom as he hath appointed , The enemies of the Church shall not be able to hinder the Lords building thereof . do his Enemies what they will or can , fret , rage , gnash their teeth , and gnaw their tongues : There is no wisdom , counsel nor strength against the Almighty ; The Lord will do it , and who can let it ? he hath decred a thing , and who shall alter it ? Men may account of Gods faithful Ministers as they please , Isa. 8. 9 , 10. and cast them out as rubbish , but God will set them in their own place , and accordingly account of them . As if a man had a house to build , and a great many fair well hewn stones to build it with , and the Workman of spight would cast away these good stones , and build the house with rubbish , will the master of the house put it up ? No , seeing he hath been at the cost to get and fit those stones , he will have them laid in their own place in his building , as is meet ; so will the Lord in building his Church . How often do great men and others fret , and seek to overturn goodness , but God will do his will in despight of them : Thus he did in the Apostles time , though the Scribes , Pharisees and Priests gathered themselves oft together , and plotted to stop the course of the Gospel ; but they might as well have gone about to stop the wind , or hide the Sun , seeing God had set them on work : So in Luthers time , all raged against him , yet God kept him , and by him gave the Pope such a deadly wound , as he can never recover ; though Turk and Pope and all fret , yet Christ is and will be the corner stone . So the Papists fret at us , and have sought by many Treasons , and blowing us up , to overturn our peace and being ; yet by Gods goodness we continue a Church , and if our own sins undermine us not , shall do still in despight of our adversaries . So in a Town , God will have his Word come and continue , and prevail to gather out his , and do that which he hath purposed , though hand joyn in hand to thrust them out ; He hath the key of David , and openeth , and no man shutteth , and till his work be done , no might of men or Devils can shut the door .

And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence , ] Namely , unto the disobedient , as it s in the former Verse . Now is shewed what Christ proves to the disobedient & unbelievers , A stone of stumbling , and a rock of offence , even a let and hinderance that they should not be saved ; and lest they should except against it , and say , They stumble not against Christ ( as many unbelievers will ) yet saith he , Ye stumble at the Word and Gospel that preacheth and offereth him : Not we , say unbelievers , we stumble not at the Word , God forbid we should ; yes , saith the Apostle , that you do , both against Christ and his Word , while you be disobedient to them both ; whereat that none might wonder , he shews that this came to pass through the wise and just councel and providence of God , who had before ordained that ●t should so be : Even that as some should embrace and obey them to Salvation ; so on the contrary , some should not , to the glory of his Justice .

In that the Apostle divides the people thus into Believers and Unbelievers , and shews the note of unbelief , Disobedience ; we may see , That

The duty of Ministers is to divide the Word aright , Doctr. and give every man his Portion , Ministers must divide the Word aright , and give every man his portion . not speaking confusedly to all alike ; The Word is a fan , that will make two heaps where it found but one , laying the chaff and corn each by it self : It sets down certain notes and marks to know one from another ; the Regenerate or Believers , from the unregenerate , and unbelievers : these must be observed by the Minister , that every man may see his face as in a glass , and know himself in what state he stands , that none may be deceived , but such as willingly deceive themselves ; that they that be Believers may know it , and walk chearfully , and give glory to God by a life answerable ; and they that be contrary may know it , to humble them , or leave them without excuse : Thus did John the Baptist , our Savior , and his Apostles : And this thus set down in the Word , and Preached by Gods faithful Ministers , is a certain foregoer of their righteous Sentence , which Christ himself shall give at the last day to the good and bad . Those that now the Ministers of God according to the Word pronounce to be Believers and penitent persons , they shall then be found such , and have the reward of Believers on the right hand : Those on the contrary , that they shall thus mark out for unbelievers , shall then be found such , and have their reward accordingly ; for that which is loosed or bound on Earth , is loosed or bound in Heaven .

1. This condemneth numbers which Preach as if all were alike , Use 1. and seldom shew out any ( except they be the best ) neither set down marks that every one may know themselves .

2. For people , Use 2. they must be willing hereto : Oh , naturally men cannot away with it , they love general Doctrine ! A sieve thus to sift the one from the other they cannot abide .

3. Here 's comfort to all such , Use 3. to whose hearts Gods Ministers shal declare by good and infallible tokens that they be Regenerate persons , and Believers in Christ ; They must not make a small account hereof , but rejoyce and lift up their heads in true thankfulness and obedience : They shall finde that verified , which is now told them , it shall never deceive them : We speak it to you , not of our selves , but from the Word , which deceiveth none .

4. This may terrifie those that by just marks are left in the number of unbelievers ; Use 4. let them not depart as if this did not concern them , or touch them at all , but fall down and bewail themselves , for they are yet shut out of Heaven , & if they continue their courses , shall finde Gods Ministers words true ; where they set them , there they shal stand .

And a stone of stumbling , &c. ] Our life and Christian course is usually compared to a way , and the stops and lets that hinder us from entring into a good life , or turn us out of it , or make us slack in it , are called stumbling stones , by reason of which men are hindred from entring in , or turn out of the way , are made go back again , or go slowly on ; Now Christ and his Word are here said to be so to Unbelievers .

Q. How can this be , that these should be le ts to men ?

A. It s not in the nature of themselves ; How it comes to pass that Christ and his Word become stumbling blocks to unbelievers . for Christ is the way by which we come to the Father , the light of the world to guide us to him , and the door whom we enter ; and the Word of God is that blessed direction and light to guide men to the Kingdom of Heaven , and sheweth us every thing that belongeth to our happiness , which is therefore called the Word of Life , and Kingdom of Heaven ; but through the default of the parties themselves , even the unbelievers and disobedient , some of ignorance stumble , that know not these things , nor desire to know them , do content themselves that they be not book learned , and are poor , and think they have a good heart , and mean well ; or if they know some things generally , as that they must love God above all , and their neighbors as themselves , they perswade themselves they so do , and as they say , so will , and that further they need not trouble themselves ; others stumble out of notable pride of heart ; others of prophaneness , as not a few of malice , as the Scribes , Pharisees and Priests , who though they were convinced in their own Consciences of the wrongs they did Christ , yet would not go back from that they had said or done . Note then , that

There is nothing so holy and good , Obser. but that our wicked nature will thereby take occasion to stumble , There 's no thing so goo● whereat our corrupt nat : will not take occasion to stumble . and take hurt ; Christ Jesus and his Gospel , nothing more excellent , yet many stumble at them both .

For Christ , The world hath ever stumbled at him , which was also foretold of the Jews , though some received him , yet the great ones ( especially ) rejected him ; they stumbled at his ( seeming ) baseness and poverty , Obser. misinterpreting the Scriptures which foretold of his Kingdom , as if an Earthly had been meant therein , The world hath ever stumbled at Christ . whereas the contrary was foretold ; & howsoever he was Man , and mean in their eyes , and so unable to save the world , yet he was God also , and Lord and King of all , and even in his greatest abasement , Isa. 8. 14. his Godhead uttered it self notably ; when he lay in the Cratch , Iohn 1. 11. the wise men from the East led by a Star came and worshipped him ; 1 Cor. 1. 23. The Angels also appeared to the shepherds , Isa. 53. 2 , 3. & with songs set forth his Nativity ; He was hungry , yet fed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes ; Slept , but when he awaked stilled the winds and waters ; Paid tribute , but out of the fishes mouth ; Wept for Lazarus , yet raised him from death , when he had lyen three days in the grave ; Betrayed of Judas , but at the same time healed Malchus his ear , and at his word caused them that came to take him to fall down backward ; At his death the Sun was eclipsed , the Earth shook , the Graves opened , the vail of the Temple was rent ; He was buried , but rose again the third day , yet for all this they would none of him , though he himself had told them , Iohn 15. 24. that if he did not works that none else could do , Rom. 9. 32 , 33. they should not believe on him : They trusted for Salvation by keeping Moses his Law , and so stumbled at him : And as then , so now also both they , the Turks and Pagans stumble at him , they will not believe in a crucified God .

So the Papists , The Papists stumble at him For though they give him a Name , and in word acknowledge him , yet indeed hoping to be saved , partly by their own Merits and Satisfactions , and partly by Him , they overturn the Gospel , make void the grace of God , and deny Christ altogether ; for he is either a whole Savior , Gal. 5. 2. or none at all : If ye be circumcised ( saith the Apostle ) Christ profiteth you nothing .

And are there not many also among our selves that stumble at Christ ?

1. All ignorant persons , So Ignorant persons . that take no knowledge of the misery or danger they are in , but if they see any thing amiss , yet they trust by crying God mercy , to do well , and so know no need of Christ , nor seek after him .

2. Civil persons , Civil persons . that like the Pharisee trust to their just and true dealing , and honest living above a great many others ; These cannot think that they are so wretched , as the word saith we all are , namely , children of wrath , servants of sin and Satan , and that there is no good thing in us , and we unable to think even a good thought : This they cannot away with , nor do believe ; but like the yong man think they have kept the Law ( though in the mean time , they understand not the Spiritual meaning thereof ) who therefore hearing the judgements of God denounced , put them off from themselves to Whoremongers , Drunkards , Blasphemers , &c. and so when Christ is Preached with his benefits ( which glad the hearts of some , more then all the world ) they take no comfort therein . These stumble at Christ , for he came to save the wretched , miserable , poor , blinde , naked , lost , laden mourners , wounded ones , and the like ; and as long as a man hath any thing of his own , Christ will not meddle with him .

3. Prophane persons , Prophane persons . who hearing that all that will have part in Christ must be truly humbled , & must be throughly changed , renouncing all sin , and embracing the contrary good , think this very harsh : Some like the Gaderens will not leave their excessive covetousness , and gainful sins , as that which they get in their shops , by lying , cozening and deceiving , who cannot finde any time for the Word , their Farms and Oxen carrying them away ; others like Esau for their unlawful pleasures and filthy lusts reject Christ : How often is Christ offered to them , who yet will not renounce their sins , and turn to God with all their hearts ? Is not this fearful ? But were it not an happy change , to lay down and abandon their sins which will bane them , and take up Christ , who would save them ? Is it not monstrous that sin should be preferred before Christ ? Is not this to spare Barabbas and crucifie Christ ? Such as will not part with some beloved sin .

4. Such as go yet further , and have been professors and hearers of the word long , and done some commendable things , who yet have some one lust or sin , that they will not part with : Thus some stand cheapning many years together ; They would fain do well and be saved , but have something that they cannot finde in their hearts to do away , and so at last come to nothing , perish as unbelievers ; for whosoever shall have part in Christ , must be like the wise Merchant , who will part with all that he hath , to get the Pearl : He will part with any , with all his sins whatsoever , that he may have pardon in Christ : He will take up his yoke not in what he list , shaking off some part at his pleasure , but in every part thereof : O poor fools , that will lose Heaven for some one lust ! Are not such worthy to perish ?

1. This is an exceeding comfort to those that are holpen against all lets that hinder most , Use 1. and do not stumble at Christ , but acknowledge themselves utterly lost without Christ , that earnestly long after him , prize him above the world , and are content to part with any thing for him : O you are blessed ! Why should so many stumble at Christ , and not you ? O its Gods unspeakable mercy ! Flesh and Blood hath not so taught you ; well may you rejoyce for him , the joy and rejoycing of your souls : He will be a sure Foundation of happiness to you , that will never fail you in this Life , in Death , or at the day of Judgement .

2. Terror to all that stumble at Christ , Use 2. upon what occasion soever , that will not see their need of him , nor part with any thing for him ; To these he will turn to their destruction : For they hurt not him thereby , but themselves ; as one stumbling at a great stone , hurts not it , but himself ; or one running a Ship against a great Rock , hurts not it , but splits the Ship in pieces : so wil it be to all that embrace not Christ , for missing him , Who shall save them ? There is no other to be saved by , but they must bear their own burthen , and shall undoubtedy perish : They shall not escape destruction ; and no marvel , For if they that despised Moses Law , escaped not unpunished , What shall become of them that despise Jesus Christ himself ? O how happy might we be that have the Lord Jesus , the blessed Savior of the world Preached to us so graciously , when as few have that favor , but most sit in darkness and blindeness !

3. Whatsoever hath made any of us stumble at Christ , Use 3. endeavor we to remove the same , that so we may embrace him with both arms as our Savior , and stoop to him as our Lord and King , who will be to us a sure Foundation of Salvation that will not fail us : If any will yet go on obstinately and carelesly , he shall surely bring destruction upon himself eternally : And is it not a grievous thing that Christ should be a cause of mens Damnation ? and yet he is to all that receive him not , as they that come unworthily to the Sacrament , eat and drink Damnation to themselves : We say its pity fair weather should ever do hurt ; but is it not wonderful pity that ever Christ should do hurt ? Observ.

Even to such as stumble at the Word , Such as stumble at the Word , stumble at Christ . ] Some will say , they stumble not at Christ ; If they stumble at the Word , that brings news of Christ , and will not embrace it , or be obedient thereto , it s all one . And For the Word , ] Most men take occasion to be offended at it , that either they will not profess it at all , or at least no more then they must needs ; but to love it , delight in it , attend on it with diligence , and be obedient to it in all things , O this few do ! Why , doth the Word give any just occasion to men to stumble ? O no! It s the the Word of Life , and Gospel of the Kingdom , able to make us wise unto Salvation to save our Souls ; It s our Light to guide , Food to nourish , Armor to defend us , Pearl to enrich us , all in all : Yet will men through their own default and forwardness , take one occasion or other not to embrace it , being herein stark fools ; for if they take any occasion to quarrel with this , or to shake it off , or be strange to it , they must needs perish , yet there are too too many such .

The occasions that men take , are either from the Word it self , or from the Preaching of it , or the Preachers and Professors thereof , or from themselves .

Against the Word it self , Offences taken against the Word removed See Downhams Christ . war. pag. 329. Be these , 1. Some say , if they knew indeed it were Gods Word they would ( as good reason they should ) believe , and be ruled by it , but that they cannot tell . But he that hath not a prophane heart , and willing to doubt , but is any thing humble and teachable , may see enough , even by the Scripture it self to satisfie him fully , and such arguments as hell it self is not able to gainsay . 2. Some finde fault with the Translation of the Scriptures , for whose satisfaction Dr. Fulk and others have written largely . 3. Some curious Heads and nimble Wits , no less prophane then proud , stumble at the plainness of the Scriptures , the homely and low stile of the same : But this is one great argument to prove it to be of God , because there is such fulness of Majesty in simplicity of words , which is not to be found in any other writing : It savors of a man , and of weakness , whatsoever else is written ; or if any thing work admiration , it is that which is strained out into some lofty and eloquent Stile .

Unto the Prophet Gods Testimonies were wonderful , Psal. 119. 129 , 130. a giving light and understanding ( even ) to the simple ; yet in some parts of Scripture is not only admirable Eloquence , able to set down the proudest and ripest Wit ( so also we could have spoke it all ) but some be dark and obscure , as may take up the deepest and greatest Learned ; which the Lord hath done , that there might be taken away offence from the wise , as the rest is plain , to take away offence from the simple . 4 Some stumble at some points of Doctrine which they cannot conceive of , as of the Trinity , the worlds making of nothing , the Resurrection , that Christ being Man should save us , that being dead he should rise again , &c. This comes of Pride , when men will reject that which they cannot conceive : But we must be fools in our selves , that is , captivate wit , reason , and all to God , adoring that we cannot understand , and knowing that Gods mysteries are no more fit to be comprehended in our shallow reason , then a man can span the whole Earth with his hand ; for Christ as he was Man and mortal , so also is God immortal : He that was God dyed , but not in his Godhead ( that had been impossible ) but in his Humanity ; and by his Godhead raised up himself being dead , and in both natures saved us . 5. Again , some points be too harsh for some , as that of Predestination , that God should appoint most men to damnation , and that then it s in vain to strive , or do any thing , for that we cannot alter ; But of this we shall have occasion to speak in the end of the Verse : We allow a man to kill a Worm or Flie at his pleasure ; Why , may not the Lord do so by man , who is much less to him , then a Worm to a man ? God ordained to pass by some men , but condemns none but for his willing sin . 6. Again , that we are the children of wrath , wholly sold under sin , slaves of Satan , having no good thing , but altogether filled with all evil , have no right to a bit of bread , that the childe in the cradle is the enemy of God , and hath deserved Hell ; this mans proud nature cannot brook , but it s too true , the whose Scripture tells it , and we shall finde it : And we are worthy to be in this case , that were so happy in our Creation , and could not hold it ; and now we may willingly acknowledge we be thus vile , which will be the better for us , seeing all that is wanting in us , is to be had in Christ : We must swallow this pill , that we may have such a piece of Sugar follow it . 7. Again , that we must renounce all our sins , and be crucified to the World , and take so strait a course ; this carnal people count bondage , which is indeed true liberty , and that which they are in ( as sweet as it is ) is most slavish bondage to Satan : They think they may not so much as laugh , and that this course tyes them so short that they may do nothing ; but it tyes us from nothing but evil , and gives us liberty enough in that use of Gods benefits , so it be without sin . 8. Again , that they that will be Religious and Christs Disciples , must suffer persecution ; this they cannot away with , even because they are wholly carnal , and savor of the flesh , and are so given to their ease , profit , pleasures , and honors of the world : If they knew what the end of suffering for well doing were , they would not be so addicted to the world ; Mat. 5. 11. for our Savior himself affirmeth , that such shall have a great reward in Heaven ; Heb. 11. 26. hereat Moses aymed , when he entred into this course : This must we undergo ; by troubles we must go to Heaven , for they humble us , make us pray more , exercise our Faith and Patience , weary us hence , and make us shine brighter , drive us to God , and that end will be happy . 9. Some again take occasion from the Scriptures to be licentious , as from the falls of Gods servants , and that promise in Ezekiel , Ezek. 18. 27. When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness , &c. and the example of the Thief upon the Cross ; thereupon delaying their repentance , and living in sin boldly , through ignorance partly and prophaneness , especially they abuse the Scriptures ( not a letter therein countenancing sin ) and wresting them to their own condemnation : These Examples and Reasons ( among others ) are onely set down to comfort and uphold them that being oppressed with their sins , are ready to sink under the burthen thereof : If thou beest not in this case , wo unto thee if thou thus medlest with the Scriptures .

Here I will adde also some of the scandals of the Papists against the Word ; Scandals of the Papists against it . for though they will lay it upon our interpreting and preaching the same , yet seeing we know we preach it according to the true meaning thereof , therefore they indeed blame the Scripture it self .

They cry out of our Doctrine , that its a Doctrine of Liberty ; and that under the colour of Christian Liberty , we establish carnal Liberty , and let every man do what he list : This is as if the most infamous Strumpet should charge a modest grave Matron with unchastity ; for to be sure theirs is a Doctrine of all ease and liberty to the flesh , yea those very things wherein they seem most harsh , feed the flesh , and give liberty to sin ; It enjoyns outward duties , which an Hypocrite may perform as well as the best ; It appoints bodily punishments and penances as satisfaction for sin , and that by such and such works ( which an Hypocrite may do ) they merit Heaven ; and for their Service , what can be said of it , but that it pleaseth well the eye and the ear ? yet we cannot be rid of their fooleries .

But why and wherein is our Doctrine to be charged ? Why and wherein they charge our Doctrine . 1. Because we teach free Justification by Faith onely , without works of our own : But is this a foolish slander , we establish works as well as they , & teach the necessity of them , as inseperable companions , and necessary fruits of Faith , and that there is no Salvation without them ; onely their blasphemous assertion , That we are justified by them , we dare not affirm , do not believe . 2. That we take away Auricular Confession ( that notable mean to kill sin , and to keep the people in awe ) and Fasting days , and give liberty to all sorts to marry . To answer them severally :

For Auricular Confession , About Auricular Confession . We know no such thing out of Scripture , it s but a carnal device , and it s so far from killing sin , that it gives life to it ; for having once discharged themselves of all their sins into the Priests care , and he enjoyned them what pennance he lists , thereupon having received Absolution for them , they are ready to sin afresh , and so do : As a drunken man goes out and vomits , not that he may be sober , but that he may go to drinking again , even so do they in their confessing .

For fasting days , Fasting days . and difference of meat for Conscience sake , We know no such thing in the New Testament ; The Apostle calls them a Doctrine of Devils : They fast indeed from the Butchers Shambles , not the Apothecaries Shop .

For Marriage , Marriage . It s the Ordinance of God that he hath appointed for all , that they may keep themselves undefiled members of Christs body ; and since God hath appointed to give the gift of continency but to few , therefore he hath appointed the remedy to be enjoyed of all : And for the Papists , which do herein fight against God , and against Nature , yet they do most filthily defile all their places with most abominable Whoredoms : Therefore they are wicked slanderers . Our Religion is too strict for such Libertines as they be ; All theirs is meerly in shew and bodily exercises ( which the veriest Hypocrite may do ) not in mortifying the lusts of the heart ; They meddle not so far . True it is , we have too many licentious persons of our Religion , but so doth not our Religion teach them , which theirs doth : And that Original sin is done away in Baptism , that some sins be Venial , that man hath some good in himself , and that he can take away by penance the temporal punishment of sins , and can merit , &c. It s impossible therefore for their Religion to humble a man aright , and make him fit to receive Christ .

At preaching the Word , Offence at preaching the Word . There be , that either cast it off , or at least hear negligently , and for fashion , without any serious care to be guided thereby .

1. Some say , they did well enough before there was such preaching , and if there be such need of it , what is become of our Forefathers , they were honest people , and had no such stir about hearing of Sermons ? I Answer , They were in woful danger , lying in ignorance and unbelief , which because they saw not , they thought not thereof ; but some whose eyes God hath opened , bless him who hath brought them out of that state , and wonder that ever they could be so careless in such deadly danger ; and plainly see , that if they had so dyed , they had gone to Hell , who yet then thought their case as good as you , wherein they would not now be for all the world . As if one in a dark night , or asleep on his horse , should come over a narrow Bridge , standing on a deep River , or a steep dangerous place , then he fears nothing , for he sees no danger ; but when he views it in the day , his heart is ready to fail him , and he would not so go again for the whole Town : And for our Fathers , we know not what their state was ; but know , that God let in light to sundry of them by small means , as by reading some small parts of Scripture , some small Books , Primmers and the like , so by conferring with others , &c. which ( how small soever ) God was pleased to bless ; but if they had no light and true knowledge of Christ , we know that they could not be saved : We cannot say this or that , we may not belye the Scriptures for their sakes ; but whatsoever became of them , it behoves us now , to whom God offers greater grace , and such blessed means as preaching , that we take hold and embrace it , that we may come out of ignorance , to the true knowledge of our Savior Christ Jesus , who is indeed the way to Heaven : The time of that ignorance God regarded not , but now he admonisheth every man every where to repent .

2. Others say , This preaching brings stirs where it goes , and unquietness ; the Towns and places that were very loving before it came there , after fell into divisions : Its wonder that the Gospel of Peace should breed Dissention , and that that which makes Peace between God and man , should break Peace between man and man ; Indeed it s an occasion through mans corruption : no marvel though it breed stirs , considering what maner persons we are to be wrought on to good ; how hard to convince our judgements and consciences of the things of Gods Word , and the Truths therein contained ; how hard to work upon our crooked wills and rebellious affections ; no marvel though men startle when they be put out of their byas : But its good when the Devil stirs , for then there is some hope and likelihood that he will be cast out . And for Divisions , its true our Savior said , He came not to bring peace ( namely in evil ) but a sword and debate ; Ioh. 10. 20 , 21. but the fault is not in the Gospel , but in them that embrace it not ; for they that do not , See S. H. on Mat. 3. 10. pag. 11 , 12 , 13. but are obstinate , they fall out and contend with them that do , because they by word and deed reprove their ill works ; whereas if all would obey , Acts 4. 32. it would make a blessed peace , as it doth between good Christians , that were as Lyons and Tygers ; but better this Division yet , then that all should go hand in hand to Hell , as those do that consent easily in evil ; better two Souls of five saved , though they have much unquietness withal , then all five perish . Where the Gospel is embraced , it breeds not such a carnal love as was in Popery , to consent in Superstition , in Vanity , Pastime , Good-fellowship , Belly-chear , and the like , but a Christian and godly love in the Spirit , furthering one another to Heaven , and in the setting forth of Gods glory ; howsoever , a just War is better then an unjust Peace . Hereto this Objection may be added , That if a man be never so well beloved before , if he become a Professor , and goer to Sermons , he shall be hated of most men ; therefore I would be none of those , will some say , I would have the goodwill of my Neighbors : But let such know , that that is a wicked love and a woful , which a man gets by living in sin ; Iohn 7 7. & 15. 19. better be hated of men for good , then of God for ill-doing , yea to be thus hated is a good sign .

3. I cannot tell , say some , but since there hath been such preaching , and such a stir for preaching , and running after Sermons , I see people never a whit the better , but there is more sin now then was before ; now such Pride , Covetousness , Craft , &c. whereas before there was Love , Good-neighborhood , Plain Dealing , &c. A. 1. The Devil had them who lived in Popery and Blindness so fast in the main , as he did not greatly strive to bring them to gross sins , because he was sure enough of them otherwise ; now he fears he shal lose them , therefore labors this way , & the rather , because he would discredit the Gospel : He knew their civility could do their Souls no pleasure , and that being void of Faith it pleased not God , therefore he let them alone , and the rather , that that Religion might be the better thought of ; now to disgrace the true Religion , he perswades many to rest in hearing , yet drawing them to all evils . 2. There is not more , nor so much as seems , but because the Gospel and Light hath discovered sin more ; for a number of things that were counted vertues , now the Word findes to be vices , and rebukes ; as Carnal good-fellowship , idle and vain spending of time , Idolatty , and blinde Superstition : None were counted bad then , but those that were notoriously so ; now the Word descryeth many smaller things , so that the Gospel is no more in the fault , though it discover faults , then a Looking-glass is to be blamed , for shewing any the spots in his face ; the fault is not in the glass that there be spots , they were there before : If in a dark night we come into a house , we see nothing out of order , though there be never so many things amiss , which in the light we do , yet is not the light in the fault , as only discovering that which before was unseen . 3. No marvel though there seem more evil , because when men are forbidden evil , and call'd upon for good , they are more eager on sin then before ; as a melancholly man hath most minde to those meats that his Physician forbids him . 4. No marvel also though some prove as bad or worse then ever before , through Gods judgement on them for the contempt of the Gospel : For if God gave up men to a reprobate minde , Rom. 1. 21. for despising the light they had , though but the light of nature , and that which they had by the works of God , what will he do for the contempt of the light of the Gospel ? 5. Yet there s no cause of offence at this , though there should be more sin now : for there be many infinitely amended , who before were ignorant , superstitious , & prophane , but now zealous Christians , True and Religious worshippers of God , and such as live justly and righteously with their Neighbors , and are merciful and ready to every good work , and do more true good by many degrees , then was done in the time of Popery : Then they fed the bellies of all comers , and nourisht the people in idleness , and now in many places the poor that can work , follow their calling , and either eat their own bread , which is best of all , or else are relieved by the contribution of their neighbors , their souls also , and the souls of their Families being lookt to : where it is otherwise , the people be all for themselves ; which the word teacheth not , and so is not to be blamed , but their evil hearts that will not be ruled thereby : So it s no marvel that some be worse since the Preaching of the Gospel , but it s a wonder indeed , and a great work of God , that any be better , and yet through Gods goodness many thousands are converted by the Word , that were wretched persons , to become good christians , worthy servants of God ; who do more good , and better please God , one of them , yea in a day , then many of the best of the Papists in all their lives : Take heed you be not worse by Preaching , but labor to be converted thereby .

4. Some see not why there should be such regard had of Preaching ; They can profit as well by reading , and they can read the Sermons of Christ , the Prophets , and Apostles , & I hope wil such a one say , These be better Sermons then any body else can make , and if Sermons be so needful , will we condemn all that have had none , or now have none ? A. 1. Private reading of the Scriptures and other godly Writings , is commendable and of great use , whereof one branch may be to make men fitter to profit by Preaching . 2. For publike Ministerial Preaching , its ancient and profitable : But let men take heed how they cast aside Gods Ordinance , to set up any other in the stead ; such pride he will not indure , Gods Ordinance is that which carries blessing , and from which we must look for good : Men shall thrive by it , and not otherwise ; Exod. 16. 24. when Israel kept Manna all night , it stank , if on the Sabbath even , it did not , Why ? because of Gods Ordinance : so why doth some mens knowledge rot as it were and come to nothing that they get by reading , See Neh. 8. 8. and others that they get by reading and hearing comes to good ? Mat. 2. 7. even because the one attend upon Gods Ordinance , the other not : Luke 4. 16. This is the way he hath sanctified in all ages to save his people . Acts 19. 15. We see how little and slowly people conceive of Religion , notwithstanding our Catechizing and Preaching never so plainly , What would be without it ? and what though they be the Prophets or Christs Sermons ? usually there is but a small sum which must be opened and applied : Acts 8. 31. The Eunuch could not understand without a Guide and Interpreter ; Reading is like a fair Carpet folded up , Preaching is the same opened ; Reading like whole loaves , Preaching as bread cut in pieces for to be eaten : Paul bids that his Epistles be read in other Churches , and without doubt Ministers did Preach out of the same , opening and applying the same by Confutation , Consolation , Exhortation , Admonition , that every one might have their due : And for that which they say , what became of them that had no Preaching , and yet were godly ? God is not tied to means , and can work in extraordinary times as he pleaseth , but in ordinary times he will work by ordinary means : The Israelites in the Wilderness where they could not Plow , had Manna , but if they had looked for it when they came to Canaan , they might have starved : Therefore we shall see that God curseth the reading of those that do it with contempt of Preaching , that either it turns to vain jangling , or if there be any soundness in it for truth , yet it swims only in the brain , and soaks not into the heart to reform . Again , if reading in the Church were enough in a Minister , then it were not so great a work , and so weighty an office to be a Minister as the Scripture makes it , so might Universities , and a great deal of cost and labor be spared .

5. Some will pray , and they think that as good as Preaching . A. It s monstrous wickedness for any to put down any Ordinance that God hath set up , Neh 8. 6 , 9 , 3. under colour of setting up another : These two , Preaching and Prayer , be inseparable companions , and must go together , & none pray more , then they that make most conscience , and have profited most by Preaching ; and how can any pray without Faith ? and how comes Faith , but by Preaching ? The Word Preached shews men their wants , without which they cannot Pray , but babble : Therefore it s said , Prov. 28. 9. He that turns away his ear from hearing of the law , even his prayer is abomination : and what Prayer is it that they talk so much of , but Book-prayer to serve a turn ? which though it be not amiss , as a staff till a man can go of himself , yet it s not as conceived Prayer , much less to be set up with the casting down of Preaching , See Mr. Hierous Preach . Plea . 220. whether it be done privately , yea , or reading of Prayer publikely , which is lawful in it self , but to thrust out Preaching , that were abominable ; Pray as much as you will , but neglect not Preaching .

6. Some stumble at often Preaching ; They see no such need of Sermons , they be not so bad , that they should need so much , one in a moneth were enough : They could be content to hear now & then , but every Sunday , especially in the afternoon is too much ; but for weekday Sermons , they utterly mislike , that people leaving their work should frequent them , and think that they which Preach so oft , cannot Preach soundly . Prov. 10. 4. and 11. 14. A. 1. Soundness and diligence in Preaching may wel stand together ; Disuse makes men less willing , yea , less able to Preach ; If a man conscionably give himself to the service of the Church , he shall be fitted indeed to it : It s not rare Preaching that makes men Preach well , no more then seldom milking of a Cow makes her give more or better milk ; If men be given to profits , pleasures , &c. they wil not much trouble themselves this way . 2. Men have need often to hear , as being careless to attend , slow to conceive , having bad memories that had need be helped continually , as also rebellious and untoward hearts to obey ; Therefore we are bid to Preach instantly , in season and out of season ; If any should be weary of often Preaching , it should be we that Preach , but wo unto us if we do the work of the Lord negligently .

7. Some say the Ministers Preach so harshly , and such fearful things as they cannot abide ; They have come sometimes , but cannot away with such things ; They cannot be content though people be civil , and quiet , keeping their Church , following their calling , and doing no body hurt , but require them to live so strictly , and telling them that if they live but in one sin they shall be Damned ; and they call for such duties , and they must be done in a Spiritual maner ; They cannot tell what they would have . A. Alas poor people , they would fain hear all is well and peace , that they might make an easie matter of being a Christian , and go to Heaven with ease : Therefore they cannot endure to be put out of their Byas , especially being Ancient , and having all this while thought their case good ; and withal having been somewhat civil , now to be told all is out of the way , and nothing as it should be , and to hear such duties required , and to be done in such a Spiritual maner , and that it will not serve to huddle them over as they have been wont : O this is such a disquieting that they cannot away therewith , therefore they count Preaching harsh . But better begin again , then still go wrong and perish : If any hath gone out of his way half the day for want of asking , and at Noon one tell him he is out of the way , will he say , Nay , seeing I have gone so far , I will not go back now , but go on ? Or though it be more grief , will he not rather return then go further out , and so never come to his Journeys end ? he were else mad : Our case is such , and it is best to be told of it , and herein Ministers should deal faithfully , laying this as the Foundation of all their Doctrine , See Deut. 27. 15 , 16 , 17-26 . that in themselves men be utterly lost ; Psal. 9. 17 , & 11 , 6. thereupon denouncing Judgement , whereby they may be brought to seek mercy ; They must herein follow those which have gone before them , Mark 16. 16. the Prophets , our Savior himself , Iohn 3. 36. and his Apostles : As they must take heed they break not the bruised Reed , Acts 2. 37 , 38. nor quench the smoaking Flax , so they must not give Childrens bread to Dogs ; We must not give Pearls to Swine , and lavish out the mercies of God to Proud , Prophane , Impenitent persons . First , the Law must Arrest mens Consciences , and they must be rowsed up by it , else they will never seek unto Christ for pardon : It is necessary we should thus Preach , that we may be free from mens blood ; and that their ignorance or slackness in repenting be not imputed to our coldness in reproving , such as more like or approve others , wil one day curse the day that ever they heard such sweet-tongued flatterers , or unskilful dawbers , and they shall finde most favor at the last that deal most plainly : Howsoever , thus we shall please God , and keep a good conscience . Neither must thou stumble at those many marks and signs that they lay down whereby to try Faith , Love , Repentance , Sincerity , and the like , for Gold fears not the Touchstone : And they that hear grievous things in the Word , if they would tarry by it , should hear as comfortable and joyful , whereof in time they might have their part , but they must taste of the bitter , ere they come to the sweet ; Such as are otherwise , would be as it were lulled asleep , even to their final destruction : If any shun , and say we would bring them to desperation , they nor we shall not need fear that , people be not so easily moved ; if Preaching humble them , we fear not , but it will also comfort them : Holy desperation I would we could help men to , but there 's more fear of desperation and horror for not believing and regarding the threatnings of Gods Word .

8. Some stumble at plain Preaching ; If there were any witty conceits , or Eloquence of words , or plenty of Quotations of Writers , and that in divers Tongues , or ancient Stories , &c. I could like it well , will some such say , which now I do not . A. They that have itching ears to hear the painted words of mans wisdom , rather then the plain evidence of the Word of God , and seek to delight their mindes , rather then edifie their conscience , if ever they receive any good , it s of Gods exceeding mercy , not the course they take : These be commonly such , as get something into their heads to talk of , but yet live licentiously and at large ; and hence it is that they love such Preaching as is fair and far off , rather then that which comes home to search their Conscience , and sift them like a sieve : But whatsoever they would have , Gods Ministers must learn to distribute the Word as becometh the Word , and to give that which is most wholesom and profitable for the peoples Souls : They must Preach Christ Crucified in a Crucified Phrase : The foolishness of Preaching God hath Sanctified ; It s better to speak five words with understanding , which may convince the Judgement and Conscience as it may search the heart , and so edifie the Soul in true godliness , then Five thousand , to no edifying , but to fill the brain onely : It s the true learned Preaching that open the Scriptures soundly , and gather Doctrines naturally , to confirm them strongly , and apply them wisely , 2 Cor. 4. 2. and in all this to be so plain , as that which is in the Teacher , may be conveyed into the Hearer ; It s true Learning to make another Learn , that 's Preaching which may pierce the Heart ; we may not deal Huckster-like with the Word , as men do with their Wares , rather to beguile , then profit the buyer : How little do most conceive when we speak the plainest ? Assuredly for the plainest Preaching , people ought to be most thankful .

9. Some take offence at us and our assemblies , and refuse to joyn with us publikely and privately , because they say our Church is not rightly governed , our Ministers be not true Ministers , and that there be many foul abuses among us , and that we are no Church of God , but an Antichristian company , Eccles. 7. 16. &c. A. These are they that be too wise , and over just , that either would imagine a company more pure then is to be looked for on earth , or condemn the Church of God to be none , because of some wants and blemishes . But

That company that hath the Doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles soundly preached in all substantial Points , Which the true Church . and the Sacraments for substance according to Christs institution , is a true Church of God , though there be blemishes therein : If it overturn the foundation it is none ; as if one want a head , heart , liver , he is no man , but a carkase ; who though he have scars and moles in his face , yet having the other parts , nay , though he should want a leg or an arm , yet he is a man . Christ never forsook the Synagogues of the Jews , though they were greatly corrupted , and both Doctrine and life was foully faulty : Sometimes two High Priests in one year , sometimes others of other Tribes then of Levi came to the place by corruption , yet seeing they held the foundation , Christ forsook them not . Again , That Ministry which God hath used to convert many thousand souls , is not Antichristian . Ye are the seals of mine Apostleship : We think a great deal more charitably of them , then they do of us , as that holding the foundation of Religion , they may be saved : And though we know that numbers of them be proud and idle persons , and such as look not much to govern their hearts and lives , and are more cunning in points of Church Government , then in points of Sanctification ; yet we doubt not but some true servants of God have been misled , and their tender consciences have stumbled , whom God hath enlightened , and brought from among them , and who have had more peace in a day , in coming to the Word from them , and joyning with the Church again , then they had before in a whole year .

10. Some say , There be so many Religions in the world , that they cannot tell which to take ; There be Jews , Turks , Anabaptists , Familists , Papists , Protestants , Lutherans , Calvinists , Brownists , &c. every of which say they have the truth , and what should such plain men as I do ? for my part , I think it the wisest course to meddle with none of them all , but follow my own business , till they all agree which is the Truth , not troubling my self at all with any thing they say ; I may come to Church because of the Law , but I will never greatly regard what is said or spoken there . A. A bad excuse is better then none at all , but this will not serve mens turn : Though there be many that say , They have the Truth , yet there is but one Truth , 1 Cor. 11. 28. and this is to be found out of such as are not willing to be ignorant ( as these Objectors commonly be ) Its no marvel that there hath been ever , and will be that envious one , that soweth Tares where the good husbandman soweth Wheat ; There have ever been Hereticks and false Teachers in the Church , that they which are approved may be known ; but by the light of the Word , which is able to shew men the Truth , the servants of God willing to learn the same , have found it out : Zachary , Elizabeth , Mary , Nathaniel , and thousands of others found it out , though the Jews at that time were rent into many Sects , Scribes , Pharisees , Sadduces , Essenes , &c. They did the will of God , Iohn 7. 17. & 10. 27. and were Christ sheep , therefore heard his voyce , and were instructed in the Truth . And it is extream madness in any to neglect the finding out of the Truth , because there is some difficulty , seeing without the knowledge hereof they perish eternally : The more falshood there is , the more it stands them in hand to search for the Truth , or else they shall perish in their ignorance , Prov. 23. 23. as others do in their error : We must buy the Truth , we must strive both to finde it and maintain it ; The Truth must be had , else we dye : In worldly things men be wiser . As if one dwell some distance from the Market , and in the way to it , he must go over a great Common , where lie a great number of by-paths , some to one place , some to another ; will he for this stay at home , and want necessaries , and say , I will never go , lest mistaking my way , I lose my Market ? No , but he will rather get one that knows the way to conduct him therein , whereto he will take good heed , that he may not mistake at any other time ; Or will he neglect to buy necessary provision , because there be so many deceitful people in the world , and so starve at home ? No , but he will say , There be false wares and deceitful men , but I le learn skill to know the one from the other , to discern the good from the bad ; so that some difficulty taketh not away mens care , but rather whetteth and increaseth it : This worldly wisdom will condemn mens folly and madness in heavenly things ; We must therefore get skill in Gods Word , whereby to try Doctrine , and that by earnest prayer unto God ; there be plain places of Scripture that will confute the errors that shall be broached , by them we must be judge . These things I speak , because I would have all get over these logs , if they have hitherto stumbled ; and if we have got over , we may be able by good Arguments to help over others , our weak brethren , that are willing to learn , that they may be able to confute any caviller , or answer any that shall kick at these things : And I pray and beseech you look to it , let there be none here so ill minded toward himself , that having stuck at any of these , he be willing and still content so to do , concealing the same , neither desiring to be rid out of the fetters thereof : This is dangerous indeed , especially take heed that there be not such an ill minde , and vile disposition in any , as not to be content alone to cast off Religion upon these occasions and pretences , but labor to lay them in the way of others to draw them from God : O fearful thing ! Cannot you your selves be content to cast off God , but will you labor to bring others also to destruction ? O these enemies to God and his kingdom ! what will be their end ? and where shall they appear ? For if they that win souls shall shine as the stars , Mat. 21. 3. what shall they do that destroy souls ? As the ten Spies that went with Caleb and Joshua , bringing up an ill name and slander upon the Land of Canaan , whereby they discouraged their Brethren from going toward it , were shut out and perished ; so they that bring up an ill name upon the zealous Profession of Gods true Religion , and discourage their Neighbors from it , will assured perish in endless confusion .

Against the Preachers of the Word Offences also are taken ; Offences against the Preachers of the Word . as

1. Some say , There is a deal of preaching indeed , and crying out against sin , and calling men to this and that strictness of life , and that it is such an hard matter to be saved ; but you must give us leave to regard none of this that is said , for we see none worse then the Ministers themselves ; they must say somewhat when they be in the place , but they are as proud and covetous , and as bad as any other ; and were there any such matter as they teach , would they dare to go clean contrary ? A. It cannot be denied but that some in the Ministery , both of them that do not , and of them that preach , that yet live so grosly and dissolutely , contrary to their teaching , that they give a grievous offence to those that wait for such things ; yea , and make many ignorant ( with Elies sons ) loath the sacrifice of the Lord , 1 Sam. 2. 17. and think that Religion is no such matter as we tell them of , because they observe the contrary in their Teachers : But what though they do thus ? yet notwithstanding is the Word of God holy and good . Is Physick nought , because the Physician is a bad man ? or the meat , because the Cook is a swearing hasty fellow ? There is no calling wherein there are not some bad : But there be many Ministers that make conscience to live according to that they teach , and as well to be examples to the Flock in holy conversation , as to preach ( which is but one part of a Ministers duty ) and who ( setting humane frailties aside ) may bid their adversaries write a book against them . For common frailties , who can say his heart is clean ? even between Paul and Barnaba● arose dissention ; and Paul complaineth , That when he would do good , Rom. 7. 19. evil was present : But for gross things that are reported of godly Ministers , usually upon tryal they have proved lyes , raised of Malice , and not deserved by them ; And shall the whole calling of Ministers be blemished , because some be bad ? And though it were as they say , that Ministers were like Cooks , that prepare good meat for others , and taste not of it themselves ; yet the Word is good , and it may be profitable to others , as Gods Ordinance , which is appointed for the Salvation of his people , the blessing whereof dependeth not upon the Ministers good life , but Gods blessing . Noah was saved in the Ark , whereof the makers were ( in likelihood ) drowned : Mat. 23. 3 ▪ It was our Saviors direction , that the people should be ruled by the Doctrine of the Scribes and Pharisees , sitting in Moses chair , that is , preaching his Doctrine , though they were not to do after their works : And though Ministers know the will of God , yet let it offend none , that they straight do it not , for knowledge is one thing , and sanctification another , which two are often severed .

2. Some say , There be contentions among the Ministers themselves , and they cannot agree in points ; What then shall we do ? I le see them agreed , ere I le regard any of them . A. It s not to be wondred at , if there be differences in some things , for here the best know but in part , and there still remains scales to be rub'd off , and God doth not reveal all his will in all points at once , but by degrees , and in time ; and if any would tarry to be Religious , till all men jumped in all Points , they should never be Religious , but perish ; and will this serve mens turns ? But what contentions and differences are there between the Ministers of the Church of England ? True , its pity there should be any ; and we should desire God , to cause his truth to break out , and to remove the occasions of strife , and till they can agree about those few things , to proceed by one rule in peace : But what differences are they ? not about the Essential points of Religion , or matters of necessity to Salvation , but of matters besides the main , namely , The Government of the Ch●rch , or rather the persons by whom , and the maner how the same is to be govern'd , about which indeed there 's diversity of opinions ; So about Ceremonies , which are not of the Essence of Salvation , neither doth the Kingdom of God stand in them : So that as the Church is a true Church that is governed either way , so may they of each and both opinions , yet be the servants of God , and be saved , both holding the foundation , though differently building thereon : If therefore they shall agree in all Fundamental Points , and all things necessary to Salvation , as in the Doctrine of their own Misery , Christ , Faith , Repentance , and the like , though they leave the other till God shall further reveal , they shall do well enough ; and its more seemly for Christians to minde the Doctrine of Faith , Sanctification , Love , &c. then to busie themselves about the Government of the Church . The Devil calls them from things most needful , to other things less needful , more uncertain and dangerous : If because of some smaller points of difference , they shall shake off all Religion , what answer shall they make ? What if Clothiers should all agree in the main points of Cloth-making , till they came to the maner of making up , and to the Tillers , and herein they should differ , should any need stumble hereat , and say , I le be no Clothier , they cannot agree among themselves ? Why , they may be good Clothiers , though they differ in this and that of both fashions : Let a yong man then go and practice as far as they agree , and when they come to the winding up , do as he is perswaded best , and he shall be Clothier good enough .

3. Others say , The Minister speaks too fast or too slow , or stands too long , &c. A. Most is his own pains : They have thought longer time but short at Cards , Tables , Feasts , Plays , and do still ; Two or three hours at a Feast for the body , and as much at play , yea an whole day from one sport to another , as a Fly from one box to another , is usual with most .

4. He is rich , and then he must needs be covetous , or else poor , and then contemptible . A. Men will finde a very poor excuse rather then none at all ; Mark 6. 2. 3. so was Christ contemned of his Countrey men : But can any Minister so walk , but that some which have no love to Religion , and to be reformed , will cavil against him , to colour over their contempt ; Could John Baptist ? But he had a Devil ; Could our Savior Christ ? No , he was a Winebibber , a companion of Publicans and Sinners .

Against Professors of the Word , Offences against professors of the Word . and their Profession of Religion , there be that take offence :

1. Some say , There 's but a small number of these Professors that be so precise , most be not so ; and such as are usually , are of the meanest , not of the greatest and wisest men , of whom but a few are carried after these Preachers , to run after Sermons , or be so precise in themselves and their families , and a contemptible company they be , Rev. 7. 4. hated of all for the most part . A. 1. For their number , its small if they be compared with the multitude , but by themselves a worthy company ; and being such a small number , it s an Argument that they are approved of God , and walk in that way which leadeth to Heaven : And hath not this been always told , That the way to Heaven is strait , and few finde it ; and so on the contrary ? The greatest number have ever been deceived , and joyned in evil ; most cryed against Christ , Crucifie him ; for one Elias , one Micaiah , there were Four hundred Priests of Baal . 2. For their baseness , that 's not always true , though the Church consisteth most of them that are mean , yet God hath had and will have of all sorts , not excepting the greatest , as David , Solomon , Asa , Jehosaphat , Hezekiah , Ahikam ; and before them , the Patriarchs , Job , and others : So hath not our own Land wanted worthy men of the greatest place , as there are at this hour many right godly Noblemen , Knights , and others of great state and place : 1 Cor. 1. 26. If this will draw them to the love of Religion , there be not such wanting , though their number be not the greatest , For not many mighty are called ; Mark 10. 24. And its hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God , from whom for the most part heavenly things are hid , and by whom God will not uphold his Kingdom , but by mean ones , Iames 2. 5. that the glory may be his : The poor he hath chosen . 3. For their contemptibleness , they are not the worse , but the better to be liked , for the Devil and wicked men will ever hate that which is good : They did so by the Prophets , our Savior , and his Apostles , and will do so by their followers ; let this therefore be a mean rather to draw men on to Religion , then set them off from it .

2. Some say , They make a great shew , and be very hot for a while , and after they fall off , and become as others , as bad as who is worst , which we think is , because having begun , they see nothing in it , and so they return to their old courses , as that which is better . A. You might have guessed many truer Reasons : It s not that a true Christian is fallen away , or one that hath truly tasted of the goodness of the Lord , and finding no sweetness in it , returns to his old byas as the better state ; but it is , that he that was but an hypocrite , though he made a shew , is discovered now , he hung to the bark , but was never ingrafted , went out from us , but was not of us ; and Christ coming ( as is foretold ) shal make the thoughts of many hearts to be opened : It s the easiest thing in the world to be deceived , and few build sure ; and God will have some such Revolters , both for the good of his servants ( which are thereby made the more wary to build sure , and look to themselves better then otherwise they would ) and for the just falling of the wicked , that they which will take no benefit by any thing , as by Preaching , and by the godly lives of the servants of God , but rather seek for lets , may meet with such blocks falling in their way to their Destruction : If some fall away , what then ? The Word hath foretold there shall be hypocrites in the Church ; yet there be some have held out constantly , Heb. 11. 35. yea to the death , in Prison , and flames , and loved not their lives so well as the Truth , who have found indeed the sweetness of that Christian life , from which they would never part : Let us therefore begin in Truth , and we shall never fall from it , as the hypocrites do ; le ts look to our selves , there may be times of tryal , wherein many will fall away .

3. Some stumble at the falls of Professors : We see not , say they , but they be as bad as other folks , and seeing they make a shew of forwardness more then others , I would have them shew it by their lives ; but they are as Covetous as others , as Froward , Hasty and Furious , if they be stirred . A. I see you can tell how others should live , though you have no minde to it your selves : True , they should lead their life answerable to their Profession ; and do not a great many so , even their Neighbors that live by them with Eagles eyes , yea , even their Adversaries being Judges ? Why doth not this provoke them and you ? and what if some having boisterous natures , and strong corruptions , which for want of heedfulness and care , prevail over them for a time , and so they fall to do something uncomely , yea , and for a long time walk not so watchfully as they ought , is this matter enough for you to mislike Religion ? The Gospel teacheth not this , but the contrary , therefore is it not in fault that you should fall out with it . Doth any man dislike a Trade , because some of the Trade be bad persons , and are at sometimes overshot therein ? Christianity and the denying of our selves is not so easie a matter , as that it should be expected a man should straightway , as soon as he hath entred upon the profession of Religion , be perfect , although we ought to look and labor thereto diligently .

4. Some stumble at the great humiliation of some Professors , who by going to Sermons have been even at their wits end , and so troubled , as that all their friends could not comfort them , yea some have been in such dispair , as they have been almost besides themseves , and some have made away themselves by drowning , hanging or otherwise ; and they that have not been so , yet though they were as merry before they went to Sermons as one would wish , after have been so dumpish and heavy , as that they would never be merry ; and I would be loth ( will some such say ) to come to this pass , therefore I do not mean to trouble my head about such matters . A. Many through Gods goodness be truly humbled , and yet in short time finde comfort ; others more deeply cast down , and longer held without comfort , whom ( though they walk heavily as they have cause , yet ) God sustains , and in due time they get comfort ; who if they should be held under all their life , and yet obtain it at last , were much bound to God , and their estate infinitely more happy , then to live as before in security : Yea , if any should be so deeply cast down , and for want of means of comfort , living in desert places , wanting publique and private helps , or having them , be troubled also with the humor of melancholy , and the Devil subtilly watching his advantage when both these meer , should draw them into some temptation , to lay violent hands upon themselves , yet I had rather a thousand times be in the case of such a one , that being lost , hath sought after mercy and salvation , and had it in chase , and yet were held off by unbelief , Satans temptations , and their own distemper : Being in seeking of it , their state could not but be good , what ever became of the body , For , Blessed are they that hunger and thirst , &c. Better , I say , is the case of such a one ( though it be somewhat grievous ) then either of prophane ones , or civil persons , that never make question about their salvation ; but ( God be thanked ) such examples are few , and very rare : Many indeed there be that make away themselves by hanging , drowning , cutting their throats , &c. ( of whom we hear ever and anon ) but not one of a thousand of those upon any such cause , but upon Covetousness , Pride , Discontent , Worldly grief , meeting with such Afflictions and Persons as cross their Wills ; and having no Grace nor Faith to bear them up in them , they sink under them , and yield to the Devils temptations , as Achitophel : So that you need not keep away from Sermons , lest you should be troubled in your wits , and make away your selves , but rather hear the Word , and labor for Faith , or else you may be more likely a thousand times for want of Faith , when Afflictions come , to hang your selves , then otherwise : And is it not strange , that if one of an hundred upon trouble of Conscience come to such an end , that should be a stone to stumble at , and all the other should be leapt over , and be no means to provoke people to the Word , and to Faith ? a sign they are willing to stumble : And whereas there are some that are upon some occasion , or naturally distracted in their Wits , and craized in their brains , and so miscarry , people must be so wise as to know , that this is no trouble of Conscience ; yet a number are so foolish , that they put no difference : Therefore never fear , being troubled at the Word , for if thou beest not troubled in this World for thy sins , thou shalt howl in Hell for them eternally . And where you say , They that go to Sermons be so heavy , whiles they are seeking , and have not yet found , pardon them if they be heavy , having obtained , they have warrant to rejoyce in the Lord , and so both may and do ; though they dare not giggle , and be merry in folly and lewdness , which is accounted the onely mirth with the world : So that preaching is the means indeed to make men first heavy , but after truly merry for ever .

From themselves also arise lets , Offences arising from mens selves hindring their zealous profession of Religion . why they do not profess Religion zealously ; as

1. Some from a supposed sufficiency in themselves , say , They know as much already as the Preacher can tell them , namely , That they must love God above all , and their Neighbor as themselves , and so they do , and they can tell them no more . A. O poor blinde creatures that can be so deluded : If they were not willing withal , it could not be ; For is it enough to know these general things , and no particular belonging thereto ? But alas , in their wilful blindeness they think they know and do all , when indeed they know and do just nothing . Would not he be accounted a wilful fellow , that being perswaded to learn the Trade of Cloathing , should say , Why , I know that well enough already , it s but to buy Wooll , and make Cloth and sell it ? But are there not so many particulars and turn-agains belonging hereto , as they that be Apprentices thereto seven or eight years , if they give not the more heed , they are yet at the end but bunglers ? So of a Carpenter , It s nothing to build a house , it s but to lay the groundsels , raise up the sides , and set on the roof , &c. There 's more then so required , as skill in contriving , skill in chusing materials , and the like ; so to the love of God and our Neighbors belong innumerable things : When we have attained the knowledge of our duties to each , we have not then done , we must also know our misery ; and to help us thereto , know the Law , and then know Christ , and what he hath done ; and then know Faith , and have it wrought in us : These must we have , ere ever we can truly love either God or our Neighbor ; therefore they that content themselves without these , abide in ignorance , and will perish in Hell , as those that are wilfully guilty of their own destruction . Thus in these days , do not many say , They know they be sinners , and hope to saved by Christ , and saith not the Scripture , Whoso believeth in Christ shall be saved , &c. If this would serve the turn , God then might have spared all the rest of his pains in leaving us the Word ( onely those two Precepts would have been enough ) and his labor in fitting Ministers to it , which he calls such a worthy work : No man alive can say , that he loves God above all , and his Neighbor as himself , onely that he endeavoreth thereto , which endeavors also hath and will cost much pains .

2. Some say , They mean as well as any of those that go to Sermons , and though they do not shew it by that or any such things , yet they have as good a heart to God-ward as the best of them all , though they cannot talk so well . A. These bewray themselves to be naught at the first dash , for whereas they say , they have good hearts , even the best complain of the badness of their hearts : Thus Hypocrites desire to hide themselves out of mens sight , and having nothing to say for themselves , they flie to the heart , which they think men know not ; but alas herein they play the fools , for if men do not approve of them , do they think God will ? and that they can stand before him ? They think also men cannot judge of the heart , but the Lord hath taught us ways to judge of it by the outward behavior , as the Tree by the Fruit. Mat. 5. 16. Besides , grant their heart were good , Is that enough ? doth not God require a good outside ? Rom. 10. 10. Let such as wanting this , boast of a good heart while they will , it s a rotten and stinking heart they have ; for without knowledge the heart is not good : Hypocrites boast of a fair outside , when as the heart is naught , as others having no good parts of obedience , say , that all 's within , they have a good heart ; but the ones outside , and the others inside ( both being indeed stark naught ) will carry them to Hell , not to Heaven : Learn we to submit our selves to the Ordinances of God , and by the Word Preached to get Faith , that thereby our hearts may be purged , and made clean .

3. Some say , The world is hard , and they pay a dear Rent , and they cannot live and pay their Landlords and every body with Praying and running to Sermons , See Dr. Prest . Saints daily exercise , pag. 32. and ( to put them both together being near of kin ) some be very poor , and say they have a charge of children , and it s enough for them to labor for their living , and all little enough they think and finde ; they cannot spare time to read a chapter , and pray Morning and Evening , much less let their work to go to Church on the week-day ; Nay , I promise you they can scant spare the time on the Sundays ; They must be at home ( without it be now and then ) to bake , wash , and mend their things , or go on this or that errand , or see their Friends , lest they should let their work on the week-day , and therefore they must be held excused . Mat. 23. 23. A. These things ought you to have done , and not to leave the other undone : It s needful for you to follow your callings , but there is a time for all things , and do you think that Religion and serving God is such an Enemy to thriving ? What a fearful crossing of God is this , Mat. 6. 33. when as unto them that first seek his Kingdom , all these things shall be added ? Is it not the blessing of the Lord that makes men rich ? and whether will he bless , them that serve him , or that cast off his service ? Do we not see a number who trust all to their toil , whom the Lord so crosseth , as all will not do ? and others that serve him carefully are blessed , who yet toil not so much ? Psal. 127. 2. And if they that cast off Gods service do prosper , yet what profiteth it them ? That one thing is needful which they have neglected , Mat. 16. 26. and our Savior saith , What shall it profit a man to win the whole world , and lose his own soul ? They have spun a fair thred : But what if the outward state be somewhat hindred , yet if the soul be a gainer it s a good bargain ; though you have less riches then some others , yet if you have more grace , is not your state better ? And would you offer a Sacrifice that costs you nothing ? 2 Sam. 24. 24. or cannot God , who knows what your serving him stands you in , sufficiently requite it ? And for the poor , let them know , their great charge will not excuse them : Have they not souls ? That 's the greatest charge , and to seek the Salvation of these ; and one would think their poverty should be a spur hereunto : Is there not the same way of Salvation to them that is unto others ? They had need hear the Word to get knowledge and faith , that they may go through their Temptations comfortably . And first for the Sabbath , let them and all others take heed they meddle not with it to their worldly uses , God hath sanctified it to himself , and the matters of Salvation : This ought every one to spend conscionably , which if we would do , we might get a competency of saving knowledge ; wo be to them that dare prophane this : God hath said , we shall do all our works on the six days , that which we cannot , God will supply without breach of his Sabbath ; and for the poor that live in the same Town , or near a Sermon on the week-day , I make no doubt it s their duty , without some great let to attend on it , See Hag. 2. 19. and God will recompence it , if they do it conscionably ; let them thus do , and thereupon return to their work , and follow their calling with diligence , and see what they shall miss by the weeks end . Neglect of Religion indeed hath brought want , but I never knew any that heard conscionably and thirstily , that were put to the more want by their hearing , or any such so miserably poor , as careless persons : If any shall under colour of hearing neglect their business whole days , and so bring poverty on themselves , they are exceedingly faulty .

4. Others plead no want , for they are troubled with nothing but too much , and they have so much business , and so many servants to look after , and so many occasions , as for their part they cannot spare the time . A. Have they so much to do for themselves , as God can have nothing done of them ? and so much for the body and this world , as that they have no leisure for the soul , or the world to come ? Remember the end of them who being invited to the great Supper , Luke 14. 24. came not , but preferred their Oxen and Farms thereto , they were shut out , and had no part in that blessed Feast : Others might also pretend it as well , if they knew not that one thing to be needful : What ? are all they idle persons , and have nothing to do that attend on the word diligently ? No , but such as both have business , and in like maner a Christian care thereof , yea , and those that dispatch it well enough , and finde Gods blessing thereon , no less , nay , much more then they , that have care of nothing else : If they wanted something of that they get , yet it shall be better with them in the winding up , when they shal have that which will stand by them , whereas all that the others have got shall be taken away ; else as they had no leisure , and could finde no time to serve God , so God will finde no time to save them .

5. Others be not Book-learned , therefore they hope they shall be held excused , though they have no great knowledge . A. You had need take the more pains in hearing , as also learn and labor to be book-learned : It s possible , if you will give your minde and endeavor thereto ; If not , yet many that never knew letter in the Book have attained to good knowledge , and been most excellent Christians , and laid down their lives for the Truth , and others to competent saving knowledge , and lived well as the servants of God : But this may be a warning for Parents to bring up their Children in Reading , as in many other respects , so that they may not have this block to hinder them from goodness : and rich men should do well to bestow Learning upon poor mens children , it s a mercy indeed to their Souls .

6. Others say , They be so dull , and its such an hard thing to learn Religion , as they shall never attain it . A. The slothful man saith , There 's a Lyon in the way , but it s as easie to learn , as many other things are : See Psal 119. 130. You can learn to play at Cards , you can conceive your own business , Prov. 1. 4. and 14. 6. and are wise enough to save your selves from being beguiled , if you would willingly in humility come to learn , knowledge is easie to him that will understand : And though you get no great measure , yet if you get knowledge of the main points and Faith , and desire more , and be willing to be ruled by that which you know , God will accept of the will .

7. Others say , If they should follow Sermons , &c. they should be so hated , mockt , and nick-named , as they should not be able to endure it , their Land-lords would fall out with them , and turn them out of doors , Mat. 5. 11. &c. A. 1. Blessed are ye when ye shall thus suffer , you may exceedingly rejoyce thereat . Prov. 16. 7. 2. When a mans ways please God , even his foes shall become his friends .

8. The yonger sort say , It s too soon ; and wealthy ones , That they think they have more liberty then others . A. 1. For the yonger sort , they must remember their Creator in the days of their youth . 2. For the rich and wealthy , they are no more exempted from serving God , then the meanest , nay , are more bound and tyed thereto , by reason of the means afforded them to do good .

9. Others think they do well , and please God , though they be not so precise as some be ; for they thrive , they thank God , and have as few crosses as the best of them all , and if God did not love them , he would not so bless and prosper them as he doth . A. This is an ill argument , Heb. 12. 6. seeing God afflicts those whom he loves , and suffers his sun to shine , and his rain to fall even on the unjust ; This is but the wicked mans portion : Ishmael had the fat of the Earth , Esau the dew of Heaven ; Our Savior suffered Judas to carry the bag , but Peter and the rest carried away the grace ; Jacob had many crosses , Esau many blessings , yet was Jacob loved of God , Esau hated : There can be no worse sign , See Psal. 50. 21. and 55. 19. then to live in a careless prophane course , and yet to meet with no crosses , but to have all prosperity : the forgiveness of sins , and a little Faith , and Sanctification , is more worth then all the world , Iob 21. 30. But the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction , &c.

10. Some say , They have a Minister of their own , though he cannot Preach , yet he is an honest man , and quiet , and means well , and doth his good will , and what can one desire more of a man ? A. These be notable persons , If Salvation were put in their mouthes , they could be content to take it , but to seek after it , they see no such cause : It will serve no mans turn to excuse himself by another mans fault , If the Minister do not his duty to Preach , people must seek after the light ( being its come into the world ) compassing even sea and land to obtain it : Neither would they be so simple in other things , as to put their Suit for Goods and Lands into ones hands that hath no skill at all in Law , and being so told , make answer . I le look after no other , he will do his good will , and I can desire no more of a man : The like might be instanced in a Physitian for our body , nay , a Shepherd or a Keeper for our Cattel ; Nay , will men take it well , if such as through want of skill have spoiled their work , should say , Why , we did our good will , and you can have no more ? But will you not say , You should not have taken it in hand , except you could have done it ; If I had known it , I would have sent it five miles , or sent five miles for a Workman , rather then had my Stuff spoiled .

Thus there is no end of devices that the Devil hath to put in mens heads , No end of the Devils devices . to keep them from regarding the word and matters of Salvation , nay , that people will seek out for themselves , even to wrong their own souls .

And this is one main cause why so few people be saved , Why so few be saved . because none so simple but he can finde a shift , nor none so worldly wise , but he can suffer himself to be held back by one of these or the like hinderances . In our earthly journeys , we love smooth and plain way , and finde fault with the contrary ; but as if the way to Heaven were too plain , men seek out blocks to lay in their own way ; but all these things will no more serve their turn when God shall come to judge them , then a Breast plate of brown Paper against a Musket-shot : For alas , they be but devices , and false causes in stead of the true .

For the very reason indeed that people have no minde to Religion , Why people have no minde to Religion . is , because it crosseth their humor . 1. Discovering their sins which they would have still hid , and rebuking them . 2. Striving to pluck them from their sins , wherewith being in love , they are unwilling to part . 3. Laying duties upon them which they have no minde to stoop to , but count it a being tyed , and shortened to yield obedience to the same , which is indeed the main reason , and true cause : If it were not for such and such things , will they say , we would you should know , we would be as forward as the best : Well , let us , as many as have been thus foolish , learn to be wiser , and devise no blocks : No , though we meet with some things otherwise then ought to be , let not that make us fall out with Religion . In worldly things people be so eager , as if they have a minde to a thing , it s no small matter shall beat them off , as from a Lease , Farm , Purchase , or Bargain ; but in Heavenly things , not a cause , but a shadow of a cause will keep men back : O how happy might we be here in England and in these parts , if we were wise , that have the Gospel so graciously Preached unto us : Many Nations have it not , and they cannot be happy ; and we have it , and yet through our own froward hearts , deprive our selves of the benefit thereof : If we have been weak , le ts labor to be strengthened against these , and lift up our feet over these logs that the World layeth in our way , neither rest we content therewith , as too many are . In our ordinary ways , if any Lewd and Drunken Companions in the Night should tumble Logs , or lay stumbling Blocks to stop our passage by horse or foot , we finde great fault , and that justly ; but we are content to have Logs laid in our Spiritual way , lest we should be happy : And le ts labor to strengthen others , and help them over , and let none of us be any longer hindred hereby , much less let there be a mischievous heart in any of us , to lay them in others way to hinder them , but go on our selves roundly in the way to Salvation , and help as many others forward as possibly we can : Notwithstanding these lets , we must not be loth to enter this way , but labor to bring our hearts to this , to see and confess , and forsake our sins , and be content in every thing to be ruled by the Word : And what thankfulness owe we God , that have passed over these Blocks , and are in our way to Heaven , whereas so few scape them ? It was of him alone . O pray we him to help us also against all those that yet remain .

Being disobedient , ] Here he proceeds to shew the bad estate of unbelievers : They are disobedient to the Word of God , which is given them for a rule and light to guide them to Salvation : And this is indeed the very Reason of their much stumbling at the Word , because men have no minde to be ruled by it ; They think it tyes them too short , therefore they have no minde to stoop to it , therefore they are willing to take any occasion against it : for if men had a minde , it s not those idle pretences should keep them from it , as in worldly things we see . The lesson we learn from hence is , That

God hath therefore left his Word amongst us , Doctr. not that we should onely hear it , Gods Word is therefore bestowed on us , that we may be guided thereby . or make an outward profession thereof , but that we should take it as our Rule and Law to guide us , and in all things make Conscience to yield obedience thereto ; what it forbids to count as a cursed thing ; what it commands , to esteem as holy and good , and necessary to be obeyed : This is that which God evermore requireth in his charges . This keeping is not a Legal Observation , which no flesh can attain ( Christ hath fulfilled that perfectly for us ) but an Evangelical , How we are to obey the same . which is , when believing in him that hath done it perfectly , Psal. 119. 6. we do our unfeined endeavor constantly to be obedient thereto ; and that 1. In one thing as in another , Luke 1. 6. having with David , Zechary and Elizabeth , respect to all . 2. Freely , and not by constraint ; not as Pharaoh let Israel go . 3. Not outwardly , but inwardly with the heart and minde , ayming at Gods glory . 4. Constantly , and to the end : Yet more particularly , 1. We must not give good words onely , but follow Christ , as the Apostles , who forthwith at his call left all to wait on him . 2. Our obedience must be shaped after Christs , willing in all things to do Gods will , as do also the Saints and Angels in Heaven . 3. It must be like Abrahams ; as he left his Country and all when God called , contrary to all temptations , and that readily and simply , without reasoning or indenting ; so must we forsake our sins , though never so natural , and never excuse it thus , It s my nature , my Predecessers have done so , I have been long accustomed hereto ; He left his Countrey so natural to him , and that in his age : We must obey against all temptations of Profit , Pleasure , Ease , Father , Mother , Wife , Children , though all these hang about our necks , we must yet readily obey . 4. Throughly , not as the Devils , who if they must needs out of the man , yet would tarry in the coast : The obedience of the wicked , is like their Fathers the Devil , it s but in part ; as the Devil entred into the Swine , so they will tarry in some sin : They say ( as the Olive and Fig Tree in Jothams Parable ) Shall I leave my Fatness ? Iudg. 9. 9 , 11. Shall I forsake my Sweetness ? Usury , Iam. 1. 22. Deceit , Lying , Fornication , Adultery , and the like ? so must not we , Deut. 6. 1. we must be doers of the Word ; All other duties do but tend to practise , which is the end and perfection of all .

1. God is our Soveraign Lord and King , Reas. 1. and we be his Subjects , and these his Laws , and by these means doth he speak to us , gives every body leave to read his Laws and Statutes , yea , requires it , 2 Pet. 1. 21. and besides , sets Expounders thereof : This is the Word of GOD , This is the minde of GOD , He that despiseth this , despiseth GOD himself ; This Bible shall save or condemn the World , and by this we shall all be judged : He being our Soveraign , and we such poor Worms , we should count it our happiness to obey .

2. He is exceeding bountiful towards us , Reas. 2. he who both gave us life , and continues to maintain it by so many mercies , which all ought to binde us ; neither doth he thus for us , to strenghthen us to rebel and fight against him , but to the contrary .

3. His will is a perfect rule of Righteousness , Reas. 3. and he doth not first see a thing good , and then wills it and commands it , but first commands it and wills it , and so it becomes good : Whatsoever is agreeable to this , is holy and good ; whatsoever is contrary to this , is wicked , and to be abandoned .

4. All creatures in heaven and earth obey : Reas. 1. The Sun runs his course ordinarily that God set it at first , and slacketh not ; and not so onely , but if it be put out of course , it resisteth not : If he bid it stand still , it doth ; Ios. 10. 12. if he bid it come back , it doth : He appoints the Sea to flow , Isa. 38. 8. and it doth ; but if he bid it stand up , and let his people pass , it obeyeth , and stands as two Brazen Walls ; so when he sets it on work , it rageth to toss Jonah , and whom God will ; and when he bids it and the winds be still , they obey , as to our Savior : Exod. 10. 13. He commanded the east wind to bring in the Locusts , and another wind to carry them out ; how much more then should we obey , that ought to be best of all , being Lords of the rest , and all they to serve us ? Summer and Winter obey the Lords Word , and why not we ? These may rise up against us .

5. Obedience exceedingly pleaseth , Reas. 5. all else is to no purpose , Sacrifices , 1 Sam. 15. 22. burning of Incense , observation of Feasts or Fasts , &c. Unto the wicked , Isa. 58. 3. saith God , What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes , or that thou shouldest take my Covenant in thy mouth , Psalm 50. 16. seeing thou hatest instruction , and casteth my words behinde thee ? Nay , it s so far from pleasing him , as it incenseth and provoketh him , He that turns away his ear from the cry of the poor , shall himself cry unto the Lord , but not be heard ; They are blessed that hear the Word and keep it ; If ye know these things , saith our Savior , happy are ye if ye do them ; yea , such as do the will of God , he accounts as his Mother , Brethren and Sisters ; by this we may know that we are the Lords : Deut. 28. 1. This also opens the storehouses of all Gods blessings , and musles the mouthes of all the Creatures , that they can do us no hurt .

6. Disobedience is that which hath ever troubled the world : Reas. 6. At first in Adam and Eve it put all out of course , and so hath done ever since : This is the cause of all Evils , Plague , Pestilence , Famine , and the like , Lev. 26. 16. yea , of the increase and continuance of those and others more grievous ; Deut. 28. 15. yea , this is that which brought all Judgements , not onely upon Israel , Hos. 4. 3. but upon all the world , and that which sends men to eternal confusion .

1. This is an exceeding comfort to all those whose hearts the Lord hath inclined , Use 1. bowed , and humbled , to be obedient to his will in all things , and that have no greater grief , then that they can obey no better , Iohn 14. 25. but glad when they can obey , and most , when best ; let these know , it s a brand of Christs sheep , and mark that they love God , that they are of the blessed ones , that hearing , also obey , that they shall never fall , Mat. 7. 24. as being built on the rock : This is a certain band to tye the Lord to you , Ier. 7. 23. he can fail you of no good thing ; Obey my voyce ( saith he ) and I will be your God ; yea , and a certain assurance of eternal life , is gained by obeying : Herein continue and encrease your care , its perfect freedom it brings , sound and true comfort here and hereafter ; when they that disobey , have a corrasive and gnawing Conscience .

2. This condemns all sorts of disobedient persons , Use 2. which are many ; and this is the reason that Hell is fuller then Heaven , because so many are disobedient to the Word , Four sorts of disobedient persons . and so few will be held within compass ; as

1. Those notorious monsters , The prophane . that live in open prophaneness , that are set to cross God ; what he commands , they will none of it , and what he forbids , they are mad on ; which shake off all care , and live as they list , Iob 21. 15. as if they were masterless , and no body had to do with them , Exod. 5. 2. or to call them to any account , as if they ought no duty to any ; who will not learn Gods ways , but with Pharaoh , say , Who is the Lord , &c. Do these poor woful creatures know what they do ? alas no ; Knowest thou with whom thou hast to do , and against whom thou rebellest ? against the Lord of Heaven and earth , that made the world , that toucheth the mountains , and they smoke , that thundereth with his voyce : But who art thou that strivest with thy maker , that darest rebel against thy Soveraign , who is able to cast thee into the Jail of Hell for ever and ever ? O consider this you that forget God , Psal. 50. 22. & 9. 17. & 11. 6. The wicked shall be turned into Hell , upon the wicked God will rain snares and fire , &c. Dost thou think to speed better then thy Predecessors ? Adam was cast out of Paradise , the old world drowned , Sodom burnt , &c. If Pharaoh that proud hearted Tyrant could not hold it out , nor Nebuchadnezzar , nor Belshazzar , nor Herod , dost thou think to get any thing by wrestling with thy maker , by casting out thy gantler , and as it were bidding battel to the Lord ? O therefore humble thy self on thy face , fall flat at his footstool , and crave pardon , send out messengers of Peace , and submit thy self , saying , Lord , what wilt thou that I shall do ? obey and that gladly , or else he will lay thee where thou shalt have small joy , yea , he will make thee obey in spight of thine heart : There will come a voyce that thou shalt nor resist , Go ye cursed of my Father ; and if thou wouldst bring thy minde to obey , thou shouldst finde it every way thy safest course , thou shouldest save not onely thy soul which is the greatest , but even thy body , thy good name , thy goods ; for how have many by yielding to the Word , saved hundreds and thousands this way , that they began to waste , and others do ? How do many bring untimely death upon themselves by wretched courses ? How many do the gallows catch in a year ? how many stab'd , and dye fearfully , which might have lived long , if they would have been ruled ? Innumerable sorrows do men bring upon themselves , for want of obedience to God and his Word , which that would save them from : At least if thou wilt not obey throughly , and in all things , yet come into some civil order and course , so shalt thou at least if thou beest not saved , yet have the less torment in Hell .

2. Civil persons , The meerly civil . which disobey both commandments of the Gospel , do neither believe nor repent ; and for the Law , they do some duties to men , but of the first Table make small Conscience , nay they have no skill , neither savor of the spiritual maner of performing duties : What talk they of giving every man his due , when they give God no part of his as they should ? or of keeping promise with men , if they shall break their vow with God ?

3. Ignorant persons of all kindes , The ignorant . as the Heathens , that worship they know not what ; and Papists , that toil themselves about their will-worship , how good soever their meaning may be , yet they do not that which God commands ; yea , numbers among ourselves , that either have or might have the means , but neglecting them pull in their heads .

4. Hypocrites , Hypocrites . that obey in some things , yea some in many , and go far , yet either never digged deep , and laid a foundation sure , or retain the love of some sin .

3. This may be for instruction to us all , Use 3. especially that profess the fear of God , that throughout our whole course , and in all our conversation we cast this with our selves , not what our profit , or our pleasure , or our minde saith , but what the Word of God saith : This becometh Christians , and will bring comfort , and will prove the surest way at long run : we must not ( following our own reason and conceits ) cast off and disobey the Word ; we think it may be better thus and thus , or hope it s no great matter , or that it s but once : O take heed ! This cost Saul dear ; 1 Sam. 15. 26. He would go offer Sacrifice , He said he was bold , so he was indeed , as we many times ; But take heed of being bold with the Word , and taking leave of sin , though but for once : Thou knowest not what that once may cost thee : To Travel on the Lords day hath many fair pretences , but what evils hath ensued thereby ? So Usury is a hasty way to get gain , but fair and soft goes far , What if we get much , and put it in a bottomless purse , and God blow on it and melt it ? One man gets slowly in his Office and Trade , because he dares not lye , Dissemble , break the Sabbath : Others care for nothing , and they grow rich apace ; with the one it holds , and his Children enjoy it , and he dyeth with Peace and Credit , but the other dyeth with disgrace and a guilty Conscience , and God scatters that he hath ; for God will take pity of the honest labors of men , and give of the fruit thereof to their Posterity , but no pity of that which was got with the price of his glory : Hereby many a man loseth soul and all . So many a man seeth not into some one thing ( who is otherwise good ) and so haply is too hard to his workfolks , will make bold now and then with the Sabbath , &c. though his soul be saved , yet God sets the print of his hand on him in some outward affliction , Body , Goods , Children , and the like .

Whereunto also they were appointed ] The Reason how it comes about , Why Christ proves a rock of offence unto most . that seeing Christ is the way of Salvation , and the Word the means to bring men to Faith in Christ , that yet to some they prove a rock of offence , and turn to their destruction ; it s because God in his unchangeable and eternal purpose hath so decreed : This ( to let pass other interpretations ) by the consent of the soundest , is the plain meaning of the words ; and I come not to tell you what men say , but what I am perswaded God saith ; As he hath ordained some to Salvation , so hath he some to stumble and come to destruction , which are the two parts of Predestination : This is that most holy and just decree of God , whereby he hath in himself eternally and unchangeably determined of the final estate of all mankinde , and every particular in the same ; Eph. 1. 5. whatsoever falls out is by his decree , and not a● adventure , Acts 4. 8. He doth all according to the counsel of his own will : The means of effecting this are , the creation of man in innocency , and the fall of Adam , which was also of him decreed : It hath these two parts , Election and Reprobation ; for though it be put sometimes for the one onely , Rom. 8. 31. as for Election , yet is it common to both .

This Doctrine will appear both lawful and meet , to be taught upon these grounds ; Whether it be lawful and meet to handle the Doctrine of Gods decree . 1. Whatsoever is written , is written for our learning , and the whole Scripture is profitable to teach , &c. whereof this is a part . 2. This is a part of Gods counsel , the whole whereof ought to be taught . 3. It s of very great use to the people of God , their strong Bulwark to flie unto , and strengthen them against all Satans assaults , Acts 20. 27. even the unchangeableness of Gods counsel . Rom. 9. 11 , 12 , &c. 4. The holy Apostles have Preached the same plainly to mixt Churches in most of their Epistles . Eph. 1. 4. 5. Many Errors have been broached about this Doctrine , Iude , verse 4. by Satan and men of corrupt judgement , whereof the Translator of Mr. Perkins his Treatise speaketh in his Epistle .

But it s offensive , Object . and many take hurt hereby , casting off all care , and saying , If I be elect , I shall be saved , let me do as I list ; and if I be appointed to damnation , I cannot be saved do what I can .

What if some take hurt by this Doctrine , Sol. shall it not therefore be Preached ? What Doctrine almost can be taught , but mans vile nature and heart will take occasion by it of ill ? as of Gods mercy , whereupon men wax bold and secure , shall not the Doctrine of Gods mercy be taught ? Rom. 6. 1. so of Christian liberty , ( which was the reason of those preventions which the Apostles used ) so of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith onely ; Gal. 5. 13. yea , Christ himself is a stumbling stone and rock of offence , Shall he therefore not be Preached ? It s not the fault of the Doctrine , but their own wicked corruption , and Satans malice , that turn holy and wholesom things to hurt ; as a cholerick stomack doth good meat into ill juyce ; and the Spiders gather poyson from the same flowers from which the Bees gather honey , Do we therefore wish there were no flowers ? Shall the Childrens bread be kept from them , because some unruly Servants will riot and abuse it ? Shall the use of a Knife or a Sword be denyed to all sober men , because a mad man will hurt himself and others therewith ? The wicked do abuse the Word and Sacraments and all to their hurt , Shall therefore the people of God be deprived of them ? as the Papists do most wretchedly keep away the Scriptures from the people , lest they should read them : The like may be said of the Preaching of this Doctrine , But who are they that take hurt ? even such as would take hurt , and perish though this were not : But one of Gods people is more to be respected , then ninety and nine that care for no goodness : And this is of great use to the people of God ; It stays them well when they see great professors fall away , else they should ever be in a slavish fear , and so it makes the true servants of God go on comfortably , and strengthens them in all persecutions and troubles , that they shall never fall finally .

It makes men bold and secure , Obj. because they know they can never fall away .

Not at all , Sol. but the more careful to please God ; for they know they may fall dangerously , and that holds them in awe with the conscience of Gods love together : It further stirs up men to labor to get marks of Election to themselves : It s also a matter of great thanksgiving to God , that having passed by so many , he hath had mercy on us ; so that its profitable to more then its hurtful to : It comforts many , What if some stumble when they have no cause ? Yea , its matter of Humiliation , that Gods grace , not our goodness is the first cause of our Salvation .

It will make men shake off the use of all means , Obj. and say , What need is there of Sermons and Exhortations , if the number be appointed who shall be saved , and who damned ?

What are they but desperate and wilful persons that will so do ? Sol. that will neglect the means , because they know the end is certain and unchangeable ? we fear not to teach men Gods Ordination in other things , as that he hath set the period of mans life , which he cannot pass ; yet this doth not make men neglect their meat , nor desperately make them cast themselves from the tops of houses , or run upon a naked Sword , because their time is appointed ; therefore we may teach it , provided it be taught modestly , and according to the Scriptures : But its Sacriligious modesty to keep back this or any part of Gods counsel ; this were to be wise above God and the Scriptures : the Papists have a number of such carnal conceits , which shew they be not led by God . If a King should give unto any of his subjects a goodly Mannor , and appoint by what way he should go to it , would not he be willing to learn the way ? accordingly should we in this particular .

For the Doctrine it self , consider we briefly four things , which are most material for the edifying of the Consciences of them that are desirous to learn the minde of God herein , wherein I will rather endeavor to shew the truth and some uses thereof , then by entring into curious questions to please itching ears , or to stand long in confuting the contrary errors ; The first is this , That

God hath ordained some to destruction : Doctr. This appears by plain places of Scripture which cannot be avoided , God hath ordained some to destruction . as Rom. 9. 17. For this same purpose have I raised thee up , &c. Jude , verse 4. Who were before of old ordained to this condemnation , &c. So for Election , we have Eph. 1. 4. 1 Thess. 5. 9. 2 Thess. 2. 13. 2 Pet. 2. 12. Now there is the contrary reason of contraries ; If he chose some , then he refused others ; If he had taken all , then no Election ; If not all , then some refused : And if the Lord ordained those whom he Elected to eternal Salvation , Did he not then ordain the other to destruction whom he refused , or left he them at uncertainty ? Things fall not out at adventure , but according to Gods Decree and Eternal counsel , What wise Workman doth not propound an end to himself , Acts 4. 28. ere he begin his work ? and think we the Lord did not determine the final state of all men ? See Willet on Rom 9. 11. pag. 4. 16. Yes ; ere he went about the making of a world he decreed the least matters , therefore much more this .

1. This confuteth that erroneous platform of the Papists and others , Use 1. which defend universal grace : See Perkins 3 , on the Creed and Pred . This makes the will of God ( which is the high and soveraign cause of all ) to be subject to mans will ; whereas it s said , Psal. 115. 3. Whatsoever he will , he doth .

But is not the Lord slow to anger and of great kindeness , Object . and how can this be , Exod. 34. 6. having ordained most men to damnation ?

That 's true , Sol. yet makes it nothing against this . 1. It s true of the godly , but he is severe towards the wicked ; Both Saul and David sinned , yet was the former punisht severely , the latter pardoned : Neither is he so slow to wrath , but that he is also just ( many examples of either might be instanced ) and is as much honored in the one as in the other . See Nah. 1. ●7 . 2. It s true also in part of the wicked , for it s of his patience towards them , that they live and enjoy so many of his benefits in such abundance , with the Gospel , and that he doth not confound them at once , who yet provoke him highly every day .

It s said in Ezekiel , Obj. As I live , saith the Lord God , I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked , Ezek. 33. 11. &c.

He doth not delight thereat , Sol. as its the destruction of the creature , but as its a mean to set forth his glory ; For he aimed not at the undoing and ruine of his creature in his Decree , but at a far more excellent end , even his own glory . Besides , God wills many things which yet he delights not in , as the afflictions of his servants at the hands of ungodly men . See Mr. Harsnels Sermon of this point . As good and merciful Judges , they delight not in the blood and pains of them that are Executed and by them condemned , which yet must be for the defence of the good , the cutting off and terror of the bad .

God will have all men to be saved . Obj.

It s to be understood of all kindes of men in this last age of the world , 1 Tim. 2. 4. by the means of Christ Jesus . Sol.

The Lord is not willing that any should perish , Obj. &c.

The wicked mocked at Gods promises , 2 Per. 3. 9. and the godly began to think long ; Sol. therefore the Apostle sets himself ( and that 's the scope of the place ) to comfort the faithful : So this place of all men to come to repentance , See Rev. 6. 11. is meant of the Elect only . Is patient towards us , saith the Text , shewing that God defers not of forgetfulness , but because he waits till the rest of the Elect uncalled and unborn be added , and then it shall come at the just appointed time : It s not deferred that all men should be saved , for then it should never come , for all men shall not be saved , but for the Elect onely .

If God hath ordained most men to destruction , Object . then is his justice greater then his mercy .

We must not measure his justice and mercy by the number of the one or of the other ; Sol. for if there had been but one onely saved , it had been as great mercy , as his justice in condemning the rest : for if but one had been saved , it must have cost the death of the Lord Jesus , such was our misery . Now what a mercy it was , that the eternal Son of God , equal with the Father , and in whom he was well pleased , should not onely abase himself to our nature , but to our infirmities ; yea , to sorrows , and great indignities , nay , to death , yea , a cursed death : O who can express this love ! It was a wonder he did not rather suffer us all to perish , then his Son to endure the least of these !

Then he hath ordained the means of their condemnation , Object . namely , sin , and so is the Author of sin .

True , he ordained and decreed that there should be sin in the world , as he did of the fall of Adam ; but not as is sin and evil , but as whereby and out of which God draws glory to himself : and it was necessary that there should he evil in the world , as well as good , that a way might be made for setting out Gods mercy in pardoning some , and his justice in punishing it in others , but so as the Lord is no way faulty : He ordained willingly to permit it , as it hath respect of good in it , but as no actor of it : He put no evil in Adam , nor any man , but onely willingly permitted his fall , &c.

2. This should and may stay our mindes , Use 2. when we see any great Professors , and men of excellent parts fall away : It s no other , then that an Hypocrite , and one that never was sound nor elect of God , is now discovered ; and let none that can prove their election be overmuch troubled , onely walk reverently , but never be dismaid with deadly fear : They fell , because they were not elect , and you being elect , shall be therefore sure to stand : and thus our Savior comforts his Disciples , See 1 Ioh. 2. 19. That none was lost but Judas , who was the son of perdition ; so did Paul the Christians , notwithstanding the revolting of Hymeneus , Philetus , Alexander , &c. If it were not for this , what a deadly fear might this breed in weak Christians , to see those so far their superiors in knowledge and gifts to fall away . Thus of the first .

The second is this , Doctr. That

This was of his own will ▪ This was of his own will , and for no cause out of himself . and for no cause out of himself ; for the Lord infinite in wisdom and holiness , needs not as man to fetch the reason of his purposes forth of himself : He will have mercy on whom he will have mercy , Rom. 9. 15. and whom he will he hardneth ; He doth all things according to the counsel of his own will . Eph. 1. 5.

Is it not said , Obj. O Israel , thy destruction is of thy self ; and , He that beliveth not is condemned ; and , Except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish .

Cursed be the mouth that saith not so , Sol. even that every mans destruction is of himself , and his own just desert ; but we must put a difference between the decree of God , and the execution of it ; God condemneth no man upon his bare will , but his own just desert : Sin comes in between the decree of God , and the execution of his Decree , as the cause of Damnation .

If then it be asked , Quest. Why is any man condemned ?

For his sin . Answ.

But why did God decree to condemn any ? Quest.

Because he would . Answ. As no man is saved but by Faith in Christ , and Sanctification of life ( which yet is not the cause why God appointed him to Salvation , but because he would ) so there 's none condemned but for his sin ; yet God ordained him not thereto because of sin , but because of his own will .

If any ask further , Quest. and why would he ?

That a note too high for man or angel to sing , Answ. but there in humility we must rest , and not put the Lord to render a reason of all his decrees or doings , which even princes will not do to their subjects : he raised up Pharaoh , &c. even because he would get glory out of him , and by his means .

This condemneth the Opinion of foreseen works , Use. good or bad , as of this , because he foresaw some would be bad , and refuse grace , he therefore Reprobated them , &c. but God loved Jacob and hated Esau , not onely before the had done good or evil , but before there was any thinking of good or ill : If foreseen sin be the cause of Reprobation , then on the contrary , foreseen grace of Election ; but the Epistle to the Ephesians sheweth the contrary hereof : See Eph. 1. 4. & 2. 11. Faith and Sanctification followeth upon Election , as fruits thereof , therefore go not before as any causes ; so do Infidelity and impenitency follow after Reprobation : If foreseen sin had been the cause of Reprobation , Iohn 9. 3. then we should all have been refused , for he could not see us , but all sinners : But as the blinde man was not so born for his own or Parents sin , but that the work of God in curing him by a Word might be seen , so was it in this business . Thus of the second .

The third is this , Doctr. That

The Lord hath done this most justly : The Lord hath done this most justly . His will is a rule of Righteousness , and he can do nothing but most holily and justly ; Is there unrighteousness with God ? Rom. 9. God forbid ; Though we cannot see into the justness of it , yet we ought to acknowledge it : The Sun may shine , and that brightly too , though a blinde man see it not : Man was made holy , and having free-will , by his willing sin lost his state , and still sins willingly .

It seems cruelty in the Lord to appoint most part of mankinde to Destruction . Object .

He did it not , Sol. as ayming at their Damnation , but at his own glory , which is more to be regarded then all the World : And shall the Clay say against the Potter , Why hast thou made me thus , and thus ? may not he do as he list ? So may not the Lord get glory by his own creatures which way he will ? And do men for their pleasure hunt the Hare and Partridge , or kill , not onely Flyes , and baser creatures , but also Fowls with their grins , in like maner appointing Sheep , Oxen , &c. for the slaughter , and shall not the Lord have as much Soveraignty over men , the work of his hands ? we cannot make a Fly or Flea ; yea , it s more reason that the Lord should be glorified , if he would , with the Damnation of all mankinde , then that the killing of a Hare , nay a Fly , should serve to the honor or pleasure of the greatest Potentate of the world : What if he had ordained none to Salvation , who had had cause to complain ? Besides , with what patience bears he with them , and their blaspheming of him every day ? What marvellous benefits , and comfortable good things , bestows he upon them , houses , lands , wealth , health , peace , who might destroy and send them to hell at the first ? Rom. 9. 22. He suffers the Vessels of wrath with patience . Thus though there had been no sin in the World , God might justly have appointed most men to Damnation , and cast them away also for his glory ; but now God doth not cast any man away , but for his own willing falling away , and sin , for he made man Righteous , but now sin comes in , and for this is every one condemned , that is condemned . Besides , is God cruel to them ? He never makes their finger ake , till they have deserved Hell , never condmns man or woman , till they have deserved it a thousand times , and in the mean time ceaseth not to bestow manifold blessings on them .

But as it were tyranny in a King to appoint many of his Subjects to punishment upon his will , Object . so were it in God , said a Papist .

It s a most unequal comparison ; Solut. they be not the Kings creatures , though his Subjects committed to him to rule , not as he will , but as God commands ; but God hath power , because they be his creatures . As if a Potter having made many pots , commits them to a servant to be looked to , if he burst any of them , at his peril he doth it , because they be not his own , but if the owner should break any , who shall blame him ?

But its partiality in God , Object . and respect of persons , to take some , and refuse others , being all equally guilty , and in estate without difference .

Not so ; Solut. respect of persons is , when many being in one case , one is preferr'd : For what ? for something in their own person ; as a Judge having two Malefactors equally guilty , executes the one , and spares the other , because he is his Kinsman , Countreyman , &c. But a Prince hath two Traytors equally deserving death , and he without respect , but because he will , pardons one , and cuts off the other , as it may be Pharaoh did by his Butler and Baker ; or a man hath two Debtors , and without respect he requires it all of the one , and forgives all to the other , Who shall let a man so to do ? This is no respect of persons : But if a man be to adopt a Childe out of five or six , and chooseth one , because he is Witty , Fair , Proper , &c. this is respect of persons ; but so it is not in the Lord , for he respects nothing in them that he elected , nor in the other , but because he would . Thus of the third .

The fourth is this , Doctr. That

The Lord hath done this unchangeably . The Lord hath done this unchangeably . Those that are ordained to destruction , cannot possibly be saved , as it is not possible for the elect to be deceived : Mat. 24. 24. The foundation of the Lord remaineth sure , His decrees are as himself , 2 Tim. 2. 19. without alteration ; for if it should be otherwise , it must needs be , either that he seeth further now , and so wanted wisdom , or that he is inconstant , whereof to think but a thought were blasphemous , or else that he were over-ruled by some power which he could not resist , which were as horrible . Balaam could say , That God was not like man , that he should lye or repent : It seemeth to us sometimes as though God did change , as in Nineveh and Hezekiah , but it s not so , for though he concealed it , the threatnings were conditional : His secret will is ever the same , firm and fast , and no contradiction between it and his revealed will , though there may seem so to be ; yet not so , as if Gods decree put a necessity upon man of offending : for as Adam , so every man sins willingly without constraint , and yet necessarily : Gods decree bindes to a necessity of condemnation , but mans sin comes in of his own will : O the infinite and unsearchable wisdom and righteousness of God!

Seeing they whom God hath ordained to destruction can never be saved ( who yet may be enlightened , Use. go far , and have many gifts and outward benefits ) we should never be quiet nor sleep good sleep till we can prove we are no Reprobates : O it s a most fearful state , able to make the heart ake , yea , the thought of it to torment a man ; therefore we must labor to know we are not such : Hence is that of the Apostle , 2 Cor. 13. 5. Examine your selves , whether ye be in the faith : prove your own selves . Know ye not your own selves , how that Jesus Christ is in you , except ye be reprobates ? Know ye not , if you have not Christ in you by Faith , ye are Reprobates ? and would be content to be so or so counted ? Nay , can you be content till you know you are otherwise ? Therefore shake off , and be sure to be rid of all the marks of Reprobates ; Marks of such as are Reprobates . Namely , 1. Ignorance , whether enforced ( for want of means ) or affected , for knowledge is the ground of faith and other graces ; Iohn 3. 19. Therefore its condemnation ▪ that light is come into the world , See 2 Thess. 1. 8. and men love darkness : Iohn 10. 4. Christ is known of his , and knoweth them again . 1 Iohn 5. 20. 2. Unbelief , Whosoever believeth not , is condemned already : Through this were the Israelites excluded out of Canaan , Iohn 3. 18. and perished ; Heb. 3. 19. and through this were they broke off : Rom. 11. 20. As many as are ordained to eternal life believe . Mat. 7. 23. 3. Disobedience to the Word , See Rom. 1. to such shall Christ say one day , 2 Tim. 3. Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity . 4. To stumble at Christ and at the Word , upon occasion pickt , as we see in this Text. So Apostacy , impenitent living in any known sin , especially after much warning and means , hatred of Gods servants , hardness of heart , security , and the like . Now is it not fearful that men can go on , and are not troubled about this ? that they can carry their black marks about them , and yet be merry ? O fearful and desperate mirth ! If one should be condemned to be hang'd drawn and quartered , and had an iron hang'd on him as a mark of it , and were let go up and down for a few days , if he were merry and jocund , what would we say ? yet thus doth the world : O awaken your selves ! Doth not this concern you ? O come out of your ignorane and unbelief , and never give over till you get something that a Reprobate never had , cannot have ! See Mat. 7. 22. I tell you they may go far , and have so gone , therefore look well about you : A number have not gone so far as a number of Reprobates ( in Knowledge , Utterance , Profession , hearing the Word with joy , reverence to the Preachers thereof , Reformation in many things , &c. ) who yet think well of themselves : O fearful , that men can be so wretchless in so weighty a matter ! Awaken your selves , I beseech you , Rom. 13. 3● and know one thing is needful ; as the Apostle , Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power ? do that which is good : So if thou wouldest not be afraid of reprobation , live godly , for such cannot be Reprobates . Faith , true and particular , and Sanctification throughout , make a man a Christian ; this an Hyprocrite hath not : So an humble and contrite heart , a vehement longing after Christ , an high prizing of him , a vehement desire to turn to God in all things ; these an Hypocrite hath not .

But if it be unchangeable , Object . then what shall I do ? I le never stir and trouble my self , but take my pleasure , &c. for if I shall be damned , I shall so be whatsoever I do ; I le never hear Sermon more while I live , for all the Sermons of the world will not help me , if I be ordained to Damnation .

O the folly and falshood of this blinde and desperate rage ! Solut. It s not possible for him that is ordained to life to live as he list : If thou give thy self so to do , thou hast then indeed a mark to thy self of thy Damnation ; yea , what a desperate wretch is he to resolve himself to live like a reprobate , before he know whether he be one or no ? as if one should run to the gallows , and put the rope about his neck , before he know whether the Judge hath any purpose to condemn him . Again , know you not that whom God ordains to the end , he ordains also to the means ? Therefore these must be used . As for Gods decree towards you , the Preacher knoweth not , therefore he must preach and call all to Repentance ; neither do you know , therefore must you hear and follow the revealed will of God , and by obeying that , you shall in time come to know his secret will : We must not live by the secret , but by the revealed will of God ; and we must not stand upon that desperately and blindely at first , If I be ordained , &c. but meekly hear the will of God in his Word , which being followed of us , it will be in time an Argument that we not are onely no Reprobates , See a Sermon of Mr. New-house , on 1 Thess. 5. the Epistle to the Reader . but such as are ordained to Salvation : But if thou wilt desperately shake off the revealed will , and onely run upon the secret , and cast off all means that should do thee good , and run into sin and means of destruction , then thou hast a bad sign of Reprobation : Whoso stumbleth at Christ , and at the Word , and live in disobedience , and so continue to the end , its certain they are Reprobate ; and so long as any continueth in that state , they can have no other knowledge of themselves . Thus of the fourth .

Verse 9. But ye are a chosen generation , a royal priesthood , an holy nation , a peculiar people , that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light .

NOw he returns to the Believers again , and having spoken grievous things of the wicked , that they stumbled at Christ and the Word , and should perish ; lest they should be dismaid , as if this also might be their case ( some of them having been very grievous sinners ) he now endeavors to prevent this their fear , But ye ( saith he ) are a chosen generation ; as if he should have said , They stumbled , because they were ordained to it , but you shall stand , because you are elected of God : Thus he comforts them , and reckons up a number of priviledges , whereof Gods election was the ground ; as , that they were a royal priesthood , an holy nation , a peculiar people ; in all which he opposeth them to the Unbelievers ; You are a chosen generation , they a reprobate rout ; You a royal priesthood , they a prophane and base company ; You an holy nation , they ( whether Gentiles or Jews ) an unholy company ; You a peculiar people , they the servants of sin and Satan : Then sets down the end of all .

In general observe we two things , Observ.

1. That the Apostle not onely divides the people into good and bad , Ministers must speak comfortably to the good , contrarily to the bad . and sends the Sheep to their fold , the Fox to his den , but he speaks exceeding comfortably to the good , exceeding terribly to the wicked ; setting forth the ones happiness , and the others misery ; and so must the Ministers of God do .

2. That he delivers the Word so warily , Observ. that the godly might not be dismaid at the threatnings against the wicked : They are warily to deliver the Word , that each may take his due portion . Hence may Ministers learn wisdom , to give every one their portion ; and this is to divide the Word aright , to cut and part it , not to rend it . Thus the Prophets having vehemently threatned , by and by , lest the godly should be cast down , adde comforts and promises : When they deliver comforts , they must bid the wicked stand off ; so when they speak of judgements , they must so speak , that the afflicted in Conscience may not be troubled , for people are ready to misapply that they hear : Wicked men when they catch hold of the Doctrine of Gods mercy , they snatch that which no way belongs to them ; and for humble ones in affliction of Conscience , Oh , all terrible things they can apply , and they work on them , but the promises and comforts they cannot fasten on .

In particular consider we the priviledges here mentioned , and the end of them .

A chosen generation , ] What election is . This is the first priviledge . Election is the decree of God , whereby in himself , and for his own glory , he hath unchangeably ordained some men to Salvation and life Eternal : Where consider ,

1. That God before the world hath ordained some men to Salvation : Doctr. This is plain from these Scriptures , God before the world hath ordained some men to Salvation . Luke 10. 20. Eph. 1. 4. Phil. 2. 12. 1 Thess. 5. 9. 2 Thess. 2. 13. His election is compared to a Book , and the Lord to a General , that books his Soldiers names , or a Corporation where they book all the Freemens names . Again , we see some men be saved , therefore were it so decreed ; for whatsoever is , was eternally decreed of God .

1. This sets out the infinite love of God to mankinde , Use 1. who might have been glorified in the Damnation of us all .

2. This confutes that Opinion , Use 2. That God elected none before the World , but that he generally appointed all to be saved alike , and therefore gave Christ to dye for all , and when any receive grace , then God elects them : Doth every wise man set down certainly his end , before he begin his work ? and onely the God of Wisdom go uncertainly to work ? And did Christ lay down his life for any other but his sheep ? vouchsafeth he intercession for any other ? nay , excludeth he not all others ? If Christ had dyed for them , then they should have been saved , for his death is infinitely meritorious : If he dyed for any , and they not be saved , he should miss of his purpose .

Adam and Christ are two common persons , Object . and roots ; therefore as Adam lost all , so Christ restored all .

They are indeed alike in many respects , Sol. as namely in this , That they communicate to others that which was in themselves ; Adam , sin , and death ; Christ , righteousness and life , but not to both alike : Adam lost all , Christ recovered but some .

Then Adams sin was of more force then Christs death and obedience . Obj.

Not so , Sol. for its easier to destroy , then to build : If Christ had saved but one , it had argued more force then Adams sin to destroy all : A childe can break a glass , which all the men in the Town cannot make up again , yet the childe hath not more force then they .

Why then is Christ preached to them ? Obj.

Christ must be offered to all , Sol. for we know not who they be for whom Christ dyed ; let us take knowledge of Gods Ordinance , all be not saved , for there is no Election where all are taken . Besides , if he did Elect all , and all be not saved ( as we know they are not ) then is God hindred of his will , Psal. 115. 3. & 135. 6. which were impious to imagine : He doth whatsoever he will , and man cannot over-rule his will .

2. That the cause why God ordained some men to Salvation , Doctr. was , The cause hereof was because he would because he would ; I will have mercy , saith he , on whom I will have mercy ; It s according to the good pleasure of his will , nothing out of himself : Rom. 9. 15. He saves no man but by faith in Christ and new obedience , Eph. 1. 5. but this was not the cause of Election , but the will of God onely ; for we must put a difference between the Decree of God and the execution thereof .

1. This confutes that opinion of foreseen Faith and Works ; Use 1. Faith and Sanctification are the consequents of Election , See Eph. 1. 4. and 2. 10. and not any thing precedent : God could not see any difference between men , that some would of their own accord receive grace , believe and obey ; for there is no such thing in our nature , we are all alike : And could no● the Lord as well chuse men to Salvation freely before the World , as in the World to bestow grace upon them , denying it to others : and hereof not mans Salvation , but his own glory is the further end .

2. This ought to binde us to thankfulness and duty to God for ever , Use 2. that of Free grace hath loved us , and to walk humbly before him , acknowledging nothing in our selves but wretchedness , and that all our welfare , past , present and to come , is of his free and especial grace ; By grace we are saved . Eph. 2.

3. That the number of Elect is small ; Doctr. Many called , few chosen : Christ calls his A little flock that shall have the Kingdom . The number of the Elect small . True , by themselves they are numberless : The true Israel of Jews and Gentiles that already are , Mat. 22. 14. or hereafter to be gathered by the Preaching of Christ and the Gospel , Luke 12. 32. is to man without count , Rev. 7. 4. yet if compared to the wicked , Hosea 1. 17. they are onely an handful : As may appear before Christ , when onely the little handful of the Jews was Gods Church , and among them most Hypocrices and Idolators , few true worshippers of God : Since Christs coming , and at this time , what vast Nations know not Christ ? What a breadth under Antichrist , that know him corruptly ? and among our selves that have him truly Preached , and offered in the Word and Sacraments , yet how few believe and obey , and have the inward calling which should make Election known ? And its certain and determined , the number can be made neither less nor more .

How ought this to whet on our care and diligence to know our selves of this number ? Use. That which all have , no man greatly esteems ; but that which few have , most strive after , as Wealth , Honor , Offices , &c. so should we in this : If of Twenty Traitors a Pardon were but for six , what earnestness would be in all to know whether they were of that small number ? Is it not therefore fearful to see how desperate the world is , that this being so , yet so few lay it to heart , but rather are so secure , as if very few were appointed to miss of Salvation , and as if all mens names were written in the book of life ? 2 Pet. 1. 10. But we must give diligence to make our calling and election sure .

4. That they which be Elect cannot but be saved , Doctr. they cannot perish : God will certainly call them out of the world and their bad estate , They that be Elect cannot but be saved . and being effectually called , he will keep them to Salvation that they shall never perish : He will not lose one , but call them either ordinarily by his Word Preached , if it be in the Church , or by some extraordinary means , if it be among Gods enemies : Among our selves they that belong to God shall at one time or other be brought to the Word , or the Word to them ; and hence comes the removing of the Gospel from place to place . How many have been brought to the Word upon occasion of a Marriage , or to see their Friends , or to wait on their Masters , or to speak with some body at Sermon , or to make their Market , or being provoked by some Neighbor , & c ? And hence it is also that when the Word is Preached , some have their hearts opened , humbled , converted ; others remain blinde and impenitent , namely , because God hath elected those , not these . True it is , that the Elect before their calling are as other men , Rom. 6. 17. as bad as the worst ; yea , commit any sin that a Reprobate doth , 2 Cor. 6. 11. save that against the Holy Ghost : What were Abraham and Paul ? Acts 13. 48. the one an Idolator , the other a Persecutor ? Rom. 8. 30. Hence the World lasts still to gather up the Elect behinde ; 2 Pet. 3. 9. Whosoever belong hereto , shall certainly be called .

1. This confutes that blinde and desperate speech of them that say , Use 1. If they be Elect they shall be saved howsoever they live : This cannot be , for whom God hath Elected , he will call , they shall have the means , and they shall be effectual ; therefore thou must come to the means , and pray they may be effectual : If thou contemnest the means , and wilst not be obedient thereto , it s a certain argument of no Election ; for whom he Ordains to the end , he Ordains also to the means ; so also having once effectually called them , he will never lose them : 2 Tim. 2. 19. His gifts and calling are without Repentance : The foundation of God standeth sure , having the Seal , The Lord knoweth them that are his : They may indeed stumble and fall , but by vertue of Gods Election they shall rise again , as did Peter and David ; Their falling shews their own weakness , their rising the unchangeableness of Gods Election .

The Apostle speaketh to whole Churches , Object . that they were Elect of God , and yet many fell away .

1. He so speaks in respect of the better part , Sol. the true Elect among them . 2. In the Judgement of charity , for that they did outwardly profess the Word of God and live within compass , and so we do , and must esteem of such till they shew the contrary .

It s said , Obj. Him will I blot out of my book .

It s no more , Exod. 32. 33. but declare by my Judgement , that they were never written therein , Sol. by discovering them to be but Hypocrites .

But Moses his wish was , Object . To be blotted out of the book of life ; and Pauls , To be accursed from Christ . Exod. 32. 32.

These were but to shew their fervent affection to the people , Rom. 9. 3. and exceeding zeal to Gods glory , Sol. not that they could so be .

But saith our Savior , Object . I have chosen you twelve , and one of you is a Devil .

This is meant of an outward choyce to the office of Apostleship , Solut. and not the eternal decree of Gods Election . And

2. This is matter of exceeding comfort to all that can prove themselves of this number : Use 2. They must not be dismaid , though they be weak , and see great ones for gifts revolt and come to nothing : They fell , being ordained thereunto ; thou shalt stand , though weak , by vertue of Election : This also comforts when we consider our own frailty , Satans subtilty , malice , and diligence , and his great conquests in the World ; though there be matter from hence to make us humble , and fear , and stand on our watch , yet no cause of despair that we shall fall finally . True , if we were in Adams case , and our Salvation were in our own hand to lose , we might so fall ; but we are kept of God the Father , he Elected us , and committed us , and gave us to the Son to be Redeemed , and the Son having so done , commits us back again to the Father to be kept by his power : Iohn 17. 11. Therefore we are in a strong hand , and none can pluck us out of it ; This heartens in the service of God , to go on chearfully in duty . Doctr.

5. That a man may come to know , A man may know and be assured of his Election . and to be assured of his Election . Hereof see Downhams Spiritual warfare , page 186. where the point is handled . This bewrays the wicked cruelty of the Papists , See Luk. 10. 20. who for their own gain keep back this comfort from the people , 2 Pet. 1. 10. making them believe , it were presumption to be assured : but they must be of good hope ( say they ) and for the effecting of it , they must go on Pilgrimage to such and such Saints , do such Works , make Vows to build such a Monastrey , repair such a Church , and give thus much to the Priest for Trentals , Masses and Dirges , that if they come into Purgatory , hereby they may be speedily holpen out : O what thanks owe we to God that we are delivered from such Tormentors ! And if any of our Consciences be wounded , we we are led to the Free-grace , and all-sufficient Merits of Christ , and so are bound up and soundly comforted , finding that whereon firmly to rest ; whereas they leave any in as bad or worse case then they found them , who having done as they were by them enjoyned , are at as great uncertainty as they were before : So that we under the Gospel save the extream toil of our Bodies , the robbing of our Purses , and that which is worst of all , the discomfort of our Souls ( which they under Popery and Popish Teachers undergo ) and are faithfully dealt with by the mercy of God and Merits of Christ : God hath not appointed his Servants to wrestle with Flesh , World , and Devil , and all opposites , and left them onely a blank and uncertain hope , but an assurance of their Election past , and Salvation to come , which carries them through all , and is the foundation of a good life .

The Notes of Election are 1. Faith . Notes of Election . 2. Sanctification . 3. Obedience to the Word . 4. Love to the Saints , as may appear in these Scriptures following ; Acts 13. 48. Romans 8. 1. Psalm 15. 2. 2 Peter 1. 5. John 10. 27. with John 3. 14. Epistle the first . These , though some imagine they have , but have not , as one may dream of great Wealth , yet waking is Poor ; yet as a Rich man may know he is Rich , they that have them , may and do certainly know they have them ; Every of which is required to Salvation .

1. Seeing the Lord hath left this to be obtained by the Sons of men here on Earth , Use 1. how should this provoke every man with more carefulness then can be expressed to finde out this Pearl ? If we upon tryal of our selves can prove by these and the like infallible arguments that we have found it , then may we rejoyce above all rejoycing , yea , more then if we were Crowned Kings to day , for the priviledges of the Elect are most sweet and admirable .

2. O be thankful to God highly , Use 2. stand and wonder at the greatness and freeness of this favor all thy days , that he passing by so many thousands as good as thy self , should yet choose thee !

3. Yea , Use 3. Covenant to give thy Body , Soul , Life , and all to glorifie him in a most zealous and faithful maner : As a man choosing carefully an Arrow out of his Quiver , looks it should go right , and flie far over another . O let us do so in the service of God , and all good works : O what shame is it that such persons as have this assurance , should be dull and slow If upon tryal we cannot finde these notes of Election , What then ? Why , what hast thou upon tryal ? O saith some poor soul , if there be no notes of Election but these , I am in a woful case , and yet I have been laboring hard about this matter , to make my state good if it might be possible ! Well , you say well , that is a good sign . Are you utterly lost in your selves ? Mat. 5. 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit : Dost thou mourn under the heavy burthen of thy sins ? Blessed are they that mourn : Hearing of Christ , dost thou highly prize him , & earnestly long after him ? Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness . And dost thou desire to take up Christs yoke , though yet thou findest little power ? Why , these be good signs and marks of Election as well as the other ; every thing must have a beginning : Never leave till thou come to such a pass , that thou canst prove thine effectual calling , and shew it by good fruits : But if thou hast none of these at all , no sight of misery , no burthen of sin , no purpose to come out thereof , but hopest to do well , though thou livest after thine old lusts : O hang down thy head , go mourning all the day , as one that hath lost his only Son ! Thou hast no mark of Election , but of the contrary : we pity them that have Tokens of the Plague upon them , but these are infinitely in a worse case ; these have Gods Tokens upon them , even of Gods Enemies and Reprobates : whether these have cause to be jolly or no , judge you .

Q. Whether can we be certain of anothers Election , or not ?

A. Certainly we cannot by the same certainty that we may be of our own ; Whether we may be certain of anothers Election . but probably we may , and very strongly of some , as we may be sure in every true visible Church there be some Elect , also we may know particular persons , Phil. 4. 3. as John the Elect Lady , and Paul , Clement with others : But for certainty we cannot , as we know our own by the witness of Gods Spirit to ours , and by the assurance of Faith ; therefore they are proudly conceited ; that think they have so much discerning , as if they be in a mans company a few hours , they can judge whether he be the childe of God or not ; fie upon this arrogancy : The Disciples could not do so by living with Judas a good while together , Mat. 26. 22. but askt , Is it I ? There have been some have gone so far , and carried it so smoothly , as for sundry years they have deceived many , not onely of the people , but of wise and faithful Ministersts ; God knoweth the heart certainly , we may guess , and the more godly wise any is , the better he can discern ; but very probably , and by the judgement of charity , we may judge more strongly of some then others , according to the grace of God , and continuance in one duty as in another , at home as abroad , in prosperity as adversity , yea , suffering for the truth , abiding constant in a godly course : They that have experience and knowledge what is necessary to Salvation , will look for these , and rest in nothing else : This we may have of others , and this every man ought to labor to lay up in the hearts of his Neighbors . A man must not onely lay up good evidence in his own conscience of his Election , but give as full a Testimony to the conscience of others as may be : This is a Crown to a man while he lives , an Honor when he is dead , better then a good ointment , then silver and gold , Prov. 22. 1. a comfort to his Friends , a credit to them that are left behinde .

1. This condemns them that so walk , Use 1. as charity it self cannot speak well of them , or esteem them in the state of grace , or any of Gods Elect , What shall be said of these when they be dead ? There 's an old bibbing carnal man dead , a proud yong man , a wicked woman of a very malicious heart , &c. To speak well of these were to sin against conscience and the truth it self .

2. Them also as walk so odly , Use 2. as though in some things they give good hope , yet they are either suspected to abide in some known sin , or take their liberty so much in gaming , or give such way to some notable corruptions , be so unreasonable hasty , so covetous and worldly , as men have no sound perswasion ; but being asked of them living or dead , they that are of understanding can give no confident or comfortable , but a lame and imperfect Testimony . This is indeed a pittiful thing : O leave something to comfort thy Wife , Friends , Kindred , when thou art dead , that they may not mourn excessively , as without hope , but may with others be perswaded thou art gone to God! O leave behinde thee a sweet memorial of thy self !

A royal priesthood , Observ. ] Here 's a second priviledge of Believers , cited ( as it seemeth ) out of Exod. 19. 5 , 6. By Christ they are made Kings , Christians through Christ are made Kings , Priests and Prophets . Priests , and Prophets : O what a priviledge and admirable advancement it is , that being by nature servants of sin and Satan , they should be made Kings , and so prophane , that they had nothing to do to draw near to God , may now be Priests , and offer Sacrifices to God ? where may be noted by the way , that even in the time of the Law , Christ and the Gospel was also Preached to the Jews , Christ and the Gospel preached in time of the Law . for they could not come to these priviledges , by the legal Sacrifices , but by the Lord Jesus : And therefore wickedly do they , that imagine God fed the Israelites onely with outward benefits , and that they had no spiritual things , 1 Cor. 10. 1 , 2. which is contrary to the Scriptures : Iohn 8. 56. Abraham saw Christs day , and the godly also among them saw the Messias , though darkly . Again ,

What Moses spake indefinitely to all the people , Observ. the Apostle here applieth the same particularly to Believers , The promises and priviledges laid down in the Scriptures belong onely to Gods Elect. Gods Elect , to whom only the promises and priviledges appertain , and they ought to apply them and make them their own , wherewith the wicked are not to meddle . To a wicked man there 's not a comfortable word spoken in all the Scriptures , while he so abides : Me-thinks he should be weary of his part , Acts 1. 25. and begin to turn in truth to God ; for then begins he to come within compass of these blessed promises and priviledges , not before : Nothing belongs to the wicked , but sin , and thereby the curses of God here , and Hell hereafter ; as it was Judas his own place . Observ.

This priviledge flows from our Election , Election is the foundation of all the good which comes to us . which is the foundation of all good that comes to us here and hereafter : And to become Kings , Priests and Prophets , who were by nature slaves of sin , abominable to God , and altogether darkness in matters of Salvation ; we obtain by the means of the Lord Jesus , Christ how our King , Priest and Prophet . who was our Mediator , and anointed King , Priest and Prophet , and discharged by the fulness of the Spirit , which was in him above measure , these offices for our Salvation : Our King , to gather , guide , defend us , and overthrow our Enemies , Men and Devils : Our Priest , to offer up himself a Sacrifice to God for us , and to make continual Intercession on our behalf : and our Prophet , to teach us all that is necessary to know to Salvation ; and not this onely , but he was King , Priest and Prophet , to make us such by conveighing a measure of that Spirit which is in him above measure , to enable us hereto . As Aaron being anointed with the holy oyl , it ran down on the skirt of his Garment , so did this from Christ to all his Members ; on Rev. 1. 6. But of these three dignities I have elsewhere spoken .

Onely see what kinde of persons believers be , Observ. other maner of ones then the world makes account : Believers are others then the world thinks for . They are Kings I tell you , Heirs of a Kingdom , as meanly as the world thinks of them ; and as little as they be in their own eyes , and as Kings they conquer and over-rule those that conquer and over-rule the Devil , the World , and the Flesh : They are also Priests , and may come with confidence into the presence of God , and bring Sacrifices that through Christ Jesus shall be well accepted of God ▪ and shew their Faces where the wicked may not come , though never so mighty ; They are also Prophets to teach , and their lips feed many .

1. Therefore they are to be highly thankful for this high advancement , Use 1. and labor to walk worthy of it , not in any carnal pride , but in all godly humility , but yet with notable courage and all true thankfulness to God : See Calvin on this place . This yet remember , that though Kings , yet its Spiritual , and therefore hinders not subjection and obedience to civil Kings and Magistrates ; which I speak , because Anabaptists do by such colours elude and take away the authority of Magistrates , and exempt themselves from them : 1 Tim. 6. 1. So Servants are to be obedient to their Masters , though not yet godly ; and to walk humbly , christianly and wisely , so every Christian is to give men their titles , and their due according to their place , yea , though they be bad .

2. Let all take heed how they meddle with these : Use 2. Reproach not , rail not on them : He that defends them is mighty : Abuse not them whom God hath so highly advanced ; If thou knewest what they were , thou wouldest fall down and kiss the ground on which they stand : Be not an Ishmael , lest thou be cast out of the house ; I tell thee its an ill mark : Saul , Saul , why persecutest ( said Christ ) thou me : many shall be condemned at the last day for not doing them good , what shall then become of thee , if thou do them any hurt ? I le tell you a far better way , Take knowledge of their happy estate , and labor to be one of them , though despised in the world , yet of account with God and Angels : Prov. 12. 26. It s well said , The Righteous is more excellent then his neighbor , &c. on the contrary , consider the woful estate of the wicked ; For what be they ? be they Kings , Priests or Prophets ? no such matter , Believers be so : They be Kings , Priests and Prophets , but the wicked are the slaves of sin and Satan , slaves to the flesh , to their own lusts , to the world : What though they be rich , yea , though they be Emperors , and not Believers , they are the vassels of Satan , and have nothing but their drudgery in sin , and Hell for their own place as their desert : Neither are they Priests , but prophane ones , let them stand off , for the holy God cannot abide unholy persons ; they and their Sacrifice are abomination to the Lord : They offer no Sacrifices at all of Prayer , Praise or Alms , or if they do , its abominable , because they offer not themselves soul and body to God first ; but they offer themselves to the Devil , and him they serve with body and soul , might and main : Neither are they Prophets , but dumb beasts , not savoring of the mysteries of Gods Kingdom , or if uttering any thing thereof , yet their ill lives disgrace it again : O that such considering their own base , and the others happy estate , would have an holy emulation to be as they ; and indeed nothing in this world is worthy to be envied but a Christian : Humble therefore thy self for thy sin past , turn to God for thy pardon in Christ , and labor to have thy part in him , and by him , and by Faith in him , thou shalt attain to be a Christian , and so consequently a King , Priest and Prophet , and be enabled to the duties of the same .

An holy nation , The Iews why termed an holy nation . ] Here 's a third priviledge , not meant of all the Jews , but of the elect among them ( and of all believing Gentiles , as Acts 2. 38 , 39. ) so called , Psa. 147. 19 , 20 1. Because they had the Oracles of God , the Word and Sacraments , Object . which no other had .

This belonged to all the Jews . Solut.

True , but it might be said , that they onely had them , which had the power of them to the conversion of their souls and Salvation ; and others had them not , which had no fruit and benefit by them . 2. Because they were sanctified and set aside by special grace to be holy ones to the Lords use .

Note then , That

All that be the Lords , Doctr. are holy persons ; that is , Not onely having Christs holiness imputed to them , All that be the Lords company ore holy persons . but in whom God worketh inherent Righteousness and Holiness by his Spirit , conveying vertue from Christs death to kill sin , and from his Resurrection , to raise them to newness of life , See Ephe. 1. 4. to alter and change them throughout in soul , spirit and body : 1 Thess. 4. 2. & 5. 23. This though not perfect in any , yet is sound and upright in them all , therefore he gives them his holy Word , and holy Spirit to work this , and holy Sacraments to encrease it ; and its requisite , Heb. 12. 14. that as God is holy , so also all his should so be ; and these be they shall see his face with comfort , Acts 20. 32. & 26. 18. no other , and for these onely is Heaven prepared .

O let every man examine himself , whether he be a sanctified person or not ; if yea , Then

1. To thy comfort know hereby , Use. thou art one of the Lords number , a greater priviledge then to be written among the Potentates of the earth : Comfort and Counsel for sanctified persons . There 's Consolation to thee , thou wert elected , and shalt be glorified .

2. Seeing thou art set aside for the Lords use , and sanctified in body and soul , never defile thy self again , or put any part of thy body and soul to any common or unholy use of sin or Satan . In the Law it was ever most fearful to take any Consecrated thing , as the Holy Oyl , Shew-bread , or Vessels , and put them to any common use ; so is it that we should put Hand , Foot or Tongue to any use of sin or corruption , for any part of our souls or lives : Oh , many contrarily can let loose their tongue to impatient , proud , and most unseemly speeches , yea and their bodies and mindes ; some to excessive following the world , as they were wont , and as worldlings do ; and some after their pleasures and vanities : O that we would grow and abound in Sanctification , that here having our fruit in holiness , we may have the end everlasting life .

If not , but contrarily you either live in prophaneness , the open breach of some of the Commandments , or be only superstitiously holy in some odde devotions , The misery of those that are unsanctified , with advice to them to come out of this condition . and loose in other things ; as Papists , and a number of old Folks , or such as have a counterfeit holiness in the first Table , and make no conscience of the duties of the second ; or contrarily civil persons , that seem very just in the second Table , but savor nothing of the duties of the first Table : Know you are yet unsanctified persons , and therefore out of Gods number ; you may be members of the visible Church , Psal. 15. 1 , 2. where good and bad , chaff and corn are , but not of the invisible who onely are sanctified ones : Let such be what they will be , having Wit , Learning , Wealth , Wisdom , Civility , all skill of Languages , yea , if they could measure the Heavens , number the Stars ▪ &c. and be not sanctified , they are of the Devils rabble , Rom. 6. 21. and shall perish everlastingly : O that you would awake out of your courses ; What fruit have ye had , or look ye to have therein ? The end of these things is death : Come to the Word , crave the Holy Spirit , desire Pardon and Sanctification ; till this be , you are not out of the state of Damnation , and all things are impure to you , Tit. 1. 15. Word , Sacraments , yea your Meat , Drink , Apparel , &c.

A peculiar people , Obs. ] That is , a people proper to the Lord , which he himself hath purchased , The Church Gods peculiar people . and which he now takes as his own , and sets great store by , called therefore his secret ones , whom he keeps under his protection , Deut. 32. 8 , 9. to whom also he reveals his secrets , his Beloved ones , his Spouse , his Love , his undefiled , as the Apple of his eye , the Signet on his right hand , See Isa. 49. whom he cannot forget . In the flood he saved his Church , when all others were drowned ; he saved Lot , when Sodom was destroyed ; he makes more account of one Christian , then of thousands of others : If one of them pray , it s so forcible , that he says , Let me alone ; and if thousands of wicked , it s but as the howling of Dogs , an abomination : They are his glory , all the world are dross to them , Isa. 4. 5. vile persons , and base : The wicked though never so many , are but servants to the Church , as the seven Nations were to make the Land of Canaan fit for the people of God ; yea even then , when they seem to dominier most over them , they are but their drudges : They as a wisp scour the Church , to make it bright in the eyes of God , but the wisp is to be cast into the fire ; they are Gods rod to bring it to obedience ; when that s effected , the rod is to be flung into the fire . And

No marvel though the Lord set such store by his Church , No marvel though he set much by it seeing he hath been at such cost therewith ; as to Redeem it with the blood of his Son , and to give his Spirit thereto to graft and unite it to Christ , and to sanctifie and make it like himself : How dear are our children to us ? God hath made us sons , nay heirs ; the Lands we purchase be dear to us , we are Gods purchase ; our members be dear to us , God hath made us members of his Son .

1. Oh , Use 1. if we be so peculiar and choyce to the Lord , how choycely should we walk ? how should we set as great store by the Lord and his Commandments , as he hath done by us ? He hath chosen us for his inheritance ; we should chuse him for our portion , and make him so , and his Word our Heritage as David did : O how warily should we walk ! Zech. 12. 8. Every Christians ought to be one of a thousand , the least as David , and the greatest of the Angel as God : we should shine so among others , as Moses his face shone when he came down from the Lord , that we may straight be discerned by our conversation , who and what we are : O how doth this tax the coldness and carelesness of many Christians , in whom who can view any singular thing ? but we ought to be singular persons : They omit duties in their Families , or slubber them over , as many Hypocrites , who can upon any occasion be as froward , impatient , worldly , as any other : Is it not requisite that such as the Lord hath been at such cost with , as to Elect them , Redeem them , call them by his Word and Spirit , Sanctifie them , &c. should be extraordinary persons ? we should be much in those duties that the World and Hypocrites do not meddle with , as private Prayer , Examination , Watchfulness , yea , against secret corruption , and in those we do , we must perform them after another fashion then heretofore .

2. This is a comfort that God makes such special reckoning of his ; Use 2. therefore though we have many and mighty Enemies , yet we need not fear : God is on our side , he is about us , as the Mountains about Jerusalem ; they must dig down God ere they can come at his , overcome God ere they can conquer his .

3. Terror to the wicked ; Use 3. How dare they meddle to hurt or persecute any of these little ones , Iudges 5. 23. lest their Angel be let loose to destroy them ? If Meroz were cursed for not helping them , what shall they be that harm them ? They that rail on them , mock and misuse them , would do further if opportunity served .

4. The wicked are of no reckoning with God , Use 4. for they be like the Devil , and do nothing but sin against God , and are his Enemies ; The wicked are as chaff and darnel , the godly as wheat ; the good as the fish in the net , the wicked as weeds and frogs ; the good as the vine , the bad as the nettles and brambles ; the good as the tree planted by the rivers of waters , Psal. 1. 3. &c. the wicked as barren , nay , hurtful trees ; the godly be like good ground , Heb. 6. 8. the wicked like that which bears thorns and bryars : This should make them see their base condition , and set less by themselves , seeing God sets nothing by them , and joyn themselves to the Lords people , and labor to be such .

That ye should shew forth the praises of him , &c. ] The end of all these priviledges and this cost is , that we might shew forth by word and deed all the vertues of God , his Mercy , Patience , Wisdom , Goodness , &c. shewed in our Election , Redemption , Vocation , Sanctification , &c. Where note .

1. That God hath not bestowed this cost on us in vain , Obs. but that we might both sound out his praises with our mouthes , Gods glory the end of all the priviledges bestowed on us and throughout out whole life shew forth the same : O how infinitely stand we indebted to him ; But where is our zeal any thing answerable to the least of these unspeakable mercies vouchsafed unto us ?

2. That he did not Elect us , Obs. because he foresaw we would shew forth his vertues , We were Elected of God , that we might shew forth his praises . but that we might so do ; If he had foreseen any works in us , we might then have shewed forth our own Merits , as his Vertues , but that s contrary to this Text and the whole course of Scripture : Eph. 1. 4. Therefore we may say herein , Not unto us , but unto thy name give the glory . 2 Tim. 1. 9.

3. That he Elected us , Obs. not to be idle , but to shew forth his Vertues ; We were not Elected to be idle , &c. and this confuteth the Opinion of those that hold the Doctrine of Election , and the unchangeableness thereof to be a Doctrine of Liberty , Use. and a gap to all licentiousness : But he chose us , that we should be holy , Eph. 1. 4. and that not in shew to please men , but before him , even so as he requireth and accepteth .

4. That the furthest end of our Election is Gods glory , Obs. not our Salvation . Gods glory the furthest end of our Election . True , he propounded that too , but not as the furthest end : So he ordained some to Damnation , not that simply he takes pleasure in their destruction , See Prov. 16. 4. but to set forth his glory , even the glory of his power and justice in their just condemnation ; Rom. 9. 23. so would he be glorified in his mercy in the Salvation of the Elect. Eph. 1. 5 , 6. Hence learn we

To make the glory of God the end of all our actions , Use. and nothing else , not profit , not pleasure , not preferment , no not the Salvation of our own souls ; we must not Hear , Meditate , Pray , keep the Sabbath , flie from Sin , do good to save our Souls , ( for then we seek our selves ) but that God may be glorified ; the other must be minded in the second place .

Who hath called you , ] He describeth God by a special benefit bestowed upon them , namely , their effectual calling from sin to grace ; and this he doth to confirm them in their Election , whereof he had spoken before , Doctr. by which they might prove the same .

Note then that effectual calling is a certain argument of our Election ; Effectual calling is a certain argument of Election . I say effectual calling , because there is 1. An outward calling common to the Reprobate ( as many are called , but few are chosen ) and 2. An inward and effectual calling , Two sorts of calling , outward and inward . when the Spirit goes with the outward means , and boars through the ear of the heart , and opens the eyes , and breaks through all lets , and enlightens and changes a man admirably , who before was not at all moved when he heard the very same things : when God deals with the Reprobate , he calls them outwardly , but when with his Elect , he goeth to work with his Spirit , Iames 1. 18. which passeth the power of Man or Angels ; the work is the Lords .

The outward instrument of effectual calling , Obs. is principally the Ministery of the Word ; The word the outward instrument hereof . other things may prepare ( as the fire heats the iron , but the hammer fashioneth it ) as affections , the good conversation of others , and the like : Thus the Jailor was by an Earthquake , 1 Pet. 3. 1. some are gastered , and first smitten ( yet rarely ) by some fear in the night , Acts 16. 26. or at some other time fearful thoughts lay hold on them : But this is not conversion ( it s no other then may be in a Reprobate ) after they are brought by counsel to the Word , where it may be they receive conversion , and even that terror of conscience though it were occasioned by some outward thing , yet it is the Word that indeed works it , as which tells them both of their sin and danger .

The parts of it , The parts of effectual calling . are 1. An enlightening of the understanding , with a distinct knowledge of the principal points of Salvation . 2. The opening of the heart to believe . 3. The changing of the whole man from that ill nature that was in him to a quite contrary : The Law prepares and make them see their deadly danger , and by the Spirit , makes to feel it grievously , and then the Gospel works by little and little , hope to comfort , and so a change .

The cause that moves the Lord to do this to any , Obs. is his meer mercy , and no desert , Gods free mercy the cause hereof . as is Election and Redemption , so is our effectual calling free : And this inward effectual calling is an infallible argument of Election past , 2 Tim. 1. 9. and glory to come : They are links of the golden chain of mans Salvation , Rom. 8. 30. that cannot by all the Devils be sundred , 2 Pet. 1. 10. but have one and have all .

Hereupon me thinks every mans heart should burn within him to prove his calling , Every one must endeavor to prove his calling . that hereby he might have a mark of his Election : They that can prove it , may have exceeding comfort ; and they must also beware , Rom. 12. 2. lest being calling out of the world to God , they look any more back , Eph. 4. 1. or be more and more defiled with the fashions and maners thereof ; and every day in hearing the Word , obey every part thereof , and walk worthy of your holy Calling : Much are they to be blamed that do no more honor their Calling , but drop into things like men of this world , yea , are overcome of the world and covetousness .

But haply thou doubtest of thy Calling , because thou findest not these fruits , or not so plentifully as thou would'st ; be not discouraged , though thou beest dull , and full of infirmities , and strong corruptions , yet unfainedly hating and resisting them , and being grieved at them , and using the means against them , thou art not to call thy foundation into question ; yet must thou humble thy self , and as occasion requires , set on more earnestly , use the means more carefully , and daily renew thy repentance . But for those that shew no fruits of their Calling , but though they have had the Word , and been Hearers , yet remain prophane and impenitent altogether , or seeming to go some steps , yet are not changed throughout through Faith , they are not yet called ; for never imagine that every one that hears Sermons , yea usually , and with joy , and mends many things , and lives in some good fashion , is straight truly called : not onely the high-way ground , but even the stony , yea thorny , which went far , and beyond most in Congregations , yet were not effectually called ; and numbers among our selves , that think well of themselves , are not truly called , are not Believers , nor turned to God : Well , let every man examine himself throughly ; being not called , I dare not speak a word of comfort to you in this case , you have not onely no mark of Election , but the contrary , when God hath by all means called , as by promises , threatnings , &c. and none have prevailed : O now use the means with all diligence , and though hitherto you have disobeyed the words of Gods calling , yet let them now open the doors of your hearts ! If you do , Prov. 1. 28. God will be merciful and blot out all ; if you will not , when you shall hereafter call , you shall not be heard : and you which would not obey this gracious voyce of the Gospel , to believe and repent that you might be saved , shall one day hear another kinde of voyce from him , which you shall obey , nill you will you , to your own confusion .

Out of darkness into his marvellous light . ] Here are the parts of calling , both from whence and whereto . What to understand by darkness .

By darkness is meant ignorance of Christ Jesus , and sin , which are the works of darkness , and tend to utter darkness ; In this case they were .

How could these Jews be said to be in darkness which had the Law , Obj. and were skilful therein , Rom. 2. 17. and stood not a little upon it ?

They had knowledge of the Law , Sol. but Christ Jesus , Iohn 17. 3. the accomplishment of the Law , they knew not , to know whom aright is life everlasting : All knowledge without this is nothing but darkness still ; so that he means not , that they were without the means of knowledge , as the Gentiles were , for one may have the means , and yet be in darkness ; nor that they were called out of ignorance to some knowledge by the means , for one may have much knowledge , and yet be in darkness ; but that they were called out of darkness , that is ; out of ignorance of Christ and Salvation by him , out of the state of corruption and sin , and working the works of darkness , and going to utter darkness .

To his light , What by light . that is , to know Christ by a saving particular , and effectual knowledge to Sanctification and Holiness of life , which are the works of the light , and so to the hope of the eternal light of happiness . Hereunto they were called out of the state of unbelief and sin , which tend to death ; for so sin is called darkness , and holiness light : Sin is termed darkness , because it comes from the Devil the Prince of darkness , loves darkness , and goes to darkness : Holiness comes from light , even God the Father of lights loves and can abide the light , and goes to light , 1 Iohn 1. 5. and God the Fountain of Holiness is called light . Here note ▪

What every mans estate is till he be called , Observ. even that we are not onely darkened , Every unregenerate person is darkness . but darkness it self : We were all made light in Adam , full of knowledge and holiness , since the fall we are all darkness , and when God means to save any , Eph. 4. 17. & 5. 8. he pulls them out of darkness : Darkness hath a power indeed , Acts 26. 18. which were it not for the Almighty power of God delivering us therefrom , Col. 1. 13. would hold us under for ever ; and as long as we be in this darkness , 1 Iohn 1. 6. we have no right to the Kingdom of God , nay we have nothing to do with God , we are neither his sons , people nor servants : The man that is not effectually called and sanctified ( what gifts soever he hath ) is yet in darkness , and never wrought other then the works of darkness : He may do good things , and the works of light , but they be not so in him , being darkly performed by corrupt nature , without Faith or the Spirit , neither tending to the right end : This may be said of every unregenerate person , though never so old , civil , or of good parts .

1. This confutes the Papists , Use 1. that teach that there are some such pure Naturals left in man , some Free-will to goodness , which if God stir up a little and help , can work ; and that they can merit of Congruity , which crosseth both this and other Scriptures , as , That the thoughts of mans heart are onely evil continually ; Gen. 6. 5. That the wisdom of the flesh is enmity with God ; Rom. 8. 7. and , Eph. 2. 1. That we are dead in trespasses and sins .

2. This should make the world weary of their part : Use 2. O that a man had but wisdom enough to perswade all ignorant persons that they be in darkness , and going to Hell ; nay , all persons of what parts soever , that being void of Faith , and not sanctified , they are in this case : It s not because they are not so , but because they are so deep in darkness , as all that can be said to them from God about the same , cannot so perswade them , but that they love darkness more then light , cannot away to be called out of it , think their case as good as others ; Awake thou that sleepest , and stand up , Christ shall give thee light . Who would abide in a dark Dungeon , that might be abroad in the light ? in Egypt , when he might be in Goshen with Gods children ? Men think because they have the light of the Sun , and their eyes to see , they think that they be not in darkness , but their Souls be in most woful darkness : Never think to work the works of darkness , and yet come to the light of Heaven .

Into his marvellous light . Observ. ] This is opposed to darkness ; therefore hereby is meant saving knowledge of Christ , Every true Believer is brought into the saving knowledge of Christ . which is life Eternal , and true Light , Holiness , and Sanctification , the hope of Heaven , and the inheritance of the Saints in light : This is not onely light , but marvellous light , either in respect of the contrary darkness , or in respect of it self . This is the estate of every Believer , of every sanctified person .

1. This shews the infinite oddes between the true Christian , Use 1. and those that be not so ; and that not onely between Pagans that have no means , who be deep and every way in darkness , but even between Christians , and them that have both means , and it may be knowledge , yet are still unconverted and unsanctified persons : The one is in light , 1 Ioh. 1. 7. the other in darkness ; Iohn 8. 44. the one have fellowship with God , the other with the Devil : O that men saw the oddes ! they would not onely not judge their own case so good , and despise the servants of God as they do , Zech. 8. 23. but would reverence them , and take hold of their skirt , and say , We will go with you .

2. It teacheth Christians brought into this marvellous light , Use 2. how to walk as children of the light , and to have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness , but to reprove them , nor with the workers of iniquity ; But how few thus walk ▪ O let our conversation be honest , and our light so shine , that we may lighten others : Being herein like God , we may be assured we are going to everlasting light .

Verse 10. Which in time past were not a people , but are now the people of God ; which had not obtained mercy , but now have obtained mercy .

HE addes to the heap another mercy to stir them up to the thankfulness he speaks of ; and to the end the mercy and benefit may be seen to be the greater , he sets it out by the contrary , comparing the time present with the time past , when it was far otherwise with them ; and as he compared them with others before , so he compareth them now with themselves .

Which in time past , &c. ] Here the Apostle alludeth to Hos. 1. 10. where the Lord setteth out both the sins and punishment of the ten Tribes under a Typical marriage of the Prophet with a notorious Strumpet , which was not a thing verily done , but to set the more lively before their eyes their Sins and Idolatries ; as under the name of those supposed children , were set out the punishments that God meant to send upon them for the same ; as , That they should be scattered abroad , That God would have no mercy on them , and lastly , which was worst of all , That they should not be his people ; all which were accordingly fulfilled : For first they were carried Captive of the Assyrians , and there retained some remnants of the Worship of God in a corrupt maner , and kept together ; but after when the Medes and Persians prevailed over the Assyrians , they were then scattered over the Nations so far and wide , as they had no part of Gods Worship remaining among them , but were so mingled among the Heathen , as they became no people of God at all , but altogether wrapt in all the maners of the Heathen Nations with whom they lived : This is that here meant , when he saith , They were not the people of God , &c. And lest the good among them should be altogether dismaid , as though God had broken his Covenant , he promiseth , That the time should come , that he would receive them into his favor again , which was now accomplished , as the Apostle saith , When by the Gospel they were gathered to the Faith of the Lord Jesus .

In that he sets before them the time past , and what they were , Note , That for a people or particular persons to look to their beginnings , Observ. is of good and singular use : For a people or particular persons to look to their beginnings is of good use . As for us , who since Christs coming are admitted to the same priviledges with the Jews , have the Gospel Preached , Christ Jesus offered , Grace given to receive him , the Word and Sacraments to assure us of him , Heaven opened to us as well as they ; for us , I say , being thus , and having the truth , and onely way of Salvation Preached to us by Jesus Christ : To consider what we were will be of great use , as that we were aliens from the common-wealth of Israel , Strangers , drown'd in Idolatry and all Sin , without knowledge of the true God , but woshiping the Devil in stead of the true God ; that in the days and under the Tyranny of Antichrist , we were held in blindeness , made to worship Images , taught to believe that we must be saved by Masses , Mans Merits , Popes Pardons , scared with Purgatory , thinking that then we did God high service , when we most dishonored him : So to consider with our selves what we were before our Calling , Ignorant , in Unbelief , Prophane , the servants of Sin , slaves of Satan , in Darkness , loving Sin as our lives , hating the Word and all goodness , &c. and what we are now through Gods mercy , will be of great use . For

This serves , Reason 1. 1. To make us humble , and take down our pride : Therefore , when the Israelites would so brag of Abraham , and Jacob , or Israel , that they were their Seed and Posterity , the Lord by his Prophets would tell them , and what was Abraham , but a poor Idolater in the Land of Ur of the Caldees , and a lone man , a dry stick , and Sarah barren ? and what was Israel ? was he not a fugitive , as it were , fain to flie for his life into Mesopotamia , and so poor , as he went onely with his staff in his hand , there served for wages , following the sheep , at his return ready to be devoured by Esau ? what great cause then have you to brag of your Progeny ?

2. To stir us up to thankfulness , Reason 2. when we see we were most wretched , and miserable , poor , and blinde , and naked , having no dram of any good in our selves ; this is a great cause of thankfulness : whereas if we think we have ever been as now , or that we had some goodness in us before , as the Papists teach , we cannot be truly and heartily thankful to God as we should : Therefore the Doctrine of Rome , That man is not so miserable , See Rom. 6. 17. but that he hath some good in himself , 1 Cor. 6. 10. &c. Tit. 3. 3. will never humble a man as he ought to be , nor make him so thankful as he should be : David was put in minde that he was taken from following the Ewes with yong , that thereby he might be the more thankful .

3. To strengthen our faith to believe in God for afterwards , Reason 3. and for all blessings needful to Salvation : Phil. 1. 6. He that hath already done thus much for me , 1 Thess. 5. will not now fail me .

1. Therefore we should do well oftentimes , Use 1. especially when we feel our hearts lifted up with pride , to enter into a deep consideration of our former estate , and what we were before God shewed mercy to our souls in enlightening , converting , and effectually calling us ; for we are ready to be puffed up , as though we had not received it , and lift up our selves , and contemn others ; now alas we should consider , such were we , and once as far from Salvation as they , and so pity them .

2. When we finde our selves dead or dull to duties , Use 2. do but consider what he hath done for us , and from what a base condition he hath pulled us , and into what dignity he hath advanced us , and this will make us shake off all laziness .

3. When our faith is weak , Use 3. and we begin to fear the time to come , consider , He that freely before the world chose us ( passing by most others ) gave his Son to dye for us , his Word to tell us thereof , his Spirit to assure us thereof , and so Sanctifie us , he will not now leave his work imperfect .

O but our sins be so many , Object . and we be so unworthy !

If thy sins could have turned away Gods favor , Solut. he would have kept his mercy away at the first ; but seeing they could not keep God from shewing thee mercy at the first , they shall never take away the favor of God from thee , now that he hath vouchsafed the same , they shall never take it away wholly and for ever .

Here the Apostle alludes ( as ye heard ) to Hosea 1. 10. Observ. God there threatned to cut them off from being his people , No priviledges can exempt the contemners of the Word from Gods wrath . which after fell out . Whence learn , that

No priviledges can exempt men from Gods wrath , but if they contemn his Word , he will take it from them , and cast them off : Thus he did with the posterity of Abraham ; a very lamentable spectacle to see the ten Tribes carried into Assyria Captives , thence by the Medes chased into many Nations , and dispersed , that had sometimes been the people of God , and now nothing less , but became no people , were as the Heathens ; thus hath it fallen out to many Nations since our Savior Christ , as to the Churches that the Apostles Paul and John wrote to , and divers others .

This may terrifie us , Use. and hereby we may learn to stand in awe : If God did not spare them , Rom. 11. 21. will he spare us ? we stand upon our good behavior ; the sins of our Land be many , not onely Bribery , Oppression , Whoredom , Drunkenness , Pride , Covetousness , but horrible prophanations of Sabbaths and Sacraments , fearful contempt of the Word , and abuse of Gods Servants , and with most , Religion grown to a mock , and a reproach to those that be any thing forwarder therein then others .

If any shall say , Obj. We have enjoyed the mercy of God , and the Gospel , a long time .

Not so long as the Israelites did . Sol.

But what then should God do for a people ? Object .

As when God cast off the Jews , Sol. he took us Gentiles in , which they thought could never have been , even so can he finde him out a people among the ignorant and wilde people , which are no worse then this Nation sometimes was , though he should utterly cast us off .

In making them a people again , see both the mercy , power , and truth of God .

1. His mercy in receiving them in again : Gods mercy in making the Iews a people again . Where learn , That Though God should forsake some of the seed of a godly man , yet he will extend mercies on others for their fathers sakes , and remember the next or third Generation for the good old father , or Grandfather .

Let Parents be godly , Use 1. that all their children may be so ; or if the Lord should frown on any of them , that yet he may remember his Covenant to their Posterity .

Again , Use 2. though God be angry with men for their sins , yet if they unfeignedly turn to him and humble themselves , he is gracious and merciful .

As this should provoke Gods Servants when they have offended , Use 3. not to fly from him and dispair , but come humbly to him , remembring that though they have shaken off the nature and part of Children , yet he retains still the nature of a father ; so this may provoke lewd Wretches to come unto God , Apply 1 King . 20. 21. hearing he is so merciful . But contrarily , they abuse the same , and go on in their sins .

2. His power : His power . Though they were thus scattered , and so unlikely ever to be gathered again , yet did the Lord effect it . If men say a thing , or have a minde to a thing , they may hap to do it , but if God minde a thing , he will do it , neither shall any , or any thing let him .

This may comfort us in all Gods promises of protection of his Church , Use. against the proud adversaries of the same : See Psal. 74. 12. — 18. And let such take heed how they oppose God in his Church , or stand in his way , lest they receive that which they shall never claw off again . Though the Jews at this time be so scattered , as that they be in all Nations , yet God will finde a means to gather them under the knowledge and scepter of Jesus Christ .

3. His truth : His truth . That was verified and came upon them , which God had threatned in the time , and by the ministery of Hosea ; and whereas there it was foretold , that yet afterward they should be called home again , and be made the people of God : See the truth of his promises as of his threatnings ; Use. for his promise to Abraham he took them in again .

Were not a people ] He saith not , Observ. they were not the people of God , but , Impenitent persons not worthy the name of people . they were not a people ; What then ? heads of Swine , not worthy the name of a people or of men , but of Beasts ; for such are they which live without the knowledge of God and Christ ; nay , evil Beasts , as Horse and Mule without understanding , Oxen and Asses may teach them wit : Tit. 1. 12. The Sork , Crane and Swallow know their times , Psal. 32 ▪ 9. which they do not , nay worse then Beasts : Hence the Scripture compares them to Dogs , Isa. 1. 3. Lyons , Ier. 8. 7. & 50. 27. Foxes , Tygres , Cockatrices , &c. as wicked rich men to fed beasts . If a Horse have drunk his fill , let him come through the clearest water that is , Amos 4. 1. and he stays not ; but numbers having already drunk too much , must needs drink at every Alehouse they come at . It s grace that puts excellency in a man , without which he is worse then a Beast , for he is degenerate from his Creation , hath understanding , but serveth not his Creator , but rebelleth against him , and his end will be a thousand times worse then a Beast : A wicked man is called in Latine , Nequam , which signifieth no body , and so he is indeed in Gods account , No body ; and happy were it with him , if he were indeed no body , but he hath a being here to sin , and hereafter to be tormented .

Do not we therefore rest contented with our natural state , Use but labor for grace in our hearts .

But are now the people of God ] Though scattered , Observ. yet became they the people of God : No outward affliction doth nullifie Gods Church . So that no outward affliction doth nullifie Gods Church , as no outward pomp nor living together in wealth make a Church ; Gods Church scattered , is yet one Houshold , one Sheepfold . Further , in that he reckons it for a great priviledge and blessing , that they were the people of God , Note , That

It s the greatest blessing in the world for a Nation to be the people of God , Obser. even to enjoy the Word and Sacraments , To be the people of God a choyce blessing . and other Ordinances of God , the means of Salvation : so for a particular person to be one of Gods true people ; Psal. 147. 20. for as for all outward things , they are common to the wicked , yea the Beasts partake of many of them , but the means of Salvation they are happy things : It s the fearfullest thing in the world not to be the people of God ; for if we be in Poverty , Trouble , Captivity , under Tyrants , yet it s nothing , so we enjoy the means of Salvation ; and if a Nation have all Plenty and Peace , yet want the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus , it s nothing : So for a particular person , if he be never so Poor , Sick , Imprisoned , Hated , yet if the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus be in his heart , and true holiness , he is not misrable ; and if all Wealth , Honor , Health , whatsoever can be put upon a man , if he be not the childe of God , it s nothing . St. James bids the poor Christian rejoyce , because he is made a Christian , exalted ; and the rich man to rejoyce , because he is by the grace of God made lowly , not because rich .

1. This may stir up in us thankfulness to God , Use 1. that hath vouchsafed to make us his people in this Land , for which we cannot be sufficiently thankful : But most regard not that which makes the Land happy , namely the Gospel ; This is that which makes this Land the people of God , and nothing else .

2. It teacheth us particularly to labor to be of his true people effectually Called , Use 2. Justified , Sanctified , Zealous of good Works , loving the Word , affecting it , and finding it sweeter then the honey , and the honey comb , more precious then gold and silver , delighting in the Sacraments and Prayer , walking in true Holiness , &c. thus shall we be happier then Kings without it . He that is one of Gods true people is dear to God , he will protect him & provide for him , that he shall want no good thing here , and be glorified with him hereafter ; every one will be challenging this to himself , the worst of all will take the best names to themselves , and be termed Christians , but let them win it and wear it .

Which had not obtained mercy ] What then ? were under Gods Wrath and Justice ; and why not under Mercy ? because of their sins . So that Sins , Observ. especially unrepented of , are a wall of brass to keep Gods mercy from us . Sin unrepented of lets Gods mercy . Therefore repent of them , for without Gods mercy we are utterly undone for ever .

But now have obtained mercy . Use. ] This is the same for substance with the former words , and there remain no several Doctrines our of these , besides those there handled , excepting this ; Namely , that

What God did for them in making them his people , Observ. was of his meer mercy : What God did for the Iews was of mercy ; and so all that we have . He had no need of them , they deserved no such matter . Learn then , that

All that we have or have had , is of meer grace ; That we Gentiles are called to be the people of God , Iohn 3. 16. That this Land hath the Gospel , That our selves particularly were Elected , 2 Tim. 1. 9. was of meer mercy ; So were we redeemed , Eph. 2. 4. so effectually called : Nothing in us to move him to shew any mercy , Tit. 3. 3. first or last , 1 Pet. 1. 3. nay , all to move him to the contrary , nay , it was not onely mercy , but abundant and wonderful mercy .

1. This confuteth Popish arrogancy , Use 1. that teach mans Merits to be in part the cause hereof .

2. It teacheth us to walk so much the more thankfully and obediently in all things ; Use 2. as we especially take kindely the good turns of a Stranger : O say we , I am exceedingly beholding to him , thus and thus he did , I never saw him before , I shall never forget it ! What thankfulness then owe we to God for his love towards us , who were altogether ignorant of him ? The less desert Mephi●●●heth found in himself , 2 Sam. 19. 28. the more he found himself bound to David , so may we to God .

3. We must learn to imitate the Lord , Use 3. to be merciful as he is , and to do good to those that never deserved ought of us , Matt. 5. 44. nay , to do good to those that have deserved ill of us , and this men can hardly be brought to : O say some , and those not of the worst , I could be content to yield and to do any thing , but he hath thus and thus abused me with his tongue ! But have not we done so by the Lord ?

Verse 11. Dearly beloved , I beseech you , as strangers and pilgrims , to abstain from fleshly lusts , which war against the soul.

HAving laid Doctrine for his ground , he follows now with Exhortation ; both these go necessarily together to the doing of good , and may not be sundred : The Doctrine was about the great things that God had done for them , and therefore hereupon he Exhorts them to holiness , and purity of heart and life ; before he shewed what God had done for them , now he shews their work ; before he shewed that the end of those priviledges , was , that they should shew forth Gods vertues , now he shews how that should be done , namely , in laboring to be pure in heart and life in token of thankfulness , and so that being advanced to such dignities , they were not to be idle , but work for God , and walk according to the benefits bestowed : In this verse he exhorts to purity of heart , in the next to holiness in conversation , and these he joyns together . Holiness in heart and conversation must accompany one another . Holiness in general , is and must be the life of Gods people : These two parts of it , in heart and conversation , must go together , one as the Mother , the other the Offspring , that as the Root , this as the Branches ; like two Twins that are born and dye , weep and laugh together . In vain doth any man boast of purity of heart , whiles his conversation is naught ; In vain doth any man strive to have a good conversation , whiles his heart is suffered to boyl with corrupt lusts : First , he begins with cleansing the heart , as from whence must come good conversation , the onely true discerner of the purity of the heart .

The parts of this Verse are two : 1. An Exhortation , where we have both the maner wherein it s delivered , namely , by way of beseeching , and the matter exhorted to , namely , To abstain from filthy lusts ; whereby we are to understand , not such sins as be acted by the body , but the lusts of the heart , for even body and soul is flesh naturally , that is , sinful and corrupt . Fleshly lusts , that is , sinful and carnal corrupt lusts ; such as have place in the heart , ere they break out , from those we are to abstain , even to take heed they prevail not in us , but resist and mortifie the same . 2. The Reasons thereof , 1. Because they fight against the Soul . 2. They were and we are Pilgrims here ; not of this world , therefore not to follow the lusts of this world , but to minde Heaven and be Spiritual .

Dearly beloved ] We must know he dissembled not , but spake as he thought , and meant , and felt . Hence note ,

What affection of love Ministers ought to bear to the people they have taken charge of : Observ. If people have chosen one , Ministers must love and affect their people . and entrusted him with their souls , he is then to be between God and them : O what a near conjuction , and what great love must there be ! The Apostle writeth to the Corinthians , 1 Cor. 4. 15. That he was their Father ; and to the Galathians , Gal. 4. 19. That he travelled in birth till Christ was formed in them ; 1 Thess. 2. 7 , 8. and to the Thessalonians , That he was affectioned towards them , as a nurse cherisheth her children : He loved them at the heart root , and was content not onely to take any pains for them , but to lose his life for their good , Iohn 10. 11. as a good Shepherd .

Love also being so necessary a duty in the people , as without which nothing can go aright as it should , and that most are full of self-love , but very cold in love to their neighbor ; Ministers must be very much and often in perswading hereto , and the several parts thereof , consisting in giving , forgiving , patience and forbearance , and doing all good both to their souls and bodies , and that both by word and deed , and that not onely by precept , but also patern .

But chiefly this is the Reason he should be so full of love to the people , Reason . that they may be moved the more by his Ministry , and it may prevail the more effectually with them ; when they see that whether it be admonition or rebuke , yet it cometh from one that entirely loves them in the Lord , and is hungry of their souls , and desires above all to win and gain them to God , which would be above all riches to them ; if not , our nature is sickly and full of self-love . If we think our selves not to be loved , we make little use of whatsoever we are taught , though this be indeed a fault in us , for the matter it self ought to move us : But as if the sick person knew the Physitian to be one , that besides his skill , bears him good will , it will make him willing to take physick of him ; whereas if he thinks he bears him no good will , he cannot be brought to meddle with him , or take any thing of him ; so it s with them that are well or ill perswaded of their Pastors love towards them : Therefore the Minister ought to provide for this ; for what is the joy of a Minister , but to see the fruit of his labors , and that he does good , and gains men home to God , sees knowledge and conscience wrought , and people converted ? Oh , what man sows , and looks not to see it come up , grow , and have a crop ? who plants a vineyard , and looks not for the fruit thereof ? and shall we onely lose the most precious labor , and seed , and study , and preach as we care not whether it do good or no , and never look after it ? God forbid .

1. This teacheth Ministers their duty to love the people tenderly ; Use 1. them , 2 Cor. 12. 14. not theirs : By reason of the contrary , there 's so little good done ; some live altogether from them , others live with them , but so , that it were better they were further off .

2. It teacheth people to profit by that which they hear , Use 2. though not delivered haply with such hearty affection as it ought ( for its Gods Word however ) but especially look , that being delivered in love , and unfeigned care of your good , you take heed that you despise not the same , lest one day it rise up in judgement against you .

He had before described them as Believers and excellent ones , now here he calls them Beloved , yea , Dearly beloved . Hence note , That

The Saints , Observ. or they that be endued with Grace and the Image of God , The Saints are to be the objects of our love . are to be the objects of our love : This is worthy love , commands love wheresoever it be seen .

True , we must love all , because we know not who may be the Lords ( haply even such as are yet bad ) and love that part or parts of the Image of God we see in any ; but where we see the true Image of Grace and Sanctification in any , they be the parties which are chiefly to be beloved : we are to do good to all , but especially to the houshold of Faith ; we must love all , but brotherly kindeness is to the godly as our Brethren , yea fellow-members ; yea , among Christians we must love them most , where we see most Grace , and be most familiar with them , affect them most , and most regard them .

1. As they be led by an ill Spirit , Use 1. who love either all alike , or those worst which shew most tokens of towardness in Religion , making as much or more account of a civil person , then of one truly Religious .

2. So let people strive to grow and exceed in grace , Use 2. that they may get the highest and largest room in their Ministers heart which be faithful , which howsoever the world makes little account of , yet they that are wise know , that their sentence and love is to be regarded , as the Testimony of the Church is a great matter , either for a man , or against a man ; so of a Faithful Minister : and if such a one give a full and large Testimony of a man , it s a Crown to his head above all his wealth ; if his Testimony be against a man , or a weak doubtful Testimony , it s an hard case : If a Minister have joy of a people , and may give a chearful account of them to God , its profitable for the people ; Heb. 13. 17. The contrary is grievous .

I beseech you , ] He had power to command them , being from God , in a thing for their own good , and so necessary , but he saw their toward disposition , therefore chose rather to use entreaty . Whence note , That

It s the duty of Gods Ministers to be wise in their delivery of the Word , Wisdom requisite in the Preachers of the Word . and when they see that loving beseechings and entreaties will be as profitable , and prevail as much , then so to do , rather then use any other course . True it is , the Minister hath power to command the people being in the person of God , and for their own good to flie from things hurtful , and follow things profitable for themselves : Paul might have commanded Philemon , Philem. 7 , 8. but being perswaded of his forwardness , See 1 Tim. 5. 21. he rather entreated ; so must we , as they that set in a joynt in a tender body , 2 Tim. 4. 1 , 2. stroke , Acts 13. 10. and stroke softly , and anoint the place , and so put it in the place ere the party be aware ; Mat. 3. 7. and 23. 13. 2. yet upon occasion we may both command , and threaten , as the same Apostle elsewhere : and John the Baptist , and our Savior himself ; as when we have to deal with stubborn and disobedient persons , or such as have fallen into foul sins , or are secure and dead-hearted , or are revolters and backsliders , then , I say , are we to deal more roundly and severely ; knotty logs must have many and hard strokes , as a rough horse an hard rider ; when we have to deal with toward and well disposed tender hearted ones , or afflicted , then are we to deal otherwise : and here is required the wisdom of the Spirit of God to discern what is meer , and this must be considered of before hand .

Abstain from fleshly lusts , What meant by fleshly lusts ] Now of the matter of the Exhortation . By fleshly lusts are meant not onely acts of sin breaking out in the body , but the inward lusts that are in the heart , though they should never break out , for even the heart and soul is flesh as well as the body , and fleshly , even corrupt and sinful , as the sinful lusts of unbelief , impatience , hardness of heart , hypocrisie , rebelling against that which is good , weariness in well doing , pride , anger , envy , self-love , covetousness , uncleanness , uncharitableness , and the like : These we must abstain from , even labor against , that they prevail not in us , yea to subdue them quite . Now in that he gives his Exhortation to such as they were , whom he before described , We may learn , That

There are remnants of sin abiding in the best of Gods Servants , Doctr. and will be while they be here ; There are remnants of sin in the very best . They shall not lay down sin wholly , till they lay down this flesh : They are sanctified , but in part ; through out , 1 Cor. 13. 9. but not perfectly ; corruption is not in one part , and grace in another , but grace and corruption joyned in every part and faculty of body and soul , and thus it hath ever been . Hence it is , that we scarce read of any in Scripture , but taxed for some infirmity and weakness , as Abraham with some little shifting for himself , when he said Sarah was his sister ; Sarah for her unbelief , Moses for speaking unadvisedly , Job for cursing his day , Paul and Barnabas for being stirred the one against the other : And this the wise and good providence of God hath so appointed , for he could sanctifie us perfectly at the first , but it s not meet , for then righteousness should not come onely by Christ ; for if we were not onely perfectly justified by Christ , as we are , but also perfectly sanctified by his grace , then might we stand before God with confidence , and boldness in our own righteousness , and need not to have the righteousness of Christ continually imputed to us . Besides , the Lord would hereby humble us , that we should not be proud of any gifts or graces that he bestoweth on us , more then we had or others have , but be kept still humble : when we see these corrupt lusts sticking in our nature , which may more justly provoke wrath against us , then our good actions procure favor ; as Paul , lest he should be lifted up through the abundance of revelations , had a prick in the flesh , 2 Cor. 7. 12. even Satan working upon his corruption , and strongly tempting , and as it were boxing him to humble him : Therefore no man hath cause to be proud of any grace , not only because he hath nothing but the meer mercy of God , but also because ( if he consider ) he hath such remainders of sin still in him , as if they be laid in the Ballance with his graces , might be of more force to condemn him , then all his graces to procure favor to him . Further , hereby we are held continually in exercise , and made see our need of the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , and the help we have one of another while we live .

1. We are not to expect the perfection of any here ; Use 1. though Gods Ministers are still to call on the people to grow towards it , yet they must rejoyce even in their proceedings to it , and bear with some weakness and wants ; and people must not think their Ministers can be perfect without blemish , either knowing or suspecting some infirmity in them , to esteem meanly of them , or their Ministery , or gifts , so drowning all their graces , God forbid : It s well , 1. We know no sin our Minister lives in : 2. No corruption he yields to , but that he is in strife with his corruption , and counts it his burthen ; this we should cover with the lap of our love : The contrary is in the world ; If a Minister have any imperfection , though strived against by him , and seldom or never shewing it self , and have never so many good graces , yet the same shall still be cast in his face , and tost from one to another , and all his gifts neglected , and that oftentimes of those that live in soul sins , or are an hundred times more foully overtaken of the same , or some other : Husbands , look not for perfection in your Wives , nor Wives in your Husbands ; thank God they be godly , hating all foul sins , and striving against corruptions , look for these , and cover them , else lovingly help to cure them in time convenient , but look on their graces : some man that is himself carnal , and hath a professing wife , so narrowly views her , as if he spy the least imperfection , it s cast in her teeth , as if she should be perfect , though he be never so far off from perfection : Let none look for Christians that profess the Gospel , that they can be altogether without blame ; yet let none take up this as a good excuse and shelter for them ; yea , say they , It s true as the Preacher said to day ( which I liked well ) that we are all sinners ; some make themselves so holy , and profess such zeal , as if they were without sin , or wiser then all their neighbors , when they be no less sinners then others : Well , let not these carnal or prophane and civil persons , think to scape away with this , or be hid in the number of sinners , Two sorts of sinners . and scape as well as others ; God will finde two sorts of sinners , such as live and lie in sin , indeed workers of iniquity , and such as having been unfeignedly humbled , and obtained pardon of sin , and truly repented , have yet corruptions which they hate and strive against , and are heartily sorry when they have been at any time overtaken thereby ; and yet the world bless themselves herein , What , are not all sinners I pray ? yea , and you shall have them that will dilate of any infirmity that a Christian hath , and stretch it on the tenters , when themselves are polluted with foul sins .

2. We are to labor altogether against these corruptions of ours ; Use 2. against our pride , self-love , unbelief , hypocrisie , earthliness , weariness of well-doing , Rom. 8. 13. and the like : All that are Christs , have crucisled the , er ; flesh with the affections and lusts ; Gal. 5. 24. We must mortifie our earthly members , and by the Spirit mortifie the deeds of the flesh ; Col. 3. 5 , 9. These things become not us that are set at liberty from sin , Rom. 6. 2. and be eudued with the Spirit ; Gal. 5. 25. If we live in the Spirit , let us walk in the Spirit : For us that are Christians to be led and overcome of our lusts , is base , as for a Prince to be led of a base person ; and here is the power of Religion , and proof of a Christian , that denyeth himself and crucifieth his lusts , that not onely keepeth his hand , but purifieth his heart , that hath it at command in some measure : We must labor to know these corruptions , and our own hearts , and which of these we are most prone unto , and discern of them , which many do not , but are most strangers at home , and have many corruptions which they discern not , for the heart is deceitful : Know both the ugliness and danger of them , then repent of them , be humbled for them , crave pardon heartily , unfeignedly , seek to mortifie them , apply the edge of the word against them , even any thing we read or hear out of the Scriptures to this purpose : Apply also the benefits of God , as means to subdue them , so also afflictiont ; put on the whole Armor of God , and on every occasion set against them , pray against them also , especially when we humble our selves upon occasion of the Sacrament , &c. always be baiting at them , hacking at the roots of them , grieving we can prevail no further , crying and making our moan to God to help us ; so shall we get mastery more and more ( dealing faithfully ) even over those that we thought sometimes we should never have prevailed against : In the mean time le ts not be dismaid that we can get no more mastery , be humbled and yet comforted that we strive : But here is the great fault of many Christians , that suffer their corruptions to bear such sway in them , as they break out shamefully , and often to Gods dishonor , their own shame , and the Gospels infamy ; where is our Christianity , when we be so proud , that we will contend , and being out , will never be reconciled , but break out into bitter speeches ? so being so covetous , so lazy also in goodness , that either we neglect duty wholly , or slight it over carelesly .

Fleshly lusts , ] Hereby are yet further meant all evil thoughts , and the least rebellings of this nature of ours , against the holy commandments of God : These are fruits of this concupiscence and evil nature of ours , Evil thoughts cast in by Satan or from our selves . and of the flesh , and are sins against God . But here know that evil thoughts be of two kindes , 1. Such as be cast in by Satan , as into Judas . 2. Such as arise from our own corrupt nature , as Christ said to his Disciples , Why do thoughts arise in your hearts ? For the former , they either fasten upon our nature , and tarry to tickle us with a kinde of pleasure , or else are immediately cast out with deep detestation : If they tarry never so little to parley with our corrupt nature , they are our sins , as well as Satans ; but if cast out immediatly , they are not , then are they our crosses , not our sins , but the Devils , and shal also be laid to his charge , not ours ; for so he cast in thoughts into our Savior Christs minde of distrust , presumption , idolatry , &c. but they fastened not at all on his nature , therefore he was never the worse ; so for us : for if any shall come and entice me to Murther or Treason , and I detest the very first motion thereof , Shall I be counted guilty ? This is needful to be known , lest we be too much overwhelmed with grief , for these the Devil troubles every one withal at all times , and no man alive is free from many of them daily , if he did take notice thereof ; but some men are troubled extraordinarily this way : God lets Satan loose at some time , and for some space to buffet them most grievously , and cast in bad thoughts of all kindes , but especially against God , most foul , unholy , prophane , and blasphemous thoughts not to be named ; as that God is not holy , just , good , or deals hardly with some men , cannot do this or that , with other more vile then is meet to be named , which is sometimes the state of civil persons , sometimes of the true children of God , which are cast into their mindes as thick as hailstones , and are by some called the foul Temptation , by some the Temptation of Blasphemies : This doth so wonderfully perplex the parties , that it fills them not onely with fears , but even drives them almost to despair , makes them weary of their lives , that they could wish themselves as far under ground as they are above ; yea , many to think of making away themselves , haunting them in all places , night and day , that they cannot rest , so weakening their body and minde exceedingly ; concerning this state , we must know it comes to pass by Gods providence , and permission to Satan thus to torment them .

The cause may be either to humble them to repentance for some coldness or slackness they are fallen into in the worship of God , The causes of evil thoughts from Satan . and their course which God thus punisheth , or else he punisheth the barrenness of their hearts , and idleness of their mindes , that care not how they spend away their time , How to be rid of them . their mindes roaving unprofitably , which God often chasteneth : the way for these to take , is 1. To examine themselves if there be any sin lies unrepented of , or not throughly repented of , to confess and crave pardon of it , and repent of it from the heart : If any coldness or slackness , or declining in care , or idleness of minde , and unprofitableness , then are we to pray against them , and keep our hearts still in hatred and detestation of them , and therein comfort our selves , that the Lord knoweth our hearts , and will not lay them to our charge . 2. Set light by them , let them go as they come , for the more we strive with them , the more we snarl and trouble our selves , and if we make a great matter of them , the Devil will still delight to vex us , but if we set light by them , he will the sooner be weary . 3. Let them avoid solitariness ( which yet they so much desire ) and keep in company rather , wherein the time may be spent in holy conference , singing of Psalms , and the like ; but if they be alone , they must be very earnest in doing something that s good . 4. Though some may come after all those means used , yet we are to comfort our selves that God will not lay them to our charge ; as if our Childe should be about our business , and some unhappy Wretches would not let him alone , but throw stones at him , pluck him away , trip up his heels , and he cry and complain to us he cannot do our work , will we be angry with him ? How to discern them from those which arise from own nature . The Lord is much more equal and wise . Now to discern these foul temptations from those which do arise from our own nature , these notes may be observed , 1. That they come suddenly . 2. Violently , being even forced into us . 3. By their multitude , being as thick as hailstones . 4. That they come with such fears , as often cost sickness , faintness , and the like , which things usually be not of them that come of our selves , which also come more leisurely , and with more moderation . 5. Such as be in such a degree of blasphemy against God , See Perkins Cases of Consc. pag. 163. usually rise not of our selves , and seldom but in a Reprobate , or one that hath sinned against the Holy Ghost , as the Devil hath . 6. Such as are against nature , as to kill our selves , our wives or children : For the latter that arise from our nature they be sins , whether they tarry so long , as that they have got consent of will or not , or so much , as they have but inveigled the minde with some bait-like allurement , yea , but so as that either they do presently vanish so soon as they do arise , or be cast out by us , yet these I say be sins ; if with consent against other Commandments , if without consent against the Tenth , which ransacketh the heart more narrowly then any of the other : It s true , the longer they stay , and the further they have prevailed , it s the worse ; but the least and first thought against the Law of God is a sin , and deserves the wrath of God ; as all Impatient , Blasphemous , Unbelieving thoughts , all wandering thoughts when we be at the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , or any good duty , or any such on the Lords day : all ill thoughts , as that its in vain to serve God , &c. so also Disobedient , Angry , Revengeful , Unclean , Uncharitable thoughts ; God made us pure without any , and may justly punish the contrary in us : These first of all come from Original sin , and who can bring good out of evil ? These bring forth bad effects , and withdraw the heart from God , to consent to and commit evil : These are forbidden in the tenth Commandment ; else what ? This the heathen Philosophers never knew , nor Paul himself a learned Pharisee , till he was instructed in a more Spiritual understanding of the Law .

1. This confutes Papists , Use 1. which teach , That ill thoughts with consent , be the least sins , and that without consent , they are none : What is that then which Paul said , Rom 7. 7. I had not known that lust had been sin , but by the Law ; he knew that ill thoughts with consent were sins : This Doctrine of Rome doth derogate from Gods glory , and doth not humble a man to the purpose as it ought , neither letteth it him see a multitude of such sins for which there 's cause he should be humbled .

2. This sets out the absolute perfection and purity of the Lord , Use 2. who requires the purity of the heart and thoughts , he made us perfect , and requires that we should love him with our whole hearts .

3. It serves notably to humble us on our knees every day to God , Use 3. for who knows how oft he offends this way ? O the innumerable vain , foolish , idle , and bad thoughts that arise in our mindes in a day ? how in a Sermon or Prayer-while , and on the Sabbath ? O if God should deal with us in justice , he might condemn us for the least of these ; we should repent us seriously of these , as of ill deeds : This is that made Paul cry out , O wretched man that I am ; and that makes the dear servants of God hang down their heads , and humbles them continually ; and when others think highly of them for their graces , they have matter to abase their vile nature and rebellious thoughts , whereof some tickle the minde , some get consent , and are then cast out as , some presently are repelled : But how infinite numbers of them come through our heads as motes in the Sun , as sparkles from a Fornace ? The want of the knowledge of these , makes many a Christian when they look back at night , see little to repent of , which if they marked , they might finde : This is the Reason why civil persons be not humbled , even because they take no knowledge of these thoughts , whereof they have thousands on the Lords day , in the times of Duties , and against every Commandment , whereof they take no knowledge , or scarce of one of twenty ; and those whereof they take knowledge , they think to be no sins , as long as they break not out into words and actions . Thought is free , as the world thinks , and judged at no Bar , pay no Tribute : True , not in mens Courts , because they cannot know them , but before God they are and will be called in question , who knows the thoughts , and requires to be loved with the whole heart .

4. This sets out the wonderful patience and abundant mercy of God , Use 4. that upon our repentance pardons so many thoughts .

5. It s our duty to prevent them to the uttermost of our power ; Use 5. and to this purpose we must labor , How to prevent evil thoughts . 1. For the Spirit of God to be more and more abundant in us , to mortifie this corrupt nature of ours , that so this root being more and more killed , may send forth fewer shoots ; this brand more and more quenched , may send forth the fewer sparkles . 2. To be ever doing some good , to be in our Calling or some thing answerable thereto ; for if we be idle , the minde will be ranging : An idle person must needs have a corrupt heart , swarming with ill thoughts , for if the minde be not occupied about good , it will be about evil ; its like Quicksilver , ever stirring : if we be riding , working alone , walking , waking in our beds , let our mindes be on some good : And in duties we must keep our mindes earnestly bent thereto , that being full already , there may be no place of by-thoughts ; as when a vessel is full , no more can be poured in : Let 's covenant with our eyes and ears , that they let in no ill thoughts , especially in holy duties , and on the Lords-day , shut up all windows and doors ; so in praying , whether conceived , or read by our selves , or heard of another , our hearts must be set thereon , that to every Petition they may say , Amen . So in hearing the Word , we must be earnestly bent , and fix our eyes on the Preacher ; and for the Lords-day , be wholly in doing good , and that earnestly : In the time of the Sacraments both joyn with the Prayers then used , and withal , have holy thoughts by way of preparation , and in the mean time have holy meditations about the matter present , as long as we can , then joyn in singing ; it must needs be a weary toil to them that cannot . 3. To pray earnestly to God for his assistance , but labor what we can , all will not be prevented ; therefore must we grieve for those that come , casting them out , and that speedily : They are as a flock of birds , that we cannot let from hovering over our heads , but may hinder from lighting on our heads ; if we nip them betimes , then we prevent evil actions : The worst action was at first a thought , which if it had then been resisted and cast out , would not have proved so deadly , as we now finde by woful experience ; for want of this , sin grows from one degree to another , till it be ripe : If we thus resist and cast them out , though they be our sins , God will not impute them , but pardon them in Christ , and this may comfort us ; but yet because it were best not to be troubled with them , or commit them at all , we should even long to be with God , when having laid down our bodies , we shall be wholly freed from them : But in the mean time , let us thank God in Christ Jesus , and say , It s not I , but sin that dwelleth in me ; when we do to the uttermost of our power prevent them , and those we cannot , yet we resist earnestly : The world make little account of thoughts , but let them flie out , and the heart range whither it will , whether on the Lords day , or at other times when duties are performed ; and no marvel , for they make no conscience either of their words or actions , even on the Lords-day : But they shall one day be called before a Judge that knows them all , and made them without them , who will condemn them for them .

Which fight against the soul : The first Reason , and that of greatest force ; that which fighteth against our principal part , we had need resist manfully , but thus do fleshly lusts : for 1. They hinder the good thoughts we should have in stead of them , How fleshly lusts fight against the soul. and so make us do duties untowardly . 2. They egge and entice us to evil , and steal away our hearts from God and his obedience ; as an Adulterer enticeth and draweth a mans wife out of her husbands company , so do these draw us from God ; and so pollute our souls , which made the Apostle to complain , Iam. 1. 14. That they rebelled against the law of his minde , and led him captive , Rom. 7. 19. he was yoked , and made to do the evil he would not , and so on the contrary . 3. They fight against the peace of our Consciences , for these make us guilty , and so hinder our quiet ; for as well-doing breeds peace , so evil-doings disquiet . 4. They seek indeed the ruine and destruction of the soul , Rom. 6. 23. for the wages of the least of these is death : These not resisted , or not repented of , will surely cause damnation , and these in themselves deserve no less .

1. How ought we then to watch against these with all diligence , Use 1. as they keep watch that be besieged by Enemies ?

2. Take away from them all means of nourishment , Use 2. and starve them , as besiegers do by their besieged adversaries .

3. Mortifie them all we can , Use 1. else they will destroy us : If we live after the flesh , Rom. 8. 13. we shall dye ; It will not spare us , we therefore must not spare it , we must admit of no reconciliation , no ransom ; this is holy and lawful revenge : But contrarily , there are not a few Christians 1. Which do not watch against their lusts and thoughts , but let them come and go at their pleasure , and take little or no notice of them , or not as though they sought their destruction ; nay , how few once regard their thoughts , especially such as have no consent ? How many come and go , and no account taken of them ? 2. Which rather minister mat●er to their lusts for their nourishment , as to their pride , to anger , to wandring thoughts , by letting their eyes and ears be at liberty ? 3. Which do not mortifie them , nay , bear with them , and speak favorably of them , and not as if they were deadly Enemies ? Oh , people little think of the danger of these lusts , else they would otherwise do ! If any lie in wait to hurt us in our bodies , we watch to resist them , and its wisdom ; or if any come to rob us , we cry out , Oh , he seeks to rob me and get away my goods ; or if one should sue us for part of our Land , What a stir and opposition do we make ? What a madness is it then , that these which fight against our souls , we suffer to go in and out at their pleasure without any check , entertaining them rather as friends then enemies ? If one should strike at our leg , we would fence it if we could , but if he drive at our head , then much more ; If one would thrust us into the arm , we would avoyd all we can , but if he go about to stab us at the heart , then much more ; so should we most of all for our souls : These lusts pretend friendship , but they are Enemies , fighting Enemies , an Host ( as the word imports ) against our souls : O let us be wiser , and deal with them as deadly Enemies ! O our fault herein ! If some come and tell us , this night some be pointed to rob us , or there is one lies in our field armed , threatning to kill us as we come that way : O I thank you good Neighbor , say we , that you would tell me , I shall love you while I live ; but if any come and tell us of a Lust , Pride , Covetousness , Hastiness that is in us , he had need behave himself wisely in the doing of it , that shall have any thanks for his labor , nay , not one of many but will take it ill , and snuff , and think the worse of him : O what folly is this to bear with such deadly foes !

4. If these inward lusts fight against the soul , Use 4. if these ill thoughts , yea the least of them be enemies to the soul , and must be resisted , What then do the ugly sins and abominable speeches and actions of the wicked ? These wound and pierce the soul most deeply ; their Oaths , Cursing , Drunkenness , Prophanation of the Sabbath , Whoredom , Oppression , Lying , gash the soul most fearfully , and kill it at last eternally : What mad people then be most of the World , which love and live in the practise of these , thus murthering their own souls ? As the man that was possessed of a Devil broke all fetters , Mark 5. 4 , 5. so do these ; kept among the graves , so do these in Alehouses ; cut himself with sharp stones , so do these with ugly sins : If a man seek to make away himself , stab himself , or cut his own throat , we say , He is beside himself , its time to binde him ; when the World therefore gash themselves , and stab themselves with their vile sins , are they not mad , yea so much more then the others , as the soul is better then the body ?

As strangers and pilgrims , ] The second Reason . Hereby are meant such as are out of their own house , out of their own Nation ▪ which he speaks not because they were out of Canaan , and dispersed in other countreys ( in that sence he called them Strangers in the former Chapter ) not in a worldly , but in a Spiritualsence , namely , in respect of the Kingdom of Heaven , which was their Countrey , and from which , wandring here in this world , they were absent . Hence Note , that

All Gods Servants and Believers are Pilgrims here in this world ; Doctr. This is not their Countrey , Believers are here strangers and pilgrims . They have a far more excellent one that they are going to : Thus the Patriarchs counted themselves , and thus David ; Gen. 47. 9. They are not of this World , Here they have no continuing City , Heb. 11. 13. They look for a building made without hands , Psal. 119. 19. They are Passengers going through a strange Countrey where they be not known : Iohn 15. 19. Here is but the beginning of their happiness , Heb. 13. 14. which they have mingled with much sorrow , 2 Cor. 5. 1. but they have a fulnes of happines prepared , 1 Iohn 3. 2. where they shall rest for ever without sin and sorrow , in the perfect fruition of all that 's good . True , the wicked shall not tarry here ever , neither yet can they not be called Strangers here , because they have no better countrey nor place , for they shall go to Hell : Here therefore is all their hope , all the good that ever they shall have , that which followeth is fearful : Therefore no man needs envy at the prosperity of the wicked , their 's that have most , seeing they have all here they are like to have : But Gods Servants after they have waded through this world , they shall come home , where they shall be with their Father and all their Brethren and Sisters in all happiness , and more then can be uttered .

If we be strangers in this world , Use. and Heaven our countrey , then our duty is to behave our selves so as strangers , for so do all true Citizens of Heaven walk in some measure : Many lay claim to Heaven , having no right thereto , as by their very walking in this world may appear . To discern the one from the other , consider these Notes :

1. A Pilgrim follows not the fashion of the Countrey he is in , Properties of Pilgrims . nor runs after every thing he sees other do ; He observes some ride to Markets and Fairs , some running to Plays , others sitting in Ale-houses drunk , others running to Bear-baiting , Bull-baiting , and the like ; he regards none of them , but keeping his own Countrey fashion , goes on his way homewards ; and if he happen to be drawn away by the sight of them , and linger a while , he repents himself , and saith , Applyed . What a fool was I ? I have cast my self behinde ; so do Gods Servants , Rom. 12. 4. they follow not the evil guises and maners of this world : The world swear , contemn the Word , and Ministers thereof , prophane the Sabbath , Rail , Curse , Whore , be Drunk , Backbite , Cozen , Dissemble , Lye , be Proud , and the like ; these they will none of : These be proper to the men of this world , we may not meddle with these ; and this is the Reason in the Text , We must abstain from fleshly lusts : Why ? These be for worldings of this world to follow , we that are Spiritual may not follow fleshly lusts , but leave them to them that be but flesh ; but our conversation must be Spiritual , Holy , according to the Laws of our Countrey , Zealous , Fervent , Pure , Chaste , Innocent , Merciful , Patient , Godly , and the like ; To Love , Fear , Trust in God , Worship him , Delight in his Word and Saints , These be the fashions of Heaven our Countrey ; therefore these we must follow , Tit. 2. 11 , 12. and so the Gospel teacheth us to live .

2. A stranger lays not out his stock on House and Land , but trafficks in things transportable , that he can send home before , and carry out of the Countrey with him into his own : It were no wisdom to lay it out and spend his time about things he must leave behinde him : Applyed . So the true Christian Pilgrim , he spends not his time , nor sets his heart on things of this world , all which he must leave behinde , but trades in Grace , and purchaseth Pearls of Knowledge , Faith , Repentance , Mat. 6. 19. Patience , Peace , Joy , and the like , and Trafficks in the fruits of Faith , Iohn 6. 27. his good works , which he sends before him into his Countrey , Rev. 14. 13. and in such Graces as he shall carry with him : Oh , how many have taken much pains for belly , and back , and earth , but never prized the Pearl with the wise Merchant , Psal. 17. 14. nor the means how to come by it ? These have the portion here .

3. Pilgrims will take and use all that may further them in their journey , as their Meat , Drink , Sleep , and whatsoever else ; but what would hinder them , Applyed . they cast away , or meddle not with : So a true Christian useth all that will help him in his journey , the Word , Sacraments , Luke 21. 34. Prayer , and all such Spiritual Repasts , good Company , and such baitings and refreshings as God offers him in his way ; Heb. 12. 1. as for worldly cares , or whatsoever presseth down , he avoids , as all sin which hinders in the way : He takes the benefit of the things of this life indeed , but sets not his heart on them , neither overloads himself with worldly businesses and cares , which might hinder him from good duties , or a right performance of them , much less that make him run into evil : For a man then goes on his journey to Heaven , when he awakes with God in the morning , assoon as it is convenient goes to Prayer , then to his calling in Faith , and through the day neglects no Spiritual duty , much less runs into evil of any kinde , but walks on uprightly , and with a good conscience useth the world as if he used it not : 1 Cor. 7. 31. Such as regard not these , have no meaning to come to Heaven ; For how should they come there ? As men cannot go on in the earthly way without baits and refreshings , so neither the heavenly without these : They overload themselves so with worldly business and cares , that they cannot go one step towards Heaven . O how simply do many Christians walk in these days of Peace , not hasting at all to Heaven ! for if they did , they would not take such loads on their shoulders , as make them go so stooping and staggering , as they can scarce go a right step all day long .

4. Pilgrims travelling towards their Countrey , will be asking the way , Ier. 6. 16. and desirous to know marks and notes , Applyed . whereby they may know when they are in their way , Luke 3. 10. upon the view whereof they are very glad . Acts 3. 37.

So Christians that minde to go to Heaven indeed , will be asking the way there : They will go to godly Ministers , and experienced Christians , and ask how they might know the way , and whether they be in the way , and then finding these and these marks in them ; as , an hatred of all sin , a true desire in all things to please God , seeking God in secret , as well as openly , with a true love to God , his people and Word , they are not a little glad , but rejoyce therein above all riches : O how many deceive themselves , The way to heaven is straight , and few finde it : Most never ask the way , but go on at a venture ; if they be in the way , so it is , if not , they shall shift as well as others ; and most please themselves that they are in , without asking the way , as if it were a very hard matter to miss the way to Heaven , and which but few do miss .

5. Pilgrims will in a long dangerous way , through a Wilderness , where the path is narrow , where there are many by paths , little company to beat the path , and dangerous for wilde beasts , not onely be asking the way , but because they know themselves apt to go astray ( though they fare the harder ) have and hire a guide continually to go along with them in the way , to be sure that they may not lose any time , Applyed . or grieve themselves by going out of the way at all , if it may be : So will every wise Christian besides asking , get a continual guide , which is the Word of God , to go along with him , to direct him in every particular through the day , yea his whole life : This David desired , and therefore did so often study and meditate in the statutes of God , Psal. 119. 11. That they might be a light to his pathes , and a lanthorn to his feet , and his Counsellors : This therefore we must read , hear , study , that it may dwell plentifully in our hearts , in all wisdom , that we step not awry for want of knowledge , or knowing the way , go contrary to our guides direction : we cannot in every particular action and our dealings go and ask counsel , therefore we must have the guide and counsellor within us , to teach us to Buy , Sell , Let , Hire , to deal with our Neighbors in Peace , Equity , Mercy , Truth : Therefore David prays , Lead me in thy way , Psal 25. 4. O Lord , and let thy good Spirit lead me into the Land of righteousness ; Psal. 27. 11. as one that would not go a step , but as he was led by Gods Word and Spirit . The common sort therefore that dare do any thing , and never look for guide , hereby shew whether they are going : Gods Servants also herein are wonderfully to blame , that sometimes for want of knowledge , sometimes for want of care , go grosly out of their way ; one step in the way , another out ; in some things like Christians , in some things like worldlings ; some actions good , some nothing less , When will such come to their journeys end ? What travelling is this , backward and forward , and then backward again ?

6. A Pilgrim , if he be told he is out of the way is glad , being grieved at his mistaking and loss of time , and returns with speed , and thanks him that told him ; so also must Christians in their journey to Heaven : Applied . They that cannot at all endure to be admonished , nor haste to amend , are not in their way .

7. Pilgrims make much of their Fellow-travellers and Countreymen ; if any be out of the way , they call them in again ; if any faint , they stick to him and rub him , and with the Aqua vitae bottle that they carry along with them for such purposes , they comfort him , and go not from him , and leave him behinde them ; they also chear up , and encourage one another , What chear my masters ? go we merrily ? &c. So do true Christian Pilgrims , Applyed . they love all that set their faces to Heaven-ward with them , they call in any wandring out of the way ; If any be afflicted in Conscience for sin , or in Body , or otherwise with any cross , or hath met with hard measure from the world , and begins to be discouraged , when Landlord or some great men frown , or is fallen into some troubles , they encourage and hearten him with words of gracious consolation out of the Word , the Aqua vitae of Gods promises ; But the world cannot abide them that go that way .

It s a great fault in Christians that they walk no more Pilgrim-like , love not one another , are not able or careful to admonish others , but let one another alone till the wicked cry out on them and the Gospel ; and for Consolation , few are able , few careful to look thereto . The rich encourage not the poor , one heartens not on another , but every man goes by himself , and so are the weaker ; as when the Brands are pluckt one from another , the heat departs : O we should cleave together as Burs , for we have both Devil and World against us !

8. A Pilgrim bears his troubles quietly , looking for no other whilest he is thus from home ; though he be stopt here , stockt there , mockt at as he goes , yet he comforts himself with this , that he shall ere long be in his own Countrey where he is known , and loved , and shall meet with no more such , but all good usage that his heart can desire ; So true Christians bear their troubles patiently , Applyed . if from the hand of God , or for his sake , sickness , losses , crosses , they look for no other in this vale and Pilgrimage : This comforts them that they shal one day come to Heaven , their resting place , where they shall live with God in all blessedness for ever ; and if other troubles come one after another , they think them no other then they made account of , its Gods wisdom that it should be thus , that Heaven might be the sweeter , we might long the more for it , and be weaned from hence : If an Englishman should be highly advanced in a strange Countrey , he would the sooner forget his own ; but in trouble , longs for his own , and is so glad of it , as many Souldiers having met with much hardness in other Countreys have fallen flat , when they arrived and set first foot in England again , and kissed the very ground , with O welcome sweet England ! If Christians meet with hard measure from the world , they bear out in hope of Heaven ; Iohn 15. 19. If they were of the world , the world would love them : They will not deny , but confess Christ , here suffer for him , that hereafter they may reign with him : Thus did the Prophets , Thus did the Apostles suffer ; Therefore for those that being put to , and in danger of displeasure , or trouble , flinch , joyn with the world , and give over , they be no Pilgrims , they mean not Heaven in good earnest , for if they did , they would not lose it for a few troubles : It s therefore a sign they doubt whether they have any resting place or countrey provided for them or not , for else they would not lose it , and men cannot have Heaven both here and hereafter : 2 Cor. 5. 1. But the true Pilgrim is confident he undergoes troubles constantly and boldly , as knowing that he hath a countrey which will pay for all .

9. A Pilgrim longs to be at home ; So doth and must every true Christian ; Applyed . we are taught to pray , Thy Kingdom come ; and the Church prayeth , Matth. 6. 10. Come Lord Jesus ; & St. Paul , I desire to be dissolved , and to be with Christ ; and old Simeon , Lord now lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace : Then they shall be free from sin , from sorrow , shall be with God in perfect happiness for ever : O if we were in Heaven but one minute , we would not be here again to have every one a Kingdom ; nay , if we knew what Heaven were , and that it were for us , we would be sick till we came at it .

The best and precisest are not of this minde for ought I see , Object . but if they be sick they send for the Physitian .

We may , Sol. nay dare do no other , though we were never so willing to dye , we may not break the Lords prison by doing any ill to our selves , or neglecting any good to our selves , or the use of any lawful means ; If he set open the door , then we may go out , but not break away , but be content so long here to stay , as God shall see meet : The world cannot abide to think of death , or of the day of Judgement , would buy them off , yea but to be deferred , with much money , an ill sign ; nay , many of Gods Servants be much to blame , some so addicted to the world , as not willing to part with it : O ye be of little faith ! It s base that any thing here should take up our affections from longing to be with our true Inheritance : Nay , thus some Christians are held lingring indeed , and that for wife and childrens sake especially ; namely , to see them brought up , and kept from evil courses , seeing often the contrary , through the want of Parents , the wrack of many children .

As for the most part , this argueth weakness of faith in Gods providence , especially if their desire be excessive , for God can provide for them without us ; moderately to desire life for this cause , or only to do God some other service , is tolerable ; always provided , that it be the love of nothing here below that detaineth our affections , but that we so esteem of the world , and all that is in it , as we see no cause in it , why it should take up our hearts , and make us linger here : The causes that should make us desire to be hence , should be sin , and the desire to be with God ; sin to chase us hence , and the love of God and Heaven , the excellency of that place and state should allure us thither : Some desire to be gone , but it s most ignorantly and desperately , for its onely because they be in trouble , full of pain , have many crosses : Thus many make away with themselves , others impatiently wish to be gone ; poor mad fools , not knowing what is a coming , onely looking to be eased of the present grief : O our poor folly also , and the earthliness of many of Gods people that are not wearied hence by sin , and by their corrupt nature , and continual spring of sin , that they cannot be rid of , but annoys them daily and continually ! Therefore God is pleased to send them sorrows and pains , and with a week or fortnights pain , they are made willing to dye , that were not so before : A great fault of sundry Christians that have their hands and heads so full of business , as they cannot desire to be gone , nay , had need of a twelve-moneths warning to set their matters right : This is not Pilgrim-like , they may hap not have a week ; 2 Cor. 5 ▪ 2. therefore so walk , as you may ever be willing to be gone , and be ever of this minde , Phil. 1. 23. that to be gone is most happy , and most to be desired .

10. Pilgrims , the nearer their Journeys end , they are the gladder ; So ought Christians that have passed many years and are grown old , Applyed . to thank God highly that now their salvation is nearer then when they first believed it , & that they would not their time were to begin again , and that they were yong again , &c. but thank God they draw nearer the shore , where they shall arrive at the Haven of rest : Ancient Christians near their end , have this advantage , that they have almost past the Pikes ; yong ones know not what remaineth for them ; yea , every day a Christian at night should thank God , that hath brought him safely one days journey nearer his end then in the morning : Many think they grow old too soon , too fast ; if they could make their years stand still as Joshua's Sun , they would be glad .

Verse 12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles , that whereas they speak against you as evil doers , they may by your good works which they shall behold , glorifie God in the day of visitation .

VNto the former Exhortation of purging the heart , he adds this , of looking to our outward behavior and conversation among men ; namely , that it be honest , good , godly , and every way such as may not onely not be offensive , but may be of good example , yea to the very wicked , that though for a time they speak evil of us ( as our nature is to do of every one that differs from us , thinking our own courses still to be best ) yet at last they looking more narrowly , and seeing our constancy in well-doing , may be enforced to think well of us ; and whensoever God shall touch their hearts with his grace , they may glorifie God , and say , This is the onely true way of worshiping God , and thank God for it , and all the means that have brought them to the sight of it .

The parts are two , 1. The Exhortation . 2. The Reasons thereof . The Exhortation is to godly life , and that is inlarged by the circumstance of persons or company , before whom , namely the Gentiles , that is , the Idolatrous , Wicked , and Unbelieving . The Reasons , 1. That they may be prepared to their conversion , by beholding our good life , which is set forth by the contrary in former time , namely , their speaking ill of us . 2. That they may glorifie God , which is set out by the time , namely , when God shall please particularly and in a special maner to bestow his grace upon them , so that by our innocent godly life led among the wicked , we shall provide for our own credit , their good , and Gods glory , which is the thing we should chiefly aym at in all our actions .

Here observe we first our Apostles order : He begins at the right end ; as a wise Builder he lays a good Foundation , then builds on it ; as a skilful Chyrurgion he first purgeth out dead flesh , then heals ; which else would heal , and break out again .

Reformation ( if ever if be good ) must begin at the heart : Doctr. No man can have a good conversation whose heart is Unregenerate , Reformation must begin at the heart . and Unsanctified , for from the heart proceeds the life ; if sin and lusts be nourished there , they will break out as fire hid in straw or dry wood ; for our bodies are as apt to execute , See Ier. 4. 14. as our hearts to broach evil : For one to purge the Channels , Mat. 12. 33 , 34 & 15. 19. and 23. 26 , 27. and leave the Fountain foul , were to lose his labor ; for one also to pull off the tops of the weeds , and leave the roots still , 2 Cor. 7. 1. were to no purpose : Tit. 2. 11 , 12. The heart must be washen , kept , cleansed from inward lusts , else no godly life .

1. This confutes the Papists that talk of good conversation , Use 1. and yet regard not the heart , Acts 15. 9. either seek after true justifying faith whereby to purge the same . Use 2.

2. This shews and rebukes the folly of those that think to frame a good life as civil persons , and yet never knew the corruptions of their hearts , nor what Faith means that purifieth the heart , nor make Conscience of their inward lusts : Hence it is , that they shamefully deceive themselves , especially in the first Table , and in the sight of a true Christian , that can tell what belongs to good conversation . Numbers think upon occasion they will never do as they have done , but promise great amendment ; as upon hearing something out of the Word , or after some affliction , or after they have been ashamed with some sin , O they will do thus and thus , who alas never labor with their heart ; Some say , Give me but a shilling from you , and I le never come at such a place , never game more , &c. but alas , it s not so soon done as said : They dig not deep enough , they work not under ground , the heart 's let alone all this while ; they think to cut off the sprouts , but while the root is whole , they shoot our again . Many at variance are made friends , and promise , and think for the present so to continue , yet not conscionably looking to the beginning and root , Pride , Self-love , Wrath , and such lusts , but suffering them to abide there still , alas they break out again presently : Mat. 5. 22. Our Savior saith , He that is angry with his brother unadvisedly , shall be in danger of the judgement , &c. Hence comes Racha ( fool ) and murther ; now if a man think to keep his hand from murther , and his tongue from Racha , and such distempered speeches , and yet suffer wrath in his heart uncontrolled , unrepented , and unpurged , the other will break out . Hence is it , that many make such fair promises , but perform nothing nay while together , because they have not the grace to seek the washing of their heart from all sin .

3. It teacheth Christians to be much occupied in searching and knowing their hearts , Use 3. and the corruptions and lusts thereof , and still be purging out of these , so shall we do much work at once ; else though we covenant not to be so worldly , &c. as before , yet if the root of Covetousness , Unbelief and Pride be let alone , we will to it again : So if one should say , I will not break out , but live peaceably with my family and neighbors , yet if high mindedness and anger continue , we shall be deceived , and shame our selves ; and thus do many Christians .

Having your conversation honest , Tit. 2. 12. &c. ] This is all one with that of St. Paul , To live holily , righteously , and soberly . So that

It s not enough that we have or pretend to have a good heart and pure conscience , Obser. but we must also have a good conversation outwardly ; Christians are also to have a good conversation . we must not onely approve our selves before God and Angels , but also before men ; we must have a good outside , as well as a good inside ; See Mat. 5. 16. we must so walk , as men may see by our actions , speeches , and our whole behavior , Rom. 12. 17. that we be the servants of God , 2 Cor. 8. 21. and minde to go to Heaven : Isa. 4. 3. Thus walked Abraham , Job , Zachary , Elizabeth , with others ; we must thus walk both for the winning of others on , and for the good report which we should be careful to procure to our selves , Prov. 22. 1. it being better then much silver : Eccles. 7. 1. not that we must do good Pharisaically for the speech and praise of men onely , which is base and hypocritical , Phil. 4. 8. for we are first to aym at Gods glory ; yet we may desire also so to live , as we may give good example , and get good report while we live , 1 Cor. 6. 20. and a good memorial when we dye ; and again , God will be served both in body and soul , Tit. 2. 1● . as we look to be glorified in both .

1. This stoppeth the mouthes of carnal men , Use 1. that being dealt with for faults in their conversation , either ill done , or good not done , they straight rid themselves with this answer , and blinde them that deal with them that they cannot see to take them as they think , O we have as good an heart as you or any , and God knows my heart , and I have a good conscience , God knows all , and he shall be my judge ; yea , he will indeed so be , and that too soon , except thy conversation be better : for deceive not thy self by thinking thy heart is good , which affords an ill conversation , a merciful heart , that hath a niggardly hand , a chaste heart , that hath a wanton tongue and behavior , a godly heart , that can prophanely spend the Sabbath in worldly matters : But what if one should grant your heart were good , is that sufficient ? Is it not meet your hand and whole conversation were so ? Did not he that made that which is within , make that which is without also ? Numbers care little for their conversation , are not over nice and curious about that ; so that they be none of the worst , they think their condition good enough .

2. This rebukes those that blame men , Use 2. and reproach them for their profession of Religion , O you are of these Professors ! O what a wretch art thou , that darest controle another mans , nay Gods servant , for doing his masters Commandments ? Hath not he enjoyned us , that our light should shine , and that we should confess him in our several places ? If thou beest not also a Professor , be it known to thee , the Lord will one day profess he never knew thee , and bid thee depart as a worker of iniquity : And what dost thou profess thy self , that railest on him for professing himself the servant of God ? The servant of the Devil , and one of the Malignant company , the son of the Bondwoman , even persecuting the children of the Promise , therefore one that shall never be heir with them , but shall one day wish to be shrowded under any of them , but shall not be able : And what is his fault ? Tit. 1. 16. he is a Professor ; The Apostle saith , They profess they know God , this he blames not , and take heed thou dost not ; but the latter part , 2 Tim. 3. 5. By works they deny him , blame that if thou knowest it ; Having a shew of godliness , this is praise-worthy , and every man must have it ; But have denyed the power of it , if thou know this , blame it ; but I would wish you to take heed that you meddle not with their Profession , to discourage them from it .

Conversation ] Not some few actions where and when they list , Observ. but our whole conversation must be good , Our whole conversation must be good . in one thing as in another sutably : We must have respect to all Gods Commandments , else shall we be confounded ; Psal. 119. 6. God spake all as well as some , Htb. 13. 18. and so joyned them together , that they may not be broken asunder : God can abide no halving , Iames 9. 10. though the Devil be so reasonable and manerly ; Whatsoever we do in word or deed , 1 Cor. 10. 31. must all be done to his praise : This includes our general and particular callings , Col. 3. 17. duties of the first and second Table , all places , all times to serve God in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life . Luke 1. 75.

This rebukes those that would be counted honest men , Use and yet do but what they list : Some will yield in all great matters , but in some small things as they take them ; as when they say , By their Faith and Troth , they must be born with , especially if true ; so a game or two at Tables or Cards , and if it be on the Lords-day , in company of their equals , especially of their betters , talk thereon of worldly businesses at their pleasure , Mat. 5. 19. But he that breaks the least Commandment , shall be little counted in the Kingdom of Heaven : Some again will yield in little things , the Word shall so far prevail with them , but in some great beloved sin , Mark 6. 20. they will not , as Herod ; Some cry out against Covetousness , Mat. 23. 23. and be Proud and Masterful ; and so on the contrary , Some seem very devout and forward in the first Table , and make little conscience of the second Table ; Some in their Shops and Dealings deceitful , hollow , and unjust ; Some in the state of servants , that shew some forwardness to good duties , hearing , good company , and the like , who yet fail exceedingly in the duty of subjection , diligence , trustiness , and the like ; Some profess the like also , and men say , they be honest persons of good gifts , but they follow no calling , borrow here and there , and never mean to pay , deal hardly with poor work-folks , &c. A man must shew his Religion in his particular calling : no man is a good man , that is not a good Minister ; if he be a Minister , so a Magistrate , Father , Husband , Dealer : Some contrarily seem very smooth in the duties of the second Table , and yet have no savor of the first ; as 1. Papists , which are profest Idolaters , and make no conscience of an Oath , nor of the Sanctification of the Lords-day , who yet keep a good house , and seem merciful and liberal , which yet they do corruptly to merit by ; and hence they get the commendation of a company of carnal people , that measure all by the belly , and can look no further : It s not possible for an absolute Papist , to be an absolute Christian. 2. Our civil persons that give men their due , but God can have no part of his in any Spiritual performance of duty , either on the week days or Sabbath days : Let all that know it s thus with them , know themselves but hypocrites , and let them halt no longer , but if God be God , serve him altogether , and let him be whole , and not either quarter or half-master , yet many men be good at plots : Would we like in our field to have here a taste and there , and a great breadth after nothing ? No , but to stand so as we may spread a sheet and receive the fruit ; when mens obedience comes by fits , such aguish obedience Gods likes not : But if we would approve our selves sound , and have true peace , let there be some proportion between our actions ; not some very forward , some quite another way ; in some things hot , in some as cold as ice ; else like Nebuchadnezzars Image , Dan. 2. 33. Gold , Silver , Brass , Iron , Clay , these things hang not together ; le ts not be hot and cold , but the same in prosperity , adversity , at home , abroad , in all companies , and the like . Doctr.

Among the Gentiles ] That is , Christians ar● to live godly even among the wicked . the wicked ; Where note , That

It s our duty not onely to live godly among the godly , but even among the wicked so to do ; we must not follow a multitude to do evil , Exod. 23. 2. but shine among a naughty and crooked nation ; Rom. 12. 2. we must not be made crooked by them , Ier. 15. 19. if we can straighten them , so it is : If we see any go crooked or halt , Phil. 2. 15. we will notwithstanding go as straight as we can , Gen. 6. 9 , 12. and not go crookedly as they : This is a commendation of Lot , That he continued just in that filthy City ; so of Noah , that when it s said , That all flesh had corrupted their ways , yet he was found Righteous , when they were in security , he continued in zealous worshipping of God , and sincerity of life ; Iob 1. 1. so of Job , That even in the Land of UZ he feared God , and eschewed evil : It had been no such matter to have lived well in Abrahams or Jacobs Family , but in such places a great mastery , and yet required of us : God hath appointed we should live among the wicked ; In the worst places God will have his , and why . though some places be worse then some ( lets choose the best we can ) yea , even the very bad ones God will have his people , 1. That his power in gathering and keeping them may be seen . 2. That their Faith and Patience might be proved , and exercised , and encreased . 3. That they might convert the ungodly , as through Gods mercy it falls out sometimes , Heb 11. 7. or if not , condemn them , as Noah condemned the old world : Gen. 13. 7. In such places we must walk squarely , Neh. 1. 9. as Abraham ; and as the fishes retain their fresh taste , though they live in salt waters , so must we our goodness in bad places , and among them that are set on evil . True , it s no easie thing with the cruel to live mercifully , with the hurtful to live helpfully , with the prophane to live holily , yet it is to be attained unto , and we must labor for it .

1. This rebukes such Monks and Fryers , Use 1. as severing themselves from all company ( because they would not be tainted nor troubled with mens ill maners ) betake themselves to a solitary , Hermits life . Truly , if a man were onely born for himself , it were a good , wise , and safe way , though not most praise-worthy ; But we are not born for our selves , but for our Parents , Countrey , Gods Church , therefore we are not to m●w up our selves : Besides , it s no such mastery for a man to avoid all occasions , as to live among occasions , and not be tainted with them ; but let men seek no occasions , but those that they must necessarily meet withal , and yet not be hurt by them , this is most worthy : It s not so much commendation for a man to fly from his Adversary , as to encounter and overcome him , or come away unhurt .

2. It rebukes those that be for all companies : Use 2. In good company they will be sober , in ill as the company is , drunk with their friends for company , will swear with swearers , lye also and dissemble when they be with such , so thinking that they may hold with the Hare , and run with the Hound ; like the Camelion they change themselves into all colours , but these are none of Gods honest men , they are not for his turn , as if he were not the God of all places and times ; let such know they have rotten and unsanctified hearts .

Q. But how should a man do to live well among such ? How to live holy among the wicked .

A. As they that live where the Plague is , take and use preservatives ; So must we daily pray to God next our heart to keep us in a continual hatred of sin , considering often of the happiness of them that hold out : Think of Noah , Lot , Abraham , and their commendation ; observe the judgements that fall upon bad men , and think what will be hereafter . Again , avoid private familiarity with them , be kinde to all , but familiar with no open bad man ; we cannot touch pitch , and not be defiled , walk on coals , and not be burnt ; for so we shall be brought either to like their maners , or at least cooled in our goodness ; let them not breath on us , from them there 's great danger of infection . 2 Pet. 2. 3. Lastly , mourn even for their sins as Lot .

3. It rebukes such Christians as living among such , Use 3. walk not so holily as they should , but if they do not approve of , yet consent to their bad behavior , without dislike , especially being with their betters : But he that is not with me , is against me , and though often we cannot do good as we would , no nor stop evil , yet at least let our righteous souls always grieve thereat , yea , and as much as may be shew our dislike , by hasting out of the company , and silence if we may not speak , and if we be askt our mindes , le ts speak , though wisely and humbly ; lets not dare to turn our backs upon God and his cause , for any mortal mans sake , whether our Landlords , betters , or otherwise ; le ts come as little in such dangerous places as may be , but being there , le ts take heed we deny not our Master with Peter ; and hear goodness , or Gods Servants railed on , or slandered , and we consent , or not shew our dislike .

4. If God would have us live well among the wicked , Use 4. what would he then in the midst of all good means ? what then is their sin , and where shall they appear that break out , and live badly in the midst of the means of good , the Ministery of the Word , good company , and the like , wherewith they are shoared up on every side ? what would these do , if they were far from such means ?

5. It rebukes those that professing Religion more then ordinarily , Use 5. yet remember not with whom they live , but as if they were onely among the good , which would hide all their frailties , or interpret them to the best , not as if they were among the wicked , that seek occasion against Gods Servants , Canaanites and Perezites that desire no better booty then the fall of a Professor , that not regarding this nor the Gospel , by their careless and ill life , and the bad actions they break into , set open the mouthes of ill men , not upon themselves , that were the less , but upon the holy Gospel of the Lord Jesus ; for that they will flie upon straight , when alas the Gospel is not in fault : the contrary was in Abraham , 2 Sam. 12. 14. Wo be to the world , Gen. 13. 7. because of offences , but especially , Matt. 18. 7. wo to them by whom they come : For hereby the good are grieved , the weak hindred , the wicked strengthened in their dislike of the Gospel , and some of whom there might be some good hoped , by this means held off : O you that have thus done , thus hurt , repent heartily , and labor to make amends ; and you that are as yet free , pray God that ye may never live to that day ( if it be his blessed will ) wherein ye should shame your selves , blemish the Gospel , and grieve the rest of Gods faithful Servants ; but that living and dying , ye may credit it .

That whereas they speak against you as evil doers , ] Reasons to provoke to a godly life . Now follow the Reasons to provoke to godly life ; 1. We shall cause the wicked to speak well of us , and of the Gospel of God , yea , though they have spoken ill of us and it before , yet upon a serious consideration of our innocent and constant conversation , they will change their mindes . 2. They shall by that means be brought to glorifie God , and both like , and speak well of the truth , which they shall then do , when God shall graciously visit their hearts , and work by his Word and Spirit true conversion in them ; then being prepared before by our good life , they shall be made to glorifie God for his truth , and for us , and for opening their eyes , and moving their hearts to embrace it : Forcible Reasons . We shall by our constancy in a good life , 1. Provide well for our own credit , the credit of the Gospel , and the wickeds conversion . 2. Which is the main , we shall provide for the glory of God .

In the first place is set down the nature , Observ. disposition , and practise of the wicked towards Gods children ; The wicked speak ill of 〈◊〉 truth of Go● Religion , a●● the professors thereof . as they speak evil of the truth of God and Religion , so do they of those that truly profess the same : It s in mens nature to mislike all that be of another Religion and Practise then themselves , for such is our inb●ed pride , we think best of our selves and our own Religion , and all others to be in error , and to be deceived : The Crow thinks her own bird the farest ; But though men mislike all differing Opinions , yet none so much as the truth , that we naturally hate ; as black , blew , and green differ , yet not so much as black and white which are opposite ; so wicked ones hate the truth especially , for that is our nature to do , and the more sincere any is in professing the truth , the more the wicked naturally hate him ; Thus have Gods children ever been ill spoken off : Matt. 5. 11. Ishmael mocketh Isaac , Gen. 21. 9. as his brood yet do : Gal. 4. 30. Elias was reputed , A troubler of Israel ; One of the children of the Prophets counted a mad fellow : 1 King . 18. 17. Micaiah smitten on the mouth , as one that spake without God : 2 Kings 9. 11. Jeremiah , with them is as one that raveth , and fit to be put in the stocks ; yea , they speak ill of the truth and goodness it self : Ezr. 4. 5 , 6. ●17 . The Jews were accused for nothing but doing that which God required , and Cyrus had permitted ; namely , Neh. 6. 5 , 6. to build the City and Temple , Ester 3. 8. wherein to worship and serve God ; and they were a poor contemptible company in the others eyes : Acts 24. 14. So we read of them that called the Gospel Heresie ; sore eyes cannot abide the light : Matt. 11. 19. Thus was our Savior Christ , Luke 11. 15. the most innocent and blessed Son of God , Iohn 8. 48. reproached and spoken ill off , as if he had been a glutten , a winebibber , Acts 2. 19. and 6. 11. & 16. 20 , 21. was a Samaritan , and had a Devil : So the Apostle Peter and the rest , were termed drunk ; and Steven , that he had blasphemed God and Moses : They cannot indure the wrath of God , because it crosseth their humors and vile lusts which they set so much by , See Acts 17. 18. and 19. 13. and 19. 6. and 24. 5. To come down to the Primative Church , were they not most horribly slandered , as if they had been Canibals , and lived of mans flesh , and eat their own children , That they met in caves in the night to worship , and that then the candles being put out , they committed filthiness promiscuously , without respect of Kindred , &c. and if any plague came , as that Tyber did overflow to great hurt , and that Nilus did not overflow her banks as it used to do , or any the like , it was because of them , and by their means , thereupon they fell upon them , and killed them like Dogs : Thus have they used always to incense great persons against Gods servants , with such false suggestions , and to make them odious to the common people : It hath ever since been the maner of the Church of Rome , which hath a mouth that speaketh blasphemies , to call the Truth , Error , and the Gospel , Heresie ; and with them , we that profess it be all Hereticks , cursed to Hell , and who should have nothing but fire and faggot if they could help it ; and the sincerest Professors , and godliest men , they hate most , and have ever particularly devised horrible lyes against the great men in the Church , whom God hath raised up to be hammers of their false Religion , and defenders of the Truth , as of Luther , Calvin , Beza , Junius , and others ; so in the powder Treason , they had devised and purposed to spread it abroad by Proclamation ( if their detestable villany had taken effect ) That the Puritans blew up the Parliament House , This sin rise in these days . &c. Among our selves also Gods Truth and servants especially have enemies enough ; and none that hate the faithful Ministers and Christians worse , then such as be in the bosom of the Church ; How are they traduced , ill spoken of , railed on universally in great places , in mean places , Note . on Alehouse-benches , where not ? If they can finde any fault of theirs , its that they rejoyce in above anything , and they lie in wait for the same : If they can observe no sin , but understand of any infirmity , which yet they strive against daily , yet this shall be set abroad and encreased , as some ugly thing , when themselves and theirs have many filthy sores running on them , horrible sins , which yet they account nothing : If any of themselves have never so many faults , if he have but a little odde good quality , as to be somewhat courteous , a Good housekeeper , and the like , O he shall be magnified as a right honest man indeed : If any of Gods children have never so many graces , and but one infirmity , this shall be set on the tenters , all the other hidden : If they can know nothing , they will devise something ; if not , yet if they do but hear any thing flying , though never so unlikely , and from no ground , yet it goes for good wares with them , and is received ; nay , though they turn their own vices into vertues , yet the vertues of Gods servants they make vices , for want of other matter : If they be couragious in a stout cause , they be stout and stomackful ; if they be patient and gentle , then they be blockish ; if wise and prudent in handling their matters , crafty , subtile fellows ; if diligent , very officious ; if they take pains in the offices they be called to , they be busie fellow , meddlers , and trouble their neighbors ; If they differ from others upon never so good ground , they be Scismaticks , Proud , Singular , Humerous , Giddy ; If they dare not run with others into the same excess of riot , then precise fools , Puritans ; Oh , we must have a new world made for you , you are so holy , a company of proud peevish fellows , &c.

1. Seeeing the wicked are so apt to speak evil , Use 1. and lie so in the catch , we should give all diligence to look so to our ways , as we give them no just occasion so to do , 2 Cor. 11. 12. but take away occasion from them that seek occasion ( for is it time for us to be heedless , and our Enemies as it were lie in wait ? ) that they may look till their eyes dazle , and they be weary of looking , ere they have that they would , and that if they speak ill of us , it may be unjustly , falsly , as none can escape their ill tongues , See 2 Cor. 6. 8. not our Savior Christ , innocency it self ; therefore we may look for it , but let it be without cause ; as Hypocrites , yet such as labor for sincerity ; hating Hypocrisie , as troublers , yet such as seek the peace of Church and Common-wealth .

2. That we think it not strange to be ill spoken of ; Use 2. it s the nature of the world thus to do , as for the birds to fly , and we must not be discouraged at it , and say , I have striven to do as well as I can , and yet I am ill spoken of , I cannot tell what to do , and so faint and melt as wax , as some do : O no , but let it be as a whetstone to sharpen you on more , 2 Sam. 6. 22. as David said to Micol , I will yet be more vile ; if spoken ill of falsly , study innocency the more ; being thus used , thou art blessed : Thus were the Prophets served , Mat. 5. 11. thus Christ himself ; And if they have called the master of the house Beelzebub , much more will they them of his houshold .

3. This might make men not too ready to believe reports , Use 3. and think ill of men by and by upon flying reports , seeing the world are so apt to speak evil wrongfully , especially of Gods children .

4. For them that be ill speakers of Gods Servants , Use 4. they cannot bear a worse badge , as ill a sign as can be of any ; for if he be transl●ted from death to life that loves the Brethren , 1 Iohn 3. 14. what then he that hates them ? Psa. 15. & 16. 2. he is no true member of the Church , nor led by Davids Spirit ; but is of Ishmaels generation , and will be cast out as he ; worse then Balaam , nay , of Satans brood , who is the accuser of the brethren : How shall they escape the curse threatned , Num. 33. 8. Isaiah 5. 20. Prov. 17. 15 ? The Lord hath prepared a day , Rev. 12. 10. when he will judge them of these things : Iude , verse 14. Therefore if you will not joyn with them , yet cease to speak ill of them : The time will come when you would be glad to joyn with them , but it will be too late .

They may be your good works , &c. ] These words shew the inducement whereby we shall bring these ill speakers to think and speak well of us , Observ. and of Gods truth , Good works the best way to put our adversaries to silence . and so glorifie him , namely , when they shall see us constant in good works . So that

The strongest defence of our selves , or confutation of ill speakers , is not by words , but by good works ; for the world will not much regard words , they think they be cheap , and themselves will speak any thing , and therefore think others wil do so too , and what can words do while the works are not seen , or are contrary ? Thus David confuted Saul , and quitted himself a good Subject : How ? not by telling Saul he meant him no hurt ( he might have said so as long as he would , it should never have been regarded ) but by his good works , and innocency towards him , that he never sought his hurt , no not when he might , as when he cut off the skirt of his Rayment , and took the pot of water from his head ; 1 Sam. 24. 17. This made Saul say , Thou art more righteous then I , and for the time broke his heart : This often doth good , The constancy of mens carriage , overcomes them that have thought and spoken ill : Many are carried away easily to think and speak ill of Gods Servants , that know not why , as upon false suggestions , that after having observed their lives , have changed their mindes ; as a Papist having heard that Junius had a cloven foot ( as it was currant among them ) coming to the sight of it , and that it was contrary , he began to suspect their Religion , and it was one means of his conversion therefrom .

This rebukes them , Use. that being evil spoken of will take it very hotly , and by great words or protestations clear themselves , or shift , when it may be they are faulty , and give glorious speeches , when deeds answer not ; and such as will be very angry , and rate others , even before company .

Now if it be a matter of great weight , and that the Gospel hear ill also , we may so do ; but yet that is not all nor the most , we must confute them quietly by a good life , and by all contrary good conversation .

Which they shall behold , ] Observ. Though the wicked will do no good works , yet they look we which profess Religion more zealously , The wicked have an eye on the godlies actions . should , and herein we are beholden to them : If any be forward in profession , the world looks they should be very innocent in life , and it ought so to be ; and seeing not onely God , Angels , and good men , look for good life , Use. but even the very wicked , let 's look to it , they may have that they look for , and see what will come of it .

Good works , ] See Downhams Warfar . part. 2. p. 53. cap. 7. Here 's occasion offered to speak of good works , but I cannot at large ; consider we onely briefly ,

1. What good works are ; What good works are . namely , Things commanded of God , done by a Regenerate man in faith to the glory of God in our Neighbors good . Col. 2. 23. 1. They must be things commanded ; Gods Word being our rule , and that which makes things good , what is forbidden then is vile , and what 's of our own heads , what shew soever it hath : Popish Religion stands most in such . 2. Done of a Regenerate man , For who can bring a clean thing out of that which is unclean ? Iohn 14. 4. we had need look whether we be Regenerate , else we did never good in our lives , whether in thought , word , or deed . 3. In faith , not onely of a man that hath faith , Rom. 14. 23. but in a particular faith , that that action is lawful and warrantable by the Word of God , let 's look to our selves , I doubt many run to those Games , and to Usury , which they have no warrant and Faith for . 4. The end whereat we must aym , must not be our selves , nor our own merit , credit , profit , but Gods glory in our neighbors good ; and thus done , not onely the duties of Gods Worship , which indeed are principal , and duties done to our neighbors bodies and Souls , be good works , but even our eating and drinking , and following our calling are good works ; though Papists make no good works , but such as maintain their Religion by gifts , and such as fill the belly .

2. How necessary they are : How necessary they are . They are of absolute necessity to Salvation , Eph. 2. 10. the path to Heaven , yet not as causes of our Salvation and Justification before God , as the Papists hold , but effects of our Justification to declare the soundness of our Faith , and that we are persons justified . Papists cry out of us , That we renounce good works , profess liberty , and set open a flood-gate to sin , because we teach that works merit not ; but we establish works better then they , even true good works : They merit not . We dare not yet say they merit , for 1. They are not done by our own power . 2. They are but our bounden duty . 3. They are imperfect . 4. We are perfectly justified , before we can do any good work , for we are justified by the Righteousness of Christ , which is absolute and perfect , then follow good works to declare we be persons justified , by true Faith , apprehending the Righteousness of Christ ; to declare our Election , our Faith to be living , our selves justified persons , and in the way to Heaven : And are they so necessary to Salvation ? le ts examine our lives ; they that can witness to themselves before God , that they unfeignedly hate all evil , and love God and his Commandments , endeavoring in all things to be obedient thereunto , Eph. 1. 4. let them be of good comfort , it s a sign of Election , Rom. 8. 1. a mark of true Faith , Eph. 2. 10. and one in Christ , and of one in the high-way to Heaven : Therefore rejoyce what pains soever you have taken to come to this state , and proceed chearfully : This way will bring you to Heaven , may comfort you in assurance of Faith .

Glorifie God ] That is , may change their mindes to think well of you and of the Truth , be prepared to their Conversion , and when God shall work withal , break forth into his praise . Hence note , That

If we continue in innocency of life , Observ. we shall be the means that God shall be glorified , A Christians perseverance in well-doing , procures glory to God from others . not onely in our selves by well-doing , but also that others shall so do , and so we shall prepare them to Conversion , and make them like the better of the Truth , and think they will be hearers too , and doers of Gods will ; whereas on the contrary , if we do contrary to our profession , we shall dishonor God doubly , both in our selves , and move others so to do , and so set them further off from the Truth which be too far already , and make them speak evil thereof : O this ought to be the greatest spur to godliness that may be , we shal hereby win our neighbors soul , as it were , and provide well for Gods glory , the two greatest things that can be next our own Soul , & the latter far above it : O who would not look to himself , when the Soul of our neighbor , and the glory of God lyeth upon it , and the credit of the Gospel ? so that the life of Christians is not a little to be regarded , but great things depend upon it ; and what joy may we have of our selves to live to win our Neighbors , and bring glory to God ?

O this rebukes the wonderful fault and negligence of many Christians , Use. that partly falling into foul things , partly yielding unto their own affections , are carryed by their lusts , living as others , as froward , as proud , as hard , and worldly , some loose of promise , some idle , some living in every bodies debt , &c. do dishonor God , and beat others back from Religion ! O if there were no more but the single dishonor to God , it were too much , considering what God hath done for us ! but , Oh! when so many lyes are upon us , that shall take hurt or good , what a fault is this to be careless ? What a fearful thing is it to live to set men further off from Religion , or open their mouths against Religion ? for they will not think ill or speak ill of you onely , but they will fly upon the Gospel , Gen. 13. 7. and the name of God which is innocent : O therefore awaken your selves : welfare Abraham , that knew well the Canaanites and Perizzites dwelt then in the Land , therefore walk the more watchfully . O beloved , if ever we took good , it was by the Gospel , and shall we thus require it ? and do we profess Gods holy name , and yet cause others to reproach it ? O grievous !

In the day of visitation . ] To visit taken two ways . That is , when God shall in mercy look upon them , and work the grace of Conversion in their hearts ( visitting here is taken in good part , as Luke 1. 68. Isa. 24. 21 , 22. as elswhere in an ill part , as Exod. 20. 5. ) when God shall in his goodness turn his eye toward him that is in the snare of the Devil , and by his Word and Spirit work Conversion in his heart . Whence note ,

1. That Conversion is the work of God : Obs. All men and Angels cannot change the heart of a man ; Conversion is the work of God . it s a work surpassing all Christs miracles , and as great or greater then making the world of nothing , and we our selves have no power , but lie dead in sins ; no , all the means in the world cannot do it without God : but we go on and on in the Devils service , and hasten to destruction ; and when we are thus going , God saith , Ier. 31. 18. I will go visit yonder poor creature , who will else perish . We are Patients , Convert thou me , and I shall be converted : No Minister , the best in the world , hath any power of himself ; O see how they labor and sigh to do good to their own Wives and Children , and yet see no good thereof ; 1 Tim. 4. 16. they onely save as the Lords instruments , not otherwise .

Let them therefore which have felt this work , Use. acknowledge God in it , and give him all the glory .

They that be yet without it , let them not defer it , as a small matter to the last , as if they could couvert themselves when they list , as most mens behavior is , but that they humbly seek it of God , in attending on his Ordinances appointed to that end .

2. That its Gods great mercy to convert a sinner , Obs. Oh , it s the greatest mercy that can be bestowed ; It s of Gods great mercy . a mercy to be delivered from sickness into health , from Prison into liberty , from poverty to riches , from death to life ; as of Israel out of Egypt , Joseph out of Prison , &c. But alas , Col. 1. 13. these be but toys to this ; To be delivered out of the power of darkness , and translated into the Kingdom of his dear Son ; to have his eyes opened that was blinde , raised out of the grave of sin , delivered out of the slavery of Satan and bondage of sin , from being a limb of Satan , to be a member of Christ , O the most happy change that can be expressed ! This is the happy day for a man ; then Salvation comes to his house , where none was before : Thus was Zacheus , thus three thousand at one time , thus the Jaylor , thus many among us are visited ; Mat. 18. 3. O happy visitation , and day to be remembred ! We never see good day , till this day come ; we may see merry days , sinful days , but never good day till this , without this undone .

Let those that have felt it and obtained it , Use. for ever give glory to God .

3. That a man can never glorifie God , Observ. till God thus visit and convert his Soul ; No man can truly glorifie God till he be converted . for so saith the Text , That they may glorifie God , When ? when God shall visit them .

Therefore labor for this , for what can we do without it ? nothing but dishonor him , Use. do not at all glorifie him : O that this were considered !

4. That when a man is converted , Obs. then he will glorifie God ; So soon as a man is converted he will glorifie God . yea , he cannot chuse but in heart admire Gods goodness , and love him ; in tongue , break out into his praise of his truth and service ; and in his life seek to glorifie him : Luke 22. 32. Then will he also do all he can to gain others , as Christ to Peter ; as good hide fire in straw from breaking out , and hold oyl in your hand , as not thus glorifie him when once converted : They see their case so happily altered , as they never took so much pleasure in sin , but now it vexeth them as much , and they are as desirous to glorifie God .

Therefore when men in heart are not moved , Use. have no tongue to praise God , speak of his Truth , call upon others , nor in lives study to please God , let such know they are yet in their sins , and not in the number of converted persons .

5. That even such as have been ill speakers of the Truth and Gods servants , Obs. may yet be converted , Even the slanderers of the Truth may become Converts . and prove good Christians ; for why ? God draws his number out of the Devils rabble , for so we are all by nature : So was Paul , yet proved an excellent Christian , so no question there are some in this company , Acts 2. 13. that would not now do that they have done for all the world . Rom. 6. 17.

1. Never despair of them that be very bad , 1 Cor. 6. 9. but pray for them , Tit. 3. 3 : give them good counsel ; Use 1. Who knows what God will do , especially being come of good Parents ? Above all , lead an innocent life before them , which may so work with them , as in Gods good time they may be happily changed .

2. This may be an exceeding provocation to the worst , Use 2. that they may prove good and be saved , as unlikely as it is : Me thinks it should wonderfully move vile wretches to fall down and humble themselves before God , and never cease till the Lord do as much for them , as for the Jaylor , and others , seeing it is a thing that may be , and God hath set down such examples to that end : 1 Tim. 1. 13. 16. Thy disease though grievous , yet is not irrecoverable , so thou seek to the Physitian of thy soul in time ; Isa. 1. 18. therefore dispare not : They that seek earnestly , labor , strive , give all diligence , study , call for wisdom , cry for understanding , and that early , to day while it is called today ; ( and when God call men to repentance , and points no time , he means the time present , as in writings between man and man ) They that thus seek , shall finde .

3. Yet let none in stead of good take hurt by this , Use 3. and heart to go on in sin , seeing vile persons , and the worst may become converts , and saved ones ( so they may , as they may handle the matter , seeking the Lord humbly and speedily ) for if any think they have not done enough already , and therefore will go on to adde new sins unto their old , and that it s too soon , and will put off , and presume that they may repent when they will , and so shall at last ; let such know , they shall finde God a just and severe revenger of all such proud contemners and presumptious persons : O many such shal rounce at Gods mercy-gate , that shall never come in ; Matth. 25. 12. as the five foolish Virgins ; and Esau , that sought the blessing , Heb. 12. 17. though with tears : how many be now in Hel , that had thought to have repented before their death , and so enjoyed Heaven ? No , men shal know , they shal not despise his mercy at their pleasure , and yet have it at command : Prov. 1. 28. Then shall they call upon me ( saith the Lord ) but I will not answer , Isa. 55. 6. they shall seek me early , but they shall not finde me : Therefore , Seek ye the Lord , while he may be found ; call ye upon him , while he is near .

Verse 13. Submit your selves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake , whether it be to the king as supreme , Verse 14. Or unto governors , as unto them that are sent by him , for the punishment of evil doers , and for the praise of them that do well .

NOw followeth the second part of this Chapter , The sum of the second part of this Chapter . containing Exhortations to certain kindes of men , according to their particular and special callings and places , ( as the former have been Exhortations to duties of Sanctification , belonging to all Christians ) and chiefly of the duties of Inferiors towards their Superiors , namely , of Subjects to their Magistrates , Servants to their Masters , and in the beginning of the following Chapter , of Wives towards their Husbands .

These Verses , The parts of these Verses , and that which followeth . with that which followeth , contain the Subjects duty towards their Magistrates ; wherein we have

1. An Exhortation , in these words , Submit your selves to every Ordinance of man , 1. An Exhortation . That is , whatsoever kinde of Government you shall live under , ( for all Kingdoms , Countreys , Provinces , Cities , be not govern'd after the same sort ) termed the Ordinance of man , not because it s ordained by man , ( for its Gods Ordinance ) but because its proper to man , and is so much for his benefit : This submission consists as well in our willing bearing their Superiority over us , and patiently bearing our inferiority under them , as in doing all the duties of our places to them , and that whether they be worthy of it , or not : Those are distributed into the Principal and Supreme , the King , or those that are Subordinate by him , Governors .

2. Reasons to enforce the same : 2. Three reasons to enforce the same . 1. The Lord is the Author of Magistracy , and requireth our subjection , therefore we ought to yield thereunto . 2. They are appointed for the great good of Church and Common-wealth , the punishment of evil doers , and praise of them that do well , without which no Society or Kingdom can stand . 3. It s Gods minde that hereby we should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men .

Before I come to the words in particular , consider we two things in general ; The first from the Coherence : As before he would have them in their whole conversation to behave themselves as Christians , and exhorted them to a godly life ; so he doth now require them to shew the same in their particular callings , and in those special places wherein they were put . Whence note , That

Every mans duty is to shew his godliness in his particular calling ; Doctr. As the General of a Field appoints every one their places and standings , Every man must shew forth his godliness in his particular calling . Horsemen , Footmen , Gunners , Pikemen , &c. accordingly requiring and expecting of each the performance of his duty in his several place : So hath the Lord appointed some Superiors , others Inferiors ; and accordingly every man must shew his goodness as in all things , so in his particular calling especially , and be faithful in the trust reposed in him therein , as one friend should be to another , especially in great and weighty businesses : Every place whereunto a man is called , as to be a Husband , Magistrate , Minister , Housholder , &c. hath a special trust going along therewith ; so that whoso will shew himself godly , if he be a Magistrate , he must be a godly Magistrate ; if he be a Minister , he must be a godly Minister , &c. Thus Abraham was a godly man , which he shewed in being a godly Housholder ; So Joshua , in being a godly , zealous , couragious Captain ; So David , Jehoshaphat Hezekiah , Josiah , in being godly Kings , suppressing Idolatry , and setting up the true worship of God .

1. This sheweth and unvizardeth many to be bad which would be counted honest men ; Use 1. They being Magistrates , do ( alas ) either take against goodness , and defend evil , or at least like Gallio , care for nothing : So being Ministers , have no will , nor skill , gifts or ability to teach the people , nor give example of true godliness : So Housholders , if they be not ill examples of swearing , idle-talking , prophaning the Lords-day , and the like , yet make no account to govern their Families aright , in reading the Word , instructing them therein , Praying with them , and the like : Therefore let none so think of themselves as of honest men and godly , which be not godly in their special Calling ; neither let others commend such for such , though haply endued with some good qualities : O he is a very honest man ! It s a foolish and lying commendation , whosoever is a godly man , will be good in his particular Calling : Before they enter thereinto , they will finde themselves fit for the same , or if they must needs take the same upon them , they will labor to fit themselves , and therein ( for all are not fitted alike ) do their utmost endeavor : So if a man be godly , he will be a good Housholder , and where Gaming and the Devils Books were wont to be rife , there have Gods Books read , and Prayer exercised : Therefore whereas the godliest Preachers and Christians are wont to be blamed , as men that cannot abide Government , and would pull the Scepter out of the Magistrates hands , ( as Korah with his companions ) this must needs be a foul slander ; for be they godly men , yea in the conscience of their adversaries , then can they not but be good Subjects , and are indeed the best Subjects , who pay to the King according to their ability most willingly , that pray for the King most often , and heartily , that break fewest of his Laws , and they lead a godly life , to keep Gods wrath away from the King and Realm , whereas others live badly , and thereby provoke God against both .

2. It s necessary that men labor first to be godly , Use 2. ere they enter into their particular Callings : O then would they be godly Magistrates , Ministers , Housholders ; and the contrary is the cause of so much wrack in Church and Common-wealth . Why be there so many wicked Husbands , and lewd and disobedient Wives , so many careless Housholders , that care not for the souls of their Servants and Children , and why so many bad Ministers ? even because they be bad men , and have not first endeavored to be holy .

The second , The reason why the Apostle is so earnest with them for duty in the place of Inferiors ; Its twofold , partly upon a conceit that was in the minde of the Gentiles , that Christs Apostles and their followers were Enemies to Government , and could not abide Caesar ( which came to pass as well through wicked men , raised up by the Devil ) which feigning themselves to be holy men , did rebelliously set themselves against Caesars Government , Acts 5. 37. and drew the people away ; as Judas of Galilee , who feigned himself to be Christ , and was an Enemy to Caesar , and perswaded the people , that seeing he was an Heathen Emperor , they needed not pay him tribute : Hereupon when Christ came , Matt. 22. 17. he was asked , Whether it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar , or not ; Luke 23. 2. and notwithstanding of his wise and Subject-like answer , yet at his arraignment he was accused as an Enemy to Caesar ; and because he said he was a King ( as indeed he was , though no worldly King , and his Kingdom and Caesars might well enough stand together ) they thought he could not but be Caesars Enemy ; as for that the wicked and Heathen Emperors would try their obedience in unlawful things , as by commanding themselves or their Images to be worshipped ( so were Daniel and the three Children tried ) which they not daring to obey , though they yielded patiently in the punishment inflicted on them , were therefore counted Rebels ( though to try men in bad things , be no true tryal of believers ) and partly , because of a disease of the Jews , whereof they were somewhat sick , and in part faulty ( which notwithstanding was not occasioned either through Christ , his Apostles , or the Gospel ) even that they thought they should not obey these Heathen Magistrates , and the Romane Empire under which they now were , and that not onely for that they came in wrongfully , ruled wickedly , and besides were bad men , but by misconceiving of the freedom purchased to them by Christ : They were made free , therefore ( thought they ) ought not to be bound ; were the children of God , and heirs of HEAVEN , therefore not to be subject to bad men : For those causes , I say , the Apostle is so earnest , even that hereby he might remove as well that conceit of the Gentiles , as cure this disease of the Jews . Hence note ,

1. That its the duty of Ministers to prevent offences , Doctr. or remove false conceits out of mens mindes ; Ministers must labor to remove false conceits out of mens mindes . and in this particular to teach the people subjection , to provoke thereto , to practise it in all lawful things ; for the world still hath this conceit of Gods Ministers and Christians , and that upon the very like grounds ( some having risen up from time to time , that have either had ill causes , or if good , handled them very ill , and have been of a railing , scoffing spirit ) but let it be known to all that be so minded , that the faithfullest Ministers and Christians usually thus slandered , are as true lovers , & as much subject to Government , as any other whatsoever , and so teach the people , by whose Ministery people are both brought to be good Subjects , and likewise to continue in subjection .

2. Ministers must speak to the purpose , Obs. and apply themselves to the state and necessity of the people they live amongst , Ministers must apply themselves to the state and necessity of their people . observing what duties be most neglected , and what sins be rifest among them , accordingly perswading to the former , and disswading from the latter .

Submit your selves to every Ordinance of man , ] He saith not , Love , that had been too familiar , Rom. 13. 1. nor Obey , that had been too straight , but Submit ( as elswhere , The duties of Subjects to their superiors be subject ) which comprehendeth both , and all other duties of Subjects : Those may be referred to these four heads , Reverence , Obedience , Thankfulness , and Prayer ; of every of which I have heretofore spoken at large . These we had need to hear of , for whose heart must not needs accuse him , that he hath failed much in them all ? needful they are to be known and practised , that we may procure honor to our Profession , when we declare it by subjection in all parts thereof , and herein exceed those that know not God , nor have had the like means of Salvation , as we have : And had we done our duties better to our Magistrates , no question we might have enjoyed more good by their means , and so shall for the time to come , if we make more conscience hereof ; yea , it s necessary that women should hear these things , that being Widows , they may pay such dues as are required of them , or Wives be helpful to their Husbands in perswading them hereunto , and that willingly and chearfully : This condemneth the Anabaptists , as flat opposite to Magistrates and all these duties .

For the Lords sake , ] The first Reason to move us to subjection , God requires the same . The first Reason to move us to subjection , God will have it to be so , who hath ordained Magistracy ; therefore though there be nothing in the person to deserve it ( yet are they very bad Magistrates that be not better then none ) and though they abuse their calling , yet do the forenamed duty , for Gods sake who hath appointed them : Neither must we do the same , either for fear of punishment on the one side , or hope of reward on the other , but for the reverence we owe unto God ; we must not onely do good things , but do them on a good ground , and in a right maner .

This rebukes the most part , Use. who , were it not for fear of after claps , and that they should hear of it , would do nothing , but this is not thank-worthy ; Slaves do thus , and they that thus do , their service may be beneficial to the Magistrate , but themselves shall have no benefit of their doing , as not proceeding from a right minde : We ought not to curse ( or speak ill of ) the King or Magistrate in our thought , Eccles. 10. 20. or in our bed-chamber , which yet they cannot come to know , for God knows it , who will revenge it : We must submit our selves for conscience sake . This is indeed right obedience , and whereof we may have comfort .

Further , How the Laws of Magistrates binde us . Magistrates Laws binde us by vertue not of them , but of God ; we must obey them , and all their good Laws binde our Consciences ; But why , and how ? because they be mens Laws ? No ; for no man hath power over the conscience , but by vertue of a Commandment of the Lord , who hath set them , and given them power to make Laws for his Worship , and for Civil things agreeable to his Law , and bid us obey them ; so that their Commandments binde not our conscience by vertue of them , or any power they have over our conscience , but by vertue of Gods Commandment , and not otherwise . Again , when any that have no authority from God , shall give Laws , they binde us not , as not being the parties allowed of God to make Laws : Thus are not we to obey the Popes Laws , we are not to obey the Laws which a company of Rebels gathered together under some great man ( as say , Absolom ) do set forth , they touch not the conscience ; yea , if even right Magistrates that may make Laws , make wicked ones , contrary to Gods Law , those their Laws do not binde the conscience .

Whether it be to the King as supreme ] , A distribution of Magistrates . In these and the following words is a distribution of Magistrates , whereof the King is Superior and chief in his Realm , as were David and Solomon Kings of Israel . The King here meant was Caesar , that came in unjustly , ruled Tyrannously , and was an Idolater , to whom notwithstanding they were to do the forenamed duties , as amongst the rest to pray for him ; How much more then are good Kings to be prayed for ?

A King in his Dominions , A King is supreme Governor over all in his own dominions , and in all causes . and as far as his Kingdom reacheth , hath Soveraignty and Power over all , and is the principal : None is above him in his own Kingdom , not is any exempted from his Government : He is under God the chief , it s so with no other ; Constables have Justices above them , they Judges , these the Kings Counsels , above them the King , above him none , as none were above David and Solomon : He is over all persons , and in all Causes the chief ; Persons , whether high or low , rich or poor , men or women , Ministers or people : He may Tax them , Censure them , Depose them , Imprison them , yea put them to Death , Ministers ( if they deserve it ) as well as others : Exod. 32. 21. Moses rebuked Aar●n for the golden Calf ; Joash found fault with Jehoiada and the Priests , 2 Kings 12. 7. for the money no better employed ; Solomon deposed Abiathar , 1 Kings 2 27. and set up Zadock in his room : Causes , not Civil onely touching mens goods , lands , lives , and right and wrong , but Ecclesiastical also , as to make Laws , and take Order for the worship of God , the Preaching of the Word , Administration of the Sacraments , the behavior and maintenance of Ministers , and the like , and accordingly to see them done , as did Asa , Jehosophat , Hezekiah , and Josiah : So that a King may be well and truly said to be Supreme Governor over all persons , and in all Causes , yea , and Supreme head in a borrowed speech , as the Husband is the Wives head , not to make new Laws not agreeable to Gods Law , but to be keepers of the two Tables of Gods Law , and to rule according to them .

1. This condemneth the monstrous pride and arrogancy of the Pope , Use. that challengeth and taketh upon him to be Supreme head over the Church , and that he may set up and depose Princes , he may Curse and Excommunicate , and command to go to War at his pleasure , and that he may exempt Subjects from their allegiance , &c. He is a Lyar , Usurper , and a Thief , What hath he do in England ? who gave him his Authority ? He is a Minister if he be Saint Peters Successor , and hath the Spiritual Sword to fight withal , but he challengeth both Swords , Temporal and Spiritual too , too much in conscience for one man ; for one hand to hold and handle two Swords , whereas each will take up the whole man .

But how came he by them , especially by this Temporal Sword , and civil Authority , as to kill , imprison , and do what a King may do ?

Oh , Object . Christ gave him the Spiritual Sword , which is the greater , therefore did give him the Civil , which is the lesser .

A sound argument : Sol. The King gives a Nobleman a great Office , therefore hath given him one that is lesser , Doth this follow ? Yea , to maintain this his usurped Power , they do so wofully abuse the Scriptures , that it would grieve any heart ; as where Peter was bid , Arise , Acts 10. 13. kill and eat ; Peter might kill Beasts , therefore the Pope may kill men , a goodly argument ; This would rather authorize the Pope to play the Cook , See Dr. Hillet , Mr. Wiggons and W : Barclay , on this Subject . then the King : So Peters dealing with Ananias and Sapphira , and Pauls , with Elimas the Sorcerer are alledged , but was their's with the Temporal Sword ? was it with force or violence ? was it not with the Word of God ? This makes nothing for his Civil Power , Christ refused it , when they would have made him a King , and when he was desired to divide an Inheritance : So these speeches of our Savior , Luke 22. 26 , 28. He that hath no Sword , let him sell his Garment and buy one ; and when they said , Lord here are two Swords , he said unto them , It is enough : But hereby our Savior doth onely put them in minde of the danger of the ensuing times , and that they should prepare themselves for troubles , not that they should otherwise resist then with the Sword of the Spirit , the Word of God ; for afterward when Peter used his material Sword against the Officers , Mat. 26. 52. our Savior willed him to put up the same : Whatsoever therefore the Pope , or any for him can alledge , we may safely take the Oath of Supremacy ; They that will not , are not to be trusted for good Subjects .

2. This condemneth the Clergy of Rome , Use 2. that exempt themselves from all Princes Authority , Rom. 13. 1. whereas God hath said , Let every soul be subject to the higher powers : If they have souls they must be subject ; But how do they exempt themselves ? 1. As they say , Jure Divino , 1 Cor. 2. 15. from that of Saint Paul , He that is Spiritual , judgeth all things ; yet he himself is judged of no man : An horrible abuse of the place , which ayms at no Civil Judgement , but onely at judging by the Spirit of God of things Divine , which a natural man cannot attain unto ; meaning , that as a Natural man cannot judge of Spiritual things , so none can judge of a Spiritual man , but he that is indued with the same Spirit . 2. By the Donation of Constantine ; but it s not in the power of Princes so to do : They may exempt them from Tribute , if they will , Gen. 47. 22. as Pharoah took not the Priests Lands to gage for Corn ; but to exempt them from subjection , they cannot . This were to make themselves wiser then God , who hath put them under their Authority , yea , the too much indulgence and favor of Emperors , hath been the bane of the Church , and helpt up the Pope into his stirrop ; Therefore its wisdom in them to hold their Authority which God hath given them .

Or unto Governors , Subordinate Magistrates are also to be obeyed . ] A King is but a man , and cannot rule a Kingdom by himself , and therefore must have others under him for the same purpose ; in War , Generals , Captains , Lieutenants , &c. and in Peace , Exod. 18. 21. Judges , Justices , Majors , Baliffs , Sheriffs , Constables , Deut. 16. 18. &c. accordingly was Jethro's Counsel , Prov. 8. 16. questionless by Gods direction ; accordingly was Gods own prescription , and by him do they also rule : Such did Jehoshophat set throughout all the Cities of his Land , 2 Chron. 19. 5. City by City : These be the Princes eyes to see , and hands to execute Judgement , who therefore must be obeyed , even the meanest of them .

This condemneth them that are afraid to commit Treason against the King , Use. but for other Magistrates , they care not for them , set light by them , sometimes outface them : An Officers gown hath been heretofore more feared , then his person now , so proud and insolent are youth grown in these lewd times , that with the Judge in the Gospel , Luke 18. 2. they neither fear God nor man : In Jobs time , the wicked would flie from him , Iob 29. 8. when they saw him ; but now tell a company of drunkards in an Ale-house , that the Constable comes , what care they ; yea , they will not onely sit still there , but with vile speeches outface him : This comes to pass partly through the coldness and remisness of Magistrates , whereby they lose their authority , which is Gods judgement on them , and partly through the boldness of youth , over in times past : Let them look to it , they resist not onely the King in the meanest Officer , but even God and his Ordinance , and shall receive to themselves judgement , whom God will pursue , though men connive at them : Such contemners of Magistrates for the most part come to the gallows , or such fearful ends .

As unto them that are sent by him , ] Both the Supreme and Subordinate are sent of God . This is in effect the same with the foregoing Reason . There is a nature in us contrary to this subjection , but we must submit our selves to them , for they be sent of God , both the highest and the lower ones : Prov. 8. 15. The powers that be , are ordained of God . Rom. 13. 1.

1. This teacheth all sorts of Officers and Magistrates , Use 1. to be careful in the performance of their duties , remembring that they are sent of God , that they bear his Name , and that he will call them to an account : They that are faithful in this trust reposed on them , shall receive a good reward ; as contrarily , they that do his work negligently , Mat. 25. 26. 30 and are unfaithful , shall hear this doleful sound , O evil and unfaithful Servant , &c. take and binde him , &c.

2. It teacheth them to do their duties couragiously : Use 2. They have a sure back , 2 Chro. 19. 6. ●● he that sets them on work , is able to defend and maintain them .

3. People must submit themselves to them , Use 3. they are sent of God ; if they do not thus , they shall answer the same at their uttermost perils .

For the punishment of evil doers , The second Reason . and for the praise of them that do well . ] The second Reason of the foregoing Exhortation ,

It s taken from the end of Magistrates , The end why Magistrates were ordained . appointed for the great benefit of a Commonwealth , even to punish evil doers , commend and defend the good , without which no Kingdom could stand ; as there could be no garden , if all the Hogs in the Town were suffered to root it up ; no orchard , if Cattel were suffered to eat it off the buds , and bark of the trees , &c. so that unless we be vipers , and seek the ruine of our Countrey , we cannot but acknowledge the benefit we get by Magistrates , and accordingly perform our duties towards them .

As they are to make good Laws , Use. both for the worship of God , tending to his glory , and the Salvation of their peoples Souls , and the preservation of Justice and Peace ( wherein Mercy and Judgement are to meet together ) and are to justifie the Righteous , Psal. 101. 1. and condemn the wicked ( as good gardiners pull up the weeds , Deut. 25. 1. but cherish good herbs ) whereby vertue may flourish by due encouragement , and vice may be suppressed by due punishment : So must we accordingly behave our selves towards them for their encouragement .

For the punishment of evil doers , ] God is a just God , who both hates and punisheth sin ; Exod. 34. 7. so must Magistrates do , they have not the Sword for nought : Magistrates must punish evil doers . It must not be as a childes Dagger , never drawn out , or rust in the scabberd , as those hanged up in our houses in the times of Peace : Samuel hewed Agag in pieces , Joshua put Achan to death , Moses was zealous this way : Exod. 18. 21. Magistrates must be men of courage , Deut. 25. 2. and must punish the wicked according to their fault ; Prov. 20. 30. and 29. 15. This is the ready way to bring them to repentance ( as the rod and correction gives life to a childe ) and keep others from the like faults . Deut. 21. 21. Thus was the stubborn son to be stoned , that all Israel might hear and fear : Hereby also they stay the cry of sin , and so provide for Gods glory , and safety both of Church and Commonwealth : If they smite not , God will , as Elies sons and Agag .

1. This rebuketh the wonderful coldness of most Magistrates , Use 1. that care not whether they have any ill doers brought before them , if they can shift it off ; or if they be brought , yet handle them so gently , that not onely that are not the more reformed , but the more emboldened in their wickedness , and such as complained of them quite discouraged ; See Eccle. 8. 11 a fearful thing . Thus under colour of mercy , sin is encreased , God dishonored , the Commonwealth marred : Thus whereas they might do much good , they do much hurt to others , they hurt also themselves ; as Saul in sparing Agag , and Ahab in sparing Benhadad : How will Magistrates answer this ? God calls , Who is on my side ? Psal. 119. 126. Who ? he looks who will help him against the mighty ; assuredly it s now time for him to work : O let Magistrates look to this , they shall provide well for themselves against the time of need , they may look for help from God , and say as Nehemiah , Remember me , Neh. 13. 22. O Lord my God , in goodness , according to all that I have done : This is also the sin of Headboroughs and Constables , that are not zealous to finde out such , and complain of them , but rather cold , loath to stir for being counted medlers , Ier. 9 3. &c. so that we may say , men have no courage for the Truth , Isa. 59. 4. and no man calleth for Justice : And thus they make themselves work while they shun it , for so sin encreaseth , and will set them on work whether they will or not .

2. This rebuketh also all such as take part with persons and causes ; Use 2. There 's no Town but hath vile persons in it ; there 's none so vile , but lightly one rich man or other that should joyn to punish him , takes part with him : If they cannot scape the curse that help not the Lord against the mighty , Iudg. 5. 23. what shall become of them that help the mighty against the Lord , and all that seek to punish them ? a threefold curse waiteth for them , and where shall they appear ?

And for the praise of them that do well . ] Magistrates should stand for well-doers God loves and rewards well doing ; so should Magistrates , they must defend and advance such ; their eyes must be upon the faithful in the Land , Isa. 32. 1 , 2 , &c. and with Cornelius , Rom. 13. 1. they should have such wait on them as fear God . Psal. 101. 6.

1. This rebukes those that hearten not good persons , Acts 10. 7. when they come with complaints to them , Use 1. neither shew any countenance to such .

2. Much more them that set themselves against those : Use 2. O it s a sickly time , when the best be most afraid and punisht ! As Micaiah imprisoned by Ahab , Eliah feign to flie from Jezabel , and Jeremiah put in a Dungeon , Mephibosheth deprived of his means , Daniel cast into the Lyons Den , &c. Magistrates should not be feared of them that do well , yet it s often so ; so it was in Queen Maries time , the godliest hid their heads in Woods and Dens , were Imprisoned , put to Death , whereas Idolaters were in request : In such cases we had great need to pray for redress .

Verse 15. For so is the will of God , that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men .

A Third Reason of the foregoing Exhortation ; The third Reason . Its Gods will that we submit our selves , that by this means we may stop bad mens mouthes that would , It s Gods will that we should obey . if we did not obey , speak ill of Professors , and of the name of God , and the Gospel it self .

For so is the will of God , ] That Gods will ought to be that which should lead and binde us , I have heretofore proved at large on the third Petition of the Lords-Prayer ; which as it should upon all other particulars , so ought to prevail with us in this duty of obedience .

That with well doing ye may put to silence , &c. ] Of good works what they be , and how needful they are , I have spoken on verse 12. adde we here one end more ; Namely , that

Good works , The godly through their good works stop the mouthes of bad minded persons . or a godly innocent life in obedience to Magistrates , and all things else is of necessity to stop up the mouthes of bad minded persons that wait for offences : Every one that professeth , must know that he hath many eyes on him , that watch him narrowly , and some very badly minded , our duty is to take away all matter of ill talk from them ; as if the wood be taken away , the fire goeth out ; and if the water run not , the Mill goes not : By well-doing we stop up their mouthes , as David did Sauls , and Daniel his accusers : Or if we cannot stop their mouthes , but that they will needs talk , yet that they may have no just cause to speak ill of us , but though in general terms they make a railing , yet being urged in particular to tell what we have done , or with what they can chargeus , or what sin we live in , or what corruption we yield to , which we strive not against , they may be driven to silence .

This rebukes the wonderful carelesness of some Christians , that walk so losely , and lie so open , as the wicked have their will , even matter enough to talk of their covetousness , of their wonderful impatience , and the like ; such had need to repent much , and by the contrary to labor by their well-doing to stop their mouthes , which they have justly opened against Religion and the professors thereof : O how far are some to blame , who by too severe and sudden censuring , cause many to loath the professors of the Word , as if they were all such proud fellows , They are ignorant and foolish which speak ill of the Gospel and the professors thereof . and did condemn all but themselves : O its good to have charity , yet I mean not that we are to call black white , &c.

The ignorance of foolish men . ] Here is shewed what they be that are ready to rail and speak ill of Religion , and open their mouthes against the Professors of the Gospel , even ignorant foolish men .

Oh , Obj. but many be great men for Wit , and Parts , and Learning , that do thus .

It s all one , R. such they be , and no other ; They that will rail at a Trade for the fault of a Tradesman , and condemn all of a Trade , for the fault of some one of that Profession , might they not be taxed of ignorance and folly ? So what ignorance and foolishness is it in a number to speak ill of the way of God , and of the Word Preached , and of the Preachers thereof , and all for the fault of some that profess Religion : It s true , that some speak evil of Gods people , not of ignorance , but of hatred and contempt of the Gospel ; A good life will stop all cavils of the former , not of these .

Ignorance ] Whoso speaketh ill of God , of his Truth , of his Servants that profess his Name , are ignorant , know not what they do , as our Savior said of them that Crucified him ; Luke 23. 34. As the Sadduces , They erre , Matt. 22. 29. not knowing the Scriptures : Iohn 8. 19. Had the Pharisees known the Father , they would not have hated and persecuted Christ the Son ; Had the Jews known , 1 Cor. 2. 8. They would not have Crucified the Lord of glory : When men rail on Gods people , O they know not what they say , nor whom they despise , for if they knew them , and whose they be , and their great Glory and Dignity , they would catch them about the neck , and earnestly desire that they may be like unto them ! But they know them not ; one brings Religion thus complaining , I Religion am a meer stranger in the world , therefore I do not wonder that the Dogs of this world do bark at me , which I do not greatly regard , my Pedegree , my Father , my Brother , my Countrey is above , yet I wish that while I stay among you , you would not speak evil of me , because you know me not : And assuredly if men knew Christianity and the revenues thereof , they would not onely not speak evil thereof , but all the good they could ; yet this is not simple , but affected ignorance , therefore their judgement will be the more just and fearful .

1. If therefore we hear any , Use 1. whosoever they be ( rich or poor ) reproaching the way of Salvation , and calling it preciseness , and niceness , and railing on the best Preachers , and most zealous Christians , let us not be much troubled at it ; It s but the speech of ignorant men , that know not what they say ; blinde , that cannot judge of colours , but through the darkness that is in them , they call good evil , and evil good , who will one day see otherwise , though it may be when it will be too late .

2. While any is of this minde ( let him be what he will be , Use 2. have what knowledge he will or can have ) he is but an ignorant man , that speaks and does he knows not what , and walks in darkness , and knoweth not how soon he may fall .

Foolish men . ] Every natural man is a fool . Every natural man as long as he so continueth , is but a fool , even till God the fountain of all true wisdom , do give him his Spirit of grace into his heart , and make him wise unto Salvation , whose fear is the beginning of wisdom : Let men have wit to rule a Countrey , to compound Controversies , contrive businesses , and to be so deeply fighted in the world , as no man can go beyond them , yet if they be in their natural and unregenerate condition , they are fools , the greatest fools that are ; such is Solomons fool throughout the Proverbs , not he that wants wit , but true wisdom ; nor one that wants natural parts , Reasons . but grace : For , is not he a fool that prefers toys and bables , before matters of great and good worth ? such are they that are careful for the world , for Profits , Pleasures , Honors , and such transitory toys , never regarding what shall become of their souls , having no care of the pardon of their sins , to escape from Hell , and to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven ; Luke 12. 20. such was the rich man in the Gospel : Were not he a fool , that in the Summer would neglect to prepare his Winter provision , as having then no use thereof ? such is he that hath no care in the Summer of the Gospel , and in the time of his health , to lay up against the stormy time of sickness , temptations and death : Is not he a fool that runs on in the score , and takes no care to discharge it ? such are they that go on in sin , and in the abuse of Gods creatures : 1 Pet. 4. 4. Is not he a fool that will wallow himself in mire , and think and speak ill of them that will not so do ? such are the wicked that wallow in their sins , even wondring that others run not with them into the same excess of riot : A fool will play with firebrands , arrows , and mortal things , so the wicked make a sport of sin : He is a fool that being condemned of Treason , and yet in possibility to get a pardon , defers to sue for it till it be too late ; such are the wicked that put off their repentance : He is a fool that will laugh , being in extream danger , or being told he is going to execution , doth jest at it , yea , if it were but to the stocks , or house of correction ; yet thus do the wicked every day go nearer and nearer the place of their torment : A fool hates those that tell him he is in danger , and would help him out of it , and can sleep soundly , though it be told him the house is on fire over his head ; yet thus do the wicked , being told of their sins , and their danger thereby .

Thus are we to repute our selves , Use. being unregenerate , and to labor by all means for the fear God , which is the beginning of true wisdom .

Verse 16. As free , and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness , but as the servants of God .

HEre the Apostle prevents an Objection that they might make , The prevention of an Objection . whereby he would cure the disease they were sick of , even their not yielding subjection willingly ; and that both in respect of their badness which ruled , and of their own liberty , which they misconstrued and stretched beyond the bounds : We be freed ( might they say ) by Jesus Christ , therefore we know no Reason we should be subject to them : He answereth , you are free indeed , I confess , Christ hath purchased , and that dearly , a happy and blessed freedom for you , but this ( as every other good thing ) may be abused and stretched beyond the reach thereof , as you do this ; for it s not such a freedom as sets you at liberty to do what you list , or to shake off Government , and live at your pleasure , and which is not to be used as a cloak of naughtiness and carnal liberty , but you must use it , as those that be freed from sin and the Devil , but not from God and your obedience to him , but to be his servants , and so to obey him , as in all things , so in this amongst the rest , even in obeying Magistracy , which is one of his Commandments .

Here three things are considerable ; The particulars laid down in this verse . 1. The liberty of Christians , As free . 2. The abuse of Christian liberty , not using your liberty as a cloak of maliciousness . 3. The right use of it , but as the servants of God ; all needful to be known , that in a right maner we may use our Christian liberty to the glory of God , our own good , and the benefit of our brethren .

As free , ] Naturally we are in bondage Freedom presupposeth bondage : By nature we are all bound till we be freed through Christ .

1. We are all guilty of Adams sin , Reas. 1. born in Original sin , infinitely defiled with actual rebellions , whereby we stand under the wrath and curse of God , and all evils in this world , and that which is to come for ever : There is no curse in all the Scripture threatned or executed , or any other that God hath in his infinite store-house , whereunto we are not lyable and daily subject : God is just , and no whit of this can be called back ; a fearful condition .

2. We are all the very vassals of Satan , Reas. 2. and slaves of sin , taken prisoners of him in the fall , and we have no power of Soul , nor part of body , but are all fast bound to his will , our understanding darkness it self , our will altogether averse and rebellious to that that is good , carried forcibly to all evil , as are also our affections and other parts . Rom. 6. 17. The Devil holds us , as a Captain doth his Castle , naturally he rules in our hearts at his pleasure , Eph. 2. 2. till through Christ we be delivered out of this power of darkness : Col. 3. 13. He is the strong man that keeps the house , till a stronger then he comes , which is Christ alone : We have no power to think a good thought , to stir a finger in any good , though about the matter of our Salvation ; Rom. 8. 7. Our wisdom is enmity against God , All our thoughts are onely evil continually : Gen. 6. 5. It s as impossible for a natural man to do any good , as for a bramble to bear grapes or figs ; nay , which is worse , and makes up our bondage , we cannot see we be in this case , believe when we be told it , desire to come out of it , as being weary thereof ; nay , we delight in it , think it the onely liberty , spend body , goods , name , soul , and all in the service of it , the basest master , and most cruel , the basest work , and most woful wages , and this yet is worst , that we like of it , and liberty being offered , we loath it . No vassal among the Turks that hath been there never so long , but yet retains a free minde , he would be gone if he might or could tell how ; but such are not we , we have no desire from Satan or sin ; our bondage being thus made known unto us , we are a little the fitter to listen to the freedom here spoken of , we being in this most woful bondage , Iohn 8. 36. God of his infinite mercy found out a way , a strange way to free us , Gal. 5. 1. and that was by Jesus Christ , who hath procured our liberty and makes us free .

This is called Christian liberty , Believers are made free by Christ . because it s purchased by Christ for Christians , namely Believers , and no others : Its a Spiritual and holy freedom , not Civil , such as the Jews looked for ( even great advancement in an earthly Kingdom ) or the Anabaptists dream of , which shake off Magistracy ; nor Carnal , such as that of the Libertines , which live as they list in all silthiness ; Wherein Christian liberty consists . and procured it is by Christ alone , no other could do it : It stands in these four things , 1. Through Christ we are freed from the wrath and curse of God , and all the punishment of our sins here , and hereafter ; and this he hath done by his precious blood , 1 Pet. 1. 19. having redeemed us , and became also a curse for us : Isa. 53. 4 , &c. He was arraigned before a worldly Judge , Gal. 3. 13. that we might not be arraigned before the Judge of the whole world ; He was condemned , that we might be absolved ; He dyed , that we might live ; He hath become our surety , and so freed us from the wrath and justice of God , and his payment was most royal , because he was God , and by his Resurrection he declared that it was full and perfect ; Rom. 8. 1. So that now to all that believe in him , there is no condemnation : It hath nothing to do with them ; for though God be just , and will have it once paid , yet not unjust to require it twice . 2. We are freed from the service of Sin and the Devil , which he hath done by the vertue of his Word and holy Spirit , working faith in our hearts : So Regenerating and Sanctifying us , washing us in his blood , enlightening our understandings , renewing our wills , reforming our affections and whole man , working a quite change from that was before , an hatred of the sin that before was onely loved , a love to the good that before was not regarded , yea of all sin , and of all good , with some power to resist and overcome the one , and perform the other ; so that though Satan tempt us , yet shall he not have us at command as before , though our heart and flesh lust after evil , yet the Spirit resisteth it , and provoketh to good , and sin reigneth in us no longer : Thus were Zacheus , the Jaylor , and Mary Magdalene quite altered from that they were before : So among our selves , through Gods goodness , they that understood nothing to purpose , are now enlightened and ashamed of themselves in respect of their former conversation , hate their sins and old companions , and are turned to love God , and to delight in his Word , Saints , Prayer , good Duties , have tongues that cannot now speak for their liyes as before , but are ready to speak gracious words , which before they could not ; Isa. 32. 3 , 4. & 35. 4 , 5. and where before they were lame to any good , now they are active , and can finde their legs now to carry them to goodness ; but we are only thus freed in part : we cannot do what we would , & as we would , and oftentimes also we do also what we would not , yet shall we draw vertue from God by his Spirit in the daily use of the Word , Sacraments , and Prayer , to be more and more freed therefrom , till at last we shall attain the same , even perfect freedom in glory for ever . 3. We are freed from the rigor of the Moral Law , and the uttermost extremity of it , which of the unbeliever is exacted , but on the behalf of Believers is taken away by Christ , so that though in them there be many wants , yet God in Christ Jesus will accept the will for the deed ; he will accept of their hearts , and of the truth of their actions , pardoning their infirmities : Hence it is that now they flee not from the Law as a cruel Tyrant , but come thereto , as to a Schoolmaster to instruct them in Gods will . Gal. 3. 24. 4. We are freed from the Ceremonial Law , whereof the Sacraments , Sacrifices , Rites , Purifyings , &c. were meer shadows till the body came : So from bondage , See Gal. 5. 1. in all things indifferent , as meats , drinks , days , and the like , which were rudiments serving for the minority of the Church : Col. 2. 16. There is now no indifferent thing we are bound in for Religions sake , or from which we are to abstain for conscience sake ; much more are we freed from all mens Traditions , which serve not to binde the conscience , wherewith notwithstanding the Church of Rome endeavoreth to hold people in base and deadly bondage ( as the Scribes and Pharisees of old ) and that for Conscience and Religions sake : The Kingdom of God is not meat nor drink , Rom. 14. 17. neither if we eat are we the more acceptable , or if we eat not , the less .

1. This is a wonderful consolation to every Christian ; Use 1. whoso can prove themselves Believers , they are the onely happy persons in the world , they onely are free : Art thou such a one ? be of good comfort , there 's no condemnation to thee ; though thou hast been stung with sin , yet seeing thou hast had grace to look up to Christ Jesus , thou art cured , Christ hath dyed for thee , thou shalt not perish , but have life everlasting , Who shall lay any thing to thy charge ? Christ hath paid thy debt to the uttermost farthing ; when therefore the conscience of thy sin troubles thee , with the danger thereof , and the Devil pursueth thee with temptations , O then look up to thy Surety , stick to him , he hath perfectly discharged thee ! Though there be a Hell wide and large , and the burning thereof as it were fire and much wood , which the breath of the Lord as a River of Brimstone doth kindle , and wherein thou hast deserved to have thy portion , yet there thou shalt not come , Christ hath given a discharge for every one that believeth in him : Thou art humbled , the Spirit of God beareth witness to thine , that thou art Gods , and thou findest in thy self the fruits of faith ; be of good comfort , God can as soon deny himself , as that thou shalt perish : O what cause have we to thank God for Christ Jesus , and all the means whereby we came to faith , and to be Christians ! we can have no curse in this world ( crosses for good , are no curses ) death shall do us no hurt , yea turn to our especial good : Art thou a Believer ? then art thou no longer the Servant of sin , to be at the command , and follow it in the lusts thereof ; though thou canst not do as thou wouldest , yet having thine understanding enlightened , thy will and affections reformed , and thine heart changed , &c. thou hast a blessed freedom , a pledge indeed of that perfect freedom thou shalt have in Heaven ; yet labor every day to be more freed from the bondage of thy corruption , and set at liberty to serve God ; And is it not a wonderful comfort , that we may offer up Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ? and that we are enabled in some measure to do the will of God , and that with delight ; and that our works , though imperfect and done in weakness , yet being done in Truth are accepted of God , Psal. 103. 13. who hath compassion on us , as a father on his son : He that is indeed a true Believer , is the onely free person in the world , so free as nothing can make him otherwise ; let him be bound with sickness , with poverty , with imprisonment , let him be tyed hand and foot , let him be chained about the neck to a prison wall , &c. yet is he free ; free from sin and damnation , free from the bondage of the Devil , is a conqueror over temptations , hath a free minde to serve God , and even then with Paul and Silas , and the three children , can sing and laud his name : O praise God for this , walk thankfully and joyfully , love the word , and search it , where these blessed prerogatives and priviledges be enrolled : It s a great fault we rejoyce no more herein , especially considering the price that our freedom cost .

2. For them that cannot prove themselves Believers ; Use 2. O let them labor to have a part in this freedom . Acts 22. 28. Rome had great priviledges , therefore many sought and that with great sums to be free of it : When the Jews were freed from Hamans conspiracy , Ester 8. 17. and had the Kings favor , many become Jews ; O so , me thinks , many should desire to become Christians , that they may partake of this freedom , which is more to be desired then the whole world : Till you be freed by Christ , you are in woful bondage ; Iohn 8. 36. When the Son shall make you free , then shall you be free indeed , till which time you are bound indeed , and that in a fearful maner ; the curse of God follows you whithersoever you go or ride ; you go not over a stile , but you may break your neck ; get up on your horses , but you may receive some deadly blows to send you to Hell ; take tools in your hands , but you may mischief your selves thereby , you may be swallowed up as Korah , drowned as Pharaoh , burnt with fire from Heaven as Nadab and Abihu , eat up with worms as Herod : Being unbelievers , you have no warrant to the contrary , every minute you hang over the pit of Hell , for whom it gapeth : You are also slaves of the Devil , at his command , and do base work for a woful master , whose wages will be accordingly : But this the world will not believe , they dream not of Spiritual bondage , neither consider that their hearts are fast locked in unbelief ; were they sensible hereof , they would seek by all means to be rid of the same , they would be afraid even to sleep this night , lest Hell should catch them ere they awoke , lest their souls should be fetched from them being in this condition : O never be quiet till you know your selves freed by Christ ; to this end humble your selves , confess your deadly bondage , bewail it to God , cry for pardon , rest not till you receive a gracious answer ; never leave waiting on God in his Word , and craving his Spirit , till he change your hearts , and make you free , whence will spring peace of Conscience , and joy in the Holy Ghost : What are Riches , Wit , Civility , yea the gifts of Knowledge , Utterance , and hearing of the Word with joy , and the like , without this ? This is to be known by Faith especially ; But how do most content themselves to hold the hope of Heaven by sleight conceits of their own , rather then seek by sound arguments from the Word to be assured thereof ? Is not this fearful ? It s time for us to awaken our selves , and to ransack our Evidences ; weak holds will vanish when strong temptations come : 〈◊〉 16. 16. O get we the shield of Faith , which will quench all the fiery darts of the Devil : He is such an adversary , that we had need be throughly armed , being to encounter with him .

And not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness , ] Here 's the abuse of Christian liberty : They were freed indeed , but he would not they should stretch their liberty further then was meer , or abuse it any way as a cloak and cover for any licentiousness or naughtiness whatsoever . Here note , That

Through the evil heart and corrupt nature of man , Through mans corrupt nature even the most holy Ordinances of God , and best things are subject to be abused . not onely the creatures of God , but even his holy Ordinances , and the very best things are subject to be abused : The Gospel was foolishness to the world , and Christ Jesus himself a stone whereat many did stumble : Thus the Doctrine of Predestination , many turn to a desperate course of doing what they list : The Doctrine of Gods great mercy most take as an emboldening to sin ; so is the Doctrine of Justification by Faith onely , and of Christian liberty abused unto licentiousness : Even the Apostles writings were by some wrested to their own condemnation . 2 Pet. 2. 16.

1. Seeing our nature is so apt to abuse such things , Use 1. it behoves the Ministers of God to pray to God for wisdom , that they may deliver wisely and warily as all points of Doctrine , so especially those that are most apt to be abused : They must so handle the Doctrine of Gods judgements against the wicked , that the godly humble be not dismaid ; and so comfort the godly , that the wicked be not emboldened , but each have his portion that 's due to him .

2. This rebuketh as in general all such as shall thus abuse any holy things of God , Use 2. so in particular all abusers of Christian liberty , whether such as turn it into carnal licentiousness ( as the Familists and Libertines , and too too many in this Land , in solemnizing the Feast of our Saviors Nativity ) or such as turn it into civil liberty , and freedom from civil subjection , Acts 1. 6. as of old the Jews ( which looked for earthly priviledges and immunities by Christ ) and of late the Anabaptists : How many hearing that we are freed by Christ from the rigor of the Law , make no more account of it , as though a believer freed from the curse and rigor of it , were not yet under it while he lives ? How many make Religion a cloak for their naughtiness and whoredoms , being very diligent at Sermons , and outwardly very devout , that they might be the less suspected ? as the Scribes and Pharisees , which devoured widows houses , Mat. 23. 14. and under colour made long prayers ? How many hearing that the Ceremonial Law is abrogated by Christ , will not therefore read any part thereof ; nay scarce any of the Old Testament , shaking off the Testimonies cited out of it , ignorantly saying , O the old Law is abolished . How many now hearing that we be not under the bondage of any thing indifferent , rush out into all excessive and vile abuse of the same , without keeping any bounds , or going by any rule ? They will eat and drink excessively at all times , wear what apparel they list , without respect of their degree for the matter of it , or the fashion for the maner : So for recreations , they dare run unto those that be unlawful , and use those that be lawful without all bounds of moderation .

But of the use of things indifferent , Three restrainers of things indifferent . there be three restrainers , Gods Words , The Laws of Magistrates , and the rule of Charity : Gods Word , where are rules whereby to guide us in the use of things indifferent , as that they be decent , of good report , done to edifying , used in sobriety and modestly , tend to the glory of God ; and to make us fitter for duties .

The Laws of Magistrates , whether Civil or Ecclesiastical ; for if they command in things indifferent , and be so in their use also as well as their nature , and be according to the rules of the Word , then they are by the Magistrates commandment made necessary , Acts 15. 28. as for abstinence from flesh not for Religion , but civil respects : So if they forbid men to wear silk upon some special causes , or to hunt within such a compass ; these were before indifferent , but now necessary .

The rule of charity ; we must not use indifferent things to the offence of our weak brother , Rom. 14. 13 , 15 , 19. or to cause him stumble , or hinder him any way in the course of his Salvation : Indeed for obstinate ones that will not be perswaded , Rom. 15. 2. we are not bound to respect them ; 1 Cor. 10. 28. as Paul , that was content for the week Jews to circumcise Timothy , Acts 16. 3. would not after , Gal. 2. 3. because of their obstinacy , consent that Titus should be circumcised .

Our Christian liberty is an holy thing , precious indeed and dear : O let 's not abuse it , let 's not suffer our selves to be intangled again with sin , or the works of the Devil , and fashions of the world , from which Christ hath freed us ! Neither let us suffer our selves to be made the Servants of men , 1 Cor. 7. 23. or to be brought into subjection of mens Traditions , or the superstitious use of things indifferent ( as the Papists thus hold poor people in bondage ) it cost Christ a dear price to purchase our freedom : Col. 2. 16. Contrarily , Gal. 5. 1. Take heed we abuse it not to wantonness and licentiousness , but use it to the glory of God , our own good , and the benefit of our Brother : Remember we also , that our freedom by Christ doth not exempt us from subjection to Magistrates : Christian liberty , and civil subjection may well stand together ; 1 Cor. 7. 25. Even Christ himself and his Apostles were subject unto the higher powers , neither hath he purchased liberty for any to do hurt , or cross his Fathers order .

But as the servants of God . ] Here 's the right use of Christian liberty , we must use it as Gods servants , that are freed from sin to serve him in obedience to all his commandments , and this of subjection among the rest .

A Christian though he be free , A Christian though free , yet is still a Servant . yet is he a Servant still ; He is freed from Sin , Hell , Damnation , and the Devil , to serve the Lord of Heaven and Earth ; an happy service , a most blessed change : A Christian is of all others the most free , Luke 1. 74. and yet the greatest Servant : The greatest Christian , Rom. 6. 22. the greatest Servant ; He that will be greatest , let him be servant of all : We must serve God in the duties of his worship both privately and publiquely , and that zealously , and we must serve men to the good of their souls and bodies , by Admonition , Exhortation , Consolation , Example , and Prayer : This is no bondage , but the happiest liberty that may be ; Comfort and joy accompanies this service for the present , whereof the end will be life everlasting : Not to serve thus , but to be under the service of sin , is of all others the basest bondage .

As therefore we would serve the Lord with all our might , Use. and shake off all tediousness and wearisomness that comes upon us in the performance of any duties , whether private or publique , and would zealously and chearfully run the way of his commandments , do we consider our freedom ( who were sometimes the lackies of the Devil ) from what , and by what price are we freed ; let 's remember what service we have done for sin in the days of our vanity , and now as much , or rather more for the Lord ; we thought it no burthen to sin all day long , and must not now to be godly all the day long ; we have forgotten our meat for play , and yet thought the time short ; yea , have sate up whole Nights at Cards and Dice , and have spent a good part of our Goods , and taken great pains to do evil , and should it now be irksome unto us to serve the Lord ? far be it from us .

Verse 17. Honor all men . Love the brotherhood . Fear God . Honor the King .

THis Verse consists of four Branches ; whereof the former two concern the duties which we owe each to other , which following upon that which we are to perform towards Magistrates , implieth this much ; That

To reverence and obey our Governors is not sufficient , They are good Subjects which not only obey their Magistrates , but live well one with another . no not to make us good subjects , except we also live well one with another ; for as the members both of the Natural and Spiritual body are not onely coupled and joyned to the head , but also each to other , so accordingly are we in duty bound to both : Not onely do Children obey their Parents , Servants their Masters , and Subjects their Governors , but they must also live orderly and respectively between themselves one with another : Prov. 14. 28. He that doth not thus , cannot be a good Subject ; He that shall deal injuriously with his fellow-subjects , wrongeth his Prince ( whose welfare dependeth on the multitude and flourishing state of his Subjects ) whether it be in body , goods , name or life ; he wrongeth his Prince , I say , if the party whom he harmeth be but an ordinary man , much more if he be a true Christian , being therefore one of his best Subjects .

This therefore condemneth all such as will stand in awe of Magistrates , Use. and keep out of their hands , but for others , they care not how much they wrong them ; How will some prophane desperate wretches of brazen faces , by their songs and lying Libels misuse both rich and poor , Ministers or others , which cross them in their vile courses ? And are there not others close fisted ( like the rich man in the Gospel ) that will be careful to keep out of danger of the Magistrate , Luke 12. 20. and do their duties to them , but despise all others ; partly blessing themselves in this ; that they live of no body , are beholding to none , have no need of any , and partly of a base minde , onely seeking themselves , and regarding no body else , oppressing and griping whomsoever they catch ? Neither of these be either good Christians or good Subjects .

Honor all men . ] See 1 Cor. 12. 26. That is , have regard , and give due respect unto all ( whether they be Jews or Gentiles , 1 Pet. 3. 7. good or bad ) according to their places , and that which is lovely , and to be regarded in them ; contrary hereunto , is contempt , which ( as a thing not to be endured ) we are to avoid by all means .

Touching those whom we ought to honor , We are to honor . they may be considered both as they are to us , and as they are in themselves : As they are to us , they are either Superiors , Equals , or Inferiors , all which we are to honor , yea our very selves also .

Our Superiors , Our Superiors in six particulars . whether in Wealth , Wisdom , Years : This we must shew in these and the like particulars , 1. To rise up before them . 2. When they are coming towards us , Lev. 19. 32. to go and meet them , as Abraham did the three Angels , Gen. 18. 2. and Solomon rose to meet Bathsheba . 1 Kings 2. 19. 3. To bow , Gen. 23. 7. as Abraham to the children of Heth , and the rich man to our Savior Christ . Mark 10. 17. 4. To give them the highest seat or place if we sit , Luke 14. 8. or the wall and the right hand if we walk : Gen. 43. 33. Josephs brethren sate down according to their age . Iob. 32. 4. 5. To give them liberty to speak in the first place : Thus did Elihu , 1 Pet. 3. 6. we must not be full of words in the company of our Superiors . 6. To give titles of reverence that we owe to them ; so did Sarah to Abraham , 1 Sam. 1. 15. Calling him Lord ; Matth. 19. 16. as Hanna did to Eli , and the yong man in the Gospel coming to our Savior Christ , called him , Good Master : Rom. 13. 7. We must give every man his due , honor to whom honor belongeth .

Our Equals : One equals in two particulars . 1. In esteeming them better then our selves , without contention or vain glory : This is indeed one of the hardest things in the world , Phil. 2. 3. because of the pride that is naturally in us , but if we look for this grace of humility , it may be obtained , even by seeing others vertues and our own frailties and infirmities , we shall come to this in truth , esteeming others better then our selves . 2. We must in giving honor go one before another ; Rom. 12. 10. modesty is a great cherisher of love , neither is there a more deadly poison to peace and agreement , nor greater mean to stir up contention and hatred , then when any shal think themselves despised : What a folly and madness is it in numbers that so strive for seats and places , or that sometimes they cannot contain even in the publique and holy place , to justle for the wall , or the way ? What deadly hatred ariseth between many about such things , that they can never be reconciled ? Alas , This is not the way to honor , as which flieth further from those that do most run after it : If in modesty we would yield , rather then contend , either our adversaries would yield to us , or if not , yet the wise would commend us , and disallow them .

Our Inferiors ; Our Inferiors , and why . we must without all contempt , in meekness of Spirit respect them as Brethren , as our own flesh ; one God made them and us , and of one mold and matter , they may belong to God , and be heirs of glory as well as we . Besides , as the meanest member of the body could not be spared , so could not we be without them ; they toil , dig , delve , card , spin , &c. Thus will they do their duty the more chearfully , and bear the place of their Inferiority , when they shall see themselves , though mean , yet not despised , which else might occasion in them discontent and impatience , and increase their burthen , which they do already think to be heavy enough ; we must be so far from being harsh , cruel , or strange to them , as that we ought to hear them speak , and regard their counsel ; if they be persons of understanding and good carriage , as often as the Lord-will , let an Inferior see that which the Superior doth not , that the one may regard the other : 2 King . 5. 13. Naaman the Syrian hearkened to the counsel of his Servant to his great good ; Iob 31. 13. neither did Job despise the cause of his Servants , when they contended with him : True it is , Superiors are not to lose the places God hath set them in , neither are bound to set up their Inferiors in them , yet are they to use them kindely and with respect .

Yea , Our selves . a man is bound to honor himself , for he is the workmanship of God , he may not therefore defile or abuse himself at his pleasure : He must therefore keep his hands free from cruelty and oppression , his tongue from lying , swearing , railing , mocking , as his whole body from evil and filthiness : 1 Thess. 4. 4. Its Gods will that we should possess our vessels in holiness and honor , we must not disgrace or deface the work of the Lord ; Rev. 21. 27. they that thus do , shall not enter into Heaven , for no unclean thing shall come there : And as we desire to procure honor unto our selves , we must labor in all things to honor God , and in all our doings aym at his glory ; them that thus do , God will honor : Contrarily , they that seek themselves , and not God , in that that they do , living even openly to his dishonor , and not regarding at all to glorifie him , disgrace and shame shall be cast on them ; the honor they seek flies furthest from them , yea , such have often fearful and shameful ends : Dishonoring God , he dishonoreth them ; and as we are to labor to be approved of God , Heb. 11. 2. so also to have good report in the Church of God ; Prov. 10. 7. and 22. 1. for a good name is greatly to be respected , is of much worth , and an especial blessing of God . Thus as men are to us .

As they are in themselves , they are either good o● bad , both which we are to honor : We are to honor both good and bad according to their places . Honor all men ( saith the Apostle ) good , bad , Jews , Gentiles , Believers , Unbelievers , Regenerate , Unregenerate , Christians , Pagans , &c. for the good there is no doubt , and that is to be spoken of in the next Exhortation , but the doubt and difficulty is of the bad , how and why we must honor them : We must have a good respect to all , Even in them that are most bad , there 's something to be regarded . though not to all alike ; and there are none so bad , but there is something in them to be regarded , some scratch of Gods image ; if ancient men , an image of Gods eternity , reverence that , and speak to them as to aged men ; if wealthy , an image of Gods infinite abundance ; if wise to manage matters of the world , reverence Gods wisdom ; if a Father or Master , an image of Gods Fatherhood and Authority : Besides , they have many active parts of good use , for Peace or War , by Sea and Land , are skilful in the Tongues , in Arts and Sciences , are Civil , Kinde , Courteous , Pitiful , and the like ; for every of which we are to honor them , to reverence them , to give them their due , Rom. 12. 18. so much as in us lies living peaceably with them : In their prosperity we must use them friendly in all points of Neighborhood , Lending , Borrowing , Commercing , Dealing Justly and Righteously with them , to bring them to the love of Religion ; in their adversity we must be helpful to them ; if hungry , give them meat ; if thirsty , drink ; if naked , raiment ; at all times give them a good example , pray for them , and give them their due for any thing that 's in them , Iames 3. 16. that they may see themselves regarded , not despised , and so keep peace , holding out contention , which is the floodgate of all evil : Thus dealing well with them , and walking wisely towards them , we may bring them in time to a liking and love of Religion .

1. Therefore for Christians , Use 1. let them not reject men altogether whom they see to be bad , but give them their due , we know not what good may come by our amiable and wise carriage towards them ; but if we shall despise them , we do thereby harden them against us and Religion too .

2. For them that be yet carnal , Use 2. let them labor for grace , which deserves true and large honor : If God will have you regarded for your natural parts , how will both he himself honor you , and cause you also to be honored of others , having grace ? ye see Christians use you kindely and respectively for your common and natural gifts , O how should they embrace you , if they saw the lively image of God in you ?

Love the Brotherhood . ] More especially he now teacheth our duties to godly men , to the true servants of God : These we must embrace with an intire and hearty affection ; we must love all , and do good unto all , but especially unto the Brotherhood ; brotherly kindeness , which is a very natural and intire inward affection , is due to the children of God . Speak we first of love to their persons , then to their fellowship and Company .

For their persons ; We are to love the persons of Gods children We must love them with a more then ordinary affection : The more lively we observe Gods image to be in any , the more we must love such ; 1 Thess. 4. 10. others we are not bound to love with the like affections : Psal. 16. 3. and 101. Those did David love , in such did he delight , a fit patern for our imitation . We must love such ,

1. Because of their nearness to us if we belong to God ; Reas. They are our Brethren , we have the same Father , God ; the same Mother , the Church of God ; born of the same immortal seed , nourished up with the same sincere milk of the Word , have the same Sacraments , the same Savior , our eldest Brother Christ Jesus , and look also for the same Inheritance in Heaven , and is not this very near ? They are also members of the same body that we be , fellow-members with us , and of the same Houshold and Family , even the Houshold of Faith .

2. In respect of their excellency ; They are washed in Christs Blood , Isa. 4. 3. covered with his righteousness , are more glorious then the Sun , They are termed , The glory . endued with the sanctifying Spirit , have Angels to their attendants , all the Creatures theirs , they live under the hope of eternal glory , the world was made for them , and abides for their sakes : If a man saw the honor of a Christian and Childe of God , he would fall down before him , and kiss the ground he stands on .

3. For that they are in great favor with God ; He loves them dearly , Zech. 2. 8. and hath rebuked even Kings for their sakes ; He that toucheth them , toucheth the apple of his eye : Now those whom God loves , we should also love , yea whatsoever is done to them , good or ill , he counts it as done to himself .

1. This rebuketh those that are so far from thus affecting them , Use 1. as that of all persons they cannot away with them , but mock them , as Ishmael did Isaac , and Michol , David , but rail on them as Shimei , tell Tales of them as Doeg , persecute them as Saul , seek to entrap them , as the Scribes , Pharisees , and Herodians , yea and like Judas betray them ; of this sort all places are full , neither is there any so base in a Town , or so ignorant that he cannot say the Lords-Prayer , but he can mock and rail on them that make conscience of their ways ; yea , the Devil is such a cunning School-master , as that though we can beat nothing into some mens heads they be so blockish , yet the Devil can teach them to be very expert to jest at them that fear God ; and this hath ever been the fashion of the world : They hate men for their goodness , and the better they be , the worse they like them ; whom whil'st they were prophane , companions with them in disorder , they were the onely men with them , Why were Abel , David , our Savior himself hated , but for their goodness ? If they pretend that they mislike them , and speak against them for this or that fault , it s but for a colour , for why then do they like and nourish the same things in themselves , and those like themselves ? Neither can such things be found in Gods people , as are daily palpable in them and their companions ; It s therefore because the light of the godlies good conversation discovers their ill deeds , which ( were the others like them ) would not be seen , or taken knowledge of : O the fearful condition of such ! If he shall dwell in Gods Tabernacle , Psal. 15. 4. in whose eyes a vile person is contemned , but he honoreth them that fear the Lord , where shall they dwell that honor vile persons , 1 Iohn 3. 10 , 14. and contemn them that fear the Lord ? Such 〈◊〉 not of God , are not translated from death unto life : As Ishmael was cast out of the Church , God will for ever Excommunicate all ou● of Heaven , that continue to be Enemies to his people : Though ye have no minde to be as they are , yet misuse them not , for he that loveth them and will take their part , is mighty , and hath been revenged of Kings for their sakes : But if you will be wise indeed , labor to be such , who are therefore set up , either that you should follow them , or else that they should be your Judges , as Noah in condemning the old world : If you will needs continue to despise them , yet know that the time shall come , when you shall desire to be as they , but it shall be far from you : Haply even in this life , when you shall be visited with sickness , Num. 23. 10. or in some other extremity and misery , you may with Balaam wish this ; but howsoever , on the great and terrible day of Judgement , when they shall stand on the right hand , and you on the left , they be received up into everlasting glory , your selves cast out into eternal torments , you would be glad hereof : But you must not think to be as Dives in this world , and as Lazarus in the world to come : O then , love ye the grace of God , wheresoever ye see it , and the people of God , though never so poor and mean , yea , more then them that are in gold Chains without grace ! Shew your inward affection towards them , by rejoycing in their welfare , grieving at the contrary , living peaceably with them , doing them all the good you can , or they stand in need of , whether in soul or body .

2. This rebuketh such as break this near knot of love for toys and trifles , Use 2. not worth the speaking of ; Gen. 13. 10. welfare Abraham , that would rather yield to his Inferior , then thus do : Many wax hollow , and strange , and conceited one against another , and live at odds in heart-burning , even with them whom they cannot , they dare not but think to be Gods people ; Is not this monstrous wrong to Christ , to pull one member from another ? and is it not a great distemper , when one member of the body will hurt another ? O that these days of peace should produce such an effect ! If God should send days of trouble , we would be glad one of another : O that wicked pride and covetousness ( the main causes hereof ) or any thing else in this world should be of such force , as to sever those whom God by his Spirit hath joyned together ! Thus of their persons .

For their fellowship and company ; This follows upon the former , for that which we love , we desire as much to enjoy as may be , as the Husband the Wives company , and she his ; so Parents their Children , one Friend anothers : They therefore love not the people of God ( whatsoever they say or pretend ) that care not for their company .

But whose fellowship are we to love ? We are to love the fellowship not of the ungodlies . The Brethrens , even the people of God ; we are to honor all , even bad men , but are not to have society or keep company with such : Enter not into the way of the wicked ( saith Solomon ) and walk not into the way of evil men : Prov. 4. 14. I wrote unto you in an Epistle ( saith the Apostle ) that ye should not company together with fornicators , 1 Cor. 5. 9. &c. 2 Thess. 3. 6. and again , We command you , Brethren , in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ , See also v. 14. that ye withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh inordinately , 2 Tim. 3. 5. and not after the instruction which he received of us .

Reasons . Reasons : 1. We shall hereby make them a●●●●●ed , and so be a means of their Repentance : When they shall see themselves after a sort excommunicated out of the society of the people of God , 2 Thess. 3. 14. they will begin to take notice of the ground thereof , namely , Their sins , and thereupon thus question with themselves , If for these and these sins I am thus rejected of men , how much more will God reject me ? otherwise we shall strengthen them in their sins .

2. We shall provoke others by our example , not to have any fellowship with them , who else might continue therein to their destruction .

3. Lest we be defiled , for who can touch pitch , and not be defiled therewith , or walk in the Sun , and not be tanned ? A companion of fools shall be afflicted : Prov. 13. 20. Their company is like an east wind , to blast the tender plant of the grace of God in us : If we shall use the same , they will soon rob us of our good qualities , as Hamor did Dinah of her chastity ; we shall quickly lose our good name , quickly learn their works , A little leaven , leavens the whole lump : Sin is of an infectious nature , the infection thereof far worse then the plague ; Solomon the wisest man , yet was wonderfully carried away and defiled thus ; and David with being a little among the Philistines , learned to dissemble , making as if he had been willing to fight against his own people ; Peter being but a while in the high Priests Hall , fell foully ; Lot having sojourn'd in Sodom , did so far forget himself , as that he proffered his two daughters to be lyen with , and they learn'd to be monstrous unshamefast ; 2 King 8. 27. Ahaziah did evil in the sight of the Lord ( saith the Text ) like the house of Ahab for he was the son in Law of the house of Ahab : He was unequally yoked , had the company of an ill wife , and ill friends .

4. Lest we partake of their punishments : The curse of God is in the house of the wicked ; Rev. 18. 4. They are cursed abroad and at home , and in all they put their hands unto : Prov. 3. 33. It s dangerous to be in their company ; Deut. 28. 16 , 17 , 18 , &c. Lot being in Sodom , was at first taken prisoner , and afterward ( if he had not been pluckt away by the Angel ) had been there burnt ; Jehoshaphat hardly escaped his life for going with Ahab ; St. John would not enter the bath where Cerinthus was , Lest ( saith he ) the bath fall upon us , where this wicked enemy of God is .

This rebuketh the monstrous wickedness of our times , Use. wherein there are none so bad , but others will keep company and joyn with them in all kindes of Societies ; yea , oftentimes even Professors will match their children with such , especially if they be wealthy ; but what a woful yoke is it to have an honest or well minded person , or one of good towardness , to be yoked with one of an ungodly and vile life , one that 's both loose in maners , and corrupt in judgement , whether Atheist , Papist , or any other ? So men care not where they dwell , nor with what Neighbors , if the ground like them , and it be for their profit : Our yong Gentlemen are scarce compleat , if they go not over to Italy to learn some of Machiavels villany ; A number of our Merchants care not where they buy or trade , so it be for gain , though they live amongst all Gods enemies , and often defile themselves with bowing their knee to Baal : Many care not how vile Servants they have , so they do their work , which yet proves oftentimes the poysoning of their Children : Most are for all companies ; if good , so it is , they will frame themselves accordingly ; if bad , they are also for them : This is the cause of so much overflowing and overspreading evil in the world , for one infects another ; O how many Youths of good towardness , falling into vile company , have been spoiled ! How loath are we that our Children should look asquint , or be deformed ? Ill company will quickly make them look quite awry from God ; therefore saith David , Psal. 119. 115. Depart from me ye wicked , for I will keep the commandments of the Lord . As we love our selves , as we would escape the Judgement of God upon us , such as Pain , Sickness , Poverty , and such like here , with everlasting Torments hereafter , keep we our selves far from the wicked , depart we from them in whom we see not the lips of knowledge . If we be to choose our dwellings , do not we dwell in Mesech , Psal. 120. 5. as we would not cry with the Psalmist , Wo is me , &c. If already we dwell in such places , yet be we watchful over the pollutions there , lest we be defiled : Haply the wicked will hereupon tax us for pride ; but better it is that they should speak ill of us falsly , then that God should hate and punish us justly : If one should wallow himself in a mire , and term another in new and clean garments proud , for not wallowing as he did , or rubbing upon his dirty clothes , whereby he might be defiled , But of the godly . who would not account him a fool ? Those , I say , we must not love , neither frequent their company , but we must love the Brotherhood , Psa. 16. & 101. frequent the company of Gods people : David made choyce of such ; Acts 10. 7. so Cornelius , even of such as did fear the Lord : We must love to have fellowship with them both publikely ( in hearing the Word , joyning together in Prayer for a blessing thereon , and offering up the sweet perfume of Thanksgiving ; where thousands have found such comfort and refreshing , as they would not give for a world ) and privately , conferring one with another , Admonishing , Exhorting , Edifying , Comforting and Encouraging one another ; Thus we shall strengthen and confirm one another ( for he that walks with the wise , Prov. 13. 20. shall be wise ) Thus stir up and provoke one another to good works , whereof ( considering our dulness and weakness ) we have great need ; Thus we may open our temptations one to another , and accordingly receive both comfort and counsel . The wicked meet to strengthen one another in evil , hereby making others twofold more the children of the Devil then themselves ; and should not we be as wise in our generation ? Oh! How many have cause to thank God highly for good company , by whom , upon the discovery of their temptations , they have received both comfort and strength ? by whom ( being formerly much daunted by Reproaches , and other harsh measure used against them for their Profession ) they have been notably heartened ; yea , even the wicked themselves have been the better for good company , as Joash whilest Jehoiada lived , and the Sodomites whilest L●t was amongst them : Two are better then one , and as iron sharpeneth iron , so good company proveth beneficial unto such as make use of the same .

1. This rebuketh the Brownists , Use. 1. that separate and rent themselves from us , and our both publike and private Societies , as if we were no Church , See B. Balls 1. Epist. of 3. Decad. and 5. of Dec. 6. but an Antichristian company , having neither Sacraments , nor Ministers : But we have not onely a true , but a worthy Church , that maintain all Principles of true Religion as soundly , as any Church in the world , as in our Articles of Religion appeareth . We have also Ministers inwardly called of God , with competency of gifts , and graced of him by the fruit of their labors , in the Conversion of thousands of souls , which is a good seal of their Ministery from Heaven ; and if these have any good in them , where had they it , but from those Ministers , and that Church from which they now separate , and on which they most unchristianly rail as Antichristian ? to whom our Church may say indeed , Give me that which you have had of me , and then go your ways , and see what will become of you : What an ungracious part were it in a Son ( if being grown to some years , and able to shift for himself ) he should turn , and miscalling his Father , spit on his face , calling also his Mother Harlot and Whore , and then running away from them , when he should shew his thankfulness to them ? No less ungracious are these men .

2. It rebuketh those prophane ones , Use 2. that cannot abide the company of Gods people , think an hour there as long as a day elswhere , account such a Family a prison , wherein there s reading the Word , Catechizing , Prayer , and the like duties ; yea , when they should be in the house of God , they will be at home , or in some Alehouse , or walking abroad in the Fields , or loytering in the Church-yard ; or if they come , it s to no purpose , as being against their mindes : such straglers are in danger of the Devil , out of Gods protection , and may fall into any evil ; What blinde beasts be these , that count that a prison , that is comfort and joy , true and sweet liberty ? Well , if they will not walk with them while they live , their end shall not be like theirs ; sever'd in life , sever'd in death .

But what ? have they no company then ? Yes , to swagger , swill , swear , game , and to all maner of disorder , as well on the Lords-day , as other times : There 's a great deal of such fellowship in this Land , falsly called good fellowship ; indeed hellish fellowship , whereof not God , but the Devil is the Author , and Master of the meeting ; little brotherly fellowship , except it be as Simeon and Levi , brethren in evil : O the drunken fellowship of these times ! Some are mad and beastly drunkards , Isa. 5 ▪ 22. others ( to whom there 's also a wo ) strong to pour in strong drink , glorying in making others drunk , but their glory is to their shame , and their end will be damnation . How few Gentlemens houses can you come to , wherein it s not the glory of Serving-men to make those drunk whom they can get into the Cellar , and thereupon rejoyce ? Poor woful Creatures , that little think , that for this they shall one day come to Judgement , and their jollity be requited with everlasting torments in Hell : If they must answer for every idle word , and for such pleasures ( though in themselves not unlawful ) wherein they have regarded neither time , place , person , measure , nor end , how much more for their wicked companionship , in Swearing , Blaspheming , filthy talking , Prophaning the Lords-day , and the like ? Such would one day give the whole world , if they had it , for one hour to repent , but in vain : They now treasure up wrath to themselves , and as they now delight in evil company , so shall it be said unto them , Go ye cursed of my Father , &c. There , there shall they enjoy their company in whom they have so much delighted , but to their further Torment .

3. It rebuketh a marvellous fault in Christians , Use 3. that so little regard one another , so seldom meet together , or when they do , spend the time to small purpose , not edifying one another as they should do : Some through Pride are so conceited of their parts , as if they did not stand in need of any , as others think themselves too good to converse with any , and others through covetousness , will not spare any time this way : But time was , when Christians made much one of another , and often in simplicity and plain-heartedness , met together to talk of good things , and to further and strengthen one another , and then Religion prospered , and people grew in grace ; but now , though there be more knowledge , there is less zeal , and true-heartedness , and this is the cause of the decay of goodness amongst ancienter Christians ; when the brands are pulled in sunder , and the heat decays , the fire goes out : Welfare our yonger Christians which cling together . Beware , you that have been long professors , lest they that set out after you , outstrip you , and go far before you , which many may see to your shame : O is it not pitiful that when Christians meet , the time should be spent in worldly talk without ne●d , or in vain idle frothy talk of News , or other folks matters , and things of no edifying ! This comes to pass sometimes through want of matter , their hearts being barren of good things ; sometimes for that their hearts and mindes are earthy , and delight not in those things : Hence it cometh to pass that Christians become the worse one for anothers company , not a few leaving an ill example and savor behinde them to the poysoning of others ; this is hard in Christians , let us strive by all means that this may be amended .

To this end these Rules are to be observed by Christians in their private meetings :

1. That they do not hereby neglect their Callings to the hinderance of their families ( except it be an extraordinary case of heaviness of minde , Rules to be observed by Christians in their private meetings . when a poor soul for a while will borrow a little of the body , as he hath beguiled the soul before , so to procure comfort ) for thus shall they open the mouthes of bad people against Religion , as if it made men idle .

2. Break up at reasonable times , and that for avoiding of offence , especially if there be other then our own Family , yet as often we sit up till midnight at Cards , &c. so at some times we may take more liberty herein .

3. Keep within bounds for the business in hand ; they must not meddle above their reach , as some in expounding the Scriptures , plunge themselves over head and ears ; they must wade ( as the Lamb ) as far as they see ground , to presume further is dangerous , and leadeth into Error , besides the abuse of Scripture : Neither must they meddle with Church-Government , and matters of controversie ; it s the Devils policy to set such things abroach , to hinder more profitable matter , and that there may be jangling , no godly edifying : In stead of these , they must confer about points lately heard , or about their own spiritual conditions , doubts , temptations , and the like , or about the lets and means of faith , &c.

4. Though there should fall out some differences , yet they must not fall out in wrangling and contention , but ( though they are in the right ) break off for the time to avoid contention : Neither must any be so conceited , as to stand upon their own wit and skill , but refer themselves unto those which have their senses exercised to discern between truth and error .

5. That none desire to have all the speech , but be willing also to hear others , for some that are not so forward in speech , may yet put in his part to as good purpose , as they that think well of themselves .

6. That they avoid medling with other folks matters , or censuring others ( this is an ill use of meeting together ) especially their Ministers Sermons , wherein they should take every thing well that may be so taken ; and before they blame any thing , they must be sure they understand , and are not deceived or mistaken ; yea , and then it must rather be humility to inform one another , then to censure them with over-much harshness and boldness , and to blaze the same abroad to their disgrace : Many through their indiscretion do their Ministers much hurt , and put them into strange courses of invectives ( whom in meekness they might easily win ) and so mar a good cause with ill handling . Thus of their Fellowship .

Fear God . ] See hereof on verse 17. of the former Chapter . This is the fountain whence as well the forementioned duties flow , as those which follow , and all other must be performed : They must be such as will stand with the fear , service , and duty we owe unto God .

But God is perfectly good , Obj. and we are to fear nothing but that which is evil .

We must fear to offend God , R. and stand in awe of him : This is not slavish , How God is to be feared . in respect of punishment either inflicted or threatned , such as Ahabs , Belshazzars , &c. but Filial , which cometh of love especially , yet with consideration also of his Majesty , Glory , and Greatness : This is often commanded , and throughout the whole Scriptures highly commended , Prov. 1. 7. as being the beginning of wisdom , the whole duty of man , Commendation and signs of Gods fear . a spur to obedience ; whereof these are infallible signs , To hate sin and depart from evil ( every sin , the inward as well as the outward , secret sins as well as open , such as might seem advantagious as well as others , unlike those which will say thereof , It s nought indeed , and we should not do it , but flesh and blood is frail , God help , and so living in it ) To keep the Commandments ( all the Commandments , all the Commandments always , yea always with delight ) To tremble at the Word , as also at his judgements : The want of this is the floodgate of all Iniquity , Prophaneness , Security , Hypocrisie , and hardness of heart , utter . Enemies hereunto : This is the preserver of the heart against evil and temptations , a main provoker unto that which is good ; when we would yield unto this or that temptation , commit this or that evil , slubber over this or that duty , up starts the fear of God , and saith , Nay , that must not be yielded to ; O the marvellous priviledges and sweet promises annexed hereunto : Such as fear God , need fear neither Hell , Death , Devil nor Judgement ; they need not fear Poverty , Sickness or Persecution , for either they shall not befal them , Use. or be sanctified to them : O how should we labor to encrease herein , by considering Gods greatness , and our base poverty , together with his justice against sin throughout all ages ? yea , considering his wonderful goodness in himself to the Land , to our selves both for soul and body , who is not to fear such a glorious , such a merciful God ? but notwithstanding both of his mercies and judgements plentifully manifested , who doth truly fear him ? There 's indeed little fear of God in the world , in England , in most of our Towns ; O the fearful condition of such ! they have cause to fear all things they see , as if all did conspire their ruine , which also sometimes falls out , Deut. 28. 65 , 66 , 67. as the Lord threatned by Moses : Were not people hardened , bold , nay desperate , they would not thus shake off Gods fear ; O let such haste out of this case ! O labor to get assurance of the pardon of your sins , and so turn to God , and walk in his fear ! Go not away hence to live loosly any more , as heretofore you have done , but fear the great Lord of Heaven and earth , who is able to plague you both in Body , Mindes , Goods , Children , here and hereafter ; rear him that hath made thee , fed thee , and kept thee out of Hell , and hath been so good to thee every way , yea , and will yet do more to thee if thou turn to him .

Honor the King . ] The duties of the first and second Table accompany one another . For the coherence of these words with the former , Note we ,

1. That the duties to God and our Neighbor , the duties of the first and second Table , are to accompany one another ; they must not be sundred , 1 Iohn 4. 21. God hath knit them , and they must go together ; He that loveth God , must love his brother also : The second is like the first ; promises are annexed to the performance of both , punishments threatned for the breach of either : He that commandeth the one , enjoyned also the other .

1. This rebuketh such as make shew of great zeal in the duties to God and of his worship , Use 1. but in the mean time make no conscience of Deceiving , Oppression , Falshood , Backbiting , Idleness , and the like ; break their word and promises , wrong men in their bodies , goods , chastity , Iames 1. 26. good-names ; whatsoever such make , their Religion is vain : The Prophets cryed down such hypocrites in their times ; there 's now no less cause so to do : Let men joyn both duties together , and justifie the truth of the one by the other ; else as we commonly say , He that will swear , will lye ; he that will lye , will swear ; he that makes no conscience of his duty towards his Neighbor , makes no conscience of his towards God .

This rebuketh also such as are very civil and just in their dealings , Use 2. sure of their word , and kinde neighbors , and yet make no conscience of the duties of the first Table , regard not the Word , Sacraments , Prayer publike or private , the observation of the Lords-day , and the like ; O they delight not in these , they savor not of such things : Howsoever the world count such right honest men , yet is God little beholding to them ; What though they give men their due , if they defraud God of his ? what though they steal not from men , if they rob God of his Sabbaths and times of worship which he challengeth as his , converting the same to their private uses ? Let the world think as well and as highly of these as they will ( wherein they do well , they are to be well thought of ) they are not such as can abide the tryal of the Word , neither shall be able to stand before God on the great day ; but as they have sundered that which God hath coupled , so will he ( if they repent not ) sunder them for ever from his Kingdom .

2. That the knowledge and fear of God is the fountain of all our duties to men in their several places ; The knowledge and fear of God is the fountain of all the duties we perform towards men . none can be a good servant indeed , a through good servant , one to be trusted with business of weight , with hope of blessing and success ( as Eleazer Abrahams servant ) but such a one as feareth God ; So ( according to the Text ) no man can truly honor the King , and be an absolute good subject , except he fear God ; no man will honor him from his heart as he ought , nor obey him for conscience sake , nor pay duties chearfully , venture his life for him faithfully , and pray for him heartily , but such as fear God : This is the onely sure bridle ( all others of credit , fear , &c. will break ) to keep people in duty ; where this hath been wanting , there have been mutinies and risings , yea , what else can be expected where this bears not sway ? Gen. 10. 11.

1. Let all that fear God , Use 1. shew it in their several places , by the performance of their duties to men , especially of subjection to their Governors , that so they may bring the same in esteem , and procure credit thereto .

2. Would any be good Subjects , Use 2. let them begin at the right end , perform their duties in the right maner , even for conscience sake , as being required of God : Thus shall the Prince be much the better for them , and they themselves have comfort in the performance of the same : Thus shall not they dare fail herein for fear of the highest , whereas worldly men perform theirs meerly for fear of men .

3. Magistrates are to trust those most , Use 3. which do most fear God , and accordingly to use them kindely and countenance them , as being indeed their most loyal Subjects ; yea , to further the Gospel what in them lies , whereby people may be brought to fear God , that so they may prove true and loyal to themselves , and so adde strength to the Kingdom : Thus of the coherence .

For the words themselves , Honor the King , I have already spoken at large of the duty contained herein : Know we onely , that by the King here , is meant Caesar , who was an Heathen Emperor , one that intruded himself , ruled tyrannously , and was an Idolater ; and by Honor , not Divine and Religious honor ( for that is due to God alone ) but Civil worship and honor . Difference between Religious and Civil honor . The difference between those is not in the outward gesture of the body , or bowing the knee , but in the intention of the minde ; Divine is , when we bow both knee and heart , and soul to God , and that for his own sake , as the Lord of Heaven and Earth , and the Author of all good to us , to whom we pray when we want it , and whom we praise as the Author of any mercy for soul or body : See Mr. Perkins Cases of Consc. p. 357. Civil , is when bowing the knee , yea and the affection of the minde to men , we do it yet for the Lords sake , and as the Lords instruments , Mr. Allen on Command . 5. and whom he hath set over us for good , as excelling us in gifts and graces , to whom we present Supplications , as the instruments of God to convey many good things to us , and accordingly render thanks for the same ; yet must not we attribute to them any thing proper to God , as Herods and Nebuchadnezzars ; flatterers did , which the three ▪ Children and Daniel refused . As our duties to them must flow from the fear of God , so must the same Rule direct and square them , so that they neither come too short , nor go too far .

Under this honor is understood , What honor comprehendeth . the inward reverence in heart to be declared outwardly by obedience to all their godly Commandments , chearfulness in payments , prayer and thanksgiving , &c.

Now if all this be due to a wicked King , If honor be due to the bad , how much more to religious Kings ? as here , and now to be performed of us , if we had a wicked King , what then is to be done of us to such a King as God hath bestowed on us ? a natural Prince , and of our own Nation as it were , lineally descended of the ancient Kings of our own Realm , and a Christian King , that maintains the Gospel , and sets against Popery , a King honored of God with so rare gifts and vertues , with so peaceable an entrance , and such an hopeful Posterity , &c. O do we honor him , reverence him , be thankful for him , pray for him , chearfully pay such Taxes and Subsidies as shall be imposed on us ( for the maintenance of his Royall Pomp and Charge ) to the encouragement of others .

Verse 18. Servants , be subject to your Masters with all fear , not onely to the good and gentle , but also to the froward .

NOw of the duties of another sort of Inferiors to another kinde of Superiors , namely , of Servants ( all Servants , whether Men-servants or Maid-servants ) to their Masters ( Dames and Mistresses too ) they must be subject to them ; that is , not onely content themselves with the place of Inferiority they are in , giving them the place of their Superiority , but to perform all duties to them which they may justly challenge , and that from a reverend respect of them and of their place ; and that not onely if they be good and gentle ( of the best natures , and that use them well ) but also if even they be froward , or such as use them ill .

Before I come unto the words in particular , note we two or three generals :

1. The exactness and absoluteness of the Word of God , Gods Word teacheth us in all things how to carry our selves . It teacheth us in all things how to carry our selves : No mans place so mean , no action so common ( eating , drinking , sleeping , &c. ) none so mean in the meanest calling , but the Word reacheth thereto , and giveth direction therein ; It s a Schoolmaster , able to convince , teach , instruct , correct all ; It s as an Apothecaries shop throughly furnished ; It s like a pure Fountain , that sends water by pipes , not onely into the chief rooms , but even into the meanest ; It doth noth onely instruct us in our duties towards God , but towards ●o our Neighbors also , towards our Superiors , towards those that are set over us , though in an inferior degree .

This teacheth every man to search the Scriptures , Use. and to labor to be acquainted therewith , and to make them their Counsellors and Guides , A light and lanthorn to their feet ; They must also hear them opened by Preaching , for their fuller understanding thereof : If any shall say , What shall I do at Church ? I am a poor Wench in the Kitchin , I am a poor Plow-boy , its fit for my Master to go , &c. Know , that its fit and needful for thee also so to do , not onely because thou hast a soul to save as well as thy Master , but that thou maist learn to become thy place , and do thy duty aright .

2. How Ministers ought to have a care of , Ministers must stoop to the lowest and meanest of their charge . and stoop to the lowest and meanest of their charge : The Apostle Paul , in the midst of all his great businesses , travels and cares , yet in no Epistle lightly forgets to teach Servants their duties towards their Masters , that so doing their duty , they may adorn the Gospel . Thus doth our Apostle here , and thus must we do in our places . A faithful shepherd will not willingly lose any of his sheep , but tender them all ; and we must be so careful , Acts 20. 26. as to be free from the blood of every one .

True it is , Masters must not turn this off themselves . that Masters must not turn this off from themselves , and put it wholly on the Ministers ; but do their duty to the uttermost , pressing upon them at home what they hear publikely taught , both which are little enough ; yet must the Ministers also speak to the understanding , and apply themselves to the capacity of the meanest , accordingly taking care that they come not to the Sacrament hand over head .

3. That not onely the Church and Common-wealth , Even particular families are to be well ordered and lookt to . but even particular families are to be well ordered and look'd to , as from whence will flow either good or ill : They that be good in their families , will be good abroad in what place soever they be set ; if the Master be godly at home , he will be a good Parishioner , a good Subject , so their Children and Servants ? What s the cause of so much disorder abroad every where ? even for that there be so few families in any good order and government . Thus in general .

Servants , be subject to your masters with all fear , &c. ] Here three things are observable : 1. The duty to be performed . 2. The maner . 3. Towards whom ; where's the removal of a secret Objection , shewing that Servants must be subject even to them that use them hardly , and deal most injuriously with them .

Touching the duty to be p●rformed , Servants must be subject to their masters . and the maner thereof , I have heretofore spoken at large , in handling the fifth Commandment : It proceeds from that reverent respect which they have of their Masters , See Eph. 6. 5. and the parties set over them by God in his wise and merciful providence : Col. 3. 22. If they do inwardly reverence them from their hearts , 1 Tim. 6. 1. and see God in them , and the face and image of God in their face , they will also outwardly declare the same by their obedience , faithfulness , care , diligence , and the like .

1. This condemneth the monstrous insolency of youth in these our days , Use 1. which can abide no yoke of good Government , daily bewraying their want of inward reverence , by the fruits thereof , in their countenances , gestures , words , behavior , blazing abroad their Masters infirmities , and the like : How many even of professors , set light by their Masters , vilifying their persons , slighting their gifts , and use them basely , especially if they be poor ?

2. Let Servants repent for this want of reverence , Use 2. & know , whatsoever is done against their Masters , is against God himself , whose Deputies their Masters are ; yea let them amend this , and learn to reverence their Masters , so shall they perform all the other duties they owe them : have you failed : heretofore ? make more conscience for the time to come , and do your duties chearfully without grudging ; for your state is by far better , then their 's to whom the Apostle wrote ( of whom many were bondmen and slaves , whom their Masters might have almost used at their pleasures ) or their's now in other Countreys , who besides their want of the means of Salvation , live in woful toil and misery : You have the means of Salvation , and for the most part outwardly live but at too much liberty ; your lots have fallen in pleasant places , walk thankfully , obediently , and chearfully .

3. Let such as are Masters and Mistresses of families , Use 3. learn here what duties their Servants owe them , that they may the better instruct them therein , and look for their performance thereof : And if they have now ill , stubborn and unfaithful Servants , let them call to minde whether when they themselves were Servants , they were not such , that so they may repent thereof , in the mean time acknowledging Gods justice , in paying them in their own coyn , and deal with them , as they dealt with others .

4. For those that are yet yong and in their Parents houses , Use 4. let them mark these things , that when they shall go to service , they may not be to learn their duties ; but ready and apt therein , skilful in the several branches thereof .

Not onely to the good and gentle , The prevention of an objection . but also to the froward . ] These words are a comparison between Masters , or the prevention of an Objection , that might quickly be made by some , to shift off the foregoing Exhortation : I would be content to do my duty , if I had a good Master , or served such a Master as some that I know ; but my Master is so curst , that one cannot tell how to speak to him , and in correcting , cruel without all reason , and that as well for no fault , as for a fault , yea , sometimes I am beaten for well doing , and for my forwardness in serving God : Well , saith the Apostle , you must be subject , and do your duties in all points , even to such .

By good is meant liberal Masters ( so indeed Masters ought to be to their Servants , What we are to understand by good , gentle and Deut. 15. 13. both while they be with them , and at their departure from them ; ) as by gentle , such as care not what they do to them by Law , but what they may do in equity and good conscience . By froward , Froward Masters . are meant such Masters which will be pleased with nothing , 1 Sam. 25. 17. to whom ( such was Nabal ) one cannot tell how to speak ; yea such as will afflict their Servants without cause , or colour of cause . Whatsoever they are , Servants must be subject even to their bad and froward Masters . Servants must be subject to them , must reverence them from their hearts , must obey them , serve them faithfully , and pray for them : They must thus do even to the worst Masters , of the very worst conditions , God will have it to be so , and they represent Gods person and place , Reasons . though they are of such bad qualites : Hereby they shall shew forth their Christianity in a work of such difficulty ( for to serve and do duty to good , kinde and courteous Masters , is no great mastery ) which is indeed worthy of a Christian : If they do not their duties to us , but be bad , we must not meddle with it , God will call them to an account , we shall not answer for their sin , but if we do not our duty , we sin also , and make our selves guilty ; if in humility and patience we do our duties , God will take our part in his good time , as he did Jacobs , Gen. 31. 42. who served a churlish , harsh , and covetous Master twenty years together : If we do our duties , though they consider it not , nor deserve it , Col. 3. 24. yet do we it to God , who accounteth thereof , and before whom it shall not be forgotten : Are they froward ? It s the cross God hath laid out for us in his providence , which we must take up and bear ; to shake it off by unlawful means , were to resist the hand of God : It may be its greatly for our good , even to tame and subdue our stout , sturdy , proud and rebellious nature ; knotty logs must have hard Beetles , and a rough horse , a rough rider . Besides , it may make us fitter to govern others another day ; for as none prove worse then those that have been Cockneys , and have known no hardship , so they that have met with much , will be the better to others , as having loathed it so much when it was their case ; yea , this may be a means in time to perswade the minde of such a Master to a better course , and make his heart to smite him , 1 Sam. 24. 17. when he seeth his own unreasonableness , and his servants patience ; as Saul , who upon this ground acknowledged , that David was more righteous then he .

1. This rebuketh the common sort of servants , Use 1. which if they meet with a little hardship this way , murmure , shake off the yoke , deal unfaithfully , or run away ; What 's their plea ? Oh , my Master is such an unreasonable man , my Dame so unquiet , as that there 's no living with them , &c. Well , well , your Master or Dame is unreasonable , who shall be Judge ? If a number of servants ( they are so lazy and ill-minded ) that if their Masters do but call them to good duties , rebuke them for their ill speeches , or for their tarrying abroad at unseasonable times , and using bad company , few Masters but will be counted unreasonable , and such as are not to be endured ; yea , to be held to their business , and kept in , with the licentious youths of these days will be counted unreasonable : But grant they be somewhat unreasonable , see whether you by your negligence , crossness , and unfaithfulness have not made them so ( as some do ) if so , you can do little if you cannot bear what you have deserved : But say they be unreasonable , and you have not deserved all you meet with , yet for all that , it s your duty to remember your place , you must not sin for company ; O who can do it ? why , is God so unreasonable to require of you that which cannot be done ? best charge God with unreasonableness by and by : True , it s no easie matter , but servants must labor for grace , Phil. 4. 13. that they may be able to say as Paul , I am able to do all things ; But alas , when we provoke servants to minde goodness , and to spend their time well , they think this unreasonable ; they work hard , and they must have their pleasure , and they may be godly all in time , and so they be void of goodness : Hence arise such stirs in families , which were there grace in servants , might be prevented : Oh! no body can please them , say they ; no careless body it may be , whereas a little more then ordinary diligence and carefulness would please indeed . But though servants must do their duties to such froward Masters , yet this is no justification of them that be so , or encouragement toothers to be such ; for though their servants must put it up , God will be revenged of it , They have a master in Heaven : If therefore they shall abridge them of their necessary food , apparel or rest , hailing them to work beyond their strength , or shall curse and ban them , shall beat them without cause , shall be cruel in their correction , smiting them with what comes next to hand , throwing things at them to spoil them ; or if with things fitting , cruelly , unmercifully , and without measure , not regarding the offence against God , nor the quality of the fault , not the best way to bring them to amendment , but following the rage and fury of their own hearts , God will call them to an account for the same : He forbiddeth cruelty against beasts , much more against those that are made according to his own image : They were or are the children of others , though now your servants , to whom being fatherless , you had need be the more merciful ; and may not your children also be servants : Do you to other mens children , as you would others should deal with yours ; are they not also your own flesh , and it may be as dearly bought with the blood of Christ as your selves ? Though you are to keep a good strait hand over your servants , yet must it be with moderation .

2. If servants be bound thus to carry themselves towards bad Masters , Use 2. how much more then to the good and gentle ? to such as are careful of their good every way , to such as give them good counsel , instruct them , bring them to good duties , give them that 's fit for them , teach them their trade , and govern them with moderation ? What shall we say then to the servants of our times , that have such Masters and Dames , and yet be unfaithful , lazy and negligent ? Where shall these appear ? assuredly , it s no small favor to be under such Governors ; the times we live in are grown to a strange pass : In times past , about twenty or thirty years ago , when the light , alas , was dim , what diligent and painful servants were there , who would tarry at least seven or ten years in an house , whereas now they are so unruly , that no house can hold them long ? they finde fault for the most part when there 's no cause : Formerly servants were careful to please their Governors , and glad if they could and would accept of their endeavors , and be pleased with them ; but now , Masters and Dames are fain to please their servants , if they can do any thing , they be so teachy and masterly , as they may not be spoken to ; belike the course of things must be turned , the order of nature perverted , Masters must be as servants to please , and servants as Masters to do what they list : Hath God honored the servants of these times with the Gospel denyed to former ages , and do they thus requite God , and profit by it ? will it not be to their further condemnation ? The monstrous pride of youths is the cause of all this disorder ; the peace and plenty that God hath given us , hath so lift them up , as they have forgotten the ancient simplicity and plainnefs that was heretofore , and have their mindes so high set , as their study is to prank up themselves brave , and get gay clothes , to keep company , and have their swing ; this they minde , and not their business : If they thus continue , they shall never be worth a servant themselves , or else shall be plagued with such as themselves were , nay , who knows whether for their pride and unconscionableness , they may not come to rags , and a bit of bread ?

3. Now what is here required of servants towards bad Masters , Use 3. must also be performed by us to those we have any way to deal withal : Thus Subjects are to do the duties of Subjects towards their Princes , though they should be Tyrants , or deal hardly with them : Thus , though we live by neighbors that be untoward and contentious , Rom. 12. 18. we must live quietly ; Thus must husbands & wives live together ; We must not be overcome of evil , Rom. 12. 21. but overcome evil with goodness : God hath no where bid us do to others , as they do to us ( that 's the leaven of the Scribes and Pharisees ) but to love our enemies , Mat. 5. 43 , 44. and to do good to them that hate us , &c. yet must not this hearten any to be bad , but every man must make his Neighbors yoke as easie as he can , not laying too much upon him : They must not say ( as some husbands to their wives ) they must do their duties to us , whatsoever we be : What! are you so cunning indeed ? know you so well other folks duties , and your own no better ? you should know your own duties best : How great then is their sin , that cannot live with good Neighbors ? How great that wives , that having a kinde and careful husband , is ever fretting , complaining and vexing him ? How great that husbands , that having a loving , dutiful , careful wife , doth not use her kindely , but hoggishly , yea it may be loveth others better ? He that cannot live with bad ones , and do his duty , is scarce a good Christian ; but he that cannot do his duty to good ones , is not so good as an Heathen and a Publican .

Verse 19. For this is thank-worthy , if a man for conscience toward God endure grief , suffering wrongfully .

NOw follow the Reasons to perswade to patient suffering of the hard dealing of unconscionable Masters ( and needful it was to use a great many Reasons to perswade to such a duty , being so hard to nature , which accordingly he doth ) If you do so , and do as you ought , you please God , and its acceptable to him ( as the word is translated in the following verse ; ) for being referred to God , we can do nothing thank-worthy to God ( when we have done all , we are unprofitable servants ) but we may do that which by Jesus Christ may be acceptable to him . This is the first Reason : Whence may be noted , That

To enforce the performance of any duty how difficult soever , To be incited to the performance of any duty , its necessary to know that its pleasing to God . this is enough , that its pleasing to God , that 's to be lookt at of us in all our life and actions .

Hereby the Apostle exhorts Children to perform their duties to their Parents , as all to do good , and to distribute : What Tenant would not be glad to do that which will please his Landlord , Col. 3. 20. or a Subject that which will please his Prince ? Heb. 13. 16. And should not we readily do such things as will please God , yea , if it should be to the laying down of our lives ? Is not he the Soveraign Lord of the whole world , that made us and all things ? Hath not he ( as he is most holy , pure , and good in himself ) been admirably merciful to us ? Is not his will a right will ? Is he not pleased with that which is good ? Doth any thing displease him but sin ? Should we not do that which is pleasing to him , though difficult ? Should we not fly from that which displeaseth him , though we might get thousands by it ? If we please him , Heb. 12. 29. hath he not a Kingdom for us ? If we displease him , is he not a consuming fire ?

Oh! Use. this may make us hang down our heads , that we are no more careful to please such a great and good God . Alas ! if a thing have any difficulty , we pass it off , though the doing thereof would please God never so well : Oh! why do we not pray oftner , and with better affection ? why hear we not the Word more diligently ? why are we not more heavenly minded , more patient , more liberal ? would not God be pleased herewith ? and is there any thing better becoming us , then to please God with all our might ? Hath he not made us ? and chosen us to life before the world ? given his Son to dye for us , and save us ? given us his Gospel and Spirit ? hath prepared a Kingdom for us , and will we not please him ? yea , if a thing stand with our profit , though we know it will displease him , can we be content to do it ? O that we should offend so good a God , and so merciful a Father as he hath been unto us ! O do we endeavor to please him , whosoever be thereat displeased , whatsoever we lose , or whatsoever trouble we bring upon us ! But , O the monstrous course of this world , that of all things cannot abide what pleaseth God! that so live , as if God had nothing to do with them , as if they were neither in his debt nor danger , as if they were not afraid of them , or he could do them no hurt . Are you not woful creatures that thus abuse God ? Are you not in his debt ? Who gave you these Bodies and Souls ? who fashioned them ? whence was it that you were not Toads , Monsters , mad persons , and fools ? who hath maintained your lives ? who hath kept you , that you have not been ere this consumed , or are not now in hell ? Art thou not in his debt , who hath let thee live under the Gospel , the means of saving thee , denyed to most of the world ? Should you not then please him ? Art thou not in his danger ? Cannot he make the earth to swallow thee , the worms to eat thee up ? Can he not smite thee with an incurable disease in thy bowels ? Can he not strike thee with madness , cast thee upon thy bed , and there forsake thee , and give thee up to a desperate minde ? Is he not able to send thee to Hell ere night ? Can he not make every joynt of thy body , every tooth of thy head so to torment thee , that thou shalt be weary of thy life ? Canst thou promise thy meat shall nourish thee , or that when thou lyest down thou shalt have one wink of sleep , for pain of body or vexation of minde , or shalt ever rise again ? When there is the greatest hope of fruit , cannot he in one night by a Frost destroy it all ? Do we not stand at his courtesie for every shower of Rain , for the Bread we eat , and every thing else ? and should we not then please him ? If he smile on us , whose frown need we regard ? If he frown , whose smiles can do us good ? Who can stand before him when he is angry ? He rendeth the rocks , and maketh the mountains to tremble : O that any through fear , or to procure the favor of any , or for any other by-respects , should displease him !

For this is thank-worthy , or acceptable , ] Whence note , that

The actions of Gods Children , The actions of Gods Children , when pleasing to God . done as they ought and may be done , are pleasing to God ; howsoever , they are not ( as the Papists from this and the like places affirm ) Meritorious : They are pleasing to God , as being done by such as are justified by Faith in Christ , the weaknesses of their actions being covered in his Death and Obedience .

1. This is a great comfort unto all such as can prove themselves Gods Children , Use 1. and strive to do their duty in the best maner they can ; though the same be done weakly , yet being done in truth , is pleasing to God ; then which , what greater joy , comfort and encouragement unto any duty can be wished ?

2. This may be a terror to all that cannot prove themselves justified persons ; Use 2. they never did that thing throughout their whole lives that pleased God : A carnal man can no more make a good action , then a Painter or Carver can make a living man . The actions of unregenerate men want a soul. Till a mans person please God ( which is not till he be justified through Christ ) his actions cannot but displease him ; Even the sacrifice and prayer of the wicked , Prov. 28. 9. is abomination before him : What joy can a man have , when being old and full of years , he cannot truly approve that ever he spake , thought , or did that which was good : Did men believe this , they would endeavor with all speed to come out of their unregenerate condition .

If a man for conscience towards God endure grief , Why servants must do their-duties to unconscionable Masters . &c. ] Here he shews the maner how servants must do their duty to such unconscionable Masters , even for conscience towards God , because God so requires the same ; for if servants should bear quietly with such a Master , and do their duty , because they know no remedy , know not how to help themselves , or know , that though he be wondrous hasty and boisterous , yet to them that can bear with him , and let him alone , he will be good and bountiful ; whoso do their duties , I say , for such respects , please not God , neither shall have any reward with him : what we do for conscience towards God , See Ioh. 6. 26. is pleasing to him , not otherwise ; whoso looketh asquint at profit , pleasure , honor , credit , favor of this or that man , or the like , is far from pleasing God ; whoso doth for conscience sake , See Isa. 38. 3. may with comfort look up to God in life and in death .

This rebuketh the common sort , Use. which do many duties , and abstain from many sins , but not in a right maner ; for carnal and sinister respects , and not for conscience towards God : Such hypocrites shall have their portion with the hypocrites .

Q. How may we know whether we do our duties for conscience sake , or not ?

A. By these Notes : How we may know whether we do our duties in conscience . 1. If we make most conscience of the greatest things first , and then of less in their place , and so of the greatest sins ; for God hates greatest sins most , as in D●●id , of whom it s said , He walked in uprightness all his days , saving in the matter of Uriah : He had other faults , rashness towards Nabal , pride in numbring the people , rashness to believe Zibah , 1 King . 15. 5. yet that against Uriah was the worst of all . Greatest sins rob God most of his glory , do most disgrace the Gospel , make greatest wounds in our souls , procure most numbness and hardness of heart , and greatest outward punishment ; we must make conscience of all , but especially of the greatest : Such as seem very earnest against some small things , and make no account of greater , are Hypocrites , Mat 23. 24. like the Scribes and Pharisees which strained at a g●at , but swallowed a Camel : Mat. 27. 6. Such were the high Priests , they made conscience of putting the thirty pieces of silver into the treasury , which Judas returned to them , but made no conscience of putting Christ to death : They made Conscience of going to the Common-Hall , Iohn 18. 28. least they should be defiled , and made unfit for the Passover , who yet made no conscience of shedding innocent blood .

So the Papists stands altogether upon meats , days , and such trifles of their own devising , making no conscience of Gods great Commandments , of the 2 , 3 , 4 , &c. So many among our selves will speak very hardly of some small blemishes in a Professor , and , Oh! is this agreeable to Gods Word ? &c. who do yet live in foul sins . Again , some one hath deceived them or wronged them , and they can speak very hardly against falshood and ill dealing , who yet can see foul faults in others ( but such as have not touched them ) and not speak against them at all : Some make great account of their truth and honesty , and , Oh , they would not deceive their Neighbor , nor carry away any thing out of his house , and why ? fie on it , hath not God forbid it ? who yet will rob the Lord of a great part of his day , which he saith is his : Some also make conscience to give their Servants victuals enough , but make no conscience to give them any good instruction , or to pray for them , and with them , &c. These things they ought to have done , and not left the other undone . 2. If a man have a care of all Gods Commandments , hate all sin , and do all good , always endeavoring to keep a good conscience in all things : He hath an ill conscience that nourisheth any sin ; He that bears with himself in one sin , shuns none for conscience : Some are very forward to the Word , Sacraments , good Company ; ask why , Because , say they , God requireth the same ; Isa. 1. 15. but why follow they not their calling , pay every man his own , deal justly ? doth not God require these also ? He is an Hypocrite that doth the former , but makes no conscience of the latter : Contrarily , some follow their calling , pay every man his own , &c. who yet robs God of his due and the times of worship , Requireth not the Lord as well these as those ? Again , such a man dares not do such and such a sin , rob , kill , steal , &c. Why ? because of God and his Word , who yet will swear , lye , rail , break the Sabbath , hate their Neighbors , &c. Why ? hath not God as well forbid these as those ? 3. If a man be careful to do his duty zealously , as in Prayer , not to bow the knee onely , but the heart also ; at the Word , not to hear onely with the outward ear , but from the heart to reverence the same , with a purpose to be ruled thereby ; He that slubbers over duties coldly , it s a sign he looks onely to men , not God . 4. If a man be as careful to do his duties in private , as he is in publique , as in private to pray , as he is in publique to hear , so to meditate , to be oft making moan for sin , begging mercy and grace , wrestling against his corruptions , &c. Every Hypocrite doth outward duties , true Christians are in secret the same : How many froward husbands will shew much kindeness to their Wives before company , whereas he that makes conscience of his ways , is most kinde in private ? So a man must make as much conscience of secret sins , as of open sins ▪ of private sins in a corner , of secret corruptions , pride , hypocrisie , distrustful , impatient and lustful thoughts ; so of wandring thoughts in Prayer , and at the Word and Sacraments , and of worldly thoughts on the Lords-day ; He must be grieved for them , pray against them . 5. If a man be not for a brunt , but hold our constantly , and continue , yea and that in persecution ; as well where wind and tide is against him , and he meets with ill will and hard measure for so doing , as when he hath good countenance , and may so do without control : Thus David , Daniel , and the three Children , though Princes both spake , sate , and did against them ; most part do contrarily : Some make a shew a little while , but quickly through love of the world , through fear or favor fall away ; as questionless if Religion should alter , most would go with the strongest side , and many which now come to the Gospel , would as readily go to Mass , yea , carry a faggot to burn them that now sit with them in the same seats : These be they that know not the truth , that receive not the love of the truth , that live as they list , and will not obey the truth .

Examine your selves by these Notes , Use. and as you are to repent , and ask mercy and pardon for all that s past , even your best actions , and the maner of your performance thereof , so for the time to come do not any duty in Hypocrisie , but all for conscience unto Gods Commandment .

Verse 20. For what glory is it , if when ye be buffeted for your faults , ye shall take it patiently ? but if when ye do well , and suffer for it , ye take it patiently , this is acceptable with God .

THat which the Apostle said in the foregoing Verse , he doth in this amplifie by the contrary ; and then repeats in the end of this , that he said in that .

In the first clause , speak we first of suffering for faults , then of patient suffering for the same .

For what glory is it , if when ye be buffeted for your faults , &c. ] Here note , That

All suffering is not commendable nor comfortable , Al suffering is not commendable nor comfortable . to suffer for faults is a shame and matter to hang the head , for all sin hath shame belonging thereto : Matth. 5. 11 , 12. Therefore when our Savior saith , Blessed are ye when men revile you , he addeth , for my names sake , and falsly ; and Blessed are they that suffer persecution , he addeth , for righteousness sake : Whoso suffereth deservedly for his faults , is herein a companion with the Devil and Reprobates , a companion of the old world , Korah , Achan , Gehazi , &c. who were deservedly punished .

1. This condemneth them that boast of their sufferings without cause ; Use 1. The Papists keep a book of Martyrs , executed here in England in the days of our late Queen and King ; Woful Martyrs , the Devils Martyrs if they be any , like those which be hanged with us every Assiz , for Murther and Robbery , and the vilest things ; they suffer for high Treason , for their bloody and devilish conspiracies against their Prince and State : They might be ashamed of such , if they were not devilishly impudent ; it s the cause , not the punishment , makes the Martyr ; and as one saith , None can dye the death of a Martyr , but he that beforehand hath lived the life of a Christian ; so did they never , they put to death hundreds , yea thousands in former times , both here and in other Countreys , onely for not yielding to their blasphemous lyes , but not one of these hath suffered for Religion , but for their Treasonable facts ; who if they had suffered for their Religion , Note . yet had been no Martyrs ( for their Religion is lyes ) and it had not been for Christ and the Gospels sake ; and its possible for an Heretick to be as stubborn and impudent in maintaining a lye , as the childe of God can be constant in the Truth , yea , to dye also for a lye , though not with the like comfort as the other for the Truth .

2. Among our selves some will say , Use 2. I think I have as many troubles as any body , and have been as ill spoken of ; but if it was for thy faults , thou hast no cause to boast : Hast thou got an ill name for a Company keeper , for suspition of uncleanness , for an oppressor , for an unquiet man with thy wife , for a proud person , rash , censorious , idle , and one that followest not thy calling ( especially being a Professor ) and hereof causest the people of God to speak with grief , thou hast cause to grieve and shame for giving them such cause , who would gladly they had not the cause to speak thus of thee : Yea , but the wicked speak ill of me , wilt thou say ; But why ? If it be justly and deservedly , whosoever they be , that 's no matter , more shame that thou hast discovered thy nakedness to the Chams of this world to scoff at , and at the Gospel withal ; fie upon it : It s too usual in these days , Christians give too much cause of offence ; howsoever , the wicked speak not thus out of any hatred of the fault , but of ill will to the Gospel : 1 Pet. 4. 15. O therefore take heed , let us not suffer as evil doers ; look we so warily and narrowly to our conversation , that if they should watch us as narrowly as the Nobles did Daniel , Dan. 6. 5. yet they might finde nothing against us but in the cause of our God ; yea , might be enforced with Saul of David , 1 Sam. 24. 17. to acknowledge our innocency : If they will needs speak ill of us , let it be falsly , and for well-doing . If any should be smitten by Sea or Land travelling on the Sabbath , On June 16. 1611. being the Lords day , there was such a grievous tempest of wind , as cast away many Vessels at Sea , amongst others , one Passage-boat toward Ipswich , with almost twenty persons ; and on the 18. day were thirty two persons trodden to death and bruised at a Play in Norwith . or any lose their lives at a Play , no cause to rejoyce , no comfort in it . Note further , That

If there be no patience in suffering , Patience in suffering for faults , hath no reward with God . but when it s deserved , its counterfeit patience , and hath no reward of God ; it s in comparison nothing , it s that which reason teacheth ; but to bear patiently for well-doing , is a lesson for an high scholler : Howsoever , being simply considered , its good and commendable ; as for any being justly afflicted or punished by God or man , Mic. 7. 9. meekly to submit themselves , to confess their faults , Ier. 10. 19. and be desirous to amend thereby : Aaron held his peace , Eli and Hezekiah were submissive in theirs , See also Dan. 9. 7. the Thief at the right hand acknowledged that he suffered deservedly : Neh. 9. 33. Thus when Delinquents are punished by the Magistrate , people be rebuked of their Ministers for their sin , servants and children are of their Masters and Parents corrected for their faults , they must take it patiently , and learn to amend .

But if it be no great matter , Use. having done a fault , and then being punished justly , to bear it patiently ; are not those to be condemned which be impatient under deserved corrections ? Rev. 16. 9. Some being afflicted of God , fret , rage and boyl , curse , blaspheme , run to Witches , or use other unlawful means to get out : What a beast art thou ? hast thou not deserved the same , and yet wilt not thou be patient ? Is not this in effect to say , What hath the Lord to do to punish me ? I have not deserved the same ; if I can get out of his fingers any way , I will not abide to be thus used : thus take they the rod by the end , and pull it out of Gods hand ; What do those but desire there were no God to see them , or that hated sin , or that would punish sin ? Belike they would have God like , but he will be like himself , who at the beginning joyned punishment and sin together , and so will do to the worlds end ; you will not get any thing by resisting , by humble confession , hearty Prayer , and promise of amending , you may . Again , there are others , who being punished of the Magistrates for their faults , do as well curse and rage against those their Rulers , as those that informed against them : Thus when honest men tending the glory of God , and good of the places where they live , knowing that Alehouses for the most part are Pest-houses , Devils houses , Breeders of all mischief , Receptacles of the scum of the earth , and means to encrease the number of sinners , complain of such ryotous persons , as would there keep Revel-rout , and endeavor to suppress the same ; O how do drunkards and such others , See Eccl. 8. 4 , 5 the friends of sin , rage and fume ? would not such wish that there were no Law nor Magistrate to punish , but that all might do as the list ? but this would bring all to confusion : Are there not some also who being reproved by their Ministers , fret and rail at them , 1 King 2. 20. fall out with them , and with Ahab , account them for their Enemies ? nay , sometimes will sue them at Law to their utter undoing ? And are there not also such servants and children , which being corrected by their Governors , will murmure or resist , or run away , a sign of a proud minde , of a lewd heart , and far from grace : Such resist God , and shall receive to themselves condemnation ; they provoke the Lord to take the rod , nay scourge in his own hand , or give them over into the hands of the Magistrates : whence it cometh often to pass , Prov. 29. 15. that not a few despising the rod and correction , which giveth life and wisdom , have been whipt , burnt in the hand , imprisoned , yea hang'd up , and that justly : Thus daily too many seek their own ruine .

But if when ye do well , &c. ] Here 's the praise of patient suffering for well-doing : There 's a suffering wrongfully , and without cause , which yet differeth from that which is here laid down , namely , suffering for well-doing .

Suffering wrongfully , What it is to suffer wrongfully . is when men are accused of that they are not guilty of , or are punished without a fault , whether it be onely in words , or proceed to deeds : David was unjustly censured of his brother when he came to the camp , Hanna unjustly censured of Eli , and John the Baptist of the Scribes and Pharisees ; so Mephibosheth , Naboth , and Stephen were wrongfully both slandered and punished . Thus in these days days monstrous lyes and slanders are raised , especially against Christians and godly Ministers : It s an unrighteous world , calling the best of Gods servants , Proud , Hypocrites , and laying vile things to their charge , which they never deserved ; as , that they are enemies to the State , would put down Kings , &c. Hence sometimes men are punished by Magistrates without cause , as also Children and Servants of their rash and inconsiderate Parents and Masters . In this kinde Papists are exceeding expert ; what lyes have they spread of Luther , Calvin , Beza , Junius , and such others ? And had their horrible villany in the Gunpowder Treason taken effect , the blame would have been by them laid on the Puritans . But as God hath at no time done wrong , but judgeth the world with righteousness , giving every man according to his works ; so will he be revenged of them that wrong others : For them that sharply censure others , let them know , that what measure they mete to others , it shall be measured to them again . For Magistrates that punish any wrongfully , if it be wittingly , they prophane the sacred seat of Justice , and what in them lies make God a wrong doer : for nothing should be there done , but as God would ; and lest they should fail of ignorance or through negligence , with Job , Iob 29. 16. they must search out the matter diligently : For slanderers that devise lyes of men , Prov. 10. 10. & 25. 18. they are fools ; they are a Hammer , a Sword , and sharp Arrow ; they are like the Devil , who both slandred God to Adam and Eve , Rev. 12. 10. and Job to God , and to this day is the accuser of the Brethren : Such shall not be established on Earth , Psal. 140. 11. & 15. 3. neither shall they come into Heaven , no place fit for them but Hell ; yea , not onely the devisers , but spreaders of Lyes ( so common a thing ) is fearful . Thou shalt not walk about with tales among thy people , Lev. 19. 16. saith God by Moses : The receivers also of a false report are excluded out of Heaven , Psal. 15. 3. and they that love lyes . Rev. 22. 15.

Oh! let none wrong their Neighbors any maner of way , Magistrates , Informers , or whosoever ; Let none devise or spread abroad lyes , no nor truths to their Neighbors discredit , without a calling : But alas , what more common ( all folks talk ) then to talk of other folks matters , and many times of their faults , not at all of any good that 's in them . We must not rashly believe what we hear against any , especially having before given good testimony of their goodness ; yea , as we would have God deal with us and ours , we must not wrong any , do right even to our poorest servant .

For them that suffer wrongfully , What those must do that suffer wrongfully . it s their duty to behave themselves patiently , looking up to God ( as David did when Shimei railed ) not fretting , or raging , or saying ( as its usual ) It would never have grieved me , if it had been so ; rather say , It grieves me much less , because it is not so ; I thank God for the same , it might have been , if God had not kept me ; it was of him , and not for any goodness in me , more then in others ; I le bear it patiently , for though I have not deserved it of men , yet of God I have , even to be made a threshold for all to tread on , and a by-word ; and though I have not deserved it of men in this , yet in some other things I have ; I have been faulty towards my Neighbors good name , and now it s come home to me , I pray God I may make a good use of it . Besides , it may be the Lord sees I might have faln into that or some other sin , and hath sent this to prevent it ( preventing Physick is good ) blessed be his Name , or he doth it to keep me humble , &c. Thus God , that brought light out of darkness , teacheth us how to bring good out of evil : Thus we may make use of a slander . Neither must we think , that because it is wrongul , we may fret and rage , and make a stir , and rail ( so should we make our selves guilty , who were innocent before ) but may open our innocency , and clear our selves , as Job ; yea , if it should concern us nearly , but especially the Gospel , then may we have recourse to the Magistrate for redress . Thus of suffering wrongfully .

Touching suffering for well-doing , It s common to Gods people to suffer for weldoing . Abel , Isaas , Joseph , Micaiah , are pregnant Examples hereof : So David met with enemies , because he followed goodness ; so our Savior Christ , so suffered the Prophets , Iohn 7. 7. Apostles , Martyrs : Thus many at this day , even for their goodness they are hated , 1 Pet. 4. 3. and the better they be , the worse they are hated ; Iohn 17. 14. They are not of the world , and the world hateth them : As sore eyes cannot abide the Sun , so cannot the ill lives and consciences of worldlings , who wallow in their works of darkness , abide the light of Gods Word , or the good conversation of godly men ; it makes their wickedness the more seen , and they must mislike either themselves or the others ; but themselves you are sure they will not , nay , so wretchedly minded are they , as to hate those that they know not , but as they have heard of their goodness , and rail on them ; and its pity they live , or are suffered , will they say , who notwithstanding , if they were put to it , were unable to say one word justly against them . By this time the Gospel ought to have been so beloved , as that all that have shewed any good countenauce thereto , should have been the better thought of ; but now ( Oh fearful ! ) that s become a Reproach which should be every mans glory , Oh , you are a Professor of the Word , & c !

For those that thus hate men for their goodness , How fearful their condition is that are hated of others for their goodness . it s as dreadful a sign as can be : They be like the Devil , are in darkness , shall not enter into Heaven ; they are of Cains generation , and Ishmaels brood . God loves men because of goodness , and the Angels rejoyce at a sinners conversion ; but these hate them for their goodness , and so are unlike unto God . If such as give but a cup of cold water unto a disciple , in the name of a disciple , shall not lose his reward , shall not they be extremely punished which mock and despise them , which hate and persecute them , and that for their goodness ? They that do the least wrong to them in that respect , or eo nomine , shall not go unpunished : For they that will smite with the tongue now , would with the fist if they might , yea carry to the Prison , and to the Stake , if times would give leave : Well , let them know , the persecutors reward belongeth to them , and how hath God from time to time dealt with such ? The examples of Cain , Ishmael , Ahab , Jezabel , Herod , &c. witness the same . Besides , when they would be glad to have part with the Children of God , they shall be banished , and have their portion with Devils and Reprobates , and that in a fearful maner : For if they shall stand on the left hand , Mat. 25. 42. and hear that dreadful sentence , Go ye cursed , &c. that have not given them meat and drink , &c. What shall become of them , and what place shall they have in Hell , that take away their meat and drink , that cast them into Prison , and do there deal cruelly with them ? The Papists are notable in this kinde , 2 Thess. 1. 6. who have even been drunk with the blood of the saints : God will recompence tribulation to them that thus trouble his .

For those that are hated and punished for well-doing , Such as are hated for well-doing must bear the same patiently let them learn to bear the same patiently ; It s not without Gods will , that hereby they might give glory to him , and a seal to his truth : We must not flinch away when trouble comes , as many and most have done , and so save themselves whole , and leave Christ and his cause to shift for it self ; the world count them fools that will suffer any thing for his cause , and themselves wise that can carry themselves so as they will be for all assays ; but Moses was not of that minde , He chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God , Heb. 11. 24. then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season : These will prove fools at last , that for a few days of short life in pleasures and profits transitory , have sold away their part in that which is eternal : John 12. 25. For he that saves his life , shall lose it , and they which deny Christ before men , them will he deny before his heavenly Father .

When we suffer for well doing , we must not suffer frettingly , with raging against them , and with ill speaking , as it were with revenging our selves , but in meekness commend our selves , and the cause to God : It s a fault in some Christians that being hated at some hands for their profession , and forwardness ( and yet some need not be so much if they would walk more wisely and discreetly ) they then fall to taunting of them again , & calling them by● names , and thus use this carnal weapon of the world ; this becomes not Christians : what would they do if they should suffer great matters ? The Martyrs gave no ill language , Christ and Steven prayed for their Enemies , we must ( abating our ranco● ) imitate them : neither must we write bitter & enveighing things against them in a carnal , scoffing or railing maner , as Martin Mar-Prelate ; but behave our selves patiently , yea joyfully , we are Gods witnesses , an high honor , few called thereto : Is not the Gospel the truth ? Is not the Word of God the onely true Religion ? Acts 5. 41. we must then testifie the same to the world , Rom. 5. 2. and set our seal to it , yea to dye for it : O it s a great advancement , 1 Thess. 1. 6. and so have Gods children acknowledged it ! Phil. 1. 29. It s a token of Salvation to them that thus suffer , Mat. 5. 12. Great is their reward in heaven : Rev. 6. 9. The souls of them that are slain , lie under the altar : The holy Martyrs went singing to the stake , and thought that there they were as in a sweet bed of roses ; and St. Paul boasted of his Chain , and of the marks of the Lord Jesus .

Verse 21. For even hereunto were we called : because Christ also suffered for us , leaving us an example , that ye should follow his steps .

FOr even hereunto were ye called : ] God hath ordained his to undergo troubles in this world . Another Reason taken from the Ordinance and wise disposition of the Lord , who hath so ordained that all his shall suffer troubles , therefore we are to look for them , and bear them patiently : Acts 14. 22. Through many afflictions we must enter into the Kingdom of Heaven , here in this world we must undergo manifold troubles and sorrows : All Gods Servants finde the truth hereof ( as the Patriarchs Prophets and Apostles did in their days ) less or more , Deut. 32. 15. some one way , some another : God knoweth how ill we can bear prosperity , but are ready to surfeit thereof , as Children do of sweet-meats : Who can long enjoy prosperity , and not be the worse ? David , that in all his troubles spent his time so holily , and made many Psalms , in his prosperity foully forgat himself ; so Solomon : Standing waters gather mud ; as the Israelites in their journey to Canaan suffered much , so must we in this wilderness , before we come to Heaven ; thus is God pleased to exercise us for his own glory , and our good . Therefore

1. We must not think the worse of any , Use 1. because of their afflictions , or conclude them to be bad men and hypocrites , which was the fault of Jobs friends , and of the Disciples of Christ .

2. We must not think the better of our selves , Use 2. for prosperity , God can afford the dogs the bones , the things of this world ; Of hated Esau came twelve Dukes ; the fatness of the Earth , and the dew of Heaven is but a Reprobates portion , the Legacy of Ishmael , nay , no worse sign then to prosper in an ill course .

3. We must not dislike our selves for our afflictions ; Use 3. It s an argument of Gods love , Heb. 12. 6. and not of his hatred , Whom he loves he chastens , and they are Bastards that be without affliction ; to have afflictions , and to profit thereby , is the sign of an happy man .

4. We must prepare for afflictions , Use 4. not dreaming for ease or continuance of Peace , but looking for troubles in this valley of Tears ; they are the better born , when they be lookt for , and be the more grievous , when they come unexpected : In the midst of prosperity , its good to think of affliction , as in health , how we shall do if sore , or long sickness , or pain come upon us ; so in wealth , of poverty , whilest we enjoy our liberties , of Imprisonment and banishment , yea , after our affliction we are to look for another : If we be spared for a while , we must take it for an advantage , and labor to be better prepared against it comes .

5. We must bear them patiently , Use 5. as being of God : They come not onely from him that hath Soveraignty over us , but from the hand of a merciful father for our good : They are far less then our deserts , or then others have had , and we have many comforts mingled therewith .

6. We must bear them thankfully , Use 6. as whereby we are furthered in holiness : Hereby we are was●ed and purged ; the Cross is physick , though not toothsom , Isa. 4. 4. and 27 9. yet wholsom : We thank and reward the Physitian for loathsom pills and potions , that have even for the time made us sick at the heart , as being the means of our recovery : Our fault is , that we look upon our troubles , not to the benefit that comes thereby ; our greatest losses are oftentimes our greatest gains .

7. We must bear them joyfully , Use 7. in respect of the eternal happiness and immortal glory we shall be shortly brought to : Because we look not at this end , we are so unwilling to undergo troubles ; as one that would go over a water without fear , must fasten his eyes on the shore over against him , so must we in affliction fix our eyes on Heaven .

8. If the children of God get not to Heaven but through many sorrows , Use 8. and are often so grievously afflicted in this life , 1 Pet. 4. 18. what shall then become of the wicked and ungodly ? Ier. 25. 29. & 49. 12. Have those been chastened with rods , and shall not these be tormented with scourges ? Those have been afflicted for a time , that they might live for ever , and not dye eternally ; These shall perish eternally in Hell torments ; If they that serve God night and day with all carefulness , and are zealous in his service , and yet are grieved that they can do no better , nor as they would , what shall become of those that blaspheme him daily without ceasing , and their grief is , that they cannot dishonor him more , and rejoyce when they most despite him .

More particularly and most specially in this place the Apostle meaneth of sufferings that are for well-doing , In this world the godly suffer for well-doing . and for a good conscience , of the men of this world : Hereunto hath God called us ; He that will be his Disciple , Luke 9. must take up his cross ; 2 Tim. 3. 12. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus , Iohn 19. 33. must suffer persecution ; They shall be hated of all men for his name sake : In the world we shall have trouble ; If we be not of the world , the world will hate us : This way hath the Lord sanctified , as the way to glory , and herein have the Prophets , Apostles and Martyrs gone before us . Reasons hereof . It s impossible it should be otherwise , considering the implacable malice of Satan , and of the seed of the Serpent ; God also will have it so , 1. That his true servants may be distinguished from hypocrites and time servers : Every body will serve God in prosperity , a man is not tryed till affliction comes ; as a Soldier in the battel , a Mariner in a tempest , a friend in adversity , so are the godly known in adversity : As the Apostle speaks of Heresie , so may I of afflictions , They must needs be , 1 Cor. 11. 19. that they which are approved , may be made manifest among us . 2. To confirm his Truth , not in respect of it self , but of men , and to whet on others , as the seed of the Church is the blood of the Martyrs . 3. To make a way for his judgements on his enemies , and persecuters of his Saints , whereof though the perfection be to come , yet even here God suffers them not to escape his hand in a notable maner , which doth not a little strengthen his servants . 4. To prove the faith and patience of his own children , and to encrease the same : Spices smell best when they are bruised , and graces appears most when most tryed . 5. To scour off their soyl that they gather in the world , Isa. 26. 16. and make them bright . 6. To stir them up to every duty the more fervently . 7. That they may be like to their head Christ Jesus , who by suffering entred into glory . Rom. 8. 29.

1. When we enter into the profession of Religion , Use 1. we must beforehand sit down and cast up our accounts , what the same may cost us ▪ which if many had done , they had escaped the horrible sin and foul shame of Apostacy : Most profess Religion in the time of peace , but when trouble comes , they will be gone ; one would sit at Christs right hand , another at his left in his Kingdom , but will not be batized with the baptism wherewith he is baptized , neither with him will drink of the bitter cup of affliction : They will save themselves from any hurt , yea , they think themselves wise persons that can shift off sufferings , and them fools that suffer for the Truth ; but they will prove fools in the winding up .

2. When troubles come , bear we the same patiently and joyfully ; Use 2. we have the Prophets , Apostles , Martyrs , and all the troop of Saints for our companions : Phil. 1. 28. To us its a sign of salvation , Mat. 5. 12. and great is our reward in Heaven ; 2 Thess. 1. 6. It s a righteous thing with God , to recompence tribulation to them that trouble us ; 2 Tim. 4. 7. 8. And to us that are troubled , rest with him ; When we have fought the good fight , we shall enjoy a Crown of Glory .

Because Christ also suffered for us . ] Another forcible Reason from Christs example , Christs sufferings an incitement for us to suffer . which was done also for our imitation : If Christ hath suffered , why should not we ? If he that was God suffered at the hands of wretched men , how much more may we men , of mortal men like our selves ? If he for you , then good reason you should suffer for him : That he did , was for a patern for us to follow , and that patiently as he did , his whole life was no other : Though our salvation come cheap to us , and of Gods meer gift , yet it came not so to Christ , he paid full dearly for it ; Gods Justice , which would be satisfied , required the same : There was an infinite wrath due for our sins , which Christ did undergo .

1. If Christ hath suffered , Use 1. are not we to pledge our Master ? if the servants do but what their Master hath done before , they have no cause to complain .

2. If Christ the Son of God most holy suffered , Use 2. is it such a matter for us poor miser sinners to suffer ?

3. If he suffered for us his enemies , Use 3. should not we be much more willing to suffer for him , and think our selves happy , as who hath delivered us from the everlasting sufferings in Hell , by his suffering for us ▪ and from reproachful sufferings that we might have had for some foul offences in this world , and hath turned them into a few glorious sufferings for his name .

4. Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself , Use 4. lest ye be wearied and faint in your mindes : Heb. 12. 3. Consider who he was , and what thou art , and it wil much take away the bitterness of affliction .

For you ] ( so some read ) even for servants , for the meanest , with him is no respect of persons : Christ suffered even for the meanest . No rich nor poor , bond nor free in Christ ; the one have as good right as the other , nay ( though God have some of all ) yet most of the mean are Christs , Iames 2. 5. they receive the Gospel .

This may make the mean of the world to bear their condition the more patiently , Use. and comfortably ; they have part in Christ if fault be not in themselves , and may be heirs of grace : but for the most part , the poorest of all exclude themselves , and I know not how , the hand of God goeth out heavily against them .

Leaving us an example , &c. ] We must not set Christ before us , and consider him as a Mediator and Savior onely , Christ a patern for our imitation . but as a patern and example to follow , and that a most perfect one ; we must labor to imitate him , Matth. 11. 28. and if we belong to him , we must walk as he walked ; we must thus think with our selves when we are about any thing , 1 Iohn 2. 6. what would Christ Jesus do if he were in my cloaths ? So do thou and not otherwise ; so do in thy calling , in patience , forbearance , &c. And in a doubtful case , ask what would Christ do in such a case ? That may we know by the rule of the word , for accordingly would he do ; this is a good image of Christ , better then Popish Pictures , and Crucifixes : Get we an image of Christ out of the Gospel , and accordingly live we thereby , 2 Cor. 3. 18. and be we more and more changed thereinto .

Verse 22. Who did no sin , neither wus guile found in his mouth .

THe example of Christs sufferings is illustrated , An illustration of Christs sufferings . 1. By his innocency . 2. By his admirable patience : Innocency , that he had no sin , no not so much as ever slipt in his tongue , and so was perfect : Now if he had no sin , suffered patiently , much more should we that are sinful Creatures , and do one way or other deserve a thousand times more then that we suffer : His admirable patience set forth by that he suffered , and his bearing the same sufferings in word and deed , where 's shewed both what he did not , and what he did : He requited not onely not ill words , with ill deeds , but not the worst deeds that were done to him , with an ill word again , and he committed his cause to God , knowing that he knew what was to be done , and would judge righteously between him and them .

Who did no sin , Christ was free from sin . &c. ] He had no Original sin , but was conceived by the holy Ghost ; 2 Cor. 5. 21. The matter whereof he was framed , which he took of the Virgin was freed from all spot of sin , 1 Iohn 3. 5. and filled with fulness of grace , yea from the first moment of his Conception , was united into one Person with the divine nature : So did the Angel declare to his Mother , Luke 1. 35. That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God .

1. Then he suffered not for his own sins , Use 1. as they wickedly imagined that put him to death , Isa. 53. 4. as was foretold , but from ours altogether , which should make us loath our selves , that put the innocent Son of God to such things , which we had justly deserved : Oh! How should we hate sin , and love God and Christ Jesus for ever and ever ?

But how could it stand with Gods justice that he should suffer , Ob. being every way innocent , and we which were guilty persons should go free ?

Christ was an able surety to dye , and overcome death , and he was willing , R. and the Father could not refuse one in our own nature to undertake for us to satisfie his justice , and free us .

Here also we may see how we stand righteous before Almighty God , How the godly stand righteous before God . though we be not perfectly righteous , though not at all till we be sanctified , and then but in part ; How ? even by the righteousness of Christ imputed to us , and reckoned , and made ours by Faith , which is not an imaginary thing , as the Papists scoff at it , but a true and real righteousness : for as Christ was no sinner , yet was counted as a sinner , and being so accounted , bare the intollerable weight of our sins ; so we by his righteousness imputed , stand verily and truly just before God , and shall be saved .

2. This should teach us to labor for innocency of life : Use 2. The more means we have , and the more shew we make , we must be the more careful to walk warily , as they that have many observers ; some that will be grieved if we do ill , and many , as the Devil and the wicked , that will rejoyce : Let the forwardest Towns and persons take heed to themselves that they be innocent in their example ; you may do much good this way , else much hurt , look to your selves , you are watcht ; and that narrowly .

3. If he suffered , Use 3. and that patiently , who never offended God nor man , but was the most pure and innocent Son of God , how much more should we , who never suffer , but our hearts can tell us we have deserved the same , and ten thousand times more through our sins against God ? we have small cause to be impatient , but must submit our selves hereto ; yea , we have not onely sinned against God , and so deserved all evil , and that God should make us a Reproach , a By-word , a Scorn of men , and a Threshold for all to tread on , but we have sinned against our Magistrates , against our neighbors , yea against them that misuse us , whosoever they be , for want of reverencing them , praying for them , doing our duties to them , not carrying our selves so innocently towards them , nor so wisely , patiently , & unblameably as we ought ; so that though we deserve not to be thus dealt with for this that we are punished for , yet in many other things we do : Submit we our selves therefore in all humbleness of minde and patience : What , are we sinful creatures too good to suffer , when as the Lord of all , and he that was the Son of God did yet suffer ?

Verse 23. Who when he was reviled , reviled not again , when he suffered , he threatned not , but committed himself , to him that judgeth righteously .

HEre s our Saviors admirable patience , Christs admirable patience in his sufferings . both in what he did not , and what he did ; being reviled ( and called a Samaritan , a friend of Publicans and Sinners , a glutton , a wine bibber , yea , said , that he had a Devil , that he was a blasphemer , that he cast out Devils through Beelzebub the prince of Devils , that he was a deceiver , and an enemy to Caesar ; being , I say , thus reviled , and his Enemies having shot such arrows of most vile , slanderous and cruel words against him , and such as might not onely raze the skin , but pierce him to the very heart , yet ) he reviled not again , he required them not like for like , thereby to be revenged of them . True it is , in his publique Ministery , he told them plainly of their sins , and called them Blinde guides and Hypocrites , and denounced Gods judgements against them , but that was from conscience of his duty , and of love to win them to repentance , if it might be , not upon spleen to revenge himself ; as the Ministers of God may rebuke sin severely , and denounce Gods judgements against them that live thus and thus , and yet not out of any malice or ill will , but from an earnest desire of their amendment , and therefore they do wickedly that call that railing ; yea , when they posted him from the place where they took him with swords and staves , Matth. 26. 57. & brought him to Caiphas the high Priest , Luke 22. 66. and then led him into their counsel ; and then when they had bound him , they led him away , and delivered him to Pontius Pilat the Governor ; Matth. 27. 2. & from him he was sent to Herod by whom being mocked and set at naught , Luk. 23. 7. 11. he was sent again to Pilat ; where he was mockt , smitten , scourged , and misused beyond all measure , yet when he thus suffered , he threatned not ; He could have commanded fire ( as Elias ) to come down and consume them , or Legions of Angels to destroy them ; He could also have served them as Corah and his Company were served , but he did patiently put up all .

Here 's a fit patern for our imitation , Why we must not revenge . we must take heed of revenge ; The Heathens are accustomed hereunto , but Christians must not be like to them : Rom. 12. This is often forbid ; 1 Thess. 4. say not , I will do to him as he hath done to me , Prov. 20. 22. give word for word , taunt for taunt , blow for blow , &c. Gal. 5. 20. For 1. This is a work of the flesh . 2. God hath a hand in whatsoever is done against thee : Amos 3. 6. Job acknowledged it , Iob 2. 10. so David ; To use revenge , 2 Sam. 16. 10. were to resist God , as the dog that bites the staff , would be willing to bite the man if he could ; It s as if a Childe should pull the rod out of his Fathers hand , and break it before his face , What would we say of such a Childe ? The Magistrate indeed may take revenge for wrongs done us , we our selves must not . 3. It were in vain to fight with the world with the worlds weapons , they will be too hard for us ; Prayers and patience are our proper wepons , whereby we shall be too hard for them . 4. Thus we hurt our selves more then them ; them a little in body , goods or name , our selves a great deal in our souls , as the Bee , by stinging loses her own life ; we have our wills a little , but the wrath of God withal , and that 's dearly bought . 5. It proceeds of great weakness ; If we had Spiritual strength , we would pass by great things : we do therefore but proclaim our own weakness , when we revenge . Moses , David , and others of Gods dear servants , would not give way hereunto , especially , beyond all comparison , our Savior Christ , who suffered so monstrous things of such base persons , and that so unjustly , as one that had never the least ill thought against God or man : French Academy , pag. 301. cap. 30. O this ought to move us to great patience , yea of the Heathens themselves , there were not a few which were admirable in patience .

This condemneth the monstrous practice of the world , Use. that is set upon nothing but revenge , give taunt for taunt , blow for blow , &c. He is no body that will not revenge himself to the uttermost , from the least to the greatest : Much is spent this way in Law , onely for mens wicked wills upon stomack and to revenge ; Some profess , and are not ashamed to say , I 'le be revenged on him , I 'le not leave him worth a groat , I 'le fit in his skirts once in the year , I 'le be even with him ; who , that they may have their will of a man , care not what they spend , though they have the curse of God withal ; If they be told thereof , what 's their defence ? Had he not begun with me , he should have gone long enough before I would have wronged him , but seeing he hath thus done , I 'le serve him as well : He is counted an honest man that doth not begin to wrong another , but he that doth but requite wrong with the like , O that 's very reasonable , and it were no reason to require the contrary : Thus most have no ears to hear any perswasions to put up wrongs , a certain sign that they are fleshly , and that the Devil bears sway in their hearts .

What ? Obj. Shall I put up abuses ? then I shall be counted a fool .

Not of God who bids thee so do , R. nor of Angels , nor of good men , who count them wise that so do : He that is slow to wrath , is of great wisdom : For the contrary , none but fools and bad men will count you wise , neither are they fit Judges , yea , their dispraise is a praise : He is not strongest that can revenge , but that can up most and overcome himself ; It s beastly power to subdue others , but Christians must subdue their own rebellious affections and lusts . But alas , even Gods Servants , and they that have good things in them are yet greatly taken herein , as appears in their writings about matters in controversie ; they break out into personal disgraces , and bitter invectives one against another , a very unseemly thing , me thinks , not savoring of the Spirit , but of the Fesh , yea the way to exasperate , and so to encrease sin : The truth may be sufficiently maintained , and error gainsaid and confuted without such things : That Christians should be stirred one against another , that they should not bear one with another , that they should rip up one anothers faults , that they should disgrace one another , that they should either fall flat out one with another into bitter terms , or biting them into worse purposes , not forget wrongs , true or seeming , for a great while : O this is wonderful , yea monstrous pride ; where is love that suffereth long ? and where is the example of our Savior all this while ? And where 's our forgiving one another , as we would God should forgive us ? This hinders not but that Magistrates may execute justice upon ill doers , so it be upon no private grudge ; and that Parents and Masters may correct the faults of their Children and servants , so it be chiefly in regard of the sin against God , and for the good of the party : And a man may take the benefit of the Magistrate , if the matter be of weight , and cannot be well ended otherwise ; yea , if he be set upon , and violence offered to him , he may be a Magistrate for himself , if he cannot shift off his enemies , and by defending himself he may be freed of the danger ; and if he must needs wound or be wounded , kill or be killed , then no doubt its lawful rather to kill then be killed , and yet to be as free from revenge , as full of pity .

But committed himself , &c. ] Our Savior would not revenge himself on his adversaries , as knowing that his Father was wise enough , and knew what to do to them , and being just , would also do right judgement . They that revenge themselves , call into question Gods wisdom and justice . Whence note , That

They that revenge , think that God either is not wise enough , or just enough to requite the wrongs done them , or to determine of their cases ; for if they so thought , they would leave it to him whose office it is , and who will do it to the purpose : He that revengeth , puts God out of his place , Deut. 32. 35. and sits down therein ; Psal 94. 1. Should any having no Authority , Rom. 12. 19. Calling or fitness , intrude himself into the place or seat of a Temporal Judge , would he not be accounted a Fool or a Madman ?

Let us therefore beware of revenge , Use. seeing it concludes so wickedly on our parts against God , and know we , that we do always provide best for our selves , when we commend our cause to God , for he knows how , when and which way to defend his , and revenge them on their Enemies : Num. 26. 9 , 10. When Moses bare quietly the abuse of Corah and his company , how did God right his cause ? The like may be said of Davids , 1 King . 2. 24. in respect of the wrongs done by Saul and Shimei : If we revenge our selves , we turn Gods revenge against our selves , and as we become partners with them that have wronged us in sin , so shall we in punishment .

To him that judgeth righteously . ] God is a righteous Iudge . God is the Judge of the world , he daily judgeth , and hath especially prepared one day wherein he will judge the world , Acts 17. 31. and give every one according to that they have done : His judgements are always righteous , as between Moses and Corah , yea , Moses and Miriam , David and Saul , Ahab and Naboth , &c. they committed their cause unto God , who accordingly righted them ; so did he right Hezekiah on Senacherib , Peter on Herod , the Holy Martyrs on their bloody persecuters : Thus doth God revenge himself of the wicked enemies of Gods faithful Ministers ; and thus for our weakness , he keeps as it were petty Sessions , but this is nothing to that he will do : He reacheth out his hand as it were from behinde a Curtain , and gives now one , now another of his Enemies a rap , thereby to relieve our weakness , and strengthen us , and to curb the wicked that they be not too outragious ; but here 's a day coming wherein he will throughly judge between his servants and their enemies : Things seem to go crooked now , when the wicked tread under foot the poor Saints like clay in the streets , and insult over them ; but as a Turner or Joyner with crooked tools will make straight and even work , so hereby in Gods wise providence is set forth , as well the constancy of his Saints , as the malice of their Enemies , the one being thus prepared to glory , the other to Destruction , both which shall evidently appear on the great day .

O how notably may this comfort Gods servants , Use. and make them patient in their sufferings ? Iam. 5. 6 , 7. And how may this terrifie the wicked , that dare meddle with any that belong unto God ? Prov. 22. 23. He that defendeth them is mighty , and he will spoil the soul of them that spoil them .

Verse 24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree , that we being dead to sin , should live unto righteonsness , by whose stripes ye were healed .

OUr Apostle having had occasion to speak of the passion of our Savior Christ , Christs passion set out by the ends thereof . thought it too bare to have spoken of it , as an example to move us to suffer , and that patiently , but continues his speech of it , and sets it out by the ends thereof , and the many benefits that come to us thereby : 1. That we be thereby delivered from our sin , and the punishment thereof . 2. Enabled to dye unto sin , that we might live unto righteousness : Having fallen into this argument , he sticks in it , and cannot easily get out , but is like a friend that holds his friend long by the hand , being loath to part with him .

Who ] Even Christ himself , Heb. 1. 2 , 3. the Son of God , Lord of Angels and of the whole world .

His own self ] In his own person , not by a Deputy , without any help in the business .

Bare ] That is , suffered the intollerable and infinite wait of Gods wrath due to our sins , bare our sins , and all that was due to them , which would have swallowed up men and Angels .

Our sins ] Even the sins of the Elect , all of them , and the punishment of the same .

In his own body ] Not but that he suffered in soul , and therein his chiefest sufferings were , but because he speaks of his putting to death , the cruel usage of his body was evident .

On the tree , ] Namely , the Cross , which death he dyed by the especial providence of God being that kinde of death , Deut. 21. 23. which God had pronounced accursed ; and so fittest for our Savior Christ to endure , that he might bear what we had deserved , which was to become accursed , that we might escape the curse which we had deserved , by the breach of the Law : Gal. 3. 10. For , Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law , to do them : The foregoing words set forth the passion of Christ . The following ,

That we being dead unto sin , &c. ] The fruits that come to us thereby .

As a childe that hath a piece of Sugar in his mouth , is loath to let it go down , but would keep the sweetness still ; so doth our Apostle by the Doctrine of Christs passion , so sweet , comfortable , useful , & admirable , he cannot get out of it , but doth as it were dwell on it , which teacheth us not to be weary in meditating hereon , We must not be weary in meditating on Christs passion , and hearing thereof . or hearing hereof : it should be stil fresh and new to us , as the song of the Saints and Angels , though the same , yet is ever new : The Angels themselves desire to see further into this mystery of Gods love to his Church in giving his Son ; They saw somewhat by the Prophets , 1 Pet. 1. 12. some more when he was come , especially when crucified , and risen again from the dead , but most of all , when they saw the Gentiles called , and the Gospel Preached so plainly by the Apostles ; yet it s said , They be not satisfied , but stooping down as it were , they pray and desire to see more , yet is the benefit more to us then unto them , and therefore how much more unwearied should we be ? Herewith our Apostle was so taken , as that he desired to know nothing else but Christ crucified , Phil. 8. 9. and esteemed all priviledges and advantages that he had of being a Pharisee , an Hebrew , &c. as dung in comparison of Christ : The Israelites were often told by the Prophets of their deliverance out of Egypt , how much more should we be content to hear of our deliverance through Christ , whereof that was but a small resemblance and type ? But alas , how quickly are we weary of this argument ? Because we have heard often of it , it s now stale , and people have no more minde to hear it , then the Israelites could be contented with the Manna which God allowed them , but lusted after other Food : As they that go to Sea , think it strange , and for a day or two admire the wonderful works of God , but afterward cease therefrom ; so do we in this matter , though most sweet , comfortable , admirable , and of daily use to make us grow in hatred of sin , and love of God , and would also be a spur to our dulness .

But to come to the passion it self ; A brief of the sufferings of Christ , set down at large by the Evangelists . It s usually referred to that he suffered on the Cross , as here , because that was a great part , and the most visible to all , and the end of all ; but there were also infinite sufferings before and besides his death : His whole life was a continual suffering , from his birth to his death , from the Manger to the Cross , all full of Crosses : His abasement to take our nature was much , and to become subject to all our infirmities , sin only excepted , and to be in a poor condition , persecuted as soon as born , living obscurely with his Parents till about thirty years old , in the exercise ( as is supposed ) of a mean Trade , strange abasement for the Son of God ; as soon as he entred into his Office and was baptized , the Devil set sore on him : After this as a recompence to his continual toil and travel for mens Souls and Bodies , he was not only content to live in a mean condition without any House of his own , &c. but he was so vilely railed on and slandered ( as is set down in the foregoing Verse ) as none have been more , or so much , yea , as sometimes in policy they sought to entrap him , so at other times they laid wait , and used means to kill him ; At last , they plotted by one of his own Disciples to take away his life , as burning with an irreconcileable hatred against him : See Luke 12. 50. But ere he was betrayed , Iohn 13. 27. he entred upon his sufferings in a most grievous maner , yea no doubt even before he thought thereof at sundry times , which did not a little trouble and perplex him ; as a woman thinking sometimes of the pains of her travel before they come , is set on a sweat , and quakes for fear thereof : But after he had finisht the Passover , and instituted the Supper , he knowing that the time of his death approached , went into the Mount of Olives , and there entred into his most bitter Passion , taking with him Peter , James and John , the beholders of his transfiguration and glory , and therefore the fitter to behold his abasement ; but alas , pitying them , he left them , onely giving them a charge to watch and pray , and went from them a stones cast , for they were not able to behold his agony , nor hear the grievous dolour that he could not but make , and then began his pains as of a woman in travel , save that they were a thousand times greater , he fell on his face grovelling , and cryed out , His soul was heavy unto the death , and was in such an agony that he shed drops of blood ( a thing never heard of ) and that through the extream force of his pain : O it was the intollerable weight of his Fathers wrath due for all our vile sins , which was so grievous , as it made him pray to his Father for help , and to remove that cup , if it might be ; which was but the frailty of his humane Nature , without sin , desiring help , feeling it self almost swallowed up , and having that which would not onely have taken away the bodily life of all men , if it had been on them , but even have sunk them for ever . Thus he went too and fro to his Disciples three times ( they being in the mean time asleep ) and here in the Mount drunk three draughts ( as we may say ) of this most bitter cup of his Fathers wrath , which was infinitely beyond all torment his body was or could be put to : Then comes his betraying , treacherously betrayed of one of his own Family , whom he had used kindely ; thence carried away with clubs and staves , as a Malefactor , unto Annas and Caiphas , where he was in the high Priests Hall all night misused in most shameful maner , some smiting him , others spitting on him ; and because he said he was a King , they pull'd off his cloaths , and arrayed him in purple , and crowned him with thorns ; and because he was counted a Prophet , having blindfolded him , and smitten him , they bid him prophesie who had hit him : But because they have not the power of death in their own hands , they make use of the secular power , laying many things to his charge , and arraigning him at the Bar as a guilty person , a mover of Sedition , one that denyed to pay tribute to Caesar , and who said he was a King : But Pilat seeking to rid his hands of him , because he saw it was nothing but the malice of the Priests , sends him to Herod , who , as if he had been some Jugler to play feats , was glad to see him ; whereof failing , he and his followers misused him notably at their pleasures , and sent him to Pilat again .

Before him he was again arraigned , and Barabbas prefer'd unto him , the Jews in the mean time crying out against him , that he might be crucified : Then was he condemned to be scourged , to be carryed away and crucified , was made bear his own Cross , till he could bear it no longer ; then were his hands and his feet nailed thereto , himself hanging between to Thieves , many in the mean time mocking him ( as did one of the Thieves also ) and wagging their heads at him , he being as a But for all to shoot at , and a common Mark for every mans wicked tongue to aym at ; On the Cross he was about three hours : All this while besides bodily pains which could not but be grievous , he had again a most bitter cup given him to drink , and he had it poured in so fast , and such load laid on him , as that he cryed out , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me ? Though God did secretly sustain him , yet his Humane frailty felt himself almost overcome and gone : Oh! it must needs be so , for it was that wrath we should have suffered in Hell , though not with the same quality that the wicked feel Hell pains , namely , with being utterly forsaken of God , and despairing and blaspheming on their parts : Oh , this was most grievous , that the Son should have the Fathers wrath poured out upon him ! Oh , it was more then all the pains that were ever upon all men together in this world : And from the sixth to the ninth hour the Sun was darkned , and our Savior all that while abode in a most grievous perplexity , during which time he uttered but seven Sentences , and in this while he drunk up this bitter Cup to the very bottom , dregs and all : Then he gave up the ghost , and dyed , was buried , and held under death for a space . Behold a little poor draught of the lamentable Sufferings of our Savior Christ ; to express it as it was fully , no tongue of man or Angel is able : And all these things he endured for our sakes , and for our sins , for he had none of his own . They were our sins that brought all this upon him , and had it not been for this , we had all been damned for ever , as the evil Angels that fell , of whom none shall be saved : He was arraigned before the Bar of an earthly Judge , that we might not be arraigned before Gods Tribunal Seat ; He was condemned , that we might be absolved ; He was mockt and spitted on , that we might escape shame here , and confusion of faces hereafter ; He was scourged , that we might escape the stripes of Gods vengeance ; He dyed , that we might live ; dyed a cursed death , that we might scape the curse and be blessed : and thus he had the smart , and we the benefit ; our sins the cause of all his sorrow , and his sorrow the mean of all our welfare ; for by this means we are discharged , our Surety hath paid every farthing : Neither could there be any other course taken with our sins , but that a death must be suffered ; for Gods Justice had pronounced Death the punishment of it , and so required it : He could not remit our sin , but upon a satisfaction ; therefore they that look for Salvation any other way , or by their good meaning , good Prayers , good serving God , &c. shall miss thereof , for none but by a payment paid , and death and infinite wrath suffered , can enter into Heaven : No other person or persons could have undergone this ; all men were in our case , none able to help himself , much less others ; all unable to suffer , and to overcome the least part of this wrath . And for Angels , alas , it was far beyond their power , for it was an infinite wrath that we had deserved , by sinning against an infinite God , but their power is finite . This also was a sufficient satisfaction , being performed by the Son of God ; it was more that he should suffer one moment , then all men and Angels for ever and ever : He like a rich Creditor paid that in a few hours , that we poor Creatures could never have overcome ; and though the time of his Passion was but short , and that in respect of the dignity of his person , and for that he was enabled through his Godhead to perform this great work in so short a space , yet he suffered so much in that short time , as would have held us work , and kept us under for ever and ever .

1. This sets out the ugliness of sin , Use 1. and that most woful case wherein we had plunged our selves by our sins , that if God had not put forth all his wisdom , as we may so say , we must all have perished .

2. This setteth forth the most unspeakable love of God and of Jesus Christ towards us vile wretches : Use 2. That Christ should abase himself so low , Ioh. 3. 16. to all that he suffered in body , in soul , from men , from his Father especially , and for us Rebels his enemies , who had no need of us , nay , might have been glorified in our destruction , O the infinite depth of his love ! And doth not this call for wonderful and unspeakable love and affection from us to God again , to do and suffer whatsoever he shall at any time require of us , to serve him night and day , on hands and knees , with the whole might both of body and soul ( not a thought being out of his Service ) yea , if it were to dye every day for him ? Psal. 116. 12. Should we not say with David , What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits ? this above all others ? Oh! it rebukes our cold serving him , which will scarce lay down our lusts at his request , who yet laid down his life for us , our proud lusts , revenging lusts , covetous and worldly lusts , unclean lusts , &c. O fearful unthankfulness ! And how hardly are we brought to do duties ? No forwardness therein , negligence every way ; and when we do them , how cold and careless are we ? O lamentable ! Is a cold drowsie service suitable to such a love as this ? we may be even ashamed herein : And for suffering , alas , we have no will , no not to endure a mock , a frown of a great person ; we will make friendship with the world , rather then to endure the least disgrace ; we will forbear many duties , nay , to keep company with Gods servants , onely lest we should be counted Puritans ; How shall we then be able to go to Prison and death for the cause of Christ ?

3. To all that mourn in Sion , Use 3. to all that are heavy laden , hungring after Christ Jesus , and willing to take up his yoke , and to all other Believers , this is matter of most unspeakable consolation : Their sins be gone , and all the punishment due to them ; no punishment shall befal them here ( as on the ungodly ) no wrath or condemnation hereafter : Their afflictions are merciful corrections to further their Salvation ; To them death is no death , but a passage to life , that whereupon their Souls are received into Heaven , their bodies committed to the earth , both which at the Resurrection shall be joyfully reunited ; O how should we walk worthy of this in all holiness and honesty ! But to all that shall not have part in Christ , there remains unspeakable misery , it had been good for them they had never been born ; they must bear their own burthen , and sink to Hell , there to be for ever and ever : This will be the portion of most , because so few receive Christ , so few are humbled , so many through pride and profaneness refuse to be guided by him ; O how few will cast away their lusts , and yield up themselves to be ruled by him and his Word ! It will be most woful to the Turks , Jews and Pagans , that shall perish without Christ ; but yet of all others , their judgement will be most fearful , which have had him preached daily , and by the Ministers of God have been so often besought to embrace him , and yet have despised him , would none of him ; Oh , it will encrease their torment , to consider that they had offer of Christ , and many believed in him , and were converted by the same Sermons , whereat they themselves were no whit moved : O this will fret hearts ! O le ts consider this , we that live in this happy time ! One would think every man should receive and imbrace Christ Jesus , but alas , how few do this ? for them that do not , it will be their undoing : O give no rest unto your selves , till you can get a discharge in and by Christ , confess , bewail , crave pardon , cry to God , and resolve to turn to him : The water is now stirring , step into this Pool of Bethesda . Iohn 5.

4. This condemneth all false ways for Salvation , Use 4. for other then Christ never was any , neither is or shall be ; therefore all that reject him , as Jews and Turks , or embrace him onely to halves , as the Papists , are in a fearful case , as all among our selves that trust to any thing else besides him .

That we being dead to sin , &c. ] Another main end of Christs death , and another great benefit redounding unto us thereby , namely , That he dyed for us , not onely to free us from sins , and wrath , and damnation deserved thereby , but also to kill sins in us , to deliver us from the power thereof , and to dissolve the works of the Devil in us , that being dead unto sin , we might live unto righteousness : Of the words , first in general , then in particular .

In general note we thus much , that

For whomsoever Christ dyed , For whomsoever Christ dyed , he dyed to kill sin in them . he dyed to kill sin in them , for he dyed not to free us of half our misery , and leave us in the other half ; nor to be at a great deal of cost with us and for us , and yet leave us in a case fit to do him no service ( as if one should ransom a man out of the Turks galleys , and leave him in the midway ) but hath done all this , that we might be fit to do him service , thereupon giving us his Word and Spirit to humble us , and so to change us , that sin may be mortified in us , 1 Cor. 1. 30. and we made live : He is not onely made of God unto us Redemption , but also our Sanctification ; as he hath redeemed us , Tit. 2. 14. so hath he purged us to be a peculiar people unto himself : Christ affords both , See 1 Cor. 6. 20. and from him we may as well look for the one as the other ; 2 Cor. 5. 15. yea , whosoever hath indeed his part in the one , cannot be without the other , Luke 1. 74. and in token of our thankfulness , we ought to labor by all means to shew forth this latter . Eph. 5. 25.

1. This confutes that wicked slander of the Church of Rome : Use 1. We talk ( say they ) that we must be saved by Christs death , and by Faith in him onely , and not by any thing we can do , and therefore that we set men at liberty to do what they list , and open a gap to all licentiousness ; but as the Gospel is not a Doctrine of liberty , so neither do we by preaching give way unto licentiousness : See Rom. 3. 31. The Gospel requires as strict obedience as the Law doth , to every of Gods Commandments ( though not in extremity ) neither freeth it us from any duty to God or men , yea teacheth us , That denying ungodliness and worldly lusts , we should live soberly , Tit. 2. 12. righteously and godly in this present world , and that none have nor can have part in Christ , Eph. 2. 10. which give not themselves to good works .

2. This setteth forth the wonderful goodness of Christ Jesus , Use 2. that hath not onely freed us from Gods wrath , and the punishment of our sins ( which is unspeakable goodness ) but hath appointed to give us his Spirit to free us from sin ( for if we should all our life here have lived after our own lusts , or under the power of Satan , what a base and woful life had this been ? ) that we might both in heart and body serve him in the works of holiness , and a godly life .

3. This condemneth all those that lay claim to the death of Christ , Use 3. and yet live in their sins , and old lusts : Numbers in these days have got this by the end , They hope to be saved by Jesus Christ ; They be no Papists , that look to be saved by their works , but they believe in Jesus Christ with all their hearts , and yet they are not washed from their old filthiness , but abide still in security in all or some of their lusts : But let such know , they speak impossible things , God hath joyned these two ends of Christs death , and they divide them , yea blasphemous things , that Christ dyed to set men at liberty to live as they list : O woful wretches , that can say , They hope to be saved by Christ , and that he dyed for them , and yet can follow every vain pleasure and wicked lust , to redeem them from which , it cost even the blood of Christ ( more worth then a thousand worlds ) what is this , but to set light by Christs death , which none can do , who hath his part therein ? yea , what is it but to crucifie him again , and to make a mock of his death ? what beastly unthankfulness is it , for any to say Christ dyed for me , Acts 15. 9. and yet to live in sin ? nay , whosoever have faith to believe their pardon in Christ , 1 Iohn 3. 3. it purifieth their hearts , and the assurance of such a love to us , must needs work love again in us , and that love will constrain us , yet who useth not this shift ? who flyeth not hereunto , as Joab unto the horns of the Altar ? 1 Kings 2. 28 , 34. but as there he found no shelter from the Sword of Benaiah , so they that flie to Christ as their refuge , having nothing to do with him , they shall be cut off , and cast down into Hell for ever : O that the death of Christ , which ought to be the greatest corrasive to eat out sin out of our hearts ( as which cost such a wonderful price ) should be made a bo●ster for sin ! As beggers go with their licences boldly from place to place , so do worldlings sin boldly , because they can say , O they believe in Jesus Christ , and he hath dyed for them , &c. but as most of their licences being found counterfeit , and made under a Bush , are taken from them , and they themselves cast into Prison ; So when God shall come to examine those , this shall not free them or serve their turn , but they shall be cast into utter darkness . If you live in your lusts , or have the love of any one ●in in you , as yet ye have no part in Christs death .

4. This may be a great comfort to those that can finde and feel sin dying in them , Use 4. and themselves dead to all sin , and the love of any one , and that they are renewed to live the life of God , and yield obedience to all his Commandments : Though this be not as they would , yet if their hearts can bear witness with them that this in truth , let them be assured they have their part in Christs death . Having their part in the latter benefit thereof , it s an argument of the former ; For how come they to be now so changed into an hatred of all the sins , which before they loved , and such a true and earnest care to please God ? Rom. 8. 1. Flesh and blood hath not so taught them , but Gods Spirit , and that 's an argument we are his , even his Spirit that he hath given us .

But many that would not willingly offend God for any thing , and having failed in the least thing , are more troubled then most be at great matters , yea , and study and strive for nothing so much as to please God , yet cannot be perswaded that Christ dyed for them .

Oh! Obj. I fear that Christ dyed not for me , will such a one say , because I feel such a corrupt and rebellious nature within me , and I am often overcome of sin and Satan .

It s not the mark of such as Christ dyed for , R. that they are freed from sin altogether , but that they hate all sin , that they resist it , and often prevail against the same ; whereof if at any time they be overcome , yet they rise again by unfained repentance , and stand up upon their watch ; for in the best of Gods Servants , there will some of the Canaanilist brood remain , as pricks in our sides , but so long as we keep them Tributaries , we must not be discouraged ; though our corruptions salley out upon us sometimes , yet if we make war upon them , and chase them home , and so weaken them , they shall not prevail over us : The Church is not in this world without spot , except it be by imputation of Christs righteousness , Phil. 5. 25. for in respect of Sanctification , it s but begun to be cleansed , and shall be perfected in the world to come . Thus in general .

In particular , The two parts of Repentance the two clauses here mentioned , contain the two parts of Repentance , or Sanctification , namely , Mortification and Vivification , or dying unto sin , and living unto righteousness .

Dead unto sin ▪ ] It s the duty of every Christian in token of his thankfulness to God that hath delivered him from this most woful state , Christians must endeavor to mortifie their lusts . to set himself to mortifie his lusts , and all maner of evil , and that every day more and more : Though we cannot be dead to sin at once ( it being a work of our whole life ) yet must we be dead to the love of all sin , open or secret , outward or inward , and so dye daily ; as Christ dyed , so should we labor , and be more and more dead to our lusts ; as he was crucified , so should we crucifie them , &c. And can we live in sin , that cost the price of the blood of Christ ? Who would not abhor and cast from him the knife that killed his dearest friend ? Thus did sin to our Savior Christ , it was that which brought him to his death .

1. The thing then that best beseems a Christian , Use 1. is to mortifie his vile lusts , to finde them out , to hate and pursue them to the death , to apply all means to the weakning and killing thereof , ever hacking at the roots thereof , by continual Prayer and Meditation , applying the Word , Mercies , Corrections , all to the throat of our Corruptions ; for as nothing is more unbeseeming a Christian , then to be carried away of any lust , so this should be our continual exercise , to be continually weakning our Corruptions . This is true Religion , it stands not in hearing Sermons , but in mortifying our lusts , and bringing our rebellious hearts in subjection to the will of God . And as we are to labor for the subduing of all , so are we especially of our strongest corruptions , that have most foiled us , most broke our peace , most dishonored God , and have been of worst example .

2. This rebuketh a wonderful fault in most Christians , Use 2. that howsoever they have general purposes to resist sin and to do well , yet think that they are not continually to labor for the mortifying thereof ; wherein failing , they do sometimes yield and give way to their lusts to break out into open evils , vain speeches , slight oathes , worldly talking on the Lords day , gaming , and the like : So for their inward lusts of pride , covetousness , frowardness , security , dulness to duties , unbelief , coldness and customariness in the service of God ; Alas , these they look not after , but almost lay the reign on the neck of them , so that if they reign not in them , yet they break out at every turn , and are very rank in them , and shew forth themselves grosly to Gods dishonor , their own discomfort , and the continual breach of their peace , with much evil example to others . Gal. 5. 24. As we would prove our selves Christs , let us labor to crucifie the flesh , with the affections and lusts thereof ; let us deal with our sins , as the Jews dealt with Christ , kill them , bury them , lay a great stone upon them , set a watch over them .

Should live unto righteousness . ] As we must be dead unto sin , so must we be alive unto God . It s not enough to be dead to sin , but we must be alive to God , and to his Commandments in doing all good . By righteousness is meant , the whole duty of man in all godliness , throughout his whole conversation to God and Men : When it s joyned with holiness , See Luk. 1. 75. then it stands for the duties of the second Table , Tit. 2. 12. but alone , it stands for all , as in that of the Apostle , Being then made free from sin , Rom. 6. 18. ye became the servants of righteousness ; and to this end hath Christ dyed for us , even that we should not live after the lusts of the flesh , but after the will of God , serving him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life : And what should we else do ? how else express our thankfulness ? we ought to be exceeding thankful , even for earthly benefits , how much more for this , Christ dying for us ? O happy change ! We that were sometimes the slaves of sin , and drudges of Satan , doing base work for woful wages , are now become the Servants of God , employed in holy works , whereof here the fruits are , peace of Conscience , and joy in the Holy Ghost , and the end everlasting life .

We ought therefore to give our selves to an holy life in all things , Use. shewing hereby whose we are , and to whom we belong , as it s said of the Merindolians , That they were known by their godly behavior , wheresoever they became . It was a custom among the Romans , that every one should carry some note of his Trade or Profession as he went in the streets , a Carpenter his Rule , a Taylor his Yard or Measure , &c. So ought we to carry a badge of our Profession every where about us , whether we go to Church , be at home in our Families , go to Market , to our Shops , or Workfolks , &c. even holiness throughout our whole conversation . In prosperity we must shew forth sobriety ; in adversity , patience ; at all times the fruits of love , faithfulness , uprightness , &c. Are we in company ? our speeches must be gracious and godly ; Luke 1. 75. if alone , holy and heavenly minded : And this we ought not to do a little by fits in a good mood , and when we list , but we must walk in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life ; we must be continually ready to every good work , we must be a peculiar people , Tit. 2. 14. zealous of good works : If these things be in us , and abound , great profit will redound unto us , and hereunto must we employ all our endeavors .

By whose stripes ye were healed . ] Now he returns again to Servants , applying the benefit of Christ to them . By stripes , or wales of the stripes , he means not onely the stripes he had of men , but all his sufferings ; he useth the word stripes , in respect of Servants , because they suffered stripes of their Masters , and that for their especial comfort , as who did not suffer alone , and whose stripes were healed through the stripes which Christ suffered .

All that Christ suffered for us , All that Christ suffered was for our profit . was wholesome and saving , his shame , our glory ; his condemnation , our absolution ; his curse , our blessing ; his strokes , our peace ; his death , our life . The most grievous stripes that he suffered , have healed the most ugly and deadly sores of our sins , which otherwise had been incurable : We ought therefore to be content to suffer some stripes for him and for his sake , and for the profession of his Name ; he was mockt and reviled for us , may not we then be content to suffer the like for him ? What are we to him ? He became poor , to make us rich ; if we be cut short for his sake , shall we not endure it ? Dost thou suffer any thing for Christ ? bear the same patiently ; and great reason , Christ suffered much for thee . Christ dyed even for poor servants .

Note further , that Christ dyed even for poor Servants , and that therefore the meanest are to labor after their part in Christ ( and yet who are more negligent then the poor are for the most part ? ) and those poor that have their part in him , are to be highly thankful , and bear their outward wants patiently , and think that God hath dealt wonderfully for them , having passed by so many great , wise and learned ones .

In the words also these particulars are implied ,

1. That sin is a wound or disease ; Sin is a disease . as a disease weakens the body , so doth sin every faculty of the soul : As the former also brings deformity on the body , causeth pain , and thereupon followeth death , so doth the latter on the soul.

2. That our bodies are subject to many sicknesses , Our bodies are subject to many sicknesses . and the diseases thereof are oftentimes very grievous ; and if those be such , what are the diseases and pains of the soul ? the one may put us in minde of the other .

3. That Christ is our Physician , Christ is our Physician . both for body and soul ; He hath both skill , will , compassion , healeth us freely , and is ever near us ; he hath by his Passion purchased all good for us ; he wrought many cures and miracles in the days of his flesh , now he worketh by means , and his blessing thereon .

4. That sin is hateful to God , Sin hateful to God . as for which Christ suffered stripes .

Seek we therefore help in Christ , Use. we are sick of many diseases , we cannot help our selves by any Medicine we can devise , Christ onely can cure us : This Faith apprehends , for that the wounding of one should heal another , is above Nature . Oh! how will men being sick in body bestir themselves , that they may be cured ; but being inwardly diseased through sin , how slack are they ? how do they defer it to the last , when it s too late ? There be but certain seasons to be cured in , as the man at the Pool of Bethesda observed ; miss we not our opportunity , How we may speed in our suits to Christ . lest we perish altogether . And that we may speed at the hands of this our Physician , 1. We must feel our disease , and be humbled , confess also and bewail the same to him . 2. Earnestly beg of him to heal us . 3. Hurt our selves no more as near as we can . 4. Believe he will heal us . 5. Suffer the words of Exhortation , the preaching of the Word being the means to cure our sinful Nature . 6. Take heed of dawbers , that cry Peace , peace . 7. Take heed of all false cures , as by our selves , Masses , Pilgrimages , Indulgencies , &c. 8. Abide the Lords leisure in the use of the means , though we should be cured by threatnings of the Word , or by afflictions ; yea , being once cured , do we acknowledge the same to his glory , and be we thankful ; Psal. 103. 3. for it s he alone that hath satisfied for our sins , he alone through whom our sinful Nature is cured .

Verse 25. For ye were as sheep going astray ; but are now returned unto the great Shepherd and Bishop of your souls .

THese words are a confirmation of those immediately going before , that they were healed by Christ , by comparing their former state wherein they were , with their present state : They were once in a poor case , in a piteous taking , in a miserable and dangerous case ; but now through Gods mercy they were come home to Christ , who most carefully did and would protect them to their Salvation : Before they came to Christ , their case was woful and dangerous ( as is the state of all unregenerate persons ) but now having taken hold of Christ , their condition was safe & happy , as it s with all believers and penitent persons .

For ye were as sheep going astray ; ] Speak we first of the miserable state of all unregenerate men , of all men without Christ , they are as sheep going astray .

1. Every Natural man is like a beast , Every natural man is like a beast . who is therefore in Scripture compared to several sorts of beasts , for one ill quality or another ; as to Dogs , Psa. 22. 12 , 13 , 16 , 20. for their malicious barking and biting at them they live with ; to Wolves , for their greedy devouring of the poor ; to Lyons , for their cruel tyranny ; Psal. 32. 9. to fat fat Bulls , for their proud abuse of their prosperity ; to Hogs , for their rude and unreverent base esteeming of Spiritual things , Isa. 1. 3. as the Word and Sacraments , and Gods Ministers ; to Foxes ( as Herod ) for their craft ; Ier. 8. 7. so to Horses and Mules , for their ignorance and unruliness ; Prov. 6. 6. yea , sometimes the beasts are preferred before them to shame them , and sometimes they are sent to school to them : nay , all Gods Creatures are more serviceable then Man , they obey God in their kind , and abide in their first estate ; the Sun , Moon and Stars obey God in their courses , the huge Sea rageth , and is calm at his bidding ; if he command it to stand as a wall , it doth so , to let Israel go through , and will return again upon the same warrant and drown Pharaoh ; if God bid the Whale swallow Jonah , and cast him up again , it obeys him in both ; if he forbid the Lyons to touch Daniel , they stir not , though very hungry , as the fire did not burn the three Children , &c. But man , that should be best of all , and for whom all were made , as he for God , yet walk stubbornly and rebelliously , omitting what 's required of him , and doing what 's again and again prohibited : therefore God calls all Creatures to witness against man ; Isa. 1. 2. yea , they are many times to set themselves against us ( as when the heavens become as brass , Deut. 32. 1. and the earth as iron , &c. ) and to groan because of us , as being weary of doing any further service to such as we are .

O how ought this to humble all that be such , Use. that know no mark of conversion or change in themselves from their unregenerate condition , small cause hast thou to be proud ; the Horse thou ridest on is far better then thou art , it doth that for which God did ordain it , but thou doest not that which the Lord requireth of thee ; nay the Dog that keeps thy Yard , and ears bones under thy table is in a better case then thou art , its serves God in its kinde , thou never didst any thing that God set thee here for .

O humble thy self before God , Isa. 11. 6. 7 , &c. & crave of him to work an alteration in thee , for he onely can do it , and that by the Ministery of his word : Thus can he bring it to pass , delivering thee from thy brutish nature , & turning thee into a Christian man , renewing in thee his image , and working of grace , that so thou mayest serve him in a better maner then other creatures either do or can do ; so shalt thou be more happy then they , for they as they have no pain , so they shal have no glory , but thou shalt go from hence to everlasting glory in the Kingdom of Heaven .

But as for all that continue in their Rebellion , as they are worse then beasts in their life , so shall they be in their end , for their death is but a beginning to eternal misery : O how happy were it for every man that shall dye in his sins , if he were turned this day into a Dog or Toad , and no further account to be taken of him !

2. As a Sheep that wandereth is out of his way , Every unregenerate man is out of his way . so is every natural and unregenerate man quite out of his way , out of the way to Peace and Happiness : Isa. 53. 6. We were created in the right way , but in Adam all went astray ; Rom. 3. 12. we have no minde but of wandering and roaming further and further the longer we live , till God take us into the right way ; so that whosoever dyes in the way he was born in , and lived in first , must needs perish ; it s the way of ignorance , of sin , the broad way to destruction : Some go out of the way by ignorance , some by superstition , some by prophaneness , by hypocrisie , by trusting to civility , &c. naturally we do all go from God and Peace , to Hell and the Devil . Abraham was out of his way whilest he was an Idolater , Psal. 58. 3. so Paul whilest he was a Persecutor : The wicked they go astray even from the womb , they wander from every good work , and do nothing well or pleasing to God : They delight to wander and take pleasure in their sins ; yea , that they thus wander , may appear by these signs , Reasons . They refuse instruction and reproof , whether publike or private , whereas the regenerate account those to love them indeed which tell them of their faults ; they live even in known sins , they are altogether for the world , having no communion with God in holy duties ; they have no love to good company , but associate themselves with others like themselves , and of their own stamp : If they do good duties , How they come to be misled . it s for sinister respects , not out of conscience : Thus the Devil misleads some ; Antichrist seduceth thousands by false Doctrine and miracles , as wicked Ministers by seldom or erroneous teaching and bad lives : So is the world a great deceiver by bad examples , by false reports of the servants of God , and by the profits and pleasures thereof ; yea , a mans own heart is a great deceiver , as whereby many think they are in the way to Heaven , when they be in the way to destruction : Ignorance also of the Scriptures is a great cause of being deceived ; Ye erre ( saith our Savior ) not knowing the Scriptures ; nay , God in justice gives some over to believe lyes , as Ahab was seduced by false Prophets to his destruction : Psal. 95. 11. they may provoke God so long by their wandering , that he will never reclaim or bring them home , but swear in his wrath , they shall never enter into his rest ; they may despise the means so long , as no Sermon shall do them good : These are in a fearful state , marked to destruction , as Trees to be felled .

This also should humble men ( for what are they but stragling creatures ? ) and make them desire to get into the right way : But how few will take knowledge they be out of their way , thinking still their case to be good enough , ● Ier. 8. 6. as the Lord complained by Jeremiah , I hearkened and heard , but none spake aright , no man repented him of his wickedness , saying , Prov. 14. 12. What have I done ? &c. There 's a way that seemeth good in a mans eyes , but the issues thereof are the issues of death : To those whom God means to save , he sends his Word and Spirit , and so opens their eyes to see that they be out of their way , and that not onely prophane persons , but also some hypocrites , that have contented themselves with some common things , as Herod did , and sometimes civil persons , that thought their state very good , that God opens their eyes to see it to be woful , and make them hasten out of it , saying as those in the Acts , What shall we do to be saved ? Acts 2. 37 , & 26 , 18. we finde we are in the way to damnation ; but most men will not be perswaded of this , but go on with a liking of their way , though it be to their destruction : To this end Ministers must preach the Law , and shew men that be out of their way , & people must take out this lesson ; and this is the first , till this be , nothing is .

3. As the sheep is most subject to wander , No natural man can of himself come home to God . but of all Creatures hath least wisdom to finde the way home again ; so no natural man can come home to God alone : we can go further and further from God , but to come home one step we cannot ; we are blinde and cannot see a step of the way , have no minde but to wander , All the thoughts of mans heart are onely evil continually , Iohn 6. 44. & we cannot think a good thought ; No man can come to me ( saith our Savior ) except the Father draw him .

If any be come home to God from his wandring state , Use. let him give all the glory to God , and know , that there was no difference between them and those that yet wander , if God had not sought them , and as it were fetcht them home on his shoulders ; if God had not thus done for us , we had wandred to this hour , yea to our dying day , as well as others , therefore wonder and praise God : And for those that yet wander , let them not bless themselves , as if they could turn to God when they list , as many think , Oh , they will cry God a mercy at their end , &c. but while you have life and time with the means , entreat God to bless the means from Heaven to be mighty , to open your eyes , and to bring you home from straying , into the way that leadeth into eternal life .

4. As the sheep that is wandred is in manifold dangers , The natural man is in continual danger . so and much more certainly is every natural man in inevitable danger , if he so continue : He is out of Gods special providence , as the stray sheep is from the tendance of the Shepherd , his eye is not over him : He hath no certain abiding , as Cain , knows not what to do ; he is separate from the company of Gods people , and what evil may not then befal him ? As a sheep is in danger to be carryed away by diverse Lords , into whose several grounds he cometh ; so is a natural man in danger of the Devil , the World , his own lusts , in danger to fall into every sin ( what hath he to stop him ? ) into any plague or punishment that ever fell upon any ( what promise hath he to the contrary ? ) yea , as sheep are apt to fall into the mouthes of Dogs and Wolves , so may the natural man fall into the paws of the Devil , and be turned into Hell , he knows not how soon : Is not he in danger that is naked in a field , and beset with Bills , Bows and Guns , all bent against him to destroy him ? Prov. 4. 19. so is it with every wicked man , as being subject to all the plagues of God : Is not he in danger that hangs over a pit by a twig ? so is every wicked man by the threed of his life over Hell : When a wicked man riseth in the morning , doth he know what may befal him ere night ? can he tell but he may fall even into the foulest sins ? can he tell but that the earth may swallow him , a thunderbolt may strike him through , he may have any curse befal him or his ? can he tell but he may be in Hell ere night , and at night , ere morning ? and is not this danger enough ? Thus hundreds of this Land drop into Hell every day , and in every corner some , at one time or another , by one means or another the Devil lays hold on them .

This may make every wicked man weary of his condition , Use. and to have little joy of himself , till he be out of this state , who can abide to live in a continual danger ? For them that be gone , and of whom Hell hath already caught hold , there 's no hope or help : You that are alive , look to your selves , were you out of this condition , you could not be overcome , you could not be pluckt from God by Angels or Devils , all the world could not prevail against you , being under Christs keeping , he would keep you unto the end .

But are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls . ] Here 's the safe state of Believers : They are now converted , not by any power or goodness in themselves , but by the mighty power and goodness of God , to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls , Christ Jesus , who having redeemed them , will not now lose them , but safely preserve and keep them to life eternal both in body and soul. So that

All that are come to God in Christ Jesus , All Believers are in a safe condition . be in a most safe state ; for besides that they have pardon of sin ( the Robe of Christs righteousness being put on them ) they have the Spirit to sanctifie them from the power of sin , and to enable them to please God in a new life : Neither can they fall from this estate , nor can fall into any sin unto death ; there s no condemnation to them , neither the Devil nor World shall be able to draw them to their old state , Christ that hath redeemed them will never lose them ; Who will lose a purchase dearly bought ? but so are we to Christ ; Who will not keep his Limbs ? we are made Members of Christ ; Will he suffer one to be pulled off ? God forbid : Iohn 17. 11. Christ having redeemed us , commits us to his Fathers keeping , and who being under his protection , is not in a safe Castle or impregnible Fortress ? Not onely they are sure they can never , fall finally , but also Christ hath a care of every sheep , to keep him in the right way , to fetch him in when he wanders , to comfort him being heavy , See Psal. 43. 1. and 46. 4. and to binde him up being broken : What Christian findes not this by daily experience , that God preserves him daily by his grace from many falls , comforts him in many heavinesses , reduceth him from many wandrings ?

1. Here 's matter of unspeakable comfort for those that be come into Christs sheepfold ; Use 1. If we look to our selves , or our Enemies being so strong , we have cause to fear , but as Elisha said to his Servant , There are more on our side , 2 Kings 6. 16. then they that be against us : We have much opposition against our good and standing , but we are not left to our selves ; Our Salvation now is , not as it was in Adam , but it s in Gods keeping , and we are by him kept as in a Castle , we are kept by his power , which is Almighty , above all power , but how long ? for a few years , and then left to our selves ? O if we were left the last year , last day , last hour , we would fall from God if occasion were offered , but kept we are by the power of God to Salvation , till we come to Heaven . O let us be thankful to God for this safe and happy state , and keep our selves close to him , and continually seek him , and commend our selves to his keeping , and then we be safe . Here is no cause indeed of security or boldness , for though we cannot fall finally , yet dangerously , and to our hearts smart we may , if we wax careless , as many times even Christians come to the sheepfold , yet keep not so close to their shepherds voyce as they ought , but are bold to be straying into one by-way or other ; as of pride , covetousness , contention , and the like , and this costs them dear , who if they would have been ruled by their shepherds voyce outwardly in his Word , or inwardly in his Spirit , no question they might have spared this .

2. Let those that be yet wandring , Use 2. hasten to come home to Christ , and be in this most safe and happy estate ; let them confess , and humble themselves , and seek for pardon , and listen to the voyce of their blessed shepherd Christ Jesus , who calls them to him ; if they so do , they shall make a happy change : But when we require this of a number , they set light by it , and think they are well enough , and better already ; now they may have their will , and be merry , and speak what they list , and do what they list , and get gain as they can , but if they should be convert , and be ruled by the Preacher , they should then be tyed too short , as they should do nothing , have no liberty , but be in bondage , &c. O poor Creatures , that think that liberty which is deadly bondage ; little do those consider , that their sweet meat ( Sin ) will have with it a great deal of sowre sawce : And the service of God is perfect freedom , tying from nothing , but from sin , and to nothing , but that which is good and holy , to our comfort here , and Salvation hereafter , and doth not this shrewdly hurt us ? Do not therefore let the foolish and beastly pleasures of sin keep you from turning to God , for it will be woful in the end : If we saw a man going to Execution in brave apparel , with musick , and his companions bringing him bowls of wine , would we delight herein , or count him happy ? would we not rather pity him for all this ? more need have they of pity that will needs run on in sin , and following their lusts and pleasures , refuse to return unto Christ the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls .

Shepherd , The Ministers of the Word are Shepherds under Christ . &c. ] Christ performeth the office of a Shepherd and Bishop to his people , outwardly by the Ministery of his Servants , the Ministers of the Word , and inwardly by his holy Spirit : His Ministers be the inferior Shepherds , under the chief Shepherd Christ Jesus ; He useth them to feed his people with green Pastures , to lead them to the still waters of comfort , to fetch home the wandring , &c. who are therefore called Watchmen , Ezek. 32. 7. 34 , 8. and Shepherds . It s the duty of all Ministers that have the charge of souls , Their duty . to be most vigilantly watchful , and exceedingly careful over the people committed to their care : As watchmen must be careful in keeping the City from their Enemies ; as those shepherds to whom the Angels appeared in the Gospel , were watching over their Flocks by Night ; yea , as Jacob in tending his Flocks , endured both the cold by night , and the heat by day ; so much more must they , See Act. 20. 28. in Preaching in season and out of season , praying , holy living , and by all means seeking to gain men to God , fetching home the stray ones , binding up the broken , comforting the feeble , &c.

1. This rebuketh those Ministers , Use 1. that in stead of watchmen , are blinde , and careless , sleepers , that delight in sleeping , in stead of shepherds are wolves , devouring the flock , eating the fat , & cloathing themselves with the fleeces : Those as either they cannot feed , or come not at their flock to feed them ; so do they not care to fetch home them that are astray , but rather by their ill example keep them from returning ; and so far are they from comforting the weak , and binding up the broken , as they have no skill herein , or list hereto , but rather set themselves against such : There are but few that make Conscience to hear the Word abroad , when they have it not at home , yet those are more baited at for going to the Word , then all they that sit in Aleho●ses , or are gaming or ryoting on the Lords-day : Those are also to be reproved that feed with froth in stead of sound meat , as those that are negligent in feeding , feed them to halves , and half starve them : O Lord , what shall become of those , when the great Shepherd Christ Jesus shall come to Judgement ? where shall they stand ? for even they that have been most careful , yet are far short ; of all mens answers that I know , I would be loathest to have the answer of a wicked and unfaithful Minister to make .

2. As the Ministers must do their duties , Use 2. so ought the people like sheep that wander , suffer themselves to be brought home into Christs flock and sheepfold , and not let the Ministers labor with them year after year , and yet they never the nearer being brought home to Christ : And those that be brought home to Christ , must be careful that they be led out still , and fed in the green Pastures , that they listen to their shepherds voyce , and follow it carefully , that so the Ministers may yield up their account with joy , and not with grief , and that is good for the people , Heb. 13. 17. Thus if we do , God shall have the glory , Ministers the comfort , and the people shall save their own souls ; And the great shepherd shall say to us , Come ye blessed of my Father , and set a crown of immortal glory upon our heads .

CHAP. III.

THe Apostle proceedeth in his special Exhortations , The Contents of this Chapter . belonging to special persons , namely , to Wives and Husbands , shewing the duties which they owe each to other , from the beginning unto the eighth Verse : Thence unto the eighteenth , he heapeth up divers general Exhortations to sundry Christian duties , belonging to all Christians : Thence unto the end he entreateth sweetly of the Passion and Sufferings of Christ , with the benefits redounding thereby , not onely to us , but to the Church in former Ages .

CHAP. III. Verse 1. Likewise ye wives , be in subjection to your own husbands , that if any obey not the word , they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives .

IN this and the following Verses , unto the eight , the duties of wives and husbands are laid down , and enforced with many fit and weighty Arguments . Whence note ,

1. That Marriage in Gods account is an high and honorable state ; Doctor . all things prove it , Marriage in Gods account is an high and honorable state . Author , Time , Place , Persons , &c. God hath said it ; and who can tell the worth of things so well as the Author and Maker of them ? Such are blame-worthy that disgrace it , Heb. 13. 4. as they are that live basely and dishonorably in it .

2. That both husbands and wives must learn to know their duty , Use. How else shall they teach their children and servants ? Doctor . God puts children and servants to us as Apprentices , Both husbands and wives must learn to know their duty . to be trained up in the trade of Christianity , whom we teach very much by our good Example . If husbands and wives should not learn their duties , they may live like a pair of Creatures , not like a pair of Christians .

Touching the wives duties , The duties of wives . he exhorteth them , 1. To subjection , ver. 1. 2. To chastity and reverence , ver. 2. Then having disswaded them from curiosity , and over much setting out themselves in apparel ( faults whereunto naturally women are too much addicted ) ver. 3. he perswadeth them on the contrary to deck themselves rather with grace , especially meekness and quietness , as not onely being in the sight of God of great price , but that which will hold out ; whereas the outward adorning is corruptible and vain , ver. 4. Those he further presseth by the examples of ancient godly women , ver. 5. and particularly of Sarah , whose daughters they were if they did perform their duties to their husbands as she did to hers , in a right maner , namely , for love and conscience sake , and not moved thereto out of any slavish fear , ver. 6.

Herein our Apostle insisteth the more largely , Why the Apostle insisteth so largely about the duties of wives . for that upon his and the other Apostles preaching , That Believers were not to marry with Infidels , and that some wives which were converted to christianity brake off society with their husbands because of their beastly and strange lusts ; a slander arose , that the Apostles taught , That wives were not to be subject to their husbands , especially if they were Infidels ; against this our Apostle here cleareth himself and his Doctrine .

Thus hath it been with Gods Ministers from time to time ( even Christ himself was slandered ) and therefore when the like befals us , Obs. we must not be discouraged . Gods Ministers have been at all times lyable to be slandered .

But let people take heed how they slander a Minister ; for if it be a wicked part to bear false witness against any man , See 2 Cor. 6. how much more against a Minister , Use. being a publique person , and whereby much hurt may redound ? Such slanderers work Journey-work for the Devil in an high degree ; take heed that you slander them not out of ignorance , but especially out of malice : Neither censure before you know the matter fully ; Prov. 18. 13. for , He that answereth a matter before he heareth it ( that is , advisedly considereth thereof ) it is folly and shame unto him .

Likewise , &c. ] There 's subjection required of Inferiors towards their Superiors , so of Servants towards their Masters , and here of Wives towards their Husbands ; The prevention of an objection . but this must be considered according to their places . This I note , because some base minded husbands do insult over , and abuse their wives in most tyrannous maner , looking for as much subjection of them , as of any servant or drudge , which is not the minde of the holy Ghost .

Ye wives , Doctr. be in subjection to your own husbands , ] Here 's required of wives , Wives must be subject to their husbands subjection towards their husbands ; though God made them in many things equal , yet in wisdom he thought meet to make some little inequality , and appointed the husband to be the Superior and Head , and so to rule , 1 Cor. 11. 8 , 9. and the wife to be subject to him ; yet not so , but that he hath his Rules to bound his rule , 1 Tim. 2. 13. that it exceed not . It was Gods will even in the state of innocency , that the wife should have been subject , though it should have been more willing , free and pleasant , then it is now ( for now it s not done without difficulty ) but after the Fall , 1 Tim. 2. 14. God laid it on her as a punishment , for being deceived , she was first in the transgression .

This is often required , Eph. 5. 22 , 23. and hence it is that the husband is called the wives Head , Col. 3. 18. and for this cause was the vail , betokening her subjection . Neither is this without Reason ; Reasons . for if all were equals in the Commonwealth , there would be confusion ; and if all Bells were of a bigness , and all the strings of an instrument of one size , there would be a harsh sound , and no melody : So were there not some small inequality between husbands and wives , there could not but be contention . It s Gods order that wives be subject , as it s his order the Sun should shine , the Earth bear fruit , the Heavens cover us : If these things should not do thus , it were monstrous ; so , unless wives will be Monsters , they must be subject . Accordingly God hath provided to make man the stronger , the woman the weaker vessel , that he might be the fitter to rule ; she ( feeling her own weakness ) the more willing to be ruled . This she ought to account an especial mercy , as having a Head to guide her , who else , having had the rule in her own hand , had been unable to manage it aright ; yea , as this is no servile or base subjection , but joyned with equality in many things ( which is signified in her making , not of mans head , lest she should be superior , nor of his Foot , lest she should be much inferior , but of his Ribs , to shew equality : ) So hereby they are freed from all other subjections , as of Parents , Masters , &c. yea , in many things are not subject as it were to Law , as for whom their husbands must answer .

This subjection must guide the whole Conversation , Wherein their subjection consisteth . besprinkle the speech , and cause a right Affection and quiet Spirit . This stands in reverencing their husbands in their hearts , and shewing it in words and behavior , as it s in the following Verse : She must also submit her self to the advice , counsel and direction of her husband for her dyet , apparel , &c. not doing things of her own minde , but with his counsel .

As the Moon hath all her light from the Sun , Simil. so must she have her direction from her husband ; and as the great Wheel of the Clock must guide about all the rest ; so must he be to her , and she must not have a proper motion by her self : If he do any thing , she must take liking , and not thwart or control the same ; nay , if she should know a thing to be better then that he is about ( as concerning removing to this place ot that , buying this , or selling that , &c. ) yet being not in a thing simply unlawful , she must not cross him ( gently perswade him she may ) much less stand upon her own wit and will contrary to his minde : And if she should see him impatient , yet is it not her part to requite like for like , neither to carry her self unreverently ; nay , though she see he doth that which is unlawful , she must not check him at her pleasure , but by fair means endeavor that he may see and leave the same ; she must also be obedient to all his lawful commands , and frame herself to his nature and liking , so far as she may with a good conscience : Indeed to consent to his evil , or to do evil at his command , Acts 5. 29. that she may not by any means ( for God is to be obeyed rather then man ) yet even in these she must refuse with humility and due respect to her husband : Though she have a good cause , yet she may handle it ill .

This rebuketh the contrary unreverence and base esteem which too too many wives have of their Husbands ; Use. O how unseemly and stout is their behavior towards them ? Not a few having many good qualities in them , yet are curst , snappish , stand too stifly in their own conceit , will carry away the day , and have the last word , especially if they have a good cause ; such do grosly forget themselves : Whatsoever parts a woman hath , yet if she be not subject and dutiful to her husband , Simile . they are nothing , she is as a curst Cow that gives a good pail of milk , and kicks it down with her foot : Let such endeavor to see this fault in themselves , and repent thereof from their heart , striving against their froward nature ; let such know , that as subjection is Gods Ordinance , Simil. so it s the very being of a wife . What s an hand , if it have no power of handling ? or any eye , if it see not ? so a wife without subjection : Though there may be Parentage , Portion , Beauty , Housewifery , &c. yet if this be wanting , there is nothing of a wife : There are also others which be so unreasonable , so froward , so mad , and bedlem-like , which do so scold and brawl , as they care not what they say , Prov. 12. 4. being a vexation to their Husbands hearts , and corruption to their bones , that are as it were a whipping stock and house of correction to them continually : the contention of such is a continual dropping , Prov. 19. 13. and 21. 9. and it is better to dwell in the corner of a house top , then with such in a wide house : But hereof I have heretofore spoken at large .

That if any obey not the Word , Doctr. &c. ] Not onely must wives be subject that have good Husbands , Wives must be subject even unto bad husbands . but even they which have infidel husbands , cross , unkinde , and most irreligious Husbands ; for they are their husbands whom they have chosen , and are now in covenant of God withal , and which God hath laid out for them as a blessing or cross : See Mat. 5. 41. if any shall say , This is very hard , let such know , that Christians mnst do difficult things , and such as no other can do , whether Papist , Simile . Hypocrite , or Civil persons ; every Bungler can make good work of good straight Timber , but he that can make good work of that which is crooked and knotty , is worthy commendation .

1. This rebuketh those that except against their husbands : Use 1. Oh , will some say , if my husband were as such a womans husband , kinde , courteous , religious , &c. it would not grieve me to do any thing for him , I could lay my hand under his feet , but mine is thus and thus . Ans. Ye must not look what others be , but what your own is ; though they fail in their duties towards you , yet must not you in yours towards them , stoppage is no payment , Gods Word must be your rule .

2. If they that have such ill husbands , Use 2. yet must do their duty willingly , how much more they that have loving , godly , careful husbands ? How great is their sin that do not their duty to such , but are ever finding fault , complaining , murmuring , unquiet ? such may justly fear , lest God take away those , and send them such as will be a cross to them : If any have found it so , let it lead them to repentance , and let others take heed by their example .

But howsoever it be necessary for wives to do their duties to unbelieving husbands , Doctr. yet it follows not that they may lawfully match themselves with such : Wives are not to marry irreligious husbands . This were an unequal match , which is often spoken against in the holy Scriptures ; This were to make league with the wicked and Gods enemies , See Gen. 6. 2 , 3 This were the way to pollute our selves ; Ezra 9. & 10. Thus was Solomon himself beguiled : This is the means of a corrupt and sinful generation , 2 Cor. 6. 14. for commonly children do follow the steps of their parents ; 2 Chron. 19. 2 Such as were thus born , Neh. 13. 24. spake half the language of Canaan , and half of Ashdod : When both Parents be godly , their children for the most part prove gracious , God vouchsafing to draw the threed of his election through the loyns of the faithful ; when both be wicked , their children are for the most part ungracious ; yea , if but one of them be wicked , most children prove after the worse side .

Let therefore Parents as they regard their own comfort , Use. and the wel-doing of their posterity , be careful with whom they match them ; and those that intend to marry , let them in their matching not so much regard wealth , beauty , birth , &c. as Gods fear ; yet how many are carryed away with those , not caring to please God herein , matching themselves even with such as are most irreligious ?

But how doth our Apostle decipher an unbeliever ? Doctr. by his fruit , disobedience , Such as live in disobedience are unbelievers he is such a one as doth not obey the Word : Whosoever he is that liveth in flat disobedience to any of Gods Commandments , is yet an unbeliever , and without Faith .

In vain therefore do they boast of Faith , Use. whosoever they be , that live in open disobedience and known sins .

May without the Word be won by the conversation of the wives . ] Doctr. In general note we , Good examples are excellent preparatives to conversion . that

Although the work of conversion is to be ascribed to the preaching of the Word ( For faith cometh by hearing , and its the Interpreter one of a thousand , Rom. 10. 17. that must declare unto man his righteousness ) yet are good examples excellent preparatives hereunto ( as fire that heats the iron , Iob 33. 23. and makes it fit to be fashioned ) by them a man may be brought to a better liking of Religion , Simile . and of the Word , See Deut. 4. 6. and so to the hearing thereof , Mat. 5. 16. whereby he may be converted . Iames 3. 13. Davids constant and true carriage of himself towards Saul , 1 Pet. 2. 12. made him confess he was more righteous then himself . 1 Sam 24. 17.

Do not we then content our selves with forwardness in profession and other good gifts , but look that our conversation be such , so holy , modest , godly , &c. as that we may stop the mouthes of the bad , and draw on the backward , Doctr. so much as in us lies , and thus shall we adorn the Gospel ; Wives professing religion , must shew it by their behavior towards their husbands for their conversion . but the contrary in most is every day too too manifest .

In particular , that Wives professing Religion shew it in all meekness , subjection and good behavior towards their Husbands , according to the rule of Gods Word , may in time be a means to bring home their Husbands to God ( What knowest thou , O wife , whether , thou shalt save thine Husband ? 1 Cor. 7. 16. saith the Apostle ) If not , yet they shall so restrain them , as that they shall be nothing so bad as else they would be , or at least they shall procure their own liberty to hear , read , pray , &c. when their Husbands shall observe , that no hurt comes thereby , but rather that all things prosper well .

O therfore let wives labor to be humble and meek ; Use 1. that as David was renowned for delivering Israel out of Goliah's hand , 1 Sam. 18. 7. they may be much more , by delivering their Husbands through their godly conversation out of the hands of Satan and Hell : O this is the happiest gains , to gain men unto God! Thus to put out our talents , will be to our Masters greatest advantage , and turn most to our glory : some Christians scatter away from God , through whose ill and undiscreet carriage , God and the Gospel lose much ; Assuredly , such can have but little joy of themselves .

And for Husbands that have such good and godly Wives , Use 2. let them be careful to be bettered by them , and won to God , else they shall be brought against them as their Judges ; yea , and against such also as live near them , Heb. 11. 7. and yet are not bettered by them : They shall condemn them , as Noah did the old world .

Verse 2. While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear .

THis Verse is an exposition and opening of the former , How bad husbands may be won . shewing how their Husbands should be won , even by beholding their behavior and life , to be pure , holy , honest , and good , and that not at some times , nor in some things onely , but at all times , and in all things ( the neglect whereof doth occasion that their Husbands do often despise their forwardness and profession of Religion , even because they do not observe them alike conscionably in every thing , and at all times ) as also that they are of them reverenced and regarded , and that there is in them a loathness at any time to displease them ; These things considered , do much prevail with them : So then , our Apostle requireth two things of Wives , Chastity and Reverence , and that for that their Husbands would look into these things , and that diligently .

While they behold ] A good reason to perswade wives to those vertues ; Chastity and reverence why required of Wives . they professing Religion , may be sure their Husbands which do not profess the same , will look narrowly into their behavior , measuring their Religion thereby : Thus they that be of diverse Religions , look into the lives one of another , as the Papists do into ours , and we into theirs ; we disliking their Religion , because they make no conscience of an Oath , of the Sabbath day , of soundness in any duty , &c. as they ours , for that they see many that profess our Religion , to be dissolute and notoriously wicked ( yet have there been at all times some professors , 2 Tim. 3. 5. which have denyed the power of godliness ) so the common sort among our selves , pry into the conversation of those which seem more forward and eminent in duties then others .

1. Therefore , Use 1. It behoves us all to look well to our selves ; We are as a city set on an hill , Matth. 5. 14. many eyes be open upon us , the eyes of all the Canaanites and Perizzites in the Land ; when such observe our conversation , not to be answerable unto our profession , it sets them quite off from the love of Religion , which though it be their fault , yet we give the occasion .

2. Let Wives that have ill Husbands look to themselves ; Use 2. Their Husbands observe them at an inch , and pry into their conversation , to take them tardy , for want of subjection and reverence , for want of patience , or of careful looking to houshold affairs , &c. that so they may reproach them for Profession , and cut them short of their liberty : But when after long looking they finde them sound and careful every way , it overcomes their hearts , and makes them have a reverent opinion of them , and thereupon by little and little they are wrought upon , and come to the Word , and through Gods blessing grow unto a love thereof : Happy are those Wives , thrice happy those Husbands that have such .

Your chaste conversation ] Chastity is a part of temperance , What Chastity is , and by whom it is to be observed . whereby we keep our bodies and souls pure and undefiled Temples of the Holy Ghost , and Members of Christ Jesus ; This is to be observed through our whole life , whether in single or married estate : In single estate there must be abstaining from all uncleanness , not onely of the outward act natural or unnatural , but from all uncleanness of the ear , delighting to hear beastly speech , of the tongue to utter it , of the eye , so to behold any object as to lust after it , as also a diligent use of all good means to preserve from these , till God call to Marriage , and then to embrace that holy and honorable remedy , which God hath appointed for many good uses and ends : In married estate , Chastity must also be preserved ; Wives must be chaste , not onely avoyding all outward and detestable acts of uncleanness with strange men , but even of tongue or heart , and all the least shews and appearances of immodesty in Countenance , Gesture , Apparel , Speech , Company , or the like , which might cause suspition or jealousie .

This condemns , Use. as all immodest behavior in Wives , rowling eyes , naked breasts , laying out the hair , painting the face , wanton talk , and delighting to be in company of strangers at home or abroad , &c. so especially that foul and odious sin of Adultery ; when the Wife breaking the Covenant of God , and forsaking the guide of her youth , gives her self to Strangers , O how do such wrong God , Gods Church , their Husbands , their own Souls ! O the Judgements whereunto such are lyable here , and which shall be inflicted on them ( if they repent not ) hereafter ! As they have burnt in vile lusts against God and his Commandments , so they shall burn in Hell for ever and ever : Prov. 7. 25 , 27. Their paths tend to death , their houses to Hell and destruction .

Coupled with fear . ] How wives ought to fear their husbands Not a base fear , as to do what she doth for fear of his anger , who else would do as she list , and cross him if she durst ( this is forbid in the end of the sixth Verse ) but a reverend regard of her husband , as being her Head , and from the love she bears to him , being loath to grieve him in any thing , but willing and careful to please him every way .

This rebukes those wives that set lightly by their husbands , Use. neither regarding how much they themselves do grieve them , nor how much their servants do , affording as it were continual matter of grief and unquietness unto them : Well , be the husband rich or poor , wise or unwise , the wife should so carry her self , as whereby he may receive most content .

Verse 3. Whose adorning , let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair , and of wearing of gold , or putting on of apparel . Verse 4. But let it be the hidden man of the heart , in that which is not corruptible , even the ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit , which is in the sight of God of great price .

INasmuch as those that be given to pride and excess in apparel be none of the most dutiful wives , but rather are so puft up with a conceit of themselves , as they often fail in the duty of subjection , and are none of the chastest ; A preservative of subjection and chastity . therefore as a preservative of subjection and chastity , our Apostle forbids excess and pride in apparel , commanding ( for so much is included ) modesty and sobriety in attire . They must not set their mindes on plaiting the hair , wearing of gold , &c. so setting out themselves as it were to sale to the eyes and view of others , but endeavor to have their souls garnished with grace , adorned with a meek and quiet Spirit .

Whose adorning , What apparelling it is that the Apostle forbids . let it not be that outward adorning , &c. ] What ? doth the Apostle forbid apparelling themselves , or decent cloathing themselves , and would he have them go carelesly and sluttishly , no matter how ? 2 Tim. 2 9. No : he allows decency and moderation in attiring ; it must be comely and decent , how plain soever , but withal , forbids to set their mindes too much thereon , or to be too curious and quaint , or too costly therein .

Of plaiting the hair , ] For curled hair , laying out the hair , setting it up aloft , going naked in it onely , and using others hair , not ones own , I leave the same to be handled and discussed by others , who do daily view the same : In Countrey Parishes these are unusual , and rare .

And of wearing gold , Quest. &c. ] Why ? is it not lawful to wear costly apparel ?

Ans. No doubt its lawful to wear costly apparel , Ans. Gold , Silver , Pearl , Silk , Velvet , &c. these be the good creatures of God , not made in vain , Gen. 24. 23 , 30 but to be used and worn . Abraham sent Rebekah an abilement , and bracelets of gold , and she ware them : The Israelites had jewels and golden ear-rings . Exod. 3. 22. and wore them by Gods appointment , which they afterward pulled off , and made a golden Calf thereof , for which they were condemned : Psal. 45. 9. The Queen is brought in a vesture of gold of Ophir ; Mat. 6. 29. and 11. 8. and our Savior doth not blame , but approve of the Royalty of Solomon , as also of costly garments in them that be in Kings houses ; for as God hath ordained divers Degrees and Callings , Kings , Nobles , Judges , &c. so that their apparel should be answerable .

Neither doth the Apostle Paul in the forementioned place , How far costly apparel is forbid , and to whom , and when . or our Apostle here , simply forbid costly apparel , but the setting of their mindes so much thereon , as that it causeth a neglect of decking the soul , as may appear by the opposition which the Apostle here useth ; they set more by outward apparel , then inward grace , and for this were condemned . Again , they wrote to Christians which were for the most part but of mean estate in the world , 1 Cor. 1. 25. and therefore in them it was ryot to wear costly apparel . Besides , these were times of persecution , when costly apparel did no ways fit ; for then their humiliation was to be declared , as in other things , so even in their attire , and they were not superfluously to spend what might profitably be bestowed on the poor members of Christ , whereof there they were great store .

But doth not the Prophet Isaiah in his third Chapter condemn the same ? Obj.

The Prophet reckoning up their knacks , Sol. doth not simply condemn them all ( whereof as there were some meer toys and vanities , so there were others both good and lawful ) but cryeth down the abuse of them , their curiosity therein , together with their excessive setting their mindes thereon , where he particularly mentioneth their pride , haughtiness , stretched out necks , &c. So that costly apparel of it self is not a sin ; Note . nay , if some should not wear such , according to their ability and degree , they should sin ; as some miserable Misers that go basely , out of covetousness not affording themselves good clothes : So they that out of Superstition affect to go raggedly and slovenly , as the Cynicks of old , and the Fryars of later times , who notwithstanding were no less proud then others ; as Socrates said to Antistenes , I see pride through the holes of thy Cloke . Excess then in apparel is that which is here forbid ; which that we may finde out , and what it is , let us lay down some general Rules about apparel , and that will direct us , and be a ground for that we shall say against excess .

1. We must wear our apparel for necessity , Rules about wearing of apparel . in respect of the weather .

2. For honesty and comeliness , to hide our nakedness .

3. For honor of the body . 1 Cor. 12. 24. Our apparel also must be

1. According to our Sex ; Deut. 22. 5. a man must not wear a womans , nor a woman a mans apparel .

2. According to our ability ; we must cut our coat according to our cloth , so as we may have whereby to maintain our Families , and relieve the poor .

3. According to our Office and Calling , both to distinguish us from others , and grace our Calling .

4. Such as may express the vertues of our mindes , especially our modesty , 1 Tim. 2. 9. frugality , and shamefac'dness .

5. Framed not after the lighter and vainer sort , but after the example of the gravest and most sober of our order , Phil. 4. 9. calling and degree ; briefly thus , The matter thereof considered . it must be for costliness , according to our ability , and as may stand with discharging all other duties : But even they that may wear rich apparel , yet ought not to do it dayly , because it savoureth of too much pride and vanity , and disableth the more to do good ; it was the Gluttons fault , Luke 16. 19. That he went gorgeously every day . The maner hath bin , to use some more costly apparel at special times of solemnity or publique rejoycing ( hence was the wedding garment ) yet therein men must rather keep under then above their degree . Mat. 22. 11.

For the maner and fashion of our apparel , The maner . it must be sober and comely ; Womens must not be too near the fashion of Mens apparel , nor whorish , nor garish : we must not affect this or that country fashion , whether Italian , Spanish or French , &c. God thereatens to visit all such as are cloathed with strange apparel ; Zeph. 1. 8. they that will not cover their naked brests , but lay them open to the view of all , seem thereby to publish and make known the unchastity of their hearts .

This condemneth the monstrous excess of these times , Use. wherein all in a maner have forgot themselves , Gentlemen going like Noblemen , Yeomen like Gentlemen , Farmers like Yeomen , Cottagers like Farmers , the Maid like her Mistress , Subjects like Princes : All are out of order , as if pride had dazled every ones eyes , whereby mistaking their own , they put on other folks apparel : This is not the sin of the prophane onely , but even of professors , ( who with their wives and children are tainted herewith ) not of Harlots onely , but even of honest women , who attire themselves like strumpets , so that you can hardly discern the one from the other : How many spend all they have on costly attire ? yea , numbers pinch their belly to go gay clothed ; and now in a maner , the meanest do in attire exceed the wealthiest in former ages .

And for the fashion ( though it be scare lawful at all to take up another Countrey fashion , except it be upon some special Reason , and that not too suddenly , and then to hold it so constantly , as to make it our own by continuance ) what new-fangledness is there ? now the French is in request , within one quarter the Italian , not long after the Spanish , Dutch , Polonian , &c. so that one were as good make a garment for the Moon , as for our Countrey women : How garish also and gawdy are most in their attire , thereby declaring the vanity of their mindes ? How immodest are some , going so mannishly , that they can scarce be discerned from men ? as others by their naked necks and breasts , do as it were set their own honesty to sale . And whereas costly apparel should be used but seldom , with most its made their every days wearing : Isa. 2. 11 , 12. and 3. 24. And thus hath our plenty and peace bred a great deal of pride and wantonness , and that is the recompence which the Lord hath at our hands , Ezek. 16. 49. which may justly make us fear some heavy hand of God against us ( this being one of the sins of Sodom ) as every one that thus sinneth in particular may fear Beggery , Deformity , See Christ . Warfare , part. 2. c. 15. p. 375. or some grievous sickness : Let us therefore repent of that is past , and labor to reform our selves herein , and for those that be as yet free , let them so keep themselves .

For 1. God hath forbidden garishness and excess in apparel , Reasons against excess in apparel . and therefore except we will shew our selves not to regard his word , we must take heed of it : A grievous thing it is , that people can come into the very house of God , and there sit and hear what is said against it , and yet are not moved , but still continue in this vice , which is as if they should say , We will do it whatsoever is said against it : They come to be reformed , but will admit no Reformation .

2. If we consider the coming in of apparel , we shall have little cause to be proud of it , for we had none in the state of innocency , nor none needed ; neither hear nor cold could annoy us , but now by reason of sin both do : Gen. 2. 25. Besides , we were naked , and not ashamed , when apparel would have been to mans body as a cloud to the Sun , not to deck , but to darken it ( for the beauty of Gods workmanship had been better then the Taylors workmanship ) but when we by sin had wounded our selves , God was fain to cover it with a plaister ; our apparel then is a badge of our sin , and ought to humble us in the remembrance of sin : Simile . It s as a plaister , that shews there 's a sore underneath ; now who is proud of a plaister , but rather humbled upon the sight of it ? A grievous thing it is to turn that into sin , that is given us to put us in minde and humble us for sin . Simil. If any were adjudged to wear a halter all the days of his life , would he be proud of it , thought it were of silk ; or boast , if he were to wear a silver or gold shackle ? Apparel is a badge of sin , small cause have we to wax proud thereof how gorgeous soever : They that thus do , are proud in their own shame .

3. It s a most unseemly thing for Christians to put excellency in apparel , and to be so careful in these outward toys : It becomes the the world well enough , that know no better clothing , neither looking for grace here , nor glory hereafter ; but for Christians thus to do , its base : The other have their portion here , and know no better thing , therefore no marvel though they be very careful about this , and as the Gentiles , Mat. 6. 32. seek after the same , and the like ; but Christians should think themselves best when they are modestly and lowly attired , attired with grace . We professing our selves Pilgrims here , ought to live as Pilgrims , and not follow the fashion of this or that Countrey in every fangle or garish apparel , and so live as Citizens or Courtiers of this world : We professing our selves to be travelling to Heaven , Maa . 7. 13. must be humble , and stoop low , for the gate is straight , we must not load our bodies and mindes with these things , for they will hinder us in our journey .

4. It s absurd to place excellency in such a thing as apparel , for we borrow it of poor creatures which be far inferior to our selves : The best silk is the excrement of crawling Worms , the finest cloath but of the fleece of the silly Sheep ; so we borrow the skin of one , the bones of another , the hair or fleece of another . Will any Nobleman borrow apparel of a mean Yeoman , Simile . or if he were put to such a shift , would he be proud of it , or not rather be ashamed ? seeing we be put to borrow of the creatures ( so far our inferiors ) for our clothing , having nothing of our own but nakedness , we should not be proud of it : Besides , when we have done all we can , there be sundry Heathens have better then we , and many Players , Dancers and Strumpets have as good and better ; Mat. 6. 28. yea , there 's put upon Horses , velvet , gold , &c. and when all is done we are not so fine as the lilly of the field .

5. When the outside is so much decked , commonly the inside is neglected , lightly both are not well lookt to ; but the soul the inside should be best cloathed , the body is but the case of the soul , and the apparel but the case of the body , we never make the case of a thing so good as that we put up therein . Simile . Presents of good worth are often lapt up in papers , and so sent : They that give themselves most to gay clothes , have no leisure nor care to deck themselves inwardly , therefore are like painted vessels , having a fair outside , but an empty and mean inside ; Simil. like a Jade with a velvet saddle and gilded trappings : Will any man esteem the Horse because of them ? or will he not rather pull these off him , and then try what mettal he is of ? In many men and women their outside is fairest ; but if an house were neatly painted without , and like an Hogsty within , who would not mislike it ?

6. Whereas such as set their minde so much on brave apparel , look to be hereupon highly esteemed , regarded and reverenced : God notably crosseth their pride , so as they miss their aym ; some laugh at them , some envy them , some are angry at them , some speak against them , O there 's a notable proud woman ; yea , those that crouch to them , yet in heart mislike them , and the poor say , Since gay clothing came up , they could get but little relieve : So , whereas hereby they thought to please all , they please none , neither God nor man .

7. It betters not them that wear it , whether they be beautiful in body , or deformed , vertuous in minde , or vicious ; If beautiful , what needs such a deal of stir , which doth indeed hinder their natural beauty ? If deformed , hereby their deformity is not hid , but rather made more known , then else it would ; If vertuous , it s not gay cloaths , but their vertues that sets them out , no more then a candle light , gives light at noon day to the light of the Sun , neither shall you lightly finde any truly vertuous , and industrous in their Calling , that give their mindes to costly apparel ; If vicious , its cost ill bestowed , and so will all say , and this will not make them the less , but the more vicious , for it will make them more proud , ambitious , lustful , covetous , &c.

8. They that give themselves to constliness in apparel , Sin 1. Against God , abusing his Creatures to Pride , and in neglecting his worship publique and private , or coming unprepared thereto , while they are providing and putting on their knacks , and gew-gawds , dressing themselves by the hour , and praying by the minute . 2. Against themselves , by neglecting the inward cloathing of the soul , which is of most worth , and by procuring a great deal of envy and ill speech , and many censures upon themselves : Many Maids also of small Portion deck themselves beyond their degree , as that no man of wisdom , or that 's careful to live , dares meddle with them ; and so where they might have been honestly and well bestowed if they had gone decently , their garishness hath made them stay without Husbands , till being ashamed and wearied hereof , they have at last cast away themselves upon some swaggeres . 3. Against their Neighbors , in provoking them to the like by their bad example ; for when some begin , others quicklyly follow after , and Pride once begun spreads quickly , especially where Religion keeps it not down : Hereby also themselves become so disabled , that their rich Neighbors are not so often invited as before , nor their poor Neighbors in any good sort relieved .

9. It s a sin , and the cause and encreaser of much sin ; It comes from pride , and a high conceit of ones self , and it doth encrease pride greatly & cherish it ; It hinders much good , much service to God , much good to our souls ; It breaks the neck of hospitality which hath been in former times ; for though our Forefathers would for festival times have good apparel , yet they wore it so seldom , as it was still new , and lasted so long , as they were stil able to do good , but now it s both costly , and almost every day put on wears out apace ; The buying of such slight Stuffs , and changing their fashion so often , is very chargeable ; besides that , this hinders one great good that ought to be , and that comes of old apparel , namely , to cloath the poor Saints and Members of Christ : Now most wear such thin slight Stuffs , as that they are quickly in pieces , and not fit to keep a poor body warm ; It causeth also much evil , racking of Rents , enhancing of Fines in great persons , oppression in Farmers , in Shop-keepers , falshood , deceit , swearing , and all to hold up bravery , yea , it causeth also lust in the wearers , and provokes it in others .

Seeing then that excess in apparel is so dangerous and prejudicial , Use. let all such as are faulty this way , endeavor to see their folly and silliness herein , and accordingly reform themselves ; and for those that are modestly attired , let them so continue : Thus shall they bewray more vertue in their mindes , have more time to serve God , and have better ability to do good upon every occasion , with more peace to their consciences .

Here I may adde such defences as some women make . Objectious answered .

1. Say they , The 1. We are not proud , though we delight to set out our selves in apparel as others do , we are as humble as others , and so we would pray you to think of us .

A. I would we had cause to think so , but how shall we judge of that which is within , but by the outward fruits ? but say it were so , we must not provide for things honest before God onely , Rom. 12. 17. but before men also ; Acts 24. 16. and the Apostle witnesseth , that he endeavored to have a conscience void of offence both towards God and men : Matth. 5. 16. Our light must shine outwardly , that others may behold it .

2. Herein we please our Husbands , they will have it so .

A. If any Wives have such vain and foolish Husbands , The 2. somewhat more is to be yielded to them then to others , but let none make this their excuse , especially doing the same to please their own mindes , neither go too far , lest they displease God , but rather let them please their Husbands by their low and dutiful subjection , their modest and sober carriage .

3. We do , The 3. but what most do . Exod. 23. 2.

A. We may not follow a multitude in evil .

4. We would be content to lay it aside , The 4. if others would so do .

A. We ought not to tarry for others , we must begin , though none would follow , which in likelyhood they will by our example .

To conclude , as we are to cast away this folly of priding our selves in apparel , and learn to be modest herein ; so let us take occasion of good by putting on and off our apparel , accordingly making a Spiritual use of the same : A useful meditation upon the putting on of our apparel , and putting off the same . When we put it on , think we of our Spiritual nakedness , and of putting on Christ ; and when we put it off , of putting off the old man , and laying away our filthy corruptions .

But let it be the hidden man of the heart , ] Having forbid carefulness and curiosity for outward apparel , now he tells them , what they should be careful to cloath , namely , their inward man , the hidden man of the heart . A remedy for excess in apparel . This is a remedy and cure for the former disease ; such as set themselves about this , wil spend but a little time for outward bables and toys ; Grace will make them see the baseness of these outward things , and excellency of the other ; yea , this Exhortation is also profitable for those which through covetousness are not addicted this way , and are ready to cry out against fineness and pride , who in the mean time being tainted with other sins , have no less deformed and naked souls ; Inward purity required . the Apostle doth not onely forbid costly apparel , but requires the inward purity of the heart , not onely that we should leave evil , but do good .

His exhortation is , To deck and clothe the hid and inner man with grace , whereof he names one , A meek and quiet spirit : The Reasons , 1. It s incorruptible and lasting : 2. In the sight of God of great price .

The hid man of the heart ] Our chief and principal care must be , Our chief and principal care must be to clothe and adorn the soul. for the soul to clothe and adorn the same ; the soul is the principal part : To clothe the foot in costly apparel , & the upper parts with rags , were absurd ; so to bestow cost in clothing the body , but none on the soul : The soul is immortal , Reasons . must live for ever , either in joy or misery ; it was created according to Gods image , which shined most of all in the soul , and now the soul is most deformed and ugly with sin , and so hath need of clothing , especially seeing God who is of pure eyes cannot behold it , but with detestation . The Church is all glorious within , and such as would be indeed members of Christ , and heirs of Heaven , must look for inward Sanctity . Naturally our souls are defiled with sin , neither can any thing cover them from the sight of God , but the white raiment of Christs Righteousness ; Rev. 3. 18. if we put on this , then shall not our filthy nakedness appear , then shall we abound in knowledge , wisdom , zeal , humility , patience . This is Royal apparel , this will keep us from the Storms and Tempests of Gods heavy wrath and displeasure , that will break out like a whirlwind against the ungodly , who will be found naked ; The more we have of this , we shall appear the more comely and beautiful before God , his Angels , and all good men ; This is the most costly apparel that can be , of Gods own making , and which none but his children wear ; This is apparel for all Sexes , ages , degrees and callings whatsoever , and which doth well become and fit each of them ; neither are great ones to despise it , for that mean ones wear it , for this doth not derogate from its worth , onely they that are Gods people wearing it ; This is never out of season , ( as serving both for Summer and Winter ) never out of fashion : It fits in Youth , in Age , in Life , in Death , and is to be worn as well by night as by day , in sickness as in health , yea , is then in great account , when other apparel is laid aside , and not regarded ; yea , this apparel we carry with us out of this world , when we leave our gay Robes behinde us , and this apparel lasts ever , being the better for the wearing .

1. This rebuketh those , Use 1. that though they go plain enough outwardly , The covetous reproved . yet have no care of their soul , their mindes being altogether led away with covetousness ; there be moe ways to Hell then one , even these shall no less perish , then those which are wholly addicted to costly apparel : As also This will not serve their turn , Oh , we be not proud , we go plainly ; What then ? if thou beest covetous , if thou art not careful for the decking of thy soul , what art thou the better ?

It rebuketh also those that are very curious and careful for outward attire , The curious . but are altogether careless of this inward . How many wear brave clothes , which have no inward adorning ? They savour not of this , they have no leisure for it ; it s the inside , and so not seen , but God seeth it ; men also see it by the outward , and it will be seen and found naked , when God shall come to Judgement ; such , though outwardly brave , be inwardly base ; their souls are not onely void of good , but filled with all evil and noysom lusts ; they are like a dead Corps stuck with flowers , Simil. and like painted Sepulchres ; yea , like the Heathen Temples , especially the Egyptians , whose Proches were curiously carved , painted and engraven with gold , and all the bravery that might by , but within nothing but the base Picture of a Cat , Crocadile , or some ugly Serpent : How gorgeous soever they are outwardly , they have not inwardly in their souls the image of God shining in Spiritual graces , but rather Crocadiles and ugly Serpents , even noysom and beastly lusts , and so are like a dunghil covered over with Snow : They wanting the inward beauty of grace to commend them , set out themselves as gorgeously as they can in apparel ; as the Painters servant , Simil. who being set to make the Picture of a very beautiful woman , and wanting skil to make the face beautiful , dawbed on a great deal of gold on her clothes . Those , howsoever they please themselves herewith in their prosperity , yet in sickness their deep Ruffs must be laid aside , and all their costly toys , and then what shall comfort them ? O their misery at death , but especially on the day of Judgement ! Then shall they for ever be clothed with shame and confusion , as not being here clothed with grace .

2. Let all therefore be wise , Use 2. and moderate themselves for outward apparel ; if it be comely , and according to our degree , it s well . Herein le ts be careful , even to advance and enrich the soul : This becomes us well , and will assuredly afford comfort in sickness , in trouble , in death , and on the day of Judgement .

In that which is not corruptible , ] Grace is of an incorruptible nature . Grace is of an incorruptible nature , and abides for ever , and is not taken away from any that is possessed thereof ; it abides in sickness , tarries with us at death , and we shall carry it with us into Heaven , and wear it there for ever and ever . This he lays down by way of opposition to outward apparel , that is vain , transitory , subject to Moths , to be stollen , lost , burnt , worn out , worn by them that are corruptible , who know not whether shall last longer , themselves or their clothes , so vain a thing is man .

Such as prefer Grace , Use. take hold of the substance ; as they that prefer costly attire thereunto , embrace the shadow , take hold of vanity .

The ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit . ] A meek and quiet Spirit the proper ornament of a good wife . This is a particular vertue most fit for wives : The very proper ornament of a good wife , is a meek and quiet Spirit ; This is the mean to comfort any husband , and to draw on those that be backward , to a love both of their persons and profession .

Oh! what a comely thing is it in a wife , not onely not to provoke her husband , but not to be easily provoked by him , winking at small unkindenesses , and bearing with their natural infirmities ; passing by some occasions of grief with silence , as others with a soft answer ? O how pleasing is it for an husband to have such a wise ? how comely is it also for them to be quiet with their neighbors ? no meddlers , no tale-bearers , or talehearers , void of contention , gentle & peaceable ? so with their family and servants , not to be always chiding and complaining to their husbands , but governing them in as milde and peaceable a maner as may be , and especially to be peaceable and quiet with them in their husbands hearing : They that are thus by grace ( for some are of a soft and still disposition by nature ) and so slow to wrath , are of great wisdom : They are endued with that wisdom which is from above , Iames 3. 17. and their meekness is out of the fruits of the Spirit ; Then this , nothing becomes them better , Gal. 5. 23. if they were clothed with beaten gold and pearls , it were nothing to this .

This reproveth those that be curst , Use. cruel and vexatious to their husbands , through their continual unquietness : Such are fit to keep Bridewel , or be Dames of some house of correction , there were fit objects for their chiding and fighting : Some there are who having no children or servants to bait at , work their teen upon their husbands , and weary them not onely out of their houses , but out of their lives : Wives were appointed helpers , but these help their husbands no way , except to their grave : These certainly have no goodness in them , not refraining their tongue , Iames 1. 26. their Religion is vain : They are right fools , for anger resteth in the bosom of fools : Eccles 7. 9. Let them therefore fight against this vice , mourn under it , and endeavor to be of a meak and quiet spirit .

Which is in the sight of God of great price . ] Here 's the main Reason of the Exhortation : 1 Pet. ● . 4. A meek and quiet spirit is of greater value then all the gold of Ophir ; its precious in the sight of God , and therefore must women endeavor for it : The worth of grace . None makes or gives it , but God onely ; no Preacher , Prophet nor Angel can give grace , can bestow a meek Spirit , it comes from above , whence all other graces come ; it s bestowed on none but the Elect people of God . Gold and Pearls are bestowed on Heathens and prophane people , enemies of God , but grace on none but Kings sons and daughters , and such as shall be heirs of Heaven : As for other ( outward ) apparel , it s of no worth , trash , dung to this ; such is of no account in the countrey we go to , no such base stuff enters in at Heavens gate .

But with whom is it of great price ? It s of great price in the sight of God . even with God , and before him in his account , who can rightly value things : Costly apparel indeed is of value with men ( vain and carnal men ) but grace is in account with God , Angels , and all good and wise men : God seeth not as man seeth ; God beholds all our actions , we must therefore so carry our selves in our places , as that what we do , may be pleasing in Gods sight , and accepted of him .

Verse 5. For after this maner in the old time , the holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves , being in subjection unto their own husbands . Verse 6. Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham , calling him Lord , whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well , and are not afraid with any amazement .

HEre are Reasons to enforce the former Exhortations unto subjection , sobriety in apparel , and attiring themselves with grace , 1. From the examples of godly women of former ages and times , Reasons of the forementioned Exhortation . who were thus qualified . 2. From the example of Sarah , who thus behaved her self toward her husband , whose daughters all such women shall be accounted , as do imitate her , and that for conscience , doing their duties in a right maner as she did ; such shall be counted among the Saints of God in this life , and in the life to come shall have the reward of such .

The former is amplified and strengthened by sundry circumstances : The amplification of either reason . 1. Of the number that so did , not one , but many women . 2. Such as are worthy to be imitated , as not being of the common sort , but holy women . 3. Their antiquity , not of yesterday , as though it were new , but ancient , in times past .

In the latter is set forth the maner how this duty is to be performed , namely , Not for fear of displeasure , but for conscience towards God , and love to their husbands .

For after this maner , &c. ] From the force of the Reason , holy women have done so , therefore so must you . Note , that

The examples of Gods servants are to be followed in all their vertues : The examples of Gods servants are to be followed in all their vertues . The way of Gods Precepts is like an uncouth and bushy way , the way of examples a beaten way ; and herein by setting up his servants as lights to direct us , God hath condescended to our weakness : Were it not thus , See Luk. 7. 32 we would say of precepts , It s true , we should do thus , 1 Cor 10. 6. but who ever did so ? God shews us every where who they were : Heb. 11. 4 , 5. and 12 1 , &c. All examples are written for our good , the examples of the godly ( as Abels offering in Faith , Enochs walking with God , Noahs obedience , Moses his mildeness , Jobs patience , &c. ) for our imitation ; the examples of the ungodly and their punishment for our evitation ; yea , even in our own times God presenteth divers unto us , that they which belong unto him may be drawn on by the light of precepts and examples together , as others left without excuse , who do not such and such duties , which are to their knowledge by others performed .

This rebuketh those that follow the evil , Use. but do not imitate good examples , neither are any whit moved by them : Those can make use of the frailties of Gods children mentioned in Scripture , to encourage themselves in evil ; Did nor David commit adultery ? was not Noah drunk ? and did not Rebekah cause Jacob to lye ? &c. will they say : Such wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction . So among our selves , if any be bad and licentious , they shall have enough to follow them ; but as for the examples of the godly , they little prevail , nay , people are so far from following them , that they mock and disdain them , yea , term them Hypocrites , Precise fools , and the like : Well , let such make as light of them as they will , God will not lose his labor , and his light set up : They that make them not now their patern for imitation , shall finde them one day their Judges to condemn them , Heb. 11. 7. as Noah did the old world : As the Ninivites against the Israelites ; Mat. 2. 41. so many a husband shall rise up against his wife on the day of Judgement , and many wife against her husband , as many a man against his neighbor ; and justly , for its clear that those love darkness and to wander , which will neither be guided by precept nor example , whereas God might onely give us precepts , and yet require obedience : It s true , all shine not alike ; some have their light dimmed for a time , through some unbeseeming act ; howsoever , there 's not the example of any whereby we may not receive some profit .

In the old time , ] The Antiquity of the examples , are an enforcement or inducement to follow them ; but how , simply because they be ancient ? No : but holy men did thus , and well they did , and that long ago ; He doth urge them to follow examples onely upon Antiquity , but because they were good also . Note then , That

Antiquity joyned with verity , Antiquity joyned with verity , is reverend , and to be followed . is reverend , and to be followed : If a truth in judgement or practice of life be ancient and gray-headed , it s the more honorable , and to be followed ; but if an opinion or practice be wicked , though never so ancient , its vile , and to be detested , and is not the better , but much the worse for the antiquity of it : The older , the more time it were quite banisht out of the Land , Town , House and Heart .

This condemneth the Church of Rome , Use. and all such as plead bare antiquity onely , it hath been thus and thus long , will they say ; ours is the old Religion , and yours is the new : No , ours is ancientest from the beginning , whereof were the Patriarchs , Prophets , Christ and his Apostles : Their stories mention when and how theirs began , encreased and grew , out of an heap of Ceremonies of the Jews and Gentiles mingled together , one Pope devising one thing , another adding another ; Though error and wickedness may be very ancient , yet truth and goodness hath the start of it , the truth was before sin entred into the world , this therefore is no good rule ; this is ancient , therefore it s to be followed , nay , is it also good ? It s else nothing : Many Papists have nothing to say , but thus did our Fathers and Grandfathers , &c. but they never enquire by the Word , whether they did well or not , 1 Pet. 1. 18. whereas our conversation may become wicked through the tradition of our Elders : So among our selves , if any be reproved for this or that , they will answer , It hath been done thus these forty years ; It was so ere you came , and will be when you are gone ; If it be a wicked and unlawful custom , why plead you for it ? It s more then time it were banisht , it stinks ; because thus they did in darkness , therefore we should so do in the light , what folly were this ? They will not do so in worldly things , as apparel , dyet , building . They were wont to go in hose and stockings all of one , and have no chimneys in their houses , who will now do thus ? yet better retain those , then bad and unlawful customs .

Holy women ] There hath always been a company of holy women in the world as well as of men , There have been always holy women in the world as well as men . and why not ? both were made after Gods image , at first equally good , and in the fall , both are equally corrupt , and the children of wrath , and in the recovery have equal right to Christ , to the Gospel , to Grace , to Sanctification and Holiness . Reasons .

Men have no priviledge this way ; Grace had been as well bestowed on them , ( as in the Old Testament , on Sarah , Rebekah , Rachel , Deborah , Jael , Hannah , Naomi , Abigail , &c. and in the New , on the three Maries , Elizabeth , Lidia , Dorcas , with sundry others ) as on men .

Women also were as forward to maintain Christ , to follow him , to bury him , and Christ after his resurrection first appeared to them . Our own experience also

Sheweth , Why women are as forward as men . that in most Congregations women be as forward as men in frequenting the Word and Sacrament : And why not ? 1. They are of a timerous nature , and so more easily wrought upon by the Word , and by Gods Judgements . 2. They keep at home , not seeing or hearing the abominations that be abroad . 3. They have many crosses and pains , sicknesses , and Childe-bearings , putting them in minde of death , and drawing them near to God , and so furthering their Salvation .

1. This serveth to stop the mouths of such idle heads as take pleasure to disgrace women . Use 1.

2. It serveth to encourage women and to comfort them : Use 2. There have been ever good women , women therefore must stir up themselves to encrease the number , especially having more means then those had in former times .

And needful it is that there should be good women as well as good men ; It s needful there should be good women . 1. For their own sake , who have souls to save or destroy . 2. That there might be an holy seed to make up the number of the Elect ; good Mothers bringing up their children well , and good Wives being helpers to their Husbands both in soul and body .

As for those women that be wicked , unclean , prophane and ungodly , notwithstanding the fearfulness of their nature , their keeping at home , and their manifold crosses , What would they have been if they had been men ? They would have been monsters , and of such women-monsters , Hell is as full as of men-monsters .

Note further , Holiness is that which commends one That he saith not , wealthy women , fair women , but holy women ; Here 's the ground of his commendation : A little holiness is better then a great deal of riches and beauty ; Prov. 31. 30. and 20. 15. That that is to be desired of a man , is his goodness ; Beauty fades with sickness , wealth hath many ways to take it away , but grace holds ever to life eternal , and commends before God , Angels , and good men : Therefore when God threatned to take the wealth from the rich men of Jerusalem , Isa. 4. 3. and gay cloaths from the women , yet saith , he will make them amends , How ? Every one shall be called holy ; They shall so profit by their affliction , as where it might have been said , Yonder goes a rich man , yonder goes a fair woman , a woman in costly apparel ; now , Yonder goes a godly man , a vertuous gracious woman : This is commendation indeed , and for this we ought to labor , that we may have our part herein .

Again , Marriage no hinderance to godliness . He calls them holy , though they were married ; Marriage hinders not holiness , nor is single life more holy then it : It s the holy Ordinance of God , Heb. 13. 3. and the bed undefiled : The gift also of continence and single life , is sometimes given to carnal worldlings , and prophane persons , but denyed to Gods dear Servants , by whom he will encrease his Church and Kingdom .

This condemneth the Church of Rome ; Use. Oh , they extol single life , and disgrace Marriage , as if it were a living in the flesh : O their vile hypocrisie ! they would seem holy , and yet maintain Stews openly ; yea , some of them have written in defence of Sodomy , and for Fornication and Adultery ; the infinite skulls of murthered Infants ( the fruit of their Whoredoms ) found near the Dens of their abode , witness how unholy they are . The Pope would be Peters Successor , yet was he a married man : Till God call us to marriage , we are to live in single estate purely ; Luke 4. 39. when we are married , soberly and holily : If we be single , we are not the more holy , or if married , the less holy .

But how could they be holy in those days ? Holiness cometh by Faith in Christ . By Faith in Christ , whereby their hearts were purified , they severed from the world to the Lords use .

There 's no Sanctification , no Salvation , but by Christ : Now Christ is more clearly revealed then he was in those days , more holiness is therefore now expected ; all ignorant , unbelieving , impenitent , and unholy women are in a fearful case , especially considering the means . The Lord will one day present these holy women , Look you here , here be women , that in the dawning of the day saw Christ , and you have lived in the Sun shine of the Gospel , and have not believed .

He calls them holy , Holiness may be where there are weaknesses . though they had their weaknesses , as Sarah had ; so that we are not to account those as not holy that have imperfections , for God accepteth of Believers in Christ , and pardoneth their imperfections .

This therefore correcteth the over harsh spirit of those , Use 1. which cry down our Church as unholy , and a Synagogue of Satan , and no Church , because of some blemishes : Our Savior did not so , but more charitably calleth Jerusalem , Rev. 11. 2. The holy City , which indeed was the Church , though stained with many blots of error and bad life .

It comforteth also those that be truly sanctified , Use 2. and upright in heart , notwithstanding their imperfections and failings , God accounts you Saints and righteous persons .

Adorned themselves , &c. ] Of those duties which they did perform , I have already spoken ; observe we onely this , how they came to do their duties thus ; he sheweth they were holy and godly women , and so performed the same . Note then , that

Wives cannot perform their duties aright , Wives cannot perform their duties aright , unless they be holy . unless they be holy ; no being a good wife , till a good Christian ; no building of a godly life on any foundation , but upon Faith in Christ : Whoso would do their duties aright , to Gods glory , their own comfort , and anothers good , they must fetch and draw grace from Christ by Faith ; they that think to do otherwise , build in the Ayr , build that which will fall on their heads , and which will never hold or continue .

Even as Sarah ] He speaks of many , Why more good men be mentioned in Scripture , then good women . and yet names but one , yet such a one as they could not but acknowledge worthy of imitation : Though more good men be mentioned in Scripture then women , that was , because of Genealogies , and their publike places , not that their number was greater then the others ; yet of neither of both are so many named by multitudes , as were in all those ages : God said , he had Seven thousand which had not bowed their knee to Baal ; and it s said , That at our Apostles Sermon Three thousand were converted , yet none are particularly named . Heb. 11. 32. In Heb. 11. some are named , with their actions and commendations , but that there were multitudes of others , is there also implyed .

When therefore we read the Scriptures , Use. we must not think that there were no more good people then we finde there named : Oh! there were many thousands more ; onely so many are Registred as might be for our good , Simil. all could not : As when we come out of a City or great Town , looking back , we see the tops of a few Steeples and great houses , but when we were near we saw a great many more ; so when our backs are turned upon an Age , alas , it s but a few we can see then , in comparison of them that lived in that age : Howsoever , be we of men remembred or not , if we be holy men and women , we shall not be forgotten of God ; our Names are Registred in Heaven , whether one day our bodies shall come , as well as our souls .

Obeyed Abraham , Gen 18. 6. calling him Lord , ] That she obeyed him , the story shews ; for whithersoever he went and flitted , she went with him ; and when she was bid make ready for the strangers , it was done , and that speedily , not a word against it ; and her calling of him Lord , is here mentioned as an usual thing done by her , proceeding from a reverend regard she had of him , as her husband appointed her of God .

In all things lawful , Wives must imitate Sarahs obedience and reverence . wives must be like Sarah , therein ( though haply somewhat against their minde ) they must frame themselves to their husbands disposition : They must not speak to them snappishly , currishly , curstly , nor over familiarly , calling them by their Christian Names , but respectively and reverently .

Whose daughters ye are , Reasons hereof as long as ye do well , ] Such women as live godly , purely , be subject , adorn themselves with grace , and are patient and meek , they shall not lose by it , but shall have peace to their Consciences , and a good Name in the Church , as Sarah , and be heirs of Heaven , as she is ; being like her , they shall speed as she did : As men Believers are called , The Sons of Abraham , he being the father of the faithful ; so all godly good wives , The Daughters of Sarah that holy Matron , that had a good Name in the Church while she lived , Use. and is now in Heaven .

Let this be a provocation to women to perform these duties : I hope we give you no bad counsel , neither wrong you , in requiring of you but what Sarah did , and to do what may make you like her here and hereafter ; what answer shall those make that are no whit moved hereby ? ungodly , impatient , immodest women are not daughters of Sarah , Neh. 7. 64. but of that wicked one the Devil , and with him shall have their portion : As they that could not prove their Pedigree had no portion in Canaan , so they that fetch not their Petigree from Sarah , and be not her daughters in subjection , pure conversation , sweet speech , quietness in spirit , are not good wives , nor shall have the blessing of such .

And are not afraid with any amazement . ] It may be Christian wives were afraid , that if they did not set out themselves in bravery of apparel , their unbelieving husbands would not care for them , but seek after others : For this the Apostle prescribes a remedy ; let them not yield to do evil for avoiding that , but trust in the Lord , not being afraid with any amazement . It s not enough to do duties , but we must do them in a right maner .

It s not enough to do duties , but we must do them in a right maner ; that makes or mars . Hence many in doing duties to God , do them not ; in praying , they pray not ; hearing , they hear not , because not from the heart , in Faith , but out of custom , and in ceremony and formality : Wives must not be dutiful , because else they should lead a woful life , their Husbands would cut them short in their will , &c. These are carnal respects for Heathens to be moved with ; but Christian women must be dutiful , out of conscience towards God , and love to their Husband , as they whom God hath appointed to be their heads .

Verse 7. Likewise ye husbands , dwell with them according to knowlege , giving honor unto the wife , as unto the weaker vessel , and as being heirs together of the grace of life , that your prayers be not hindred .

NOw he comes to the duty of Superiors , particularly of Husbands , whom he onely nameth ; for that he that is a good and godly Husband to his Wife , will be also a good Magistrate , or Minister , if he be called to those places . Superiority exempts not from duty . And in that he teacheth Superiors their duties , we may note , That Superiority exempts them not from duty ; every honor carries a burthen along with it : The more high any is in place , the more is expected of him , as more was of him that had the five , then of him that had the two talents ; as they look for much duty from others , so not a little is required of themselves : Every Superior should make his Inferior more beholding to him , then he can possibly be to his Inferior , even Inferiors may be as dear unto God as themselves are ; Col. 4. 1. And they themselves have a Lord and Master in Heaven to call them to an account : The Word also doth no less ininstruct them in their duty , then the others in theirs : No man holds his place to be idle , but the greater it is , the more is required of him ; The Word must guide them in their places , they must not do as they list .

Likewise ye Husbands , Wherein the husbands duty consisteth . &c. ] In other places the Husbands duty is set forth by love ( no love , no husband , a man , not an Husband ) but here by the fruits , which are , 1. To dwell with their Wives . 2. As men of knowledge and understanding . 3. To give them honor ; and that , 1. Because they be the weaker vessel . 2. Heirs with their Husbands of Grace and Salvation . 3. The contrary would breed unquietness , and so interrupt and hinder their Prayers together , which were grievous .

Herein he instructeth Husbands ( as before he did the Wives ) they standing in no less need of instruction , Husbands stand in no less need of instructions then Wives . and no less failing in their duty then Wives , who therefore must humbly , patiently , and christianly hear their duties , with a desire to be ruled accordingly .

Dwell with them ] The Husband must forsake Father and Mother , Husbands are to dwell with their Wives . and cleave to his wife ; they must keep together for all the marriage ends , the procreation of Children , the avoiding of sin , and keeping themselves chaste , and for the continual comfort they ought to have each of other in prosperity and adversity , for body and soul ; and this is for the continuance and increase of love . True it is , In what caces they they may be absent . the Husband may be absent from his Wife , either by the commandment of his Prince , being imployed in any service , whether in Church or Commonwealth , or upon his own necessary affairs , as Merchants and Marriners , or upon meer necessity , as many dwelling in one place , do yet work in another , yet must not he fail in his absence to pray for her , to keep himself chaste , to have her as it were still present with him , sending to her as often as he can , and returning as speedily as he may : Also if any contagious disease should be , they may ( with mutual consent ) part for a while ; It must be matter of weight must keep them any time asunder , not any unkindeness , yea , though both be willing to dwell asunder ; Matth. 19. 6. For whom God hath joyned together , no man must sunder : And as they may keep in one house , so one bed and board must hold them ; therefore it is that she is said to lie in his bosom , and , Let her breasts satisfie thee at all times . Prov. 5. 18 , 19.

1. This condemneth all unlawful partings of Husband and Wife , Use 1. as of the Jews which put away their Wives when they took dislike of them , Matth. 19. 8. by giving them a Bill of divorcement ; This came of the hardness of their hearts , but was not so from the beginning : Of sundry in our times which live asunder , as have been married yong through some sinister respects of their Parents , or rashly or inconsiderately , though come to years of discretion , which afterwards they have disliked , neither party loving the other according to Gods Ordinance ; of those Husbands that idly give themselves after marriage to travel to see Countreys and Fashions , thus exposing as well themselves as their Wives to Satans temptations : 1 Cor. 7. 5. Of those that for the most part haunt Inns , Alehouses , and Taverns , Gusling , Gaming and Whoring , being but seldom at home ; If the Husband is to leave Father and Mother , much more such places , to cleave to his Wife : Of those which following their Recreations and Pleasures , put all upon their Wives , chiding them for whatsoever is done amiss by Servants or others ; those prove cruel taskmasters to their Wives , like Pharaoh's to the Israelites : were it not better for such ( their businesses being over ) to read , confer , and lovingly converse with their Wives ? and should not their company be better to them then all companies in the world ?

2. This condemneth those that part boards ( the Husband being either so proud , Use 2. as he thinks his Wife not good enough to sit with him at Table , or she so unquiet , that he eats by himself , each Hog in his own Trough ) yea and beds too , and that either continually , or upon discontent for some time , or upon surliness , and overmuch coyness ; when the Husband will not be troubled with the childes crying , &c. as if he were not sometimes to bear such marriage troubles , but lay all upon his Wife .

3. This condemeth the marriage of Children , Use 3. who must be kept asunder many years ; This comes from the excessive haste of Parents , which dare not trust God for a marriage rich enough , till they come of years , but thus prevent the Lord : Such think they work wisely , but for the most part , it s but foolishly : They think thus to build their houses , but for the most part it proves their ruine , such seldom loving one another . Husbands must be men of understanding .

According to knowledge , ] Husbands must be men of understanding and knowledge in the Scriptures , and grounds of Christian Religion , that they may do good to their wives and whole family : They are the head , therefore must be able to guide ; the eye , therefore must see : Mat. 6. 22. If the eye be dark , all must needs be dark ; as the oyntment on Aarons head ran down on his beard , Psal. 133 2. and thence to the skirt of his garment , See 1 Cor. 14. 35. their knowledge must be exercised for the good of their wives , and the meanest in their family . In what particulars the same will appear . They must be men of knowledge : 1. To instruct them in the ways of God , to pray with them , and ( especially when through weakness or sickness their wives have been forced to stay at home ) to inform them of such Points as were publikely delivered by the Preacher . 2. To comfort them in their heaviness of minde , affliction of body , loss of children , and the like , and that from the Word of God , being able to asswage the bitterness of their grief . 3. To advise and counsel them for the best . 4. How to admonish and reprove them : They must not do it without cause , nor when there is cause in an ill maner , before company , or with carnal bitterness , but rather in the terms of the Scriptures , and in love . 5. When to yield to their requests or perswasions : Herein Adam , Sampson and Ahab failed , but Job in rebuking his wife , shewed he was a man of knowledge . 6. To bear with their weaknesses and infirmities meet to be born with . 7. Not prescribing them to do any unlawful or unreasonable thing , whether on the Lords day , or at other times , as to say , They are not within , when they are within , &c. 8. Not keeping such a number of Dogs , as may be both loss and continual vexation to their wives , or removing up and down till they have wasted all they have : Thus bad wives may be brought on to goodness , and good wives made better .

1. This condemneth the common abuse of this Land ; Use 1. How few husbands be men of knowledge , able to instruct , comfort , advise , govern or admonish their wives ? how few able to pray with them , repeat a sermon to them , or comfort them in any of their heavinesses ? Hence it is , that they burthen their wives with needless things ; Hence many women of some good parts and towardness , matching with such Worldlings and Ignorants , have been undone ; Hence so many jars and contentions in families : How many wives would perform their duties , if their husbands would go before them in performing theirs ? O what evils might be avoided if husbands had but discretion ! but most are void of understanding , cannot give a reason of their Faith , cannot pray in their families , scarce give thanks for their meat , check and discourage their wives from goodness , if they have any inclination thereto : Alas , in these days , if they get a little hair on their faces , and their portion into their hands , they think themselves fit to marry , though they have neither wit nor understanding ; or if they stay some years , it s to get goods to set up with , not that they may be furnished with knowledge . Parents enquire after wealth , and how their daughters shall live , but do not much regard their living with men of knowledge .

2. This condemneth the Papists , Use 2. which forbid the Layety to read the Scripture : But where 's knowledge to be learned , if not by them ? It s enough with them that their Priests have knowledge , yet must not they marry .

3. For those that are married , Use 3. and have failed herein , let them redeem the time : 1 Tim. 5. 8. If he be worse then an infidel that provides not bodily maintenance for his family , then what is he that provides not spiritual ?

For those that are to marry , let them beg for wisdom , and labor for knowledge , that being married , they may live Christianly , and according to knowledge .

For parents , let them instruct their sons in knowledge , and before they provide them wives , let them know indeed that they are men of knowledge ; and for those that have daughters to marry , let them not so much aym at wealthy husbands , as with those which may live with their daughters according to knowledge .

Giving honor unto the wife , ] What honor the husband is to give to his wife . The honor which is here prescribed , is not Divine honor ( Peter would none of it at Cornelius his hand , nor the Angel at Johns ) nor that honor which an Inferior is to give to his Superior ( whereof we may read in the fifth Commandment ) but such as a Superior may give to an Inferior ( so is the wife in some things ) but as anunequal to his equals , Acts 10. 26. so is the wife in many things . Rev. 22. 9. This comprehends diverse things :

1. That the husband is to respect and esteem his wife , Sundry particulars implyed herein . as of a most comely , necessary and profitable instrument , appointed of God as a meet help for him for the comfortable passing of his life , and such a one as he could not be without ; profitable to the encrease of posterity , to the building up of his house , for the bringing up of his children , for the ordering of his family , and disposing of things within doors ( wherein he himself hath no skill , and which being left to servants are but sorrily done ) profitable also to converse with in prosperity , to take comfort from in adversity ; yea , by joyning with him in every good duty to further his souls salvation : She is every way a necessary ( not evil , as the world faith , but ) good , an help meet for man , both in respect of body and soul ; who more careful , painful , faithful , comfortable to her husband , then she ? If God take away the wife , alas , how lame and maimed is the husband , his one hand is gone : When husbands do not thus esteem of their wives , they discourage them , occasion unquietness in them , if they be women of Spirit , or otherwise make them foolish .

2. That the husband is to ask his wives counsel and advice in businesses : God hath made her of his privy councel , and two eyes see more then one , Gen. 31. 4. yea oftentimes ( that he may not despise her ) she more then he : Jacob sent for his wives into the field , and conferred with them about his journey : Many husbands have confessed , that if they had taken their wives counsel , it had gone better with them . Naaman heard his servants advise , 1 King . 5. 14. and followed it , much more should the husband the wives : Gen. 21. 14. Abraham heard , and yielded to Sarah about Hagar and Ishmael ; such are indeed injurious to their wives , that will never make them of their counsel .

3. That according to his ability he is to allow her competent maintenance for her self , children and family , not spending all abroad , as too many do .

4. That he is to give her a fit employment for her place : It were a foul wrong for her to sit in a chimney-corner , or set about some base employment , a servant in the mean time carrying the keys , and having the whole disposal of the house : And as he is thus to give her a fit employment , so therein to let her alone , not prying narrowly into every thing , and following her from room to room , and taking account of every thing , and every peny made of it , as distrusting his wives thrift , wisdom or faithfulness .

5. That he do not over burthen his wife , or require more of her then she is well able to go through : He must not be a task-master to her , lest she cry unto God , and he hear in his anger , especially not when she is sickly or childe-bearing , when she is big , or after her delivery , for then he is to bear much with her : Such as fail herein , whereby either their wives or children are cast away , have they not a guilty conscience , and an hard answer to make ?

6. That he must not reprove her before company , no not before her Children or Servants ; for as this provokes her , so it weakens her authority , that she shall prevail the less with her Family in her husbands absence .

7. That he ought not to take part with Childe or Servant when she rebukes or corrects them , though haply she be in a fault ; he must tell her thereof in private .

8. That he is to use her lovingly and kindely , Reasons hereof not proudly , tyrannously , or cruelly , abusing his authority ; for though God hath given him preeminence , Eph. 5. 25. yet is he not to use it as he list , but as God prescribes .

What may not incite husbands hereunto ? God requires it , they are their own flesh ; Col. 3. 19. Christ loved his Church dearly , as accordingly they are to love their wives ; She hath forsaken all for him , and he hath chosen her from all others ; Her Friends entrust her with him , and expect kindeness at his hands ; He promised the same at the time of his Marriage , before God and the Congregation : This also will provoke her to her duty , and so further a comfortable living together . Whoso then regards the Commandment of God , and will suffer it to bear ●way with them , or their Covenant and Promise , must thus honor their wives .

This condemneth 1. Those Monsters which not onely lade their wives with Curses and Railings , Use 1. but abuse them also with blows and heavy strokes , Sundry sorts of husbands reproved . oftentimes in their drunken fits shurting them out of doors ; these be bruit beasts ( when knew you the Cock spur the Hen ? ) Devils in the shape of men : Its marvel their Neighbors take them not and binde them for mad men ; for none but mad men beat themselves and their own flesh , whom Bedlam or Bridewel would fit better , then to be at liberty , unless they could use it better . 2. Those ( though not altogether so bad as the former , yet ) can lend their wives a box on the Ear , or a dowse on the Neck , or a spurn with their foot . 3. Those which though they can rule their hands , yet are so hoggish and churlish to their wives , as they know not how to please them , ever unquiet , 1 Sam. 25. 17. and like Nabal , so wicked , that one cannot speak to them , yea , will both rail on them , and revile them . 4. Those that sometimes be pleasant , and use their wives well , who yet at small things will be so hot and angry , as they break out into unseemly , harsh and bitter words , that vex and grieve the spirit of their wives : This argueth much weakness in the heart ; Eccles. 7. 9. Anger resteth in the bosom of fools ; and , He that is hasty to wrath , Prov. 14. 29. exalteth folly , as , He that is slow to wrath , is of great wisdom . Such sharp and unkinde speeches fall out sometimes between those that love well , and be good Christians , but it s their fault , and matter of humiliation . Neither let any please themselves with this , that they are quickly pleased again , for they may speak such words in their fits , as can hardly long after be forgotten , they may pierce so deep , that the wounds made thereby are not soon healed , and when healed , Objections answered . not without scars ; yea , it s a matter of reproach among men , to be counted hoggish and unkinde to one's wife .

Obj. Oh , but my wife is froward , and speaks to me otherwise then she should ; thus and thus provoketh me , not without cause I do thus and thus to her .

A. If our wives had no infirmities , The 1. they were worse then beasts that would misuse them ( and yet there be some who have very good wives , whom notwithstanding they use but untowardly ) and if they had no imperfections , what need had we of patience ? Having imperfections , shall we take hold of every little frailty ? It s presupposed that husbands should be stronger then so ; and doth not Christ bear with the infirmities of his Church ? Beside , wives have many times occasions to distemper them , as frowardness of children , untowardness of servants , sickliness , &c. and they are otherwise good wives , love us well , be careful for our state , bring up our children well , and so should be born with ; nay , have not we our selves some one or other infirmity that they are feign to bear with ?

Obj. Oh , then we shall have enough of it , we shall never have done ; therefore better hold them to hard meat , and make them smart for it , &c.

A. This lesson was not learned in Christs , The 2. but in the Devils school ; for God bids us bear with one anothers infirmities ; Gal. 6. 2. and , Iames 3. 17. The wisdom from above is peaceable and gentle ; mildeness also and loving usage shall prevail more , and do more good , then cruelty and severity : Many a good man that hath had an impatient wife , by his grave admonitions , godly life , patience and Prayers , hath obtained , that she hath proved a very good woman .

Obj. Oh , but my wife will not yield to any good order , cares not for prayers , neglects her Family , brings up her children idly , &c.

A. Here s wisdom , The 3. as not to see God dishonored by suffering evil , so , not to break love , or disturb peace : We must in Gods matters hold our authority and Gods right , though in all our own matters we yield ; Exod. 4. 14. the contrary had like to have cost Moses dear : We may not buy peace on such hard conditions , yet in such cases we must rather perswade then enforce , shew what the Word of God saith , use Reasons and Arguments to this purpose ; yea , if need be , denounce Gods wrath and judgements , which notwithstanding ought to be done in private and love , without carnal bitterness : We may be earnest , yet not impatient ; and if we perceive any little amendment , take knowledge of it , and thereupon encourage them , pray for them , instruct them with meekness , waiting while God give them an heart to repent , and in good sort to comply with their husbands .

As unto the weaker vessel , ] Wives are the weaker vessels . Here 's the first Reason to enforce the former duty , Wives are the weaker vessels : They are weaker in body then men , weaker also in minde , timerous , and fearful , soon discouraged , soon provoked , quickly take hurt , and are quickly out of temper .

God hath done this a purpose , Reasons . it was so from the beginning , that the wife might the more willingly submit , and its necessary for peace and order , that one rule , and the other submit , which that the Wife may do , and be glad of an head and guide , she is made the weaker vessel ; yet are not Wives so weak , but God hath given them competent ability of body , and minde to go through with their duties , and as they be the weaker , so they have the weaker works ( except bearing of children , which they brought on themselves by sin ) then men , theirs being for the most part within doors .

1. Hereupon let Wives submit themselves the more willingly , Use 1. and the weaker they finde themselves , let them trust the more on God , that they may be strong in him .

2. For Husbands , Use 2. let them use their Wives kindely , being weak ; they must not grieve them , nor disquiet them to their undoing ; they be good , costly , and very profitable vessels , for excellent use , but easily crackt , therefore had we more need have the more care of them , as we have of some choyce glass . Simil. A Gentleman will not put his Watch or Clock into the hands of Children or Fools , nay , he thinks that he is scarce wise enough to handle it himself , What discretion then and wisdom is needful in Husbands about their Wives ?

3. This rebukes those that use their Wives ruggedly , Use 3. and curstly , sometimes railing at them , other times beating them , whereby many good Wives are spoiled . Simil. A Venice glass well used and lookt too , may last long , so may a good Wife , but some use them so hoggishly , as they are not like to last long ; some vex and grieve their Wives , that they pine away with sorrow , What an account have these to make ? justly may God punish such , by taking away their good Wives , and sending them such as may be scourges to them .

And as being heirs together of the grace of life . ] Wives be no less heirs of the grace of life then their Husbands . The second Reason , from the honor whereunto God hath advanced them ; They be Kings daughters , Heirs of eternal life no less then men ; They have the same right to Heaven that men have , and so to the means , Christ Jesus , the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , Faith , Repentance , Sanctification : God hath herein made them equal , so as that there be holy women as well as men ; so all believing women be the daughters of God , and so his Heirs , Heirs of the grace of life : Among men , sons ( not daughters , if there be any sons ) be Heirs , and not all neither , but one ; but God , though he hath many sons , yet doth also make all his daughters Heirs . But of this on verse 5.

1. This should make women content with their state , Use 1. and thank God highly ; though they be appointed to be subject to their Husbands , and be also the weaker , yet seeing God hath made them equal in the greatest matters , they may rest satisfied , especially seeing even those things also , wherein they might seem abused , are much for their good .

2. It may provoke them to labor for their part in grace , Use 2. and means of glory , God hath not excluded them , they must not exclude themselves : A grievous fault it is in a number of women , that they regard not goodness , as though being poor women especially , little were required of them ; But have they not souls to save as well as others ? must they not come to Heaven the same way as others ? and as they be wives and mothers much is required of them .

3. For husbands , Use 3. let them use their wives exceeding respectively , seeing God hath so honored them : To abuse Gods daughters , his heirs , is grievous . If a man had an Heathen woman to his wife , he ought to use her well , much more being a Christian : The more grace any woman hath , the more kindely must she be used ; such are Kings daughters , heirs of the King of Heaven .

That your prayers be not hindred . ] The third Reason : Using them ill will breed Contention , and so make them unable to pray at all , or pray amiss . Here note ,

1. That the husband should pray with his wife ( God takes it here for granted ) and that also constantly ; Husbands should pray with their wives . the course of their prayers must by no means be broken off .

This is their daily homage to God ; Reasons . they have daily need of pardon , grace , protection , direction in all their affairs , all which must be prayed for : This hath promise of blessing , and herein all Religion is contained .

This condemneth most husbands , Use. that never pray with their wives ; they have no skill nor will hereto , Psal. 14. 2. an argument of a prophane man , void of all Religion , dead in sin ; for where there is the least spark of grace , there will be crying to God . How do these live ? as much Religion in their Hogs-coats , as in their houses , they live like Swine ; most Families , in stead of being little Churches , be Heards of Swine , which live as if there were no God : How do these look for a blessing ? God hath promised none but to them that ask it ; what common blessings they enjoy , they enjoy not as fruits of their Prayers ; If we desire to be accounted religious , and would have any blessing of God , let 's learn to pray .

2. That whatsoever would interrupt our Prayers , Whatsoever may interrupt our prayers is to be avoided . is carefully to be avoided : Thus as we are to avoid worldliness , an ill conscience , and the like ; so also contention and wrangling , both with our neighbors , and wives : That party is unfit to Pray , whose heart is poysoned with wrath and malice ; the Prayers of such are loathsom , being thus , our Sacrifices will not be accepted at Gods altar : O what a grievous thing is it to lose our prayers ? What else have we to help our selves with ? What judgements doth not prayer remove ? What blessing doth it not obtain ? greatly doth he lose , that loseth the benefit of his prayers .

Therefore let us beware of contention and strife , Use. especially with our wives : Let us always keep our hearts calm and fit to pray ; Who knows what need he may have of prayer , and that more then ordinary ? As men keep their Horses for service in plight and breath , so keep we our prayers in good tune ; Simile . keep we them as a Pinnace ready to send out speedily , and come home laden , else we may miss many a good purchase .

Verse 8. Finally , be ye all of one minde , having compassion one of another , love as brethren , be pitiful , be courteous , Verse 9. Not rendring evil for evil , or railing for railing ; but contrariwise blessing , knowing that ye are thereunto called , that ye should inherit a blessing .

NOw he comes to certain general Exhortations , that concern all sorts and states whatsoever , and they tend to love , and a peaceable and comfortable living together one with another .

Be ye all of one minde , ] Not that he would have these Jews to be of one minde with the Idolatrous and prophane Gentiles amongst whom they lived , but that being converted and believing Jews , they would all consent and agree together , in the matters of Faith , and Religion of Christ , that they would all embrace the Lord Jesus , the onely Foundation ; and that some onely should not look for Salvation by him , some by the Law , and some by both , but that all should seek unto him alone : And as they were thus to agree in matters of Faith , so also in their Civil affairs , avoiding contention and strife . The vertue then which is here exhorted unto , See 1 Cor. 1. ●0 is Unanimity , a joyning together in one minde , and one heart , in one judgement , and one affection .

For Unity in Religion , There must be between Christians unity in Religion . though Errors be many , yet there 's but one Truth , which every one must know , believe , and walk in to Salvation : Other foundation besides Christ there 's none ; all that believe in him shall be saved , 1 Cor. 3. 11. as they that miss of him , building beside the foundation , fall to the ground , shall be ashamed and confounded : We were all created in the Truth , Iohn 14. 6. but since the fall become prone to error ; Prov. 23. 23. Christ is the Truth , the Way and the Life , and this are we to buy ; this is contained in the Scriptures , for which we are to search : Some foolishly imagine , that every one shall be saved by his own devotion , but its life eternal to know God , Iohn 17. 3. and Christ Jesus whom he hath sent .

To be thus in one judgement in Religion , Reasons . is a great mean of peace , as the contrary a great cause of dissention ; even disagreement in small matters , makes alienations of affections , much more in Religion . This Jeroboam knew well , 1 King . 12. 27. he would not suffer the ten Tribes to come up to Jerusalem to worship , as God commanded , lest agreeing together , they should fall from him , but chose to set up a new kinde of worship at Dan and Bethel , thereby to set them at oddes .

It s lamentable that so many are distracted into divers and innumeral Heresies , Who disagree from the truth in the foundation . and but a very handful have the Truth , and be of one minde : Some disagree from the Truth in the very foundation , as , 1. Heathens and Pagans , living in strange kindes of idolatry , being altogether ignorant of God and Christ . 2. The Jews , that look for another Savior , 1 Iohn 2. 23. acknowledging the Father but not the Son ; but he hath that not the Son , hath not the Father . 3. The Turks , that acknowledge the Old , not the New Testament , the Father , not the Son . 4. The Papists , that hold some ( not all ) points tending this way , as in the matter of our salvation , parting the same between Christ and our selves . 5. The Arrians , and that base Atheistical Sect of the Family of Love , &c.

Some , Who holding the foundation , do yet erre from the truth . though they differ not in foundation , yet erre from the truth ; Such were the Donatists , Novatians , and such like of old , as in our times , the Lutherans beyond the Seas , and amongst our selves , the Separatists ; Those are led with a Spirit of pride and preposterous Zeal ; They were bred up in the Church , and as soon as they were able to shift for themselves , they spit in their Mothers face , and call her Strumpet ; These be ungracious children , they were never thus taught of Christ or his Apostles : As we are to pity and pray for the former , and that the Lord would deliver his poor people from the tyranny of the Turk and Antichrist , giving the Gospel a free passage among them , that with one minde and mouth they may glorifie God in Christ Jesus ; so for these : Seeing there is little to prevail with them , as having a proud conceit of themselves and their opinions , le ts take heed we be not led away with them ; for herein they hazard their souls greatly , that they forsake the means , the Ministery of the Word , and so may revolt , or at least stand at a stay : Whiles they be so quarrelling about matters of Controversie , they neglect matters of Sanctification and Government of their lives .

Besides , even among our selves that tarry in the Church , there is odds and difference , and thereby carnal worldlings and prophane persons excuse themselves from embracing Religion , but this shall not serve their turn : 1 Cor. 13. 9. There is odds indeed , and no marvel , For we know in part , and believe in part .

But wherein is the difference , not in the grounds of our Religion , but in matters of Ceremony and Circumstance : Difference amongst our selves for matter of Ceremony . So far as the Ministers of the Church of England agree , let them embrace , believe and obey , and it shall be sufficient to bring them to Heaven ; as for the things about which they differ , they little concern them : we are to desire God that these controversies were at an end , and that we may be all of one minde about these things ; till which time we are to desire , that there might not be such Separation of affections for these things , Note . but as both may be saved and be good Christians that be of either of both mindes , so there might be a consent and agreement , and not one rent asunder in affection from another ; for as it were extream uncharitableness for any to judge any for these things , whom they see to live godly , and Preach diligently , so to censure those over sharply that are not altogether of the same judgement . The evils which ensue hereupon . This doth much hurt , for as it was said , The war of Hereticks , is the peace of the Church ; so it is now too true , That the contention of the Church , is the peace and increase of Papists among us : Hereby also many fall to Brownism , and sundry no doubt hereupon shake off all care of Religion , and are little better then Atheists .

Some there are even also amongst private Christians , Differences amongst Christians about private opinions . that having somewhat better gifts of wit and memory , and some more knowledge then others , fall to curious questions , and maintain strange and singular opinions , as , That they can discern Spirits , and in an hours talk with a man , know certainly whether he be a childe of God or not , &c. whereby they draw parties to themselves , fall into wrangling and strife with such as oppose their fancies , becomes strange unto them , discharge them behinde their backs ; whence the godly are grieved , and prophane ones take occasion to exclaim against the profession of Religion , yea , their Ministers become ill thought of as teachers of such Novelties : Such are of a proud Spirit , as who take up Opinions not grounded in the Word , and maintain them also to the breach of unity and love : If any scruple arise in our mindes , we are in humility to resort to those , Mal. 2. 7. whose lips are appointed to preserve knowledge .

For unity in civil affairs , There must be also unity between us in our conversation . or outward conversation : We ought to be of one minde in every good thing in our families , and places where we live , husbands and wives , neighbors with neighbors , must be like-minded one towards another , Eph. 4. 2. according to Christ Jesus ; any other is a conspiracy , Rom. 15. 5. no true agreement . In Towns men ought to joyn together to suppress evil persons and places , and set up goodness so much as in them lies ; where two or three thus consent , there is God in the midst of them : But in most places , men set themselves to cross one another , and Baal hath them which plead for him , and against God and goodness ; Simil. as if one Horse were set at the one end of the Cart , and another at the other end , and each put to draw , they would trample the ground , tire themselves , and do no good to the owner : so is it in many Towns , where dissention beareth sway , nothing is done to the glory of God or good thereof . Acts 4. 32. And for particular persons and neighbors , they must be of one heart , and live lovingly together , not offering occasion of offence , nor readily embracing any , but forgetting , Eph. 4. 26. forgiving , and passing by injuries , not giving place unto wrath , nor suffering the Sun to go down thereon . We are brethren , members also of one body , Isa. 11. 6. we must live like Lambs one with another : O how good and comely a thing is it thus to live ! Psal. 133. 1. but alas , how do men wrangle and contend for every trifle : Gen. 13. 8. Welfare Abraham , he would rather yield to Lot then contend , we are his children if we follow his steps ; What a shame is it , that they which are baptized with the same Baptism , profess the same Faith , and say that they are guided by the same Spirit , should yet be at strife and variance ? O fie upon it , How do these stain their Prayers , hinder themselves from the Sacrament ? How canst thou look God in the face , who thus break his Commandments ? Hereof pride and covetousness are the main causes : Take we heed to these duties , 2 Cor. 13. 11. that living in peace , the God of love and peace may be with us .

Having compassion one of another , ] Christians must be of like affection each to other . Another vertue required , is to be of like affection each to other , in their prosperity rejoycing with them , and desiring the continuance thereof , as in their heaviness to be grieved ; Rom. 12. 15. yea , we are to rejoyce in their prosperity , though we our selves were in affliction , Psal. 122. 6. to rejoyce , I say whether in respect of the Church in general , or of the particular Members thereof : Such shal not prosper that have ill will to Sion , that envy the prosperity of the Church , nor such as are envious at the good estate of particular Christians , or Ministers , their welfare , credit , peace , liberty ; nor such as have an ill eye at their Neighbors thriving in wealth , credit , gifts , or any other blessing : Through the Devil ( justly stiled the envious man , as being the author of envy , they become thus envious : What , shall we have an ill eye , because God is good ? what is this but to finde fault with God ? Gal. 5. 21. How was envy punished in Cain , Psal. 37. 1. in Esau , in the Edomites , &c. It s a work of the flesh , which God cannot away withal ; nay , we are not to envy at the prosperity of the wicked , for they shall pay full dearly for it : Naturally we are addicted hereunto , but we ought to hate it , and strive against it : And for them whom God blesseth above others , they must walk very warily in all humbleness and care to do good , and kindely use their Inferiors , else they put them upon a temptation of envy , whereas on the other part people will say , His wealth and place is well bestowed on him , he is loving , affable , doth good , &c.

And as we are to rejoyce with them that do rejoyce , Gal. 6. 2. so must we mourn with them that mourn , we must help to bear their burthen ; we must pity them in our hearts , pray for them , visit them , and otherwise relieve them if need be ; we must not be altogether for our selves , as those who were not born for our selves alone . Heb. 13. 3. In the natural body , 1 Cor. 12. 26. if one member suffer , the rest suffer with it , much more should it be so in the spiritual : If the foot get a thorn in it , the back bows down to it , the eye looks upon it , the hand searcheth it , the heart grieveth , the tongue complaineth ; should not we be thus affected at the hurt of our fellow-members ? See Acts 9. 4. Our head is a living feeling head , and accordingly we should be feeling members : If we shall do thus for others , shall not they do the like for us ? Herein Nehemiah may be our patern , though he were in great prosperity , Neh. 1. 4. & 2. 1 , 2 , 3 , &c. yet hearing of the miseries of Gods people , he so mourned , that it was seen in his face ; he used his best credit with the King , and by his permission undertook a painful journey with much hazard to remedy the same .

1. This rebuketh those which rejoyce at the destruction of the Church and members thereof , Use 1. as the Papists would have done had their Powder-treason been effected , and as carnal people do when the godly fall either into any trouble or sin : Psal. 137. 7. Thus did the Edomites in the day of Jerusalem , Prov. 17. 5. but he that is glad at calamities , Iob 31. 29. shall not be unpunished : Job rejoyced not at the destruction even of him that hated him ; Pro. 24. 17 , 18. who so thus doth , the Lord will not turn away his wrath from him .

2. It condemneth those which instead of grieving at the afflictions of their Brethren , Use 2. are the onely authors thereof , by Oppression , Bribery , Extortion , and such cruel dealing ; so was Pharaoh unto the Israelites , as Paul a cruel persecuter till he was converted : Now if they that grieve not with them , and help them not in their miseries will be found guilty , and condemned at the last day , what shall become of those men of blood that have been the cause of their overthrow ? The cryes of Gods poor servants ascend against them , and will bring destruction upon them , as the Israelites upon Pharaoh .

3. It condemneth those that whatsoever be the case of the Church , Use 3. or Christians , or Neighbors , have no regard thereof , but give themselves over to Ease , Pleasure , Belly chear : Thus did Ahasuerus and Haman , Amos 6. 4. thus the rich Glutton in the Gospel , but there 's a curse prepared for such ; others are like stocks and stones , neither grieve in heart , pity in tongue , nor afford any comfort to those that are in distress , they may sink or swine for all them : They think it well if they hurt no man , but this will not serve their turn , O what comfort can such look for either from God or men in their extremity ! yea , it s also a great fault amongst Christians , that they minde so much their own matters , that they are little affected this way , seldom pray for such as are in distress , slowly visit them , and slenderly relieve them : Who knows what temptations they may meet with ? It s no easie thing to go alone through trouble without help ; it s an Argument such have shrewd obstruction by Self-love and Covetousness , wherewith they are much benumb'd , half dead through want of Spiritual moisture : We must labor to put away those , to be purged and rid of them , and labor to finde our souls to be in a good state and plight , by our sensisible sympathizing at our brothers miseries : Are we guilty herein ? It concerns us to be much humbled for the same , and to labor for Reformation ; then shall we with comfort look up to God in our afflictions , and may be assured , that if God shall lay his hand upon us , not a few will help shore us up , and that s no small comfort in affliction .

Love as brethren , ] Love as children of the same Father , love each other as it becometh Christians , love one another with a brotherly love . Hereof I have spoken on Chap. 1. ver. 22. That Christians may love one another . Here onely consider , wha● Christians are to do , and what to avoid , that they may love one another .

1. We are 1. What they are to do . To provoke one another unto the duties of love . 2. In all we do to or for the Saints , 2 Cor. 16. 14. we must strive to do the same in a loving maner . 3. We must hide our brothers infirmities , not blazing them abroad to their disgrace , not estranging our selves from them for wrongs they do us , but gently rebuking them for the same . 4. If our brother trespass against us , we must shew our selves easie to be entreated upon his acknowledgement thereof .

2. We must avoid , What they must avoid . 1. Familiar society with the wicked of the world . 2. Take heed of such as sow discord . 3. Not desire worldly greatness , whether in Church or Commonwealth . 4. Not be wise in our own conceits , but esteem of others judgement as well as our own . 5. Not be altogether addicted to our own worldy affairs , thereupon affecting retiredness from the society of others .

1. This reproves those that love , Use 1. like , and use all alike ; the loose and prophane , give them as good content , as the good and vertuous .

2. It reproves them , Use 2. that like the godly worst , or could like them well , were they not so precise .

3. It reproves the contentions between Christians ; Use 3. we should love one another with brotherly affection , and shew the same by brotherly actions , but how do many fall out for trifles ? What a fearful thing is this ? How monstrous and prodigious for one member to offer violence unto another ? To see brethren contend before God their Father , in the face of the Church their Mother , and before their fellow-brothers and Christians in Christ that grieve at it , yea , before the wretches of the world that laugh at it , how strange is it ? When two Christians fall out and be at variance , do they not unchristian and unbrother each other ? O the strength and violence of our corruption breaking asunder this band ! What shall tye men together , if the Spirit of Love be not strong enough ? Gen. 13. 7. O that we could remember with Abraham , that there are Canaanites and Perizzites in the land ! O that the unregenerate would labor for Sanctification , whereby they may begin to love God and their brethren , and the regenerate labor to pull out all these weeds of Pride , Covetousness , Envy , Frowardness , &c. that this tender plant of Love taking root in their hearts , may so thrive , See 2 Thess. 1 2. that it may fructifie in their lives and conversation , and they may abound more and more therein .

Be pitiful , ] What pity is . Pity is an holy compassion of the heart , whereby we are ready to relieve them that are in misery , whether our selves or others .

Herein there must be both the affection of the heart , and help of the hand .

For our selves , We must pity our selves . we are by nature in a most woful and fearful condition , we are sinners , and so under the curse of God , and subject to eternal condemnation hereafter , and therewithal the vassals and slaves of Sin and the Devil . Now we are bound to love our selves first , therefore to pity our selves in any misery : If we be in any bodily misery , as pains , poverty , or the like , we moan our selves , complain , and grieving , seek to relieve our selves , so ought we to take knowledge of the miseries of our souls , and labor to get our selves out of the same : We must not be quiet till we have got the assurance of the pardon of our sins , and that there is no condemnation unto us ; we must give no sleep to our eyes , nor slumber to our eye-lids , till we finde our selves thus delivered : And considering that of our selves we have no strength to any thing that is good , we must endeavor to live under the Ministery of the Word , where we may know the will of God , and be thereby directed unto Salvation .

This condemneth the most unmerciful hard-heartedness of the world , Use. that have no pity on themselves for their Spiritual miseries , nay will not take knowledge of them , but hate those that would help them out of them , or knowing them , yet are content either to abide in the same without any regard , or bless themselves in their condition , as if either it were not so bad as it is , or they might come out of it when they would : Would we not pity our selves if we were blinde , lame , naked , diseased in our bodies ? Such are we in soul , but where 's our pity ? Who would live in a place where there were no bread ? or in a Town besieged by Enemies , wherein there were no Watchmen to give warning ? Simile . but not a few live where there are neither Preaching nor Preachers . As Peter bade Christ favor himself , so may we bid these pity themselves . O consider of the worth of your souls , and of the misery wherein they now are , and ( if not now prevented ) hereafter shall be : How do we take on if our finger be but a little burnt with a Candle ? Should we not therefore stand in fear of the everlasting burning in Hell ? Who will pity you , if you pity not your own souls ? or who will commit unto you their souls to be cared for , that have no pity of your own ? If God cast you into eternal torments without pity , yet you must needs blame your selves , as those who had no pity of your selves : O pity your selves , though it be with some pains to your bodies : If your bodies do your souls a good turn , as by bringing them to the Word , being profited thereby , they will requite them a thousand fold .

Pity towards others , We must pity the souls of others . is either in respect of their souls or their bodies .

In respect of their souls , It must be our care and labor to help them out of such miseries and bondage as they lie under : Isa. 49. 23. Thus must Princes be careful of their subjects souls , Psal 78. 72. be unto them as nursing fathers and nursing mothers , feed them , guide them , and with Asa , Hezekiah , Josiah , Jehoshaphat , &c. provide that they may be instructed in their duties : Rom. 13. 3 , 4. Thus must Magistrates of the people among whom they live , encouraging the good , and punishing the bad : Thus Ministers , as Watchmen , tell people of any danger ; as Shepherds , feed them ; See Eze. 34. 4. and as guides , lead them : They must preach to the capacity of the meanest , 2 Tim. 2. 15. and 4. 2. going in and out before them by an holy example : Thus Patrons must have a care in bestowing their livings in pity of the peoples souls ; 1 Pet. 5. 2. Thus Parents of their Children , bringing them up in the narture and fear of the Lord ; Thus Husbands of their wives souls , Eph. 6. 4. Masters of their Servants , all of us each of others : Help them that live in ignorance out of it in what you can , bring home the impenitent , comfort them that are afflicted ; yea , we are even to pity those that are further off , or dwell in other Countries , who are yet without the knowledge of God and Christ , as also to pity their souls , who do not yet pity themselves . Reasons . What may not enduce us hereunto ? God is full of compassion and mercy : Psal. 103. 13. Such an account made he of our souls , Iohn 3. 16. as to save them , he gave the blood of his own Son : Christ Jesus so pitied us , as he was content to abase himself to the state of man , Phil. 2. 8. taking upon him the form of a Servant , yea , to undergo the ignominous death of the Cross : O how he wept over Jerusalem ! How moved he was with pity , Luke 19. 41. when he saw the people scattered as Sheep wanting a shepherd ? Mat. 9. 36. and as he himself Preached most diligently , so as the Doctor and Prophet of his Church , he furnisht the same with able men , as the twelve Apostles , and seventy Disciples . Adde hereunto , See Mat. 16. 26. that the soul is of more worth then the whole world , and that if the soul be lost , it must lie in unspeakable and endless torments , and thither also will it draw the body .

This condemneth the unmercifulness of the world towards souls , Use. as of those which establish false Religion , and binde their people thereto , 1 King . 16. 26. as Jeroboam , who made the people sin ; such poyson and murther the soul : So of ungodly Magistrates , who hinder the preaching of the Word in what they can ; So of ignorant , Heretical , corrupt Teachers , ravening Wolves , such starve or poyson souls , They cloath themselves with the fleece , but care not for the flock ; So of wicked and unconscionable Patrons , that for kindred , favor , or money , put in such as God never called , being no way fit for that weighty calling , utterly unapt to teach , having neither ability nor willingness thereto , being such as seek their ease and pleasures ; So of wicked Fathers , that buy livings for their Sons , though never so unsufficient ; So of careless and ungodly Parents , that have no care of the education of their Children , providing for them food , gay cloaths , and great Portions , but no good instruction . Simile . If they were taken Captives of the Turk , they will mourn , but are no whit moved with pity , though they be indeed Slaves unto Satan ; If but their finger ake , they are grieved , what should they then be , seeing so many ugly sores of deadly sins running upon them ? So of Neighbors that little regard those they live by , though ignorant , impenitent , &c. they are not troubled at it , shew little mercy this way ; So if any be afflicted in conscience , few take the same to heart , few do either regard or pity them . Assuredly such as shew no mercy to the souls of others , especially them that be under their charge , shall have of God no mercy shewed on their souls , but as it was said , Exod. 21. 24. Eye for eye , tooth for tooth ; so will he make them pay soul for soul ; their blood shall be required of them : There shall be judgement without mercy , Iames 2. 13. to them that shew no mercy , yea , God will especially unconscionable and unmerciful Ministers , See Ier. 20. 6. not only in themselves and their goods so gotten , Hos. 4. 6. but also in their children . Contrarily to those that have pitied souls , Matth. 5. 7. God will shew mercy : Godly Kings and Magistrates , 1 Tim. 4. 16. with Jehoshaphat , Hezekiah , and Nehemiah , God will bless and remember them in goodness : Dan. 12. 8. Also godly , painful and merciful Ministers , shall both save themselves , and them that hear them ; They shall shine as the Stars , and receive an incorruptible Crown of glory : 2 Tim. 4. 8. Being careful in their places , they are ( what effect soever their labors have ) a sweet savor to God . 2 Cor. 2. 15. The like may be said of Parents , who are careful in their childrens education , and of godly Neighbors , which seek the good of their souls with whom they live , God will requite it into their bosoms , as having done a great work : O let us be provoked to have more regard and pity of the miseries of souls then ever ! If we be careful of our own , we will also be careful of the souls of others ; when we have once felt the misery of our own souls , and found mercy of God to be delivered therefrom , then will we know the worth of souls , and be pitiful over others . No marvel though so few be careful of the souls of others , being there are so few careful of their own ; whensoever you see any negligent in their places , its because the work of grace hath not been as yet wrought on their souls .

In respect of their Bodies ; We must pity the bodies of others . To those that be sick , in pain , poverty , debt , prison , or any outward distress , we ought to be inwardly compassionate , See Isa. 58. 6. and outwardly relieve them as we may ; we must have bowels of mercy , Luke 14. 13. right bowels towards them ; we must have such tenderness of affection , Rom. 12. 15. as if we were in the same case ; Heb. 13. 3. we are not born onely for our selves , we are but Stewards : God sends poverty on them , as for the tryal of their faith and patience , so of our love ; we have cause to thank God , who hath thus honored us to be givers , what have we deserved more then others ? Simil. God as a mighty Prince and House-keeper , hath called us all to his Table , setting some at the upper end , others at the middle , as others at the lower end thereof ; It were no maners in them that sit above , to keep all for themselves , they must distribute to them that sit lowest of that that 's set before them : Reasons . God is merciful , and so should we be , yea , this is the note of a good man , Psal. 112. 9. and such were Job and Cornelius , such Dorcas ; yea , how pitiful was our Savior this way , when he fed the hungry , gave sight to the blinde , healed the lame , &c. God hath also made gracious promises hereunto , all which may induce us to the performance hereof . Signs . And thus are we affected indeed , when we are ready to hear the cryes of the poor , and to relieve them chearfully ; wherein notwithstanding we must not look for too much beholdingness , we must shew mercy to those that have most need , and of those to the houshold of Faith ; we must give out of goods well gotten , laying aside somewhat thereof for such uses ; we must abound more and more , being full of mercy , and not weary of well doing : So when we lend freely , not looking so much to save our selves , as to pleasure them to whom we lend , and in buying and selling , do unto others as we would be dealt withal : Whereunto may be added , our dealing mercifully with those which fall into our danger , by forfeiting their Bond , not fulfilling their Covenants , and the like .

1. This condemneth all unmerciful men , Use 1. whether such as will part from nothing but even by constraint , hard-hearted , having no bowels , giving no more then needs must , not lending at all , or for their own advantage to the undoing of the borrowers ; or such as do hurt , oppress , gripe by Usury , by cruel letting of Leases , selling after unreasonable Rate to the poor , buying of them half for nought , grinding their faces , and flaying their skins by Forfeitures , &c. so feeding themselves on them , and working on their necessities ; Let all such know , That they have no grace in them at all , 1 Iohn 3. 17. and 4. 20. no soundness in Religion , no true love of God , Iames 1. 27. God also will shut up his mercy from these , neither shall they partake of blessedness ; Prov. 21. 13. Though they cry unto him , he will not hear them , Matth 5. 7. he will be revenged on them in their goods , names , children , souls , here and hereafter : See Job 20. 10 , 15. Prov. 22. 22 , 23. Jer. 17. Mat. 25.

2. This may be a comfort to all merciful minded , Use 2. and liberal handed men : They are herein like to God , who is merciful , and requires of us so to be , Luke 6. 36. because he is so ; as good and faithful Stewards , they shall be made Rulers over much : They shall be blessed every way , for they cause many thanks to be given to God , Pro. 11. 24 , 25. and they have also many Prayers ; Eccles. 11. 1. they are blessed in their goods , as which not onely encrease more and more , but descend from them to their posterity ; they are blessed in their names , they live in credit and reputation , and being dead , Acts 8. 2. they are much lamented for ; they are blessed in their children , they are blessed every way , outwardly , inwardly , in body , in soul , Psal. 37. 26. here and hereafter : Matth. 5. 7. and 25. 21. The merciful shall obtain mercy , The good and faithful servant shall enter his Masters joy .

3. For those that be not cruel , Use 3. yet withal not so merciful as they should be , let them labor for this grace of pity ; and to this end both remove the lets and impediments thereof , namely , Prodigality ( whereby they waste all , become unthrifts , unfit at all to do any good ) and Covetousness ( whereby they think all lost that goes besides themselves , which is indeed the cut-throat of pity ) and use the means conducing hereunto , Means conducing hereunto . namely , 1. Labor for a feeling of Gods mercy to themselves . 2. Visit the poors houses , look into their Cup boards , observe their cold fare , their thin and hard lodging ( this cannot but affect them , as the Samaritan upon his view of the man faln among Thieves , Luke 10. 33. had compassion on him . ) 3. If they themselves cannot see them , let them take informations thereof from others . 4. When they are in any affliction , as in pains , or sick , let them consider the means they have for their recovery , as a warm house , a good bed , wholesom Dyet , the Physitians advice and direction , &c. all which the poor want : Whoso doth thankfully acknowledge those , cannot but be pitiful . We must be pitiful to our beasts .

There 's yet one further branch of pity ; We must be pitiful to our Beasts , Prov. 12. 10. we must use them mercifully , and keep them sufficiently , yea be pitiful not onely of our own , Exod. 23. 4. but our Neighbors , nay our Enemies . God is pitiful this way , Psal. 104. 21. and 147. 9. He feeds the yong Ravens that cry unto him ; and , The Lyons seek their meat from him : Deut. 25. 4. He openeth his hand , and filleth all things living with plenteousness : He will not have the mouth of the Ox to be musled ; Exod. 20. 10. and will have the beasts also rest on the Sabbath day .

This rebukes those which ( though they pamper them not as some do their Hounds , Use. giving them that which many of the poor want , and others their Horses ) are cruel persons to their Beasts , as rank Riders , which are all on the spur ( yet in Princes Affairs , or cases of necessity men may take liberty this way ) covetous Misers , that keep their Cattel bare and poor , Servants that deal unconscionably , through their idleness and laziness suffering poor dumb creatures to perish ; all which hurry up and down by unnecessary journeys , or by their journeys on the Lords day , whether for profit or pleasure .

Be courteous , ] What courtesie is , and that Christians are to be courteous Courtesie is an affable , milde , and lowly carriage of our selves towards our equals and inferiors ( for its reverence and duty we owe and do perform to our superiors and betters ) this is in countenance , How it shews it self . gesture , words and deeds ; our countenance must be amiable , not too cloudy and austere ; we must kindely and lovingly greet one another ( Greet one another ( saith the Apostle ) with an holy kiss ; Rom. 16. 16. and in another place , 1 Pet. 5. 14. with the kiss of charity , Psal. 129. 8. both speeches be to very good purpose : ) This hath been of ancient standing , even to greet one another at meeting or passing by , Rom. 12. 10. and hereof we have examples in the holy Scriptures : Luke 14. 8. We must also give the upper hand , and highest seat in our Meetings , which also our Savior doth require : We must also be affable in our speeches , whilest we be in company , not too strange or dark , but free and chearful ; this is required in Scripture under the name of Meekness ( even the smallest duties that we owe one to another are here set down ) & for this is Moses commended ; Ephes. 4. 2. so our Savior Christ , Col. 3. 12. he was so affable , Num. 12. 3. as poor ones , yea poor women durst speak to him ; his disciples also asked him questions from time to time , which he refused not to answer ; yea , even unto him that smote him he spake courteously , Iohn 18. 23. If I have evil spoken , bear witness of the evil .

This tends greatly to peace , and to procure love : What force was in Absoloms courteous speeches , 2 Sam. 15. 6. to steal away the hearts of the people ? The contrary breeds heart-burnings , evil surmisings , contentions , what not ? Our Nature can abide nothing worse , then to see our selves contemned or neglected by others ; what can we do less , then greet and use them kindely ? If they be our equals , is it not reason we should use them as courteously as we would be used of them ? If our inferiors , its noble for us to use them kindly , as its a point of a base minde to insult over , or trample them under . Thus would they murmure against God , and envy us , whereas our courteous behavior would be a means to make them contented with their place ; yea , though we are not to be familiar with the wicked , or open our hearts to such , or joyn our selves in near communion with them , or bear with them in their evil courses , but speak earnestly against the same ; yet are we to carry our selves courteously towards them , that thereby we may win them the more .

This rebuketh those that fail in either extreme . Use 1.

On the one part , there are some 1. Which are proud , scornful , and disdainful in their looks and carriage towards others , passing by them without saluting them , or once speaking to them ; such have base mindes : And what can be more strange , then that any mortal man which is but a Worm , should thus deal with one that is his own flesh , the image of God , yea haply one better then himself ? 2. Which strive and justle for the highest rooms , wall , or seats in the Church , and elswhere , which strive for the way upon the Road , &c. Hereby they display their pride , and in stead of honor , bring disgrace upon themselves . 3. Use curst and cruel speaking , like Nabal , who was so wicked , that none could speak to him , or carry themselves so high , as their inferior cannot speak to them : Hence is the common Proverb , They had rather speak to the greatest Gentleman or Nobleman in a Countrey , then to such a mean man , and have a better answer ; Naaman and Job would hear their Servants speak . 4. Such as for frowardness and heart-burning cannot speak when they meet , nor salute each other , but pass by each other , as if they were dumb and tongue-tyed ; a goodly matter , if they could wound and kill one another as good cheap , would they not do it ? and is not this sin before God ? doth not God behold the same ?

On the other , there is 1. Counterfeit courtesie , in low crouchings and greetings , &c. wherein ( being void of love and kindeness ) men do altogether seek themselves , 2 Sam. 15. 6. as Absolom did . 2. Treacherous courtesie , when men salute kindely , but intend devilishly , under a fair vizard bearing mischief in their hearts ; Thus Joab in killing Abner and Amasa , and Judas in betraying Christ ; thus many will speak very friendly to them against whom behinde their backs they will by and by rail , and plot mischief . 3. Excessive courtesie , when men be too full of it : If some in humility and true simplicity , shew a great deal more courtesie towards their Superiors then they would have , it s not much amiss ; but when men exceed in it towards their equals , it doth often carry much falshood with it , according to the old Proverb , Much courtesie , much craft ; it s also seen often , that there are none more hollow , then they that seem most courteous ; God for the present seeth their hypocrisie , and man in time will , and loath both it and them : It s a fault among Christians , that at their meetings they stand striving who should take the place , or sit down first , &c. to the great disturbance of the whole company ; modestly to refuse the place at the first is commendable , as it s also in them that offer it , but for either to stand long complementing about it , ridiculous .

Not rendring evil for evil , Christians must not revenge themselves on their enemies . or railing for railing , ] Now of our carriage towards wicked and injurious men : They are naturally bent to speak evil of us , especially being the servants of God , but we must not requite them with the like , we must not revenge our selves on them : They that make a trade hereof , are but carnal , and have naughty hearts : It s also a vile thing , fittter for Turks and Heathens , then such as know God ; as we would be forgiven of God , we must for give one another . But of this already on Vers. 23. of the foregoing Chapter .

There 's lawful revenge on our selves , Lawful revenge on our selves . as in Zacheus the Publican , Mary Magdalene , the Apostle Paul , the Incestuous person , &c. Thus we are to revenge our covetousness by more large giving ; our ryot , by more sparing from the body ; our earnestness and pains in evil , by the like or greater in hearing the Word and holy Exercises . There 's also an holy revenge upon others , On others . which is rather upon sin then their persons , being zealous against the same in whomsoever we finde it , whether our children , servants , or others , accordingly avenging the glory of God , by bringing those to punishment that hinder or hurt the same .

But contrariwise blessing , ] Gods children in respect of their outward conversation , must differ and be contrary to the wicked . The lives and language of Gods children should not onely be differing from the world , but in many things they must be quite contrary , for they are led by contrary principles , the one by the flesh , the other by the spirit ; the one mindes onely earthly things , the other heavenly : This is a step higher , an harder lesson then the former , to requite evil with good : The wicked render evil for evil , so must not we , as light and darkness , Christ and Belial , we must be herein contrary to them : Some weak Christians there are that come too nigh the fashions , behavior and speech of the wicked ; many too much set upon the world as the wicked are ; fie upon it : To be easily provoked , and hardly entreated to be reconciled , is the fashion of the world , but such must not ours be .

By blessing in this place we are to understand praying for our enemies , We must requite evil with good . speaking kindely to them , giving them kinde answers , and doing them all the good we can .

Observ. It s not onely our duty to be free from revenge of evil , See Iohn 31. 16 , 17 , 18. but we must requite evil with good : Rom. 12. 20 , 2 If our enemies speak ill of us , or to us , 1 Thess. 5. 1● . we must speak well of and to them ; if they do ill to us , we must do well to them .

Obj. But did not David and Jeremiah pray against their enemies , and Elisha cursed the children that m●ckt him ?

Ans. Enemies be either private to us , Mat. 5. 44. or publike to God and his Church , An Objection answered . and these either curable or incurable : For publique incurable enemies , if we knew them , we might hate their sins directly , and their persons indirectly , as the Devil , which these holy men of God did know by an extraordinary measure of the Spirit wherewith they were led , and not otherwise , and so they were rather prophesies of the destruction of bad men delivered in the form of Prayer : But we have no such warrant , therefore may not we do so ; but for private enemies , or for publike that be curable ( as who are not for ought we know ? ) we must love their persons , and wish well to them , and do them good , though we hate their sins .

Obj. God commanded to kill the Amalekites and Canaanites , and how stands that with this Precept of loving our Enemies , and doing them good ?

Ans. We must love our enemies in God , and for God , and not against God ; Another Objection answered . therefore he having commanded to kill them , they were bound so to do , who yet in the mean time might wish well to their souls : Exod. 17. 14. Thus if we war against Gods enemies , and be enforced to kill them , we must yet pitying their souls , do the same with a kinde of pity , hating the bad cause they maintain , and wishing there were no such occasion against them ; we must must , I say , in an holy revenge , as of Gods enemies , and set on work by the Magistrate , oppose our selves against them .

Quest. Reasons why we are to requite evil with good . Why are we to requite evil with good ?

Answ. 1. God requires it , Christ also who hath done so much for us , doth enjoyn it , But I say ( saith he ) love your enemies , &c. 2. We have Gods example as our patern , Mat. 5. 45. his Sun shines as well on the unjust as the just . 3. This is to do some thing worthy of a Christian , even the Heathens and Publicans can love those which love them . Mat. 5. 46. 4. We must not be still in the lowest forms , in easie lessons , but labor for perfection . 5. God every day requites our sins and naughtiness with his loving mercies , as when we sinned in Adam , he found a way to save us . 6. This is the way to stop contentions and strife , Prov 15. 1. and to melt the heart of our adversary , 1 Sam. 24. and 17. if he belong to God , or leave him without excuse ; yea , cause them to speak well of us , as Saul did of David . 7. This is a good argument of our love to God in truth ; for even many other duties which God requires of us , are of men also commanded , but what law enjoyneth this ? 2 Sam. 1. 24. 8. We have for this the examples of Joseph toward his brethren , See Psal. 35. 13 , 14. Moses and Aaron praying for the people , David mourning for Saul , Acts 7. 60. and provoking others so to do , so of Steven , but above all of our Savior himself , Luke 23. 34. who even on the cross prayed for his enemies .

1. This may humble us in respect of the vile corruption of our hearts , Use 1. that count this an hard saying , and have in our practice been so far from it : Most are scarce free from revenge , much less can be brought to requite good good evil ; Oh , it s an hard thing ! but doth it not become Christians of such standing as we are to do hard things ? and have we not been told , that the way to Heaven is straight ? O but he hath deserved nothing of me but all ill , will some say : but so have we of God , who yet doth not thus requite us ; and though he have deserved nothing , yet God hath deserved all love of us , for his infinite love to us ; Well then , he sets us to pay over some of that love we owe to him , to our enemies , and is it not reason that we should pay the same ? He may assign over his debt or part of it to whom he will ; If our Creditor bid us pay some part of that we owe him to another , will we refuse , and say , He is a stranger to me , I owe him nothing , I 'le pay him nothing , &c. much less should we herein ; yea , when we are bid to do good to our enemies , it s but as we make our children do , even to kiss the rod , and this is but to pull down our stomacks , and we have more blows sometimes with the rod then we need , would we yield sooner , and kiss the rod : This to a natural man is impossible , but to him that is truly assured of Gods love , and seeth his daily goodness , contrary to his ill deserts , and is endued with some measure of Faith , it s easie : And if we are to requite good for evil , how much more ought we to render good to them that do us good ? 2 Sam. 9. 7. and 19. 38. David was notable in this kinde , he required Jonathans kindeness and Barzillai's on their sons , Gen. 40. 23. for the contrary , Pharaoh's Butler is branded for ever .

2. This condemneth those that requite not good to them that have done them good , Use 2. as Children that relieve not their Parents in their age , much more those that requite evil for good ; Thus do many ungracious Children , Servants , and people , to their Parents , Masters and Magistrates , as the Israelites to Moses and Aaron , the People to Jeremiah , See Iohn 7. 7. and 10. 32. Ahab to Elijah and Micaiah , Joaesh to Zechariah , Herod to John the Baptist : Hereof also our Savior had experience . So in these days , even of those that have some shew of goodness in them , yet not a few being faithfully dealt withal by their Ministers , and told of their faults , they think the worse of them , and cannot well away with them .

Knowing that ye are there unto called , ] Whoso findes himself effectually called , what will he not be willing to do for God ? Here is a reason to enforce the forementioned duty ; It s one thing that God requires of all his , when he takes them to his favor , even to take up his yoke , whereof this is one part , then which nothing more yokes our flesh and corrupt nature ; He that will be Christs Disciple must deny himself : Luke 9. 23. If we perform this , we have hereby an argument of our effectual calling , and who would not desire to know indeed that he is in the way to Heaven ? An unregenerate man cannot possibly do this , at least not aright , but he that hath tasted and felt abundantly of Gods love to him , he will so love God , that for his sake he will do this , or any thing which he commands : God chooseth whom he pleaseth , and refuseth others ; He calleth by the voyce of Christ in the Gospel , He calleth from darkness , sin , this evil world , He calleth to the state of grace , and all the priviledges thereof here , and to eternal glory in the world to come , He calleth especially the weak and despised ones , for the further manifestation of his glory . The excella●●cy and worth of effectual calling . This is an high and honorable calling , taking hold of election before the world , and of glorification after : we are called to live holily as well as to be saved , never happy hereafter , except we be holy here : This a Christian may know , and is bound to labor to make it sure ; It s our best riches , it gives us a right unto all Gods promises , it furthers our Sanctification , it stays our heart in the evil day , it enables us to suffer persecution , to set light by the world , and chearfully to do such duties as God requires of us ; but this is no idle thing , How to discern hereof . it hath hard work belonging thereto . He that is called , must requite good for evil , being cursed of others , bless ; He that doth not thus is not called : Thou art effectually called , if thou groanest under the burthen of thy sin , and desirest more to be rid of it then of affliction ; If thou receivest the Gospel in the power of it , if thou art inwardly quickned in thy spiritual senses , if thou forsakest the society of the wicked , if thou art renewed throughout thy whole man , Why many Christians are often unsetled herein . and become a new Creature . And though a Christian may be assured of his calling , not a few notwithstanding are often unsetled ; the grounds are , for that either they are false Christians , or as yet but weak , or careless and lazy , or for that they are doubtful and full of unbelief , or for that they be too worldly , or for that they give way to some corruptions , or for that they conceive afflictions befal not Gods people , and the like .

That ye should inherit a blessing . ] Another Reason , It s for our profit , we shall be so far from being losers hereby , as we shall be great gainers ; If we shall lay aside our own wills , and do good to our Neighbors according to Gods will , we shall have Gods blessing both here and hereafter . The Word always perswades us to our good . The Word ever perswades to our benefit , and will be so found in the winding up , howsoever , for the present we can hardly believe the same : O that we should lose our part in Gods blessing , rather then yield up our will , and obey God! O who would not hereby treasure up blessings to himself ! Note further , That

Christians are a blessed people , Christians are a blessed people . none like them ; Therefore should Christians rebuke themselves when they be discouraged , or think basely of themselves : The blinde world judgeth Gods Servants miserable because of trouble , but they are of all others blessed . Hereunto they are called , being by nature children of wrath ; neither shall any partake of this blessedness , but they that are called , and such are heirs of blessing : The godly bless them for their graces , pray for them , and praise them ; The loyns of the poor bless them for their liberality : Their own consciences also comfort them ; They are also blessed of God , which may swallow up all the crosses they meet with . This in a restrained sence may be his comfortable speaking to them , Psal. 85. 8. He speaks unto his Servants peace ; and as God speaks thus unto his , so should Gods Ministers thus speak unto them ; and as God speaks not onely comfortably to them , but well of them , so should we also . In an enlarged sence , They have Gods blessings on themselves , on theirs , on all they take in hand ; He blesseth his Ordinances for them , he blesseth them with grace : Many a poor Christian carries more Treasure in his heart , then all the great ones in the world have , being without grace : The Church is glorious within , though black without by reason of affliction ; for his blessings in the life to come , who can express the same ?

Would'st thou be blessed of God ? Use. attend on Gods house , let the rain of the Word soak into thine heart ; Turn from thy sins and evil ways , fear God truly : Art thou now blessed of him ? walk so as thou mayest enjoy it , make high account of it , endeavor that thy children and servants may fear God , and so partake of it .

Verse 10. For he that will love life , and see good days , let him refrain his tongue from evil , and his lips that they speak no guile . Verse 11. Let him eschew evil , and do good ; let him seek peace and ensue it .

ANother Reason in these and the following verse to perswade to patience and requiting ill with good , Why we ought to be patient , and requite ill with good . We shall procure to our selves a longer and a more comfortable life in this world ; besides , it will be the way to eternal life in the world to come . This he proves by a testimony out of the Psalms , Psal. 34. 12. which is here by the holy Ghost very fitly applyed to this special , which is first affirmed , then proved ; Affirmed . That if any man desire life , with comfortable and peaceable days , he must refrain his tongue from evil , &c. Proved , For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous , and his ears are open to &c. their prayers . So we have 1. A Proposition , The parts herein considerable . That the patient and loving man shall live and see good days : 2. The proof thereof , from the care that God hath of such : 3. The same illustrated from the contrary disposition of God against the wicked . In the Proposition , we have the blessings to be desired and obtained , Life and good days , with the means to compass the same , A Christian and patient conversation , consisting partly in the shunning of evil , and partly in the doing of good . In the Proof we have the love and care of God towards such , set out by two actions of the Lord , His looking to them , and hearing them ; the contrary being affirmed of the ungodly . We will speak first of those in general , then of the several branches thereof in particular . In general , Note , that

A patient and peaceable man shall live the longer and the quieter ; A patient and peaceable man shall live the longer and the quieter . See for the proof of this , Prov. 21. 21. Isa. 29. 19. Mat. 5. 5. Such take the way to stint strife , and as wood being kept away , the fire goeth out , so by this means contention ceaseth : Thus also are the parties vanquished who would contend with us , therefore we see , that of all sorts of men , such have fewest to trouble them . Besides , God takes the care of such , hath an eye to them , preserves them , notwithstanding all their enemies can do , as may be seen in Jacob and David : On the contrary , such as are not thus , they do either shorten their lives , or at least make them full of trouble ; for thus they stir up strife , and make more work for contention , and so shorten their days , as is seen by quarrellers , and such as vex themselves by Law Suits , Evil hunts the violent man , Psal. 140. 11. to overthrow him ; Isa. 29. 20. The terrible one is brought to nought , &c. Gen. 16. 12. whoso hath his hand against every man , every mans hand shall be against him ; yea , if men would let such alone , God will not , he will set his face against such quarrelsom and shameless persons , to destroy them .

1. This confutes the common Conceit of the world , Use 1. which is , That thus to put up wrongs , were the way indeed still to have more and more wrongs put upon us ; as if they should precisely follow the Rule of the Word in their dealings , poverty and beggery could not but quickly come upon them , both which are and have been found contrary .

2. Whoso desires to live , Use 2. and that peaceably , let him take this course , hating and avoiding trouble and vexation so much as in him lieth : Let us learn to be wise , and thus provide for a quiet life , that we may be the fitter to serve God , and do good to our selves and others ; if we do not believe and practice the same , we shall do him less honor then we do a Physician , whose prescripts we use for procuring health , and when trouble comes upon us , we may justly blame our selves for the same : O be guided by the Word , how else shall you live a comfortable and quiet life ? David and Peter , who here urge the same , knew this by experience : What is herein required of us , hath been throughout all ages , long taught , though not much learn'd . Thus in general .

For he that will love life , ] Life and long life are blessings of God , & which Gods children may desire . Life and long life are blessings of God , to be desired and delighted in of Gods children ; See to this purpose Gen. 25. 8. Exod. 20. 12. Job 5. 26. 1 Chron. 29. 28. Psal. 128. 6. Prov. 3. 16. yea , the Apostle counts it a mercy of God that Epaphroditus was restored to health . Phil. 2. 27. To be taken away untimely , is as an apple pulled from the Tree before it be ripe ; Reasons . by living long , we shall get to our souls an assurance of Gods love , with more and more evidences thereof , to the encrease of our joys ; hereby also we have time and means to grow in grace and sanctification , and to have the image of God restored in us more clearly and fully ; hereby also we shall do God much service in Church and Commonwealth , and that better at the last then at the first , as being bettered through experience ; and hence it is that Gods servants have sometimes prayed against death , and desired still to live , as David and Hezekiah .

Quest. How is this to be counted a blessing , seeing many of Gods dear servants go without it , and are taken away betimes ?

R. It s but a Temporal blessing , An objection answered . and so Gods people may be debarred thereof , Why the godly are at sometimes taken away by death . as of health , wealth , and such like , and that sometimes for correction of sin ( howsoever God saveth their souls ) as on the Corinthians for their unworthy receiving of the Sacrament ; so good Josiah going to war without Gods command , 1 Cor. 11. 30. was killed in the battel ; so many a Minister is taken from his people , for their making no better use of him , 2 King . 22. 19. as many a husband from his wife , for not regarding him , Isa. 57. 1. or trusting too much on him ; the like might be instanced in other , sometimes in mercy , that they may not see the evils to come , and thus also amends is made them ; they are paid weight in gold , for weight in silver ; in stead of long life in this world , they have longer time in Heaven .

Q. How is long life a blessing , Iob 21. 7. seeing even many of the wicked enjoy it ?

R. Though it be in it self a blessing , as whereby they enjoy many good comforts in this life , Long life unto the wicked might prove a blessing , but doth not . and are not so soon in Hell as they deserve , and besides , have space and time to repent , yet as they handle the matter , it s no blessing , but contrarily proves a means of the encrease of their sin , and so of their condemnation .

Quest. How is life and the continuance thereof to be desired as a blessing , Phil. 1. 23. seeing it hath been the desire of Gods people to be dissolved , and to be with Christ ?

R. We must not desire to live , In what respect it may be lawful to desire to live . because we would live , but because we would live to Gods glory , our own and the good of others ; neither must we desire to dye for it self , for that is against nature , nor because of our crosses and troubles , but that we may cease to sin , and be with God in his heavenly Kingdom , perfectly both holy and happy : We must desire to be with God , but yet we must not be so importunate , as though we would prevent the Lord , and make away our selves wittingly , or negligently shorten our lives . Again , we must not so love our life , as that we should be unwilling to yield it up if God will , or to redeem the continuance thereof with an ill Conscience , and denying God , for he that so loves his life , shall lose it , and his soul too : Both then may be desired , but because we know not what is best , we must not be our own carvers , but commend our selves to God to be disposed of : It s a base thing to desire life , to be great , enjoy pleasures , be revenged of our enemies , and the like .

Q. Whence is it that most men are strongly carried after long life .

R. 1. Through the corruption of nature : Whence it is that most men are desirous to live long . To love life is natural , but to love it so exceedingly , is of corruption . 2. Through ignorance and unbelief of the things of a better life . 3. Through the love of worldly profits , 1 Iohn 2. 15. pleasures and prefermentss : That such fail herein , may thus appear we should not love the world , nor the things thereof : Iob 14. 5. The whole world cannot satisfie the soul ; our life is but a breath , a blast , our days are determined , beyond which we cannot pass ; we are here but strangers and pilgrims : So long as we live we are lyable as well to sin , as crosses by reason thereof : Of the things here wherein we place happiness , what certainty is there ? friends may forsake us , fail us , remove from us , dye , wealth also and honor are uncertain : There 's no small labor both in getting and keeping them , as there cannot but be grief in parting with them ; yea , for the most part they prove hurtful , and drown men in perdition : In a word , the commodities of a better life are infinitely beyond all those in this life .

1. Seeing long life is a blessing , Use 1. we ought to be heartily thankful to God , that we have lived thus long , and do yet live .

2. When we crave of God the continuance thereof , 2. we must so use it , as that it may be a blessing to us , wherein we may get the assurance of our Salvation , grow in grace , and do good : They that do thus , may account their life a blessing , for those that do otherwise , it had been good they had dyed long ago .

3. We must take heed that we do not shorten our lives , 3. and so deprive out selves of this blessing , through Whoring , Drinking , Gaming ; too too many thus do , as if they should not be ni Hell time enough .

4. We ought to use all good means for the continuance of their lives that be dear to us , 4. be careful especially not to provoke God to deprive us of them ; so should Subjects of their Prince and godly Magistrates , People of their faithful Pastors , Husbands and Wives each of other , &c.

And see good days , ] What we are to understand by good days . That is , enjoy here in this world prosperity and welfare , inward and outward , in body and soul.

Quest. In Heaven indeed there shall be days , without night , good without the least mixture of evil , but can good days be enjoyed in this world ?

R. In comparison we may , but not absolutely good without evil ; for as the best man is not without sin , In what respects days may be said to be good here . so he cannot but have inward sorrow of heart , and likewise be subject to afflictions , every day bringing grief enough with it ; yet in comparison of worse days of horror of conscience , of troubles outward in the Land , of miseries and vexations that may befal us , we may see good days , that is to say , Inward peace of Conscience in the assurance of Gods love , and our care to walk faithfully before God ; also we may enjoy Peace in the Land , Plenty , the Gospel , Health , Wealth , Friends , Wife , Children , &c. and when these are , there are good days , days freed from calamities and sorrows , and wherein we may plentifully enjoy comforts and blessings . The day also of a Christians conversion is a special good day , so the days wherein we do enjoy the purity of Gods Worship in the Word and Sacraments , so the days wherein we see Gods Church flourish , so when the Sabbath is duly sanctified , it s a good day , so when a Christian after sin comes to repentance , so the days wherein a Christian walks with God , and hath recourse unto him .

And as thus days may be termed good , In what and to whom evil . so may they in other respects evil ; evil to the ungodly without exception , to whom even in their greatest prosperity their days be evil ; evil also to the godly , when they cannot enjoy the means of salvation in the life and power of it , when God seems to hide his face from them , when they have conflicts with spiritual wickednesses , when the wicked prevail over them ; such , I say , ( and are there not such now ? ) are evil days : yet withal , there 's great difference between the ill days of the wicked and the godly , for the godly are even in the worst times blessed , even then blessed when they are chastened ; Psal 94. 12. God also will deliver them in due time , Hos. 6. 3. yea , will make them glad according to the days they have been afflicted . Here note ,

1. That mens days be usually evil , Mens days be usually evil . and that both in regard of sin , and the effects thereof .

2. That our life is short , Mans life short set out here , not by years , but by days , which is elswhere compared to a post , grass , a vapor , a Weavers shuttle , &c. Thus is it to the godly in mercy , God will not have them to be long here in this wicked world ; Thus is it to the wicked in justice , as spending the time here allotted them to Gods dishonor . Good days are a blessing of God .

That good days are a blessing of God to be delighted in , and desired of Gods Servants , Deut 29. 9. God hath promised it , as an encouragement to obedience , Psal. 119. 165. they have also prayed for it , Psalm 118. 25. and 122. 7. and it s made a sign of Gods favor and presence with his servants . Gen. 39. 2 , 23. 2 Sam. 5. 10.

Obj. But the wicked often enjoy the same .

1. Sol. The wicked may live long , yet have not good days . Outward prosperity they have , not the inward assurance of Gods favor . 2. Though they abound in the outward blessing , yet wanting the right hold , and the right use of it , nay , abusing it to contrary ends , it will prove in the end through their own sin a curse to them ; Their table will be a snare to them , and their prosperity their ruine ; the more outward blessings they enjoy , the more have they to answer for .

Obj. Why is it often denyed even to Gods children , who go through many sorrows ?

Sol. Prosperity why denyed for the most part to Gods Children . Though prosperity be in it self a blessing , yet through the corruption of our nature , it often turns to our hurt ; for whereas hereby we should be made more mindeful of God , to love , praise , and serve him , See Deut. 32. 15. and walk more obediently and carefully , through our poysonful nature we are usually made forgetful of God , proud , secure , worldly , 2 Chron. 12. 1. and 26. 16. contentious , and not onely untoward to goodness , but apt to any ill : Isa. 1. and 5. The fattest ground is most slippery , fed Horses fling their riders , full bodies are subject to the Plurifie : Prov. 1. 32. Adversity hath slain some , but prosperity many thousands more : In great Houses , there 's swaggering , swearing , drinking , gaming , &c. whereas in mean places , there 's Reading , Praying , &c. nay , in adversity you shal have the same persons humble , which in prosperity forgot themselves , as David and Hezekiah : So that adversity is of singular profit , to drive us to a sight of our sins with Josephs Brethren , to keep us from sin , as an hedge of thorns keeps Cattel out from spoiling the Garden , to abate our pride , and mortifie our corruptions , to wean us from the world , to shew us that we are not to look for our portion here , but set our affections on Heaven , Isa. 5. 17. where our inheritance is indeed reserved for us . Hereupon the Scripture pronounceth them happy that be afflicted ; yet doth not this prove , that adversity in it self is better then prosperity : To us indeed it may be better through occasion of our corruption , as blood-letting , or the taking of loathsom Physick may be to diseased bodies .

1. Be we greatly thankful to God that hath given us to see so many good days in the enjoyment of peace , Use 1. plenty , See Deut. 8. 10. the Gospel , Iob 62. 9. particular favors , &c. Our sins have deserved all ill days , and assuredly such we shall see , if we be not thankful for good days .

2. Crave we of God to continue his goodness towards us , Use 2. as also grace to use it well , else it will be no blessing , will not abide with us ; we are at all times to walk warily , but more heed is to be taken in time of prosperity , then adversity , then are we to suspect our selves , lest abusing the same , we prove unthankful .

Q Whether may we pray for riches , Whether we may pray for prosperity . and great prosperity , or not ?

A. We have no such Warrant in Gods Word , neither commandment , promise , Gen. 28. 20. nor example ; of moderation we have , as in Jacob and Agur : Prov. 30. 8. And for great wealth without admirable grace , it s exceeding dangerous : Mark 10. 23. It s hard for a rich man to enter into Heaven , not many such are called ; to be thus is no mark of a childe of God : If God send it , we are not to refuse it , but to be thankful , and crave great grace to govern it , and our hearts therewithal , but we have more cause to fear it , then desire it ; but for competent prosperity we may pray , yet conditionally , because being an outward thing , we know not but it may prove hurtful , we are to leave it to God that knoweth what s best for us ; therewith we must also crave the right use thereof , and to be bettered thereby .

3. When God shall be pleased to lay his hand upon us any maner of way , Use 3. let us bear the same with patience , God sees the same to be needful for us , as lanching for a sore , blood-letting or purging to a full body ; If God take away our prosperity , be content , it s but one of Gods common blessings , and that which the wicked have as well as the good , yea , rarely doth any man enjoy very great prosperity in this world , and happiness in the world to come ; yea , be we thankful to God , that ( seeing need doth so require ) he will rather chasten us , then suffer us to perish in our sins ; we are thankful to our bodily Physitian , how much more should we express our thankfulness unto the Physitian of our souls ? Neither must we grudge at the prosperity of the wicked , though we be in trouble ; for its better to be here held in awe , thereby that we may rest with God for ever , then prosper a while here to our mindes , and perish hereafter . A thief on the ladder with the halter about his neck hath elbow room , and sits aloft at his ease , whereas the people below stand crowded and sweating , but which of the two is in the best condition , who knoweth not ? Thus is it in this particular .

Q. May we then pray for afflictions ?

A. No : Whether we may pray for afflictions . we have no commandment nor example for it ; we may and ought to pray when a cross is on us that it may be sanctified , but to desire that a cross may befal us , we must not , as being in it self evil : God turns our sins to our good oftentimes , yet may not we pray to sin ; If God send adversity , we may know that its needful , which yet through care we might have prevented , as through profiting by one , we may prevent another trouble . Besides , adversity hath no power in it self to do us good , neither are we very fit to bear the same .

Let him refrain his tongue from evil , &c. ] Now of the duties to be performed , for the compassing of the forementioned blessings , they are eschewing evil , and doing the contrary good , both in tongue and hand : By evil we may understand , blasphemy , mocking , lying , cursing , swearing , &c. and thus even Gods children out of humane frailty , and through the remainder of sin in them , are subject at some times to sin : Moses spake unadvisedly , Job cursed the day of his birth , Peter swore and cursed , &c. but it s not their practice , it s not their minde so to do , they are heartily ashamed thereof ; Therefore must not their example be urged for the justification of the wicked , whose continual practice is to use their tongue to evil . The point from hence observable is this , That

Whosoever would have a good conscience , Whosoever would be happy here and hereafter , must refrain from evil speaking . enjoy Gods blessing , and partake of good days here , and eternal life hereafter , he must refrain his tongue from evil , we must labor to have a good tongue ; The Law of God bindes the tongue , as well as the hands , neither can a bad man or ungovern'd tongue enter into Heaven ; If any man seem Religious , Iames 1. 26. and bridleth not his tongue , Rev. 21. 8. his Religion is vain . Again , no unsanctified person can enter into Heaven ( the inheritance there is for the sanctified ones ) but whoso is not sanctified in tongue , is not sanctified in heart .

1. This condemneth the most horrible abuse of the tongue , Use 1. by the most of the world that make no conscience what they say : Psal. 12. 4. Their tongues are their own , who should control them ? Multitudes abuse their tongues to Blasphemy , quarrelling with Scripture , jesting out of the Scriptures , Swearing , Forswearing , Cursing and Banning , idle , vain and wicked talking on the Lords day ; so in railing , reviling , brawling , miscalling , in ribaldry , filthy talk , singing bawdy songs ; so in backbiting , Matth. 12. 34. slandering , See Prov. 10. 20. and 23. 33. talebearing , guibing , mocking , &c. Such declare unto all , that they have rotten and unsavory hearts ( for out of the abundance of the heart , the mouth speaketh ) their Religion also is vain , they want a good conscience ; Iam. 3. 6. Their tongue is set on fire of hell : By their words they shall be condemned , Mat. 12. 36 , 37 for even of every idle word that they speak they must give an account , See Iude 14 , 15 and therefore much more of their blasphemous oathes , &c. yea , even in this world they may look for some fearful judgement , See of these examples in the Book of Martyrs . as befel Denis Benefield for blaspheming , the Gentleman of Cornwal for swearing , the Sheriffs man for slandering James Abbs , one Leaver for railing on Mr. Latimer , &c. They that have any spark of grace , let them lay to heart all their rotten vile communication which God hath registred , say not , Words are but wind ; true , in some sence they are wind to blow up the fire of Gods judgements against us ; otherwise , think not they vanish , but know they are all upon record , and repent , that they be not laid to your charge , else as the tongue is set on fire of Hell , so will the whole body go thither , as sure as God is in Heaven . If any have been such evil tongued persons , as , Swearers , Mockers , Blasphemers , &c. but now from their hearts truly repent thereof , and do wholly abstain from such speaking , it s a good sign that all that is past is forgiven : O repent of all thy vile words , and for the time to come , use thy tongue as a Trumpet to sound out Gods praise .

2. As we desire to enjoy Gods blessing and good days , Use 2. with a good conscience , Means whereby to bridle the tongue . let us have great care of our tongues and words : To this end 1. We must get a good heart , for what the tongue speaks , the heart indites . Psal. 141. 3. 2. We must pray unto God with David , To set a watch before our mouthes , Psal 39. 1. and to keep the door of our lips . 3. We must take heed thereunto , Reasons inducing thereto and watch over the same , for speech is a goodly blessing : The want of it in any declares it , no creature hath it but man , therefore ought it not to be abused , to the dishonor of God , the hurt of our neighbors , or damning of our selves ; God made our tongues good at first , and fit to praise his name , therefore must we labor that they may be brought to their first plight : By our words also we shall be justified or condemned ; yea , if we look well to our tongues , it s a sign we have good hearts , and that our Religion is not vain , but powerful . Again , our tongue , though a little member , yet can do a great deal of good if well lookt to , as , To praise God , Instruct men , Pray , Counsel , Advise , Admonish , &c. therefore it should be well employed , as the Rudder for the Ship , and the bit for the Horse ; contrarily , if not well lookt to , Iames 3. 3 , 4. it can do a great deal of hurt , as fire or poyson : Oh , it can dishonor God , hurt , poyson , vex men , damn our own souls , and was our speech given us to such ends ?

O let none make a small matter of words , for God doth not so account of them , neither let any say , There 's no need of such perswasion to look to the tongue , it s but a little member , therefore easily ruled : Iames 3. 7. No , it s an unruly evil ; Lyons and Bears have been tamed , but never man ruled the tongue , God onely can rule it by his Spirit : It will do prodigious and monstrous things , bless and curse God and men ; it daily affords such contraries : He is a wise and happy man that can hold it in any compass , look to it narrowly , carry we a straight reign over it , as over an unruly Horse : If at any time hasty , vain and unsavory speeches have passed from us , le ts make conscience , and repent hereof ; neither rest we herein to keep our tongues from evil , but let our tongues be ready instruments to praise God upon all occasions , as also to instruct our families , to give good counsel , to speak plainly , lovingly , and faithfully , to utter gracious words , tending to Gods glory , and the edifying of our selves and others : So shall we make it appear , Mat. 12. 35. that our hearts are good , For a good man , out of the good treasure of his heart , See Psal. 37. 30 , 31. bringeth forth good things ; So shall we not onely escape many evils from God and men , that an ill tongue would procure , but we shall see good days , have peace to our selves , glorifie God here , and be glorified with him for ever in his heavenly Kingdom : This God enables us to do , that thus doing we may enjoy the blessing .

And his lips that they speak no guile , ] Here that evil of the tongue is prohibited , which is more close and covert , when the words agree not with the heart nor deeds .

It s not enough to keep the tongue from notorious and open evils , We must abstain from such evils of the tongue as be close and covert . but even from guileful , from false deceitful speech : Such as are addicted hereunto , can have no good conscience , but a guilty heart , and they cannot prosper , for God setteth himself against such , neither can such ( so continuing ) come into Heaven .

Of this guile there be many kindes , all naught , yet some worse then others :

1. In Religion towards God : Guile to be avoided in religion toward God . When men pretend great zeal and forwardness , talk well in good company , and to be well thought of speak against ill , professing that its the onely thing to be in the favor of God , and that we ought in all things to be ruled by Gods Word , whose hearts notwithstanding are false , and who dare do many things contrary , when they can carry them away close : This is an argument of a false heart , which God hateth , for he loves a true Nathanael , and his eyes are upon the truth , Psal. 51 6. and 32. 2. and he loveth truth in the inward parts ; a certain argument that their sins are not forgiven them : All their fair words will not serve their turns , they do meerly blinde their eyes , their saying Lord , Mat. 7. 21. Lord , will not save them ; their fair goodly words will be but a Rod for themselves : Deut 5 28 , 29. O evil servant , out of thine own mouth I will condemn thee : They say well , but O that there were an heart in them so to do ! Psal. 78. 36 , 37 They do indeed but flatter with their mouth , and lye with their tongues , for their heart is not right .

2. In their carriage towards men ; In carriage towards men . as 1. When through fear , favor or advantage they sooth up and flatter their Neighbors and Superiors , making their faults small or none at all , nay haply terming them Vertues , Acts 12. 22. and extolling them beyond measure ; thus did the people to Herod : Prov. 27. 14. But he that blesseth his friend with a loud voyce , rising early in the morning , it shall be counted a curse to him . These speaking against their knowledge , as they wrong themselves , so do they much hurt to the parties flattered , keeping them from reproof , and puffing them up , by shewing them a false glass wherein to view themselves ; therefore one being asked which were the worst Beasts , answered , Of wilde Beasts , the Tyrant , of tame , the Flatterer ; and that such were worse then Crows ( which feed not on the living Beast , but dead Carrion ) preying on them which were alive : If such may be gainers , they will set their tongues to sale , the Devil may use them to what speech he will . To speak truly and plainly ( men are so proud and impatient ) often breeds hatred ; Veritas odium parit . if we dare not thus speak , yet rather then flatter , le ts be silent and say nothing . 2. When men speak others exceeding fair , and make great promises of kindeness , but its onely for some advantage , or meerly in shew ; for being put to it , they forget their fair proffers : thus do many wicked Usurers smooth men . 3. When men speak very fair , and courteously salute others , and yet mean not well , nay ill in heart ; salute them kindely , and as soon as their back is turn'd , flout at them , rail on them , slander them , yea do them any mischief , of which the Psalmist complains , Psal. 28. 3. The poyson of Asps in under their lips . 4. When men speak fair , but intend mischief , as the Devil when he spake to Eve , Mat. 22. 16. Joab when he spake to Abner , the Pharisees when they spake to Christ ; Psal. 55. 21. of such both David and Jeremiah complained . 5. When men speak falshood , Ier. 9. 8. and lyes in stead of truth , and thereby deceive their Neighbors . See Down● . on Psal. 15. But hereof I have spoken elswhere at large .

Obj. I have a great charge , therefore I must do thus and thus .

Sol. Two objections answered . A mans house cannot be established by iniquity .

Obj. Plain dealing is good , but it brings beggary .

Sol. Psal. 34. 13. A speech of a prophane and unbelieving heart .

As therefore we love life , Use. and would see good days , let us refrain our tongues from evil , and our lips that they speak no guile .

Let him eschew evil , &c. ] The things to be performed of them that would enjoy the forementioned benefits :

Evil is of sin or punishment , Amos 3. 6. of this last God is the Author ; called Evil , Isa. 45. 7. partly because it came in with sin , as a punishment thereof , and partly because ( being tedious , howsoever God turneth it to the good of his ) it seemeth so to us : This we are ready enough to eschew , without bidding ( though we be not wise enough to avoid the cause thereof ) yea eschew it by unlawful means , What sort of evil is here meant . being rather willing that sin should rest on us , then a cross : But the former is here meant , whereof not God , Iam. 1. 17. but the Devil and Man is the Author ; for he is that Fountain from whence cometh all good , 1 Iohn 3. 4. and out of one Fountain cannot come good and evil .

What is this evil of sin ? What the evil of sin is , and that we must avoid it . It s the transgression of the Law of God , For his Law is a perfect Rule of Righteousness : Whatsoever he requireth , is good , whatsoever he forbids , as contrary to his Law , is thereupon wicked and evil ; so that whatsoever is contrary to Gods Commandment , either by way of Omission or Commission , is evil and sin : This we must eschew , as the Bullet shot out of a gun , or to be stricken with a sharp Sword , we must abhor it , as a Toad or Poyson ; we must hate it as the Devil , and Hell fire , we must hate and abhor it with a deadly , an utter hatred , and accordingly avoid it most carefully .

Reasons . Reasons . 1. God is thereby dishonored ; Rebellion is as the sin of Witchcraft : When his Commandments are obeyed , then is he glorified ; 1 Sam. 15. 23. and who should not glorifie him , our Maker , Redeemer , Preserver , Psal. 106. 29. Landlord , Lives-lord , Lord and King ? 2. Gods wrath is provoked , Ier. 7. 19. and that must needs be dangerous : Who would stir up a fierce Lyon ? Who can stand before the Lord when he is angry ? 3. God hates it , Psal. 5. 4. and such as commit the same . 4. It brought misery into the world , Deut. 28. 15. with shame and confusion upon us all , Lev. 26. 14. and hath always been the cause of all evils : For this the Angels were cast out of Heaven , Adam out of Paradice , the old world drowned , and Sodom burnt , &c. yea , it wounds the Conscience , which God hath set in us as a Monitor , Notary , Accuser , Judge and Tormentor . 5. It bringeth eternal destruction both of body and soul : Rom. 6. 23. O who would not hate that Mother which brings forth no better children ? Besides , we shun lesser things , therefore should shun this much more ; we shun crosses exceedingly , which yet are so far from hindring our Salvation , as that they further the same , but sin is the destruction of our souls .

That sins is worse then all crosses , The evil of sin worse then the evil of punishment . appears by the Devils practice , who is that subtile one ; he had rather draw Job to commit sin against God by impatiency , then have power to take away all his goods : he did this , to bring him to that ; and its true , if a man should break an Arm or Leg , or lose all he hath , it were not so bad , or so much to be shunned , as is sin . Psal. 97. 10. To eschew this , is the note of a man that loves God , of a man that fears him ; Iob 1. 1. for eschewing this are Gods Servants commended in Scripture , as on the contrary , the wicked branded for committing the same .

We are to Eschew all evil , All sins are to be eschewed , even the least ; we must not give way unto any one , Mat. 12. 36. no not the least idle thought or word , even one is able to destroy us , yea , and he that breaks one is guilty of all : Yea , and

All persons are to eschew the same , Of all persons . not the greatest excepted ; Gods Law bindes them , be they Princes , Magistrates , Ministers , Householders , &c. They should eschew it most , for by their example they do most hurt ; and as no mans greatness will bear him out , so will not any mans meanness excuse him in doing of evil . And as all persons are to eschew it , so must they shun it .

At all times : At all times . Amonst all the times which the Preacher setteth down , Eccles. 3. 2 , &c. there 's none for sin ; we must serve God in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life : Luke 1. 75. Some things be in season at one time , some at another , but sin is never in season . Many make the Lords days the times of disorder ; and they that will be orderly all the year , yet at Christide they take liberty to ryot , gaming , drinking , &c. as if those times were not to be as well , if not better employed then others . We must also eschew it .

In all places : In all places . God is the God of all places , neither can any place change the nature of sin ; thou must eschew sin as well abroad as at home , in thy House , Chamber , Shop , as well as at Church .

All kindes of sin are also to be avoided , With all the kindes thereof . Error in judgement , and wickedness in Conversation , evil against God , our Neighbors , or our selves .

We must also shun and avoid evil , Vnder what colour soever it comes . under what colour or pretence soever it comes ( as Usury is pretended to be lawful on the behalf of Orphans , to kill ones self to preserve Chastity , to separate from the Church , Dan. 3. 16. and 6. 10. lest they partake with the wicked , &c. ) whosoever doth command it ( as appears by the examples of the three Children , Daniel , Acts 4. 19. and 5. 29. Peter and John ) whose example soever we have for it ( for we are not to follow even a multitude ( though of great learned men ) in evil ) though it be never so gainful ( What got Achan , Exod. 23. 2. Gehazi , Judas by their booties ? Our Savior would not listen to the Devils proffer , that of fered him All the Kingdoms of the world ; Mat. 4. 8. and we should be losers , Mat. 16. 26. if we did gain the whole world with the loss of our souls ) never so pleasannt ( for though it be sweet in the mouth , it will be gall afterward , bite like a Serpent , and sting like a Cockatrice ; for a vain short pleasure to sell our souls to everlasting pain , were folly indeed : ) yea , though we could bring to pass some good thereby , ( we must not do evil that good may come thereof ; better that good be left undone , then that it should be purchased with Gods dishonor , as to steal , or take usury , that we may do good to the poor , &c. ) nay , we must so hate and eschew evil , With the appearance thereof , and Occasions leading thereunto . as we may eschew the very appearance thereof ( as to go to a place that is of ill report , though having no ill purpose , &c. ) and must avoid the occasions leading thereunto ( as going in the twylight by the Harlots house , anger , multitude of businesses , the company of angry persons , multiplying of words , &c. ) yea , if even things good and lawful in themselves be an occasion of evil , and cause us to offend , we must forbear them ( as some in using their recreations , break out into impatience , and anger , and others cannot leave the same in any time , better for such to pluck out this their eye , cut off this their right hand ) and to eschew this , we must eschew the persons and places , where in likelyhood we are to be drawn thereunto ( as the company of bad persons , and private familiarity with wicked doers ) and that not for any sinister respect , but because its evil ( though haply we may be hated for our labor ) eschewing especially those sins that be most incident to our nature , complexion , and calling , and whereunto we have been most accustomed .

1. This condemns them that be so far from hating and eschewing evil ( though it be as poyson , Use 1. as the Plague ) that they love it with their hearts , live in the continual practice thereof , drink it down like water , running thereunto , as the horse rusheth into the Battel : This is the state of most , they are workers of iniquity , the whole world lieth in wickedness , they love not the means nor persons whereby they may be pulled out of their sins , but eschew them and goodness , as much as they can ; What Rebels be these against God their Maker , Preserver , Deut. 32. 6. and Soveraign ? Being made to honor him , will they do nothing but dishonor him , and so requite all his blessings ? will nothing serve those to play with , but swords , and fire-brands , and mortal things ? nothing please them , but to cross God ? and nothing like them but their own poyson ? Have they sped so well formerly that have done thus ? Do they provoke the Lord , and not themselves to the confusion of their faces ? If they have vowed , they will have their pleasures and lusts , whatsoever comes of it , then it must be so , what remedy ? These have no love of God , neither is there any fear of God in them : They are prophane and godless persons , which may look for wages answerable to their work , shame and the wrath of God in this world , and eternal destruction in the world to come ; For life is in the way of righteousness , but death is in the way of sin , and the paths thereof tend to Hell : O that these persons would hear the counsel of Daniel to Nebuchadnezzar , Dan. 4. 27. even that they would break off their sins by repentance ! O turn ye ! why will ye dye ? acknowledge I beseech you all your rebellions and treacheries against God , and that you have deserved hereby to be cut off , entreating yet for pardon and mercy through Jesus Christ : Turn to God with your whole hearts , and learn to know that sin is odious , bringing dishonor to God , and destruction upon your selves : O shun all evil , little and great , shun it at all times , in all places , how gainful or pleasing so ever , and whosoever commands it , or whomsoever you see practice it , together with all the appurtenances and occasions of the same .

Means to evil may be these , Means whereby to eschew evil . 1. Labor to understand the ten Commandments , and so what is good and what is evil . 2. Labor for faith , which purifieth the heart from evil , even the assurance of Gods love to us , which may work in us love to his Majesty , and so an hatred of all evil . 3. A sanctified heart , the inseperable companion of true faith . 4. Attend on Gods ordinances publikely , the Word and Sacraments , and in private use meditation , conference , prayer , &c. 5. Watch and pray , Iob 31. 1. that we enter not , neither be led , into temptation . 6. Make we a Covenant against evil , Psal. 39. 1. as Job and David . 7. Call to minde the fearful wrath of God , and the wages of sin , and the examples thereof on many , both in Scripture and our own experience , as also the hour of death ( when it will trouble us and lie heavy on our conscience ) and the day of Judgement , when and where we would be loath to meet with it .

2. This also rebukes them that eschew some evil , Use 2. but not all , nor at all times , or in all places : Being commanded , what will they not do ? What not , for profit , pleasure , preferment ? The sins of their complexion and trade they will in no wise leave ; they run upon things , because lawful , though they cannot use them lawfully ; If they can sin secretly , they make no conscience thereof .

3. This may serve for instruction , Use 3. with rebuke to most Christians , and to us that be most ancient professors , that though we have a general purpose against evil , yet we neither hate it so deeply , nor shun it so carefully as we ought , nor are so much humbled when we have been overtaken , and have fallen thereinto , as we ought ; we complain of our crosses , Simil. but grieve not so much that we have fallen into sin . If one should threaten to run at us with a naked sword , or shoot at us , whensoever he could finde an opportunity , we would be wary and watchful upon our going abroad , having an eye in every corner , &c. O do we thus against sin , which watcheth but an opportunity to do us mischief : If we would thus do , we should not be so often overtaken as we are , we should see better days , scape numbers of crosses , have more peace to our consciences , more joy in our death , and a freer passage to Heaven . But alas , we judge even that which is a great evil , to be but a little one ; it pleaseth us , if we have any colour for the same , as that we have but once committed it , that others do so and so , &c. Thus do we prophane the Lords-day , despise his Ministers , and run upon all sorts of evils .

4. This affords consolation to all such as do indeed eschew evil , Use 4. and that out of an unfained hatred thereof , rejoycing in nothing more then when they prevail against it , grieving at nothing more then when they are overcome thereby ; such do indeed love God , such fear him in truth , and so are beloved of God , and shall be everlastingly blessed ; these shall live happily here , in joy and bliss hereafter : O go on in this Christian course , though the world hate you , because ye do not as they do , though they call you precise fools , because ye dare not swallow such goblets as they do , yea , though hereupon ye pull danger upon your selves , yet must ye eschew evil , and so let us ; It s no matter though we have the worlds frown , as long as we have Gods favor ; and what if we shall miss many a sweet morsel of profit , pleasure , and promotion , if we be free from the gripes and vexations of conscience , and the wrath of Almighty God ? they that now have their sweet meat , would one day vomit up their morsels , if they could , as Judas did ; who though he rid himself of the money , yet could not be rid of his wound of Conscience , nor of the Judgement of God upon him ; were they ever the worse , or had they any cause to grieve , that they had not a share with him in the thirty pieces ?

And do good , ] Whoso avoids not evil , cannot do good . This necessarily followeth on the other : No man can have his heart truly nor aright set to do good , whose heart is not first purged of the love of all evil , for they cannot stand in one heart and at once ; and that man that lives and bears himself in the practice one sin , never did good aright in his life , neither ever pleased he God ; Who can serve God in one thing , that serves the Devil in another ?

This may serve to rouse up some , Use. that fain would do well , and many good things they do , but some one old accustomed sin , which they know is a sin , they cannot leave : Well , there 's no hating sin , it will not do well ; the end will not be good , it s but to be almost Christians : Acts 26. 28. Some will say , Such a Preacher hath prevailed much with me , and done me much good , but as long as one known sin is lived in , all is nothing worth to Salvation . It s true , a childe of God through strong temptations , may be overcome of the same evil which he hates , but he both covenants against it , is careful that he may not fall into it , having fallen , he is much grieved : He that is not grieved , but doth again upon the next occasion fall to it , is indeed in a grievous condition . Thus from the order .

To do good is sometimes taken in a strict sence , for the performance of the works of mercy , Acts 10. 38. whether for body or soul , Heb. 13. 16. or both : Here more largely for that good we are to do to our neighbor , Isa. 1. 17. enemies that do us hurt , Rom. 2. 10. or yet more largely , for whatsoever God hath commanded in his Word , Whose will is a perfect rule of Righteousness , and makes that good which he requireth .

Whosoever would see good days here and hereafter , Doctr. must set himself in body and soul to the obedience of Gods will in doing good : Christians must be doers of good . No other shall be saved ; good is the way leading to this end : To come to this end , Iohn 5. 29. we must walk in this way .

Reasons : Reasons . 1. It s good and amiable of it self , as the Lord is . 2. God commands it who is our Soveraign Lord and King : Thou shalt do thus and thus ( saith he often throughout the Scriptures ) for I am the Lord thy God . 3. All promises in Scripture of good things , here or hereafter , are made to well-doing ; as in Levit. 26. and Deut. 28. may appear . 4. This brings us peace of conscience in this world : How did David rejoyce when they offered willingly to the Temple ? Isa. 38. 3. Hezekiah , when such care was used in keeping the Passover ? and the Eunuch , when he was baptized ? Mat. 7. 21. 5. This brings us to eternal happiness in the world to come . Iohn 5. 29. 6. It s the glory of a man when he is dead : The godly Kings are yet commended , Rom. 2. 10. That they did that which was good in the sight of the Lord ; this was their Crown , and that which is to be desired of a man , is his goodness .

For the extent of this , we must do all good that we can , and our places require , Psal. 119. 6. having respect unto all Gods Commandments : Thus did Josiah , Luke 1. 6. He did according to all the Law of Moses ; 2 King . 23. 25. He that commanded one , We must do all the good we can . commanded another : Whoso doth willingly pass by any one duty , declares himself an hypocrite , And who so lives in any one sin , is guilty of the breach of the whole Law .

We must do good at all times : At all times . Aguish fits of goodness , as before the Communion , or in afflictions , &c. God cares not for ; he will have us to be ever doing some good , and ever fitting our selves to do more .

We must do good in all places ; In all places . not in the Church onely , but at home in our Houses and Shops , yea , when we are furthest from home .

So in all companies we must do good , In all companies . or take good ; if we cannot do what we would , we must do what we can ; it s some good to keep away evil .

We must do good to all persons , To all persons all duties towards God , publikely , privately , on his Sabbaths , on other days , so towards our Families , Neighbors , Friends , Superiors , Inferiors , Equals : We must do good as occasion offers it self , 1 Thess. 5. 15. yea , towards our enemies that do us hurt , as to our selves also , In our general calling . and that in respect of body , soul , goods , good name : We must do good in our general callings as Christians , In our particular calling . Though it be hard and difficult . by our holy conversation agreeable to our profession , and by our Counsels , Exhortati●ns , Admonitions , Reproofs , Prayers : We must do good also in our particular callings , as , Magistrates , Ministers , Husbands , Wives , Parents , Masters , &c. This is so necessary , as that he which doth not good in his special calling , is no good man : We must do good also , though it be hard and difficult so to do ; naturally we are prone unto evil , and it comes off hand easily , but to do good is harsh ; Gods Commandments are as a yoke to the flesh , though easie to the Spirit , a burthen to the flesh , but light and comfortable to the Spirit : To pray , read , instruct our families , is painful ; so to study , preach , hunt out disorder , set up goodness , see the poor set on work , and the like ; but as we would partake of the reward , which is indeed great here and hereafter , we must not shrink at this labor : If one way will not serve the turn , whereby to bring to pass our Religious purposes , we must set upon another , Luke 5. 18. as they that carryed the man of the Palsie , not being able for the preass to enter in at the door , uncovered the roof of the house , and through it let him down : We must do good , though we have no thank for our labor ( as Moses and Aaron on the peoples behalf whom they conducted out of Egypt , though they were unthankfully dealt with ) yea , though we have ill will and hard measure , as they that seek to punish sin shall have of evil doers ; Dan. 6. 10. nay , though the greatest be against it , as Daniel prayed to God , though the King forbade it , and danger was to follow upon it : Thus the Prophets spake the truth , though with danger of their lives , Elijah , Micaiah , John the Baptist , &c. Thus the Martyrs confessed the faith boldly , though with loss of their lives : Iosh. 24. 15. We must do good also , though we have few encouragements , and small company ( such was Joshua's resolution ) nay , though we be as it were alone , as Noah in that generation , Lot in Sodom , Elias , &c. we must preach still , though we see but little fruit of our labor : We must do good , Eccles. 9. 10. while we may , Gal. 6. 10. while life and means last , yea , and constantly ; Rom. 2. 7. and to that end ( many take up Prayers in their Family , but quickly leave them off ) neither must we onely do good , And in a good maner . but we must do it well ( for even the best things in the world may be marred in the doing , Isa. 1. 11. and 58. 2. as Alms and Prayer by hypocrisie and opinion of merit ) and therefore we must be regenerate persons , and by Faith be reconciled to God in Christ : We must also do the same in a particular Faith , Iosh. 24. 14. and in uprightness of heart , 1 Chron. 28. 9 declaring the same by the reformation of our lives ; and this must be in obedience to God , ayming at his glory , 1 Pet. 5. 2. and not seeking our selves , 2 Cor. 8. 12. either in our profit , pleasure or credit , &c. all which must be done willingly .

1. This sheweth the wretchedness of our corrupt nature , Use 1. that good being in it self so lovely , and there being so many great Reasons to perswade us thereto , yet our nature is most averse therefrom .

2. This condemneth those which are so far from this , Use 2. that they be enemies to goodness : The more Spiritual and holy any duty is , the less they can away therewith ; as Prayer , Meditation , Conference with the godly , &c. nay , they hate goodness in others , whether Magistrates , Ministers , or private Christians ; yea , are so wholly opposite to good , as they are wholly given over to evil .

3. This condemneth those , Use 3. who though they be restrained , and break not out into evil , yet have no heart nor love to that which is good : They be no swearers , nor disordered persons in their Families , yet they do not pray , instruct , and do good in their Families ; they neither prophane the Sabbath , nor yet keep it holy ; they keep not bad company , yet love not the company of the Saints ; they spend not on wicked purposes , and yet do no good with that they have ; they be no enemies to Religion , but they be not zealous friends ; they be no maintainers of disorders in Towns , yet do not zealously set themselves against such .

This is not sufficient to make a good man , nor to see good days ; for , Every tree that bears not good fruit , Mat. 7. 17. shall be hewn down ; and , Mark 11. 21. the barren Figtree was cursed ; Luke 19. 22. and , the Servant that did no good with his Talent ( in the mean time he had done no hurt therewith ) was cast out ; It will not go for payment , nor bear out any , that they have done no hurt , but what good have they done ? even we our selves will scarce keep a Cat or Dog , meerly for this , that they do no hurt , except they do some good ; neither will we think well of those Servants , who being negligent in our absence , shall say , We have done you no hurt , have not robbed you of your goods , railed at you , wronged your children , &c. for that which they should also have been diligent in their work ; It will be demanded of us , whether Magistrates , Ministers , Housholders , or others , what good we have done .

4. This condemneth all those that fail in the doing of good , Use 4. or in the maner thereof , and so lose their labor , and have no comfort of themselves ; as they that will do some good duties , not others ; as Read , not Pray ; come to the Word , not to the Sacraments ; come to both , but omit Family duties : They that do not good duties at all times , but take liberty to shake them off and banish them ( so did not David ) nor in any places ( haply devout at Church , Psal. 119. 20. careless elswhere ) nor in all companies ( doing good onely as Saul among the Prophets ) nor to all persons ( some will seem to give God his due , in the mean time dealing unjustly with men , as some ( with civil persons ) are careful in this , careless in that : Others also will do well to strangers , but not to their Families ; as others to their friends , but cannot away with their enemies ; and others though submiss to their Superiors , yet are harsh to their Inferiors ; ) so they that will then onely do good , when they finde it easie to be done , who yet in the mean time take great pains to do wickedly ; so they that will not do any good , except when they may be commended for it , and have good will for their pains ; so they that still say they will , and they will do good , but defer the same so long , that death takes hold on them ; so they that think to do good in their end , who should do it in their life , the present time is indeed the time wherein to do good ; so they that do good for a while , but after break off ; See Isa. 1. 11. so they that do good things , but in a corrupt maner , without Faith , and seeking themselves therein , or meerly in hypocrisie : All these ( mark me well ) that make their practice of doing good in this fashion , it s as good never awhit , as never the better . I deny not , but a good man may herein at some times fail through weakness , or by reason of some temptation ; but whosoever usually thus doth , doth bewray himself to be but an hypocrite , and as he thus worketh , so accordingly shall he have his reward with hypocrites .

5. This serves for consolation to all those whose hearts are unfainedly affected to good , Use 5. and which are ready to every good God requires of them in their general or special callings , at all times , in all places , towards all , even in things most difficult and dangerous , desiring unfainedly to do them in a right maner ; 3 Iohn . ver. 11. they do what s good in the sight of the Lord , hereupon they shall have comfort for the present , and hereafter life everlasting : Such are indeed of God .

6. This is also for instruction to us all , Use 6. that we give our selves with greater diligence to that that is good , and to do much good in our general and special callings , taking pains thus to do both publikely and privately ; such as joyn not with us herein , shall want their part in our comfort : This shall be our Crown , and will accompany us to life eternal ; the more good we do , the more joy shall we have in our lives , the more comfort in death , and the greater glory in the world to come .

Let him seek peace and ensue it . ] Another duty to be done of all those that would live long , and see good days , They must seek peace and ensue it . Christians must seek after peace . Men that seek not peace , shall not finde it ; and without peace , what comfort can any have of their life ? Neither can any enjoy eternal life , that seek not after peace ; for God is that God of peace , and all that are his must love peace , and therefore hath God given us his Gospel of peace , as to reconcile us to himself in Jesus Christ , so also to teach us to live in peace one with another : We must therefore not onely keep it when we have it , See Acts 4. 32. and accept it , being offered , but wanting it , 1 Cor. 1. 10. seek after the same , 2 Cor 13. 11. seek after it , as covetous men do after Money , Gal. 5. 22. the hungry after meat , Hunters after their prey ; if it run or fly from us , Eph. 4. 3. we must run and fly after it : 1 Thess. 5. 13. This is again and again both commanded and commended , Iames 3. 17. is a fruit of the Spirit , and of the wisdom that comes from above .

Now we must seek after peace , How we must seek peace . 1. By living innocently and harmlesly with our Neighbors ( such as harm them either in word or deed , are enemies to peace . ) 2. By living helpfully , and doing good in our places , as Magistrates , Ministers , &c. 3. By passing by such small wrongs as are done unto us , not so much as taking notice thereof , and for others of more moment , to compound them of our selves , or refer them to indifferent neighbors , which notwithstanding ( if they must needs be determined by Law ) must not break off peace , or occasion the omission of any neighborly duty . 4. By parting with some of our right to have peace : Herein we must not stand upon terms , though haply it were fit our adversary should come to us , as being Yonger , Inferior in place , or who first gave the cause of offence , yet rather then contention should continue , we must pass by all those , and go to him ; Gen. 13. 8. even Abraham yielded to Lot : And this we must do , nor with some persons onely , but even with all ; not with the rich onely , but the poor also , as being our fellow servants , members of Christ , as we are , and such of whom we may stand in need both in prosperity and adversity ; neither with the meaner sort onely , and not with the rich and wealthy ( as if it were of a brave minde to stand out with them , and not to regard them ) but with the one as well as the other ; yea , nor with the good onely ( though with them chiefly ) but with the bad also ( even Abraham maintained peace with Abimelech ) yet so , Gen. 21. 32. as that we may keep our peace with God , not consenting with them in their evil , nor doing evil , or neglecting our duty for their good will . A just War is better then an unjust Peace : 2 Chron. 18. 1. and 19. 1. A Nation may have with Infidels a League of Peace , though not of Amity ; so we must have peace , See Rom. 12. but not with ill conditions , to yield to unlawful things : Wo be to that peace that makes partition with God , Heb. 12. 14. and breaks the peace of our own Conscience ; Mat. 10. 34. our Savior Christ came not to bring such peace , but the Sword . It will be better by being faithful , to have favor with God , and peace in our selves , though we reap the ill will of our Neighbors , then that God should curse us for our unfaithfulness , and the wicked ▪ also in Hell for following their ways . Thus must Husbands and Wives , Ministers and People , &c. keep peace one with another , otherwise we must be contented rather to be counted troublesom , Ier. 15. 10. and breakers of peace .

This we must seek after , Reasons . 1. Because it s so pleasing to God , he is the God of Peace , and by the Spirit often so called in the Scriptures ; he gave his Son to make our peace with him , and loves that we should live in peace one with another , and therefore gives us the Gospel of peace , and Spirit of peace ; yea , he so likes it , that he pronounceth them blessed that helps it forward : Mat. 5. 9. On the contrary , the Devil delights in contentions , and he onely gains thereby . 2. This shall be a sign that we are taught of God , and whereby our Prayers will become the more acceptable , 1 Tim 2. 8. Our hands must be lifted up without wrath , whosoever is addicted hereunto , can neither pray aright , nor duly partake of the Sacrament , neither rightly perform any other duty . 3. This is most comely , Psal. 133. 3. like the oyntment which was poured on Aarons head ( which was made of most fragrant sweet things ) and to the dew upon new mowed grass : O how sweet is it to them that do enjoy it ! how sweet to the lookers on ? what a comely thing is it , to see a Land agree in it self , so a Town , a Family ? It s as an instrument , whereof all the strings be in tune : Prov. 17. 1. Better is a dry morsel with this , then an house full of Sacrifices with strife : and 15. 17. Better is a dinner of herbs , where love is , then a stalled Ox and hatred therewith : Prov. 21. 9. Better to be in the corner of the house top , then with a contentious woman in a wide house . 4. Great is the profit hereof , as the rain makes the mown grass shoot out and grow , See Ier. Lam. so is peace exceeding fruitful : O how doth a Land encrease by peace , and how do Wars , Concordia parvae res crescunt , discordia magna dilabuntur . whether civil or forraign , waste and consume the same ! little things by concord wax great , great things through discord come to nothing ; when there 's peace in a Town between the Pastor and People , what good may be done ? what evil avoided ? where there is not , neither can evil be suppressed , nor good established . A Town knit together in peace , is like a faggot fast bound , that cannot be bent , but divided , like the several sticks of the faggot , which may easily be broken ; the like may be said of Husbands and Wives , Masters and Servants , Mat. 12. 25. Parents and Children , A Kingdom , City , or house divided against it self cannot stand . 5. If we live in peace we are fit to do good one to another , else we can do no good , but all evil .

1. This condemns all contentious and quarrellous Spirits , Use 1. that regard not peace , but their own wil , are never wel , but when they are contending , are so far from seeking peace , as they cannot keep it when they have it , Psal. 120. 7. nor accept it when it s offered ; and so far from following it , as they flye from it , as those of whom the Psalmist complained : Others regard it not as they ought , will fall out and break the peace even for trifles , offer the occasion of strife , and harm their Neighbors both by words and deeds , in goods and good name ; yea , if the least wrong be done them , they will hear of no reconciliation , but break off all love , 1 Cor. 3. 3. quarrel , go to Law , &c. Every place abounds with such : These bewray themselves not to be led by Gods Spirit , Iam. 3. 15. nor endued with the wisdom from above ; nay that they are carnal , and filled with devilish and fleshy wisdom ; these either never pray , or lose their labors , for as good not pray at all , as pray in wrath : These in stead of good days here , shall have vexation , neither shall they hereafter inherit the Kingdom of Heaven , Rom. 2. 8. but shall meet with indignation and wrath .

2. This rebuketh those that live at peace , Use 2. but it s after this maner ; they will have peace with some , but not with others ; whereas we ought to be at peace with all , not with the poor onely , but with the rich also , nor with the good onely , but with the bad also ; some there are that fail every of those ways , as a number that will be at peace with the bad , See Prov. 1. 10 , &c. not with the good , and have peace with the wicked in their wickedness ( which is indeed fearful ) yea , buy peace with hard and ill conditions , as consenting to evil , or neglecting good : Some that they may be counted peaceable men , will not stir against any disorder ; woful peace ! let men give of their own right for peace , but not of the Lords .

3. This serves to comfort them that love peace , Use 3. and desire it with all their hearts , and can be content to seek it in any honest and lawful way , and that for conscience , and that they may serve God the better , and for that God requires the same , in the mean time being careful to avoid wrangling , and jarring , &c. assuredly such are at peace with God , and howsoever the world deals with them , enjoy the peace of a good conscience .

4. Let this encourage us all to set more by peace then pearls , Use 4. to seek it diligently , and to be content rather to lose any reasonable thing , then this : This is pleasing to God , is also comely ; so shall our Prayers be accepted , so shall we be strong to all good , and against all evil , so shall we see good days here , and eternal peace with God hereafter . To this end we must avoid all the enemies of peace , The enemies of peace to be avoided . and labor for the contraries , as , 1. Pride , which breaks peace many ways , as when men have not more honor then is indeed their due , Pride . as Haman , or when any is honored besides themselves , as Saul , when David was commended in the dance ; Pride also makes men think so highly of themselves , and meanly of others , as they will be ready to offer injury , and yet think it small , and if the least wrong be done them , think it so heinous , as no recompence can be made for it : They must forsooth by no means be blamed in any thing , else they swell , break peace , and part company ; this we must avoid , and labor for humility , Covetousness . which is contrary hereunto . 2. Covetousness , the covertous man is angry if he have not every good bargain , or if the least trespass be done him : If but a Goose of their neighbors grase in their ground , O it s such a loss , such a wrong , that they must not put it up : Frowardness . They will part with no piece of right for all peace . 3. Frowardness , Prov 16. 28. For a froward man soweth strife , we must labor for a meek and patient spirit . Talebearers ; 4. Talebearers ; A whisperer separateth chief friends : They be the Devils Pedlers , let them not open their packs , nor unlade their wares in our ears , thereby to infect our mindes ; He that listens to them , shall never have peace : The world is full of such , yea , such as on both sides are Tale carriers , which with some few truths intermingle numbers of lyes , they are the Devils seedsmen to sow strife : If God pronounce the Peace-makers blessed , Mat. 5. 9. then wo to those Make-bates ; of this number we are not to repute those which inform Parents and Masters , of some abuses in their children and servants , unknown unto them , provided it be done in love , and that for the redress of the same .

5. If we must labor to have peace with men , Use 1. then much more with God , who is at enmity with us because of our sins , and that through Christ alone , who is our Advocate with him : This will afford more true joy , 1 Iohn 2. 1. then the world either knoweth , or can : Till we procure this , we can have no true peace with our neighbors , no true peace of conscience .

Verse 12. For the eyes of the Lord are over the Righteous , and his ears are open unto their prayers ; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil .

THat those which perform the forementioned duties shall have long life and good days here and hereafter , and that the contrary shall befal those that do not thus do , our Apostle here proveth : Such as thus do , God will have a care of them , and watch over them for good , and for the others , God will set himself against them ; where an Objection is prevented .

Oh , The prevention of an Objection . might some say , that such as live most harmlesly , and do most good , and be best disposed , and love peace and quietness , should of all others be most hated , and lie open to manifest dangers , and they that will scamble and shift for themselves by right or wrong , not caring whom they wrong , do yet wax great , and prove rich in the world : True , saith the Apostle , If peaceable and good men were here left to themselves , they would be soon thrust to the walls , and be as sheep among wolves , ready to be spoiled ; but God doth not so leave them , but hath a continual care over them , to defend them from dangers , as much as shall be fit for them ; and if they fall into any , he is ready to hear their prayers , and to help them : and for the others , they may prosper a while ( which yet some of them do not ) but it shall not always so continue , God will set his face against them , and his fury root them out .

By Eyes we are to understand the diligent and watchful care that the Lord hath over his people , See Deut. 11. 12 as the mother whose eye is over the yong childe that it take no hurt .

And by Ears is meant , his great readiness to hear their Prayers , and grant their requests .

By Face is meant , Psal. 25. 16. & 27. 9. sometimes his favor and love , as in the Psalms ; sometimes his wrath and displeasure , as here ; for a mans favor or displeasure is seen by his contenance : Thus are other parts of man ascribed to the Lord , as , his Hand , Right hand , Arm , &c.

Q. But why are these attributed to the Lord , not being in him ?

A. Because if the Lord should speak unto us weak men of himself , Why Eyes , Ears , Face , &c. are attributed to God . and as he is in himself , we were utterly unable to bear it , but being willing that we should understand him , he speaketh according to our capacity , as the nurse to the childe . Because we know not how one should see without eyes , or watch over any for good , therefore God ascribeth eyes to himself ; and because our power lieth in our right hand , therefore doth he ascribe a right hand to himself , the like may be said about his ears , &c.

1. This should greatly provoke us to the reading and exercising our selves in the Scriptures ; Use 1. for that we may so do in them , the Lord vouchsafed to stoop very low for our understanding : If we do it not , it must needs be great neglect and unthankfulness , wherein notwithstanding too too many fail .

2. Ministers , Use 2. whose office it is to teach the Lords people , must be careful to frame themselves to their understanding and edifying , and not to soar aloft , thereby stirring up admiration in their people without profit : If God stoop so low , must any so far seek themselves , as not to follow such a patern ? O it s a greater mercy to edifie and convert one soul , then that a thousand should go away meerly commending them for learning and eloquence .

By Righteous we are not to understand such as be so in their own conceit , Whom we are to understand by Righteous , and why they are so called . but such as are in Gods account truly Righteous , perfectly by imputation of Christs Righteousness , and imperfectly by inherent here begun and increased , but which shall hereafter be perfected : Righteous , I say , 1. By imputation of Christs Righteousness to us by Faith , For Christ which knew no sin , 2 Cor. 51. 21. became sin for us , that we might be the Righteousness of God in him . 2. By inherent Sanctification of the Spirit conveyed from Christ , which though it be imperfect , yet is of the better part of their Righteousness , and the rather , because they are desirous to do well , and do it willingly , but sin against their will , as an heap of corn is so called , though it be not without chaff . 3. Because of their endeavor to be more and more Righteous , as a yong Apprentice is called by the name of his Trade , Simil. because of his endeavor and purpose , though he can do but a little in it ; so that they which be such , may be of good comfort notwithstanding their imperfections remaining , God accounts them Righteous and holy persons , howsoever the world esteems of them .

By them that do evil is not meant , Use. such as fall into sin through weakness and infirmity , Whom we are to understand by them that do ill . but such as give themselves thereto , and make a trade thereof , living and lying therein without repentance , against such doth the Lord set himself .

The eyes of the Lord are over the Righteous , ] The Lord careth for the Righteous . That is , God hath an especial care of his righteous servants ; he loveth them dearly , and watcheth over them for their good ; Deut. 11. 12. They are his portion and inheritance , Psal. 33. 12. & 146. 8. they are his Spouse , they are his children , whose care exceeds both the fathers and the mothers ; Psal. 103. 13. when both these forsook David , the Lord did not leave him , Mat. 6 9. Psal. 27. 10. He causeth all creatures to do them good , Isa. 49. 15. and serve their turns : He appointeth the Angels to preserve them , as Elisha ; destroy their enemies , as it befel Senacheribs host ; bring them good tidings , as to the Shepherds ; defend them , &c. Iudges 5. 20. The very Stars in their courses must fight for Israel , the Hail-stones slay his enemies , Iosh 10. 13. Frogs , Lice , Caterpillars , &c. plague the Egyptians for Pharaohs disobedience ; yea , he will cause all things to go contrary to the course of nature , rather then they shall miscarry , the waters must divide themselves , the Sun stand still and go backwards , the stony rock yield water , the fire must not hurt the three children , nor the Lyons Daniel . He that cared for man , and provided all things necessary for him before he was , is now no less careful for his reconciled ones ; his care is effectual , continual , he both preserves them from evil , Psal. 33. 18 , 19 and 121. 8. and provides for them good things ; the very hairs of their head are numbred , and he that toucheth them , toucheth the Apple of his eye : Mat. 16. 30. How did he preserve Noah , Lot , Jacob , Joseph , Moses , David , Zech. 2. 8. Elijah , Peter , &c. which of us also hath not escaped thousands of dangers through his eye over us ?

But do not the righteous fall into many troubles , Obj. as the examples of Abel , Micaiah , Jeremiah , the Apostles and Martyrs clearly shew .

Gideon indeed by reason of the troubles of Gods people in his days , Sol. thought that God was not with them , Iudg. 6. 13. but it was otherwise : Gods eye is not so over them as that he promiseth to keep them out of all danger , but so to dispose , as that nothing shall fall out to their hurt ; he keeps them from man , and disposes so , that when any do befal them , the same tends to their good : Thereupon they become humbled , thereby their Faith and patience tryed , in the mean time they are enabled of God to bear them , See Psal. 32. 6. and through him delivered in due time therefrom , Isa. 45. 2. if not , thereby the sooner they enter into Heaven .

God doth preserve the wi●●ed also , Obj. and provide for them .

Though they are preserved from some , Sol. yet into how many do they fall ? especially how do they fall into sin daily ? and how soon they shall fall into Hell who knows ? Psal. 37. 19. The Lord also provides for his own , as for the Israelites in the wilderness , for Elias in the time of famine , for Jacob in Padan-Aram , &c. many have had experience hereof , beyond that they could have lookt for .

1. This serves to comfort all those which can prove themselves righteous ; Use 1. such may safely depend on God , Psal. 23. & 27. in the very midst of dangers : How many or great soever they may be , 1 King . 6. 16. had we but the eyes of faith , we might perceive that there are more with us then against us ? He that is Almighty and All-sufficient careth for us ; He also taketh our cause in hand , so that being wronged , we need neither be impatient nor revenge our selves , but commit it unto him that judgeth righteously ; He also will provide for us things needful , and therefore must not we murmure , grudge , or use unlawful means ; He that feeds the Ravens , and cloaths the Lillies , will assuredly be careful of us , only we must not be wanting unto our selves , through neglect of our callings , or trusting too much therein , but commend our selves therein unto God by Prayer .

2. Let such as are not as yet righteous , Use 2. get into the number of righteous persons ; till then , they lie open to all danger , are outlaws , have no right to any promise , neither are under Gods care or protection : Oh! could they see their condition , they might perceive it to be most fearful ; but happy is the state of the righteous , happy are they whom God loveth and careth for .

And his ears are open unto their prayers , ] Here note ,

The readiness of the Lord to hear his Servants prayers , God hears the prayers of his Saints readily . and to grant their requests ; the like is elswhere often expressed . They are acceptable to him , Psal. 145. 18. as incense and sacrifice ; yea , he prefers them before those : Isaiah 65. 24. They are available before him ; Psal. 141. 2. & 50. 15. and 69. 31. the Examples of Abraham , Jacob , David , Asa , Jehoshaphat , Daniel , &c. manifest the same : They are available to prevent dangers , as Hezekiah's Senacheribs Army : Available to remove dangers entred , Iam. 5. 16. as the prayers of Moses and Aaron stayed the Plague ; therefore when God was not purposed to grant a thing , he bade his Servants that they should not pray ; as Jeremiah , Ier. 7. 16. Pray not for this people ; yea protested , that though Noah , Job , and Daniel should pray , Ezek. 14. 14. yet he would not hear them ; he is a Father , merciful , Matth. 7. 11. gracious , full of pity and compassion : If earthly fathers can give good things unto their children asking them , how much more will the Lord unto his ? He cannot deny the prayers of his own children , endited by his Spirit , and offered in the Name of the Lord Jesus , who sitteth at his right hand ; yea , he heareth not onely the eloquent and large prayers of his Servants , Isa. 38. 14. but even their stuttings , as Hezekiahs ; and when there is no voyce , 1 Sam. 1. 13. but sighs and groans , as Hannahs , and Jonahs in the Whales belly : Ionah 1. 2. For prayer is the labor of the Spirit and Heart ; and God delights in such prayers , though he will have the voyce when it can be , and looks that men should pour out their hearts and wants at large , yet he will accept of such prayers as come from the sincerity of upright hearts .

But every kinde of prayer will not pierce the clouds , What prayers prevail with God . and come into Gods presence , and prevail with him , but such as are according to his own will ; prayers made in understanding , not like those of the Papists in an unknown tongue , or those amongst our selves which use the Creed and ten Commandments as prayers , or theirs which mark not what they say , whose Prayers are meer bablings ; Prayers also in sincerity , Prayers in faith , knowing that we are reconciled unto God through Christ , Prayers in repentance , in love , fervent Prayers , continued Prayers , with fasting , not prescribing the Lord either the time , means , or maner of our deliverance ; See Psal. 145. 18. Jer. 29. 13. John 5. 15. Mark 11. 24. Psalm 66. 18. Proverbs 28. 9. 2 Tim. 2. 19. John 9. 31. Isa. 58. 9. 1 Timothy 2. 8. Isa. 1. 15. Psalm 51. Daniel 9. James 5. 16. Luke 18. 1. Romans 12. 12. This hath been the strength and defence of this Land , and if it were not for Prayer , and the remnant of the righteous , that cry to God night and day both publikely and privately , and stand in the gap to avert his indignation , we could not but have looked for some heavy judgement on this Land ere now , the iniquities thereof do so fearfully abound , and that in every corner , such as are the contempt of his Word , Sacraments and Servants , horrible Blasphemies , Sabbath-breaking , and the like ; yea , which of us having prayed aright , have not had experience of the truth hereof , even that God hath many a time , and in many particulars , given ear unto our desires , Psal. 73. 25. and granted our poor Prayers ? There is none that can hear or help but he , and it s his honor to right the cause of his poor Saints and Servants . How it may appear that God hears their prayers readily . This his readiness to hear their prayers , appears diversly , as that 1. He makes a way for them by his sons blood to come to him , which else they durst not . 2. He gives us his Spirit , to work faith in us , and to wash us clean , and to embolden us to call him Father , Rom. 8. 26. and to pray aright , who knew not how to pray of our selves ; It s a sign that he hath a minde to hear us , Hos. 14. 3. who puts a Supplication into our mouthes . Prov. 50. 15. 3. He commands us , Matth. 7. 7. and sets us on work so to do . 4. He hath also promised for our better encouragement to hear us , and grant our requests .

Obj. Psal. 22. 1. But have not Gods Servants , with David , complained that the Lord hath not heard them ? Why the Lord hears not nor grants not sometimes the prayers of his children .

A. True , But not in respect of any unwillingness in him , but sometimes because they pray not aright , or that they pray the more carefully , or to try whether they will continue , or break off by and by ( as our Savior did by the woman of Canaan ) or for that he would have us set the more short by it , Matth. 15. 23. when we have it , and be the more thankful , and use it the better , else soon gotten , and soon forgotten , lightly come , and lightly gone ; sometimes also because the time is not yet fit . Simil. A Childe would have the milk , though but newly come scalding off the fire : The unruly Patient would have the Plaister taken off , as soon as it begins to smart ; such are we , but God will hear and help in the due , in the best time : Sometimes the Lord grants not at all what his righteous servants crave , Why ? because he cannot , or is not willing , nay , because it s not good for us ; as if a childe should ask a knife of his Father , he would deny it : If for matters of soul , as deliverance from temptations , the Lord answereth not our petitions , 2 Cor. 12. 9. he yet gives strength to resist them ( as to the Apostle Paul ) which is far better ; for it s no mastery to have no temptations , but to overcome temptations , and to have no hurt thereby : If for outward things , craving freedom from crosses , sicknesses , loss , &c. the Lord doth not free them , but gives them some Spiritual grace , profitable for their souls , Simile . this is far better then that they asked . If one should ask silver , and have the weight in gold given him , what wrong were done him ? So if one in stead of health and long life here should soon dye , yet to be translated into Heaven , and there to live for ever ; sometimes we ask a greater measure of outward things then the Lord grants , but yet gives us a contented minde , and assurance of eternal riches in Heaven ; either then he grants the thing we desire , or gives us a better in its stead , and so not break promise with us .

1. This sets out Gods wonderful goodness and mercy , Use 1. that will vouchsafe to stoop , to look so low , as to look to such poor unworthy Creatures as we are , what are we ? dust and ashes , sinful men and women ; and what is he ? The infinite immortal God , the Lord of the whole World , most holy and most pure : This comes by the means of our Lord Jesus Christ , in whom we are accepted .

2. This is a singular comfort to the righteous , Use 2 , that God hath not left us in this world of trouble , without any means to help our selves ; No : he hath left a mean in our hands , to help us in whatsoever distress ; he sets us on work to pray , and hath promised to hear and help . Hereunto hath God annexed his promises , neither is there any case , wherein prayer cannot help us : O this is a wonderful encouragement to us in all times , & in all necessities ! If by prayer we fly unto God , there s remedy ; If we need any grace ( as we do continually ) God upon our asking hath promised to give it : The like may be said of patience , meekness , humility , a tender heart , and the like ; O that we should be so often wanting unto our selves ! how much grace , and how much good have we lost for want of asking ? God hath infinite store , neither is he loath to part therewith , he hath it to bestow , and it s his glory to bestow it : He hath made the way , offers to teach us to pray , and promiseth to hear us , and yet what dulness is in us ? how seldom pray we ? Many of us can go out in the morning without prayer , neither have recourse unto God all the day long : He is more forward to give , then we to ask , and yet who hath the benefit ? not he , but our selves ; we shut out our selves , when God hath opened the door ; we know not what we have lost , when we have lost a prayer , when we have neglected it upon every trifling occasion : We feel not our wants , we prize not grace , we consider not the worth and excellency of prayer . We trade to the Indies , and other dangerous places for gain , and that with great hazard ; there 's no hazard to Heaven , send but out a well prepared prayer , it never returns empty : If we be in sickness , we rest too much on the means , and too little in prayer : so for our callings , as also for deliverances out of dangers , we make friends , but pray not at all .

3. Be we hereupon stirred up to be more frequent in this duty , Use 3. and to make more account of it , for Grace , for Wisdom , for help in danger , for a Blessing in any thing we go about , what other means soever we use , let prayer be one , let not that be left out : This can do as much , much more then any other , onely keep our prayers in good tune , as horses be kept in breath : If we thus do , we shall assuredly obtain , onely we must wait Gods good leisure ; if we obtain not that we pray for , we shall have better in the stead of it : If we finde them granted , we must , Dan. 2. 20. with Daniel and his fellows , return praises ; yea , besides our own prayers , we should have a stock going in sundry godly friends hands , to get their prayers for us always , but especially when we are in extremity : If any thing in the world help , it s this ; But need we go seeking to Saints departed ? Simil. If the King should call us to him , and encourage us by promises , were it not folly in us to seek up and down for a Nobleman to help us to speech with him ?

4. This setteth forth the difference between the righteous and the wicked : Use 4. Those are dear to God , his Favorites , near , great in the Court of Heaven : Pro. 15. 8 , 29. These he cannot away with , their persons are odious , Psal. 14 4. and so is their service ; they either pray not at all , which is usual with prophane wretches , or pray without understanding , as Papists and ignorant persons , who do not minde what they pray ( and how should God minde their prayers , if they do not minde them themselves ? ) Isa. 29. 13. or come in hypocrisie , their hearts being in the mean time far from God ; Iohn 9. 31. or come in their sins , and so God abhors them , for he hears no sinners ; or never come but in their misery , and that neither out of love to God , Hos. 7. 14. or hatred of sin , but fear of punishment , or delay the time so long , See Prov. 1. 24. that it s too late ere they come , as Esau , and the five foolish Virgins : These be Rebels , they live at staves end with God , stand out , and will not come in to the pardon ; How should God hear them ? nay , their prayers ( if they make any ) are abomination : Whatsoever befals the wicked ( as evil enough may befal them every day ) yet they have no help ; What shall they do in their misery ? They may murmure and rage against God , bear out for a while by head and shoulders , as it were , or lie like blocks and languish , or run to Endor to the Devil for help , but God they have none to go to , nor prayer that will be accepted , whatsoever become of them .

Contrarily the righteous cannot be miserable , Gods wrath and the fruits thereof are always bent against the wicked . as long as he can pray ; put him down into a Dungeon , and chain him by the neck to the ground , yet as long as he can pray , he is happy , and shall have comfort , and that deliverance which shall be best for him : He hath Gods promise for the same , and that will not fail him .

But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil . ] The point is this , That Gods wrath and the fruits thereof are continually bent against the wicked that live in their sins , Levit. 20. 3. and 26. 14. Numb. 11. 1. and 22. 22. Deut. 28. 5. and 32. 21. Josh. 7. 13. Isa. 42. 24 , 25. and 57. 17. Jer. 5 9. Ezek. 14. 8. Zech. 7. 13. Luke 14. 21. John 3. 36. Col. 3. 16. 1 Thess. 4. 6. To these Testimonies divers examples might be added , as of the Angels cast out of Heaven , the old world drowned , Sodom and Gomorah burned , Corah , Dathan and Abiram swallowed up quick , the houses of Jeroboam , Baasha , Ahab rooted out , &c. so of Gods judgements upon the bloody Emperors , Nero , Domitian , Julian , &c. so of Gods judgements upon the persecutors of his children , largely laid down in the Book of the Martyrs ; so of Gods judgements daily inflicted on several sorts of sinners , which are as it were real sermons , and justifications of Gods Word and our preaching , 1 Cor. 10. 6. and are for our admonition , and of especial use to us : This must needs be so , for sin is against his nature , Reasons . against his commandment , yea , it were against his nature , See Psal. 9. 8 , 16. to let the wicked go unpunished , and he is as much known and glorified in his justice , as in his mercy : He that teacheth and commandeth Magistrates to reward well-doers , and not to bear the Sword in vain , Rom. 13. 3. but to draw it out against the wicked , will not suffer his own Sword to rust in the Scabbard .

Obj. Many notable wicked men go on in their sins , and be not plagued .

A. True , Why the wiced are not always plagued here . God keeps but his petty-Sessions as it were , here in this world , bringing now and then some few unto judgement , and reserves multitudes to that dreadful day , wherein it shall be rendred to them according to their works . Again , if he plague them not outwardly , yet are they plagued with a worse judgement ; He gives them up to the blindeness of their mindes and hardness of their hearts , and will of the Devil , which is the most fearful thing that can be , and at the day of Judgement he will avenge them all at once , when he shall come in flaming fire to this purpose , 2 Thess. 1. 8 , 9. who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord , and from the glory of his power .

1. This may terrifie and awaken all those , which ( as if there were no God , Use 1. or no God which did regard or were able to revenge himself on them ) make a trade of sinning ; whil'st they are thus , the wrath of God is upon them , and he sets his face against them , and how can they then prosper ? he hath throughout all ages found out and plagued others for their wickedness , and do they think to escape ? The mightiest and proudest hath fallen before his wrathful vengeance , and are they priviledged ? It were their wisdom to send forth messengers of peace , and to humble themselves in time , least he tear them in pieces , when there 's none to deliver them ; they should fear and be wise by other folks harms : But O the monstrousnes of the times , and hardness of mens hearts ! that seeing their companions plagued before their eyes , yet run on in the same excess of riot . And for those that are as Lyons and Foxes , subtile , and shifting by unlawful courses , though haply they may think to get up and wax mighty , yet assuredly , God will set his face against them , as he daily doth against Oppressors , Couseners , Shifters , Covetous and Troublesome persons : Then shall the Lambs be quiet , when those Lyons are killed ; the godly be refreshed , when they shall be rid of their cruel oppressors .

2. This may perswade us to avoid the ways of the ungodly ; Use 2. though they seem pleasing for a while , yet are they most dangerous : Be advised in time , especially you yong ones , that are now to choose your way : walk not in the way of the wicked , for believe it , you may else peradventure repent thereof ( as others ) when it will be too late .

Verse 13. And who is he that will harm you , if ye be followers of that which is good ?

TO requite evil with goodness , is a weighty and difficult point , many reasons have been already laid down about it : Here s also another reason to enforce the same , It will be the way to save us from may harms in our life , which he takes from experience , and sets out by way of interogation , that none almost , not one of a thousand will be so vile , or so without all grace , and good nature , as to hurt us , if we follow ever that which is good , that is , if we live profitable towards our brethren in all the duties of love , with relation to their bodies , souls , goods , goods name , places , callings , and the like , and when any wrong is offered us , not onely we do not revenge it , but on the contrary , overcome it with well-doing , none almost will be so wretchedly minded as to harm us .

Note then , That

Patience and innoceny of life , Patience and innocency of life , are the way to escape harms from men . are the way to escape harms and wrongs from men ; This must needs procure quiet to those that are endewed herewith , Who can harm such a one ? As grievous words stir up anger , so a soft answer turneth away wrath : Thus Gideon pacified the Ephraimites , Prov. 15. 1. and thus did David overcome Saul : Contrarily , Iudg. 8. 1 , 2 , 3. such as requite word with word , wrong with wrong , suit with suit , 1 Sam. 24. 18. and 26. 21. &c. they do but stir the coals , and blow the fire of dissention , and may look to be harmed of every one ; experience sheweth that if any shall harm the innocent , there 's none almost but cryes against it ( as Jonathan blamed his Father , 1 Sam. 19. 4 , 5. and 14. 45. for setting himself against David ; and the people the same Saul , when he would have put Jonathan to death , 1 Sam. 24. 18. and 26. 21. for tasting the honey , yea , he himself was convinced of his own Conscience for wronging David ) but that the covetous , contentious , hasty , and hurtful , and that in wrongs are impatient and given to revenge , are continually talked of , ill spoken of , and railed on ; yea , meet with adversaries , that do and will oppose them , so that most of the ordinary wrongs that come to us from our Neighbors , have their beginning from our selves , who do not that good in our places which we might , or are impatient when we are wronged : None is hurt but of himself , whatsoever others do to us , we are not hurt thereby , so we be innocent and sin not ; yet doth not this justifie them that do harm us , but teacheth us by what means especially we may avoid being harmed .

1. This rebuketh our folly , Use 1. that would fain live without harm , and yet cannot be wise enough to use the means to bring it to pass , but take the contrary course : either we do not perform our duties to our neighbors as we should , and so catch harm and are evil spoken of , which is the case of some , or we be impatient in wrongs , apt and given to revenge , which is the case of some others ; we must therefore labor to do our duties in our places , and live profitably , endeavoring withall for such humility , meekness , and patience from the Lord , as we may be able to overcome evil with goodness ; Hereupon must ensue much good .

2. When any have harmed us , Use 2. and the same proves grievous unto us , let us examine our selves , whether we may not justly lay the blame on our selves : If we have been in fault , then are we to be patient , to humble our selves , and to acknowledge Gods hand on us , to teach us more innocency , and more patience , and not to stand out so bitterly against them that have done us wrong ; thus shall we finde comfort in afflictions , which else ( bringing the same upon our selves ) we cannot expect .

Verse 14. But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake , happy are ye , and be not afraid of their terror , neither be troubled .

NOw the Apostle makes an exception , that howsoever for the most part the course prescribed will save us harmless , yet some there are that be so wicked , as they will wrong a man , though he be never so innocent and godly , nay , will wrong him the more for his goodness , and for that alone : They will injury men for righteousness sake , that is , wrongfully and without cause , or for Religion and godliness sake ; yet be not you ( that meet with such wrongs when you be innocent , nay for your goodness ) dismaid or faint concerning this , for this shall not turn to your hurt , but to your great good , for you are blessed if you suffer any thing whatsoever in this kinde .

But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake , ] Here Note , That there are

1. Some which are so bad , Some are so bad that they wrong the innocent . as that they wrong the innocent , even them by whom they have been at no times wrong'd , from whom they have received no harm : Thus was Abel hated and killed of Cain , Moses misused by the Israelites , Prov. 22. 22. and 23. 10. David railed upon by Shimei , and persecuted of Saul : This is against all equity , and that which the Lord must needs revenge , for it s his honor to defend the innocent ; yea , if he will not bear doing wrong to them that have wronged us , much less will he endure that the innocent should be wrong'd .

O take heed of wronging such , Use. whether in words , by slandering them , backbiting them , or bearing false witness against them ; or in deed , by oppressing them , griping , grinding their faces , and the like .

2. Others which are worse , Some hate the godly meerly for their goodness . even such as hate Gods servants for well-doing and their godliness : Thus Ishmael persecuted Isaac , for that he was the son of the promise : Gal. 4. 29. Thus Ahab hated Micaiab , as both he and Jezabel Elijah : Numb. 23. 8. Thus was Jeremiah hated , so John the Baptist , the Apostles , Christ himself : How many thousands of such were persecuted unto the very death , under the bloody Emperors of Rome ? and since hath not Antichrist been drunk with the blood of Gods Saints ; See Rev. 17. 6. yea , amongst our selves there be , that hate men for their forwardness and zeal ; Some Ministers think their people too forward , some people their Ministers , O they could love them well , were it not for their preciseness : Psal. 16. 3. These be not led by Davids spirit , nor can have any mark that they are translated from death unto life , 1 Iohn 3. 14. or that they are true members of the Church : Psal. 15. 4. They are of the brood of Cain , of Ishmaels generation , worse then Balaam , yea of Satans company , who is the accuser of the Brethren .

O be not of this number , Use. adde not unto the measure of your sins , by hating those whom God loves , and esteems as the apple of his eye ! O what fearful judgements have been inflicted on such , especially having thus done against their own knowledge ! Neither onely will the Lord be revenged on bloody and hateful persecuters , but he will not suffer the least of their disgraceful and hard usages to go unpunished , but as a cup of cold water given to a Christian , in the name of a Christian , and because he is so , shall not go unrewarded ; so shall not their smal indignities go unpunished : Matth. 18. 6. If whoso shall offend one of these little ones , it were better for him that a milstone were hanged about his neck , & that he were drowned in the depth of the sea ; then how fearful is their condition that misuse them , abuse them , backbite them , persecute them , & c ? If men do not like and approve of such , yet may they let them alone : Cannot they be content to follow the world , Ale-houses , Whore-houses , &c. but that they must hate and trouble them that do not ? you like your course , so do they theirs ; you should rather love them that will take pains to do good and be good , whereas your selves will not .

Happy are ye , ] Such as suffer wrongfully , or for Religion and Conscience sake , are happy .

1. Such as suffer wrongfully or without a cause ; Such as suffer wrongfully , or for Religion and Conscience sake , are happy . for 1. To suffer justly , is an hundred times worse , sin giving more cause of grief then the cross . 2. In such case we have our conscience on our side , and that is a feast . 3. We may go to God and make our moan to him . 4. God will make a good end , he will make our innocency break forth as the light , and our righteousness as the noon-day , which will be the more taken knowledge of , then if it had never been oppugned . 5. God will take the matter into his hand , and requite to them according to their works , ridding us out of their hands .

It s then our duty not to be dismaid , Use. if we meet with hurt without cause , for the innocent to be harmed , it s no new thing ; le ts be thankful for the same , say not impatiently , What a vile thing is this , that one should be so misused ? as if we were too good to be served ; or , If it were true , and I had deserved it , I would never have cared ; for then shouldest thou have had much more cause of shame and grief , as having deserved the same : O let us keep our innocency still , so shall we either have no harm , or at least , not such as whereat we need be much troubled .

2. Such as suffer for Religion , good conscience sake , for the whole truth of God , or any part of it , the profession or practice thereof , the omission of evil prohibited , or performance of duties enjoyned , &c. Such , Matth. 5. 10. I say , as thus suffer , are happy : So saith our Savior , so the Apostle Peter . 1 Pet. 4. 14.

For 1. This is an argument we are not of the world , Reasons . but are chosen out of the world . Iohn 15. 19. 2. That we love the truth , as who can be content even to suffer for it : Many will profess it in fair weather , but how few stick thereto in adversity ? 3. It s to be made like unto Christ our head . Phil. 3. 10. 4. All the Prophets and Apostles have walked in this way to Heaven ; Acts 5. 41. we are shrewdly hurt to be companions with them . Phil. 1. 29. 5. Thus to suffer is no small honor . Matth. 5. 10. 6. Their reward is great in Heaven : Herein flesh and blood can see no happiness , Luke 12. 32. such as live at ease , or in wealth and pleasure are with them happy indeed , Iames 1. 12. but Moses had respect hereunto , Heb. 11. 26. and did clearly discern the same .

Q. May we then offer our selves to trouble ?

A. Ordinarily we must not ; We must tarry till God call us to suffer : If any in extraordinary times should feel an extraordinary zeal , and desire hereto , as it seems the Apostle Paul had , Acts 21. 13. when he would needs go to Jerusalem , questionless they should have joy in their sufferings ; we must tarry till God call us .

Q. May we flee persecution ?

A. If God make make us a way , Whether we may flee from persecution . we may , as who haply are not as yet so fully fitted and resolved to suffer , as were meet , or who know not whether God will have us scatter his truth further , or remain to be as feeds thereof for afterwards , but if we see that its Gods minde we should be s●ffer , then it s our duty willingly and chearfully to put forth our selves .

This confuteth the foolish world , Use. that judging it to be a most miserable thing thus to suffer , will therefore never come at it , either not professing Religion at all , or else revolting therefrom in time of trouble ; yet would they be happy , but they take a contrary course , they being ashamed of Christ here , he will be ashamed of them hereafter : In saving a transitory life , Mark 8. 38. they lose life everlasting ; yea , how do we our selves shun sufferings , as if they were miserable which do suffer ? whereas the Spirit of God hath pronounced them blessed : Happy are they that suffer for a good cause , for righteousness , for Religion , for conscience sake ; such as stick fastest to the truth , provide best and most wisely for themselves , what can their enemies do to us ? If they take away our goods , Mark 10. 30. we shall have a thousand fold more in this world , and in the world to come life everlasting ; If they mangle our bodies , God will raise up the same gloriously ; If they separate our souls from our bodies by death , the Angels will carry them into Abrahams bosom ; Matth. 5. 10. If our cause be good , we have cause to rejoyce in our sufferings ; Acts 5. 41. and 16. so are we enjoyned , so did the Apostles in their sufferings , Heb. 10. 34. so also the holy Martyrs . I might to this purpose alledge the story of Alice Driver , of Priests wife in Exeter , of the Christians in Edessa , &c. but that they may be read at large in the Book of the Martyrs : O that we should be so discouraged at a mock , at a frown of our betters ! O that we should be as soon ready to give over , as to begin to do well ! though the more religious we are , the more we esteem of the word , the better both God , his angels , and people like us ; yet is it not so with the world , they liked us better before , but do not now approve of our course : howsoever , this is our duty , hereof shal we have the benefit ; yea , to be disliked , to suffer for this , will be our honor , our advancement : 2. Sam. 6. 22. As David being mocked of Michol , resolved to be yet more humble , so should we be so much the more for goodness , as we see the world oppose it , and set themselves against us because of the same : We must not be discouraged at the very greatest , much less at small trials : Heb. 12. 4. We know not what we shall suffer , For yet we have not resisted unto blood ; onely let us be careful that we suffer for Righteousness , and for a good cause ; for though we have some good things in us , yet haply we may be brought to suffer for some fault in us , and therein we can have small peace : Beware we suffer not as Separatists , that flie out against and from the Church ; that we suffer not for contempt or usual neglect of our Ministers , if they preach the Word truly ; that we suffer not for rash , heady , hasty and violent carriage of our selves ; that we suffer not for our censuring , for our meddling with things or persons wherewith we have nothing to do ; or for passing our bounds in things beyond our reach . Servants must beware that they suffer not for their carelesness in their places , as those which having liberty granted them to hear the Word , upon their not profiting thereby , are restrained therefrom ; so if they shall suffer for being negligent , untrusty , sloathful , stout in answering again , &c. they suffer deservedly , not for righteousness sake ; yea , this their carriage makes the godly housholders to grieve , and those that be not so well seasoned , to think ill of the profession , and it makes the name of God and his Gospel ill spoken of ; and hereupon many say , Oh , I le never meddle with these Bible-wenches , &c. fie upon it , what a fearful thing is this ? The like may be said of the poor which neglect their callings , and are caraless of their Families , &c. Note further , That

A godly man is blessed , A godly man is happy in what condition soever . happy in what condition soever : He is happy not onely in prosperity , but even in sufferings , even in the very lowest abasement , nothing can make them miserable ; having God and a good conscience , See Psal. 1. 1. & 32. 1. & 112 1. & 126. 1. though they meet with affliction from God , or persecution from men ( as here ) yet are they happy : Imprison him , fetter him , let no creature come at him , put Lyons to him , &c. yet he is still , and shall be the childe of God , the member of Christ , the heir of Heaven , a Kings son , &c. and how can he be miserable that hath the Comforter within ? For the wicked , nothing can make them happy ; let a wicked man have Sampsons strength , Absoloms beauty , Ahasuerus his wealth , Nebuchadnezzars stately Babel , Dives his costly apparel , &c. yet is he miserable , he is under the curse of God , there 's but a step between him and Hell : Ionah 1. 6. As Jonah was asleep whilest God was offended with him , the winds raged against him , the Whale was ready to swallow him , so do the wicked eat , sleep and are jovial , while God is offended , Heaven is shut up against them , Hell gapes for them , and the Devil waits on them as his prey : Their security will end in a fearful wakening , they shall be snatched from their beds of ease , and cast into everlasting torments .

1. This may encourage Gods servants to suffer for righteousness : Use 1. They shall not be the less happy ; let the world do its worst , it cannot make them miserable : They are every way happy , in poverty , sickness , persecution , and the like ; O who would not labor to attain this honor and happiness ?

2. It may disswade the wicked from their mischievous plotting against Gods servants ; Use 2. For why do they pursue them ? To make them miserable , its impossible : They may indeed make them the more to shine forth through their constancy in Faith , and increase their glory in Heaven , and so make them more happy , but to make them miserable they cannot : O that they would break off this their course , and be weary thereof ! for so long as they be wicked , how rich soever , or how high a pitch soever of honor they have clambered to , they are miserable ; yea , these and the like make them more miserable , as being fuel to their lust , being to them occasions of sinning ; cease therefore to be wicked , else shalt thou never cease to be miserable .

Be not afraid of their terror , neither be troubled . ] To comfort them in their sufferings for Christ , he removes the enemy of constant and patient suffering , namely , Fear : Be not ( saith he ) afraid of their terror , neither be troubled ; Fear is an enemy to constant suffering . that is , Either be not afraid with the fear of ungodly men , and such as have no hope in God , who in the very least danger are altogether dismaid ( as the words in Isa. 8. 12. ( whence these seem to be taken ) do imply , or , Fear not the things wherewith they seek to afright you , the Apostle using the words but to his own sense , Fear not their faces , big looks ) threats prisons , censures and tortures ) neither be dismaid at them ; fear is an enemy to constant suffering ( as a coward can be no true Soldier ) and therefore are we often diswaded therefrom : Matth. 10. 28. This hindred Nicodemus from coming unto Christ by day , Luke 12. 4. and multitudes from confessing him , Rev. 2. 10. even for fear of the Scribes and Pharisees ; made Peter deny his Master : and because of this , in all alterations of Religion , most turn with the time : And would not many be more forward in goodness then they are , if it were not for fear of displeasing .

O strive against this fear , Use. and be couragious ; so were Daniel , the three Children , the Apostles , Moses , the holy Martyrs , &c. Their Faith overcame their fear ; we need not fear men , or what they can do to us , for God will stand by us , we must fear him , fear to sin against him ; for unbelievers and fearful , they shall have a fearful portion : such as fear man more then God , Rev. 21. 8. flye from the stroke of a childe , and fall into the hand of a Gyant , from a straw to a sword .

Verse 15. But sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts , and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you , with meekness and fear .

HEre 's the true means of constant and patient suffering , even faith resting it self confidently on God .

But sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts , ] What it is to sanctifie the Lord God . We sanctifie God , or his name ( as it s in the first petition of the Lords prayer ) not when we adde any holiness thereto , which is holy beyond comparison , but when we acknowledge and give that holiness which belongs to it : Particularly , herein we sanctifie the Lord in our hearts , Iohn 3. 33. when we believing his faithfulness in his promises , Rom. 4. 20. do thereupon rest on him in time of our troubles , and this is to glorifie him .

Faith is the mother of constancy in suffering ; Faith , the mother of constancy in sufferings . I know thy faith and thy patience : Be thou faithful unto the death , &c. By faith , those worthies mentioned in Heb. 11. did undergo all their sufferings : This is the victory that overcomes the world : Rev. 2. 2. The want of faith makes the world flye from God and his cause ; 1 Iohn 5. 4. weakness of faith causeth fear to overflow us , as in Peter and Cranmer , as soon as we see some trouble to arise , Luke 8. 24. then are we ready to say with Peter , O Master , we perish ! If we do believe our selves to be the Lords , and that our cause is just and good , and that he hath all power in his hand , and that none can stir further then he pleaseth , and that he will strengthen his servants to endure , and after this transitory life , translate us unto life everlasting : O this will encourage us indeed .

Labor we therefore for a good stock of Faith now in this time of peace , Use. and let us in our daily tryals , reproaches , and afflictions , exercise the same , and make good use of it : If in these we can give glory to God by depending on him , we may trust our Faith will not fail us , when greater tryals shall befal us : to believe God of his Word , is to give glory to God ; as on the contrary , to faint , tends to his dishonor , and as to believe on him is great ease to our selves , so not to believe but faint , very troublesom .

And be ready always to give an answer , &c. ] He proceeds to another duty , as a fruit of the former trust in God , exhorting us in token of our Faith in God , that we be ready with courage to acknowledge and make confession of our Faith , to those that shall demand a reason thereof : This we must be ready at all times to do , and so often as we shall be called thereto , and to all men that have authority to call us , and to any that shall demand it with a desire to learn , or whensoever and wheresoever we shall see it meet and requisite so to do ( as the Spirit of God will direct his servants where , when and to whom ) yet so as we do it with courage , meekness , and godly reverence .

Our duty then is , As we must believe Gods Truth with our hearts , so must we profess it with our tongues . not onely to believe the truth of God in our hearts , but we must be ready outwardly to make profession thereof , and confess the same with our tongues , when God shall call us thereunto : Abraham , Isaac and Jacob walk'd as Pilgrims here on earth , professing themselves Gods servants ; and Joshua professed , That he and his would serve the true God : Rom. 10. 9. Accordingly must we , both by our speeches and actions declare whose servants we are , so walking , as that men may see we are not ashamed of God , or his Word and way , whatsoever others do , most do , yea rich and wise men do , the great ones of the world do , yet do we thus walk , daring do no otherwise , and not caring who know our carriage and behavior ; and though they scoff at it as scruplous , too strict , and precise , and call us fools for our labor , and ask us , Why we do not thus and thus as we see most men do , yet need not we be dismaid , as being warranted by the Word of God : So in all Companies we must make known what we are ; If we hear any rail at goodness , speak ill of good duties , oppose any part of Gods truth , reproach the professors of Religion , whether unknown or known unto us , we must take the cause in hand , standing for the defence of Gods truth and servants : If by our timely answer any good may come to the Gospel , we must not through our silence betray the same ; but if we be among scorners and dogs , we must shew our dislike by departing from them : Thus must we do being in company with prophane ones , so if we be among Papists or other adversaries to the Truth , we must have the zeal of God in us ; so if it be in the times of persecution , that we be called forth by Magistrates , or their authority , we ought not to flinch , nor be ashamed or afraid , but shew what our Religion is , what our Faith and Hope , giving a Reason thereof out of Gods Word ; or if they demand us about any point of Religion , we must in the defence of Gods cause speak our consciences freely : Thus if the Jews or Turks should call us to know , through whom we did hope & look to be saved , we must acknowledge Christ Jesus , and our Faith and Hope of Salvation in him , as of whom the Prophets foretold , and who did every way for time , place , maner , &c. fulfil their prophecies of him : This we must believe with our hearts , and confess with our mouthes , in this Faith we must both live and dye : The like might be instanced about Justification , if by Papists we should be called to an account . Thus Moses came often before Pharaoh to justifie his demand ; thus Elias did acknowledge and maintain the true God , and his pure worship , against Ahab and his false Prophets ; so Daniel and the three Children , so the Apostles , so the Apostle Paul , Rev. 2. 13. so the Church of Pergamos , so the holy Martyrs , they could not be drawn from the truth , either by promises , threats or torments ; so in this Land in the days of Queen Mary , Gods servants shewed good skill in the Word , and made known their Christian courage .

Reasons hereof may be these : Reasons . 1. That it may appear God hath some that know and love , and will defend his Truth , as the Devil also the contrary . 2. That we may declare we be not ashamed nor afraid of men , to confess the cause of God . 3. That we may confirm our own consciences , Acts 26. 18. and may also ( if possible ) win others to the truth , as Paul had almost done Agrippa : No doubt many standers by were won by Pauls defences , and the Martyrs , and not a few weak ones confirmed , the rest being left without excuse .

1. This condemneth that horrible wicked practice of the Church of Rome , Use 1. in keeping the people in miserable blindeness , and holding it a deadly fin for them to read any part of Scripture , in a tongue they understand , or any book touching the true Faith and Religion , nay , read both Scriptures and Prayers to them in an unknown tongue , and lock up all knowledge from them , and means thereof , like the Scribes and Pharisees , that took away the Key of Knowledge : How shall they then be ready to give an account of their Faith ? They must believe as the Church believes , and that is all they can get , onely they preach to them in their own language , which yet is but lyes and errors for truth : This is most gross robbery of the people , Christ bid Search the Scriptures , Iohn 5. 39. they charge the contrary , and curse them that do : It s cruel tyranny and murther of their souls ; they take away their weapons that they may make a prey of their souls , 1 Sam. 13. 19. as the Philistines did from the Israelites , to keep them under : Those are not of Moses his minde , that wished , Numb. 11. 29. That all Gods people might prophesie ; Col. 3. 16. nor of St. Pauls , That the Word of Christ might dwell in them richly in all wisdom , &c. None have need to be discouraged from seeking knowledge , for most be too careless and lazy .

2. This rebuketh the gross ignorance of most part of people , Use 2. that notwithstanding this light that we have , and so many helps of preaching , liberty of reading , and so many Books of all kindes , and of the grounds of our Religion , yet know not what they hold , nor what be the points of their Religion ; but as Market news , they hear they must serve God , and come to Church , and must be saved by Jesus Christ , but to prove that he is the true Christ , or that they must be saved by him , and by no other , in whole nor in part , or that the Scripture is the Word of God , they are altogether ignorant , and so might be carried away to any Religion : This is an horrible sin , especially considering the helps and liberty which we enjoy ; What notorious carelesness is this ? must we not buy the truth , prize the truth , know it , hold it fast , not part therewith ? Most have such skill in worldly businesses , that they are altogether unskilful in the Word , regard not the means of their Salvation : Iohn 3. 19. This is condemnation , Hos. 4. 6. that light is come into the world , and men love darkness more then the light : O how many perish for want of knowledge ? yet are there some which having knowledge , but not the love of the truth nor Faith in God , will flinch from it if ever they be tryed , for there is no hold of him that loves not the truth , though he have never so much knowledge , as we may read of Dr. Pendleton and others in Queen Mary's time : Such , if they be in company of Papists , of Cavillers or Railers , they can stand or sit still and say nothing ; How would these confess the truth with peril of their lives , Matth. 12. 30. when they be affriad of a great man , & c ? Let such know , Mark 8. 38. that Christ esteems them as his enemies , For he that is not with him , is against him ; they being ashamed of him in this world , he will be no less ashamed of them on the last and great day .

3. O then let all of us labor for knowledge , Use 3. and to be grounded in our Religion , and to know the points of Catechism , and be able to prove them by some place of Scripture , so as we may be bold to believe them , and stand to the defence of them : To this end , we must give ear to Catechizing , read the grounds of Religion , and study the Scriptures in humility and with Prayer , having a care to know the will of God , and to be guided by it , and to stand in the defence of it to Gods glory , against such as oppose it : This is the glory of a man , of a Christian , to make confession of his Faith in Christ , and stand to the defence of it ; this God may justly expect of us , it hath been performed by them which had not the hundredth part of the means which we have : O let us both love and live in the Truth , sticking close thereto , whatsoever it cost us ! And if at any time we shall hear it spoken against , we must have the zeal of God in us to stand in the defence thereof : Luke 12. 8. Thus confessing Christ here among men , he will confess us before his Father in Heaven and his holy Angels .

Of the hope that is in you , ] We must believe with our hearts before we can confess with our mouthes . Faith and hope must be rooted in our hearts ere we utter the same with our tongues ; In vain do we talk of things whereof we have not the inward feeling .

With meekness and fear , ] Here 's the maner ( for good things must be done in a right maner ) we must temper our courage and zeal , Our speeches must be accompanied with meekness and fear . in setting out the truth with meekness and fear ; we must avoid pride and insolency by forgetting our places , or those we have to speak to , or breaking out into violent speeches , mockings , gibings , or such like , for so we may do much hurt , and this is unbeseeming the Spirit of Gods Servants . Besides , the things we speak of , being the matters of God , our speech and behavior must be sutable thereunto .

This rebuketh the preposterous zeal of some , Use. which defending the truth and a good cause , forget duty and respect to their Superiors , and break out into violent and unseemly speeches , and be at defiance by and by , and straight condemn all that are not as they should be , whereas they should by a wise , meek , and moderate defence , and kinde perswasions win credit to the truth which they defend , and so do good ; they on the contrary cause them to speak evil , and to think that it s but a preposterous hate and pride of heart in them so to speak , and so do hurt : Some sober Christians do much good , and win on many that at first were opposite , when they hear the wait of their reasons , rather then the bigness of their words , and seeing they do it in the fear of God , and for conscience sake : Some are not so milde as others , but of an hotter nature ; this must in any wise be tempered with wisdom , yet are not we to part from any part of the truth , but to stick as close thereto as we may .

Verse 16. Having a good conscience , that whereas they speak evil of you , as of evil doers , they may be ashamed that falsly accuse your good conversation in Christ .

TO our constancy in the confession of our faith , we must have a good conscience , not so onely as it may be known to our selves , but we must so walk , that others , even our adversaries may perceive the same , that thereupon changing their mindes , and being ashamed that they have spoken so evil of us , they may cease to blame such as walk in so good a conversation , as becometh the Servants of Christ : Before I come to handle the points particularly laid down herein , I will shew , 1. What conscience is . 2. The offices thereof . 3. Resolve some questions about it : and 4. Treat of the kindes thereof .

For the 1. Conscience is a faculty or power , What Conscience is . placed by God in the soul of a man , which determineth of his thoughts , desires , words and deeds , either with him or against him in the sight of God : I say , It s a faculty or power , not a bare act , for many actions are ascribed thereto , as to accuse , excuse , comfort , terrifie , &c. Placed by God ; for God being the creator of the soul , he must accordingly be the creator of all the faculties of it : In the soul , called also the heart , and the Spirit of a man : Herein there be diverse faculties , as the understanding ( whereby we conceive what is true and what is false , what is good and what is evil ) the will ( whereby we will or nill , choose or refuse any thing , whereto are joyned the affections , joy , grief , love , hope , fear , &c. ) and the memory , whereby we hold fast things conceived , or else call to minde , and remember things past : So also is conscience another faculty thereof , whereby the soul reflects upon it self , whereby I know that I do know such a thing , that I think this or that , that I affect or desire , love or hate this or that ; for its one thing to know a thing , think a thing , remember a thing , &c. and another to know that I know it , think it , remember it : Now in which part of the soul it hath its place , as whether in the understanding or will , or in every part of the soul , I will not stand ; it s enough for us to know that there is such a faculty in mans soul. True it is , it not only gives witness of all the faculties , & tels what I think , desire , affect , &c. but it useth and worketh upon all the faculties as the understanding ; for by it , it directs , and according to it , it doth accuse , so as if the judgement be well informed , the conscience will give right witness , if ignorant or ill informed , then it gives wrong testimony : So the memory , accusing or excusing for things past ; so it worketh upon the will , by provoking it to choose or refuse this or that ; so it worketh upon the affections , raising up in us comfort and joy upon well doing , fear and grief upon ill-doing : Now though it have to do with all , yet it may have its proper place in the understanding and minde , according to the judgement of most Divines : Of a man , for no Creature on earth hath Conscience , but man . True , the Angels are not without it , the good having a good , comfortable , excusing , joyful Conscience ; the evil , a woful , ill , accusing , and tormenting Conscience , which is so much the worse , for that they know so much , and be so maliciously bent against it , so that even when they be not in the place of torment , but have leave to range the world , yet they carry Hell with them , even a tormenting Conscience , whereof their trembling ( according to Saint James ) is an evident testimony : Iames 2. 19. But no other Creature hath it , for having no Reason , they have no Conscience ; therefore we say in our speech of a bad and unconscionable man , he hath no more Conscience then a Dog , or as much Conscience as an Horse , whereby we mean none at all , for these Creatures have none : Man then hath a Conscience , yea every man , yet as the use of Reason may be lost , by folly , phrensie , &c. so the use of Conscience in such : So by notorious wickedness , a man may lose the use of his Conscience for a time , whereupon we say of such a one , he hath no Conscience : yes , every man hath a Conscience , though as the use of Reason is taken from one deeply drunk ; so custom of sinning hath taken away use of Conscience , so that it doth not admonish him before he do ill , nor check and accuse him after , or hath such an erronious judgement , thinking good evil , and evil good , that he hath also an erronious Conscience : But this benummed or beguiled Conscience will be awakened at one time or other , in life or death , or at the day of Judgement ; Rom 2. 15. for no mans Conscience dyes , but lives , and shall meet him at the last day : and though his sins be now as words written with the juyce of Lemmons , nothing to be seen , yet when their Conscience comes to the fire of Gods Judgements , then every little dash , idle words , vain thoughts , &c. will be perceived : Though men choak and smother Conscience , though they strangle it , or so drown it in their cups , yet it will and doth abide still ; what made Joseph's Brethren troubled in Egypt , but Conscience , which told them of the sin committed by them twenty years before ? So Conscience told Pharaoh that he and his people were wicked , which determined of his thoughts , desires , words , and deeds , or more briefly , beareth witness either with us or against us in the sight of God : It meddles not with other folks actions , for that is science or knowledge , but with our own , and that is Conscience : Conscience , that is knowledge with another , that is , either another knowledge , when I knowing any thing , do know that I know it , and so know my self and what is in me , or another person that knows with me what I know , and that as well as I , or rather far better , namely , God , who made the Conscience , and will judge it , and is privy to all that is in it ; for so is no other , neither man nor Angel , Acts 24. 16. and accordingly the Apostles Paul and John joyn both together : Great is the force hereof : 1 Iohn 3. 20. as both being within us , and so more able either to comfort or terrifie us then any other thing ( as the wind that gets within the earth , shakes it most terribly ) and likewise so inseparable , that a man cannot get from it .

1. This sheweth plainly that there is a God , Use 1. who hath set Conscience on work thus to admonish , warn , comfort , accuse , terrifie , &c. Having done evil , why should a mans Conscience accuse or terrifie him , but that God hath ordained it should so do ? and accordingly it doth cite him before God , and judge him before hand ; for not man or Angel can take the accusation of Conscience , it bears record in the sight of God : Why have the most unbridled despisers of God , when any token of Gods wrath hath appeared , run into holes and cellars under the ground ; yea , and such wicked monsters after some foul offence , though so secretly done as that they needed not to have been afraid of men , yet been so much vexed and disquieted , but that their Consciences informed them of God against whom they did sin ? and that his wisdom and knowledge did far surpass that of men or Angels , as knowing not onely what is done and spoken in the world , but what is in every mans heart .

2. This confuteth those which affirm , Use 2. That we cannot be assured of our Salvation , and why ? because we cannot know whether we believe or not , &c. But as we may know a Tree by the fruits , so may we our Faith : Iames 2. God gives us not grace , that we should not know whether we have it or not : 1 Iohn 2. 3. wherefore serves Conscience but to witness what is in us ? 1 Cor. 2. 12. Thus what Conscience is .

For the second , The Offices of Conscience . The Offices of Conscience , they are to bear witness , and to give judgement .

First , To bear witness . I say , To bear witness , and that 1. Of our thoughts , whether they have been proud , distrustful , unclean , wandering at the hearing of the Word , or in Prayer , worldly on the Lords day , &c. for the understanding hath two faculties , one whereby it conceives or thinks this or that ; the other , whereby it doubles upon it self , and knows that it did think it : The minde thinks a thought , the Conscience goes beyond the minde , and knows what the minde thinks ; so that if a man would hide his thoughts from God , his Conscience can bear witness of them : Ier. 17. 10. Thus it discovers the very bent and sway of our hearts . 1 Cor. 2. 11. 2. Of our will and affections , whether the same be set on good , or that which is evil . Rom. 9. 3. 3. Of our speeches , whether they be agreeable to Gods Word or not . 4. Of our actions , though never so secret : Thus Davids Conscience told him that he had sinned in numbring the people , 1 Sam. 24. 10. and 24. 15. but that he had not conspired against Saul , Psal. 7. 4 , 5. howsoever he was by him persecuted ; Iob 42. 3. & 31. 5 , 7 , &c. so Jobs Conscience witnessed against him , that he had spoken somewhat impatiently , but for him , that he had not eat his morsels alone , &c.

1. This setteth out the great mercy of God to man , Use 1. God hath not here left us alone , but besides his Word and Ministers , every man hath a keeper still going along with him ( who is to pry into our actions , and to bear witness of them all , and when we have done amiss , to tell us secretly thereof , that so we may ask pardon and amend , and may not complain that we had none to tell us of our faults , &c. ) and that is our conscience : Hereby such as belong unto God are stirred up to have recourse unto God for mercy , and thereupon are pardoned ; after their conversion , they are also hereby kept from many evils , and through the checks of Conscience we are driven to repentance : Happy are they that have tender Consciences , and turn not the deaf ear thereto : Doth our conscience tell us of any thing amiss ? if we do thereupon amend , we make good use thereof ; but if we do not , whereas it now speaks softly between it and us in our ear , it will roar out one day , when it will be heard , whether we will or not , namely , Both at the hour of our death , and on the day of Judgement . Most men count their conscience a common Barretor , one that troubles them ( as Ahab said Elias did Israel ) therefore is it just with God to give them benumb'd consciences , that they go snorting to Hell .

2. It setteth out the Equity and Justice of God , Use 2. that condemns no man till he hath given him both a law to guide him , and a conscience to admonish him , Psal. 51. 4. yea , to accuse and condemn him : When God judgeth , every mans conscience shall justifie God for so doing ; when God shall awake the conscience , then it will speak true , give a righteous verdict , and condemn the civilest for want of Faith in Christ , and not performance of the duties of the first Table .

3. It teacheth us to beware we sin not , Use 3. whether in thought , word or deed , either out of hope that none shall know it , or that we shall scape for lack of witnesses , or that we may alledge that we knew not that so and so to do were sins : Thus we should but deceive our selves , for there be witnesses enough , thine own conscience is as a thousand , and God as ten thousand : Le ts do no other thing but that whereof we would hear again , for conscience will bear witness ; do not we bless our selves for our sins done in secret , as if none saw them , or could witness any thing against us : The bird in the breast knows , and God knows ; hang down thine head then , and ask mercy of God , and confess thy self to him ; if not , even thine own conscience may break it out in this world , as Judas's in accusing himself , whereas he was not taxed by others , and many have confessed Murther , Adultery , Theft , &c. some with repentance , others in hellish horror : Do not any thing in hope of secrecy , unless you can keep God and your consciences from being present , neither be we careful for eye-witnesses of our well doing in the performance of duties : It s enough if our conscience tells us we have done well ; yea , if we be taxed for Hypocrites , See Acts 23. 1. or otherwise be slandered , its sufficient that God and our own conscience can bear witness of our sincerity and uprightness ; 2 Cor. 1. 12. it s more then if every one should speak well of us , Heb. 13. 18. excepting our own conscience : Thus was Job , thus Hezekiah comforted . Isa. 38. 3.

2. To give judgement , and that whether things be good or bad , To give judgement before our actions . whether they be well done or ill done , and this judgement is given either before our actions , or after them ; before , Conscience gives judgement thus , it tells us what is good , and what bad , and not so barely , but with some furtherance , This is good , therefore do it ; This is ill , therefore do it not ; so Pilate knowing Christ to be innocent , his conscience moved him to seek to loose him ; so Reuben when his brethren would have killed Joseph , apprehending that to be ill , and that from his conscience , he disswaded them therefrom ; so Davids conscience told him that he should do ill to kill Saul , and thereupon would not give ear to those that perswaded him hereto : Thus being tempted to Lye , See Isa. 30. 21. Deceive , Swear , Prophane the Lords day , &c. the conscience tells us that its evil so to do ; Psal. 16. 7. Again , being called upon to any good duty , the conscience tells us its good , and provokes us to do it .

Why , Obj. then Conscience is a Puritan if it do thus , is not this corrupted as well as the other faculties ?

O yes , Sol. therefore it gives judgement very weakly and imperfectly in all , but especially in the unregenerate , and especially in the most ignorant and most wicked , yet it retains some part of her office and power , and will be doing as its enlightened , and therefore it will give this judgement in foul and gross things in the worst of all , as when they go to commit Murther , Adultery , &c. or tell them on the other side , they should go to Church , &c. but in the regenerate it doth much good work , it s as a guide to conduct us in our way , and whereby we shun all by paths ; It s a bridle to keep us from sin , and a spur to goodness , it s joyned in Commission with the Spirit of God , they are obeyed or rejected together .

1. Our duty then in token of our thankfulness is , Use 1. That we listen to the voyce of Conscience , and be ruled by it ; we must take advice thereof ere we do any thing : If we will not be ruled thereby , but do contrary thereto , it will one day exclaim against us , when God shall judge us for our disobedience ; Why , did not I give thee a Conscience to tell thee of these things , will God say ? Yes , Lord , shall Conscience answer , I told him it was naught , and yet he would do it ; I told him such and such a thing was his duty , and urged him to it , and yet he would not give ear , but put off the time from one day to another ; he would not repent , have prayers in his family , &c. such shall then be stricken speechless : Most are so eagerly carried after their passions and unruly affections , as that they do not hear the voyce of their conscience , the noise of those drowns the voyce of this .

2. Even natural men have a light of conscience urging them to good , Use 2. and restraining them from evil : None so evil , but they have in them some light , by which conscience is set on work to advise or counsel to the doing or avoiding this or that good or evil ; it s therefore no note or sign of grace in any , because their conscience doth thus and thus : This is in meer natural men , from the light and knowledge that conscience hath of things good or evil , yea , oftentimes so forcible are those stirrings of conscience in them , as that it keeps and restrains them from many sins which they are inclined to , and would otherwise commit , and puts them upon many good things which it urgeth them to , which of themselves they have neither will nor power to do ; not from the love they have of the good , or hatred of the evil , but beca●se they would please Conscience , which will not suffer them to be at quiet till it be obeyed ; this they may do , and yet in the mean time may be onely in the state of Nature ; for though here they obey Conscience , yet they do it not for Conscience sake : Their obedience ariseth not from the purity and holiness of the Law of God , but from fear of men , from discredit or shame , from hope of reward , desire of ease or the like : If there were no other cause to move them to enter upon good duties , or to restrain them from doing evil , but the Law of God , they would not yield that obedience to Conscience , which now they do : And thus conscience gives judgement before things be done .

For its judgement after our Actions : After our actions . It then gives sentence , This was well done , This was ill done , and not so onely , but with an Absolution or Condemnation : This was well done , therefore you are innocent in it , and deserve neither guilt nor punishment ; This was ill done , therefore you are guilty , and have deserved Gods wrath hereby : 1 Sam. 12. 3. Samuels Conscience spake for him , Exod. 9. 27. Whose Ox have I taken , &c. Pharaohs against him , Prov. 28. 1. I have sinned , &c. Thus is Conscience as a Judge acquitting or condemning us , 2 Cor. 1. 12 , yea , 1 Iohn 3. 21. a little God as it were in the midst of man , giving sentence beforehand , as it shall be at the Tribunal seat of God on the last day : If it acquits us , then it worketh Peace , Joy , Comfort , Boldness ; if it condemn us , especially forcibly , O then it causeth shame ( as in Adam , when he fled and hid himself in the thicket after he had offended ) so also fear , yea , in the midst of all jollities , as in Belshazzar , and at small things , as the shaking of a leaf ; so also sorrow ( which the world judgeth to be melancholy , whereas it is far otherwise , and yet both may and do often meet together ) yea , desperation as in ( Cain and Judas ) and an universal distraction of body and minde : Isa. 57. 20. the accusation of conscience are wounds to the heart ; Acts 2. 37. Davids heart smote him : Prov. 18. 4. A wounded Spirit who can bear ? Mark 9. 48. They are as the gnawing of a Worm that never dyeth , but lyeth continually gnawing at ones heart .

1. If our consciences do excuse and acquit us , Use 1. bearing witness of the truth and integrity of our hearts , of our hatred of evil , our delight in Gods word , and endeavor to please him above all things , &c. then may we rejoyce and be of good comfort , the same being an infallible mark of our Salvation , and may be bold in believing the same against Satan and all his discomforts : There s a great fault in many Christians , though ( as the Apostle saith ) They know nothing by themselves , 1 Cor. 4. 4. but that their hearts bear witness with them , of their care and faithfulness in all things , yet are never the more comforted , but are still cast down through Satans suggestions and lyes , and their own unbelief : If thine own conscience well informed according to Gods Word acquit thee , why shouldst thou not be of good comfort ? you may be humbled for your failings , yea , deeply for your strong corruptions , & yet for the main , be of comfort ; if in any particular we have done well , we may be comforted .

2. Let us always keep our selves in well-doing , Use 2. that we may hear our consciences speak comfortably , so may we keep a continual feast .

3. If we have any thing lying on our consciences , Use 3. for which they boyl within us , and accuse and pronounce judgements against us , let us not make a slight matter of it ; but seek to God for mercy , and to be discharged of it , that so we may still conscience , which then may be done , not before : Stop not the mouth of conscience , as many do by mirth and toys , this is but to delude thy self and delay time ; others let it alone , and think to wear it out in time : O no , conscience will still cry louder ! Simile . What if one should make the Bayliff drunk , and so get away , the debt is never the more paid , he will come again ; though the evil Spirit in Saul went away by the Minstrels playing , yet it returned to him again ; the like may be said of conscience : I wonder at the horrible madness of some people , though their consciences do already accuse them and condemn them for many things , yet are so far from seeking to disburthen them , that they daily adde more and more thereto : How justly may these fear , lest the terror of conscience come so fiercely on them , as even to weary them out of their lives ? But howsoever they sleep now , there will be a time when they will awaken and cry to the purpose .

4. Let us take heed that from henceforth we do not burthen our consciences , Use 4. they will be Witnesses , Accusers , Judges , Tormentors , If this be against us , what shall be for us ? and if this condemn us , who who shall clear us ? Simile . If we have eaten too much , or some unwholsom thing , and it lye on our stomack , we cannot be at rest , till we be emptied thereof , and accordingly thenceforth are more careful to abstain from the like ; so should we do in respect of sin , yea , in our places , as Magistrates , Ministers , Husbands , Parents , Masters , &c. we must discharge our duties , and for the same have the testimony of our conscience , and enjoy the peace thereof ; then which , what 's more to be desired ? & which not gain , pleasures , honor , &c. can procure : Because thy conscience doth not now accuse thee , thou dost haply conceive that als wel , but assuredly hereafter it wil , though it may be twenty years hence , and that when thou shalt be least able to undergo it , as in sickness , &c.

5. This cleareth Gods justice , Use 5. he will nor needs not bring other witnesses or occasions against us , then our consciences ; they will testifie with us , or against us on that day . Before I leave this Point , consider we , that the Word of God is that which tells us what is to be done , and what left undone , and that this bindes the conscience to obedience ; when any thing is done agreeable to the Word , the conscience saith , it s well , and excuseth ; when any thing is done contrary to the Word , the conscience saith , its ill , and condemneth : As for them that have not the Word , their consciences judge by the light and Law of nature , which was left man after the fall ( for there remain some general notions in mans heart both of the first and second Table , as appears by the Laws which the Heathens have made about the worship of their Gods , and against perjury , murther , theft , adultery , &c. ) Rom. 2. 15. These I say , are judged by this : It s true , that mens Laws , an Oath , a Vow , do binde the conscience , but it s by vertue from the Word ; now if the minde be enlightened with the true knowledge of the Word of God , then will the conscience give right judgement , but if it be ignorant of the Word , then it may make the conscience erronious , or scruplous and doubtful .

An erronious conscience , An erronious conscience , what it is . is when it accuseth where it should excuse , or excuse when it should accuse , which comes from an erronious judgement , which judgeth good to be evil , and evil to be good ; hence the conscience of some men excuse them in doing things that be flatly bad , See Iohn 16. 2. and accuse them for doing good things : Thus a Papist thinks he doth well to go to Mass , Gen. 30. 18. and that he should do very wickedly to come to Church with us .

A doubtful conscience is , A doubtful conscience what it is . when a man is not perswaded of the lawfulness of a thing , or the unlawfulness of it , but is as a man that holds a Wolf by the ●ars , he knows not whether he should let him go , or hold him still , Rom. 14. whoso thus doth any thing , sinneth ; both this and the former proceed from the want of the knowledge of Gods Word .

We must therefore labor to be well instructed in the Scriptures ; Use. ignorant persons must needs fill their lives with swarms of offences and sins , for they not knowing many things to be sins which be , swallow them , and never accuse themselves for them ; as we say , the blinde cats many a flye , and do many things which they have no faith of the lawfulness of , but do them for custom , example of others , and the like , and so sin in them ; people think if they be free from murther , whoredom , theft , &c. they be in a good case , but being ignorant , Psal. 119. 105. their lives abound with sins : O therefore let the Word be a light unto our feet , and a lanthorn unto our paths : Thus of the offices of conscience .

For the third , Three questions here offering themselves , require resolution .

Q. 1. Whether doth a man sin , Whether a man doth sin that doth according to his conscience . that doth according to his conscience : As a Papist thinks he serves God highly well in going to Mass ; one in the Primitive Church , thought Fornication a thing indifferent , and so committed it ; A man thinks he may lawfully travel homeward on the Lords-day , being in a journey .

A. He doth ill that doth any of these , or the like ; for his erring conscience cannot make that good , which God hath before pronounced to be evil , by forbidding it in his Word ; our conscience is not our rule , but Gods Word : Thus every one should be saved by his own devotion , and it were lawful to go to a cunning man , to sell as dear as we can , to deceive them that deceive us , to use the Creed and Ten Commandments as a Prayer , See Acts 26. 9. &c. which who can justifie ? Whether a man do any thing against his conscience being erronious ,

Q. 2. Whether it be lawful for a man to do a thing against his conscience , I mean , though his conscience be erronious and deceived : As if a Papist be perswaded that its a sin to come to Church with us , and yet for fear comes ; an Anabaptist holds it unlawful to take an oath before a Magistrate , and yet through fear he doth ?

A. They do ill , not simply for doing these things , as being good , and such as God requires , but for doing them with an ill conscience against their conscience ; so that if they do not these things being required , they sin ; if they do them , they sin , what then ? They must labor to be informed , and perswaded of the lawfulness of them , and then do them : So that though ( as in the former question ) our perswasion of the lawfulness of a thing being indeed unlawful , makes it not good ; so the doing of a good thing against ones conscience , makes it unlawful : If a man think himself bound in conscience to pray three times in a day , he ought so to do , though God hath left it indifferent : An erronious conscience must be followed till it be better informed , Rom. 14. but how vile is it to commit an evil against the checks and light of conscience , 1 Cor. 8. 7. and yet what s more frequent ?

Q. 3. Whether is it lawful to do a thing with a doubtful conscience . Whether it be lawful to do a thing with a doubtful conscience .

A. By no means , a particular faith must be had for all our actions ; we must forbear a thing till we be perswaded , and such ought to be born with that seek resolution : A scruplous Conscience is , when a man is inclined to think a thing lawful , and yet hath some scruples and doubts , by reason of many difficulties that he hath heard of , which he knoweth not how to answer or resolve : Here our rule is to labor to suppress all difficulties that make us doubt ; but if it cannot be done , then its lawful to follow conscience notwithstanding those doubts and scruples , as Deut. 13. when the people were setled in a true way of serving God , if one should come and teach them a contrary way , confirming the same by a sign , this must needs breed some scruples in the peoples mindes ; nevertheless , conscience enclining to the truth of the former Doctrine , they are bound to stand to it : Thus of these three Questions .

For the fourth , The several kindes of conscience . There are good and bad consciences ; Mans conscience was onely good in the Creation , since the fall all mens consciences are corrupted and perverted , whereof some are renewed and sanctified from Heaven , and so become good , though not perfectly , because of the remnants of corruption : Tit. 1. 15. Whosoever is not sanctified , hath an ill conscience of one kinde or other .

An evil conscience is either a still and quiet evil conscience or stirring , either by accusing , or excusing wrongfully ; for the true property of a good conscience , is to excuse altogether for well-doing : Now when the conscience is either num and dead , and lies still , or otherwise accuseth for sin , or excuseth wrongfully , this is an ill conscience .

Of a still quiet ill conscience there be three kindes , The kindes of a still quiet conscience . namely , sleepy , secure , and seared .

The first , Drowsie . a sleepy drowsie conscience , that lives and lies in many sins , and yet accuseth not by reason of ignorance in the Word of God , as the common sort neglect many a duty , and commit many a sin , that conscience never checks them for , because they be ignorant of Gods Law , for which another that knows the Law of God is humbled , with them are omnia bene ; they hope to be saved by their good meaning , and crying God mercy at last ; they are not troubled at wandring thoughts , worldly talk on the Lords day , to go to bed without prayer , Simile . and the like : They are like one that comes into a sluttish house in a dark night , and sees nothing amiss , but when the Sun shines perceives the foul corners , yea , the very moats that flye in the Sun-beams : Some such have come under a lightsom Ministery , and have wondred and been ashamed of themselves , and have been humbled and converted ; Thus was it with Paul before and after his conversion .

The second , Secure . A secure conscience , that is stirred onely at foul and staring sins , hates murther and fighting , but in rash and unadvised anger is not moved at all ; is somewhat troubled at swearing by wounds and blood , but makes nothing of By my faith , truth , this bread , fire , Sun that shines , and the like ; such have wide throats , that can swallow all small things : So there are that make conscience of oppression , cruelty , in justice , but none of neglecting the Word , Sacraments , and Prayer , or prophaning the Lords-day , which be greater then the former , though they do not so think ; and partly the commonness of them makes their conscience not accuse in them , or that they be never awakened for their sins , till some great cross do befal them , or after some rowsing Sermon , then their consciences work ; therefore they cannot abide such Preaching , though it were happy for them , if they might hear such still , till they were wearied out of themselves .

The third , Seared . A benumbd , brawny and seared conscience ; benumbd , as a member in the dead Palsie ; brawny , as a laboring mans hand ; seared , as with an hot iron , which is worst of all : when men go on and make conscience of nothing , but do what they list , and their hearts scarce smite them , being ( as Nabal ) like blocks and stones , daring do any thing , and committing most horrible foul sins , and yet not being troubled thereat : This comes by the custom of sin , and refusing the checks of their conscience , and Gods giving them up to a reprobate minde , and an hard heart , to work wickedness , and that with greediness : Eph. 4. 18. great sins also lyen in without repentance , do harden and benumb the conscience , as a part of the body that is seared is past feeling : They not onely doing against the light of Gods Word , but even against the light of nature , and their natural conscience , God gives them over , and so they go on in sin , without sence of any thing .

The cause of these , especially the two first , is chiefly the want of a faithful Ministery , for where this is , though they be not converted , yet they be convinced , and sin not so quietly as others ; or if they live under such a faithful stirring Ministery , and yet have drowsie and secure consciences , it s because they come not to the Word , or regard not what they hear , or understand it not , or sleep thereat : But there are some more notorious , which will not lightly abide a zealous or powerful Ministery , but will get away from it , else if they tarry , through long contempt of the Word , and hardening their hearts , they grow past feeling , having set down with themselves , they will never be moved with whatsoever is said : This is a great plague , it takes from a man the onely means under God of his repentance ; he is as one under a grave stone , that cannot rise : These are lusty and merry , they think their case happy , they say , Peace , peace , they thank God they were never troubled in conscience , and marvel at them that be , thinking them out of their wits , or else that they have been some great offenders , &c. but they are troubled , not because they be out of their wits , but because they now begin to come into their right minde , as it s said of the Prodigal , Luke 15. 17. They be troubled not because they be greater sinners then the others , but because they see that the others see not , which if they saw ( as it were happy for them if they did ) they would see cause enough to be wounded to the purpose : But do they think their conscience will ever lie thus still ? No , let them be assured God will set all in order before them , and their benumb'd conscience will prove a raging conscience . A Bankrupt makes a great shew at first , afterward breaks , and is arrested and imprisoned ; many make fair promises unto Delinquents , that they will speak to the Judge for them , &c. Simile . but do indeed prove their chief adversaries , such are the consciences of these men : If it be once awakened and stirred , it will roar as a Lyon , and tear out their throats ; a sleepy conscience is like a starcht Ruff , that stands up brave in fair weather , but falls quite down in a storm : The peace of such a conscience is naught , it comes not after humiliation , nor proceeds from apprehension of Gods love , but from a false imagination , having no true reformation of life accompanying it .

Now that the consciences of such may be awakened here , See Ioh. 3. 20 , 21. whilest there is help ( though usually most shun the same ) they must 1. Labor to be acquainted with Gods Law , Means whereby the conscience may be awakened . wherein they shall as well see the smallest as the greatest sins : Therein they shall perceive their own error , as who thought that they did love God above all , and their neighbors as themselves ; that they did ever serve God , and put their whole trust in him ; that it was lawful for them to swear , so it were true ; that it was lawful to go to wizards , that on the Lords day they might walk about their fields , and do their other businesses , and yet serve God as well as they that went to Church ; that they might do with their own what they list , &c. 2. Labor to know and believe that the least sin is damnation ( yet do most bless themselves in their evil courses , See Deu. 29. 19 and are not a whit moved by all the threatnings of Gods Word ) that thereupon they may be humbled and terrified , and flie out of themselves to God for mercy , which is the onely way to come to good : To this end let them make use of the most stirring sermons , meditate of Gods judgements , go to such as are afflicted , or lie on their death beds , consider that there be thousands in Hell which have not committed the tithe of their sins , and that if they themselves should dye suddenly ( this night ) their condition were miserable : If any shall say , My conscience hath been quiet all this while , I do not mean to call my estate into question ; let such know , that many go snorting to Hell , and that a troubled conscience is better then a drowsie secure conscience , for that may come to good , the other is out of all possibility of mercy : See Acts 2. 37 and 16. 29. Indeed , to stay in terror of conscience is fearful , yet not worse then to have a benumb'd conscience ; there 's hope of them that be troubled , Simile . of the others but a little . Physitians prescribe their Patients sometimes to go to sea to be sea sick , and that to purge away some ill humors , for the health of the body ; no less needful is it to be soul sick for the welfare of our souls ; yet is it a common speech of most , at the visitation of the sick , Oh , I pray do not trouble him , he is in a very good minde , &c. but the Prodigals condition ( though he had ragged cloaths and a rent heart ) was better then his elder brothers ; and the Publican justified , not the Pharisee : Thus of the quiet ill conscience .

The stirring ill conscience , The stirring ill conscience . is either when it stirs by excusing , or by accusing .

Excusing , Excusing . upon the doing of some evil , whereof John 16. 2. or the omission of some duty , as the hearing of the Word , Prayer , and the li●e : Thus was it with Saul when he was questioned by Samuel , for not obeying Gods Commandment ; thus hath it been with some Papists , when they have practiced Treason against their Prince and Countrey . A good conscience doth excuse indeed , but rightly , not amiss , in all things , not in some onely , for the maner as well as the thing it self .

Accusing , Accusing . and that 1. When it should not , as an Idolator is troubled in conscience for leaving undone some piece of idolatrous service . 2. For trifles , and not for matters of weight , as the Pharisees made great conscience of going to meat with unwashen hands , but not of murthering Christ ; as Papists make great conscience of eating flesh on a fasting day , who yet make no conscience of Whoredom , Swearing ; so Civil persons would be much troubled if they should be but accused for wronging their neighbors , who yet are no whit moved for prophaning the Lords day , not coming to the Sacrament , neglect of Prayer and the like . 3. When it is forcible and violent , causing horror and fear , gastliness , terror in the dark , or at the sight of any of Gods Judgements , trembling at the ratling of a leaf , yea , and desperation it self : This , though it be not good of it self , yet turns to the good of the godly ; God brings them this way , onely he leaves them not here , but by the voyce of the Gospel doth relieve their mindes , and perswades them to seek mercy , upholding them with the hope thereof : Some have checks of conscience , but so , as they can bear them out ; some again , so as they cannot endure them .

Who so finde their consciences accusing them for their sins , Use. and know no pardon , but their consciences still tell them of their sins , and that their course is bad , let such know , that they have evil consciences , which being let alone , will accuse them worse : If their consciences accuse them , God is greater , and knows more : Therefore let them seek to pacifie God and their consciences too . To this end , consider , That God hath provided in his infinite mercy an all-sufficient remedy in the death and bloodshed of Jesus Christ , 1 Iohn 3. 20. then which there is no other way to satisfie Gods displeasure , nor to stanch the terrors of conscience ; let such bewail and lament their state to Almighty God , confessing their sins , and judging themselves as the Prodigal for the same , See Psal. 32. 5. thereupon craving of him with strong cryes and humble prayers , Prov. 28. 13. the pardon and forgiveness thereof : To such as thus come in the truth of their hearts , Isa. 1. 18. God hath made many gracious promises ; Ezek. 33. 16. Thus suing to him , Mat. 11. 29. he will in his own good time send down a comfortable answer : This is the onely course to come to good ( to still conscience with forgetting our sins , and mirth , is but to deceive our selves , to wear it out by head and shoulders ; it s but as the putting away of the tooth-ake with cold water , which will still it for a little , but after it reboundeth more violently ) this is the way to get peace : After this will our consciences begin to be quiet , and thereupon excuse and comfort : Then will Faith purifie the heart , and work an hatred of all sin , with a continual care to please God in all things : Then shall we be quite altered and changed from that we were . I cannot but wonder at a number of men , whose consciences witness against them , who yet seek not to pacifie them by assurance of pardon , but adde more daily unto their sins ; whose consciences bear witness , That they have no care to please God , but their way and works be naught , assuredly their consciences will one day cry louder ; O lay up no new matter of accusation , all the profit and pleasure that comes of it will be dear bought : Simile . It s as to drink pleasing poyson , it goes down pleasantly , but afterward wounds the bowels : If a man had never so much wealth , yet if he have an ill conscience , what shall it profit him ? It were as if a man had a costly banket , rich apparel and attendance , &c. and one with a sword drawn were standing ready by him to kill him : This is a Bailiff to arrest , a Jailer to keep safe , a witness to accuse , a Judge to condemn , an Executioner to torment , &c. It s of all foes the worst , they accuse to men , this to God ; one may go from them sometimes , but not from this : It s an evil help in adversity , which like Jobs friends troubles us more then all the rest ; It will be a woful companion at the hour of death , and day of Judgement : It s like a woful contentious wife , when a man hath had trouble enough abroad , coming home , he findes more there : O their life is no life , that live with a worm gnawing within ! Thus , what joy will there be of health , wealth , or whatsoever else ? yea , as we are to take heed of this , so also are we of a benumbd conscience , the end of both being bad , the one no less dangerous then the other ; Thus of a bad conscience .

A good conscience , is an excusing and comforting conscience , that speaks on ones side , and that for well doing : Thus have the Angels in Heaven a perfect excusing conscience ; So had Adam in his innocency , and we shall one day have in heaven : Now our conscience is but so in part , as all our other faculties ; Some corruption remains therein , even in the best , and therefore doth sometimes accuse , or excuse when it should not , but for the most part it excuseth and witnesseth comfortably on our sides ; this is either a good quiet , or a good troubled and trembling conscience .

A good quiet conscience hath these two parts , A good quiet conscience . an heart witnessing to us , 1. The pardon of our sins past in the blood of Jesus Christ ( for as Jonah's casting into the Sea , Heb. 9. 14. stilled the same ; So believing in Christ , Ionah 1. 15. stills the most troubled conscience ; if we be justified through him , See Act. 16. 30. who shall condemn ? ) and 2. Our unfained uprightness and care to please God in all things , detesting all evil , and bearing true love to his Word and Saints ; of the former read these Scriptures , Job 19. 25. Romans 8. 16. Psalm 4. 6. and 32. 1. Gal. 2. 20. Cant. 2. 16. Of the latter these , Psalm 26. 2. and Isaiah 38. 3. Acts 23. 1. 2 Cor. 1. 12. Heb. 13. 18. They that believe most assuredly the pardon of their sins , and walk most stedfastly with God , they have the good quiet conscience , at least so far as is here to be attained : This is a wonderful Jewel , 2 Cor. 1. 12. a continual feast ; Ioh. 30. 20 , 21. This causeth joy ; This causeth boldness to come to the Word , 1 Iohn . 3. 21. boldness before God , boldness also towards men ( let men say what they will , Acts 23. 1. we care not , if our consciences witness truly on our sides ) yea , boldness against the Devil , who will lay much to our charge , sifting us to the full : O thou art a damned Creature , will he say : No , Satan ; yes , an horrible sinner , and who hast deserved Hell fire : I grant ( Satan ) but Christ Jesus hath paid my debt , and delivered me ; If thou shalt scape Hell , yet thou shalt never get to Heaven ( will he say ) for none come there but such as keep the Law : O Christ hath kept it for me ! But he hath dyed but for a few , whereof thou art none ; yes , I am : He dyed for none , but such as truly believed in him , so dost not thou : Yes , I do believe , and do lay hold on his gracious promises : But Christ dyes for none , to whom he gives not power to become new Creatures , so art not thou : Hereunto will a good conscience answer boldly , and so put Satan to flight .

This differs from a bad quiet conscience , Wherein it differs from a bad quiet conscience . that comes from ignorance of their danger ( as a blinde man standing before a Canon ) this out of knowledge of Gods Word ; This is quiet upon examination , that because never examined ; This is quiet upon good grounds , that upon nothing but upon bear conceits ; This hath joy adjoyned therewith , which that hath not : That leaves one in deadness , this quickens the heart to every good duty ; This holds at all times , that driven away by the terror of the Ministery of the Word , or by afflictions , especially it fails at death and Judgement day .

A good troubled and trembling conscience is , A good troubled conscience . when one is perswaded of Gods love , and the pardon of sin through Christ , but cannot hold it firm and fast ; and this not in the beginning of their conversion onely , but after they hold it with a wavering hand , so doubtful and full of fears , because of their unworthiness , and the greatness of the mercy , so that ever anon they are to seek , and ready to faint : And for the other , their heart witnesseth the true hatred of all sin , and care to please God in all things , but herein they think they do nothing as they should , and that they can do no good , and even when they have done duties very carefully , yet are they still troubled , as if they did all for fear of pain , and Hell , and not for the love of God , or out of self-love in hope of Heaven , and to save their souls : And because they finde some corruptions and rebellions , they think that these spoil all their duties , and that they themselves are vile wretches , yea , though they hate them deadly , yet this doth not satisfie them , they hate them not so much as they should . Again , they are so timerous and fearful , whether they may eat this or that , or thus much , wear such good apparel , do this or that , go this way or that , all which notwithstanding are lawful for them , but they are so afraid to offend God , that they often accuse themselves , &c. This is a good conscience , though not so setled as were to be desired , and as the other is : This may appear by these Notes ;

Such would not part with the comfort they have for the world , Signs declaring the goodness thereof . nor be utterly out of hope , and are glad when they can believe best : They resolve to trust in God , and serve him , though he would kill them ; They are humble , and both much and servent in Prayer ; They hang upon the Ministery of the Word , hunger after the Sacrament , long for the Sabbath , delight in the Saints : There 's no Physitian more welcome to a sick body , then a godly Minister to them in time of trouble ; They walk usually more strictly , then they that have more comfort , and are more zealous , and more afraid to sin , and more grieve at sin in others ; So that this is a good conscience no less then the former , Both go to Heaven , the one in sharpness , the other in sweetness run the way of Gods Commandments ; Simile . They be like to two Travellers through a Wilderness , or in a dark night , one of good courage , afraid of nothing , the other of a fearful nature , afraid of every thing , both which get well through : So do these , the one hath experience of Gods goodness in not being troubled and tempted , the other of his power in being upheld , that he is not swallowed up and overcome of fear and grief : O that there were many such consciences ! And yet it cannot be denyed , but that the other is better , as having more comfort in themselves , and being more fit to do good unto others , and yet they may scape some checks the others may meet with , as Peter ; yea , God seems more to tender these then those ; as a Father having two Children , both beloved of him , the one sick , the other in health , is most careful of him that is sick , that he may recover : To have a tender conscience , checking us for the least sin ( idle words , vain thoughts , and the like ) as Davids , for curting off the lap of Sauls Garment , 1 Sam. 24. 5. is a singular blessing , and therefore to obtain it , we must both see the odiousness of sin , judging aright thereof , and must bring our hearts to mourn even for the smallest sins .

1. Let every man examine himself whether he hath a good conscience or not , Use 1. whether art thou assured of the pardon of thy sins ? whether doth thine heart bear witness that thou hatest all sin , and art truly desirous to please God in all things , as well great as small , secretly as openly ? at least in the deep sence of thy misery , art thou wearied under it as an intollerable weight ? hearing of the onely remedy , dost thou long after it above all the world ? art thou as willing to turn from sin , as to have sin forgiven ; to take up his yoke , as to be refreshed by him ? If not , thy case is fearful ; What have we , if we have not this ? The great benefits of a good conscience . It s our duty then to labor for it , and not rest till we obtain it ; What may not incite us hereto ? It procures Joy , Peace , Comfort , Boldness before God and men ; such are bold to pray unto God , bold to crave others to pray for them : See Pro. 14. 10 It s comfortable in prosperity , Heb. 13. 18. a sweet companion at home and abroad , night and day ; it s a sweet companion in adversity , like a good wife by her kindeness chearing her husband when he comes home , who hath been much turmoild abroad , another Simon to bear a piece of our cross , yea in the greatest crosses , this assureth us , that yet God is our Father : he visits us in love , he will assist us , and at last deliver us : It s a Castle of comfort , an armor of proof , a continual feast , an Heaven upon earth : It makes a man embrace the flames , kiss the stake , and being in the fire , accounts as if he were on a bed of Roses : In death its comfortable when all things else forsake us ; then when our eyes are shut up , yet through this we shall with Steven , Acts 7. 56. see Christ Jesus ready to receive us , and shall say , Lord , now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace : In the day of judgement it will make us lift up our heads with joy , when we shall see our Savior Christ come to receive us into his heavenly kingdom : O they that have a good conscience should make much of it , as of their jewel , and labor to keep it : It may be easily lost , and is hardly recovered , as may be seen in David and Peter .

The first part of it , How it is kept namely , The assurance of our Salvation is kept by daily renewing our Confessions , Supplications and Thanksgivings : To this end we must labor to know the will of God , and daily to grow in knowledge , by our diligent perusal of the Scriptures .

The 2 part of it , namely , our care to please God is kept & maintained by a daily and constant resolution not to offend God , and so we must both strive and watch against our frowardness , worldly-mindedness , &c. and covenant and vow to do the will of God to the uttermost of our power : Hereupon we must walk carefully , as in the presence of God , avoiding all occasions of sinning , & using all good means to keep us in a good course publiquely and privately , being diligent and careful in our particular calling , to the glory of God , and good of our brethren .

2. This reproveth those that having a good conscience , fail as much in laboring to keep it , Use 2. as the World doth in not laboring to obtain it : How do Christians go on carelesly , without renewing their exercises of Faith and Repentance , and so their assurance is to seek , or else hold it at a venture , and coldly ? our worst day in the week might be better then our Sabbath , had we but the grace to use our time aright : O how many are careless , watch not , give way to their lusts ? therefore fall into many evils , and so wound their consciences very often , which is dangerous . A place often wounded or hurt , will not at last be healed : We dishonor God much , disquiet our consciences , give evil example to others by our frowardness , impatience , worldliness , hard dealings , &c. Hence it cometh , that the Word pincheth us , evil tidings amaze us , we are loath to dye , and the day of Judgement is fearful to us .

3. This may encourage and comfort those that have good consciences , Use 3. though they be timerous : What , God shews mercy , even to men unworthy , and though thy sins be many and great , ye● hast thou to deal with him that 's able to pardon them : Lose not that thou hast ; when we lose good consciences , all Gods graces diminish and vanish away , neither can we thrive any whit , as is seen by daily experience : But nothing can do us hurt as long as our consciences hold good ; then are we fit to live , and fit to dye ; fit for the Word and Sacrament , fit for death and judgement : Thus of the kindes of conscience , and so of conscience in general .

Having a good conscience , A godly conversation is to accompany the zealous profession of our Faith . &c. ] Now of the Words in particular , whereof I have laid down their coherence with the former , and from whence may be noted , That a godly conversation in all things , is to be joyned to a bold and zealous profession of our Faith ; to our knowledge and profession , See Iosh. 1. 8. gifts , utterance , and the like , we must adde a good life ; Mat. 5. 16. these two be two Twins ( St. Paul often joyns them together ) neither must they be parted , Iohn 13. 17. saying and doing , Iam. 1. 22. the tongue and hand must accompany one another .

Reasons hereof may be these : Reasons . 1. God expecteth of us , that where he reveals the knowledge of his will , that we adde obedience , or else we shall be beaten with more stripes : Luke 12. 47. Where God findes this , Isa 41. 8. he delights in it , as in Abraham , who is called , The friend of God ; in David , 1 Sam. 13. 14. whom he calls , A man according to his own heart ; so in Joh , in Zachary and Elizabeth , Isa. 1. and 58. &c. we finde the same commended : The contrary God loaths , Ezek. 14. & 33 as in his own people , whom he did again and again advertise hereof . 2. This will prove our profession sound , and not hypocritical ( for hypocrites go a great way , Acts 15. 9 but its onely Faith that purifieth the heart ) and that our knowledge is not swimming in our brain , Iames 2. 18. but sound and saving knowledge , purging both heart and life , when we dare compact with any other , and say , Shew me thy Faith by thy works , as I can . 3. This not onely Gods children look for , when we have got knowledge , and come forward in profession more then before , then we should live answerably , that they may boldly converse with us , but the common sort of the world also , they expect it , for though they will take liberty themselves , yet they look that we Ministers and Professors of Religion , should lead a strict life in all things : If we do otherwise , we shall hear of it ; and surely we are beholding to them for this ( though they do it of no good minde ) and may make good use thereof to look to our selves , as questionless Abraham did , when in the matter of variance which arose between him and Lot , Gen. 13. 7. For that the Canaanite and Perizzite were then in the Land . 4. It s an honor to our profession , when with Job , we dare bid our adversary write a book against us ; Iob 31. 35. and the contrary is a disgrace , 2 Sam. 12. 14. not to our selves onely , but to our profession , yea , our Religion it self in the account of the wicked , whereat they blaspheme , yet ought not they to judge ill of all for the fault of some , but especially of Religion it self , though the professors thereof were naught : No man blames the Trade for the fault of the Tradesman , nor all for the fault of some , yet here they do it , when they see men make a shew of Religion , but denying the power thereof : If professors differ not in their lives from others , it makes the world think that there 's nothing in profession , and yet they may perceive some few walk without exception .

1. This rebuketh some , Use 1. that having good knowledge , and are very ready to speak , yea , and to censure and blame that that is not good , and are very forward in profession , yet halt foully in their lives ; as the Brownists , that are very hot , and so holy , as they not onely censure others , but condemn the Church it self , not onely as impure , but as no Church , and yet themselves , besides that , they are Proud , Scornful and Obstinate ( not to speak of their living out of any Church , and their spending their Sabbath ) they foully sin against the second Table ; they borrow what they can , not caring to pay again , are breakers of their Word and Promise , think to live of other mens labors , and yet that herein they should be born with , as being extraordinary persons , they would say , in being idle and negligent in their callings ; yea , there are some of them which will swear , steal , and break the Sabath : A woful Generation .

2. It reproveth such among our selves , Use 2. which place all Religion in hearing Sermons , and talking , as some servants do , which yet perform not the duties of their calling , are idle , untrusty , lazy , stubborn , disobedient , as if all should be born with because of their hearing sermons , whereas on that very ground more is to be lookt for at their hands : And this is grown to such a pass , that many of the common sort of people say , of all they will not meddle with these Bible-wenches ( of which before ) Is not this a good report you have brought upon the Word ? yea , many godly Christians are weary of such ( not but that I know there be godly servants of both Sexes , that have learned to shew the fruit of their hearing by all good carriage in their particular calling , and are as jewels to them they be with , but these be rare ) Do these things agree ? as well as Harp and Harrow : Doth God take pleasure in this , that you should hear his Word , and yet not minde to be guided thereby ? How can you approve that there 's any more in you then in Hypocrites and Reprobates ? can you shew your Faith by your works ? Dare you bid your adversary write a Book against you ? Do you not set men off from Religion , and make them speak ill ? You all that usually resort hither to the Word , I bescech , to shew the fruits of it when you come home ; your neighbors look for it , your lives be pryed into , it may do you good ; we see your faces onely , and think well , that you will hear , but your neighbors they see your lives , and God seeth your hearts ; and if your faces were like Angels , and your hearts corrupt , and lives unreformed , you shall have your portion with Devils . And here I think it requisite to speak of an abuse amongst us , that they which bring in here ( because of the concourse of people ) their commodities to sell , raise the prizes , and sell dearer then in any of the Market Towns round about us , whereby they wrong the poor here , and raise the prizes elsewhere ( for if a price be up , it s a president straight ) yea , and also raise an evil name on the Gospel : I do not mean yet that Christians going to Market are bound to sell at lower rates , then the ordinary , though I take them so bound at home in dear times to their own poor Neighbors , yet is it not the part of a Christian to be the raiser of prizes , especially in dear times ; It s indeed a note of a wicked worldling .

3. This rebuketh even good Christians that walk not so wisely towards them that be without as they ought , Use 3. nor yet so strictly in their lives , but are too forward , hasty , strict in their dealing , slack in paying their work-folks , are careless of their words , &c. O let all such professing themselves the Servants of God , shew forth the same by all good conversation in their particular Callings : Thou must not be a zealous woman , and yet an unquiet wife ; a zealous man , and yet a cruel husband ; a zealous yong man or maid , and yet an unfaithful Servant ; a zealous man , and yet a false dealer in your Shops and Trades .

Good ] This is fitly added , A godly man will stand by the truth . and well required , for one of wicked life will never stand to the truth , but fall from it , for Heresie is the punishment usually of foul sins , but a godly man will stand most to the truth .

They that speak evil of you , as of evil doers ] Here note , That

The wicked are very apt and much bent to speak ill of Gods Servants : The wicked are apt to speak ill of Gods servants . Thus Elias was said to trouble Israel , Elisha termed a mad fellow , and called bald-head ; Micaiah said , that he never prophesied good ; and Jeremiah , that he raved ; so Steven was said to have blasphemed , as Paul to be a pestilent fellow ; nay , the perfection of innocency , Christ himself was most foully spoken of , termed a Samaritan , a friend of publicans and sinners , one that had a Devil , &c. Thus was it in the Primitive Church ; thus is it still : If the godly do any thing amiss , how do they toss and encrease it ? If they do but groan under an infirmity , they will be sure to set that abroach against them ; if they know nothing , they will devise some evil of them , or if they hear of any from others , though never so unlikely , or on never so a bad ground , yet shall it go for payment , and currant ; yea , though they can make their own vices go under the name of vertues , yet they will call their vertues by the name of vices : If zealous , then hot and rash ; if couragious in a good cause , then stomackful ; if patient , then blockish ; if wise in their matters , then subtle fellows ; if diligent in their place , very officious , busie , medlers , troublesome ; if they run not to the same excess with others , then precize fools , &c. Thus even for their godliness do they speak evil of them , and so call light darkness , and darkness light .

1. Therefore , Use 1. Gods people must walk wonderful warily .

2. They must not think it over-strange , Use 2. nor be discouraged , if notwithstanding all their care of well-doing , they be ill spoken of .

3. Use 3. We must not readily believe of men that have carried themselves well , all that we hear ; but try it out , ere we censure , or change our minde .

4. For ill speakers ; Use 4. It s a woful badge of Ishmaels generation , that shall be shut out of Heaven , Isa. 5. 20. and of Satans brood , Prov. 17. 15. who accuseth the Brethren : Cursed are they , Iude , verse 14. God hath appointed a time to judge them for their cruel speakings .

Nay , the world will not only speak ill of Gods Servants , but do ill to them , slay them , as Cain dib Abel ; imprison them and pinch them , as Ahab did Micaiah ; cast them into a dungeon , as the people did Jeremiah ; into the Lyons den , with Daniel ; spoil them of their goods , as those in Heb. 10. 34. rack them , torment them , torture them ; even such as the world is not worthy of , and that for their good works ; so Herod dealt by John Baptist , and thus were the Apostles served , and after , the Martyrs in the Primitive Church , and since , multitudes under Antichrist .

If therefore we meet with hard dealing , and doing as well as speaking , we must not think it strange : If we can hardly bear a few ill words , how shall we bear stripes ? how Imprisonment , and loss of all , yea , toturings and death ? ye have not yet resisted unto blood , or undergone the fiery tryal : Heb. 12. 4. we have infinite cause to be thankful together for our governors , for if they were so minded as many particular persons , there would be no peace for any zealous Christian : If I had authority , will some say , I would hang up all these Puritan knaves , &c. Neither must we think the worse of those that be troubled , for the the very best have been thus dealt withal .

They may be ashamed , A godly conversation stoppeth the ungodlies mouthes . &c. ] The best way to stop the mouthes of the world , and to make them think well that they have done otherwise , is not by goodly great words , but by a good and constant godly conversation : Thus David convinced Saul , for he spared him , when he could have once and again killed him : Thus have many who have thought very hardly of such and such upon reports which they have heard of them , upon the view of their godly and innocent carriage been much grieved that they were so far abused : See Acts 16. Thus were the Martyrs thought well of by the common people , yea , by great ones , yea , by their very Jaylors .

1. As therefore we would muzzle and stop the mouthes of our adversaries , Use 1. that they may have nothing to say against us , nay , may be brought to acknowledge and love the truth , and be converted and glorifie God in the day of their visitation , let us live holily and innocently ; else if they finde us halting , we set open their mouthes to speak ill , continue them in their ill minde and hard conceit , and set them further off from all goodness : Too too many professors fail this way , either they fall into foul sins , or live not so christianly , or else at least , with zeal they are very rash and indiscreet , by every of which , much hurt hath been done from time to time .

2. This sheweth them to be odde persons , Use 2. that knowing and seeing the innocent conversation of Gods Servants , yet cannot be satisfied nor quieted , but still speak evil of them ; a sign of a very bad heart , who therefore will hate them , because they be good , whereas those that be but indifferently minded and civil , seeing their good conversation , 1 Iohn 3. 12. will think and speak well of them : Cain had no other cause to kill Abel , Gal. 4. 29. but for his godliness ; nor Ishmael to mock Isaac , but because he was the Son of the promise ; nor these to speak evil of those , but because they are godly : Assuredly , a life agreeable to their profession should stop their mouthes .

Verse 17. For it is better , if the will of God be so , that ye suffer for well-doing , then for evil doing .

NOw follow some reasons to perswade to willing suffering for righteousness sake ( which was then common , Why we ought willingly to suffer for righteousness . and the profession of the faith dangerous ) 1. For that this being a world wherein we must suffer , its better a great deal to suffer for well , then for ill doing . 2. Because the Lord will have it so , to whose will we must be subject .

For its better , It s better to suffer for well then evil doing . &c. ] Naturally we will chuse the better , if we know it , so should we in this , seeing we are subject to suffering , and that we are apt by nature to evil , and so to suffer for it ; we must chuse rather , as being far better , to suffer for well , then for ill-doing : It s every way better ; Reasons . better , as being more pleasing to God , he delights in the one , Mat. 5. 10 , 11. not in the other ; pronounceth those blessed , these accursed : Besides , Acts 5 ▪ 41. it s no credit to suffer for ill doing , but matter of shame and reproach , Phil. 1. 29. whereas its honor to suffer for a good cause : That of the penitent Thief seems to import so much , we indeed justly , for we receive the due reward of our deeds ( and so have cause to be humbled ) but this man hath done nothing amiss : Luke 23. 41. Again , there 's no comfort in suffering for ill-doing , as there 's for well-doing . Suffering of it self is ill and grievous , therefore there had need be somewhat to mitigate it , but if it be for well-doing , a good conscience will bear it out ; it s for Gods sake , it s that wherewith all his servants have met , and hereof the conscience takes notice , and that to this there 's a reward , none at all for the other .

1. This rebukes those that suffer for their foul offences , Use 1. Theft , Adultery , and the like ; howsoever they be punished , yet have they cause of hanging down the head , not for the punishment , but for the cause : O how many refusing to be ruled by God and his Word , bring misery upon themselves and ruine ? The Gaols are full , the gallows catch many : It s a fearful thing when they go to their punishment impudently , and be not ashamed and humbled , it s but the forerunner of fearful judgements : When therefore men have brought themselvs into trouble justly , their best way is to be humbled , and repent , so shall they finde favor with God and men : We must avoid evil , as we would avoid suffering for ill-doing , avoid the sin , if we would avoid the punishment : We are also to be careful that we suffer not for Railing , Slandering , Backbiting , Meddling with other folks matters .

2. This may comfort them that suffer for well-doing ; Use 2. its pleasing to God , they are fellows to the Saints , Prophets and Apostles ; the honor is great , the cause is good , how base or grievous soever the punishment be : Both John the Baptist and Barabbas were imprisoned ; Achan and Steven stoned ; and Witches and Martyrs be burnt ; the cause was not the same , and in the cause the shame lies : If a Christian ( as Paul ) be a prisoner , and have chains on him , and being demanded why he came there , and is there so used ; if he can truly say , It s neither for Treason nor Fellony , I thank God , but for preaching the truth of God to the world , then it s well ; yea , this will quiet his conscience , when he knows its Gods cause , who will take care of him , strengthen him , and receive him to glory .

If the will of God be so , ] Here s the other Reason : We must be patient and comfortable in suffering for well-doing , for its Gods will it should be so . Here note , that

No affliction or persecution comes to us , No affliction comes to us but by Gods ▪ will . but by the will of God : Whatsoever was done to our Savior Christ , was done by Gods determinate counsel ; not an hair falls from our heads without our heavenly Father : Acts 2. 23. and 4. 28. Christ foretold Peter of his bands before they came , and so Agabus forewarned Paul of his , Mat. 10. 17 , 18. which sheweth that they came by the will of God . Acts 21. 11.

Obj. How can this be by the will of God , seeing its a wicked thing , and displeasing to God that his servants should be persecuted for well doing , and he hath both forbid it , and will punish the same .

Answ. As it comes from the Devil and persecutors , How far God hath an hand therein . it s a sin , and they do wickedly , and it s forbid , but God hath an hand in it so far forth as it is good , and he that brought light out of darkness , can and doth bring good out of the evil of the wicked : They intend evil , but God good , as in Jobs losses ; so in crucifying Christ , Judas , the High Priests , the Jews , Soldiers and Pilate did evil , yet all this was by the will of God , even so far forth as it was the mean of our Salvation , and thereupon Peter that gave counsel against it , Mat. 16. 23. was rebuked sharply ; so in the affliction of Gods children by the ungodly , the devil and they of spite punish them for their goodness , and to discourage them quite , but God wills this for many good reasons ; Iames 1. 12. as , to try his , that they which be approved might be known , Rev. 2. 10. and to exercise and try their faith and patience , and shew , that they serve not in shew , and for wages ; to confirm the truth , not for it self , for their sakes which are weak ones , and to leave the others inexcusable ; to manifest the wickedness of the wicked , and make way for the manifestation of the glory of Gods justice in plaguing them , as the glory of God is made manifest by the constant and patient suffering of the Righteous , which they could never have done of themselves .

1. Here s a comfort to Gods servants , Use 1. that we are not left here to the will of the Devil and wicked men , to do what they list against us : O no , they are set their bounds , beyond which they cannot pass : The Devils could not enter into the Swine without permission , nor go one whit further with Job then God gave Commission : A Sparrow falls not to the ground without his providence , Mat. 10. 31. and we are of more value then they : The Lord appoints out our troubles , and measures them ; they shall not be as little as we would , for then should they be too little ( our tender nature loathing troubles , and being unwilling to undergo the same ) nor so great as our adversaries would ( for then would they be too great ) but as God will : Simile . The wicked are but the Lords drudges to scour us and make us bright ; They are his Landresses to wash us white , not so little as we should be never the better , nor so much as should rend the Lords linen .

2. When we be ill dealt with in word or deed by the men of the world , Use 2. we should sit down quietly and bear it : It s the will of God it should be so , and he doth all things in infinite wisdom , and lovingly for the good of his ; accordingly when Paul would needs go to Jerusalem , Acts 21. 15. where he was to be in great danger , his friends said , The will of the Lord be done ; thou mayest say , If the Lord hath sent this to try me , I pray God strengthen me ; if to chasten and purge me , then to awaken me out of security and love of the world : I thank God for it , if he will any way have glory by me , I am glad , blessed be God , it s his will , I am content to wait upon him ; not but that we may with our Savior and the Apostle Paul , plead our innocency , as also use lawful means for our freedom , if God see it good .

3. But yet let the wicked think never the better of themselves , Use 3. nor look ever the more to be freed from punishment , because its Gods will , for they do it to no such end , and therefore he will cast the rod into the fire when he hath chastened his children , as he did by Ashur , and the enemies he used to punish his people : Did Judas , or the Priests and Jews , aym at the Salvation of the world in Christs death ? Nothing less ; Covetousness drave on the one , malice the other : If God brought good out of it , what thanks to them ? He is to be praised for his goodness , they to be plagued for their sin .

4. We must not bring trouble upon our selves , Use 4. for in that we can have no comfort , but if God bring us into it , we may comfortably look up to him .

Vers. 18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God , being put to death in the flesh , but quickened by the Spirit .

ANother Reason to perswade to couragious suffering for righteousness sake , from the example of Christ , Christ suffered , therefore need not we shrink or think much : He that was just , yea , that just one , therefore much more may we that be sinners , and by infinite degrees deserve more grievous things then we suffer : He for the unjust , for us wretches , and to take away our sins , and reconcile us to God , therefore ought we to bear somewhat for his cause , that is most just , and hath done so much for us . Speak we first of the words briefly , as they are the reason of the point in hand , and then more particularly and largely of the matter contained therein , namely , The Sufferings , Death and Resurrection of Christ .

Christ suffered ] Suffered every way , Christs sufferings an encouragement for Christians to suffer . in Body , Minde , Name , at the hands of men , wretched and base persons misused him , railed at him , slandered him , spit on him , smote him , scourged him , crucified him between two Thieves , Iohn 13. 16. &c. Now , The servant is not greater then the master ; If they misused Christ so , what may we look for ? In thy sufferings , help thy self with this meditation , Christ Jesus suffered , and what am I to him ?

The just ] He is the just one , Acts 3. 14. as God , How Christ was just , how we . holiness it self , as man filled therewith , above Men and Angels . Just , not as Job , Zachary and Elizabeth ; They were Righteous by his Righteousness imputed to them , as Abraham also , but he by his own ; they by Sanctification imperfectly Holy and Righteous , he most perfectly ; nor as Adam , who though perfectly Holy and Righteous by his own Righteousness , yet was mutable therein and lost it ; not so in Christ , but immutably so : There was no guile found in him , none could accuse him of sin ; nay , he was the light and glory of the world , yet suffered he gross things : We then , though never so just and innocent , must not think much if we suffer altogether without cause : It s the better , it s but as Christ did .

But alas , Use. we are very faulty before God , and deserve far greater things then we meet with , yea , cannot be innocent towards men , how much less towards God ? The meditation of this point , will much help us in our sufferings .

For the unjust , ] Another help in our sufferings . That is , for us wretched and miserable sinners , and his enemies , who could do nothing for him to deserve such kindeness : How much rather ought we to suffer for him that just one , and for his sake , especially considering our sufferings are nothing to his ; The meditation of this also , will much help us in suffering .

For sins , Christ suffered for our good . that he might bring us unto God , ] Christs sufferings were altogether for our good , and if it had not been for them , we had been utterly lost : But for ours , they be nothing to him , he is never the better for them , neither be they for his benefit , but for our own , even the purging of our souls , the tryal and proof of our faith and patience , and the preparing of us to the greater glory in Heaven .

Let 's think of this also , Use. and it will make us suffer the more willingly and patiently : Lastly , as he after his sufferings and death rose again , and entred into glory , The godly sow in tears but shall reap in joy . and sits at the right hand of God ; So if we shall sow in tears , we shall reap in joy , having fought the good fight , we shall receive an incorruptible crown of glory .

1. This reproveth our notable tender daintiness , 1 Tim. 4. 8. that can endure nothing for Christ , Use 1. but as if we were too good to suffer ▪ though in company we should hear never so much spoken against Gods Servants , and sincerity of Religion , we can be silent and pass by the same ; and there are many that would be forwarder , but for fear of being counted Puritans : O cowardly fearfulness ! No wonder if such be never called to that honor to suffer for Christ , What if to please the world we be luke-warm , and God vomit us out of his mouth ? What if for our zeal the world hate us , and God approves of us ? what do we lose ? Iames 4. 4. Shall we make friendship with the world ? Know we not that its enmity with God ? 2 Cor. 10. 18. He is praised that is allowed of God .

2. Let us take heed of all preposterous zeal , Use 2. and rash unwarrantable causes , whereinto some run●under colour of zeal , and be zealous for God ; we cannot hate sin too much , nor love goodness too much , nor the Word too much , nor keep the Sabbath too carefully , nor govern our families too religiously : Let us go on in a zealous godly life , and if this offend any , let them pardon us , we would do no other then God requires , and for this we must pray our Landlord or whosoever to give us leave , we have served the Devil a great while , tell them , Its time now to begin to serve God , and to look about us for our souls good ; thus in suffering for well●doing , we may be comforted , and by these reasons kept from being discouraged . Now of Christ sufferings , death and resurrection , particularly .

Christ hath once suffered for sins , Particulars here laid down about Christs sufferings . the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God , ] In handling the sufferings of Christ , observe , 1. The circumstance of time , or how often he suffered , once , 2. Who he was , or the quality of the person suffering , Christ the just . 3. For whom he suffered , for the unjust . 4. Why he suffered , even for sins ; and 5. To what end , that he might bring us to God ; and hereinto our Apostle is again willing to fall , as we should be to hear and often meditate thereof , as hath been already shewed in the end of the last Chapter ; namely , from verse 21. to verse 24. Much profit follows on it .

For 1. It sets out a notable mixture of justice and mercy . Profit arising from the meditation hereof 2. It shews what a mighty Savior we have , in whom we may trust , and to whom we may have recourse . 3. It may wound our hearts for sins past , and make us hate sin for the time to come . 4. It sets out Gods infinite love , 2 Tim. 1. 12. and accordingly of all that have assurance of their part therein , requireth unspeakable love . 5. It s a comfort to all that mourn in Sion . 6. It shews that all that miss of Christ must bear their own burthen . Iohn 3. 16. 7. It provokes us to labor to know whether Christ hath dyed for us or not , Eph. 2. 4. and for our assurance thereof , 1 Pet. 1. 3. to finde that we are truly humbled , hunger after Christ , and are ready to take up his yoke .

O that all ignorant persons which do not in any measure know the grounds of Religion , Use. that all civil persons which trust to their own righteousness , that all worldlings , whose hearts are altogether glewed to the things which are here below , and do not so much as minde those things which are above , the same being out of their element , that all prophane persons which go on in open notorious lewd courses , and that all Hypocrites ( not to speak of Turks , Jews , and Papists ) which content themselves with shews and common gifts , would but duly meditate on Christs sufferings , that so they might have part in Christ ! Assuredly , all they that believe not , shall be condemned , but of all others , they that have lived under the Gospel , shall have greatest judgement ; and to make up all , it will increase their torment , to think that they had offer made of Christ , and yet had not the grace to apprehend it ; that they were so near , and yet missed , and that some that sate with them were converted and are now in Heaven , and they careless or wilful , are now in irrecoverable damnation : This will make them gnash their teeth , gnaw their tongues , & curse themselves and the day wherein they were born : Let such see , feel , confess , and fly to Christ , there being no other way of Salvation besides him . I come to the particulars propounded .

The first concerneth the time , All Christs sufferings make up one perfect suffering . how often he suffered , Once : It s true , Christ suffered throughout his whole life , and that diversly , but all make up one perfect suffering ; and he suffered so , as at once he finished al , never to suffer again , wherein his suffering is opposed to the sacrifices of the Law , which were continually renewed , because of their imperfection ; Heb. 9. 26. whereas he suffered once for all , for being God as well as man , he both endured the infinite wrath of God , and besides , his person was of such infinite worth , as gave such value to his sufferings , as fully satisfied the justice of God .

1. This confutes the Papists , Use 1. who make Christs sufferings imperfect two ways , namely , by teaching that we our selves must suffer the punishment of our sins ( hence are all their masses , penances , pilgrimages , alms-deeds , and charitable Works , to take away the punishment of their sins after Baptism ) and by their renewing of Christs Sacrifice in the Mass , which is ( as they say ) a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the sins of the quick and dead : Their distinction of bloody and unbloody is but a shift .

2. This is a wonderful comfort to all Gods children , Use 2. that our debt is so fully dischaarged , that there 's nothing remaining for us to suffer . Thus of the first .

The second concerneth the quality of the person which suffered : The quality of the person that suffered . He was that just one , the Lamb of God , which was undefiled and without spot , Heb. 7. 26. conceived by the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin ; had he not been such a one , he could not have been our Savior : Though he was innocent , yet were our sins imputed to him ; and though we have not suffered , neither of our selves have Righteousness , yet as verily as he had pain and sorrow , we shall have mercy and Salvation through him : what can be more comfortable ? Thus of the second .

The third concerneth the persons for whom he suffered , For whom Christ suffered The unjust , not the Devil nor Reprobates , but for the Elect , which yet are by nature unjust and wretched , servants of sin , and children of wrath , as well as others : He hath suffered for them that be never so unjust , provided they feel their misery , and have course unto him for help .

1. Then , Use 1. for them that be in great distress for their sins , and think they be so many and so great , that they cannot or shall not be forgiven , let them be comforted , Christ came to dye for the unjust , to call sinners to repentance , to seek and save that which was lost : If being weary you will come unto him , Matth. 11. 29. as he invite you , you shall be refreshed : Isa. 1. 17. Though their sins be as scarlet , they shall be as white as snow ; though they be red like crimson , they shall be as wooll : Paul was a great sinner , yet forgiven .

2. Let such , Use 2. as bad as they be , yet come to Christ , and be truly humbled ; He came to save such as thou art , as Mary Magdalene , Zacheus , the Jaylor , and such others : His mercy on them , may put thee in hope , and provoke thee to seek unto him . Thus of the third .

The fourth , Why our Savisuffered . Why he suffered for sins , for our sins , to take them away , for they onely are our wo ; our sins caused all Christs sorrow , and his sorrow is our happiness . Thus of the fourth .

The fifth , To what end he suffered . To what end he suffered , that he might bring us to God : Ever since Adams fall we are gone from God , and born strangers , nay enemies to God , and therefore further and and further off from God , and are gone to the Devil indeed : Now Christ by his death reconciles us to God , and him to us , and makes a blessed peace , so as we may look up to him as to our Father , and come into his presence with comfort : He also gives us grace by his holy Spirit to be renewed , sanctified , and so to do works pleasing unto God , and when we dye , brings our souls to God , as afterwards possesseth both body and soul of Heaven .

1. Then how infinitely are we bound to God ? Use 1. how welcome should Christ Jesus be to us all ? One would think all should flock unto him , for as none are with God , but such as came by him , so neither shall there be : All that mourn for their sins , come to him , believe in him , and obey him , he will bring them to God ; such as continue in their enmity against God , shall for ever be separated from him : Many hope to go to God , that were never reconciled to him through Christ , nor sought after it , but it s as possible for a dog , for the Devil to enter into Heaven , as for us , without being reconciled to God by faith in Christ : Is it not lamentable that Christ should have so few that enquire and search after him , nay , that reject him , being offered again and again !

2. How welcome faithful Ministers should be to the world ; Use 2. The worst hurt we wish you , is but to bring you to God , we are appointed Christs instruments herein , we must Preach him , and perswade you to embrace and believe in him , by whom you may be brought unto God ; we have a worthy task and work , and so must not either be idle , or by false teaching , and wicked living , drive you from Christ , but be faithful , that your Salvation may be our Crown ; yet of all persons and kindes of people , the world thinks we may be best spared , and are unto most , Isa. 2. 2. of all others most unwelcome : Iohn 1. 40 , 45. But not alone Ministers , but even every private man , must help men to God as much as he can : They that by vile counsel , bad example , or otherwise , drive men from him , are not Christs , but the Devils instruments and Factors . Thus of Christs sufferings .

Being put to death in the flesh , ] This clause concerneth his death , as the following his resurrection : He was put to death concerning his Humane nature ; for as for his Godhead it could not dye , and he was quickned and raised again by his Divinity and Godhead : Iohn 1. 14. By flesh is meant his whole Humane Nature , 1 Tim. 3. 16. as in the following ; By Spirit , his Divine Nature .

Our Savior suffered not onely in body and soul things intollerable , That Christ must have dyed , and so did . but he also dyed , gave up the ghost , as all the Evangelists set down , and other Scriptures testifie , as they also that speak of Christs blood , of his offering himself a Sacrifice for our sins , of his bearing our sins on his Body on the Tree , Isa. 53. 9. and the like : Dan. 9. 26. This was prefigured of all the Sacrifices of the Old Law ; The Prophets also foretold that he should be slain : Neither could it have been otherwise , or otherwise he been a Savior for us , for our sins deserved death , and God had pronounced that death should be the reward thereof : This his death was voluntary , Rom. 4. 25. accursed ( as we had deserved it ) for our sins , and for a common good .

Which meets with that wicked opinion of the Jews , that neither think it voluntary , nor that it is a propitiatory Sacrifice for sin , as it is indeed , and wherein our happiness lyeth , and without which we must all have perished for ever .

The benefits ensuing to us hereby are divers : The benefits ensuing by Christs death . 1. We are delivered hereby from all kindes of evil , from the first and second death , and all forerunners of both , 1 Iohn 1. 7. and from our sins the cause of all ; It s the blood of Christ that cleanseth all our sins : Rev. 1. 5. So from all Spiritual enemies ; See Luke 1. 71 , 74. Col. 2. 15. Heb. 2. 14. 1 John 3. 8. So from the second death , Rom. 8. 1. Gal. 3. 13. as from the first , so far forth as its a punishment and piece of the curse , and the nature of it is changed to believers , for whom Christ hath dyed ; it s become a Serpent without a sting , yea a blessing , as being hereby freed from sin , and not before : Hereby the soul is let out of the prison of this body , into the liberty of Gods Servants , and put into the possession of life : Hereby also the body is freed from all toils , labors , infirmities , and pains , waiting in the Grave for an happy and glorious resurrection : In which respect death is termed a sleep , an advantage to the Saints , and is better in the day wherein they were born : So from all forerunners hereof , which are curses , plagues and punishments , in body , minde , goods , and name , all which Christ hath born ; what crosses we meet withal , they are to further our Sanctification and Salvation , but not punishments for sin , or parts of Gods judgement , as they be to the wicked . 2. We are hereby made partakers of all good , God is reconciled to us ( which is more then to have our sins and punishments quite removed ) yea , and sheweth us the light of his countenance ; not as David , who though he staid his wrath from Absolom at his return home to Jerusalem , yet was not fully reconciled to him of two years : See Rom. 3. 25. The Creatures also are at peace with us ; Col. 1. 21. The Angels become Servants and ministring Spirits for our good , 1 Iohn 4. 10. in life , to direct us , Hosea 2. 18. protect us , comfort us , &c. and at death , to carry our souls to Heaven ; Psal. 91. 13. so all other Creatures : the very Devils and wicked men shall do us no hurt , we have also right and title to this life , we lost it in Adam , but have it restored in Christ . 1 Iohn 3. 3. Hereby he conveyeth power into the hearts of all that believe in him , to enable them to dye unto sin , and to mortifie their lusts more and more .

This is a singular comfort to all that believe in Christ , Use. who onely partake of the benefits of his death ; we need not fear Hell , condemnation , nor any enemy of our Salvation , nor any curse or punishment in this life , all shall be for our good ; we need not fear the first death , but rather have cause to desire it : O the happiness of such ! God is at peace with them , all Creatures in Heaven and Earth are their friends , they have right to whatsoever they have , little or much , therefore may they rejoyce : O happy that ever we were born , what pains soever we have taken to come to the knowledge of Christ Jesus , by whom we obtain such unspeakable things ! whatsoever the world esteemeth of believers , they are the onely happy persons in the world , yea , we shall have power to mortifie our strongest corruptions and lusts , fear it not , beg it , and use the means , if all these be put together , O how happy is a Christian ! who can value his riches ? On the contrary , they that have not their part in Christs death , are most miserable ; their sins are not removed , they lye under them , so under the curse of God in this world , and the world to come ; so in danger of the first death , which will rend the soul and body asunder , that the soul may be cast out into Hell ; so also of the second : O that such would labor for their part in Christ , Christ came into the world , Christ is now Preached and offered unto us , men be in a woful case , and are told of it , and yet how few regard to embrace Christ , how few customers hath Christ ? one would think that all that hear of Christ , should be heartily glad of him , and embrace and flye unto him ; but alas , most men for profits , pleasures , or love of their vile lusts , are content to let go Christ , and he lies as a dead commodity , and they that bring him to the world be unwelcom , and so indeed few have part in Christ .

The consideration hereof , might make us mourn for our sins , the cause of Christs death , might be a corrasive to eat our sin , and make it odious to us , might make us serve God zealously and faithfully all our days , yea , to suffer for his sake , and rather to dye with the Martyrs , then any way to dishonor him ; and besides , to labor to finde the vertue of Christs death , working mightily in us the death of sin , and sinful lusts . Thus of his death .

But quickned by the Spirit , ] Now of his Resurrection : His body and soul that had been sundred , were by the power of his Godhead reunited , and he made alive , so continuing with his Disciples until his ascension into Heaven .

Touching it , consider , that it was so , the Reasons thereof , the place , maner and time , with the benefits flowing from thence , and the duties thereupon to be performed .

That Christ rose again , Christ rose again from the dead . is so plain , that none needs doubt thereof : The Angels that rolled away the stone , the Soldiers that watched the Sepulchre , Mary Magdalene and the other Mary that came to see the Sepulchre , the two Disciples going to Emmaus , the eleven Disciples being together , &c. all were witnesses hereof : So his appearances were many , as to Mary Magdalene , then to her and that other Mary , then to two Disciples going to Emmaus , then to them all save Thomas , then both to Thomas and the others ; another time to Cephas , another time to seven of them at the Sea of Tiberias , 1 Cor. 15. 5. as at another to Five hundred Brethren at once ; so when he was to ascend , he was taken up in the sight of all those there present ; all which are so many evidences of his Resurrection .

Reasons : Why he rose again . 1. That it might appear he had fully discharged our debt . 2. Because being the Son of God , and Author , and Lord of life , it had been unmeet , nay , it was impossible he should be held under of Death . Acts 2. 24. 3. By reason of the second part of his Priesthood , which was yet to fulfil : One part was , to offer himself a Sacrifice Propitiatory to God , for the sins of his people , this he did by his death ; now the other is , Rev. 1. 28. to make intercession for his Church , and to apply the vertue of his death to those for whom he dyed : This he could not have done , if he had not risen again .

The maner : The maner of his Resurrection . When they had rolled a great stone to the door of the Sepulchre , sealed it , set Soldiers to watch , yet he rose : They could as well have hindered the rising of the Sun in the Firmament , as his rising ; An Angel was sent that caused a great earthquake , and rolled away the stone , &c. No counsel or strength can hinder the work of the Lord .

Place : The place from which he rose . The same where he was laid , which was by Gods providence to avoid cavils , in a new Sepulchre hewen out of a rock , wherein never man had been laid .

Time : When he rose . It was the third day , early in the morning , on the first day of the week , the third day , as was foretold by Christ himself , for he was buried the evening before the Sabbath , and rose the day after ; so long between , to approve the truth of his death , and no longer , that he might see no corruption : Early in the morning , to shew that he was the light of the world , the Son of Righteousness , a light to be revealed unto the Gentiles , Psal. 16. 10. one that was to lighten every one that came into the world , namely , that is lightned , even us that are by nature darkness it self ; from hence must every man fetch light : On the first day of the week , for so God disposed of it : This first day was answerable to the first day of the world ; it was the morrow after the Jews Sabbath : As he began to make the world the first day of it , when before it was not , so now that it was decayed and corrupted by sin , he now came to make it up again , which he did by his Death and Resurrection .

Hence the Reason of the alteration of the Sabbath , Why the Iewish Sabbath was changed . from the Jews Sabbath to the day following , which is ours , to keep a memorial , as of the Creation of the world , so especially of the renewing of the world , by the work of Redemption ; and as the first Sabbath continued from the Creation to Christs Resurrection , so no question ought this to abide to the worlds end .

The benefits ensuing hereupon are , The benefits hereof . 1. To assure us that Christ hath fully paid all our debts : 1 Cor. 15. 17. If Christ be not risen ( saith the Apostle ) we are yet in our sins , and our preaching is in vain . 2. To give us power to rise to a new life . 3. To assure us of our Resurrection .

O then , who shall lay any thing to the charge of Believers ? It s Christ that is dead , Use. nay , rather which is risen again , for whom therefore there 's no evil remaining : They shall have power given them to walk in holiness of life , as the Syon , graft into a stock , receiveth juice and life therefrom ; yea , they shall enjoy a comfortable and joyful Resurrection : Contrarily , miserable is the case of the wicked ; their debt is all on the File against them , they shall rise but to their cost and smart , to a dreadful judgement , when they shall stand trembling , and wishing that the hills might fall on them , on them the second death shall have power : Now they lie snorting , neither will be awakened by our preaching , notwithstanding their present and approaching misery .

The duties which are hereupon to be performed , The duties to be performed . are , 1. In imitation of Christs Resurrection , in a spiritual maner to rise out of the graves of our lusts and sins , Eph. 5. 14. to a new and holy life : O awake thou that sleepest ! the Word is appointed for this end . 2. To endure any thing , Heb. 11 ▪ 35. rather then to be deprived hereof : The faithful in Heb. 11. endured racking , and would not be delivered therefrom with an ill conscience , that they might have a better and joyful Resurrection . 3. Set our affections on those things which are above . Col. 3. 1. Thus of his Resurrection .

Verse 19. By which also he went and preached to the Spirits in Prison : Verse 20. Which sometime were disobedient , when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah , while the Ark was a preparing , wherein few , that is , eight souls were saved by water .

THe Apostle proceeds to comfort the faithful that suffer for Righteousness sake : A further comfort to them that suffer for Righteousness sake . He had said before , That as Christ rose again after his sufferings , and had a good end of them , so shall all that suffer for his sake : Now , lest this should be doubted of , he sheweth how it cometh to pass , namely , by the help , assistance and power of the Spirit of God ; who as he shewed himself mightily in Christs person , so hath and will in his members : and for instance , he looks back a great while ago , when long before Christs coming , the Spirit shewed himself to the confusion of the wicked and disobedient , and to the comfort and deliverance of Gods servants ; as Noah , whom as this Spirit enabled to preach the to wicked world , so they disobeying and mocking him , the same Spirit preserved and saved in the common destruction : And therefore if the Spirit of God shewed himself so in the people of God , for their good so long ago , then we need not fear , but that he will much more shew himself in and with us , inasmuch as now the Spirit is bestowed in a larger and fuller maner , then before our Saviors coming into the world : Now he reckons this , rather then any other example , because it was a famous one , both of convicting the wicked world , and preserving the servants of God in such a bad time , and because it was so long ago . I come to the meaning of the words .

By which ( his Spirit ) namely , The meaning of the words . his Godhead and Divine Nature , which raised him from the dead , He went and preached , namely , by the mouth and ministery of Noah , To the Spirits in prison , even them that be now and were in Peters time Spirits and Souls in Hell , but when Noah preached , were disobedient men and women , when God seeing the notorious corruption of the times , threatned to destroy the world with a flood , if they did not repent : To them Noah preaching , both by word , and by deed also , in preparing the Ark , they not being moved hereat , nor at the long suffering of God , were at the length drowned , Noah onely and his wife , with his three sons , and their three wives being preserved in the Ark.

This Scripture hath suffered ( as Mr. Luther saith of the Lords Prayer ) much Martyrdom by false interpretations , and erroneous constructions , whereof that of the Papists is most gross .

They understand it thus , How the Papists understand them . that Christ being dead , in his soul went down to the lower parts of the world , where be four several places together , one above another , Limbus patrum , Limbus puerorum , Purgatory , and Hell , which is the lowest and hottest of all ; that Christ went into Limbus patrum , to fetch out all the godly Fathers that dyed from the beginning til his coming , and all such as in Noah's time seeing the flood come , indeed repented , and went to Purgatory , and had there suffered all ; and so were gone into Limbus patrum also , to deliver the souls then in Purgatory ; and into the lowest part , namely Hell , to Preach to the convicting of the Reprobates there , &c.

But though in truth Christ had done thus ( which yet he never did ) this proves no such matter , Reasons against the same will afford no such sence : for 1. By Spirit , whereunto the word which hath relation , is not meant Christs soul , but his Godhead ; not his soul , for then it was , that Christ was quickned in his soul , or by his soul , but neither can be true ; not in his soul , for his soul never dyed , nor was mortal ; not by the soul , for it was not the soul that raised him again , but the power of God that joyned them both together , as the Scripture testifieth : and that his Godhead is hereby meant , will appear by the like places , as Rom. 1. 3 , 4. 2 Cor. 13. 4. 1 Tim. 3. 16. where that which our Apostle calls flesh , Saint Paul calls infirmity ; and what he calls the power of God , our Apostle calls the Spirit , both which are in effect one . 2. Hereby cannot be meant the Fathers and godly , for he speaks onely of the disobedient and Reprobate ones . 3. He speaks onely of those that lived in Noah's time , and no other age of the world . 4. This Prison was an unhappy and miserable place , and not Abrahams bosom , nor the place of the Fathers . 5. Even after our Saviors Resurrection , when our Apostle wrote this , they were then still in Prison , therefore Christ had not delivered them , nor fetcht them out , but they that had been there , were there still : And where they say he went to Preach to the Reprobates , this will not stand neither ; for he speaks here onely of the Reprobates of Noah's time , and why should Christ in his soul go unto them , rather then unto any other ? Besides , to Preach to them , and do them no good , nor intend any , is against the nature & end of preaching .

But that there are any such places as Limbus patrum , Limbus puerorum , That there are no such places as Limbus patrum , and puerorum . or Purgatory , the Scripture gives not any inkling . 1. That the Fathers went to no such place , is certain , but that their souls loosed by death , went to Heaven ; Jesus Christ , yesterday , to day , and the same for ever : They had the same benefit by Christ ( as we ) after their death . 2. They also believed in Christ as well as we , Abraham saw my day and rejoyced : Iohn 8. 5 , 6. They ate the same Spiritual meat , and drank the same Spiritual drink , 1 Cor. 10. 3. and so were partakers of the same benefits of Christ . 3. Their Spirits went to God that gave them ; they enter into peace , and so not into the Prison . 4. Abrahams bosom into which Lazarus was carried by the Angels , Eccles. 12. 7. was above , Isa. 57. 2. not beneath , an happy , not a miserable place ; Christ therefore went not to fetch them out thence , there being no such place .

For Purgatory , The Popish opinion about Purgatory . they say , there 's such a place in the brim of Hell , where the pains be almost as bad as Hell pains , and the fire as hot , into which are sent the souls of the godly , that dye in faith and repentance , but yet have not suffered the punishment of their sins in this world , therefore must make up their sufferings in Purgatory ( for they teach , that for our sins and punishments both committed before Baptism , Christ suffered , but for those after Baptism , though Christ takes away the sins , yet the punishment must be suffered by our selves , and that partly in this life by penances , &c. and the rest by suffering in Purgatory ; & that for every sin is due seven years of payment in Purgatory , and therefore the Pope gives Pardons , sometimes for fifty , sometimes for an hundred years , &c. and therefore they say Masses for the souls of them that have been dead many 100 years ; and when they have suffered for all their sins , & paid the utmost farthing , then come the souls out ; & after they have been a while refreshed in a fair green field , ful of pleasant flowers , which is hard by Purgatory , then they go up to Heaven ; notwithstanding , oftentimes through the mercy of the Popes , those pains are mitigated . Reasons against it . We say , 1. That as they themselves do not agree about the place , &c. So neither is it otherwise grounded , but on unwritten verities : The Scriptures mention but two places , whereinto the souls go immediately after death , Heaven , which is for the godly , and Hell , which is for the ungodly ; for the godly , that they do immediately go into an happy place , Luke 2. 29. all the Scriptures sound ; with Simeon , they depart in peace , go not to Purgatory , scorching pains ; Christ is to them , as in life , Phil. 1. 21. so in death , 2 Tim. 4. 8. advantage : Having finished their course , henceforth there 's laid up for them a crown of righteousness : 2 Cor. 5. 1. They have , after the dissolution of their earthly Tabernacle , Iohn 17. 24. a building of God , an house not made with hand , eternal in the Heavens ; Christ hath prayed for them , Luke 23. 43. that they may be where he is , even in Heaven : The thief on the right hand had as much need to have gone to Purgatory as any other , yet on that day wherein he dyed , he was with Christ in Paradice . Rev. 14. 13. Blessed are they which dye in the Lord , saith the Spirit , for they rest from their labors : After death , presently comes the judgement , that every man shall stick to . Among all those things which God spake to Moses , there 's not a word of this ; among all the Sacrifices that God ordained , there were none appointed for souls in Purgatory ; and amongst all the cleansings and purifyings of all kinde of impurities of Leprosie and Issues , &c. there 's not a word of this : What , was God so unmindeful of his Church and people then ? Neither is there in all the new Testament any word for it . 2. What a wretched thing is it to hold , that our sufferings should satisfie the wrath of God , and punishment of our sins , when the least sin deserves eternal destruction both of soul and body . And for their distinction , that Christs death gives power to the pains of Purgatory to satisfie , is an idle and ridiculous conceit . 3. To say that Christ should satisfie for our sins , and take them away , but not our punishment , is it not a wicked abuse of Gods justice ? where he forgives the sin , doth he not also forgive the punishment ? True , he chastens his servants , but they are no part of satisfaction of his justice , onely a means to prevent sin to come , and humble for that which is past ; as if I had a quarrel against a man , I might forgive him , and yet if I see him in an Appoplexy or Swoon , I may hit him a blow to fetch him again . The truth is , Why Purgatory was devised . Purgatory was devised , partly of a blinde and curious devotion of some Monks , that thought that they that had some beginnings ( as they thought ) of goodness , and so dyed , it were no reason they should be damned , &c. who were therefore to be purged in Purgatory , and so come to Heaven ; and that seeing most men have much sin in them , even when they dye , it were unreasonable they should go straight to Heaven , for no unclean person shall come there , and therefore they must suffer and be cleansed in Purgatory : Who doth not see the absurdity of these conceits , when the Scripture saith , Whosoever believeth in him shal not be condemned ; Iohn 3. 18. & that whosoever dyeth in the Faith , all their sins and corruptions are done away , and they received into Heaven : But principally the Pope and his Clergy out of covetousness , were chief founders hereof ; for hereby they did infinitely enrich themselves , and every where enjoyed the very fat in the Land : It was devised for the pampering of the living , not the punishing or purging of the dead : Through their covetousness , meeting with the peoples ignorance , Purgatory was hatched .

But what a cruelty is this of the Pope , who hath power , as he saith , to deliver as many as he lists out of Purgatory , & yet will suffer so many so long to lie there frying ? But he knows well what he doth ; if he should make it too common , or let out too many , then would the people care the less , and say , Though I go to Purgatory , yet the Pope of his clemency will deliver me , and so I mean to give my goods and lands to my children , and not beggar my posterity by giving them for Pardons or Masses , &c. Thus indeed their trade would go down .

1. This may stir us up to give thanks to God for his mercy , Use 1. in delivering us from those cousenages , and revealing unto us his truth : We ought to be so much the forwarder in every duty towards the worship of God , the Ministers maintenance , the poor , &c. you save it an hundred times over , through the preaching of the Gospel truly : It s a foul fault in people , that they cannot be content thus to enjoy their goods & lands , and leave them to their children ( which they could not do ) but pull and rake from the Minister , care not how little they allow him ; yea , and are so miserable , as they will scarce allow their part to keep the house of God upright , or in decent sort , neither give the poor without grudging , or upon necessity .

It may comfort the godly ; Use 2. There is no delaying place by the way , to keep them from the joys of Heaven .

3. It may teach men in any wise to look to themselves how they live , Use 3. for as soon as the breath is out of them , they go presently to the place where they shall abide for ever ; Eccles 11. 3. as the Tree falls , so it shall lie .

Neither went he down to Hell to preach to the Reprobates ; That Christ went not down to Hell to preach to the Reprobates for as its absurd for one soul to preach to another , so preaching is to do some good , and thereby onely to do hurt is against the end thereof : But , say they , he onely went and preached experimentally by his presence , and shewed himself to them to convict them , but they were already sufficiently convicted , condemned , and put in their place of torment ; if Christ should have gone thither to convict them again , they were not sufficiently convicted before : But if they say he went to triumph over the Reprobate there , &c. it may be answered , That he triumphed on the Cross , and shall triumph over the Reprobates mightily on the day of Judgement . I proceed unto the Doctrines of the Text.

By which also he went and Preached , ] Here note ,

1. That when Gods faithful Ministers Preach , Gods Spirit preacheth in faithful Ministers . it s the Spirit of God that preacheth in them : Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost ; He that heareth you ( saith our Savior ) heareth me . 2 Pet. 1. 21.

1. Therefore Ministers must endeavor so to preach , Luke 10. 16. that it may appear unto all , Use 1. that its the Spirit of God which Preacheth in them ; their matter must be sound , and wholly agreeable to the will of God ; and for the maner , 1 Cor. 2. 4. it must not be with enticing words of man wisdom , but in demonstration of the Spirit , and of power ; we must not seek our selves , but Gods glory in the Salvation of our people : Such as for their matter Preach contrary to the Word , it s not the Spirit of God which Preacheth in them , but the Spirit of Error ; and for the maner , such as use a dark kinde of Preaching , or curious and quaint terms , or in such sort as the people cannot understand or profit , do they woo for Christ , or rather do they not speak for themselves ? Such kinde of Preaching is blasted and cursed of God , and the Preachers thereof shall have their reward accordingly .

2. Let people know , Use 2. that when they come to the Word , they come not to hear such a man ( whosoever he be ) but to hear what the Spirit of God saith to them ; a great priviledge : we must therefore prepare our selves rich accordingly with all reverence and fear ( as having to do with God himself ) laying the same to heart , and endeavoring to be profited thereby , in yielding obedience thereto : O how many come hand over head , sit sleeping at Church , and are no whit moved with whatsoever is said ? Did we but believe that it were Gods Spirit that did Preach to us , we would give better heed . If we speak according to the Word in rebuking you for your sins , you are not to fret , and say , O some body hath told him hereof , or he doth this of ill will ; but acknowledge , See 1 Cor. 14. 25. that its Gods Spirit which rebukes you , and that God is there indeed .

3. Gods people may be comforted by the promises delivered in the Word ( as the wicked may be terrified by the threatnings thereof ) They shall come to pass , Use 3. for that the Spirit of truth hath uttered them .

2. That God will finde a time to right things , God will finde a time to right things when they are disordered . when they be disordered : Though the wicked may prevail for a time , and iniquity abound and overflow , yet will the Lord in his due time come to visit and reform all ; Thus did the Lord deal with this people .

Let the godly have patience , Use. and wait Gods leisure ; and for the wicked , let them be never the lustier for that the Lord is patient , and defers for a time , for he will come to give every one his due , and will come too soon for their turn .

In prison , ] The woful condition of the wicked . That is , Hell , the place appointed for the souls of the wicked , a fearful place , of Gods own preparing , and whereof the Devil is the Jaylor . For the wicked ,

1. They shall be separate and cast from God , in whose presence stands happiness , Matth. 25. that as they regarded not his presence here , so hereafter they shall not enjoy it .

2. They shall be cast into the society of Devils and Reprobates , whom they have served , and whose society they have loved . Yet

3. Not in their company , to be with them in jollity and merriment , &c. as here , but in torments , howling and wailing , &c. those are both intollerable and eternal ; their souls are presently after death cast hereinto , as both their bodies and souls , which have been companions together in sin , shall be on the day of Judgement : And for that though many be called , few be chosen ; and in the parable of the four kindes of seeds , onely one of them was good ; as most of the old world perished , so shall and have most of every age of the world : Though Israel be as the sand of the Sea , yet but a remnant shall be saved .

O how might this cool the wicked , Use 1. the proudest that live in jollity , and set all others at nought ! Now they are lusty , and swear , and curse , and do what they list , poor woful creatures : There is a prison prepared for them , that will pull down the proudest of them ; sour sauce to their sweet meat , but most live as if there were no such matter . O what fools be they , that for a few short profits ill gotten , or onely sought after , or some transitory pleasure or honor , sell themselves to this woful place . These count themselves wise , and Gods servants fools ; but the contrary will be seen one day , and that they themselves were indeed the mad fools .

2. How should this stir up them to be thankful to God , Use 2. that know themselves freed from this woful place , and to Christ that hath suffered for them ? O what cause have they to rejoyce , to walk obediently , and to bear their few short afflictions patiently ? and for those that know it not , me thinks they should never be quiet , nor sleep good sleep , till they know they are delivered from this prison .

3. This should make us all , Use 3. not onely careful to save our own souls out of this place , but to do all our endeavor to save others , especially them that be committed to us ; as , Ministers to preach diligently , zealously and plainly , 2 Cor. 5. 11. to save their people out of Hell , and pull them out of the fire ; such as do otherwise , are merciless and cruel ; so Magistrates to punish sin zealously , that they might not be condemned hereafter ; so must Parents towards their children , by prayer , counsel , education , correction ; so must every neighbor do what he can to save his neighbor : If thou doest them no good , yet shall they wish one day that they had been ruled by thee .

Which sometimes were disobedient , ] Disobedience the cause of Gods judgements on the old world . Here 's the cause as well of their bodily punishment by the flood , as their eternal judgement in Hell , even for that they were disobedient to the Commandments of God , and among the rest , to the Ministery of Noah : This is aggravated from the length of Gods patience shewed towards them ( though God told them how long he would wait , yet did not they hereby become the wiser ) and by the real sermon which they had , which was , the building of the Ark : They had both time and means to have repented , but not repenting , their sin was the greater , and so was their judgement .

Q. Were all , save those eight here mentioned , drowned ?

A. The Text is plain , that all were drowned .

Q. Were all those that were drowned damned ? Whether all those which were drowned were damned .

A. It is said , That the earth was filled with cruelty , they are also termed the world of the ungodly ; and its likely that if any had been openly known to have been good , the Lord would have preserved them that they should not have perished in the waters with the rest ; yet it s possible that even among them that were drowned , there might be some good , and it were hard if we conclude that all were damned ; some were youths , some infants , not capable of sin , some not born , whereof some might belong to God . Again , it might be ( though not very likely ) that some might repent in truth when they saw the flood come . However , most no doubt were utterly cast away for ever , yet some might be saved eternally , though they had part in the bodily punishment ; as Cain a Reprobate had part in the temporal deliverance , and yet perished eternally . Hence perceive

1. The exceeding and almighty power of God , Use 1. that was able thus to take vengeance of the impiety of the world , even of such an infinite multitude , by such a judgement ; there s no power nor counsel against him : He is the Lord of Hosts , and hath all Creatures in Heaven and Earth to use to preserve his , and to destroy his Enemies ; even from the Angel which destroyed Senacharibs host , to the very lice and worms , fire , ayr , earth , hail , blasting , mildew , lyons , bears , &c. are at his command ; See Act 12. 23 there 's no Creature so mean , which he cannot use to destroy the very proudest Tyrant : How should this strike terror into the heart of every wicked man , and make him humble himself at the footstool of the Lord , and break off his sins by unfained repentance . The people of Tyrus and Sidon feared Herod , Ibid. 20. because he could hurt the Land , who yet himself was worms meat ; God can plague and destroy a thousand ways : What art thou that rebellest against thy Maker , the Lord of the whole world , who hath Heaven and Earth , and Hell at his command , and all Creatures in them ? He is able to plague thee which way soever he will , every hour of the day : He is able by the greatest , by the meanest also of his Creatures to destroy thee , as he can also immediately by himself : But if he let all these alone , he is able to finde enough in thine own bowels to torment thee , some ill humor in thine own body or bowels to vex and weary thee ; any tooth in thy head may drive thee to extremity of pain , Dan. 4. 5. thine own thoughts may take away sleep from thee ; yea , drive thee into desperation , Simile . as it befel Judas . Most Princes if a great many be in a transgression or rebellion , either cannot resist them , or if they could , dare not put them all to death , for fear of rising , or want of Subjects ; it s not so with the Lord , he hath no need of men ; if they rebel against him , he will cut them off , if they be never so many , he fears not : O let none sin with the multitude , thinking to be hidden or escape , for God hath judgements enough , and hath prepared Hell large enough , though there be never so many that rebel against him .

2. The wonderful justice of God , Use 2. and how he hates sin , that thus revenged it upon the whole world : This is a part of his name ; he will not account the wicked innocent : Psal. 5. 4 , 5. He is a God that hateth and abhorreth iniquity , Leut. 26. 14. and hath shewed it in all ages of the world : Deut. 28. 15. He hath storehouses of judgements here against the wicked , and hath prepared for them a prison and place of torment for them hereafter . This should now make them tremble and fear , hate sin and repent of it : He hath done justice on the whole world , and dost thou think to scape ? The world makes an Idol of him , all of mercy ; such examples as this , and that upon the Israelites in the Lamentations , and many other , shew his justice ; and this is such a dreadful example of Gods justice , as should make all the world to tremble . If we should see an hundred men executed together , how would it daunt us ? what will it then to consider , that thousands thousands are sent into Hell ?

If any shall think that of those which were drowned there might some be saved eternally , Two necessary considerations . because oftentimes Gods servants be taken away in common calamities , let them learn , 1. To judge charitable of men taken away in such cases . 2. Not to promise themselves any certain freedom from outward calamities ; howsoever , we must not voke God hereunto , but yet herein to commend our selves to God , as which shall not hurt our souls : Though we be wrapt among the wicked in some bodily affliction , yet le ts be of good comfort , we shall not be so at the day of Judgement , we shall be delivered from eternal punishment .

But disobedience is as the forerunner of destruction , Disobedience is the forerunner of destruction . it s as the sin of Witchcraft ; he who is the Lord of the whole world , and requireth obedience of all , cannot endure that men should contemn and disobey the admonitions of his Word , whereby they are called to repentance : This is mens destruction , see 2 Chron. 36. 16. Isa. 1. 5. Hos. 5. 4. Mat. 23. 23.

This may serve to awaken this woful world , Use. that is set upon disobedience . Most men do what they list , and follow their own lusts , as if there were no Law , nor any had to do with them ; yea , though God call upon them , and send his Ministers unto them , yet they will not give their mindes to repentance , but harden their hearts : Oh , those carry a badge of their destruction , and a mark whither they are going , a certain forerunner of judgement here , or to be sure of eternal destruction hereafter : He that lives in a flat disobedience of any Commandment , Iohn 3. 36. and in any known sin , is in the state of damnation : He that committeth sin is of the Devil . 1 Iohn 3. 8. If thou livest in impenitency under the Word , know that thy judgement sleepeth not .

For their particular disobediences , their licentious living , their security and carelesness , their following of their lusts , their intemperancy in eating and drinking , their oppression and cruelty one towards another , The sins of our times like those of the old world . &c. they be the common sins of our times , and therefore we may justly fear some heavy judgement , which in likelihood for those few sakes amongst us which fear God , hath been all this while kept off us . What marrying now onely for beauty , there being no regard had of Religions , and whence this Gyantly generation ( not in stature , but lewdness ) springeth ? How are some set onely upon pleasures , some upon their profits ; and what wrestling and clambering is there to get preferment ? most care not whom they tread under , so they be aloft .

When once the long suffering of God waited ] This aggravates their sin , Gods Patience towards the disobedient aggravates their sin . that they continued disobedient , notwithstanding God did both wait for their repentance , and set them a time of One hundred and twenty years , but nothing would do them good : Thus did he to them , thus to this Nation , thus to every particular , person of us .

1. They that have received grace and are converted should be thankful to God for his great patience towards them before their calling : Use 1. Oh , every one of us have much cause of thankfulness this way : Oh , if God had cut us off in our sins , and days of our vanity , yea , after many a warning that we despised , we had now been howling without hope , with the damned spirits in Hell ; yea , if God had taken away his Gospel and Peace from us but within these few years , nay haply within this twelve moneths , in which time God hath shined into our hearts , and hath had mercy on us , how miserable had been our condition ?

2. Others that are not as yet converted , See Psal. 50. and 55. must make use of this patience , through their timely repentance : But alas , most do abuse it to the quite contrary ; Isa. 57. 11. O how fearful will their case be , which having had experience of Gods long suffering these twenty , thirty , forty , fifty years , yet abide in their old sins ? If their judgement was the greater by the abuse of this patience , then what shall those amongst us , which have had longer patience , and a thousand times more means ? The time allotted them , an hundred and twenty years , was not above the third part of the life of a man then , which being compared with that hath been allotted us , and the usual time wherein men now live , it will appear , that by way of proportion , we have had far more ; and besides the sermons of the Prophets , of Christ and his Apostles , we have had faithful sermons from the faithful Ministers of God : Those of the old world shall rise up in judgement against us , as also Sodom and Gomorrah , and shall speed far better then we . O therefore , le ts abuse the patience of God no more , Heb. 2. 13. but to day , whilest it is called to day , not to harden our hearts , &c. Oh , do we this the rather , because God hath set the time how long he will bear with us , which if it should once be out , it would be then too late for us , he would bear with us no longer , but would either snatch the Gospel from us , or us from it by death , or give us over to hardness of heart , never to be moved , or to feel our misery , but when it is too late , as it befel Esau , and the foolish Virgins : Therefore it is said here ,

Once the long suffering of God , &c. ] That is , it being out , there was no longer time to be granted , nor though they had cryed , would God have heard , and so we may suspect , that there were but a few ( if any at all ) which either repented when they saw the flood come , or whom ( though they cryed ) the Lord regarded , for that the time set was then expired .

In the days of Noah , ] Here Noahs name remaining up record , honorably registred : He saith not in the days of any of the Gyants , whose names are all buried , but in the days of Noah ; God vouchsafes not so much as to name them .

In the Scriptures the godly are spoken of to their honor , The names of the godly mentioned to their honor . but the wicked are either not named at all , or else to their disgrace , and their brand : Jeroboam that made Israel to sin , Ahab that sold himself to work wickedness , 1 King . 15. 34. wicked Athaliah , See Prov. 10. that cursed woman Jezabel , Judas that betrayed him , &c. or with their sins at large to their eternal reproach : But how sweet is the memorial of the godly mentioned in Scripture ? as of Mary Magdalene , Lazarus , &c. In Stories also we have the names not onely of famous Ridley , Latimer , Cranmer , &c. but even of meaner men , and not onely of men , but of women also , yea , and of those , even of poor ones , who are worthily reported of ; whereas the names of their persecutors , are either altogether unknown , or if they be spoken of , as Bonner , Gardiner , and others , its with stopping the nose , &c.

How may the servants of God be comforted ? though haply they are mean in the world , yet their names be written in Heaven , and shall abide , when the names of the wicked shall rot : Labor then to be Religious and godly , that ye may be well reported of alive and dead ; else if ye be wicked , ye shall have an ill report in the Church of God whilst ye live , and leave a stinking memorial behinde you when ye are dead , both which are fearful .

While the Ark was a preparing , ] The old world then most disobedient , when they should have been by Noahs making of the Ark feared therefrom . Another thing whereby their disobedience is aggravated , that it was even then , while they saw Noah busie in making an Ark , which might have admonished them of the flood , for he in Faith made it , obeying the Commandment of God : He believed what God had threatned , but so did not they .

1. Note here , That if Noah because of the flood threatened , made an Ark to save himself from it , Christians must use the means whereby to be freed from Hell and destruction . as God had commanded ; it s our duty much more , as I may say , to prepare an Ark , and use the means to save our selves from drowning in Hell , the pit of perdition . There is a certain flood of destruction , whereinto all such shall fall , as have not before got into the Ark , as all that were out of this Ark perished . The making of this in likelihood , was a matter of great cost , of great toil , and without doubt he had many a mock for his labor when he went first about it , and whilest he continued working at it , yet went he on : Faith and Repentance an Ark for the soul. As that was for the body , so are Faith and Repentance for the soul ; whosoever have these shall never perish , but have everlasting life : For these we must labor , whatsoever pains they cost us ; yea , and if it were to hinder our outward estate hereupon , and expose our selves to mockings and revilings : Whosoever misseth of these , whatsoever else they have , shall questionless perish ; the word tells it , and we are to believe it .

1. This rebukes the monstrous folly and madness of the world . Use 1. Gods Ministers , his Noahs , preach the flood , and perswade every man to make ready his Ark ; but alas , how few look after any such matter , nay ( as in the old world ) they rather mock at those that do , or that take pains to hear the Word , which is the way to get Faith , or that take pains to lead a godly life ; O these precise fellows , they be so holy , and these Scripture fellows , they be so holy , as they will be in heaven ere their bones be cold , &c. whereby it appears , that ( as Lots sons in Law about the destruction of Sodom ) they believe no flood at all , Gen. 19. 14. no judgement at all to come ; or else haply they think it an easie matter to make an Ark at any time , either thinking that some easier and nearer may be found then by Faith and Repentance ( as those that hope to be saved by their good meaning , good prayers , civil life , &c. which will assuredly deceive them ) or that they are easie to be obtained : Was Noah One hundred and twenty years in making an Ark to save him from drowning in the waters , and can they at pleasure , and on the sudden , make an Ark to save them from Hell , and to get into Heaven ; as most hope by Lord have mercy upon me to be saved ? But as no doubt , many used sundry shifts to save themselves when the flood came , and none prevailed but the Ark , so shall it be with all such : O what if the flood should now come ( as it may ere the morrow ) is your Ark ready or not ? If it be not , defer the time no longer : No man knows that he shall live One hundred and twenty days , or a quarter so long ; yet though Noah knew he should live so many years , he did not defer the time , delay the making of the Ark : It will not be done on the sudden , and after this life there 's no making of any ; 1 Kings 6. 7. as there was no hewing of timber or stone in the Temple , but all in Mount Lebanus : Look to it therefore betimes , regard neither the costs nor pains you may be put to : It s no matter so you be saved .

2. This may comfort them that have their Ark prepared , Use 2. though thousands and ten thousands perish , yet they shall not do amiss , but be preserved and saved as Noah ; then shall not we weigh what pains we have taken to make it , to hear the Word , to humble our selves , to repent , &c. And have not others taken as much pains for transitory things , that will vanish and never do them good ? and though you have been mockt , yet will the time come , when those mockers will change their note .

Again , in that they saw and heard of this Ark a building , which ought to have been a real Sermon to them , yet were not moved , their sin becoming hereby the greater .

2. Note , How useful Examples and occular sermons are . That when God addes to his Word Examples , and to the Ministery real Sermons also , these ought much to prevail , which when they do not , as well the sin as the judgements of the Delinquents become the more fearful ; for the more means men have , if they profit not thereby , See Luk. 17. 32 the greater will be their judgement , as our Savior said of Corazin and Bethsaida . 1 Cor. 10. When God threatens to plague wicked men , it should make them stand in awe , but when they see the same , it cannot but pierce more : To this end , though God hath left some part of Scripture in Precepts and Doctrines , yet hath he left most in Story and Example , Ezek. 12. 3● . accordingly the Prophets used both : Therefore when God in his Word exhorts to diligence in laboring after Salvation , and to lead an holy life , this ought much to move ; but when men see Examples of such people before their eyes , Iam. 5. 10 , 11. this ought to move the more .

This condemns the notorious obstinacy of our times , Use. that notwithstanding the Word God addes so many examples of his judgements on wicked men , more by far then we could have lookt for in the days of the Gospel ; as untimely ends upon Drunkards , and notorious prophane persons , &c. that would take no warning ; yea , haply of a dozen of them which have been in a Town , Dan. 5. 22. cut off by one judgement or other , yet who fears ? nay , do not others continue in the same state ( as some old Drunkards ) without amendment , as other new ones grow up every day ? The like may be said of other sins : Belshazzar profited not by the judgements of God on his Father , as most do not by any judgement on others : What answer have they to make , and what judgement waiteth them , that have had many examples , and yet never the better ? so of notorious covetous gripers , oppressors , rakers , how blockishly and fearfully they have dyed , with the miserable end of their goods ? either wofully wasted by drunkards , or dispersed to those that never sweat for them , yea oftentimes to their very enemies ; who seeth not ? yet who are moved hereat ? let these look for greater judgements ; so when God raiseth up many godly Christians , that earnestly labor after their salvation , taking great pains to hear the Word and to live godly , most receive no profit by these real examples and Sermons , but some mock at them , and think them more precise then needs ; as others are blockish , and are no whit moved thereby : They might think with themselves when they see some such take such pains , that there is somewhat in it , some ill to be avoided , some good to be obtained , some great matter that should move these people to take such pains ; surely ( might they say ) it s not for nothing , they have business as well as we , which they could tend if a greater thing were not in the way ; it s not for nothing that they thus weary themselves . But most do not understand or consider thus much with themselves , and yet God hath raised up such as lights to draw on others ; and they that be not won by the Word , nor moved by the examples of the godly , their answer will be fearful : Little do these people think that those that have travelled by their doors , wet and dry , and come through their grounds to hear the Word , shall one day be their Judges ; It had been happy for them , if they had dwelt further off .

3. In that this ark did betoken the judgement of God to come , Wicked men fear not Gods judgements . and yet they feared nothing ; Note , that wicked men fear not Gods judgements , Thus was it with the Sodomites , with Lots sons in law , with the Israelites : Prov. 14. 16. and 22. 3. This is indeed a token of a wicked man , as being an argument of unbelief , Atheism , and hardness of heart , and that they are mad on their sins ; and 28. 14. These are sure to fall into destruction .

This condemns the common unbelief and impenitency of most men , for though they hear Gods judgements denounced against sinners , and that they hang over the pit of Hell , and that he will judge Whoremongers , and Adulterers , &c. and that no such shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven , and that they are thieves for every bit of bread they eat , & that if they come to the Sacrament without their wedding Garment , they shall be bound hand and foot , &c. yet they fear no colours , but go on like blinde Bayard . People were of old afraid of Purgatory , but these are not , whatsoever can be said of Hell , or the day of Gods dreadful judgement : But they that now fear them least , shall one day feel them most ; whereas Gods Servants , which tremble and humble themselves , with David , Habakkuk , and Josiah , hiding themselves with God , shall escape , and they that fear them least before they come , and are boldest in sin , See Mr. Dod on Psal. 14. they are most stricken with horror , and most cowardly , when they come , as Ahaz , Saul , Belshazzar , &c.

Wherein few , that is , eight souls , were saved by water , ] Here 's the proper use and end of the Ark , The preservation of Noah and his Family from drowning : By souls we are to understand men and women , and by being saved , their temporal deliverance .

1. In that the Ark preserved them , and was not overturned with the raging of the waters , and that Noah with his were not choaked , being so long there with beasts . Note , That

What God will have a thing to do , Weak means are sufficient through Gods blessing for our preservation . though it seem never so weak , or unlikely , yet it shall be sufficient to effect it , as Sampsons jaw-bone , the compassing of Jericho , Daniels pulse which he eat , the Whales belly for Jonah , Jordan to cleanse Naaman ; so by the foolishness of Preaching , by the Ministery of a few mean men ( to speak of in comparison ) to convert the Gentiles , &c. If God shut up Noah in the Ark , he shall be safe enough ; yea , and how many poor live and prosper with a short and bare allowance , and many of them in sickness , get up with poor help and means ? O the happy condition of Gods Servants , what means soever they have , if God bless the same , they shall suffice to do them good ! Hereof , how often in time of danger when means have failed , or weak means onely were to be had , have we had experience ?

2. In that Noah with six other righteous persons besides himself were preserved . Note

Both the reward of righteousness ( though not for merit , Righteousness shall not want its reward . but Gods mercy ) and what a dignity and priviledge it is to be righteous ; one such is more worth , 1 Tim. 4. 8. then ten thousand others : As they are the glory , the wicked are the dross ; so do they finde , that godliness hath the promises both of this life , and that which is to come .

O what a provocation and encouragement ought this to be unto us , Use. to labor to approve our selves to God , to be righteous in Gods sight , and to walk with him ! Such shall be preserved from all evil of body and soul ; for those that be otherwise , they lie open to all judgements here , and to eternal destruction hereafter : O that men could believe the odds between the one and the other !

Cham , being with his Father in the Ark , was preserved from the Flood , but after was cursed and condemned for his sin , and is in Hell . Note , both that

Its good to be near the godly ; It s good to be near the godly . The place , and they that be with them , fare the better for their sake , as Laban for Jacobs , and Potiphar for Josephs , wicked Jehoram for Jehoshaphats , all in the Ship for Pauls , No man can be saved by the goodness of another . and here Cham for Noahs , and none can be saved by any other bodies goodness : The soul that sinneth shall dye , and every one shall be saved by his own Faith : C ham perished though he had Noah to his Father , Ezek. 18. 20. who was such a good man . Note further , That

Though the wicked both may and do often escape bodily dangers ( as Cham did ) yea live , The wicked however they escape bodily dangers , shall meet with everlasting judgements . wax old , and grow in wealth , &c. yet they shall not escape the everlasting judgement of God for their sins : While they continue their sins , ( whatsoever their prosperity be ) their judgement sleepeth not , neither doth their damnation slumber .

4. In that of those which were saved from drowning , being but few , yet one was not saved eternally . Note , That

It ever hath been , There are but a few which shall be saved is and will be , that a very few have been or shall be saved ; thus you see it was in the old world : So was it under the Law , when all the Nations lived without God in the world , onely God was known in Jury , yea , though Israel was as the sand of the sea , yet but a remnant of those were saved : How few in the wilderness , but were disobedient ? how few under the Prophets , but were idolatrous and stiff-necked ? In the days of Christ , where was faith to be found ? and now ( not to speak of the Jews , Turks , and Pagans ) even among Christians , doth not the love of most wax cold ? Narrow is the way to Heaven , and there be few that finde it ; Many are called , but few are chosen . Gods people are a little Flock ; Faith and Repentance ( without which none can be saved ) be so difficult things , as few attain them . An Hypocrite and civil man may go far , but come far short : If indeed to speak two or three good words at ones death , were a sign of repentance ( as numbers hold ) or Heaven were so easily come by , in vain did Gods Servants humble themselves , and labor to cleanse themselves in innocency . I would never care for coming into Heaven , if it were so easily obtained ; as the Arrian at Norwich , about to be Executed , said to one standing by , The speech of an Arrian at his death . Do you think Christ would forgive me , if I did confess and believe in him , and acknowledge him ? O saith the party , without all doubt he would : To whom the Arrian , If your Christ be so easily to be entreated , Matth. 7. 21. I 'le never believe in him : But not every one that saith , Lord , Lord , shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven : Faith and Repentance , with the change of a man , is the greatest work in the world . Though we cannot judge the precise number of those which shall be saved , neither yet who they are , yet generally this is true , That in the visible Church , but a few shall be saved .

We must not therefore content our selves to do as most do , Use. or the rest of our Neighbors do , but rather as the fewest do , else we can never enter into Heaven , or be saved ; we must crowd , and strive hard , and labor to be of the number of those few which shall be saved ; we must give all diligence hereunto , seek after this , cry for this ; we must not content our selves with any shadows of grace , but seek after true grace , which is to salvation ; we must not content our selves to be of the family of the righteous , but must labor and finde that we our selves are righteous .

5. In that he termeth those eight which were saved Souls ( by which word also elsewhere men and women be meant ) which is not at any time given unto any other Creature : Gen. 46. 27. Note , Rom. 13. 1. that

Men and women be more excellent then all other Creatures ; Men and women be more excellent then other creatures they have reasonable souls , and so capable of the mysteries of God , of the image of God , of the graces of his spirit , and immortal souls , and so capable of living in glory for ever .

1. If God hath bestowed infinite more cost on man then on all other Creatures , Use 1. how should we by serving God with our reason , and having our souls adorned and filled with the gifts of the Spirit of God , labor to excel them ? O the miserable and base madness of most men , who though being endued with reason , they are apt to serve God best , and may observe all Creatures serving them in their kinde , yet rebel against him , and so become indeed void of reason ! And how do most let their souls lie unfurnished of saving knowledge , and other graces , like bruit beasts : Happy they had been beasts , God made them men , but they live like beasts that perish .

2. Our care must be more for our souls then our bodies ; Use 2. Those be immortal , shall live even when parted from the body : O the folly of most people , that toil and care for transitory things , as profits and pleasures , food and raiment , but have no care for any thing that is eternal ; God gave them souls capable of immortal glory , and they have so neglected the seeking hereof , as that they must dye eternally , and be in wo for ever .

Noah and the old world were a right picture of the good and bad in our age ; Noah and the old world a right picture of the good & bad in our age while he was carefully workiug , they took their pleasure , but in the end he was saved and they drowned : So now the servants of the Lord , they knowing their sin and danger , they spend their time in mourning and humbling their souls , and in making of an ark of Faith and true Repentance , wherein to save themselves from the flood of Gods wrath , which they know they have deserved : They take pains to hear , read , pray ▪ mortifie their affections and lusts , abridge themselves of many profits and pleasures , having many reproaches from men , and hard measures , yea , it may be crosses and afflictions from God to further them in a good course ; while in the mean time the common sort they follow the swinge of their own hearts , and do what they list , they follow their profits and pleasures like Esau , and often escape afflictions , and have great prosperity , so that one would think their case happy in comparison of the state of the people of God : But mark the end , time will come , that the people of God shall be saved , and escape drowning , when the jolly world shall fall into the pit of eternal perdition : So the children of God begin in tears , but they end in joy , whereas the wicked begin here in jollity , but must end in eternal howling ; which of these is the best , chuse the first or the last , that which perisheth , or that which endureth to life eternal .

Verse 21. The like figure whereunto , even Baptism , doth also now save us ( not the putting away of the filth of the flesh , but the answer of a good conscience towards God ) by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ .

HEre the Apostle sheweth , That those of old had Types of their Salvation as well as we ; for the preservation of Noah in the Ark from the flood , when the world was drowned , was a Type and Figure of their eternal Salvation from the flood of Gods wrath , by the Messiah to come : To which Type of theirs , we have another correspondent answering Type , or Antitype , a Type fitly answering , and like theirs , even Baptism , which is a sign and seal of our eternal salvation , and so is said to save us . It saveth us , that is , sealeth up our salvation ; not that the outward Baptism , that is , the washing of the body with water , doth save ( for that Hypocrites may have ) but the inward , that is , the pardon of our sins in Christs blood , and purging our nature by Sanctification ; whereof being assured by Faith , we have a good conscience , and hereby have boldness to make demand , and challenge of God eternal Salvation , which God cannot deny , having so covenanted in Baptism to the believer ; and hereunto we attain , not by the work wrought , or our being Baptized , but by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ , his death purchasing it , and his resurrection witnessing the same ; whereof this last , which is the complement and finishing of the other , is onely expressed in this place .

The like figure whereunto , &c. ] Here note , That

Throughout all ages the godly have been saved by the same means that we be ; The godly throughout all ages are saved by the same means . we by faith in Christ who is come , as they in him to come : They are the same spiritual meat , and drank the same spiritual drink , onely we have a more fuller and clear revelation of him .

Even baptism , 1 Cor. 10. 3. doth also now save us , &c. ] This is the first Sacrament of the New Testament , Baptism what it is , &c. and is ordained in the room of Circumcision , as the Lords-Supper in the room of the Passover ; as Circumcision did precede the Passover , so doth Baptism the Lords-Supper ; that being a sign of our ingrafting , this of our growing in the Church ; and as amongst the Jews , even Infants were to be circumcised ; so amongst us Christians , are Children to be Baptized : Hereof the outward sign is water , whereby the blood of Christ is fitly resembled , which is that effectual water which doth wash and cleanse our souls : It must be pure , not mixt water , in respect of great personages , neither must any thing be added thereto , as salt , oyl , &c. And the person Baptized , must neither be marked with an hot iron , as amongst the Ethiopians , nor Circumcised , as its the practice of others : In ours , though some things be retained , which some good men have stumbled at , yet they that be so shie of them as to forsake the Church , as the Separatists do , or neglect and omit Baptism , or break the peace of the Church , by seeking to have their Children Baptized elsewhere , they are too bird-eyed , and I think its ignorance and weakness in them ; if they were retained , as the Papists used them , putting holiness in them superstitiously ; yet if there were no other cause but this , we should not forsake the Church , nor refuse Baptism ; much less seeing our Church doth altogether protest against superstition in them , and retains them for order only : The thing signified , is the inward cleansing of the soul , which being impure through sin , is filthy before God , till it be washed by the blood of Christ , and Spirit of Sanctification ; yet as there are some which will see no filthiness therein , so are there others , which are so far from seeking to be purged , that they wallow still in the mire of their lusts . By this Sacrament also , there s an inward and Spiritual thing sealed , and grace conveyed , though an unbeliever seeth it not , contrary to the opinion of the Katabaptists , which teacheth it to be a badge onely of a Christian profession , and no further ; yet are not the sign and the thing signified always and necessarily tyed together , and so Baptism doth not save by the work wrought , as the Papists would : Even Reprobates may have the outward Baptism , which yet doth them no good , but rather is a witness against them .

For not the putting away of the filth of the flesh , but the answer of a good conscience towards God doth save us , ] The uses of Baptism . To believers indeed , both sign and thing signified go together , and they may receive much comfort from their Baptism ; as by it make a confident demand of Salvation from God , for they believing and desiring to obey God , there was sealed up in their Baptism , the pardon of their sins and sanctification , both which they may confidently challenge at Gods hand , and therewith eternal life : This Sacrament also is our badge and livery of God , and of our holy profession , whereby we differ from Pagans , Turks , Jews , &c.

This is also an instruction to us , Use. to lead a holy life , Rom. 6. 4. as we did profess and promise when we were Baptized : This is an help to keep us from sin for the time to come , being provoked thereto , we may answer , that we cannot in respect of our Baptism ; yea , this also is useful to raise us up to repentance after we be fallen ; and as no doubt it did Noah good every time he saw the Ark , so seeing Baptism saveth us , that is , is a sign to us of our Salvation , we should often meditate thereof , Who is to Baptize , and who to be Baptized . and be glad to be put in minde of the same .

For those which are to Baptize , they must be lawfully called hereunto , and for those which are to be baptized , they are not all men , but they that be within the pale of the Church , neither are beasts , or dead things to be Baptized : The Popish Baptizing of Bells , is an horrible prophanation of this Sacrament : Baptism is a sign of Regeneration , neither doth it profit without Faith , therefore none may have it , but they which be capable of Regeneration and Faith : but of these particulars , as also of the Baptism of Infants , the time of Baptism , who are to be present thereat , who to present the childe to Baptism , the witnesses , the name , the form and maner , whether Baptism be of absolute necessity to Salvation , whether Johns Baptism , and Christs were all one , or diverse , with divers the like ; I have largely spoken by way of Catechizing .

By the resurrection of Jesus Christ ] See Rom. 4. 25. and 8. 34. Here he sheweth that we are not to rest in one Baptism , to finde Salvation in it , but to look to the death and resurrection of Christ , whereby our Salvation is purchased and procured , though it be sealed up by Baptism : He puts one for both , his Resurrection , being the accomplishment of our Salvation , and Testification thereof , containing his death under it .

Verse 22. Who is gone into heaven , and is on the right hand of God ; angels , and authorities , and powers , being made subject unto him .

HEre follows another Reason to comfort Christians , in suffering for Christs sake ; namely , that he for whom they suffer , and who is their head , is advanced into most high dignity , being ascended into Heaven , and there at the right hand of God , &c. that is , hath all power in Heaven and Earth committed to him in his Church , all Angels , Principalities and Powers , both good and bad , being made subject to him , who therefore can make the good to serve our turn , and can repress the bad , much more can he repress the violence and rage of men , that persecute his people .

Touching the Ascension of Christ , What our Saviors ascension was . I have shewed you what it was , namely , that our Savior having sufficiently manifested the truth of his resurrection , and confirmed his Disciples by the power of his Godhead , and partly by the supernatural property of a glorified body , he left the Earth , and was taken up into the highest Heaven , and there is , and so shall continue till his coming to judgement .

1. That he did ascend , That he did ascend . the Scriptures declare unto us , He himself foretold it , Luke 24. 51. first , more darkly , afterward more clearly ; then most clearly , Acts 1. 9. when it was at hand : Neither was it without cause , partly because as his Manhood had suffered the lowest abasement , Iohn 6. & 14. 19. & 20. 17. so it might be advanced into the highest glory , Why he did ascend . and partly that he might also perform such things as were to be performed for the good of his Church , namely , the Application of his death and merits , to those for whom he suffered , and the sending of the holy Ghost , &c.

2. The persons before whom be did ascend , Before whom he did ascend . were not the Scribes , Pharisees , and Jews , but his Disciples ; those had seen enough already , but not profiting thereby , they were left to themselves ; these were to Preach his ascension to all , God having ordained , men rather by hearing then seeing should be saved .

3. The time , The time when he did ascend . not till he had sufficiently proved his resurrection , Gods goodness appearing herein , that would have all main points so clear , that they that will not stop their own eyes and ears , might believe . Neither did he ascend till he had comforted his Disciples , against all the troubles they were to meet with , and instructed them in the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God ; They that have charge over others must be careful to leave them in good plight . hereby teaching that all which have charge of others , must be careful to do all the good they possibly can to them that be under their charge , while they be with them , and after to provide to leave them in as good state as possibly they can : Thus should Magistrates ( with Moses , who trained up Joshua , to succeed him ) Thus should Ministers ( with the Apostles Paul and Peter ) Thus also should Housholders , Parents , Masters do , that when they themselves shall dye , others may succeed them , which may do as much , if not more service in the Church of God , then they did : But who do thus employ their talents for the good of souls ? O what a fearful answer have most to make !

4. The place from whence he did ascend , The place from which our Savior ascended . Bethany , or the Mount of Olives , both which were close together ; that which was often the place of his mourning , and most sorrow , was now the place of his greatest comfort : Even there where Steven had such mighty adversaries , Acts 7. 56. he had a most clear sight of Heaven open , and of Christ standing at the right hand of God : Even on the bed of sickness , in Prison , in strange countreys , &c. where Gods people have powred forth most supplications and groans , God hath revealed himself to them more plentifully and clearly then at any time .

5. The benefits are , The benefits of his ascension . 1. To lead captivity captive . 2. To give gifts to men . 3. To prepare a place for us . 4. To send his holy Spirit into our hearts . Eph. 4. 8. 5. To make intercession for us .

And is on the right hand of God , ] Iohn 14. 2. In general , Three observations in general . 1. He gathers his Church by raising up Christian Kings and Governors , where he hath any Elect. 2. He governs and keeps the same , defeating all subtile plots of his Enemies , Isa. 49. 23. and confounding all their devices ; Thus did he on the behalf of the Church in Egypt ; Thus also by overthrowing Hamans conspiracy ; Thus did he by dissipating the Spanish Armado , and defeating the Gunpowder Plot. 3. Exerciseth his Church with crosses , to scour off the rust , which usually long Prosperity brings thereon . In Particular , for the Members of his Church that shall be saved , he gathers them , guides them , and exerciseth them to obedience by crosses , and represseth a great part of the rage of their Spiritual Enemies , strengthening them against the same ; and for the Enemies of his Church , he brings confusion upon them , as on Pharaoh , Senacherib , Haman ; Herod , &c. Thus do we also see many Enemies of Christs Church daily cut off , what else would become of the Church ?

Angels , and authorities , and powers , &c. ] That is , both good and bad , the good willingly , the others against their will , are subject unto Christ .

1. For the good Angels ; The good Angels are subject to Christ . If such glorious Creatures be subject to Christ , then

1. How great a one is he , Use 1. and how glorious is his Kingdom ? He that hath Kings and Princes under him , is an Emperor ; What 's he then , to whom angels , and authorities , and powers , are subject ?

2. The greater honor and dignity our head hath , Use 2. the more joy and comfort may we have , which are his members .

Again , They watch and guard us . In that he appoints them to watch and guard us , then

1. What a great honor is this to us ? as if a plain Countrey man should dine at a Noble mans Table , Use 1. and have great Gentlemen with gold Chains to attend him ?

2. How may we hereby be comforted and encouraged against Satans malice . Use 2.

3. We must keep within compass , Use 3. and walk carefully in Gods ways : we must take heed we do no uncomely thing , lest thereby we make the Angels loath to attend on us , or to carry ill tidings of us to God , or be Messengers of some displeasure against us ; They themselves are very zealous for God , and accordingly look that we should so be .

2. For the evil Angels , The bad Angels are subject to Christ . I shall not need to speak of their number , power , subtilty , malice , watchfulness to do hurt , as neither of their office and work , which is to hinder all good , and further all evil . Note we onely , Col. 2. 15.

1. That all these are subject Christ , Use 1. and he hath triumphed over them .

2. That as it s no small honor to him our head to have all these under him ; Use 2. so the meditation hereof cannot but be comfortable to us , both in regard of him and our selves .

3. That those evil Angels cannot do that evil they would , Use 3. and if they cannot , much less can their instruments ; If even the Devils be subject to him , that they cannot do what they would , much more can he repress the rage of wicked men , notwithstanding both of their malice and power : But of these points I have spoken at large by way of Catechism .

CHAP. IV.

THis Chapter consists of three parts : The contents of the Chapter 1. An Exhortation to Sanctification in general , being the common duty of all Christians , and belonging to all that shall be saved , from Verse 1. to Verse 7. 2. An Exhortation to some particular duties of Sanctification , from Verse 7. to Verse 12. 3. A comfort against persecution , or an encouragement to the suffering of affliction for Christs and Righteousness sake , from thence to the end of the Chapter .

Verse 1. Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh , arm your selves likewise with the same minde ; for he that hath suffered in the flesh , hath ceased from sin : Verse 2. That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men , but to the will of God .

HEre is 1. An Exhortation , The parts and meaning of these two Verses . and 2. A motive to perswade thereto : The Exhortation is , to resolve to mortifie and subdue the lusts of our corrupt nature , and to cease from sin ; namely , living in any sin , which is both explained and amplified ; explained by setting forth the parts of Sanctification severally , where 's shewed , 1. What must be laid away , the lusts of men ; these we must not follow , nor walk in . 2. What we must do , even walk according to Gods will ; amplified by the circumstance of time , even so much time as remaineth in this life behinde . The motive to perswade hereto is , For that Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh , namely , in his humane nature , both in body and soul ( for that are we to understand by flesh in the first place ; as thereby in the second , the mortifying of our corrupt nature , or that sinful disposition which is in us , called flesh , which spreadeth it self both over our bodies and souls ; and in the third , this natural life of ours , while the soul lives in this body of ours ) for us , not for himself , but our sins ; for us , not angels , who are reserved undereverlasting chains of darkness , but for us men ; for us , even me , and thee ( whosoever thou art ) that believest ; for us , the Apostle himself being one ( for every man must labor to know it to be for him , and the rest of Gods elect ) Forasmuch then , I say , as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh , we must arm our selves with the same minde , even not onely to bear afflictions patiently , and if it were to suffer persecution for his cause , but also to dye unto sin , not living any more to the lusts of men , but to the will of God . As Christ hath dyed for sin , so should we dye to sin , and not live in that for which Christ paid so dearly , and God so hated , and from which we are freed ; but rather in token of our thankfulness for our deliverance , we must labor by all possible means to mortifie these our wicked lusts , and to lead an holy life , to the glory of our Redeemer . Our Note may be this , That

The passion of our Savior Christ ought to be a mean to mortifie our lusts , Doctr. and to kill sin in us ; The passion of Christ is an especial means to stir us up unto mortification . for who can love the knife that killed his dearest friend , or that would have been his own certain destruction ? neither can any man have any perswasion ( upon good grounds ) of his part in Christ death , except he dye to sin ; for as one end of Christs death was to free us from condemnation , Tit. 3. 7. so another was , to kill sin in us , 2 Cor. 5. 15. for he purgeth those whom he redeemeth : He is a perfect Savior and Redeemer , not setting us free from some , but out of the tyranny of all our enemies , therefore of sin as well as wrath ; again , would Christ dye for a company , and have no use of them , but leave them still to live in sin ?

As therefore we would not live in sin , Use. let us often meditate on Christs passion : Rom. 8. 7. O it s a fruitful mother of many children ! To know that sin is enmity against God , 1 Pet. 2. 11. fights against the soul , brings death with it , is not so available to kill sin , as to know and meditate on this , That

Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh ] From the necessity of Christs sufferings ( whereof I have already spoken in the foregoing Chapter ) Note , Observations from the necessity of Christs suffering .

1. Our woful and miserable condition , as we are of our selves .

2. The ugliness and hainousness of sin in Gods account .

3. The admirable mixture of Justice and Mercy , with the unspeakable love of God and Christ Jesus . Iohn 11. 36. The Jews said , He loved Lazarus well , because he wept for him ; much more may we say , That he loved us , 2 Sam. 18. 33. because he hath dyed for us . David loved Absolom well , who wished that he might have dyed for him ; how much then hath Christ loved us , having indeed dyed for us ? O what love do we owe for this so great love ?

4. The happiness of such as do truly believe and repent , their debt is fully discharged , and having right unto Christ , there 's nothing that the Lord will deny them .

5. That we are to renounce all false ways of Salvation , the Jews , the Turks and the Papists way , all other ways besides this .

6. That we are to labor to know we have part in this ; yea , Christ having suffered , we must also bear afflictions patiently .

Arm your selves likewise , &c. Christians are to labor for mortification . ] The duty whereunto we are exhorted , is to suffer in the flesh , to mortifie our flesh , that is , our corrupt and sinful nature , and the lusts and sins thereof both inward and outward . But

1. Most are so far from mortifying their lusts , Who do not . that they follow them with greediness , and cannot endure any to speak against them : These be fools indeed , to destroy their own souls , by living in enmity and opposition against God .

2. Some it may be refrain some lusts , but others they live in and yield to , and yet these will claim part in the death of Christ , hope to be saved by Christ ; but so long as it s thus with them , its impossible that they should have any part in Christ .

Do we therefore labor for mortification , Use. applying the edge of the Word of God to the throat of our lusts : That we may not give way hereto , le ts often call to minde the threatnings of the Word , the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper , what God offers us there , and what we convenanted with him for , the crosses which our lusts have drawn on us , Gods manifold mercies unto us , but especially meditate on Christs death and passion , which is indeed a strong corrasive to eat out sin ; for our corruptions remain too rank , and through want of care and too much yielding thereto , be not subdued as they ought : Let us know , that he is the best Christian , not that hears most , or knows most , or can utter most , but he that hath most power over his affections and heart . Note further from hence ,

That as our lusts fight against us , Christians must furnish themselves as Soldiers , that they may prevail . so we must furnish our selves like Soldiers , that we may prevail against them : It s no easie thing to get out of sin , or to get the Mastery thereof ; it s to mortifie our members , to pluck out our right eyes , and cut off our right hands : It s easier to take any pains in offering sacrifice , Isa. 1. 16. and 58. 5. nay , fast extraordinarily , and to part with our goods , Micah . 6. 7. with thousands of Rams , and ten thousand rivers of oyl , yea , with our first born , then to part with one beloved sin : Iam. 4. 1. They that would overcome their lust , must not stand still , or be without weapons ; 1 Pet. 2. 11. we have that within us which rebelleth against the Law of God , Rom. 7. 23. and would lead us captive to the Law of sin which is in our members : Hereunto the Devil addes his power , the world also joyns herewith , by ill examples , bad counsels , mockings , revilings , &c. and therefore we must be resolute and play the Soldiers , if we would get out of our bad course : Through want hereof , some even under a powerful ministery , be never converted ; some get a little way , but hang behinde in sin ; some are a great while ere they can get out , whom the Word having called and awakened , the world , the Devil and their own lusts do again freshly assault ; nay , some being truly converted , yet fall back again into foul security , and have yet strong corruptions , and many odde qualities , &c.

1. This rebukes most of the world , Use. who do indeed joyn with these enemies ; few fight against them , but fewer resolutely , and therefore are led captive of them to their destruction .

2. This may provoke us to put on the whole armor of God , Use 2. to arm our selves on all occasions , and in all temptations , with good thoughts , and meditations of the ugliness of sin , Eph. 6. 13. danger of it , its hatefulness to God , with the passion of our Savior Christ : O how few arm themselves , or when they do , it s but to halves ? O this must be put on and kept on continually , night and day , we shall sleep never the worse ; there can be no truce between us and our enemies : This must be kept even in the times of greatest prosperity . Simile . Ships usually are cast away in storms , but Christians may miscarry when its calm . Thus was it with David , he abode constant in all Sauls storms , but in the time of peace , was carried away with Bathsheba's beauty : It must be kept on even in our old age , and till death , for then will the Devil set himself most against us ; and both Noah , Moses , and others , did then catch worse foils then ever before .

Suffered in the flesh , To mortifie our corrupt nature , why called suffering in the flesh ] To mortifie our corrupt nature is called suffering in the flesh ; and the truth is , its hard to say , whether is harder to suffer bodily torments and pains , or to mortifie a mans lust : O it s a death to part with them ; yea , when in a man after long strife between the grace of God and his corrupt nature , in the work of his conversion grace prevails , Mark 9. 20. it s even as the pangs of death ; as when the Devil went out of the childe , he threw him down , and he lay foaming as if he had been dead : O it s not so easie a matter as the blinde and prophane world imagine .

Hath ceased from sin , ] That is , living in any sin , For he that is born of God sinneth not ; 1 Iohn 3. 8 , 9. and , He that committeth sin is of the Devil .

That he no longer , The whole time of our life after our conversion must be spent holily . &c. ] The whole time of our life that remains after we are called to repentance , ought to be spent in the service of God , and practice of Repentance , and a new life : We owe all our life to him , all the days of our life , the whole time , we owe all to him who hath made and preserved us , Luke 1. 75. nothing to any other : What time therefore we have spent in sin , 1 Pet. 1. 17. we have robb'd God of it , and so ought willingly to give him the remainder , redeeming that is past with all diligence : The time past we know , but what is behinde we know not how little it may be , and therefore must make use of the time present , in turning to God and providing for our own souls .

1. This rebukes those that have spent a great part of their life in sin , Use 1. and yet being called to repentance , cannot afford this remainder to God ; as yong men that think it as yet too soon , &c. much more horrible and wicked are they , that have spent half their life , their yong time in pleasures and vanities , and now are as mad of the world as ever , with whom even yet it s too soon to turn to God .

2. Let this be a provocation unto all sorts to turn unto God : Use 2. Let yong men repent , Psal. 119. 9. they be called , and invited hereunto : O now it would be acceptable to God when their wit is fresh , Eccles. 12. 1. their memory good , their body and minde able ; it would be like Abels sacrifice : As for old , torn , lame Sacrifices , God hath no regard to them : If we begin betimes , we shall prevent a number of sins , and so a great deal of smart and sorrow . Besides , we shall learn goodness with much more ease , if God should from our youth turn our hearts after it : If we delay , we shall thereupon see not onely how wretchedly we have spent our time , and misused our wit , memory and strength , but how dull we be when we are old , and unfit to learn , it will much vex us ; an old Convert lightly never gets knowledge , and sees but dimly the way , Mat. 8. 24. as he that saw men like trees . If one should defer to learn a trade till age , he might easily perceive that his wit were dull , his fingers and joynts stiff : Let the middle aged repent , nay , let not even the oldest despair , but hasten to repent , that if possible they may crowd in . Heb. 11. 13. And for those that have long walked in the ways of God , let them hold out to the end , do so still ; many of Gods servants have been tript in old age , yea , and then the Devil labors most to intrap them .

Should live in the flesh to the lusts of men , but to the will of God . ] We must neither live in gross actual sins , wherein most men live , that lust after them , as a woman longeth after a thing when she is with childe , nor give way to the inward corruptions of our hearts , proceeding from that old man , Lusts , Original sin , concupiscence that is in us ; we must not live after the lusts of carnal , natural and unregenerate men , called in the next Verse , The lusts of the Gentiles , of which as being enemies to God , and to our own souls , and bringing death along with them , I have already spoken : It s an argument , that they which live after them , Gal. 5. 24. be not Christs : To those now living after their pleasures , and following their lusts , it will be said hereafter as to Dives , Luke 16. 25. Thou hast had thy pleasure , as Lazarus pain , now is he comforted , thou tormented .

But we must live after the will of God ; Gods will must be the rule for all our actions . To whose will should the servant be obedient , but to his masters , the subject but to his Princes ? God is our master and soveraign : His will also is a most holy , pure and perfect will , and a rule of righteousness ; he requires no uncomely , no hurtful thing of us , but that which is holy and profitable every way : The Angels in Heaven , they do the will of God , our Savior came into the world to do his will : Iohn 15. 10. & 17. 4. In his passion he had respect hereto , Not my will , but thy will be done , saith he ; all the Saints do it , Mat. 7. 21. and the godly on earth are and ever have been careful hereof , as being a note of such as shall be saved : All creatures in their kinde obey the will of God , and do that they were appointed for ; we are taught to pray , that this may be done : To do this in all things willingly , Mat. 6. 10. brings comfort and peace along with it .

1. This rebukes those that will not be brought in subjection to Gods will , but of all things that s most irksom to them : Who made thee ? who gave thee this comely body and reasonable soul ? who hath preserved thee ? whose will shouldest thou be subject to ? art thou a masterless person ? such should be sent to the house of correction : Whose will dost thou follow ? what fault findest thou with Gods will ? is it a better will which thou followest ? O no , it s a most corrupt and sinful will . Use 2.

2. It rebuketh those which will be ruled by the will of God in some things onely , and at their pleasure ; this is not to do Gods will , but our own : Such was Pharaohs obedience , Sauls , the Devils : About this there 's no small stir in the world ; God would have his will , and men would have theirs ; Ministers call for Gods will , and people will have their own , though they dye for it , say who will against it : And indeed oftentimes , what is it , but their will that they do oftentimes ? It s against their profit , their credit , prejudicial both to soul and body : Why do men follow drunkenness and riot , but because they will ? This is the cause why Preaching is so little regarded of most , so much opposed by many , even because it would set up Gods will , and pull down mans : If any Preacher shall speak against prophaning the Lords-day , Oh , he is a troubler of Israel , hinders people from their wills and old wonts : They enquire not what Gods will is in things , but what their profit and pleasure leads them to ; not what is the way that God would have us increase by , namely , by diligence in our calling , by equal and righteous dealing , &c. is Gods way askt after and followed ? No , but shorter cuts are sought after , as by deceit , oppression , and the like ; it s a sign that such shall never come into Gods Kingdom , every Creature is better then they , and have a better end except they repent ▪ If they will have their wills , they must have that belongs to it , they must pay dearly for them , as many do : Israel would have flesh in the Wilderness , would have a King as other Nations had ; they had their wills , but it had been better for them they had been without ; Ahab would have his will in going to Ramoth Gilead , he had it , and there perished : God will have his will of such in their condemnation , as who will resist his Soveraignty , and he will not cease to be a King , though they refuse to be Subjects ? O ( considering the filthiness of our own will , and the the dangers thereof , and the holiness of Gods will , and the benefit that comes thereby ) that we would renounce our own , and follow Gods will .

3. It rebuketh the Servants of God , that be not so careful of the will of God as they ought : O how often do we suffer our own wills to bear sway , in omitting many a good duty , or doing it coldly ; so in doing that is evil , in wrath , impatience , worldliness , & c ! It s his will that we should forget wrongs , but we do often nourish and retain them in our thoughts ; It s his will that we should be patient , but we burst out upon small occasions ; It s his will that we should keep holy the Sabbath day , but we do for the most part prophane the same : Herein we do but foolishly , for if we mark it ( as we do , if we be of God , and I speak to such ) we have ever checkings of conscience , and smart for it , as peace in cleaving close to his will : O how often do we lose our comfort , and pull crosses on our selves ?

Note we further from these words , Gods will and mens lusts be opposite each to other .

1. That to live after the lusts of men and to the will of God , be opposite each to other ; our inward lusts , with the desires and fruits thereof , are enmity against God , and as contrary to the holy will of God , as light and darkness , God and the Devil ; for the Devil and our corrupt hearts be much alike : no marvel then if we think so well of our selves , and make so much of our lusts .

2. That we cannot at one and the same time , No man can at one and the same time live unto both . both walk after our lusts , and live to Gods will ; or live to Gods will , and walk but after our lust : God and Satan can never dwell in one heart together , as neither the love of sin and goodness : This well considered , would discover some to be in a worse case then they think ; they think , seeing they have renounced many lusts and most sins , and are in many things obedient , one sin is not so much , but though they love that , they do love God and goodness too . Deceive not your selves , its impossible it should be so : one lust loved , is sufficient to prove a man unconverted , sufficient also to condemn him , and all his other obedience is vain : Iames 2. 10. If thou wouldest indeed please God and be saved , renounce the love of every lust , and walk in obedience to all Gods Commandments .

3. That in the course of Sanctification , Till we renounce our lusts we cannot be holy . we must begin at renouncing our own will , and the lusts of men : None sow or plant , till weeds be pulled up ; None put on new apparel , till they have put off their rags : Simile . So must we abandon all the love of evil , ere we can entertain any good .

This rebukes the common course of the world , Use. that set upon goodness , ere they have bid adew to their lusts ; All their service is abomination before God .

4. That it s not sufficient that we do renounce our lusts and evil , Having renounced our lusts , we must yield obedience to Gods will . except we yield obedience to the will of God : Thus the Scriptures run , Cease to do evil , and learn to do well ; abhor that which is evil , and cleave unto that which is good ; deny godliness and worldly lusts , and live holily and soberly , &c. dye to sin , and live to righteousness ; put off the old man , and put on the new ; cast off the works of darkness , and put on the armor of light : It s nothing , or at least but half , if a man hath renounced ill company , if he hath not taken up the love of good ; It s not for il-doing that men shal be condemned , but for the not doing good : Matth. 3. 10. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit , shall be hewn down , and cast into the fire . It s not enough we have no disorder in our families , or be no ryotors , or ill example givers therein , except we take up good orders in stead thereof ; It s not enough we do no hurt , if we do no good : Matth. 12. 30. and 44. 45. He that gathereth not , scattereth ; and he that doth no good in a Town , doth hurt : An house empty and swept , if it be not garnished with goodness , its fit to be possest of Satan again ; yet how many think highly of themselves , because they have done no hurt , have not wronged , oppressed , defrauded any , who yet have done no good .

5. That it s not one action or two , A mans constant course of walking , discovers what he is . whereby a man is discovered what he is , but his constant course of walking or living : The best man may be and is overtaken , as Noah , Lot , David , Peter , doing according to his own lusts and will , not Gods , but such is not his constant course ; yea , when he doth otherwise then is fit , he is grieved , and humbled , unfainedly repenteth , and earnestly desireth to be more watchful over his own ways : We must not because of some corruptions conclude against our selves that we are not the Lords , if in the mean time our hearts bear us witness , that what we do is contrary to our intent and purpose , our course and drift of life ; on the contrary , it s not one good action or two that makes a good Christian , if a mans course be contrary thereto ; for even a Thief will be sometimes in the Kings highway when it s for his advantage , Simile . whereas usually he keeps in back lanes , and blinde ways : Thus many a bad man will come to hear the word ( this is one of Gods ways ) but all the day after he will be in his own course , even lying , swearing , drinking , deceiving , without any reformation either in heart or life .

Verse 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us , to have wrought the will of the Gentiles , when we walked in lasciviousness , lusts , excess of wine , revellings , banquettings , and abominable idolatries .

HEre are more Reasons to perswade to holiness of life : More Reasons to perswade unto holiness . They had already spent a great deal of time in the service of sin , and following their own lusts , and therefore were not now to continue any longer therein . Again , whereas before the Gospel they lived in ignorance , now having the light thereof , another maner of behavior , judgement and practice was looked for of them .

But one would think a few words might serve to disswade men from such filthy lusts , The necessity of frequent Exhortations hereunto . so odious in themselves , so hateful to God , so harmful to the doers thereof , and to perswade to holiness of life , so beautiful in it self , so acceptable to God , and so profitable to those which did seek after the same . True , if we were as we should be , or as we were in Adam , but we are altogether corrupted and depraved , and now we have no minde to that which is good , nay , its death and bonds to us , but that which is evil we eagerly minde and seek after ; whereunto may be added , that hereunto the Devil and the world egg us on , as they hang on us to hold us back from goodness . Hence it is that so few are converted , that men count goodness a prison , naughtiness their heaven , that they mock at goodness , and onely except against some men because they are good , whom they could love for all other things , but for that they hate him .

1. Let us take knowledge of our vile disposition , Use 1. le ts not follow the bent thereof , lest we perish : It misleads us altogether ; let us use all diligence to mortifie our lusts , and to strengthen us to good , for it s no easie matter to attain this .

2. Let us be perswaded that there is continual need of preaching , Use 2. and all other good means to bring this to pass , and not say with most , What need all this preaching , & c ?

3. Let Ministers be most earnest , Use 1. and labor by all possible means to win men to God ; when we have done all that we can do , we may finde by woful experience , that all is too little : When we see the holy Ghost going from a matter , and to it again , and dwelling upon it , and pressing it with manifold reasons , know we , That diligence and carefulness is required in us about the same .

For the time past of our life may suffice us , &c. ] He doth not here approve of their former living , as though that might be born with , or speaks as we do in a lawful thing , as meat , drink , recreation , &c. It s enough now , leave off : O this would have been a plausible Doctrine , that men might have taken a time , till they had had their fill prettily well in sin so they then returned ! Our Apostle hath no such meaning , but rather schools them , that the badness of the time past should humble them , and make them careful to spend the rest better , and to hasten thereto . Whence thus much may be noted , That

The time past of every mans life mispent , The consideration of our former mis-spent time , is an especial furtherance to repentance . ought to be a great spur to repentance .

Reas. 1. The time spent in sin , we know how much it is , but what is behinde we know not : The Devil is sure of his part , but what God shall have , whether half , or a quarter so much , is uncertain : If we knew we should live twenty years more to serve God , Reasons . as we have done twenty years in sin , God should have but the half , but we know not whether we shall live twenty days ; Should we then defer ? Should we not make haste ? 2. Time is very precious , above gold and silver , and hereof we have squandered away a great part . 3. There is no time to be spent in sin , but we are to serve God in holiness and righteousness , Eccles. 12. 1. all the days of our life : We must remember our creator , even in the days of our youth : Therefore having rob'd him of some of his due , is it not well he will take this that remains , and put up that wrong at our hands that is past , though we adde no more ? 4. Whatsoever time is spent till we return to God , is all going out of the way ; and if a man hath gone out of his way but till eight or nine a clock , assuredly that 's more then enough . 5. Whatsoever time is spent that way , is but doing that that must be undone again , and repented of , and we must with grief and shame wish we had not done it : Is not a little of this too much ? who will willingly so do his work , that it must be ript or ravelled out again ? we use to chide our Children if they do their work so , nay , who perceiving that he hath thus wrought , will not grieve ? who will not hereupon say , It was a good turn I spyed it so soon , & c ? So should we grieve at all our former mis-spent time , withal , blessing God that we did so soon perceive it . 6. All that is done this way is for the Devil , our sworn Enemy , for whom even the least is too much : It s for the flesh , to which we owe nothing , and for the world , which is our deadly ( though subtile ) Enemy . 7. It s all done against God , to whom we owe all , and is it not then sufficient we have wronged him so far ? and is it not a great mercy if he will pardon all that is past , though he adde no more to the heap ? 8. And all is against our own souls , and is it not sufficient we have wronged , yea , wounded our own souls hitherto , the welfare and salvation whereof we should now ( at least ) seek ? 9. It s all done in such filthy work , as God never set them about , nor gave them soul and body for the doing thereof .

1. This rebuketh those youths , that being called on to repentance , yet think its too soon , and that that 's not sufficient which they have done already , What ? Have they not yet spent time enough that way , do they know there is so much more behinde ? you would repent ere you dyed , would you not ? you would : Must you not then do it to day , for you know not but that you may dye to morrow ? Have you squandered away already so much precious time , as that some would even give the whole world for one day thereof , and will ye yet go on in that course ? O do it not , lest God snatch you away suddenly ; lest God give you up unto your hearts lusts , and so ye fulfil the measure of your iniquity !

2. This rebuketh also those unreasonable people , Use 2. as middle aged folks , of forty or fifty years , which are now as deep in the world and their profits , as before they were in their pleasures , and yet it s not sufficient for them ; they can finde no time of thinking truly and throughly to turn to God .

3. It rebuketh also those that do still defer till towards their end , Use 3. and then they will turn to God ; Is not God much beholding to them ? O let these sluggards know , that poverty will come upon them suddenly and strongly : If they will needs stay till almost Sun-set ere they set out , shall they not with the Levite and his Concubine be benighted , Iudges 19. 15. and shut out of doors ? Their condition shall be the same with the five foolish Virgins . Matth. 25. 10. If a man had a long journey , Simile . and had gone out of the way all day , till three of the clock in the afternoon , would he being informed thereof , go on still , and say , When it s almost Sun set , I le turn into the right way ? yet thus doth the world : Men defer till they think they shall dye ; then have they to come back all the way of their life , and then must they lead the contrary good life , and ere they can do this , the night of death overtakes them , and they be shut out with Dogs and Inchanters , &c. O let such be wise in time , ere it be too late , and let them think it more then high time , to turn head , and to ride hard too , to redeem the time ! It s past Noon with many of us , nay , past three of the clock in the afternoon , it draws towards night with some : O then is it not time for us to draw near to God! Note further from hence , That

Where God bestoweth means of Salvation , Where God bestows means of Salvation , he expects answerable fruit . he expects fruit answerable ; while a place lies wilde and common like a Heath , there can be nothing expected but Bryars and Thorns ; but if it be paled in , and digged and planted , then may fruit be expected therefrom : when a people want the means , See Isaiah 5. 1. especially the Gospel , what can be lookt for at their hands ? Luke 8. 7. having it , their life and conversation must be answerable . See Rom. 13. 12. Eph. 4. 17. 1 Thess. 4. 5. and 5. 4.

1. This discovereth the woful state of this Land , Use 1. which so aboundeth in iniquity , notwithstanding the clear light of the Gospel amongst us : Our sins are more then in times of Popery , then among Turks and Pagans : Our Saviors woes denounced against Chor azin and Bethsaida may well fit us , it shall be easier for them , then for us : Do we so requite the Lord ? bring we forth nothing but sowre Grapes ? Assuredly , were it not for an handful , for some small remnant yet left amongst us , we might have lookt to have been ere this as Sodom and Gomorrah ; our wine being as theirs , Heb. 6. 8. for our sin is as theirs : Most are like that ground which beareth thorns and bryars , whose end is to be burned ; the means they have , will but encrease their sin and damnation .

2. This rebuketh many whose fruit is nothing meet for him by whom they be dressed , Use 2. we live not as if we were in the noon-day , but in the twy-light ; Phil. 1. 27. our conversation is not such as becometh the Gospel .

3. For such as have received special favor from God , Use 3. and made their Covenant with him of true obedience , they must walk far otherwise then the men of the world : They must not be covetous , as they that know no better inheritance then the world : they must not be proud , as they that know no better garments then these rags and clouts , being altogether ignorant of Christs righteousness : So we must not talk of worldly matters on the Lords-day , as heretofore ; we must not spend our time in gaming , Iohn 14. 17. sport , or too much merryment , or idleness , as before : If we be guided by the Spirit of God , which the world knoweth not , let us shew it by our fruits ; and so much as we hope to differ from them in our latter end , so let us differ now .

To have wrought the will of the Gentiles , ] This is not meant of every particular person of the Jews that were written to in this Epistle , that they thus walked as the Gentiles , and it may be some of the Gentiles were restrained and lived soberly ; but this he understands of the body of them both .

But how came they to live after the lusts of the Gentiles ? They lived amongst them , and so became as bad as they . Whence note , That

Bad company is very dangerous ; Bad company is very dangerous . Solomon forbids it , and so doth St. Paul ; David also clears himself of it , he could not away therewith : See Prov. 1. 10. See Downham Spirit . War. cap. 17. part 2. and 23. 20. and 24. 1. 2 Cor. 6. 17. Psal. 26. 4. and 119. 63 , 115. In the Law its forbidden to touch a thing unclean , as a dead corps : Luke 7. 21. This did morally signifie meddling with sin and sinners : Using bad company we can neither keep a good course , nor a good conscience ; we shall quickly learn their evils , we being apt schollars hereto , and our nature like tinder and gunpowder readily set on fire . None can walk in the Sun but shall be tanned , Simile . nor touch pitch but he shall be defiled , nor be in a Mill but he shall be dusted , nor dwell with a Collier but he shall be smutted ; so cannot any frequent the company of wicked men , but he shall be harmed hereby ; yea , how can any converse with such , and not be accessary to their sins ( at least through their untimely silence , not reproving or admonishing them for the same ) and so consequently partaker of their plagues .

O then , Use. as we would avoid the company of those that have the plague , lest we be infected thereby , so le ts shun the company of those which are tainted with foul sins , 2 Cor. 6. 17. lest destruction come upon us : The Lord calls upon us to come out and depart from such ; 1 King . 22. 32. Jehoshaphat escaped narrowly with his life for being with Ahab , and questionless not a few have smarted for being familiar with the wicked . Lasciviousness and lusts , what they are and how common .

When we walked in laciviousness , lusts , ] Hereby is meant all sorts of uncleanness , and the provocations thereto , as fidling , dancing , mixt sports of men and women , filthy talking , ribald jesting , unclean songs , lewd ballads , whorish apparel , idleness , &c. These are so common , that it s even a death to people to be held from them ; we can scarce see a yong man or woman in whom some one or other flag of wantonness hangeth not out ; Are not these works of darkness ? shall such inherit the Kingdom of Heaven ? O that the disorder of such were pulled down , and that they would in time repent of their wantonness and lusts , which will else cost them full dear one day , and was never so sweet , but it will prove as bitter .

Excess of wine , ] Another lust of the Gentiles which we are to avoid , the immoderate use or rather abuse of wine and strong drink : Wine is the good creature of God , made for good use , and God hath given us liberty to use the same , and that both ordinarily ( according to our ability , See Psal. 104. 15. so as it may be for the health of our bodies , and strengthning the same the better to serve God in his worship , Prov. 31. 6. and our callings , 1 Tim. 5. 23. and in time of weakness of body or minde ) and extraordinarily , as in times of great and solemn rejoycing ; so of thanksgiving to God for deliverances and mercies , and at marriages , or such meetings of friends , wherein not onely what s for necessity is allowed , but also what s for delight , and so a more liberal use thereof then at other times ; yet even then , moderation and christian sobriety must be retained ; Iohn 2. 10. we must no further make use of wine , but as thereby we may be fit to praise God , Drunkenness an abominable sin . or otherwise to do good : But the excessive use of it to drunkenness is abominable , and often prohibited . Besides , it s not onely odious to God , Isaiah 5. 22. and so all good men , but it s even vile in the eyes of the Heathen , Luke 21. 34. insomuch that they have made many severe Laws against the same , Eph. 5. 18. and uttered many excellent sayings against it : It puts God as it were ou● of place , and makes one's belly his God , for that he serves more then God , cares for it , seeks to please it more then God , nay , to satisfie it , he cares not to dishonor God ; It s also a wicked abuse of Gods benefits , and a means to dishonor him , which ought to allure us to love and serve him , it makes a man also unfit for Gods service ; we be unfit at the best , but when the head and heart are oppressed with drink , we are then as blocks and beasts , unfit for any good work in Church or Common-wealth , unfit to govern or be governed , Lev. 10. 9. unfit to follow our Callings , yea , unable to cover our own nakedness , Prov. 31. 5. as it was with Noah . Psal. 69. 12. Hence it is , that Magistrates and Ministers , whose callings are of greatest use and necessity , do flatly forbid it ; it makes a man also fit for all evil , as to swagger , swear , curse , rail , mock ; to talk filthily , to scoff at Religion , and the Servants of God ; to commit whoredom , ( as Lot ) to quarrel , fight , stab , kill , ( daily experience shewing most frays proceeding from the pot ) to thrust their wives out of doors , beat their Children , play the mad men , fill all places with filthy vomiting , &c. It s reported , that one being tempted to whoredom , murther , and drunkenness , and thinking that he must needs yield to one of them , for that adultery was dishonorable and dangerous , and murther most odious and fearful , he gave way to the third , which was drunkenness , but then when he was drunk , fell into both the other ; for having committed folly with another mans wife , the husband coming in , he killed him . This puts out the eye of the soul , and takes away the use of Reason for a time , even that whereby a man differs from a beast , and indeed , makes a man , so that being drunk , See Pro. 23. 35. he knows neither what he doth , nor what is done to him , as it fared both with Noah and Lot : For a man to cut or hurt his own flesh , were bad , but to hurt the principal part , the soul , how dangerous is it ? That were but as if one should kill a Subject ; this , as if he did take the Prince , and binde him hand and foot , and turn him out of his place of Government : Who would put out his bodily eyes ? but too too many do thus put out the eyes of their soul. This disguiseth the body , which is Gods workmanship , and comely , and ought to be preserved in holiness and honor , 1 Cor. 6. 13. and kept as a Temple for the holy Ghost , and makes it the stye of the Devil : From hence are red eyes , an inflamed face , a swoln body , the hands quiver , the feet reel and stagger ; yea , it not onely disguiseth , but endangereth it ; it dulls the wit , spoils the memory , breeds diseases , Dropsies , Imposthumes , Palsies ; oppressing and drowning the natural heat before the time ( as a Lamp with too much oyl , Simile . or a candle thrown into the water , ere it be half burnt ) and so bringing untimely death : They that are addicted hereunto , are self-murtherers , and though they had need to prolong their lives while they can , Hosea 4. 18. unless they were fitter for death , yet do they long as it were , and hasten to be in Hell : This is a stinking sin both to God and all good men ; It s a wicked abuse of Gods Creatures , appointed to be received with prayer and thanksgiving to the glory of the giver thereof ; 1 Tim. 4. 4. It s a wasting of the portion which God hath given us , whereby we might live comfortably , and do much good to others in Church and Common-wealth : O how many do hereby squander all away , rob Church , Common-wealth , Poor , yea , their own Families , their Wives portions , and Childrens Patrimony , all going down their throat ! 1 Tim 5. 8. What cruel murtherers be these ? If he that provides not for them is worse then an Heathen , then what is he that having already wherewith to maintain them , thus pulls it as it were from them ? This also is a wicked mispending of our precious time ; This brings infamy and reproach with God and men ; This brings beggery along with it : many having spent all on strong drink in their youth , are fain to drink water in their age ; This hath wo , sorrow , and wounds attending thereon : Prov. 23. 29. Many in their drunkenness have been stabb'd , as others have come to the gallows for that they have done in their drink ; yea , custom and continuance herein , breeds not a delight onely , but from thence another nature , and a kinde of necessity upon the body , that they cannot leave it ; they swallow not the wine so much , as the wine swallows them up , and they are buried in wine , & as unfit for any good , See Deut. 21. 20. as one that is buried , to do the work of a living man . Hereunto may be added , Isaiah . 5. 22. that as there are fearful judgements threatned against this , 1 Cor. 6. 10. both in respect of this , and the life to come ( for the cup of the fierceness of Gods wrath is prepared for such to drink to the bottom , and the full Vials of his judgements will be poured out upon them eternally ) so amongst others , this is the main , that they seldom or never repent : I have known some toucht at the Word because of this , weep for it , promise , yea , vow against it , who have yet again fallen into company , and could never get out .

1. If this be so horrible a sin , Use 1. what shall we say to the Land wherein it is grown to such an horrible height , and to abound in such a fearful sort ? It was wont to be the sin of other Countreys , now we have got it , and may we not boast of our gettings , think ye ? It was wont to be rare , but is now common in all places ; wont to be done in a corner , and the parties ashamed thereof , now it staggers abroad in the open streets , none being ashamed of the same ; wont to be the sin of base ones , according to the Proverb , He is as drunk as a beggar , but now it s the sin of Gentlemen , and herein our Yeomens sons exceed , Acts 2. 15. to the wasting of their Revenues : St. Peters argument were now a very slender one , for men rise early to drink strong drink ; yea , men are now grown into such an horrible height of impiety , as that they labor and strive to excel therein ; they get Beer of extraordinary strength , and call it by names , Snapdragon , and ( which is most horrible Blasphemy ) Hosanna in the highest , &c. drink by the yard , by the dozen , in pails , in crooked horns that cannot be set down , make matches who shall drink each other drunk under the Table : O fearful ! Is this the fruit of the Gospel , and of this peace and light ? It s indeed a work of darkness , though it abounds in the light of the Gospel , a lust of the Gentiles , and so not beseeming Christians : Do we marvel at unseasonable Weather , at Famine , and Scarcity , & c ? we may rather wonder at Gods patience : And were it not that our Governors and the chief of the Land have taken it to heart , and Enacted good Laws to suppress it , both by prescribing a penalty upon it , and preventing it by diminishing of Ale-houses , the sinks of all disorder and mischief , and by forbiding excessive strong Beer , and enjoyning a moderate size thereof , &c. We might have looked for some notable judgement of God ; but when men of authority take sin to heart , and seek to punish the same , then God takes it well , and is pacified : Contrarily , when Magistrates have not grace and courage to put life into his Laws , by the due execution of Justice , the Lord is enforced to take his rod into his own hand .

2. This condemneth those which are addicted unto this sin of drunkenness ; Use 2. What ? Think they that God gave them their souls and bodies , their goods , health , wealth , his good creatures , and their precious time to use thus ? hath he bestowed on them the days of the Gospel , that they should make themselves Beasts , unfit for any good● what answer and account think they to make to Almighty God for these things ? They may justly fear some notable judgement from God to be inflicted on them , as of late there hath been on divers , and do not these things affright you ? dare you go on in the like ? were they not sent for your admonition , and to be warnings unto you ? Awake therefore you Drunkards , and howl , humble your selves on the knees of your soul , confess your horrible wickedness to Almighty God , cry for mercy and pardon , and if it be possible , turn from this base vice , renounce , hate , detest , vow , covenant , swear against it , pray also to be kept therefrom , avoid all company of lewd ones , which will either by flattery allure you , or if you yield not to them , reproach and mock you : But what do I speak to them that have lost their wits , Is there any hope of repentance for such ? Well , yet nothing is impossible to God , The harder it is , labor the more , and weep and lament for that is past , redeem the time to come , give your souls and bodies to please God in all good life and sober conversation ; you have spent your goods and time hereon , do so no more : If thou wiltst not be perswaded , but go on still and hate to be reformed , thou mayest look for some one or other dreadful judgement to be here inflicted on thee , and at thy death to be cast into utter darkness , who hast wallowed in the works of darkness , See Psal. 75. 8. and for thy drunkenness to drink off the full cup of Gods judgement for ever and ever .

Neither are common drunkards onely to be rebuked , but such also as will now and then drink with their friends , and sit so long talking and bibbing , or gaming and drinking , that they be caught , and are scarce wise enough to finde the way home ; they may count themselves wise men , Prov. 20. 1. but Solomon saith nay to it ; they shall not be counted innocent .

Nor are those only to be condemned that be so drunk as they be like beasts , but even such as take delight to quaff and to carouse , and spend their time in swilling , having yet strong brains to bear it , and herein they glory that they can drink others under-board , and because they be never so drunk , but they can carry it away , therefore they think themselves no such persons , but they are as bad drunkards , and as guilty as the other ; they waste as much time , as much wine or strong drink as the others ; they waste also their substance , and delight in this course , nay , haply they drink much more then the others , for some are so weak brained that a little t●rns them over : Isaiah 5. 22. There 's a wo denounced against such , their brain was not given them for this end , but for the service of God ; they should prove their strength in good things , and strive to exceed others in goodness , not in dishonoring God by abusing his Creatures .

There are also that delight to see others drunk , that allure or enforce them so to do ; to delight herein , how horrible is it ? how ill a sign ? no childe can delight to hear or see his father misused , he is else a bastard , not a son : Gods Children delight in his Commandments , in his Sabbaths , in his Saints , in the publike performance of his worship ; Psal. 112. 1 contrarily , they are grieved and vexed ( as David and Lot ) at the dishonor which is done unto him ; Isaiah 58. 13. so are not the wicked , but God will laugh at their destruction , Psal. 16. 3. and 122. 1. & 119. 143. and mock when their fear cometh ; when judgement cometh , those mourners for sin shall scape ; when as these rejoycers therein shall not go unpunished , 2 Pet. 2. 8. and who indeed could laugh to see a man running on his own sword , Prov. 1. 26. or casting himself in the fire ? Ezek. 9. 4.

To make others drunk , enticing them hereto , and to this end , under colour of kindeness to drink to them often , as is usual in Gentlemens Butteries , and Cellars , in Inns , and Taverns , &c. where men will be at great cost to dishonor God , this also is fearful ; these be zealous Servants of the Devil : But if one should allure another to go in such a way , where he were sure to fall into a pit , or be drowned , or be robbed , &c. would not every one cry out of such a treacher ? no less treacherous are those which make others drunk : We are willed indeed to provoke each other to love and good works , to call one another to the house of God , to exhort and edifie one another , but in no sort to destroy one another , as those allurers and enticers do .

To compel others to drink till they be drunk , or to drink more then they can bear , is usual ; to refuse , is accounted of sundry ruffians in our days , a matter of great disgrace , which they will not put up , and therefore stab , or challenge to the field , those that will not drink as many and as big carouses as they that have begun them : What inhumanity is this ? what folly ? hath nature made all alike ? can one of low stature reach as high as he that is far taller ? can a weak man bear as heavy a burthen as a strong man ? Besides , what greater wrong , then to force a man to do that which will hinder his health , shorten his life , wound his conscience , and destroy his soul ? But especially what an outragious wickedness is this against God ? cannot we our selves be content to do wickedly , but as ringleaders we must enforce others ? whosoever scape , such traytors shall not : What woful wretches are those ? have they not sins enough of their own to answer for , but they must needs desperately pull other mens sins on their heads , whereof they themselves are the principal cause ? For those , See Heb. 2. 15 , 16. they shall answer on that dreadful day : Against such shall Ahasuerus his injunction ( though an Heachen ) rise up for their condemnation . Hest. 1. 8.

It s the duty of all those which as yet are free from this sin , Use 3. to be truly thankful to God , for keeping them therefrom ; They must also endeavor for the time to come to avoid the same , with all the occasions inducing thereto . God gives us his benefits to provoke us to well-doing , we must not use them to sin , like the Mastiffs , that flies in his face that gives him meat : Wiltst thou so foully dishonor God ? shall thy body and soul appointed for Gods service , be for the service of the Devil in this base sin ? Wiltst thou thus make thy self unfit for any good , in danger to run into any evil ? Wiltst thou so disguise thy self , as to make thy self a scorn ? so abuse Gods creatures , to hazard thy health , bring diseases and untimely death on thy self ? Wiltst thou so wound thy conscience , and provoke the Lords judgements against thee here and hereafter ? O God forbid . Be earnest always with God to keep thee , see the ugly face of sin , think of the judgements denounced , and lighted upon many that are past help ; how pleasant soever it be at the first , in the end it will bite like a Serpent . Flie from Alehouses and Taverns , as from infected houses , think it an odious disgrace to be seen in any such house , except in travel , See Prov. 4. 4. or for necessity ; flee the company also of such as are addicted to this vice , as infectious and dangerous , together with their enticements and provocations ; follow also your calling diligently , whereby both this and other sins may be prevented , together with the judgements due thereto .

4. It s the duty of all those which are in Authority , Use 4. to set themselves against this sin , whether Ministers , Magistrates , or others ; they should disdain that this outward and base sin should thus insult and prevail , and Goliah-like defie the host of Israel : O if we had Davids spirit , to set upon it and knock it down ; it would be easily done , if all would joyn hands : But whereas some have put down Alehouses , other Justices to gratifie some friends , have set them up again , and are so cold and remiss herein , that few drunkards come to any punishment : Belike they have no leisure , no zeal for God , neither will afford him any help against the mighty : But though these and their Officers were faulty , yet if housholders would bestir themselves , Iudg. 5. 23. and put on Joshua and Davids resolution , the number of drunkards would not be so great as it is ; Iosh. 24. 25. but if one put away such a servant , Psal. 101. 4. another is presently ready to entertain him : O what a goodly Church and Comon-wealth should we have , if housholders would do their duties throughly !

Revellings , ] ( Gluttony ) This is an abuse of our meat ; God of his abundant mercy hath left us the use of his Creatures , and that not herbs only , as before the flood , but the beasts , fishes , fowls , &c. marvellous varieties out of his three great store-houses , and that not onely for necessity , but also for delight , as well in the plenty as variety of them : Those he hath appointed us to receive in due time , measure , and maner , with thanksgiving in a sober and temperate sort , as becometh Christians : Contrary hereto is the sin of gluttony , which is committed in respect of the quality , Gluttony how committed , with the odiousness thereof quantity and time .

For quality ; namely , when people be too nice , curious and dainty in their fare , and are never satisfied herewith , and give themselves to devise new found dishes , cates , and sawces , so fulfilling the lusts of their flesh ; a common fault in great Towns and Cities : Most are a great deal more careful herein , then to please God ; and more angry if it be not to their tooth , then for any sin against God ; It s good to have things cleanly and wholsome , but not curious : There are some also that this way exceed their ability , being too much given to belly-cheer , whereby want creepeth upon them and theirs ; men and women must be content , and do as they may : Some will not be restrained by the Civil Magistrates command , but even in their health will follow their appetite , whereas we ought to obey the Magistrates commandment ( our health giving us leave ) for conscience sake ; Rom. 13. 1. Conscience , I say , not of the meat ( that were a Doctrine of Devils ) but of the commander , whom we ought to obey .

For the quantity ; when men exceed measure , and eat more then doth them good , or makes them fit for the business God sets them about : there are some beastly monsters , that of set purposee at in a bravery more then two or three men , yea , for a wager will eat so much ; a goodly glory ( to their shame ) wherein a hound will match them , some such God hath branded : Others there are that at feasts and such times forget themselves , and by variety of meats are beguiled ; this is the fault of feast-makers , occasioners of gluttony , who provide too excessively and curiously , costly and dainty dishes , when men are filled with wholesome and sufficient food before ; It s good there should be plenty according to every mans ability , that so the poor may be remembred , and some variety too to shew Gods bounty , and because all love not alike , but overmuch costliness is not meet ; That which in the end of feasts is oftentimes wastfully spent , would go a great way with the poor , and much comfort them , if the charges were employed this way : But many that stand not at many shillings this way , would grudge at as many pence to give to the poor ; It s a good feast where the poor are remembred : Luke 14. 13. It s also a great fault in Guests to be tolled on further then is meet , See Prov. 23. 1 , 2. whatsoever provocations there be ; they hereby hurt both their bodies aud souls : But especially those are blame worthy , that make the Sabbath day a Feasting-day , quite contrary to all good order and reason ; that 's a Feasting day for the soul , but if the body be overmuch pampered , the soul shall fare the worse : we are therefore sparingly to eat that day , especially till night , as being to go about spiritual duties , whereunto we are so unfit , in the performance whereof , through excess of food , we become sleepy , and drowsie , which is most unseemly and wicked in Gods service ; therefore as when we serve God extraordinarily , we fast altogether ; so when ordinarliy , we must be very temperate and sparing .

For the time ; It must not be at unseasonable hours , as either too soon , before men have done God some service , or been about some good business , See Eccles. 10. 16 , 17. nor so late , as when men should be at rest , such banquettings , junkettings , and late Suppers , be not for strength , but for lust ; sundry servants be wanton in this kinde , watching their unseasonable times , when their masters and dames be forth or asleep ; This , as its a sin in it self , so doth it many times bring on other wickednesses .

Wherein we have offended either way , Use. le ts repent , making conscience for the time to come : O what woful Creatures are we that cannot tell ( as wise as we think our selves ) what , how much , or when to eat , Gods Word must be our rule , and we must suffer our selves in all things to be guided thereby .

Banquettings ] ( Drinkings ) that is , needless , excessive or untimely bibbings , when there is no cause ; This is here condemned as a lust of the Gentiles , because else they that are addicted hereto , would have been at defiance with them that had spoke against this , and told them they were not drunk , might do thus and thus : Many upon every idle occasion be bibbing and sucking , and love to sit with the pot in their hand , telling a tale , and then they think themselves as wise as a great Counsellor : But do they become hereby more fit for Gods service ? Doth this tend to Gods glory ? nay , hereby become they not often drunk ere they be aware ?

To stir you up to sobriety , Means stirring up to sobriety . 1. Finde that you have right to the Creatures , else you can have no comfort in the use of them , but shall answer for them : Carry your evidences to the Lords Lawyers , who can clearly resolve you ; There are none more bold to take ( and that excessively ) the Creatures of God , then they that have least right to them . 2. Knowing that we are heirs to these , and so that they be sanctified to us on Gods part by the Word , we must on our parts sanctifie them to our selves , by prayer and thanksgiving : O how many swinishly go to meat and drink , and have not God in their thoughts , not make mention of him , except it be by swearing to prophane and abuse his holy and glorious name ! 3. Use them soberly and temperately as in Gods presence ; so as our eating may be to make us fitter for the service of God , and the work of our calling , and so may be to the glory of God , which is the end of our life , and ought to be the end of all our actions . What Idolatry is .

Abominable idolatries , ] This is a sin aginst the first Table , forbid in the first and second Commandments , though most in the second : It s either inward or outward , and its either the worshiping of false gods , or the true God in a false maner , both which are most detestable and abominable before God , and therefore to be hated of us in a deadly maner , as that which is the flat breach of the marriage Covenant between God and his people ; It s a turning our heart from God , a forgetting , yea a forsaking of God , a setting up another in his stead , who will have no partners : Hereunto we are naturally prone , as may be seen throughout all ages ; even those that know the true God in some sort , set up something before him to worship him in and by : Hereof the Israelites were wonderfully guilty ; though they had many strict charges against it , yet they were wofully carried away with the Idolatries of the Heathen ; sometimes they did worship the very gods of the Heathens , as Baalim and Ashtaroth , &c. and at the best , they used to worship God in Images , as in the golden Calf that Aaron made , and in the two Calves at Dan and Bethel , for those the Prophets did vehemently reprove them , and threaten Gods judgements against them , which accordingly were inflicted on them , as appears this day : and if when they lived in their own Land they were so tainted with idolatry , what were they now , having so long conversed with those prophane Heathens ? This therefore the Apostle warns them now to leave and abandon , as having already continued too long therein , and having repented thereof , he would not have them go back thereto any more .

I shall speak a little here of the Idolatry of the Heathens , of the Idolatry of the Papists , and of the Idolatry of our own people , all which are either in worshiping a false god , or the true God in a false maner .

For the worshiping of false gods ; Idolatry in worshiping false gods . so did the Heathens , who worshiped the Sun , Moon , and the hoast of Heaven , yea , any thing what soever , and according to their countries were their gods , nay , they had their city and countrey gods , and houshold gods : There was no end of their abominations , Psal. 115. 2. having this in their heart , that there was a God , and not knowing him , Isa. 44. 9. they worshipped any thing , which the Lord doth deride , Hab. 2. 19. and whereat he is angry , for he will not give his glory to another , nor his praise to graven Images . O what cause have we to bless the name of God that have the light of the Word , whereas most throughout all ages have been ignorant thereof , and so worshipped they know not what , and worshipped not onely in vain , without any profit , but to the dishonor of the true God , and their own condemnation : Neither is this the sin of Heathens alone to worship false gods , but even of the Papists , who have the Word for their Rule , whose sin therefore is greater then the Heathens ; they worship the breaden god , they bow down to it , and call it their Maker , what difference is then between them ? See Isa. 44. 17. as those fell a Tree , and with some part make a fire , with some bake , and of some make a god and worship it ; so these sow Corn , reap it and grinde it , and of some part thereof make bread for themselves and theirs , and of another they make a god which they worship ; they also worship the Cross , and Reliques of Saints ; they also worship the Virgin Mary , calling on her oftner then on God ; so they worship Saints and Angels , their Pictures also be common , whereunto they give Divine worship , they dedicate Altars , Offerings , Temples , Priests and Days to them , which are proper to God onely ; yea , they make the Pope ( that Man of Sin ) a god , not onely calling him so , but ascribing that to him which is proper to God , as , To make Laws to binde the Conscience , to open and shut Heaven , Hell and Purgatory , as they say , to forgive sins , to adde and take from the Scriptures , &c. O horrible ! What King will endure his Royalty to be given to another ? If Angels and Saints were to appear to us , as they were wont formerly , we ought not otherwise to worship them but with civil worship ( the excellency of the Creature doth not change the kinde of worship , but onely the measure ) but now seeing they appear not to us , we owe them no worship at all , but onely to reverence them , and thank God for them , and imitate them in what we can . Rev. 22. 9. The Angel would not suffer John to worship him , Acts 14. 14. and the Apostles Peter , Paul and Barnabas refused also that to ●ob God of his due .

For worshipping the true God in a false maner , Idolatry in worshipping the true God after a false maner , whether Inward ▪ or it is either inward or outward :

Inward , as when we conceive in our minde otherwise of God then he is , and hath revealed himself , as to conceive of God without consideration of the three Persons , Father , Son , and Holy Ghost , as do the Turks and Jews , and they amongst our selves , which conceive that God is onely merciful , and not just ; so to conceive of Christ as God onely , or man onely , and not as God and man in one person : The Papists though in word they profess either , yet in deed they deny both , and so make an idol , and no true Christ of him .

Outward , Outward . as when men worship God in Images , Stocks , Sones , Pictures of gold , silver , stone , graved , or painted , or howsoever : This is flatly forbid in the 2d Commandment , as also in divers other places . To make a Picture of God like an Oldman , or of Christ like a Man hanging on a Cross , what lyes be they ? Be these like God ? not so like as a Flie is , or as a Flie is to a King .

Ob. But God so appeared in Daniel . Dan. 7. 9.

A. What then ? it followeth not we may so picture him , especially seeing he hath forbid it : Is the picture of a man like Christ ? His Godhead is the chiefest part of him , how picture they that ? O they do it in a good meaning ; but our intention is not the rule of Gods Worship , but his own will : As for their shift , that they worship not the Image , but God in the Image , it s indeed a meer shift , that will not serve their turn ; so said some of the Heathens , so said the Israelites ; assuredly God is displeased with both .

Let us therefore detest Popery , Use. as being abominable before God , let us never be drawn to their Religion , for it s to renounce God , and quite break the Covenant : Joyn not at any time with Papists in their Idol-service , bow not the knee to Baal , come out from among them , and touch no unclean thing ; let neither Fear , Covetousness , or wanton curiosity to see new fangles , draw you aside , for ye cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord and of Devils : Have no Society with them for marriage ; Joram and Ahaziah were bad , for that they married into Ahabs stock : Have no league of Amity with them , to have common friends and enemies , as to help them against their enemies , or crave their help against ours .

There be some that speak minsingly of the Religion of Rome , as that there be indeed sundry differences between them and us , but that they are petty and mean ones , and of no great moment , but such , as if we would yield a little , and they a little , there might be a reconciliation made : Wo be to such dawbers , that would go about to reconcile God and the Devil , Light and Darkness , &c. There are sundry differences which are main ones , and against the foundation , and such as except they will renounce , we neither can , nor must ever joyn with them . So of the Papists themselves , some will speak very favorably , O they be good honest men , and many good things they do , if it were not a little for their Opinions , &c. Do such speak wisely ? they be abominable persons , for they be Idolaters ( and those God calls abominable ) worshipping other Gods , and the true in a false maner , namely , in Images : If they were Murtherers , and would take away our lives ; Adulterers , and would abuse our wives ; Thieves , and would take away our goods , O we would cry out upon them , and say , They be abominable ; but we have no feeling of any thing which hurts our souls , nor of that which is foully against God and his glory ; it s an Argument of self love and little grace : It should go more to our hearts , that its against GOD and his glory , then any thing that were against our selves any way : We ought to pray to God to convert them or remove them , and that they may be curbed , and their eyes may fail ere they have their desire of Toleration of their abominable Religion .

For the Idolatry among our selves : The several sorts of Idolaters amongst our selves . Some conceive of God , as of a God onely merciful , and not just ; which emboldens them to go on in their sins without fear or care , supposing that when they have abused him at their pleasure all their days , if in the end they utter but a few ▪ good words to him , he will be as well pleased , as if they had served him all their time : This is to conceive an Idol , and not God ; for he is as just as merciful , the one no more then the other . Sundry also among us make a god of their Belly , Profits , Pleasures , Honor , Children , Ease , &c. seeking onely these , setting their heart and delight in these , trusting in these , yea , to compass these , not caring though they offend God ; for whatsoever a man loves more then God , or trusts in besides God , he makes it his god : Thus the glutton makes his Belly , as the covetous man his Wealth , his god ; O vileness , and extreme baseness ! We that live under the Word preached , should learn to know God to be All-sufficient , and to labor to make him our portion and inheritance , our joy and our castle : He that hath God , hath all ; he that wants him , in the midst of all hath nothing . Psal. 33. 12. Blessed is the people ( so the person ) whose God is the Lord ( not who are wealthy , have great friends , &c. ) and who accordingly love him above all , set him up in their hearts , trusting in him onely , satisfying themselves in him , yea him alone , and loving all other things in , and for , and under him . Others there are that profess Religion , and worship God indeed , but in a false maner ; they pray , but depart not from iniquity ; hear the Word , but hate to be reformed ; are baptized , but keep no Covenant ; receive the Lords Supper , but without Knowledge , Faith and Repentance ; but God he is a Spirit , and therefore will be worshipped in Spirit and Truth : They that worship him as most do , they worship an Idol , namely , Such a God as is content with the outside , with Ceremonies , but so is not the true God ; the service of such is abominable , against such judgements have been both denounced and inflicted ; See 1 Sam. 15. 23. Psal. 50. 16. Isa. 1. 11. and 58. 5. Jer. 7. 4. Ezek. 14. 33 , 27. Mic. 6. 7. Our outward worshipping of God must proceed from our inward Knowledge , Love , Fear , and Trust in God , and must be joyned with obedience and Reformation : Hos. 6. 6. If thou repentest not of thine Hypocritical service , thy wages will be according to thy work : This makes Gods enemies speak ill of our Religion , and hold off , even because ( though indeed we worship God , and profess well , yet our peoples lives be so far wide ) we that enjoy the Gospel , and the true means of the right knowledge and service of God , ought not to worship the true God onely , but in a right maner . What though we be not Idolaters , we cannot almost be so though we would , yet we may , and without repentance shall certainly perish , for our ceremonious and Hypocritical serving of God : and so much the rather , because we had the means to bring us to the true knowledge of him , which is denyed to the common sort of the Papists : Assuredly we shall lose all our labor , if we use it to no better purpose , and our souls too among the Hypocrites .

Verse 4. Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of ryot , speaking evil of you .

HEre 's the prevention of an Objection : The prevention of an Objection . If we should now break off , might some say , and no longer live as we have done , but take the course that you prescribe , we should be wondred at as an Owl among Birds : They would think strangely of us , as of fools and mad folks , and hate us , and speak evil of us , that we should not be able to abide it : Others also might say , We which have followed your counsel , have made our selves a gazing stock , and pulled all men upon our tops ; even those that liked us well before , speak ill of us , and what we shall do , we know not : The Apostle Answereth , I know it is so with some of you , and will be so with the rest , but be not dismaid , for ( as it s set down in the following Verse ) they shall answer for this wickedness at the time which God hath appointed , when we shall receive the Crown of glory for our well-doing , and constant continuance therein .

In this Verse note , 1. The minde of the wicked towards Gods children , their course seems strange to them . 2. The effect hereof in their words , They speak evil of them . 3. The ground or reason hereof , For that they run not with them into the same excess of riot .

Wherein they think it strange ] Hence note , that

Such as mean to renounce their sins , Such as live holily shall meet with opposition . and take an holy course , shall finde much opposition , undergo the hatred and ill will of most . Lot was wondred at in Sodom , as doubtless the old world wondred at Noah for making the Ark , and Pharaohs Courtiers at Moses his choyce , Michol mockt & despised David in her heart when he danced before the Ark , Nebuchadnezzar wondred that the three children refused to bow to his Image which others did , Festus thought Paul mad ; In time of Popery they wondred at the Martyrs , that they would not at some times yield a little , as to speak a few words , &c. Thus it is now ( for the world lives still , and is like it self ) If any dare not play or riot , or talk of the world on the Lords Day , they are thought to be mopish fools , who had rather be poring on a book , then doing as others : If any care not to get by Lying , Deceiving , and the common ways of the world , they are wondered at as fools ; so if any now and then omit some of their businesses , and go to hear the Word , they are accounted idle ( as Pharaoh said to the Israelites ) and such as have little to do : If any be humbled for their sins , they think them melancholy , and that they will be out of their wits , and they would not be in their case for no good , and would have them be merry , and play it away . If any at the hearing of the Word , perceiving it to be high time to forsake his old wont , and take a better course , now dare not do as he hath formerly , they wonder at him : What! art thou turned Puritan , will they say ? Wiltst thou forsake thy sports and merriments ( which they think a little heaven ) cast off thine old companions and sworn brethren ? &c. What , wondrest thou at them for thus doing ? What , for coming out of the fire ? for taking pains to save their souls ? for not daring to wound , poyson or destroy themselves by provoking God ? for taking pains to do that which must keep them by Gods appointment , with all needful graces ? for being troubled about their sins , and the danger thereof ? for longing to be in the favor of God , & c ? Assuredly thou hast small reason so to do ; but it s for that they savor not the things of the Spirit of God , for that they perceive not the things that are of God , are blinde , and cannot see afar off . Simile . If we should see one of a strange Country come through our Town , we would wonder at their strange attire , nothing like ours : The children of God be not of this world , but chosen out of the world , and may not fashion themselves like the world , but be of the fashion of Heaven , the world therefore wonders at them .

1. Therefore let none think , Use 1. that if they turn to God , and take a good course , that they shall be generally beloved and well thought of ; of God , Angels and good men they shall , but of the world they shall be wondered at and hated ; ere you begin , make account hereof , even to have the ill will of those which have loved you , yea , it may be , the displeasure and frown of Father , Mother , &c. yet let not this hold you off , nor keep you still in your old course ; as long as God and good men love you , Luke 6. 26. what need you care ? Wo be to you , when all men speak well of you ; better be wondered at and hated of the world for well-doing , then condemned of God for ill-doing .

2. For those that are entred into a good course already , Use 2. and finde it thus , let them not be discouraged ; it s no new thing , the worthy servants of God have been counted fools and madmen for well-doing : We must have an Heroical courage not to be daunted herewith ; we must not think the worse of our selves , because the world thinks basely of us , who know us not , nor our course , which of them that be very fools indeed , is counted foolishness ; we may wonder as much ( and much more ) at them , that be so desperate to go on in their sins , and take no thought for death , Simil. or day of Judgement , that hang over a pit , and yet can be merry ; that run on in the score , and never think of reckoning ; that dare buy a few short profits and pleasures at so dear a rate , at the loss of their souls , that deprive themselves of the inward and true comfort and peace they might have in God and spiritual things , as the Word and Sacraments , for the short and vain pleasures of honor and deceiveable riches ; that prefer Hogs meat before Angels food : We have cause , I say , to wonder at their folly and madness , and to pity them , thanking God that hath not left us in their woful blindeness , and miserable estate : If thus by wondering at them we can do them any good , so it is , but let not their wondering hurt us .

3. For those that think strange of Gods servants for not doing ill , Use 3. or for well doing , they bewray themselves to be of the world , and so to be carnal : They that mislike the fashion of Gods children , it s a sign they be of another Countrey , not of Heaven , and that they be none of wisdoms children , Matth. 11. 19. for all they justifie wisdom wheresoever they see her , and in whomsoever : Labor therefore not onely not to think their course strange , but to acknowledge it the best course in the world , and accordingly to follow it .

That you run not with them ] This sheweth , that

Though we be dull and dead , Mans proneness to evil exceeding great . and slow to that that is good , yet our proneness and eagerness to that that is naught is exceeding great : We can run to Play-sports , Vanities and Follies please us , but we come to the Word , Prayers and good Duties with a leaden heel ; at this we are drowsie , but at the other watchful enough . Many run so fast in the ways of sin , and make such haste , that they run themselves quite out of state and credit with God and man , and out of their health too , and have brought untimely destruction upon themselves ; they have made such haste , that it seemeth they thought long till they were in hell : Too too many also are now a running ( but it s in the broad way ) wherein the faster they run , the sooner they come to destruction ; if it were well considered , they can see small cause to make such haste : O that they could be perswaded to turn head , and enter into the way of good men , Heb. 12. 1. and then let them run as fast as they will , run the race set before them , 1 Cor. 9. 24. so run , that they may obtain ; and as before we rejected all counsel that might do us good , so now let us shake off all impediments , whether within or without us , that would hinder us in our Christian course , or from running the way of Gods Commandments : The faster we have heretofore run in vanity , run we now the faster in the right way ; we could then take great pains , think the time short , spend our money in vanity , now after the same maner le ts do the contrary ; it s our great fault , that we did run apace after the world , See Rom. 6. 19 with the profits and pleasure thereof , but now our fault is , that we go a foot pace , nay , a Snails pace in goodness .

To the same excess of riot , ] The ungodly follow after sin eagerly . When men give way to sin , and their hearts are set on evil , there is no hoe , but they will run over head and ears ; Simile . As the Sea if it break over a bank , it can scarcely be stopt , it runs so violently ; so small beginnings in sin , grow to excess quickly , and by degrees till they are past hope .

Let no man therefore give way to them , See Iob 31. stop them at first : If Peter a good servant of God , having made a breach in his conscience , and sinned once in denying his Master , was thereby stirred up to adde another breach , and another thereto , what shall become of the wicked ? Do not therefore say , Is this such a matter , & c ? for one sin draws on another .

Speaking evil of you . ] It s the nature of the ungodly to speak evil of Gods servants . It is the nature of the wicked to speak evil of Gods servants , they not onely think ill , but they speak ill too , it shall out : It were good that we were so wise , when we have good things in our minde , that we would utter them ; we sometimes mislike things that be amiss , but we will say nothing , though we both might and ought .

Verse 5. Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead .

HEre is the answer to the objection , whereby he heartneth on the good , not to be discouraged at all for the wonderments and ill speakings of the world , even for that they shall one day answer for this , when they shall not be able to stand ; though they can now abuse Gods servants at their pleasure , yet they shall answer it before him that will judge quick and dead at the last and dreadful day , when they shall receive the dreadful sentence of eternal destruction for their labor . From the whole note we thus much , that

The enemies and hard dealers with Gods servants , The enemies of Gods children shall not scape unpunished . shall not escape unpunished , nay , even they that do but speak ill of them , shall not go scot-free ; Michol mocking David , was stricken with barrenness , and David often comforts himself in this case , that God would take the matter into his own hand : If he that calls any one fool and Raca , deserves Hell fire , See Ier. 18. 18. what do they deserve which speak evil of Gods children ? Iude v. 14 , 15. If they shall answer for every idle word , then much more for every railing reproachful word against the Saints of God ; it s to speak ill of the way of God , to speak ill of them that walk in it for so doing ; as he that calls one an Heretick , calls his Opinion and Religion Heresie ; and he that calls men fools , calls their course foolishness ; It s to hinder men from coming to God , or to drive them away being come : Now this must needs be fearful , for if they that win souls to God , shall be rewarded in Heaven , what shall become of them that do the contrary ? And if he that gathereth not , scatters , and he that brings not to God by words , counsel , encouragement and example , is counted as an enemy , and such shall be punished at the day of judgement , how much more they that have professedly hindred men from heaven ? what are those but Factors for the Devils Kingdom ? deep enemies they are to God , that will not onely not serve him themselves , but mislike , and would hinder them that do , like the Devil , who fell himself , and then would perswade man so to do , that God might have no Creature to serve him : He were an odde servant ( and whom his Master would assuredly call to an account ) who neither would work , Luke 15. 9. nor suffer his fellows . The conversion of a sinner makes the Angels rejoyce , Iames. 5. 20. therefore the putting them from God makes them heavy , See Acts 9. 4. and the Devils merry ▪ He that converts a sinner , saves a soul , Heb. 11. as he that puts men from God destroys them : Besides , whatsoever is either done or said against any of Gods children , Mat. 25. 42. it s accounted as done to God himself ; and if they that have done them no good shall be condemned , much more they that have injured them .

1. Let those repent in time that are guilty this way , Use 1. else they shall be called to a reckoning when they have forgot it , and where shall they appear when God shall come to judgement ? O they shall wish the hills to fall on them : It s a fearful thing to fall into his hands ; he is a consuming fire , wo unto them if his wrath be kindled but a little . They that have not been helpers of the servants of God , have a fearful answer to make , what have they then that have misused them ? assuredly a deep place in hell .

2. Let all take heed that they never give their tongues leave , Use 2. no , nor move their lips against a childe of God , as to mock them , revile them , term them precise fools , humerous people , Puritans , &c. Do it not on any ground , for lightly God suffers not such to go unbranded even in this life , but to be sure , there 's a day they shall not escape .

3. This may well stay the mindes of God servants , Use 3. not onely not to be discouraged , See Heb. 10. 14 and 11. 10 , 26 , 35. and 12. 2. but to persevere , God will take their parts , and right their wrongs ; their day is a coming , when both before Angels and men they shall be arraigned , convicted and condemned , and we shall lift up our heads , and receive our full reward : It would be no small comfort and encouragement to us , if we would thus live by faith .

Ver. 6. For for this cause was the Gospel preached also to them that are dead , that they might be judged according to men in the flesh , but live according to God in the Spirit .

HEre he returns to his former matter , his Exhortation to Sanctification , pressing the same by another reason , from the end of the Gospel , and the preaching thereof , that wheresoever and whensoever it hath been preached , this hath been the end thereof ; to bring men to Sanctification and holiness of life , to dye to sin and live to God by the Spirit of grace .

By Gospel we are to understand Christ Jesus , and the onely way of salvation by him . By Dead we are to understand their forefathers , that lived before Christs coming , who were then dead when the Apostle spake this ; not that the Gospel was preached to them when they were dead , but when they lived here . By being judged according to men in the flesh , understand dying to the flesh , namely , the lusts and corruptions of their sinful nature . See 1 Cor. 5. 5. As by living according to God in the Spirit , to live a spiritual & godly life to Gods liking , by his regenerating & sanctifying spirit .

For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead ] Here note , The Gospel was preached before Christs time .

That the gospel was preached before Christs time , as to Adam in Paradice , Acts 4. 12. so to Abraham , so to those under the Law in their Sacrifices , Washings , Iohn 14. 6. Sacraments , &c. See Gen. 3. 15. & Joh. 8. 50. 1 Cor. 10. 3 , 4. Heb. 11. Heb. 13. 8. Those then , and we now , are saved by one & the same Christ , He is the Way , the Truth , and the Life ; Yesterday and to day , and the same for ever . There was never but one Covenant since the Fall , God never altered his minde : The distinction of old and new is not in respect of substance , but of the maner of Administration , to them more darkly , to us more clearly ; then more sparingly , to us more plentifully ; then under types , to us the body is revealed .

1. This confutes those that think that those before the Law were saved one way , Use 1. they under the Law another , & they under the Gospel another .

2. It confutes them that hold , That every man is saved by his own devotion and religion , Use 2. whatsoever it is , so he be zealous in it , and live orderly : This they would prove hence , namely , That the Jews were saved by observing of a few Rites and Ceremonies ; a false foundation must needs lay the building under foot : Do not we see , that when they were even most zealous in Ceremonies , that yet the Prophets cryed out , that God was not content , but called both for Faith and Love . Besides , what a folly is it to think that every man shall be saved by his own Religion ? Is any thing pleasing to God , but that which himself hath appointed in his Word ? not our conceit , but his wil is the rule of his Worship : The Word sends us to Christ , in whom alone God is well pleased , without him there 's no Salvation for any .

3. It confutes those among our selves , Use 3. which hope to be saved by their good meaning , good prayers , civil righteousness , by their repenting , and crying God mercy , &c. All these are blinde Sodomites , they grope for a door where there 's none , & wil but hit their heads against the wal to their destruction : O how happy are we , that ( there being but one way of salvation , known but to a few ) it should be so clearly made known to us , were we so happy as to make it good to our selves .

That they might be judged according to men in the flesh , The Gospel calls for sanctification . &c. ] Here note from the end of the Gospel , that

The Gospel calls for sanctification , Matth. 11. 27. and all the parts thereof , for as the Law hath Commandments , Tit. 2. 11. so hath the Gospel ; it cals for faith and repentance , Differences between the Law and the Gospel . and in this latter , obedience to all the Commandments of the Law : The differences are , 1. The Law requires obedience , but gives no power , the Gospel doth both . 2. The Law requires strict obedience to the utmost , the Gospel requires an upright endeavor onely , and to believe in him who hath performed it perfectly . The Sacraments and Sacrifices of the old Testament called for this , even for truth of heart , for faith & repentance . See Exo. 12. 15. God bade them circumcise the foreskin of their hearts , 2 Chro. 30. 21. and under that Law of purging all leaven out of their houses , the people were called to repentance . So Baptism and the Supper of the Lord , the appurtenances of the Gospel , call for Sanctification : And doth any thing more cal for mortifying of our lusts , & living to God , then the death of Christ for sin , wherein we see how hainous a thing sin is in Gods account , as also the unspeakable love of God to us , in giving Christ thus to dye for us ? The death of Christ should be a great corrosive to eat our sin : 2 Cor. 5. 15. This was the end of Christs suffering for us ; Will Christ dye for a man , Luke 1. 74. and yet have no use of him after , but that he may live as he list ? assuredly God would never cause his Gospel to be preached , but to bring men to Sanctification .

1. This confutes as well the Papists for affirming , Use 1. that we preaching Justification by Faith onely , See Rom. 3. preach a doctrine of liberty to sin ; but on the contrary , this doctrine doth notably establish good works , as those among our selves , that cry out upon going to sermons ; O , say they , we see none worse then they , they will deceive , they will cut their neighbors throat ; but of most this is a lye : but if some be so , let them know , that the Gospel teacheth them not so to do .

2. This rebuketh those carnal wretches , Use 2. which live under the Gospel , yet abide still in their sins : They think the Gospel brings onely tidings of salvation , but requireth no amendment or mortification . If Paul , Tit. 2. had gone no further , but stayed at Bring salvation , we should have had a number of Christians , but his other words , teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts , and to live soberly , &c. O this part they cannot away with ; so they could willingly hear , Come unto me ●ll ye that are weary , &c. but not take up the Cross , but God hath joyned them together , and they cannot be separated ; he that hath the one must have the other , as he that was to have the inheritance , was to marry Ruth . Hence it is , that multitudes have in their mouthes , They hope to be saved by Christ , and yet remain in their lusts , without mortifying the same , or giving up themselves to God in an holy life : Thus is it with ignorant persons , prophane persons , civil persons , worldlings and hypocrites ; What impudent wretches are these ? They hope to be saved by Christ , and yet live in their sins , thus making Christs death to be a license to all evil . Sundry deceive themselves in these days , some content themselves with an outward profession , some are haply at some times humbled , and thereupon conceive themselves to be converted , &c. but let every man try himself by his Sanctification : If this was required of them that lived before Christs coming , who had dimmer light , and more sparing means and promises then we , then think what s required of us that have heaven set open to us , and all the Fathers minde revealed , yea , Christ dead , risen , ascended , and all fulfilled .

3. For Gods children , Use 1. which do indeed hope for Salvation by Christ , and have yielded obedience to the Gospel in some measure ; there is nothing that can become us better , then to labor to profit in mortifying our lusts , and to shew the fruits of the Sprit more plentifully and powerfully in our lives : Every Sermon and Sacrament should put new life in us ; For what is the profiting by the Gospel , but to dye to sin , and live to righteousness daily , by an effectual knowledge of Christ Jesus : O it s our great fault that we grow so slowly , that we get not a full mastery of our lusts , that sometimes we shrink at the yoke of Christ , as thinking some part of it too strait , and desiring more liberty , who yet thought we could never do enough for the Lord : O that our actions should favor so much of the flesh , and so little of the Spirit ; O that we might encrease in our zealous affection to God , for his love in Christ , and for the Gospel , and that our behavior may be daily more answerable thereto , as our Salvation doth more nearly approach .

Vers. 7. But the end of all things is at hand , be ye therefore sober , and watch unto prayer .

THe former part of this verse may be either a reason of the exhortation past , and that from the shortness of the time to come , or of the Exhortations ensuing unto sobriety , watchfulness in prayer , charity , hospitality , &c.

The end of all things is at hand , ] There shall be an end of all things . The end of all things , not of men onely , or of some creatures , not such a destruction and desolation as hath been of some particular Cities and Nations , nor a destruction of some Creatures in all places , as was in the Flood ; but the end of all things , that is , All things shall come to that end that God hath appointed them to come to , many and most Creatures to an utter end , the heavens and earth to be purged by fire , men and women not to come to an utter end , but to live immortally in joy or wo , but to be at an ●nd for living here ; so that as the world had a beginning , it shall have an end , the same God that created it shall destroy it .

Is at hand , ] 1 Cor. 7. 29. and 10. 11. That is , draweth near , therefore these are called the last times ; and the Apostle saith , Time is short ; and , That upon them the ends of the world were come . Iames 5. 8.

Obj. How could this be true , that it was near , when now 1600 years are past since , and yet it is not come , did the Apostle speak as he thought , or onely to scare the people ?

Answ. He spake as he was perswaded , and that truly , 1. Either in respect of the times before Christ , it was nearer then to those under the Law ; Psal. 90. 4. or 2. In respect of God , to whom 1000 years are but as one day ; or 3. In respect of eternity ; a thousand years are nothing to the time to come , which is for ever , it s as little as a drop of water to the whole ocean Sea .

Obj. But did the Apostle think that it was thus far off , and should last thus many years as it hath since he spake this ?

A. It s likely he thought it nearer , for Christ Jesus being come , and all the Prophesies of him fulfilled , the Gentiles called , and the mystery of iniquity begun already to work , why might he not think this ? and though some things were yet to be accomplished touching the calling of the Jews , yet might he think that that might quickly be dispatched : Heb. 1. 1. Howsoever , that that time was the last time they knew , and that God would never speak after any new maner to his Church , as he had done before from time to time ; 2 Thess. 2. 1. and the Apostle Paul , though he would often signifie the end to be approaching , yet he knew it was not to be by and by , but that some things must first fall out , though haply he conceived that the same might have been dispatched in lesser time then it hath been : But we have the advantage of them , because we have the Book of the Revelation left to the Church , by the Ministery of John , the last living Apostle , containing things to come , from that time till the worlds end , whereof many things be already accomplished , which makes the Book more lightsom , & other things are yet to come touching the ruine of Antichrist , calling of the Iews , destruction of the Turks ; but in what time the Lord will finish these things , we know not : What if the day be yet some scores of years off , yea , some few hundreds , as we may well think that is the utmost , is it not then near by ? It was near in the Apostles time , much nearer now ; then began the last time , now is the end thereof : But that is not so much the force of the Reason , as this , That we live in the last times , nearer the worlds end then our Forefathers before Christ , therefore ought to minde earthly things less , and seek more after heavenly , and lead an holy and godly life : But say the day of Judgement were not so near as it is , yet every of our particular ends is at hand , we know not how soon , when , where , how , to day or to morrow , and that is to us as if the world were at an end for any use thereof ; and for our state , it shall be with us at the last day as when we dye .

1. This may provoke us to Sanctification , Use 1. and a godly life , seeing we live in the clearest times , when the last day draweth near : They that lived long ago were to live godly , much more we , having so short a time ; we must so live , that when our Master cometh , he may finde us so doing ; If death or judgement take us in our sins , how miserable is our condition ?

2. It may reprove such as so live here , Use 2. as if here they were to live for ever , eating and drinking , and beating their fellow-servants , &c. others also that go on carelesly , either making no profession , or contenting themselves with a shew thereof , as the five foolish Virgins ; every one must prepare himself ; that he may be found in peace at Gods coming .

3. It may comfort the godly in bearing the Cross patiently , Use 3. yet a little while , and we shall be in heaven from the same ; yea , that day draweth near , wherein God will be glorified in the sight of all his enemies . See Phil. 4. 5. Heb. 10. 36. James 5. 8.

4. We should not set our mindes on these transitory things , Use 4. but on them that endure for ever : Mat. 6. 19 , 20. The things of this world are vain , Iohn 6. 27. uncertain , perishing ; the world it self shall be consumed , and our selves be most frail of all , we must therefore be sober in seeking these earthly things , laboring after grace , life everlasting , and the means thereof .

Be ye therefore sober , ] Now of particular duties , one helps another . The former reason strongly enforceth these duties . From the coherence , note ,

1. That as before he exhorted to Sanctification in general , so he doth now in particular , for we are subject to deceive our selves : Many be good in the gross , not so in particulars ; they think they love God above all , and their neighbors too , and that they live holily , but come to particulars , it s nothing so .

2. That as he forbade the forementioned lusts and vices , so he now exhorts to the contrary duties ; the one must not be without the other , see Acts 26. 18.

In particular , we are to be sober both in the use of riches , and in the use of pleasures , but of this last with the appurtenances thereof , Meat , Drink , Apparel , Recreations , we shall speak afterward .

For sobriety in Riches : Riches good in themselves . Riches as Gods creatures be good in themselves , See Psal. 112. 3. and promised by God to his servants as blessings , nay , given to some of them as blessings , Prov. 3. 16. as to Abraham , Isaac , Jacob , Job , &c. They are encouragements to duty and well-doing , and may be great helps and furtherances to us , in and unto many good duties , and that both towards our selves ( for we may spend the more time , and have more freedom about matters of our soul ) and to others , in shewing liberality and mercy ; and to the children of God that use them well , they are as pledges of better and everlasting good things , as Canaan was to the godly Jews a type of heaven : But it may seem needless to speak of the goodness of riches , seeing most men count them the onely good ; but the truth must be taught , we speak of the things themselves ; yea , some have utterly hated them as evil , as Crates ; and among the Papists there be some that profess voluntary poverty , but our Savior bids us not cast them away , but make friends of them , See Eph. 4. 29. even employ them well to the glory of God , the giver thereof , and our own and others good .

Obj. But our Savior calls them thorns , which choak the good seed , snares to entangle and drown us in Perdition , and riches of iniquity , and sheweth that its an hard thing for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God .

Ans. He speaks not of riches as they be in their own nature , nor as they be well used by godly men , but as they be wickedly abused by wicked men , either in the ill getting of them , or wicked using of them to pride , and such bad purposes ; and our Savior explaineth himself , Matth. 19. 23. That its hard for a man that trusts in riches , or sets his minde upon them ( as indeed most do ) to be saved : It s certain that few rich men be saved , but it s not the fault of their riches , but the abusing of them .

Obj. We must do as Christs Disciples , who forsook all and followed Christ .

Ans. 1. We are not bound to do as they did , for they were called to a special and extraordinary calling to follow Christ , and go into all the world preaching him , which could not stand with worldly business . 2. They left not these things in respect of their right to them , but onely in the use of them ; They took off their mindes from them , and were content to part with them for Christ and the Gospels sake , and so ought we , Matth. 9. 10. but they retained the right of them : Matthew after he followed Christ , feasted Christ , and with him many Publicans in his own house : Matth. 8. 14. So Peter had a Boat and Nets , and went a fishing a little after our Savior Christ was taken from him : So that a Minister is not bound to spend that which his friends hath left him , much less are private persons .

Obj. But the yong man was willed to sell all .

Ans. It was but a particular tryal of that rich yong man that thought himself so righteous , Matth. 19. 21. whereby our Savior would let him see how far off he was of that he thought was in him , in that he had not profited so far as to prefer God and his Kingdom before his wealth , but would rather forsake God then his riches , if he must needs part with one , that so he might be humbled .

Though riches in themselves are good , How riches are good . yet 1. They are not so in an high degree , but in a very mean and low degree , in respect of God , Spiritual Graces , and the Kingdom of Heaven ; In comparison of these they are but dross and dung : The leavings of the love we bear to those , is too much for the world ; fervent love to these , lukewarm to the world is good enough . 2. They are not good absolutely , but as they are used ; to the godly they be good , when they use them well , else not , but they are at no time good to the ungodly , because they cannot use them well : Therefore concerning riches its required , 1. That the party who would use them must be in the favor of God , a Regenerate person , restored unto Christ by a right thereto , which we lost by our sin in Adam : Else we shall taint Gods blessings by our sins , we shall be ready to use them to bad purposes , if we be bad our selves , and the things which be good in themselves , shall be turned into sin to us ; for unto the unclean , all things are unclean : Extreamly foolish is their practice that labor to have all good things about them , House , Land , Corn , Cattle , Houshold-stuff , Money , &c. they themselves remaining bad , for these be never good to them , till they themselves be sanctified ; and hence it is that as most men go to work , they use riches to the hurt of their souls , yea , to their own destruction , which could they have sobriety in them , they might easily avoid . 2. That he use them a right , even with sobriety .

For sobriety in riches ; Wherein sobriety in riches consists . It s either in the desire and seeking them , or using and employing them , we must seek them soberly , we must also use them soberly when we have them .

Sobriety in seeking or getting them is in many things : 1. We must seek them according to their worth , first , Heavenly and Spiritual things , then these ; we must not in our judgement value them equal , much less above Grace , the favor of God , and Heaven ; we must not in our affection so love them , nor in our practice seek after them so earnestly as for grace ; every thing is comely in his place and time : A Servant whiles he keeps his place is a comely necessary help , but if he begin to control his Master , to usurp his Masters Chair , to woo his Mistris , Simile . &c. it s intollerable : So while riches be content with the place of Servants , to be at their masters appointment to good uses , it s well ; but when they shall perk up above Spiritual graces , and heavenly things , and get away the heart from God , and our heavenly Husband Christ Jesus , then they are to be turn'd out of doors , and stampt under foot , for in comparison of these , they are as the basest pibble stone to the most precious Stone or Diamond . 2. We must not set down with our selves that we will be rich ( for then if lawful means should fail , we would use any other , transgress even for a piece of bread ; 1 Tim. 6. 9. they that will be rich , fall into divers temptations and snares ) but herein shew a moderate minde . Prov. 28. 20. 3. We must not make haste to be rich , but must be content to stay our time , and wait the Lords leisure , till he bless our labors with fruitful encrease : A man must not run out assoon as he seeth a booty , See Prov. 20 , 21. and 28. 20 , 22. lest there be Enemies by in ambush , which may make us a booty , but must consider well ere we go about it ; haply it was onely held out as a tryal from God , or a trap by the Devil to catch us : They be thorns , if we rush upon them hastily , unless we be well fenced and prepared we shall hereby harm our selves . 4. We must seek them with a quiet and contented minde , and not with an unsatiable appetite , such as can never be satisfied , but thirsteth continually after more . 5. We must seek them onely by lawful means , and not otherwise ; not with the neglect of good duties to God , our Souls , or Families , &c. or hudling them up , much less by committing evils , as by Lying , Swearing , Sabbath breaking , Deceit , Oppression , See Mat. 16. 26. &c. nor by Gaming , &c. This were to seek them with the dishonor of God , and loss of our souls for trash . 6. We must not affect , seek , or desire after abundance and superfluity , but for things necessary , not for necessity of nature , but for necessity of a mans estate , condition and calling : Thus a Prince , Nobleman or Magistrate , requireth a greater Portion to maintain their Estate , and those that depend on them ; So a Minister , to maintain himself and his , and that he may follow his Study , and buy Books ; and herein we may desire so much as may be competently sufficient , as well for our selves , as for all that belong to us , & that not onely to maintain them while we live , but to leave them somewhat according to our state when we dye ; yea , and that whilest we live we may be enabled to do some good in our places towards the relief of the poor , Acts 20. 35. it being a more blessed thing to give then to receive : To ask or desire more to spend superfluously , we have no warrant , yea , so to ask or desire , were a sign of distrust : Not but that the things themselves are good , how great a portion soever we have of them , if we could use them to good uses ; but our corrupt nature is subject , both to dote upon them , trust in them , be lifted up by them , and the Devil to fasten many dangerous temptations on us , by the means of them , and therefore we should not desire such abundance of them : See Prov. 30. 8. If God should cast such abundance on us , by honest labor in following our calling , or otherwise , we ought humbly to beg a great deal of grace and fear , our stewardship and account being now far greater : Gen. 28. 20. Jacob asked food and raiment ; and we are willed therewith to be content , they be not good absolutely , and to every man ; and many have taken hurt by them , few at any time made better ; where poverty hath slain a thousand , riches hath slain ten thousand : They be never almost mentioned in Scripture , but with one check or other ( as thorns , snares , uncertain , deceitful , meat that perisheth , unrighteous Mammon , &c. ) that we may not be in love with them .

1. This condemneth the common practice of most men in the world , Use 1. that be stark drunk with these things , and seek them without all bounds , which is also the fault even of some of Gods Servants : O how many seek them before grace and heavenly things , do altogether labor for the meat that perisheth ! O how many will work all the six days long , but in the mean time do nothing for their soul , yea , on the Sabbath do no more then an outward performance of duty to satisfie Law , and for fashions sake , their tongues and hearts running after the world ! God and grace are not in their thoughts : A little of this is enough , yea and then onely , when they can follow the world no longer ; and thus with most the greedy desires after the world eats up all thought of any goodness : Hence it is that they are wise for the world , but stark fools in matters of Religion ; of that they can talk all the day long , but cannot speak three words savorly of any good thing ; They abound in wealth , but have not so much as a dram of grace , nor look after none ; rich in the world , but to Godward , miserable , poor , blinde , naked souls .

2. How do numbers set down with themselves to be rich , Use 2. & thus much to give to such a childe , & c ? how also many are even mad in making haste to be rich , up early , down late , by right , wrong , &c. yea , make such haste , as they break their shins , nay , make waste of their souls ? What , will they flie before they be fledged ? must they needs get up all at once ? cannot they tarry , and rise as God will have them , but by getting other mens goods into their hands , or running into the Usurers books , undo both themselves and others ? what purchasing is there before men be fit , when haply they have not half the money to lay down , but for the rest must be beholding to the Usurer , and so fall into the Kites paws ? Thus some have lost their own livings which have been competent , by reaching at more before they were fit ; others , though they have not thus undone themselves , yet much straiten themselves , shame and disgrace themselves , are still in debt , live barely and miserably , who might else live at elbow room and comfortably : How many are so unsatiable and greedy , that like Hell and the Grave , they still cry , Give , give ; they have the dropsie , and their thirst can never be quenched : They are like a great Hound standing at the tables end , give him one piece of meat , he swallows it down without chewing , looking on your face presently for another : There 's no end of Lying , Swearing , Sabbath-breaking , Deceitful and false Weights and Wares , Oppression , Wrongful dealing , &c. and all to be rich in the world ; nay , when men have both competency and sufficiency , yet do they still eagerly follow it , with as hot a pursuit as if they had nothing : O how odious this is in Gods sight ! this Covetousness is Idolatry ; yet , as if one should have told Nabal , after he had so blockishly sent away Davids servants , that he was Covetous , he would have said , Nay , but a good husband ; so who can perswade these hereof ? This is a kinde of drunkenness , as the moderate seeking of riches , soberness ; neither can two things be more like , then are drunkards and covetous persons .

1. Both be insensible , A comparison between drunkenness and immoderate seeking of riches . ye cannot beat any good thing in either of their heads : Though the one reel as he goes , and cannot so much as speak a wise word , yet you cannot perswade him that he is drunk ; and though the other doth both pinch himself and others , yet he will not believe that he is covetous .

2. Both be insatiable ; The drunkard must have pot after pot , is never satisfied , but still dry ; So the covetous man must joyn Farm unto Farm , House unto House , Land unto Land ; The one calls in dousens of beer , yards of beer , pails of beer , beer by the Hogsheads ; So if a covetous man had a whole Town , he would desire another , and then a third , &c.

3. Both be inserviceable ; who will put a drunkard in any office ? what employment is he fit for ? So a covetous man , he will so look to his private gain , Exod. 18. 21. as he will neglect the publique ; he will have something clear to himself , 1 Tim. 3. 3. of that 's committed to him , or will take bribes , or extraordinary fees ; Therefore it is , that both Magistrates and Ministers are willed to avoid this .

4. Both be incorrigible ; There s no hope of an old drunkard , few of them repent ; so of a covetous man , it s a rare thing to see a Zacheus : That story begins with a word of Note , Behold : The vilest drunkard is not more odious to God , Eph. 5. 3. then is a wicked covetous man : God would not have covetousness to be once named amongst us ; 1 Cor. 5. 11. and 6. 10. yea , he forbids to keep company with one that is covetous , & pronounceth that such shal not inherit his kingdom . Covetousness is the root of all evil , the breach of all the ten Commandments ; it takes away our Love , Fear , and Trust in God , and gives it to Wealth , yea , it hinders from the very knowledge of God : Through it many have society with Idolaters ; because of it , how many thousand oathes are sworn daily ? how many daily forsworn ? what regard bear such to the Word ? either because of their Farms and Oxen they will not come thereto , Luke 16. 14. of if they do , they are so toiled by the world , Ezek. 33. 31. that they sleep thereat ; or if they do hearken , they do but mock , at least go not away much the better , their mindes being all the while ranging , and they hearing onely as one in a dream . Hereby also they neglect prayer , and are either kept from the Sacrament , or come prophanely ; hereby also do they infinitely break the Sabbath , as in buying , selling , riding , talking of worldly matters , &c. Thus also many Parents through niggardliness , spoil their children for want of education , Migistrates take bribes to prevent Justice , Ministers ingross livings , people pull away their Ministers maintenance , servants deceive their Masters , Princes pole their Subjects , See Prov. 1. 19. and Subjects withdraw their taxes and dues from them : Through this many lose their lives , as Naboth : There 's much contention both within doors and without for trifles ; so many women prostitute themselves , and their husbands wink thereat because of advantage ; and many to avoid charge , which as they think would come by marriage , live in uncleanness : From hence also what cousenages and deceivings do arise in buying , selling , letting , hiring , borrowing , lending , partnership , & c. ? what simony , sacriledge , bribery , usury , & c ? how also are lyes multiplyed hereby ? and how many Tale-carriers are there meerly for this respect ? yea , there 's no villany in this world so odious to God and man , which through covetousness men will not commit , and therefore it was no wonder that David prayed that his heart might not be enclined hereto . Psal. 119 36. O what a folly and madness is it , for men to seek so greedily after these things , which yet oftentimes are the further from them ; but admit thou obtainest them , are they able to purchase for thee a pardon of thy sins ? Can they pacifie Gods wrath ? Can they prolong thy days one hour ? Doth thy Salvation stand in these ? mayest thou not soon be deprived thereof ? Shalt thou tarry long with them ? Is there not vexation in them ? If thou shouldest long enjoy them , yet having no grace in thy heart , no assurance of Gods favor , no hope of a better life , wo unto thee , and yet this is the state of thousands : They only minde earthly things , having no regard of Heavenly or Spiritual Grace , and so living here basely for a while , without enjoying the benefit of that they have , they are at the length snatched away , and then the world strives for their goods , and the Devil for their souls . As an Ass that caries Plate all day , at night is turn'd into a foul stable , or bare Pasture to nob on Thistles , and that with a galled back ; so are they turn'd out with a galled and guilty conscience , Simile . and a soul laden with innumerable sins , and so sink down to Hell , there to be for ever and ever .

Art thou guilty hereof ? Repent , endeavor to see thy folly , confess , cry to God , make restitution of that which thou hast taken unjustly , seek for pardon , for grace , for sanctification : O that it might be said to thee , Luke 19. 9. as to Zacheus , This day is salvation come to thy house ▪ Art thou free of this poyson , beware thou beest not tainted herewith , of all evils its the most dangerous and damnable , and most hardly rooted out : Esteem of these things as they ought , but chiefly labor for your part in those true riches , which shall never be taken away .

It s the fault of Christians , that they seek the world too eagerly , and neglect many good duties for it , run into unwarrantable courses , are unquiet , contentious , &c. whereby they make themselves and their Profession to be ill spoken of : O how ill doth this beseem Christians which have God to be their Father , and Heaven for their inheritance and portion ! Fye upon it ; Is this to behave our selves Pilgrim-like ? we should carry our selves so moderately in these things , that we may make the world see and say , Iohn 4. 32. we have riches that they know not of , as our Savior said , He had meat his Disciples knew not of ; we must labor to grow in grace , and covet the best things .

For the second part of sobriety , which is in the use of riches when we have them , it hath relation either to our minde , when we esteem of them ; or our practice , when we employ them as God requires .

1. We must esteem of them but as they are , We must not set our mindes too much on riches . and not set our mindes overdeeply on them , as if the having of them were our happiness , the want of them our utter misery : Neither must we think the more highly of our selves , Psal. 62. 10. because of them ; for goodness is that onely which makes us of account with God and good men : when we go down to the grave we be all fellows , nor ought we to trust in them , as though they could be a Castle and Tower against whatsoever may come upon us , Plague , War , Famine , &c. This is the common sin of the world , yea , even Gods Servants may partly perceive that their hearts rise as their wealth encreaseth : O its hard for a man to keep down his heart that it swell not ! Nor must we be excessively loath to part with them when God sees it good , nor cast down when we have any loss , as if we had lost happiness : O how many are thus grieved , which were never grieved for their sins , nor wept for fear of Gods wrath and condemnation ! we should grieve indeed for our sins , or if we do not feel Gods favor , or observe any decay in our love to God and goodness , but not as worldly losses , especially enjoying Gods favor , and having through Christ an assured hope of a better life .

2. We must employ them as God requires , We must employ them as God requires . and that both on our selves and others ; our selves and ours , For he that provides not for himself and his family , 1 Tim. 5. 8. is worse then an infidel : and Solomon saith , It s a good and comely thing for a man to take part of that God hath given him : Eccles. 5. 18. Jacob after he had served Laban many years , Gen. 30. 30. began at the length to think of his own house : Gen. 30. 30. But what base misers are they that cannot afford themselves or theirs necessaries in food and raiment ? They are diseased with an evil sickness ; They are Thieves to their backs , bellies , families : neither are those prodigal rioters in a better case , which waste and consume all in sports , company keeping , and belly-cheer ; they rob their wives , their children , their friends , the poor , and usually dye in the Goal , leaving their children to misery .

Others , Prov. 3. 9. as upon the worship and service of God , and maintainance of the Gospel and Ministers thereof , for the good of our own souls .

So upon the King and Commonwealth , under whom we enjoy Peace and the Gospel , as also upon the Poor , especially the Saints , See Deut. 15. 10. Psal. 37. 25 , 26. Psal. 112. Prov. 11. 23. Matth. 5. Luke 14. Heb. 13. And this we must do , Act. 4. 34 , 37. not onely of our superfluity , but in some cases even of our necessity , of our very Lands ; we are not Lords of our goods , but Stewards for which we must be countable to our master .

This rebuketh those that are all for themselves , as for any other , either they will not bestow any thing at all , or no more then needs must , and most Christians are too nigardly : For the worship of God , some think that any thing bestowed this way is too much , that this is the worst and idlest money bestowed this may be ; they could be content with a blinde Sir , that would live of crusts ; and if they can pull away the Tithes , and make a bargain with a Minister half for nought , they think it well gotten ; and many that might procure the Preaching of the Word to them , onely the want is , their hearts are so glued to the world , they had rather have their Hogs , then Christs company among them : The blinde devotion in times of Popery to build Churches and Religious Houses , will condemn the wretchedness of our times ; If a Church be but decayed in our days , there must be a Collection all over the Countrey , if not many Shires , for the reparation hereof : And how do men hide and conceal their Estates , that they may be freed from the paying of Subsidies and Taxes , and so deceive the King of his due ? And what wincing is there for the payment of the poor , the true poor ? If it were not out of the fear of Law and Justice , they would pay nothing , or as good as nothing : Hath not God made many promises ? what unbelievers are these that will not take Gods word ? Their goods thus spared prosper not long , for God will be true ; hence come so many changes of owners , even because men get and keep their goods unlawfully .

Thus many instead of wealth , leave their children an heap of chaff that blows away : God will rifle in such goods ; and besides at the last day , what account and bills will these be able to bring in ? that they spent all on themselves , or wasted all in riot , or spared all from those good uses they should : Their bills will not be taken , they shall hear this sentence , O evil and unfaithful servant , thou hast been untrusty in a little , who shall trust thee with more , take him hence , binde him hand and foot , &c. but to those that have employed them well , it shall be said , Come ye blessed of my Father , & . Well done good and faithful servant , thou hast been faithful in a little , enter into thy Masters joy .

O then let us learn this sobriety : We have an enemy to resist , who if we be drunk with the love of the world , will assuredly have his will of us ; and is not the end of all things at hand ? If we be drunk when our Lord and Master cometh , what shall be our portion ? we must dye ; we dye daily in our neighbors .

And watch unto prayer , ] This is not to be understood of the bodily waking of the eye from sleep , though the Papists so transfer it , and therefore keep certain Vigils and Watches for Saints , certain nights of the year ( though upon occasion , Psal. 119. 148. we ought with David to keep our eyes waking in the night , that we may praise God , and pray unto him ) but it s meant of a spiritual watchfulness , whereby we have an eye to our hearts and ways , that we do nothing against the will of God , but may ever be doing that which is good and acceptable in his fight , which is a notable help to further a man in a godly life to the kingdom of heaven ; and this is performed by those onely , who having obtained mercy of God , and assurance of pardon , see cause why they should turn to him , serve him , and give themselves wholly to him .

This watchfulness is well put after sobriety , Watchfulness why set after sobriety . as sobriety is set before it to make way for the same ; for as a man drunk with wine , cannot keep awake , but sleeps like a Hog , so he that is drunk with the cares of this life , cannot watch spiritually .

This watching is a looking to our hearts and all our ways , What watchfulness is . that we may be always kept from evil , and ever in a good course . Therefore as Watchmen use to examine all Passengers , and accordingly deal with them , so ought we to watch against all enemies , which are , evil thoughts , evil words , and evil deeds , which do either directly proceed from our own ill heart , or by the temptation of Satan and the world . To prevent evil thoughts , we must keep the heart with all diligence : Prov. 4. 23. This is the fountain that sends forth such streams ; the furnace from whence comes such sparks . If our thoughts be wicked , impatient , unclean , proud , &c. we must suppress them , and beat them down ; but if good , holy and pure , let them pass for true men ; so we must take heed to our ways , Psal. 39. 1. that we sin not with our tongues . Our tongue is a slippery member , Iames 3. 2. an unruly evil , able ( as little as it is ) to do much hurt , and he is a perfect man , and able to rule all his body , that can rule his tongue ; we must therefore set a watch before the door of our lips , and examine all our words . And for evil actions , we must also beware of them , we must take heed to our ways , watch all parts and members of our bodies , that no ill action break forth , and accordingly as Job Covenanted with his eyes , Iob 31. 1. we must with every member . We must examine every action at our going about it ; if any evil one pass from us , and break , as it were through the watch , we must be grieved and repent , and thereafter be more watchful : As the eye-sight and eye-lid are necessary in the body , so is watchfulness in the soul ; we are continually in danger of falling , the Devil , the world and our own lusts be our enemies ; if we suffer them to break in upon us , we dishonor God , and spoil our selves of our peace and comfort : And as we must watch against all evil , so must we especially against those we be most subject to , as wise and careful Watchmen will have most care of the weakest parts of their City : And as we must watch to keep out evil , so must we to do good , and that both privately and publikely , towards God , our selves , and our brethren : And not this onely , but watch that we do good as we ought to do , in a right maner ; we must look to our hearts in our callings , and in our best duties , for even then they will beguile us , and the right maner of performance is all in all : Thus in prayer we must watch against private pride , hypocrisie , wandering thoughts , &c. so in the Word , against Infidelity , prejudicate Opinions , &c. this must be all the day through , and in our particular actions ; for it s not enough to have a general purpose of well-doing , Heb. 3. 12. or of a godly life , Prov. 23. 17. and 28. 14. but we must look to every particular action through the day ; we must not be good by wholesale , Col. 1. 10. but by retale ; not in the sum and gross , but even in particulars ; there must not at any time be an evil heart in us , we must be in the fear of the Lord continually . As in journeying ( suppose to York ) we ask not onely whether it be East , West , North or South , but through what Shires we must go , nay , by what great Towns , nay , by what Villages , nay , we ask what turnings there are from such a place , to such a place , nay , what marks we shall meet withal , as Windmils , Crosses , &c. And as a great mans servant , sets not down onely received 100 or 500 l. and laid out so much in the gross , but particularly , what he received of such a one , and what of another , and what he laid out for this , what for that , Luke 1. 75. &c. so should we observe every particular , and that throughout the whole course of our lives : 1 Pet. 1. 17. and 4. 2. There 's no time for security or sin , we must not at any time give way either unto evil , Why we ought to be watchful . or that evil one .

That we ought to be thus watchful , may appear ; 1. For that we have within us corrupt and wretched hearts , which continually lust after evil , and are untoward to any good , being also subtile and deceitful above all things . 2. The Devil a most malicious and watchful adversary , Zech. 3. 1. is at our elbows always , yea , in our best actions , as he was at Joshua's right hand to resist him : The world also affords many provocations . 3. The love of God towards us in Christ , pardoning our sins , and calling us to the hope of eternal happiness , being so wonderful and unspeakable ; must we not therefore so watch in all things , as that we may do nothing to grieve so good and merciful a Father , but be careful in all things to be acceptable in his sight . 4. Our Lords coming is uncertain , we must therefore be like the diligent servant , with our loyns girded , and lights burning ; we must be like the five wise virgins , with oyl in our lamps , attending the coming of our Bridegroom : This is no more then Gods requires of us , no more then Noah , Henoch and Abraham performed ; they walked with God , set themselves continually as in Gods presence , in an heedful care to all their ways : This is no more then needs , if either we consider the price of sin , the inclination of our own hearts , and what enemies the Devil and world are to us . Neither doth this watchfulness hinder us from any thing but sin ; from no liberty , but that that is nought and hurtful , and that we may as well spare , as water out of our shoes ; it hinders not from our calling , onely requires us to pray first , now a whet is no let , we shall speed the better all the day after ; it onely teacheth us how to be in our calling , not as drudges to the world , but the servants of God ; it hinders us not from buying and selling , but from Craft , Covetousness , Corruption in the same ; not from company , but from vanity and unprofitableness in company ; not from mirth , but from vain wicked mirth ; so that it s so far from being a bondage , that its blessed liberty : Some think that thus we shall pinion and binde our hands behinde us , and that this is too strait : It s true , to our nature that hath been used to so much liberty , Simile . it will seem strait at first , till we be accustomed to it , and then it will be found easie and pleasant ; even as a new sute of apparrel , though never so fit , yet will seem strait at the first putting on , which afterwards it will not : Such pretences are but as a Lyon in the way of a Sluggard .

The benefits ensuing hereby are divers : Benefits of watchfulness . 1. It keeps from many sins , whereunto else we must needs fall ere we be aware , and so consequently from many sorrows , both outward and inward ; from many crosses and troubles , Psal. 119. 17. from many heart-smarts and wounds of conscience : Whatsoever is a mean to keep a man from sin , is a blessed friend of his . 2. It keeps us from lying still in any sin , and is a mean to raise us up by true repentance ; for if it cannot prevent it , yet it will no suffer us to sleep in it , nor be quiet , nor go to bed till we have vomited it up , and so is a mean to keep our hearts from hardness : Lying in sin hardens the heart , and provokes God against us , so that when we would , we cannot rise , nor tell how to go about it , and when we do , yet we do not so easily obtain pardon and peace : Often reckonings make long friends . 3. It keeps us from falling into foul sins , for lightly men fall not far at once , but by little and little ; neither is this a small benefit , for though every sin be hurtful to the soul , yet great sins do it more hurt . A little jerk with a wand makes us skip , and puts life into us , as it were , but a blow with a Cudgel or Leaver dazles us ; so little sins make us stir up our selves , and put more care in us through Gods mercy , whereas great sins benumb and dazle the conscience . 4. It makes us see the corruption and naughtiness of our own hearts , and so to be the humbler ; as also to see Gods mercy in keeping us from so many evils , whereof we are in continual danger , that so we may be the more exceedingly thankful . 5. It upholds our communion with the blessed Majesty of God , and the peace of our conscience , which is a continual feast . 6. It s a special argument that we are the children of God : All the while we do thus , we go on in the strait way , we do as few do , as none but Gods servants , none but zealous Christians do . 7. It makes our lives the more fruitful to our selves and our brethren by many degrees . 8. It makes us fit both to live and dye , to live and perform the good duties that God requireth , for a heart well ordered is fitter to pray , to hear , to come to the Sacraments , &c. our accounts be the sooner made , and so it being done daily , it s done more easily , then if it be put off to a great deal together . To dye , as being always fit and ready for our Lords coming .

1. This being a thing so necessary and profitable , Use 1. we have cause to lament that we have known it no better , nor had acquaintance therewithal : for alas , not to speak of the common sort , which look after no such matter , but will do as they list , though they smart for it eternally , even among the people of God , how little is it known that God requireth such a particular care and watch ? that it s a thing possible , but rather impossible , or at least most irksom , and therefore content themselves with a general purpose to do well ; and if they be careful on the Sabbath day to look to their heart , tongue and ways , and keep within compass , yet that they ought and must thus do on other days , few think . Hence it is that we fall into so many evils to Gods dishonor , our own discomfort , the ill example of others , and reproach of our profession : What though we have no purpose in the morning to do ill ( as some wicked have not ) yet may we not through want of watchfulness fal ere we be aware , as David & Judah .

2. Seeing this is a part of Gods Counsel , Use 2. and he that bids we should not steal , should keep the Sabbath , &c. bids us watch ; let us know , it s not safe for us to neglect it , when God hath made known the same to us : Is it not pity that such a blessed mean to further us so sweetly to heaven through this world , should be so little known , and so few have help by it ? O if we would once enter upon it , it would save us from many dangers , it would make our life fruitful : it would bring us so much unwonted peace , as we would be so far from being weary of it , that we would be grieved that we have been strangers from it so long , and came to the acquaintance and use of it no sooner . O let us grieve and crave pardon for neglecting such a necessary and profitable duty so long , and for the time to come be careful to redeem the season .

Unto prayer . ] Prayer must be added unto watchfulness . We must adde prayer to watchfulness , else what if we spy temptations coming , and setting upon us ? of our selves we have no power to resist the least of them : We must therefore upon every occasion have recourse unto God by prayer ; Simil. as Watchmen , if there come enemies in the time of War that be too strong for them , they raise the City for help ; and in our ordinary watches , if naughty wretches come and set upon the watch , and be like to beat them down , they cry out for help , and so subdue them , so must we : Temptations at some times come so strong , as that we cannot deal with them , and therefore must cry to God for help .

O that we could be much exercised in this duty of prayer ! Use. It keeps us in sobriety , helps our watchfulness , turns away evils , furthers us in good , is the onely mean to supply our wants , whether for soul or body . O what a priviledge is this ! O the force and fruit of prayer ! They that be much in Prayer , obtain much grace and peace here , and shall finde a large entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven hereafter .

Vers. 8. And above all things , have fervent charity among your selves : for charity shall cover the multitude of sins .

THe Apostle proceedeth to other duties ; for Christianity is a Tree that hath many branches , Simile . and a true godly man must have respect to all ; As a Tradesman must have a care of every part of his Trade , and every point thereof , though haply he may be more expert in some particulars then in others .

Above all things , ] Not above the duties of the first Table , for that is the first and great Commandment , but above all duties of the second Table , have a care of love , which is a main and most necessary duty , without which there 's no society or living ; have a care of it , as of a mother-duty , from whence others will arise , as upon the wanting thereof , they also will be wanting ; or thus , Above all things , that is , Of all the loves that we owe , have a care of the main , namely , Love to the Saints ; for though we must love Strangers , Wicked men , our Enemies , &c. yet must we must love the Saints above all .

Here we have 1. An Exhortation to love : 2. The maner of it . 3. A Reason to enforce the same .

The Exhortation affords us this note , that

Love is a most excellent and necessary duty : Love is a most excellent and necessary duty . Hereof I have spoken at large on the 22 Verse of the first Chapter , where was shewed , both what love is , the high commendation thereof by its several properties , with the means whereby to attain the same , &c.

Fervent ] The maner or kinde of love required , Love must be fervent . a large , continued , stretched-out constant love : Simile . As a cloth folded up is in a little room , but when it comes to be cut , is stretched out into many mens uses ; so our love must be stretched out to many persons , to many duties ; as in giving and doing good to body , soul , goods , good-name , and that not sparingly , but liberally , so in forgiving both much and often ; neither must this be onely when we can well do it , or when we have nothing else to do , but when it s against our profit , pleasure , ease , &c. so as we neglect not our selves too much , and thereby more pleasure may be done our neighbors , then hinderance come to us .

Reasons hereof may be these , Reasons . 1. Gods love towards us is fervent , and reacheth out into innumerable favors , for our bodies , souls , goods , good-name , &c. and that continually , forgiving also our daily offences , and bestowing his own Son on us . 2. A little love will be easily quenched and hindred by the Devil and his instruments , whereunto our brittle nature most readily yieldeth .

This is not such a love as that whereby the fornicator loves his harlot , Use. one enemy to goodness loves another : This is not grounded upon any transitory thing , or common gifts , but is for grace : We love thus , not for any by-respects , but because God requireth of us so to love ; this is agreeable to the Word of God , and therein we must principally aym at the good of our neighbors souls : to perswade ones friend to that for preferment , which he cannot do with a good conscience ; or being sick , to perswade him to send for a Cunning-man or woman , or to disswade him from suffering for a good conscience , &c. is rather hatred then love : Had our Savior followed Peters advice , and not gone up to Jerusalem for to suffer , we had all perished eternally . But of this before .

For charity shall cover the multitude of sins . ] The Reason ,

There will be through our corruption and frailty of nature , many offences one against another , therefore must we labor for love to cover them .

The Papists interpret the words thus , That our love to our neighbors will merit at Gods hand forgiveness of our sins ; but we are justified before God by Faith in Christ Jesus , before we can do any good work ; neither can we love God or our neighbor for his sake , till we be assured of his love to us in pardoning our sins . True , the more we love our brethren , the more we may be assured of Gods mercy to us , and that we be pardoned , and that he will still shew us mercy , but not by desert : That opposition Prov. 10. 12. Hatred stirreth up strifes , but love covereth all sins , sheweth plainly , that this is not the meaning .

Faults that love covers , What sins love covers . be of two sorts , namely , sins against God , and wrongs against our selves .

Against God , Sins against God . whether they be natural infirmities or others , so they be not notorious acts , or continued wicked courses of bad men ; as love will not be suspitious , but hope the best , till it know an evil committed , and interpret things charitably ; so those that be faults , yet love will not blaze them abroad , but keeps them in , and admonisheth the party ; it utters them not where they be not known , to his disgrace , and so uncovers his shame and rejoyceth therein , as Cham.

Against our selves ; Sins against our selves . for those that be small ones , it passeth them by , takes no notice of them , but treads them under foot ; for those that be somewhat greater , it will be content with any reason ; for those that do touch us to the quick , in our names , and goods , it will forgive the wrong and the revenge , but yet it may seek his own right and due , and that by the benefit of the Magistrate ; where note , that he must see , 1. That it be not for trifles . On what respects we may seek redress by the Magistrate 2. Not till all other ways more peaceable have been offered and refused . 3. That it s then without revenge to the party , or hatred , and without denying any Christian duty to him ; love will cover a multitude of these , committed by sundry men , or i ft be by the same party : As God covers our infirmities , and accepts of our true desires ; and Parents put up much at their Childrens hands , and do not revenge themselves by beating them by and by ; so must we by love cover the infirmities one of another .

By both these its evident and plain , Use. that there is but a little love in the world , and that our selves are very short in this duty , whether we try it by covering of faults against our selves , or of mens faults against God : O how the world rejoyceth to talk of the faults of Professors ! how will yong Professors be censuring whom they like not ? and what censuring , and backbiting , and slandering is there of one another ? what telling tales and talking one of another ?

That we may cover mens faults committed against God , How we may cover faults committed against God . we must 1. Minde our own matters . 2. Think of better things . 3. Rebuke the tellers of such things , and stop our ears from hearing the same .

That we may cover their faults committed against us ; Against our selves . call to minde , 1. That we be subject to offend them , and need their forgiveness . 2. That God requires it , who forgives us a multitude of sins . 3. That there can be no better argument that our sins be forgiven , then our forgiving of others ; as there can be no better motive to God to shew us mercy , then for us to be merciful . 4. That Christ forgave those that wronged him .

If we can bear nothing , Use. it s a sign of little love : O that we could think it a glory to forgive and pass by offences , whereas we now count it a disgrace , and that we are no body , if we revenge not : This hinders not , but that we may admonish each other , but that the Magistrate may punish faults committed , but that the Minister may preach against sin : Neither doth this warrant that we should slatter or daub one another , yet must not we point out a particular person , unless it be upon an extraordinary occasion .

Verse 9. Use hospitallity one to another without grudging .

THis is an exhortation to a particular duty of love , we must be kinde and helpful to strangers , especially such as are in affliction , and persecuted for Religion , we must harbor , receive , and comfort them at our houses , or otherwise relieve them , if it be most profit to them ; we must also be kinde and helpful to our own poor , especially the best disposed of them , comforting their bowels , and refreshing them sometimes at our houses ; we must also lovingly invite one another to our houses for the further encrease of love , and all this must be chearfully , without grudging .

In the exhortation , Use hospitallity one to another : we will speak of the three preceding branches .

1. For strangers , We must be kinde to strangers . we must be kinde to them , that being of other countreys are in want or flye for Religion , and come to us for shelter , which do either forsake their Countrey for their conscience , or be thrust out of their Countrey , house and home , especially for Religion : This is often commanded , as Exod. 22. 21. and 23. 9. Lev. 19. 33 , 34. and 23. 22. Heb. 13. 2. Hereof Abraham , L●t , Job , Booz , Obadiah , Acts 11. Rahab , the widow of Sarepta , the Shunomitish woman , Cornelius , Lydia , Rom. 15. 27. Gaius , Onesephirus , &c. were notable examples ; so we read of some that gathered for others , and sent unto them in their necessity : This Land hath done commendably this way , in relieving the French and Dutch.

Reasons . 1. God who requires this duty of us , is merciful , and accordingly should we be so . 2. These with widows and fatherless are most shiftless , most heavy hearted , least regarded in the world , easiest trodden down , unable to requite good , or resist evil ; therefore God hath taken the charge of them , both to defend them from wrongs , and to requite the good which is done them . 3. We must not adde affliction to affliction , Obad. 10. that 's not to be endured ; but we must help bear their burthen , comfort their hearts , refresh their bowels ; It s enough for them that they are fain to forsake Land , House , Friends , and all for Christ sake . 4. This will keep them from impatience , murmuring , and many other temptations ; as also from falling into their Enemies hands bodily , or from forfeiting a good conscience by recanting , whereunto in likelyhood they would be driven through our unkindeness . 5. This helps strengthen their faith in Gods promise , that he will provide for them , which forsake any thing for his cause ; when we use hospitallity towards such , then is this promise fulfilled , and we help them to believe . 6. Hereby also we provoke them to break out into many praises to God , and to pour forth many prayers for us . 7. We know not how soon their case may be ours ; now if it were , would we not be kindely used ? 8. Thus we shall express our thankfulness to God , in that we our selves are not driven from our own homes . 9. Hereby also we shall declare a good Testimony of our love , and so of our faith ; for seeing they can never requite us , therefore we believe it s laid up with God . 10. It shall not be forgotten with the Lord , but rewarded here and hereafter ; never did any lose by kindeness to strangers : Matth. 10. 42. He that receiveth a Prophet , &c. shall receive a Prophets reward ; that is , such a reward as a Prophet may be like by his office to help them to from the Lord ; so such a reward as a righteous man may help them to ; look upon all the forementioned examples , and they clear the same : Matth. 25. 34. But were there none here , that Scripture , Come ye blessed of my Father , would suffice to draw us on to the performance of this duty .

O let us be ready in performing this duty , Use. let us put to our helping hand , let us shore them up , that they s●ink not : Neither must we thus do onely to strangers of other Countreys , but even to those in our own Land , in the time of persecution ; So also if we hear of their great losses by fire , or otherwise ( especially being authorized ) let us extend our charitable benevolence on them for their relief , and though we our selves do not harbor them , yet if we help to build up or repair their Houses , &c. we perform this duty : Sundry among us do something tollerably that way , but for the mercies of others , they are cruel ; It s a sign that those never tasted of Gods mercy , which are altogether without the bowels of mercy .

Obj. O but if I could happen upon Angels in entertaining strangers , then would I like well of it .

Answ. We do after a sort entertain Angels , for they attend about those whom we harbor , and the House is the stronger that night , as Lots was ; yea , we entertain more then Angels : For he that receiveth one of these little ones , receiveth me , saith Christ : Who would not be ready to lodge Jesus Christ , if he were here ?

If I could obtain a Son , Obj. having none , or being dead , to have him raised from death to life , as the Shunamite , by the means of strangers , or have my friends and servants restored to health , I could like well to entertain them .

Gods Servants may obtain for us as great things as these , Sol. nay greater , even such things as may be for the good , both of our own souls and theirs .

And if even those which in likelyhood have done thus onely in civil courtesie have not been unrewarded , how much less shall they , which do it for Conscience sake ?

2. For our own poor : The regard we are to have of our own poor . It s best to maintain them at their own houses , with that which their own labor will not attain , and not suffer them to go from door to door , except when they bring home their work , or come out upon occasion of some sickness , to make known their necessities : But many are forced out , as being neglected at home . Besides their maintenance at home , its meet also for them of ability now and then to bid them home to their houses , to warm them at their fires ; and that not onely at the Festival time of the Nativity of our Lord Christ , but upon other occasions , as the day of our deliverance from the Powder-Treason , &c. So its meet , that every Lords day we should take home with us a poor body or two , who are best minded , most diligent in their Callings , bring up their Children well , &c. to encourage them in goodness , Luke 14. 13. and that they may bear their burthen the more chearfully : Isa. 58. 7. This is even in special enjoyned to us , and required of us ; Iob 31. 17. and thus doubtless did both Abraham and Job .

But how are the poor by most in most places neglected ? Whence it is that the poor are so much neglected . Hereof there are two chief causes : 1. Wicked Covetousness , which hath so prevailed with some , that they are mad for the world , and insatiable , thinking all lost that goes besides themselves : Some rich keep no house ; some have many Farms , and for any good they do , it were better they had none ; some live basely and miserably , &c. 2. Pride in building , apparel , sumptuous dyet , whereby they are drawn so dry , that nothing is to be had of them : For the former , they covet an ill covetousness to their own house , it being the way to pull it down ; and for the latter , their bravery will be turned into rags : God blesseth not the Children of either the one or other ; The Fathers being ill Tenants , and not paying their Rent , God will turn out the Children . O how many , by sparing more then is right , come to poverty ? Iames 2. 13. Being merciless , they shall have judgement without mercy ; stopping their ears at the cry of the poor , Prov. 21. 13. they themselves shall cry , and not be heard : They send away the poor , as Nabal did Davids messengers , and bid them Go , &c. and it shall be said to them at the last day , Go ye cursed , &c. If thou wouldst be merciful to the poor , thou mightest be blessed in all thou puttest thine hands unto ; if thou wouldst sow liberally , thou mightst reap liberally ; thy Children might be blest , Acts 9. 29. thou mightst have a good name , and be mourned for , as Dorcas ; thou shouldst not partake in the evil to come , thou shouldst hear a joyful Sentence on the last day .

3. For inviting one another : Inviting of one another , how useful . It s a means for watering love , much good comes by it , and the contrary strangeness doth hurt : In many places its neglected , and that out of pride ; for they cannot or will not meet , but with so great cost and variety , that men be the worse for it a quarter after ; if Christians would meet like Christians , for society , and not for meat , and be content with one dish or two , it were much better , and then it might be oftner .

This duty is required of Ministers ( and that elsewhere particularly ) as well as others : Ministers must use hospitality . for , they be fittest to counsel and comfort strangers , are easily found out , and must go before their people in the practice of that they teach , and shall thus both provoke others the better , and make a way for their Ministery in the hearts of the poor .

If it be thus , Use. then it was doubtless Gods minde , That a Minister should have wherewithal , even a competent maintenance for himself and his , and to do good to others .

It s the conceit of some , That a Minister should live but meanly , and as it were from hand to mouth ; and accordingly they do so pole from him , that he can do no good this way . But though they should not be pompous nor sumptuous , nor rake after farms and wealth , yet they must and ought to live in good sort , as well as themselves : Such as have skill in the Scriptures , or have profited by the word , or reverence the Calling of the Ministery , will not otherwise judge : For us , if we cannot do as we would , we must do as we can ; nor having ability , must we bid set on the great pot , in the mean while starving our peoples souls .

Without grudging , ] God looks no less on one maner of doing , then on the duty . The maner ; This is all in Gods account : He will have the work done after his fashion , else it s to no purpose , though haply it be as costly and painful as he requireth ; to come to the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , be good duties , none better , but the heart wherewith they be performed , and maner of doing , is all in all : See Isa. 1. 11. and 58. 5. As the Gallants of our times , though the matter of the Garment be never so good or costly , Simile . regard it not , if it be not of the fashion ; so in duties , the Lord looks to the maner how they are performed .

This of mercy must be done without grudging , Works of mercy must be done without grudging . that is , willingly , chearfully , without murmuring or repining : God loves a chearful giver ; Rom. 12. 8. He respects the widows mite thus given : The people offered freely to the building of the Tabernacle and Temple , 2 Cor. 9. 7. and accordingly should we do in these works of mercy .

It s a great fault , Use. not of the world onely , but even of Christians , that are brought very hardly and heavily to perform these duties ; we ought to be so far from being grieved at them , as we ought to be glad when any occasion is offered this way .

That we do the same chearfully , How we may thus do . let us do it in faith , even be assured , 1. That its pleasing and acceptable to God . 2. That he will reward it abundantly ; were this encreased in us , we would be glad of any opportunity to manifest the fruits thereof .

Verse 10. As every man hath received the gift , even so minister the same one to another , as good stewards of the manifold grace of God .

OUr Apostle yet proceedeth in the argument of love , and because it were too long to exhort particularly to every duty of love , he puts here all together in one , requiring that every one do communicate what gifts soever he hath , and in what kinde or measure soever ; He must not keep it to himself , but distribute it to the good of his brethren , the Church and Commonwealth ; and seeing God hath given us those gifts for this end , and made us not owners , but stewards and dispensers of them , and such as must give account of the same , which well followeth upon the former Exhortation , That nothing be done with grudging , we have no cause to grudge at what we do .

This Exhortation is general to all sorts of men whatsoever ; though in the next place he instanceth in some particular duties of Church-Officers , as Ministers and Overseers of the Poor .

Here we have , 1. An Exhortation , to minister , to be doing service . 2. The maner , according to our gift whatsoever it be , which is described by the author of it , or means how we have it , we have received it . 3. The generallity of persons which are thus to minister , every man . 4. A Reason , because we are but Stewards .

As every man hath received the gift , ] Here note ,

1. That every one hath some gift or other to do good with , Every man hath some gift or other wherewith to do good . and whereby he may be profitable , as authority , wisdom , wealth , knowledge , and the like ; as there is no member in the body , but hath his gift fit to do good in the body , Simile . not a finger , or toe , nay , the least joynt of the least toe serves for the more steady walking , without which the body were lame , Simile . we could not go so firmly . As every one of the Servants had some of the talents , and he that had least had one ; So , though one may have a more excellent gift , or greater measure thereof then another , yet every man hath some or other .

Let none then be discouraged as some be : Use. O I do no good , there is no use of my being in the world , I am a poor man or woman , have neither Wealth , Wisdom , Knowledge , nor Authority , and so live like an unprofitable burthen : Deceive not thy self , if thou wert even a carnal person , yet there were use of thee ; but of every one that feareth God , there is special use , and thou doest and mayst do good many ways ; Thou doest good in following thy Calling whatsoever it is : Also thou hast some Children , or a little family , if thou bring them up in the fear of God , that they may prove profitable instruments in the Church or Commonwealth , herein thou art of good use . Besides , a poor man may give as good a lift at Prayer , as the rich ▪ Thou mayest also do much good by thy good example , patience i● adversity , diligence in thy calling , contentedness in thine Estate , and the like ; so by counselling , admonishing , exhorting , comforting , and visiting thy poor and sick Neighbors : Be not discouraged then , but lay out the gift thou hast , and thou shalt please God as highly as they that have more . There are , indeed , some prophane minded men , that say , For these poor folks , what use are they of ? they do no good ; if there were a thousand of them out of the way , it were a good turn ; they do nothing but spend that other folks get : Thus will some miserable minded men say . But if they were carnal , yet are they of use , have skill one way or other ; neither shouldst thou grudge at their life , but rather wish that they may live and mend : If they be godly , they do more good then thou dost , notwithstanding of all thy riches ; therefore let none despise any , as the eye despiseth not the hand or foot .

2. That every one hath a several and diverse gift , Every one hath ( as it were ) a several or diverse gift . as it were ; some for Magistracy , as Courage , Wisdom , Policy ; some for the Ministery , as Knowledge , Interpretation of Scripture , the gift of utterance , Exhortation , Love , Zeal , &c. Some to be housholders , some skill in Physick , Husbandry , Law , Merchandizing , &c. Every one hath not the same , Simile . neither hath one man all : As a General of a Field disposeth of his men , all be Soldiers , but not all of one kinde ; some be Horsemen , some be Footmen , and of these some Pikemen , some Musketiers ; so hath God disposed of men severally : And this God hath done , for the knitting us together in love , that none might be lifted up above all others , nor despise any , each being of use in his place : None can live of himself , none without the help of others ; The Prince not without the Subject , nor the Subject without the Prince ; Ministers have their maintenance from the people , people through their preaching attain Faith to the salvation of their souls ; The rich wants skill , neither are able to do their own work , therefore employ the poor about it , and relieve them ; The Lawyer cannot be without the Clyent , nor the Physician live without Patients ; The Merchant cannot be without the Clothier , nor the Husbandman without the Tradesman , each must partake of the others gift .

As therefore we should praise God for such variety of his gifts , Use. and for his wisdom in distributing the same ; so we should not be lifted up , or wax insolent , to the despising one of another : If thou hast some gift that others have not , they have also some that thou hast not ; If they need thee , thou also standest in need of them ; say not of thy Minister , He liveth of us ; if thou beest as thou oughtest , thou livest by him : so , as the poor cannot be without thee , thou canst not well be without them .

3. That whatsoever we have fit to do good with , God bestoweth gifts on us freely . it s a free gift of God ; we came naked into the world , without any goodness , even the least good is of God , any thing that may be called good : They were all freely given Adam , See Iam. 1. 17. much more now , since our rebellion and sin ; Dan. 5. 18. if it be honor and authority , Psal. 65. 6. its God that gives it ; if gifts to rule and govern , that s also of God ; if of the Ministery , Christ ascended , See Eph. 4. 8 : and gave gifts to men ; Is it wealth ? Job tells you That he had his from God ; Iob 1. 21. yea , to have a heart to distribute it well , is Gods gift : 1 Chron. 29. 13 , 14. So to be skilful in any Trade , as about gold , silver , brass , wood , stone ( as were Bazaleel and Aholiab ) is the gift of God .

Let us not then stand in Gods light , Use. by arrogating any thing to our selves ; as if the poor man should say , or any other , I have nothing , but what I have got with my fingers end , never any friend I had gave me a peny , &c. what thou hast is Gods gift , many a one hath taken as much care and pains as thou hast , who yet have mist of that thou hast got . So if any Gentleman shall say , My Lands have been in one stock since the Conquest , I am beholding to no Prince for it , therefore none ought to require of me to give out of it , but as I list my self : Alas , what if it be so as thou sayest , yet its Gods free gift ; for thou hast made many forfeitures , whereby thou hast deserved to have it taken away : for any thing thou hast , any Land , Living , Place , Skill , give glory to God for it ; thou hast no cause to be proud , what hast thou which thou ha●● not received ? were it not absurd for one to brag of a borrowed suit of apparel , as if it were his own , and he were able to maintain the like : He that gave it thee , found thee without it , unworthy of it , and could have given it to any other , and can yet take it from thee , and give it another ; nay , rather be humble , because of of the account : As the Master of the Talents called his Servants to an account , so will the Lord call thee ; To whom much is given , of him is much required : The more gifts and the greater , the more is thine account ; thou art the farther in debt , and therefore should be the less proud .

As every man hath received the gift , even so minister the same &c. ] Here 's the main duty required ; every man must be faithful in communicating the gift which he hath received , and after that measure that he hath received it .

For the kinde ; Christians must communicate their gifts for the good of others Though a Christian be the freest man in the world ( as being freed from Satan , Sin , Hell , the Law , &c. ) yet is he to be of all others the most serviceable ; He must employ his gifts as a member of the body for the good of the whole ; He must not put his light under a bushel , nor hide his Talent in a Napkin : The Magistrate must administer justice duly and truly , relieve the oppressed , judge the fatherless , defend the widow , break the jaws of the wicked , &c. as he who beareth not the sword in vain : The Minister must do service with his gift , Preaching in season , out of season , &c. The Housholder must instruct and train up his Family , employing all the wit and knowledge he hath to this end , See Deut. 6. 6. as Abraham , he must pray with them , and go before them in an holy example : The Husband must minister his gift , by living with his wife as a man of knowledge , &c. The wife must live in subjection and build up her house , and as a mother lay out her breasts for her yong ones , if God hath given her milk and strength : The Servant must put out his gift in his business , and not be idle , untrusty , an eye-servant , &c. He that hath knowledge must teach the ignorant , admonish the disordered , exhort them that begin to slack , comfort the heavy , &c. If any hath wealth , he must distribute thereof as need requires ; If any have skill in Physick , or in any thing that is useful to man , yea , or to beast , they must minister it ; nay , there 's not the meanest work done in faith and for conscience , which pleaseth not God , as a Preacher in the Pulpit , or Magistrate on the Bench.

Reasons . 1. As the Sun shines not for it self , nor the Earth bear for it self ; so have not we our a gift for our selves , but for the common good . 2. The perfection of gifts consists not onely in the having of it , but in the use thereof . 3. The Communion of Saints , which we believe , requires it , and this makes a man likest to God . 4. This brings most peace to our consciences both in life and death . 5. This procures credit while we live , as a good name and memory when we dye . 6. We are divers ways partakers of the gifts of others , and so must make them partakers of ours . 7. Our gifts encrease by using , the more we bestow them , the more we have them ; nay , even for outward things , he that soweth liberally , 2 Cor. 9. 6. shall reap liberally . 〈◊〉

1. This rebuketh those that employ not their gift at all , Use 1. and that either through discontentedness , because it s not so great as they would , or others have ( but he is unworthy of more that will not make use of one talent , one well used would encrease ) or through envy , as desiring to be singular ; or through laziness , both Magistrates , Ministers , Hous-holders , &c. failing this way ; these are warts and scabs , no true members of the body , droans ; and not true laboring Bees .

2. It rebuketh those which employ their gifts , Use 2. not for the common good , but meerly for their own private advantage ; as most men would not work , or employ themselves in a calling , were 't not for their own ends , and to grow rich ; thus were it base and mercenary in a Minister to Preach for filthy lucre : thus many do their work , and make their wares so slightly and deceitfully , that others are thereby cousened , though themselves be enriched .

3. It rebuketh such as do hurt with their gifts ; Use 3. as if a Magistrate by his authority would pervert judgement , See Mic. 7. 3. oppress the righteous , maintain bad causes or persons , Ezek. 13. 8 , 9 , &c. &c. If a Minister would by his preaching discourage the godly , and strengthen the hands of the wicked ; If a Lawyer would employ his wit and skill to finde quirks and quillers to hinder a good cause , or make good a naughty matter ; If a Chyrurgion would keep his Patient long in pain , and keep back his cure , that he might gain the more by him ; If a strong man would abuse his strength to pour in strong drink ; If a wealthy man would abuse his means to oppress his inferiors , hunt good men out of their places , set up disorder and riot , &c. If such as have wit , would abuse it in devising mischief ; If any having knowledge in the Scriptures , would cavil against the truth , defend sin , give ill counsel to others , &c. might they not be taxed for ministring their gifts cursedly ? It had been happy not onely for others , but even for themselves ( as whose condemnation will be the greater ) that they had never had these gifts ; If even he that hid his talent , doing no good therewith , was so severely punished , and if even the fig-tree was cursed that did ba●e no fruit , then what shall become of them that bring forth bad fruit , that employ their talents for the hurt of others ? Even here judgements do attend them : They shall not be established upon Earth ; Psal. 140. 11. they shall hot live out half their days , evil shall hunt them to destruction .

For the measure ▪ ] Every man must minister according to the measure received . Every man must minister according to the measure he hath received ; having received much , he must not minister a little ; he that had five Talents , was called to an account for five ; to whom men commit much , from them they look for the more .

Obj. Obj. The Apostle saith , If there be a willing minde , God accepteth of a man , 2 Cor. 8. 12. according to that he hath .

Answ. True , Sol. it is not beyond that he hath , but according to that he hath , he doth and will account with men .

This rebukes those that having received much , Use. yet care not how little they distribute : Many men of great knowledge , yet preach very seldom ; many rich men by concealing their Estates , or by friendship , are but a little in taxes and subsidies ; so also they can hold some down in rates , though they put up others , and yet think all this clear gains ; its clear theft and wrong , will God take an unequal account ? will he take account of men without regard of what he put into their hands ? He will not : Simile . Most mens accounts will be as if a Steward should receive Five hundred pounds , and bring in his layings out but half that or thereabouts , would it be received ? it would not , neither shall theirs .

As good stewards , ] We are but stewards of the gifts we have . We are but disposers or stewards of the gifts we have ; therefore must not we keep them to our selves , or count them ours , Use. as stewards we must employ them , and that chearfully , why should the steward grudge to lay out that he hath taken in , seeing its his masters appointment , whose the money is ? Thou hast wealth , and dost account it thine own , and sayest that thou mayest do with thine own as it pleaseth thee ; 1 Cor. 4. 7. but thou art deceived , what hast thou which thou hast not received ?

Good , ] We must be faithful in our places . Men love to be counted true in that they are trusted with , we therefore must so minister , that we may be found faithful stewards , that when the day of account comes , we may hear that sentence , Well done , good and faithful servant : Such as let their gifts rust , or employ them to the hurt of others , are far from being good Stewards , and will indeed be rewarded as evil and unfaithful servants : Use. O look to it , all of us must give an account , Magistrates , Ministers , &c. that it may be to our comfort .

Of the manifold grace of God . ] Gods gifts manifold . Though God be one , yet his gifts and graces be manifold ; common gifts , as Authority , Wealth , Wit , Knowledge , &c. How many Creatures have we for food , Beasts , Fishes , See Psal. 104. 24. Fowls , Fruits ? How many kindes of these ? so of Apples , Pears , Herbs , Flowers ?

1. Labor to be manifold in duty . Use 1.

2. Praise God for his manifold gifts according to our manifold uses . Use 2.

Verse 11. If any man speak , let him speak as the Oracles of God : If any man minister , let him do it as of the ability which God giveth , that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ , to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever , Amen .

THe Apostle descendeth from general , to particular Exhortations , and instanceth in some main and principal gifts , which be of greatest use ; namely , Gifts and Offices in the Church , towards the souls and bodies of the people of God : and that not onely for their good , but that God might be glorified in all his gifts , through Jesus Christ ; of whom , and his gifts bestowed upon us , when he speaketh , he cannot but break out into a hearty thanksgiving , desiring , and that fervently , that all praise and dominion may be given to him for ever and ever .

Here we have an Exhortation , a Confirmation , a Conclusion .

The Exhortation is unto Ministers by name , to preach the Word of God , and as the Word of God ; and to other Church-Officers , under a general term , that they are to dispense their gifts , according to the gift bestowed upon them .

Now in that the Apostle contents not himself with the general Exhortation in which Ministers were included , but names them particularly , we may note , that

The Office and Calling of the Ministery is of all others the most needful and necessary : The Calling of the Ministry is of all others the most needful . It s the gift of Prophesie to understand the Scriptures , to be able to open and apply the same , is an excellent gift , as in respect of him that hath it , so as the Ordinance of God to work Faith , and convert Souls . It were pitiful if Magistrates should neglect their Office , Housholders theirs , or any other , to employ his gift for the good of his brethren ( for then would all things come to confusion ) but the neglect of the Ministery were yet worse , as being the means whereby those may learn their duties : The souls of people depend on the Ministery ; and where Prophesie faileth , the people perish . Hence it is , that when the Lord promised great favors to his people , Ier. 3. 15. he promised them faithful Ministers ; Mat. 9. 36. and our Savior , in love to his people the Jews , See Ezek. 3. 36 and 7. 26. sent his Apostles among them , pitying them as sheep which were scattered , and wanting a Shepherd : where on the contrary , Amos 5. 13. and 8. 11. no greater judgement could befal them , then the want of such faithful Shepherds , Zech. 11. 16. or the having of unfaithful : Can Laborers , Husbandmen , Plowmen , Builders , Watchmen , Shepherds , and such others , be spared in a Commonwealth ? Who knows not the use of them ? Such are Gods Ministers in respect of our souls .

This teacheth Ministers to be faithful and painful in their places : Use. The honor is great , the trust much , to be the Lords Ambassadors in such high matters , and to have the charge of Souls ; Here is no dallying , the greater our place is , the more must be our diligence ; we are employed about a worthy work , and accordingly must labor in the Word and Doctrine , for the gaining of Souls : Hereupon followeth an incorruptible Crown : Contrary , if we be unfaithful and negligent , as we sin in the highest degree , in so deep trust , and do so great hurt , our answer must needs be fearful , 2 Cor. 2. 16. which made Paul say , Who is sufficient for these things ? And godly men have been in this Calling with much fear and trembling ; without doubt wicked Ministers as they are the Factors for the Devils Kingdom , they have more to answer for , then either unfaithful Magistrates , Housholders , Lawyers , Physitians , &c. nay , then those that rob and murther by the High-way ; for these kill a few , and but mens bodies , but those murther many , and their souls , their peoples blood will be required at their hands ; were this considered , men would neither so rashly and unadvisedly run into the Ministery , nor so loosly and idly live therein .

2. It teacheth people to esteem the Ministery as the most necessary gift of all others , Use. 2. as that whereon the winning and losing of their souls depends , and which is appointed for Salvation ; and accordingly they must regard it , make use of it , and endeavor to profit by it , for their Humiliation , Conversion , Sanctification .

3. It rebukes numbers of blinde people in the world , Use. 3. that think of all gifts , the Ministery might be best spared , especially those preaching Ministers , that have ( as they say ) a deal of Tythes and maintenance , and that they could like as well a Reader , that would be content with a small stipend , &c. O these unsavory Earth-worms know not the worth of their souls , and therefore savor not the things that pertain to the salvation thereof : Thus indeed our Commodities in most places are deadest , and of least price and regard ; some few wise Merchants thank God for our Ministery , and highly value it : Well , know that thy foul , the best jewel thou hast , depends on the Ministery of the Word ; if ever it shall be saved , it must be by means hereof , whereby thou mayest as well renounce thy felf , as lay hold on Christ for Salvation .

If any man speak , Whoso is in the Ministery ought to preach . &c. ] Whoso is in the Ministery , ought to Preach ; no gift makes a man a Minister allowed of God , but the gift of preaching , even to be able to open the Scriptures soundly , and apply the same wisely to the peoples edifying : Rom. 10. 14. How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? ( saith the Apostle ) and how shall they hear without a preacher ? and how shall they Preach , except they be sent ? That is , gifted and quallified by God for the place , even being able to do that which is apt to convert souls , which no gift else can do , but that of preaching the Word ; Simile . The Scriptures read , are but as a goodly Carpet folded up together , Matth. 10. 7. but by preaching , 2 Tim. 4. 2. the beauty thereof appeareth ; This our Savior enjoyned his Disciples , and the same did the Apostle Paul require of Timothy .

1. This rebukes those , Use 1. which ( howsoever having an outward calling , they stand in the room of Ministers , and therefore their actions are not to be counted void or nullities ) run before they are sent , are blinde watchmen , Messengers without an errand , dumb Dogs , as Idols , having mouthes , but speak not , &c.

2. This rebukes a number of silly people , Use 2. which conceive it sufficient if their Minister be but a Reader : We have a very honest man , will such say ; true , he cannot preach , but he doth his good will , and we can desire no more of a man , and a very fellow-like man he is , &c. But if it happen they have a godly Preacher , what is their note then ? we have a Minister , I would we had never known him ; some say he is learned , and he preacheth indeed , but he is so troublesome , he hath spoiled our Town quite , we were all as quiet as could be till he came , but now there is such finding of faults , and bringing up new Orders , as we cannot tell what to say ; a good many of the best of the Parish will do what they can to remove him , &c. Thus the world loves reading Ministers ; They say of Schollars , they be the most conscionable ; They care not how little they have for their money , but its true also of a number of silly miserable people ; They can have no more of a man then his good will , they say : But they would not say so of a Carpenter , or any Workman or Servant they hire ; if they do not the business they are set about , they would have others .

Let him speak as the Oracles of God , ] That is , both Preach the very Truth and Word of God , and as its meet , or as it becomes the Word to be handled .

Ministers must Preach the Word of God , Ministers must Preach the Word of God . they must not deliver any thing to their people , but that which they have received of God ; So did both the Prophets and Apostles , they stand in Gods room , and are to bring his Message . neither must they deliver any word , whereof they may not truly affirm , Thus saith the Lord , This is the Word of the Lord : Nothing else feeds the soul , other things are poyson or chaff ; yea , we may answer for what we say before God , upon our salvation or damnation .

1. This reproves divers , Use 1. as namely , such as by their erroneous Doctrine destroy souls ; they give in stead of an egge , a scorpion , and for food , poyson ; Such as by telling strange and forged miracles of this and that Saint , endeavor to uphold one lye of Popery or other ; Such as teach mens traditions , or their own devices and opinions , contrary to Gods Word ; Such as wrest the Word of God , and discourage the hearts of the godly , and strengthen the hands of the wicked , making their Text speak what God never meant ; Such as Preach Gods Word , but so mingled with mans inventions , as they Preach not Gods Word but their own fancies : Thus many stuff their Sermons with Authorities of men , as of Heathen Poets , Philosophers , Historians , and that in strange tongues , which though turn'd into English , yet what a loss of time , what a breaking of the peoples attention must there needs be hereby ? what thrusting upon people mens authority ? use indeed may be made of those in private , and humanity serves as well as an handmaid to Divinity , but its Gods Word onely which can stablish the Conscience ; If we use them publiquely , the same must be done sparingly , to special purpose , on some special occasions ( as when we have to do with Atheists , &c. ) and not to the common people .

2. This may instruct people , Use 2. that they hear nothing , at least receive nothing but the Word of God ; Iohn 10. 17. My sheep hear my voyce , saith our Savior , 1 Thess 5. 21. and a strangers voyce they will not hear : 1 Iohn 4. 1. Therefore they must be able to try what they hear ; we must not be like children , carryed about with every wind of doctrine : Solomon counts it the property of a fool , to believe every thing ; if we should , in stead of being fed , we might be poysoned : Acts 17. 11. we must , with the Bereans , search whether the things we hear be so and so ; they were neither curious nor captious , yet they would receive nothing but the truth . A man may tell money after his own Father , not because he thinks he would deceive him , but because he may be deceived : we take not upon us to have dominion over your Faith , that you should believe whatsoever we say , because we say it ; but if it be not according to Gods Word , take it but upon exchange : All that we hear , and Ministers deliver , must be according to the Scriptures , which is the rule and touchstone ; and when people have knowledge , and can try what we ●each , we should be far from being angry , and saying , It was never merry world since every Taylor and Shoemaker could talk so much of the Scriptures , and finde faults with mens preaching ; would we have the peoples eyes out ? True , the Papists cannot abide it in the people , but tell them , They must believe as their Ministers believe , &c. This is as bad a sign in them as may be : But alas , we have cause to complain of peoples ignorance ; it were even just with God to let them fall into the hands of deceivers , as having got no knowledge all this while .

Ministers must preach as it becomes the Word of God , Ministers must so preach as it becomes the Word of God . even with all reverence and authority , with all courage and boldness ; yea so , as that they declare by their lives , that they believe it to be Gods Word , even by being first in the practice thereof , and obedience thereto .

1. This serves to reprove divers ; Use 1. as namely , those that mingle tricks and conceits to tickle the ear , and are all in their Inkhorn terms , riming , and running on the letter , &c. together with those that have itching ears , and delight in such things . It s a sign of a sickly ill disposed stomack , to whom the wholesom food of the Word is not sweet , except it have some such strumpetly sawces . Those that through sear keep back Gods counsel , not revealing his whole will ; those that live daily in the same sins which they rebuke in others , not fearing those judgements which they denounce on others , nor doing those duties they call for of others ; these , as the Scribes and Pharisees , are blinde guides ; these make the people think , Preaching is but for a fashion , and they must speak somewhat when they be in place , but it s not to be regarded ; for if it were , they would not do thus and thus themselves : Thus , as Eli's Sons , they make the Lords people loath the Sacrifice of the Lord ; yet must not people thus stumble : Do as they say , See Psal. 50. 16 take the good , and leave the ill : men will take up money out of the dirt . Rom. 2. 21. Miserable is the condition of such Ministers as give this foul offence , weak are those people that take it .

2. This may instruct people , Use 2. 1. To be duly prepared by prayer , ere they come to the hearing of the Word ; being come , they must with all reverence attend thereto . It s Gods Word they hear , the Lord himself with whom they have to do : O how few come thus ! nay , most men behave not themselves so well as they should , to a man advising them of good will : Acts 10. There are now few such as Cornelius ; want of preparation is one main cause why so few profit by hearing : How many hear unreverently , or as if they were weary and sleepy ? Is this to hear it as the Word of God ? Hence it is that men , not taking notice of their miserable and damnable state , or that the way to Heaven is so strait , content themselves with their present state ; Would not men be thrust out of doors , if they did so before their Prince , should he speak unto them ? 2. People must not be afraid to frequent and attend on the Word preached , they must not be ashamed hereof . 3. They must shew their account hereof , by their obedience hereto : O look to it , you have not to do with us , that cannot tell when you be gone hence , whether or not you practise the same ; but you have to do with God , whose Word you hear , who will go hence with you , and knows your sitting down , Psal. 139. 3. and your rising up , yea , and all your ways , and both can and will deal with you accordingly . In the fear of God let us look better to this , and resolutely set down with our selves , That whensoever we come to hear the Word , See Exod. 20. we come to hear God himself speaking to us : If it were not so , we durst not speak it for our lives ; the matter concerns us no less then you .

If any men minister , ] He proceedeth to other Offices in the Church , and ayms , no doubt , at them whose Office it was to distribute and look to the poor : The word minister , signifieth to do service , and so may be taken more generally ; even every man in his Office and Calling must be a minister to his brethren : The Magistrate is so called , Rom. 13. 4. and so the Exhortation also may concern them : However , the point may be this , that

All that have Office one way or other in the Church , All that bear Office in the Church must do the same faithfully . must do the same faithfully ; we have them that answer in some sort to the Officers in the Primitive Church , Churchwadens must look to mens Maners , and spy what is amiss , who prophane the Lords day , neglect the worship of God , be idle and riotous , &c. These they must admonish , and if thereupon they amend not , complain of them ; Constables must suppress filthy houses , break the knots of lewd persons , prevent and root out disorder to the utmost of their power ; The Overseers of the poor ought to be wise and faithful , and not think it enough to take money with one hand , See Acts 6. 3. and pay it out with the other ; but they must distribute it with wisdom to every one , Acts 11. 29. according to their need , to the best , Rom. 15. 26 , 28 most , and with best encouragement , to the other , with gentle rebuke and admonition ; even those of best quality , report and credit have been entrusted with this business : There are prophaners of the Lords day , such as then lie in bed , and regard not the House of God ; There are Swearers , Railers , Riotous persons , such as bring not up their Children in any Calling ; There are idle persons , &c. these would be well lookt to , and often admonished , and no more given them , then needs must ; There 's a company of idle Wenches which keep at home with their friends where there is no need of them , or crowd into one house or other , and live at their own hand , and that either because of idleness they refuse to go to service , or having been in service , because they may not do as they list , they will no longer be Servants , but live by themselves ; This is a foul and dangerous abuse , not to be suffered in Towns : Headboroughs and chief men in Towns ought to provoke Officers to their duty , and encourage them doing well , yea , countenance and stand by them , as whom God hath lifted up for this end .

1. This rebuketh the exceeding coldness and carelesness of Officers that take no pains to prevent or redress disorder ; Use 1. Thus Overseers think it enough if they gather and pay out the money , and bring in a true account , what s this ? It were hard if men should rob the Poor , a curse would follow it , but for looking into their state and maners , and with relieving their bodies to do good to their souls , Who doth this ? This is rare indeed ; But if we have an office , we must wait on our office , we are not altogether born for our selves : Every office is an honor , Rom. 12. 7. and carries a burthen along with it ; we must bestow some time thereon , it s not lost , God will requite it ; and cursed is he that doth his work negligently , Ier. 48. 10. though others have been careless , and though haply you may be counted more busie and curious then needs , yet whether your office be great or small , set your selves with care and diligence about it : Hereby much good will come to the Town and Poor in particular , God shall be glorified , and you shall reap much comfort , with a good report in Gods Church .

2. This bewrayeth a great fault in Towns , Use 2. for making choice of such to Offices , as be no way fit nor careful to execute them ; A common practice ; The chief men shift them from themselves : Solomon saith , Prov. 26. 6. He that sends a message by the hand of a fool ( that is , one unfit for it ) it as he that cutteth off the feet ; That is , as he that cuts off a mans feet , and then bids him go , when he hath not wherewith .

As of the ability which God giveth , ] Ability to discharge ones calling is of God . All ability to discharge any Office or Calling , comes from God ; we have no wisdom or ability this way of our selves , every good gift is from above : God gave Saul another heart , that is , fit to rule , which he had not before ; and Solomon craved of God a wise and an understanding heart ; and as Magistracy is of God , so the Ministers Office , so the Deacons , so others .

1. Call upon God for endowments for such places as he calls thee to . Use 1.

2. Having any ability for the discharge thereof , Use 2. give the glory to God the giver thereof . 1 Chron. 29. 14.

That God in all things may be glorified , ] The Confirmation , or Reason why we ought to do our duties faithfully , even that we may thereby glorifie God . Hence note ,

1. That God is glorified in the careful performance of our duties in our places ; The conscionable performance of our duties tend to gods glory . He is glorified by a Magistrates wise , zealous and impartial execution of Justice ; for hereby sin is curbed , sinners it may be brought to repentance , the poor and innocent comforted , and so stirred up to praise God for his Ordinance of Magistracy : So when Ministers are faithful in their places , the ignorant are enlightened , the wicked humbled , the heavy in heart comforted , the weak strengthened , the drowsie awakened , and so have cause ( as many do daily ) to praise God highly for the ministery of his Word ; Thus Housholders in their places , husbands and wives in theirs , the rich by their liberality and hospitality ; See 1 Tim. 6. 1. nay , even Servants by their conscionable discharge of their places , may glorifie God .

1. This should provoke us much to faithfulness in our places ; Use 1. not onely others shall have good , our selves comfort and a good report , but God shall be glorified , which is most of all , and the end of all things , and we may think our selves happy that God will be honored by any thing we can do .

2. How much are those blame-worthy , Use 2. which do not at all regard the faithful discharge of their places , whether they be Magistrates , Ministers , or others ? whoso careth not for Gods glory , God will set as little by them and theirs ; nay , there are some which can see God dishonored before their faces , and might redress it , but do it not ; yea , some which do even dishonor God with their gifts , and in their offices : assuredly God will meet with these in his due time .

2. That the mark whereat we must aym at in our places , We must aym in our places at Gods glory . is to glorifie God .

This rebukes those that are wholly for themselves , 1 Cor. 10. 31. aym altogether at base , Use. sinister , carnal ends , profit , pleasure , credit , and the like , They are thieves robbing God of his due ; They are treacherous , as if one sent to woo for another , and had Jewels given him for that purpose ( as Abrahams Servant ) and should make suit for himself : All waters come from the Sea , Eccles. 1. 7. and return thither ; so should all our gifts be employed to the glory of the giver .

Through Jesus Christ , ] All glory comes to God by Iesus Christ . All glory comes to God by Jesus Christ , for its by him that we receive all grace , and whatsoever good we enjoy ; He having suffered for our sins , and reconciled us to the Father , hath thereby purchased for us whatsoever is good , grace and glory , to whom alone we are beholding for all .

1. This teacheth us to be exceeding thankful for Christ , Use 1. as without whom we could not have right to any thing we enjoy , without whom it were even fearful to think of God .

2. It teacheth us to labor to be united to Christ by faith , Use 2. that whatsoever good we need we may receive , as the members from the head .

To whom be praise , &c. ] Having instructed others in the faithful discharge of their duties in their places , and that especially that God might be glorified ; He now wisheth and prayeth that all glory and praise may be given to him , and that for ever , testifying the servency of his affection , and his assent thereto by the word Amen .

But of this hereafter .

Verse 12. Beloved , think it not strange , concerning the fiery tryal , which is to try you , as though some strange thing happened unto you . Verse 13. But rejoyce , in as much as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings , that when his glory shall be revealed , ye may be glad also with exceeding joy .

HAving exhorted us to be good Christians , he now arms us to the Cross , the inseparable companion of true godliness ( for all that will live godly in Christ Jesus , shall suffer persecution ) and that both patiently and chearfully , which accordingly he backeth by many forcible Reasons .

Each of these Verses contains an Exhortation , with a Reason to enforce the same .

In the former Exhortation , consider both the maner how it s propounded , and the matter therein contained .

Beloved , ] Here 's the maner ; He writes lovingly to them , and that doubtless from an entire affection and love which he bare them . Here note two things :

1. What entire love should be between Ministers and people , There must be entire love between Ministers and people . they should love one another as fathers and children , mothers and children , Nurses , and such as have suckt their breasts , Brethren , &c. See 1 Cor. 4. 15. Gal. 4. 19. 1 Thess. 2. 7. 2 Thess. 2. 13.

Reasons hereof may be these , 1. God hath committed them each to other , 1 Thess. 2. 19 , 20. and so they be nearly knit . 2. Such as be won by the Ministery , are they that must comfort their Ministers here , and be their Crown hereafter ( the more they be , the greater is their Crown ) whom therefore their Ministers are to love , them also are their people to love no less dearly , as on whom they should depend for all comfort , and the means of their Salvation , whose lips must preserve knowledge , who are also to pray for them , and teach them . 3. Ministers by loving their people , shall be provoked to live with them , to take all courses to do them good publikely and privately , as also to bear with the dulness of some , the unkindeness and weakness of others : Hereupon their people will reverence them , regard their Teaching , and chearfully allow them maintenance ; which did they not truly love their persons , they would not .

1. This teacheth both Ministers and People to be most tenderly careful to preserve mutual love , Use 1. and avoid all occasions of unkindeness or dislike , removing them speedily when at any time they do arise ( for oftentimes of a small spark neglected , ariseth a great flame ) of all unkindenesses and contentions , those between Ministers and People be most unprofitable and hurtful ; whoso hath a hand herein , and goeth about to alienate the mindes of each from the other , that the one cares not for the other , work journey work to the Devil in a high degree .

2. This condemneth that common and most woful abuse in this Land , Use 2. even the miserable want of love on both parts ; not a few Ministers care not how seldom they come among their people , and when they do , how little pains they take , how often do they sue them for meer trifles ? on the other part , what light and base esteem have people of their Ministers ? How unkindely do they use them ? How pole they them of their maintenance ? Where it s thus , God is not , for God is love , John 4. 16. and there 's no good done to be sure . Here the Devil may sleep till he snort , he shall not be hindred ; but where Ministers and people live in godly love , there let him look to himself .

2. That we should love men never the worse for their troubles , Christians are not to be the less , but more loved for their troubles . but rather the more , as who are worthy to be honored for their Faith , Patience , Constancy , and being paterns and means to confirm us in our sufferings for Christ : The Apostle Paul used this as an argument to move Philemon to grant his request , for that he was aged , and a prisoner for Christ . Hereof this our Apostle informs them , even that notwithstanding all their troubles ( whereof haply some might have conceived him careless ) they were dear unto him .

This rebuketh those that make account of men , Use. while they be in prosperity , and the world smiles on them ; but when the times frown , and they be discountenanced , and in disgrace and trouble , then cast them off , or shrink from them , shewing them no countenance nor kindeness ; a sign either of mung●els , or at last of dastardly Christians .

Think it not strange concerning the fiery tryal , ] Here 's the matter exhorted to : By fiery tryal is meant , All kinde of persecution , in what degree soever , compared to the fire ; for that as the fire tryes the gold , so persecution tryes men . Think it not strange , wonder not at it , as at some strange think come out of a far Countrey , whereof the like was never either seen or heard of ; it behoved you to have prepared for it before , and now make a reckoning of it , that so you flinch not from it when it comes . Here note , that

The want of fore-thinking of trouble , The want of preparation for troubles before they come , make them harder to be born when they are come . makes it the harder to be born , and the stranger when it comes : When a man hath time to put on his armor , or draw his Sword ere the Thief come , he is more safe , then if a Thief should rush upon him on the sudden .

As those which are not used to sickness , bear it worst ; so , such are most cast down in the time of trouble , which in the time of prosperity do not so much as think thereof .

1. This teacheth us , Use 1. even in the time of prosperity , to think of troubles ; in the midst of health we must think of sickness , and how we shall bear it , and accordingly provide for it ; so in the time of wealth , of poverty ; so having Children , if God should take them from us ; of our Friends , if they should hate us , how would we behave our selves ? How could we do as such and such a Christian , & c ? So in life , we must think of death ; and when any one dyes , think that we may be the next , and thereupon finde out how we are prepared for it : These thoughts are profitable , they will make us use our prosperity the more soberly and thankfully while we have it , and walk more humbly , and be better prepared for troubles , if God shall lay them upon us : Neither will they come the sooner for thinking of them ; howsoever , we shall be the better enabled to bear them , when ever they come : What 's written of the Basilisk , that if it see us before we see it , we dye for it , but if we see it first , we live , is true of troubles : If we see them ere they come , we be much better , but if they come on us unlooked for , they prove the more dangerous . Now every man sits under his own vine , and under his own figtree ; Now we go to the house of God in peace ; Now we profess Religion with good liking : But what if the case alter ere I dye ? shouldst thou say ; What if I be haled to prison , lose my goods , be convented , condemned , tortured , banished , &c. what shall I then do ?

2. This rebuketh most , Use 2. that seldom or never have any such thoughts ; May not we have changes ? why do we not then think of them ?

Oh such sad thoughts do not well , Obj. le ts be merry while we may , sadness will come time enough .

Thou wrongest thy self , Sol. thy case will be the worse , thy condition the more fearful , if either sickness , poverty , pain , or any other calamity should take thee unprovided : For persecution , who is there that now thinketh of any such matter ? most think that they shall never be moved , Psal. 30. 6. and that they shall dye in their nest , whereas , alas , it may fall out far otherwise : Iob 29. 18. Have we not many enemies ? and what doth not our sins deserve ? God hath indeed wrought for us many deliverances , as from the Spanish Invasion , and Gunpowder Treason , &c. but are we sure he will do so still ? Hath not our grievous unthankfulness deserved the contrary ? Do we think that our enemies do not now plot mischief against us ? No doubt they make use of peace , to prepare for war , and they will plot now towards their latter end , to uphold their tottering Babel ; Simile . and do as fishes , feeling the water almost gone from them , flush and make a stir ; and when death draws near men , they have strong pains : So what now at the last the Lord may suffer them to do against us , we know not . It s the more likely there wil be some judgement , because all men cry Peace and Safety , and are so sensless ; if there should be any such , alas , how unprovided are we ? nay , what were all our provision , strength , multitude of men , &c. if God should set himself against us ? See Ier. 37. 10. On the contrary , if we have God on our side , as he was with Gideon and his three hundred , with Jonathan and his Armor bearer , we need not fear them , though never so many so strong . Now if any such judgement should come on the Land ( which the Lord turn away for his mercies sake ) wherein multitudes should be slain with the Sword , others made Slaves , and carried away , our Wives and Daughters abused before our faces , our houses and chests rifled , the godly imprisoned , and brought forth to torment , except they would forsake their Religion : O Lord ! how far are we unfit for any such matter ; and the rather , for that we never think of it ? Never would any Land think trouble and misery more strange , then we which have been used so delicately . O then let us think and provide for this before , that if it should come , it may not be strange unto us . If we look to our selves , have not we cause enough to be humbled , and purged from our dross : and for the world , shall we wonder if they hate and persecute us ? Haply we think because we be honorable persons , the Sons of God , they should not so deal with us : It s true , but alas , they know not our Father , much less know they us his Children : 1 Iohn 3. 2. Haply we think because we be now godly , and make conscience of all our ways , and love God , and live with our brethren Christianly , and desire nothing so much as to please God , that therefore all should make much of us . True , God , Angels , and good Men , will do so , and that must content us ; but the world is the world , and will hate us the more for our goodness , which hath been thus ever since Cain hated Abel ; we need not think it strange , for may not the Lord justly after long schooling us , now call us out to try what we have profited . Again , hereby he would have the wickedness of the wicked break out , that he might get glory in confounding them : Also he will hereby confirm the hearts of the weak to believe the truth , See Phil. 1. 12 , 13 , 14. and be bolder to defend it . Again , if we look to the state of the Church , and faithful Servants of God in former ages , we need not think it strange , for its the way that they have all gone , Abel , Isaac , Jacob , See Heb. 11. the Prophets , Christ , his Apostles , the Primitive Church , thousands under the Roman Emperors , not a few even in this our Land in the Reign of Queen Mary , &c. Indeed the Devil is ready to make us believe that our case is worse then any bodies , and that there were never any as we , which is , that he may make us murmure , and drive us to desparation or to flinch , whereas its a very lye , for we are in no such case , but the Saints of God have been in as bad , in the same , in worse ; This duly considered , will be a means that afflictions shall be better born .

Which is to try you , ] Afflictions are tryals . Here 's the Reason of the Exhortation ; The end of persecution is not to destroy the good , but to make them better , as the gold is tryed by the fire , afflictions ( persecution chiefly ) are sent to try what we be , and in what state ; not but that God knows it already , but he would have us also and others to know to our comfort or humbling . They are of great use , As

1. To try whether we have any truth of grace in us , Above the truth of grace in us . whether we be any thing or nothing , sound or hollow , true friends , or hypocrites , such as are built on the rock , Read the story of Pendleton and Saunders in the Book of the Martyrs . or sand : Many that now think well of themselves , will never be able to stand , and many mean in their own and others eyes , would hold out : A man is never tryed till adversity comes , as a Soldier is in the Battel , a Marriner in a Storm , a Friend in time of need ; Who would have thought the seed in the stony ground would have flincht ? few so good as they in most Parishes : If these would not abide , what shall we think of most amongst us ? persecution , as the fan , of one heap makes two , and as the fire , separateth the gold from the dross .

Labor then for a true faith of the right stamp , who knows but that God will send a tryal , let 's labor to be so provided , as we may be good wheat , to abide by it , and not chaff , that will flie away ; that we may be gold fit to be Vessels for the Lords use , not dross to be burnt up with unquenchable fire : Onely true believers will hold out , all others will flinch ; le ts now look to our selves , lest we making a fair house , not onely in the sand , it fall , and our fall be great , and we having begun a piece of work , leave it in the mid way , to our perpetual shame : But they that are proved to be sound , and to have true Faith , it s a great Comfort and Crown to them . Who would not have his Sword or Gun tryed ere he went to the field ? A little tryed Faith is better then much tryed Gold , then much Faith in mens tongues and conceits .

2. To try what measure of grace we have , About the measure of our grace . whether as much or more , or less then we thought ; for some over-prize themselves , and some do on the contrary . Who would have thought Peter had been so weak , after such bold protestation ? Who would have thought Abrahams Faith so great as it was , or Jobs both Faith and Patience ? Though the Lord would kill him , yet would he wait on him : What do thine afflictions bewray ? Use. If more grace then thou thoughtst , be thankful ; if less , be humbled , and apply thy self to the means more carefully .

3. To purge , They serve to refine that measure we have . purifie , and refine that measure of true grace that s in us : In the days of Peace and Prosperity , the best men are subject to gather soil , as standing waters putrifie , bodies without exercise prove full of gross humors : In prosperity we gather pride , security , teachiness , self-love , too much love of the world ; these God purgeth away , that our Faith and Grace may shew themselves in their bright colours ; as the Vine , having the superfluous branches cut off , proves the more fruitful : Never do Christians shine so bright , as in affliction , or presently after it .

But rejoyce , ] We must rejoyce in afflictions . Here 's the second Exhortation : We must be so far from thinking it strange when we are persecuted , as that we are then to rejoyce . See Iam. 1. 12.

But how can this be ? Q. will some say : To rejoyce in mockings , imprisonments , Heb. 12. 11. cold irons , tortures , &c. seems impossible , and the rather , for that no affliction for the present is joyous , but tedious .

To the flesh these things be tedious , A. yet there is cause to make us rejoyce in them : Though a natural man cannot do this , as being impossible to flesh and blood , yet grace , and a good measure of faith , and an heart mortified to the world , and taken up with the desire of a better life , will do the same . A man may both grieve , and yet rejoyce in the same thing , in diverse respects ; as them that saw the Temple re-edified , Ezra 3. 12. some wept , namely , the ancient men , some again rejoyced , namely , the yong men ; the one , because it was no better , the other , because it was as it was , both which might have been in either of them : As a man may be glad that he hath a childe departed in a godly maner , and yet grieve at the loss of his childe ; so if at the fall of a Scaffold , where many lost their lives , we have had a childe that broke his Arm , we are sorry at that , but glad that he scaped with his life : Thus the Apostles rejoyced , Acts 5. 41. and 16. 25. thus Paul and Silas , thus the Thessalonians , thus the Christian Hebrews , thus the Martyrs throughout all ages : Such a thing is Faith ; 1 Thess. 1. 6. it s not a Conceit , Heb. 10. 34. but that that makes things absent , so present , as that we can be content to endure present pain for joy to come , and to lose things present , for happiness hereafter : Thus have many of Gods Servants done , so that God requires nothing of us , but that he hath enabled many to do , yea ordinary Christians like our selves , nay , not a few even of the weaker Sex .

1. This rebuketh the woful unbelief and hypocrisie of most of the world , Use 1. which though they profess the Word in prosperity , yet in adversity they shift for themselvs , make friendship with the world , and will suffer nothing for Christs sake or his Religion ; they are ashamed of Christ here , of them will he be ashamed hereafter ; now saving their lives with an ill Conscience , they shall lose life eternal .

2. It rebuketh even the Servants of God , Use 2. who are so loath to suffer or abide any hardness : We can hardly abide a frown of our Superior , or an hard word , or a railing speech , but we are cast down , and disquieted about it ; yea , many pull in their heads , and step back , and think it s not good to be forward , and so come to Jesus by night : How will we suffer imprisonment , and loss of all we have ? how endure the fire , and especially with joy ? This is too much tenderness , it s through too much earthly-mindedness .

3. Le ts labor for such grace , Use 3. as whereby if God call us forth to suffer , we may not onely not flee back , but endure any thing , and that with joy . To this end , we must 1. Endeavor for a sound Faith and assurance of Gods love to us in Christ , that so we may so love him again , as we may suffer for his Name , and being assured of our deliverance from everlasting pain , and that he hath freed us from shameful sufferings , which for our sins he might have brought us to , may endure these glorious sufferings for his Name joyfully . Being thus assured of his love , and thereupon of eternal happiness in heaven , we will be content to suffer any thing to obtain it . 2. Withdraw our mindes from earthly things , and set them on heaven and heavenly things , as our onely treasure . 3. Mortifie and subdue our lusts and affections , bringing our hearts in subjection to God in all things , and bearing our present afflictions quietly and comfortably . This joyfulness in sufferings doth well become Christians , daunts their adversaries , and puts a difference between them and all others , whether hypocrites , civil persons , or Time-servers , who will never thus do : Christians must be like Davids Worthies , even excel others , do more then ordinary men . If we do onely love our friends , what singular thing do , Mat. 5. 46. do not even Publicans the same ? If we profess Religion in prosperity , what great matter do we , do not even Hypocrites the same ? We must learn to take out higher lessons , and be perfect , as our Father which is in heaven is perfect . It s an easie thing to rejoyce in prosperity , but so to do in adversity is a good hard lesson , and so the more worthy a Christians labor .

Inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings , Why the sufferings of Christians are called Christs sufferings . ] The first Reason of the Exhortation , We are partners with Christ , therefore we may think our selves advanced , and so rejoyce . The sufferings of Christians are called Christs sufferings , 1. Because they are suffered for his sake ; 2 Cor. 1. 5. which may be no small comfort to them that suffer for Religion , Gal. 6. 17. for it s for Christs sake , and so he counts it : therefore he will put our tears in his bottle , Col. 1. 24. take our part , defend , and reward us ; as David took care of Abiathar , 1 Sam. 22. 12. having lost his Father for his sake . 2. Because he bears a part of them with his Saints ; there 's so near a conjunction between him the Head , and the Saints his Members , as what s done to the one , whether good or ill , is counted as done to the other ; as the godly hearing Christ railed on , are so grieved , that they had rather themselves had been so used : much more doth Christ Jesus account their troubles his , Acts 9. 4. which as it may terrifie their adversaries , so it may much comfort them . But here they be called Christs sufferings in another sense , namely , as his own sufferings , which he bare in his own person , whereof we partake , when we also suffer the like things ; we are set up to be like our Master Christ Jesus , Christians suffer with Christ . and is it not cause of rejoycing , that he vouchsafeth to make us like himself , to bring us into his order , to pledge him of the same Cup he began to us ?

He suffered , his whole life was nothing else : They misconstrued his words , and mistook his deeds , and said , He cast out Devils through Beelzebub the Prince of the Devils : How often was he railed on ? how hardly used , especially towards his latter end ?

If we be so dealt with at any time , Use. we need not think hardly , but rejoyce , not think hardly : He was the glorious Son of God , we poor mortal Creatures , dust and ashes ; He most holy and righteous , and perfectly pure , we miserable sinners , which though not at mens hands which wrong us , yet at Gods have deserved all evil , both here and in Hell . If God turn our opprobrious sufferings here , and perpetual torments of Hell , into a sew short and glorious sufferings , we have no cause to think hardly ; yea , he having suffered all for us , we may well suffer for him , we can never lose hereby , nor can ever suffer so much for him , as he hath done for us ; nay , not onely we must not think hardly at our sufferings , but we have cause to rejoyce , that we are advanced to be like our Master , made conformable to our head Christ Jesus : He is a bold Servant , that is not content to fare as his Master fares ; Those Worthies that have gone before us , have accounted it their honor , and a special favor that they have drunk of this Cup.

When therefore we do at any time suffer for Religions sake , let 's thus encourage our selves , I am herein made like all the Prophets , Apostles , Ioh. 15. 18 , 19. and chief of Gods Friends and Saints , yea , as his onely Son , and thus our Savior comforted his Disciples .

That when his glory shall be revealed , ye may be glad also with exceeding joy . ] The second Reason , our sorrow shall be turn'd into joy , as in part when we dye , namely , in our souls ; so perfectly when he shall be made glorious in all his Saints , whilest he was here in the world , he was put to an ignominious death , but he rose again from the dead , and ascended into Heaven , and shall come one day to judge every man according to his deeds , even to bring into happiness all those for whom he dyed , and to confound all his Enemies ; He came the first time in meekness , because he came to suffer , but the second time he shall come with glory and magnificence , 2 Thess. 1. 9. even with thousands of his Angels in flaming fire ; Iude 14. &c. which , as it may comfort all those that have believed in him , Rev. 1. 7. and stoopt to his yoke ; so it may terrifie all those that have not believed or repented , through obeying the Gospel .

The end ( I say ) of the afflictions of Gods Servants will be joy , The godlies afflictictions end in joy . for Christ will receive them all into eternal glory ; They that suffer with him , shall reign with him , and their joy shall none take from them : See John 16. 33. Rom. 8. 18. 2 Cor. 4. 17. 2 Tim. 2. 12. Jam. 1. 12.

O how should this not make us patient onely , Use. but joyful in persecution : Psal. 126 : 5. If we sow in tears , we shall reap in joy : If we suffer for Christ , we may rejoyce and be glad , Matth. 5. 9. for great is our reward in Heaven : If we forsake father , or mother , or house , or land , &c. for Christs sake , we shall have life everlasting : See Heb. 10. 34. & 11. 35. Is not this an happy change ? This made the holy Servants of God set light by all they had , not that they were fools , and knew not what they did , or were senceless ; no , the assurance of an eternal joy and inheritance in Heaven , swallowed up all , and so should it be with us .

Verse 14. And if ye be reproached for the name of Christ , happy are ye , for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you ; on their part he is evil spoken of , but on your part he is glorified .

A Third Reason to perswade to rejoyce in persecution , because its a blessed thing , and who would not rejoyce in that that will make him happy ? and though he instanceth in one kinde , and that which may seem no great persecution , yet he is to be understood of all others whatsoever ; That such shall be blessed , he proveth , because thus to suffer is an argument that the Spirit of God , even the glorious Spirit resteth on them ; who , howsoever on the adversaries part he is blasphemed and ill spoken of , yet is glorified by them that suffer patiently and joyfully for Christs sake : Here then , besides that suffering for Christ we are happy , we may be induced thus to suffer for him , for that his Spirit resteth on us so doing , and hereby also he is glorified : In the words we have a proposition , and the confirmation thereof .

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ , happy are ye , ] There 's the proposition ; This may seem to be but a slender thing to be reckoned among persecutions , and that which may be easily born ; No , it s that which many have found harder to bear , then loss of goods , blows , yea death it self : Some which have suffered torments couragiously , and indured the loss of all with joyfulness , yet have almost sunk under slanders and ill tongues : David much complains of his adversaries , that they made Songs of him , that they spake words like the prickings of a Sword , and like sharp Arrows : Sampson could not endure to be mockt of the Philistines , had rather pull down the House on himself and them ; Iob. 30. 9. Job also complains of such ; Ishmaels mocking of Isaac is termed a persecution ; Gal. 4. 29. The most ingenuous mindes can hardliest bear reproaches . Here note ,

1. That a good name is a tender thing , A good name is a tender thing . which is and ought to be dear to us ; As we are forbid thus to wrong others , so the Lord appointed those to be severely punished which should so do . Prov. 21. 1.

1. This rebuketh those that make no account of a good name , Use 1. though it be better then good oyntment , Eccles. 7. ● . but live so badly , as they pull an ill name on themselves ; some indeed would yet have a good name , though they deserve the contrary , but they must first win it , and then wear it ; Such as are desperate , and care not what men say of them , it s a sign they are so bad , as no man can speak worse of them then they deserve ; These cannot be discredited .

2. It condemneth those that care not how they raise lyes , Use 2. spread tales of their Neighbors , and seek their discredit , or rail on them and revile them , Prov. 10. 18. they do worse then if they stole away their goods , Psal. 15. 3. or wounded their bodies , for the name is more tender and dear , and hardlier cured and recovered , if it be wounded or lost ; they that give themselves over hereto , are fools , neither are they Citizens of Sion : Such are as a Maul , Prov. 25. 18. and a Sword , and a sharp Arrow , and such was Ziba , See 2 Sam. 16. 3.

2. That railers , Slanderers of Gods Servants are persecuters . mockers and slanderers of Gods Servants are persecuters ; David in the person of Christ complaineth of such : Such also are they that revile them by the name of hypocrites , Psal. 22. 6. 7. precise fools , humerous , singular , fantastical Puritans , &c. I mean those that revile the true Servants of God , who for their zeal are often thus dealt with , whom those slanderers would no less smite with the hand , then they do with the tongue , if times did but bear them out ; They would be no less forward to hale before Magistrates , cast into Prison , &c.

1. Let them that have been and be such , Use 1. repent hereof as of persecution , Gal. 4. 30. else with Ishmael they shall be cast our , Numb. 23. 8. and as they be worse then Balaam , so shall they speed worse .

2. Let all others avoid this as a fearful sin , Use 2. for it s to be like the Devil , See Iude 15. the accuser of the Brethren , who shall answer for this at the last day .

3. For those that be railed on , Use 3. are slandered , or have lyes devised against them , let them know , they are Martyrs before God , and suffer persecution , which is an honor ; let them bear this patiently , and go on constantly , and not be discouraged , and there 's good hope they shall bear greater persecutions if they come , which else in likelyhood they cannot .

3. That it hath been an usual custom in the world to reproach , To slander Gods Children for their godliness is usual . revile , and slander Gods Servants for their godliness : Sore eyes cannot abide the light , and there 's an enmity between the seed of the Woman and the Serpent ; and when other weapons have failed them , they have used this of their tongue , whereby indeed they prevail much to the disgrace of Religion .

1. Being so now we must not think it strange , Use 1. for the Devil is now as malicious as ever , and hath instruments as fit for his turn as ever ; If now endeavoring carefully to serve God , we be counted proud fellows , factious , Enemies to the State , &c. we must not be too much disquieted , were not the Prophets , the Apostles , Christ himself thus reputed ? we are not too good to go hand in hand with them ; it s a piece of our livery to be thus dealt with .

2. When we hear any reports against Gods Servants , Use 2. know them well ere we believe them , we should else condemn the innocent ; even Christ was slandered for a Conjurer and Traytor , and the Apostle Paul for a pestilent fellow , yet who were more freer ? who more wronged ?

4. That such as are reproached for the name of Christ , Such as are reproached for the name of Christ are happy . are happy ; I say , for the name of Christ , or for being true Christians , believing in Christ , and serving him ; for not the punishment , but the Cause makes a Martyr : How can this be will some say , and what blessedness can there be in being railed upon and slandered ? why , thus saith our Apostle , Matth. 5. 11. and he knew what he said , having learned the same of his Lord and Master , whom he heard so speak .

It s a blessed thing to be a Christian washt in the blood of Christ , reconciled to God , whom the Angels protect , who is the heir of Gods promises and blessings here , and of eternal salvation hereafter : Even an Emperor without this , is but as a man in great jolity to night , that must to execution to morrow : But to be railed on for being a Christian , is a greater blessedness , Phil. 1. 29. a special honor : Its honor to be a Princes Servant , but to be about him , and to have the guard of his own person , and to stand in his defence against an Enemy , or to be called forth to justifie his lawful Title , is far greater .

Again , It s a blessed thing to be willing and able to suffer for Christ , flesh and blood cannot ; we might have been of the persecuters , or of them that regard no Religion at all , or to suffer any thing for it , or making profession of Religion , should yet shrink from it , rather then suffer for its Cause ; Phil. 1. 28. Therefore to suffer for it is a blessed thing , which is to us a token of Salvation .

1. Therefore we must not onely not be dismaid , Use 1. but bear these things patiently , yea joyfully , for should we not rejoyce in that that makes us blessed ? If therefore we shrink at the least of these things , and pull in our heads , where 's our faith ? labor , that if we should be mockt and railed on , it may not be for nothing , but for true grace , faith wrought in us by the Word , &c. If we have these things , no matter though we have some mocks withal .

2. See that wicked persecuters make Gods Servants happy , Use 2. yea , more happy then they should be , so that in seeking their hurt , they do them good many ways ; They purge and try them , make them the more dear to God , and set the greater Crown upon their heads : what a priviledge have the Servants of God , that all things , even their persecuters should work together for their good ; It s not so with others , yet are not we to thank the wicked for this , who intend no such thing : The Caldeans and Sabeans were an occasion that Job had twice as much goods given him as he had before , but no thank to them , for they took from him what they could ; It s God who blesseth the more those whom the wicked curse .

5. That the judgement of the world is contrary to Gods ; The judgement of the world is contrary to Gods . They think not any blessedness to be in being railed on for Christs sake , but that blessedness stands in Health , Wealth , Honor , favor of Princes , &c. Alas , poor vanishing vanities to be lost every day , but blessedness is in being a Christian , and suffering for the same , Gods thoughts are not as mans ; The blinde world cannot judge of colours , and Carnal men savor not of things Spiritual .

1. Therefore look that we never esteem , Use 1. nor be carried with the judgement of the world , no not of the wise men of the world , which is a crooked rule to go by ; They say , it s not good to be too forward is matters of Religion , but go so far , as they may come back when they will , and save themselves from danger , and have two strings to their bow ; but let us know this to be cursed policy , this amity with the world , to be enmity with God .

2. If we think troubles for a good conscience , Use 2. base , vile , and accursed , and so shun them , though with an ill conscience , we are then of the world , and either wholly carnal , or in great part ; Shall we account that cursed , which the Lord calls blessed ? True , we must not bring troubles on our selves , nor desire persecution ; yet if God call us to them , we must not count them base , but glorious ; not cursed , but blessed : So if we think basely of them that suffer , or are in persecution , and shun them , then are we carnal and of the world ; nay , we ought to esteem highly of them , and think them glorious persons , because they be honored of God , and greatly graced of him .

For the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you , ] He proves what he affirmed ; If ye suffer for Christs sake , it s an argument ye have the Spirit of God in you , which is a glorious Spirit , and makes you glorious , notwithstanding the ignominy and reproach the world casts upon you , as though you were of all others the vilest ; whereupon you must needs be blessed , which Spirit is on their part ill spoken of , but on yours that suffer is glorified ; So that as the Spirit makes you glorious , you glorifie it by your constant and joyful suffering . Hence Note ,

1. That to suffer for Christs sake , To suffer for Christs sake an evidence of Gods Spirit in us . is a sign that we have the Spirit of God in us ; for 1. The world would not hate us except they saw some work of Gods Spirit in us , for if we lived after the maner of the world , they would let us alone . 2. Such have the Spirit of Adoption , Iohn 15. 19. assuring them of Gods love , of pardon and Salvation , which makes them willing to suffer . 3. It s the Spirit that comforts , and heartens to such weighty things ; flesh and blood will endure nothing for Religion , neither can it , but through the Spirit we are enabled : Steven a comfortable Martyr , Iohn 16. 3. 7. Why ? It s said , He was full of the Holy Ghost : It was by the Spirit of God onely that the Martyrs endured so constantly , not a few of them being weak , sick , tender , feeble of nature , and fearful ; It was of the Spirit that Mr. Glover spake when he came to the Stake to be burnt , He is come Austin , he is come ; having been very heavy and comfortless the night before : In ill I confess some may be as stiff , as the best can be in the truth , but they cannot suffer so joyfully as the Servants of God ; Matth. 10. 20. for it s through the Spirit of God that they suffer .

1. Therefore if we have had , Use 1. or finde any power to endure persecution , we may know that we have Gods Spirit , and thereupon ought to be both thankful and joyful .

2. As we would suffer with comfort and joy , Use 2. let us labor for the Spirit , and for a greater measure thereof daily .

3. As for those that neither can nor will endure any thing , Use 3. it s a sign they are carnal , and without the Spirit : And indeed , none can suffer much or joyfully , but such as have the Spirit , and therefore so few having the Spirit , there would be but a few to stand for the truth , if there should come a time of tryal .

2. That such as are endued with Gods Spirit , Such as are endued with Gods Spirit are blessed . be blessed ; for such as have and are led by the Spirit of God , they are the Sons of God ; and they , yea they onely which be sanctified here , shall be glorified hereafter ; Rom. 8. 14. The Spirit is given to the Elect , not to the world , it s the earnest of our salvation , and seals us up to the day of Redemption . Again , such are freed from the bondage of sin to serve God , such also have God abiding in them , yea , and hereby the Word , the Sacraments , Prayer , Afflictions , all things are profitable to us ; Hereby we are enabled to every duty , and armed against temptations .

1. This may comfort those that can prove they have the Spirit of God in them ; Use 1. they are comforted , sanctified , and guided thereby : This is the earnest and pledge of eternal life ; they are blessed , though but mean ; they may come into Gods presence boldly ; they shall want nothing that is good .

2. It may be a terror to those that live after the flesh ; Use 2. They have no mark whereby to free them from being reprobates ; for if any man have not the Spirit of Christ , the same is none of his , Christ never dyed for such , they are yet under the bondage of sin .

3. This should teach us , Use 3. having the Spirit , to beware of doing any thing whereby to grieve or weary such a guest ( sin is a filthy thing , and that wherewithal the Spirit cannot away ) yea , to use all means to cherish it daily , suffering our selves to be guided thereby , as that which will not be there where it may not rule .

3. That the Spirit is glorious in it self , Such as are endued with Gods spirit are glorious . and makes them glorious before God and man that be endued therewith ; it makes them shine more gloriously then the Sun : And this the Apostle opposeth to the ignominies and reproaches wherewith the world doth besmear them ; It s as if he should say , Though the world reproach you as vile , yet know , that you are glorious in Gods account , because of his Spirit that dwells in you .

1. Therefore be not dismaid , Use 1. though the world stain us , and accounts us vile , yet are we glorious to God .

2. We must esteem of the Servants of God , Use 2. in whom we see the Spirit of God , as of glorious persons , yea , though the world disgrace them , and count them as off-scourings , and not worthy to live , we must count them as Gods worthies , and Warriers , as his principal Servants ; we must count them such , as the world is not worthy of : They that esteem basely of them , See Ioh. 15. 21. do not consider that Gods Spirit is in them , 1 Iohn 3. 24. and resteth on them . Psal. 15. 4. and 119. 199. Contrarily , they that have not the Spirit of God in them , are base and vile , let the world make what reckoning of them it will .

4. That there 's no small difference between the common gifts of the Spirit that the Reprobates have , The gifts of the Spirit which the godly have , cannot be lost . and the Spirit of Sanctification , which is bestowed on Gods Elect ; those may be lost , this cannot , it resteth on them , yea , abideth and continueth with them .

On their part he is ill spoken of , ] Here note , that

They that rail upon , They that speak ill of Gods servants for their well-doing , speak ill of Gods Spirit . and revile the Servants of God for their well-doing , they speak ill of the Spirit of God ; they think they have but to do with the men , and them they will be bold with , to speak their pleasure of ; but they deceive themselves , in speaking ill of Gods Servants , they speak ill of the Spirit of God ; as the Israelites , when they murmured against Moses and Aaron , Exod. 16. 18. murmured against God : He that despiseth you ( saith our Savior ) despiseth me . Luke 10. 16. Therefore when TURKS and JEWS mock and reproach us for believing in CHRIST , they reproach both the Word , that so teacheth us , and the Spirit that thus guideth us , and assureth our hearts herein ; as he that reproacheth a Servant for doing that his Master commands , or a Schollar for speaking as he is taught , reproacheth the Master and Teacher : So when the Papists call the Doctrine which we preach and profess , Heresie , and us Heretiques , do they not reproach the Word that so teacheth , and the Spirit that so assureth us ? So they among our selves , that rail on men for their zeal and forwardness in hearing the Word , keeping the Sabbath , shunning some sins and corruptions , that the world swallow up , &c. What do these , but reproach Gods Spirit ? We do not these things of our selves , but by the warrant of the Spirit .

Take heed therefore that that be evil which thou speakest against , Use. else whilest thou reproachest goodness in thy Servant , Childe , Neighbor , Tenant , &c. thou art a caviller against God .

The common sort , that cannot abide the true obedience of Gods Commandments , nor that any should be more precise then they list to be , 1 King . 22. 13. despise the Word and Spirit ; they be like Ahab to Micaiah : Wouldst thou have God to make new Scriptures , more loose to serve thy turn , or to be like thy self ? No , know , these Scriptures shall stand firm , as to the comfort and salvation of all that are willing to be guided thereby , so to the confusion of all that kick against the same , or hate to be reformed . If therefore you list not to be ruled by the Word and Spirit , yet speak not against the same , for so you shall encrease your sin , and make your judgement greater , which howsoever will be great enough . If you will not walk in obedience to Gods Laws , yet suffer others that would .

On your part he is glorified . ] By our suffering of persecution God is glorified . Another Reason to move us to joyfulness in persecution , Thereby we glorifie God , we honor the Spirit , when undaunted we stand constantly against all our enemies : Hereby we shew , that the Spirit of God is of puissance and force to make the weak strong ; We glorifie him also , when we so love him , as we will suffer for his sake ; so we give glory to him , when we trust him of his word , who hath promised eternal life to them that hold out ; so when we obey him , and do that willingly he calls us to ; so many praise God for our constancy , whereby they be strengthened , and God is honored , See Ioh. 21. 19. that they cannot prevail against us , but though they take away our lives , yet they cannot make us yield to them .

We should therefore willingly and joyfully suffer , that so we may glorifie God : we may think our selves happy , if by any means , whether in life or death , we may effect this .

Verse 15. But let none of you suffer as a murtherer , or as a thief , or as an evil doer , or as a busie body in other mens matters . Verse 16. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian , let him not be ashamed , but let him glorifie God on this behalf .

LEst any should think that he commended suffering in respect of it self , so that all suffering should be blessed , and were to be rejoyced in , he tells us , That there 's another kinde of suffering , then that he hath been speaking of , which is not to be rejoyced in ; namely , when men suffer reproach and punishment , or whatsoever else for evil doing , for their just deserts : Those sufferings are base and shameful , whereof Christians must beware ; but for the sufferings which are for Christ , for Righteousness sake , for a good Conscience , there 's no shame belonging to them , but rather glory and rejoycing .

Here then are two kindes of sufferings laid down , Two kindes of sufferings . the one forbidden , whereto shame belongs , namely , to suffer for ill-doing , which is to be avoided ; the other enjoyned , and wherein we are to rejoyce , namely , in suffering for well doing .

But let none of you suffer as a murtherer , &c. ] Not that if any be a murtherer or thief , &c. he should not suffer the punishment due thereto , but flie from it ; for that herein he resists the Magistrates Sentence on his deserts , sets himself against God : but he would not have men do any such evil , as to procure or deserve any such sufferings .

Obj. But none can walk so circumspectly , but that he may and shall do evil , and so deserve punishment at the hand of the Lord .

A. True , but he speaks of foul vices , and punishable by men , which Christians should be far from ; and for the frailties of Gods Servants , he will not impute them to them .

The words afford this Doctrine , that

Sufferings for ill-doing are not glorious , Suffering for ill-doing are shameful . but shameful : Sufferings are good onely in respect of the cause ; if that be good , then they be good ; if that be evil , then they be shameful : The same sufferings for kinde and measure may be to one person glorious , to another infamous ; the one may have cause of joy , the other to hang down their heads : Both Abel and Jezabel were killed , but he for his goodness , she for her badness ; both Joseph and Pharaoh's Officers were imprisoned , but he unjustly , they justly : Such as are reviled , are blessed , provided it be for the Name of Christ , and for Righteousness sakes .

1. This rebuketh all that suffer for ill-doing , Use 1. especially such as rejoyce therein ; as 1. The Papists , who keep a Kalender of Martyrs , I warrant you , that have suffered in our late Queens days , and since ; but they be the Devils Martyrs , if they be any : If they had not impudent faces , they would be ashamed of them ; for why have they suffered ? for their Religion ? no such matter : Have they been asked , what say you to the Mass , to Worshipping of Images , to Justification by Works , &c. if you will not recant these , you shall dye ? no such thing ; but they have been convicted by Witnesses , or their own Confession , of Treason and Mischief against the Prince , State and Common-wealth ; and for these have they , according to the Laws of all Countreys and Kingdoms , as pestilent instruments , been cut off : Yet if they had been put to death for their Religion , they had been no Martyrs , for it had not been for the Truth or Gospels sake , but for maintaining Lyes and Errors . None can dye the death of a Martyr , who hath not first lived the life of a Christian , which they did never ; they are even as good Martyrs as those of our own , that be executed for their theft and murther : They have a multitude of Saints in their Kalender , that be Fire-brands in Hell . 2. Such as for their crimes and faults bring sufferings upon themselves , as thieves , murtherers , &c. woful wretches , they have cause to hang down their heads , both in respect of their sin , and the punishment that doth befal them ; they are herein companions with the Devil and Reprobates , that they suffer for their sins : Others bring punishments upon themselves for their Drunkenness , Whoredom , Cousenage , Oppression , Quarrelling , Idleness , &c. Others bring an ill report upon themselves , being noted and ill-spoken of for Lyars , Backbiters , Slanderers , Tale-tellers , Covetous Pinehers , Hard Dealers , Gamesters , Company-keepers , &c. 3. Such as are professors of Christianity , and it may be have some good things in them , which yet are justly blamed for some faults ; for one may be a Christian and be blamed , and yet not for his Christianity , but for something he did before he was a Christian , or for some fault that is yet in him : As some be justly blamed for being such deep censurers of others , so for separating from the Church , living in no Church at all , but setting up any ignorant persons to take upon them the office of Preaching : So some among our selves are justly blamed , for being too proud , given to censuring , and medling with matters that concern them not : So some poor men that have nothing but their Labor , and a Family depending upon them , that yet be negligent in their Callings , and look to live of others , and it may be go to three or four Sermons in a week , and tarry abroad a day or two here , three or four there , or , as some , go from house to house , and live of others , who though they can talk well , yet must not be negligent in their Calling , or of their Families : So a number of Servants that profess Religion , are very desirous to hear every Sermon , who yet are idle , lazy , careless and untrusty , thinking that a little profession of goodness should bear out all ; when-as thereupon there 's more required at their hands : These cause the Name of God to be ill spoken of , fie upon it ; it is your Masters duty to let you come to the Word , and is it not as well your duty to give them an account when you are come home ( which some of you do not at all ) and to shew the fruit of your hearing , by your faithfulness in your particular places ?

2. Let all beware of these kindes of sufferings , Use 2. and those that have besmeared themselves thus , seek to wash themselves clean again by repentance to God , and better conversation to men ; let us walk so warily , that we may not in any case grieve the Servants of God , and that the wicked may finde nothing justly to speak ill of us ( as thus , He is a Professor , Dan. 6. 5. but covetous , idle , proud , &c. ) as the Princes , though they watched Daniel narrowly , could finde nothing against him , but in the cause of his God .

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian , let him not be ashamed , ] Now of the other kinde of sufferings , whereof no man ought to be ashamed ; If a man suffer for Christs sake , his Christianity , godliness , for that very cause , and in that onely respect , for his goodness , for holding the truth of the Gospel , for yielding obedience to the Word ; Hereof none need be ashamed , but rather thank God for the same . Here note , That

Sufferings for godliness be glorious , Sufferings for godliness are glorious . they be the marks of Christ ; Christs sufferings , no shame belongs to them , for no shame belongs to Christianity ; The Cause is good and glorious , accordingly must the sufferings so be : No shame belongs to goodness , no shame among Turks to be counted and known a Christian , among Papists to be a Protestant , among common Protestants to be a zealous server of God , that desires to bring into practice that which we outwardly profess ; we need not care who know we be such , shame came in with sin , and belongs to sin ; to suffer for goodness , whether it be by word or deed , as to be Apprehended , Imprisoned , put in Irons , Whipped , &c. is not shameful , but glorious ; the Apostle Paul might have boasted more of his iron Chain , then others could have of their golden Chains ; No suffering is base , if it be for a good Cause : If one should be put in a vile Dungeon , dragg'd at an Horse tale , &c. yet being for the Cause of Christ , he needed not be ashamed .

1. This rebuketh all such that are ashamed of goodness , Use 1. and to be ill spoken of for it ; not onely the common sort who are ashamed of no evil ( as of Covetuosness , Swearing , Sabbath breaking , &c. but do even strive who should exceed others therein ) are ashamed of the least goodness , and would not be seen with a Bible in their hand , or in good company , or to speak a good word , lest their companions and betters should upbraid them : No , beware ; well , they are not worthy of the honor , they shall not need to fear it ; But others that have some goodness in them , as one would hope that are yet so ashamed of being seen to be too forward , would hear oftner , but for fear they should be counted Puritans , have their Landlords frown , &c. and accordingly grieve if they have a rebuke for their forwardness : Alas poor Creatures , that see not what is their glory , are ashamed of that they should glory in , namely their goodnes , which is the thing that commends every man ; even Kings in the Scripture are not otherwise commended but for their goodness : Others as great as they , are either branded with reproach , or passed by in silence that had no goodness .

2. Take heed therefore you be not ashamed of God here , Use 2. lest he be ashamed of you another day : Do as Abraham , Isaac and Jacob , they built here and there Altars , and were not ashamed to call on the Lord , neither was he ashamed of them to be called their God : Art thou called Puritan ? Answer , I am not so pure as I should be , I pray God make me pure ; you must be pure , else you shall never see God : we must also take heed that we esteem not basely , nor be ashamed of them that suffer for Christs sake , shunning and avoiding their company lest forsooth it should be known weare friends to Puritans ; to those the world so calls and counts , and that for their goodness ; wo be to us if we be not friends and favorers of them , this being indeed a main mark of our Regeneration . 1 Iohn 3. 14.

But let him glorifie God on this behalf . ] To suffer for well-doing affords matter of Thanksgiving . As sufferings for God are a benefit for which we are to praise God , so they be a great honor which the Lord vouchsafeth his : Hereby we are tryed , made Partners with Christ , the Prophets , Apostles , and Martyrs , that be now in Heaven , are like our head in suffering , Acts 5. 41. and so shall be in glory , and shall rejoyce at his coming , Phil. 1. 29. and for ever : This is an argument we are none of the world , but chosen out of it , yea , that we are blessed , and have the Spirit of God in us ; hereby also we glorifie God : And might not God have left us to our selves , and brought shameful sufferings upon us for foul sins , as upon many others ; yea , might have cast us to Hell , to have most just and woful torments for ever and ever : Now seeing he vouchsafeth to change our shameful sufferings here and hereafter for our sins , into a few glorious sufferings for his names sake , it is a priviledge : Therefore though there be some tartness in the afflictions themselves , yet consider how they might have been , and now the cause why they be , what Partners we have , what good they will do us here , and what an happy end we shall have hereafter , we have great and unspeakable cause to praise and glorifie God , which I pray in Gods name let 's labor ( by faith ) to bring our hearts unto .

Verse 17. For the time is come , that judgement must begin at the house of God ; and if it first begin at us , what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God ?

HEre are more Reasons to the same purpose ; 1. From the time ; God will now since Christs coming , exercise his Church with greater tryals and trobules , then the ages before his coming in the flesh . 2. The necessity of it , Judgement must come . 3. By making comparison between the state of Gods children persecuted , and their persecuters ; yea , and all the wicked , for though these be chastened a while , yet the end of the ungodly will be most fearful , which he sets not down affirmatively , but with much more vehemency and earnestness , by interrogation , What shall the end be , & c ?

For the time is come , The Churches troubles are more now then heretofore . &c. ] The Church is appointed to more crosses and tryals since Christ under the Gospel , then before . True , it hath been persecuted even from the beginning , and every true believer hath had crosses and tryals , and the people of God have been persecuted both of the prophane among themselves , and of others , yet never so sorely nor commonly as since Christ , witness the ten bloody Persecutions , with those which the Church hath since suffered by Heathen , Turks , Papists .

Reasons . 1. Because this time hath clearer promises , and a more fuller revelation of Gods will , and Heaven as it were set open , and Christ and all his benefits so set before our eyes , as we have much more means of comfort and believing , and so of love to God , and courage , and therefore may well undertake greater tasks ; the time of the Law , was the time of the infancy of the Church ; the time of the Gospel , the time of the maturity thereof : Therefore well may God require and look for more obedience , and not in doing onely , but suffering ; Acts 2. 17. for God will not have the graces of his Spirit in his Servants to rust . 2. The Lord hath promised great things of the people in time of the Gospel : Isaiah 4. 2. 27. 9. He will pour out his Spirit upon them , knowledge shall abound , yong men shall see visions , Heb. 12. 10. &c , Now seeing its foretold , we should be holy in these times , the Lord therefore must use the best means to effect the same , whereof afflictions are one .

1. This confuteth that opinion of the Papists , Use 1. that teach , That the Church in the New Testament should always so prosper and flourish in wealth , and be conspicuous and glorious , and have victory over the enemies thereof , which is rather the mark of the synagogue of Satan , which is ever greater in number , and more pompous , for though God give his Church breathings to be gathered , and to edifie themselves , yet is it scarce at any time free from troubles .

2. It rebuketh those among our selves , Use 2. that the Gospel should bring all peace and ease , and therefore when they see any troubles come for it , Amos 9. 9 , 10 , &c. they are offended : It s true , God gives peace and plenty , as handmaids to wait upon the Gospel , yet either for chastisement for the contempt of the Gospel , or tryal of his Servants profiting ; the Gospel hath troubles , and men must be content , and take the Gospel with whatsoever troubles , and thank God too , and think they be gainers : But many would have the rose , not the prickle , follow Christ for loaves , and in hope for preferment , but hearing that he hath no where to rest his head , they will be gone ; These be but Hypocrites , and such as never tasted indeed of the Gospel , for if they had , they would part with all for it .

3. It should teach us all in these days , Use 3. not to conceit of ease , credit , &c. for the Gospel brings a Sword , and therefore we must prepare for hardship , yea , the Gospel brings enough with it , to make us willing to suffer for it ; The not thinking hereof , causeth unpreparedness , and both either a flying from God , or else to bear them impatiently .

That judgement must begin ] By judgement is not meant plagues or punishments for sin , as pieces of Gods wrath , and forerunners of condemnation ( for such are those laid on the wicked ) but merciful chastisements , 1 Cor. 11. 32. and loving corrections , whereby we are moved to judge our selves that we be not judged of the Lord , and condemned with the world .

1. These afflictions must begin with Gods-Servants ; Afflictions must begin with Gods Servants . Jacobs house first , afterwards the Egyptians felt the Famine ; first the Israelites were oppressed , but afterwards the Egyptians themselves plagued ; the Jews were first carried into captivity , but afterwards the Assyrians were destroyed by the Medes and Persians . 1. In respect of their sins , they are full of terror and anguish of Spirit ere they can get any comfort , and when they have obtained it , it s often eclipsed , and they go mourning . 2. They are subject to many sicknesses , grievous pains , diseases , losses , crosses , disgrace , persecution at the hand of the wicked , &c. And thus will God have his Church afflicted , either by his own hand , or by the wicked . 1. To humble them for sin past , as Josephs brethren . 2. To fetch them into the way from wandring , and teach them obedience , as David and Jonah . 3. To humble them . 4. To mortifie their lusts , wean them from the world , and quicken them to duty . 5. Hereby also God sheweth that he will not bear with sin in his dearest Servants , as he did not in David , Moses , Miriam . 6. To confute the Devil , and shew that Gods people serve him not for wages . 7. To shew them their happiness is to come , and that if God thus school his Servants , that then he will deal severely with the wicked , so that this may be a looking-glass to them .

1. Seeing God will have it thus , Use 1. and that his course is to begin with his Children , we must not refuse the chastening of the Almighty , neither conclude against our selves , that we be none of the Lords , because of this , as Gideon , but if we can prove it by other reasons , let not this dismay ; This is rather an argument we are the Lords , though not of it self ( because the wicked are also thus met with ) yet to be taught hereby to labor to see the Lords minde , and to make use , and be patient , is a good sign , and know , seeing we be chastened here , we have happiness remaining for us .

2. That none bless himself to be in Gods favor because of his great prosperity , Use 2. or for that his eyes stand out with fatness : Psal. 73. 7. For Ishmael had the fat of the Earth , Iob 21. 7 , 8 , 9 , &c. and Esau the dew of Heaven , and Judas carryed the bag : They might rather conclude , seeing they live wickedly , and be not punished but prosper here , that therefore there remains a fearful answer for them , and so there doth , as in the next clause appeareth .

3. Neither ought Gods children envy or be discouraged at the prosperity of the wicked ; Use 3. for they may from thence conclude , that judgement is coming on them ; but for themselves , that there 's happiness laid up for them ; for if God can afford his enemies the blessings of this life ( which oftentimes even his own have in a scant measure ) how great happiness will he bestow upon them in the life to come ?

2. It s of necessity that Gods Servants must here suffer troubles ; Why Gods children must here suffer afflictions . and that 1. In respect of Gods will , he hath appointed us thereunto . 2. In respect of our necessity : Sin is so rivited into us , and in our very nature , as it must be no small nor easie thing to pluck it out from us : O our infidelity , pride , hypocrisie , self-love , frowardness , &c. how near do these cleave to us , Psal. 32. 3 , 4. and how fast do they hang on ? nay , what a while is it ere an affliction works any thing to the purpose , which therefore must either be long continued , or have another joyned therewith : Who hath not need to have his heart more mollified ? to be weaned from the world , to be quickned to his duty &c. how soon do we forget an affliction , and therefore who hath not need to be remembred ?

Therefore let us not be against the Lords chastning : Use. It s better to have a strong purgation , then to fall into spiritual diseases and dangers , whereunto we shall else be subject ; there 's no rule in the world among children without rods : Neither use we untimely means , or make over much haste to get out of them , but crave rather to be better renewed and increased in Faith , Patience , Humility , &c. our care is comfortable .

At the house of God ; ] Gods Church is his house . that is , The Church of God , as it s said of Moses , Numb. 12. 7. That he was faithful in Gods house . God walks in the midst of the seven golden Candlesticks : Rev. 1. 13. He is among his people , and in his Church , to direct , comfort , protect and provide for it , as a careful housholder for his family : He is with us to the end of the world , and dwells in every Believer by his holy Spirit .

1. This serves for instruction to duty , Use 1. both to God our Housholders and other our fellow-servants : Towards God , 1. We must behave our selves , as such as belong to such a Family ; Joshua and Cornelius had godly Families , God will have none that shall behave themselves unseemly , or not be subject to the Orders of his House ; we must not be away at meals , when the Family meet ; If God finde our place empty , when it should be full , as at Word and Sacrament , he will be much provoked ; if the second time , beware , &c. 2. We must follow our work hard , that our Master sets us about , for he hath no idle persons in his Family ; we must therefore know what is our work in our general calling , as that we must walk holily , righteously and soberly ; what in our particular , as a Magistrate , Minister , Housholder , Servant , Husband , Wife , &c. He will pay well , and therefore looks to have his work done well and faithfully ; neither must we refuse any work he sets us about , as some skemish Servants do in our time , but do whatsoever he requires , knowing that he appoints no work but what s fit and meet ; and we must be at his hand always , not as retainers , ( God hath no such ) but houshold Servants , up-rising and down-lying . 3. We must bear patiently the rebukes of our Master , and his corrections when we have done amiss ; yea , learn to amend there by , not murmuring nor answering again . 4. We must take our Masters part when we see him misused , or his goods imbezeled , he will else pull our coats over our ears as unfaithful ones .

Towards each other . 1. There must be no contentions between us , an honest Housholder will not endure it in his Family , much less can the Lord away that there should be in his ; How shall then the work go forward ? 2. We must love and joyn together against the Enemies , and defend one another in goodness ; not hinder , but further one anothers works , and not envy that any of our fellow-servants do more work then we ; let us do what we can , and when we cannot , yet be glad that our Masters work go forward .

2. It serves for comfort to all that be of the Lords Houshold ; Use 2. They shall want no good thing , no direction , comfort , strength against temptation ; If we use the means , and make known our wants to God , he that requires us to work , will not suffer us to want wherewithal ; yea , for outward things , we shall not want what is meet : He that bids us provide for our Families , and saith , he is worse then an Infidel that doth not , will not fail us in our lawful endeavors : Haply he will not always give all we desire , but what is meet ; and hereafter we shall be taken up to his other house in Heaven , when we have been sufficiently purged here .

3. It may be for terror to all that misuse Gods Servants , Use 3. or reproach and buffet them , when they be at their work ; God will not put it up , but defend even the meanest Servant in his Family .

4. It may be for direction ; Use 4. let us prove our selves his true Servants , Covenant-Servants , and no hang-by's ; for as about Princes and great Mens Houses , be many that be not in Covenant for wages , nor are setled Servants , of whom any charge is taken : So in the Church , the Lords House , there are a number that work not the Lords work , but the Devils , and are of his Family ; for he hath two Families , one of reprobate souls in Hell , the other of unbelievers and wicked here on Earth : These work earnestly for the Devil , yet they will come into Gods House , and the Devil is content they should , so long as they keep their heart and life to him ; yea , they will put over their leg , and sit down at the table to eat of the bread prepared for the Lords Family , but he will come in and view them , and finding them without a wedding Garment , and such as be not in Covenant with him , he will cause them to be bound hand and foot , and cast into utter darkness ; These shall have their wages where they have done their work : Hast thou been such a one ? humble thy self before God , bid adieu to thy old master , and come in good earnest , and enter Covenant , and purpose to be a true and dutiful Servant to God , and he will have mercy on thee , and take thee into his Service , and then mayest thou have comfort , and challenge the priviledge of the Family .

If it first begin at us , &c. ] Here note ,

1. That the Apostle puts himself in the number of such as were of Gods House ; Assurance of Salvation possible . So that its possible for us to come to be assured that we are of the Lords Family .

Labor we therefore to attain hereunto , Use. else what joy can we have of our lives ? 2 Pet. 1. 10. we are bid make our calling and election sure , and why do we it not ? wouldst thou know to what family thou dost belong , thou mayest by the works thou doest : If we work the works of God , Iohn 8. 44. of Holiness and Righteousness in our general callings , and be faithful in our special callings , then are we of Gods Family ; if the works of sin , then are we of our Father the Devil : You may come into Gods House , as many an hypocrite and Beast doth , but of his house you be not ; try whose work thou doest : Thou doest some work of Gods , and some of the Devils ; no , if we do any work willingly for the Devil , we do none for God aright , nor that he accepts . Again , if thou dost not believe nor repent , thou art none of Gods Family ; if thou art an unrighteous person , thou art none of his , yea , if we be of Gods house , we cannot abide to hear our Master ill spoken of , nor any of our fellow-servants for their goodness , but our hearts will rise against it ; contrarily , if we be such as dishonor God , reproach the sincerity of the Gospel , and power of Religion , with them that desire so to walk , yea , or can hear them ill spoken of , and are not grieved thereat , it s a sign we be none of Gods Family , but the Devils .

2. That there 's no small difference between the state of Gods children and the wicked ; The state of the godly and ungodly much different . even the state of the godly , notwithstanding the many troubles wherewith their life is filled , is to be preferred before the state of the wicked , notwithstanding their present jollity : The state of the godly is infinitely better then the wicked's , both in this life , in death , and at the day of Judgement : Those are freed from the curse and wrath of God , and all evil , are reconciled and made the children of God , and are covered with Christs righteousness : These are in danger of all condemnation , remain children of the Devil , Enemies to God , altogether in their own filthiness ; all Creatures both in Heaven and Earth are at Peace with those , but all at odds with these ; Angels guard the one , the other are a prey to the Devil ; the one working the works of holiness , are acceptable to God , and shall have eternal life , the other the filthy scullery of the Devil , Psal. 11. 6. shall have Hell ; the one are beloved of God , the other hated ; the person and prayers of the one are acceptable to God , the others abominable in his sight ; of the one all things , their afflictions , Rom. 8. 28. yea , their sins turn to their good , to the other , the mercies of God , Isaiah 4. 5. yea , his holiest Ordinances turn to their hurt : Those are called the glory , Psal. 1. 3 , 4. these dross ; those are as a tree planted by the rivers of waters , &c. these as the chaff which the wind driveth away ; those are as wheat for the garner , these cockle and tares to be bundled up for the fire : the wicked seem more excellent outwardly , but they are like painted Sepulchres , like rotten wood shining in a dark night ; the godly are like a plain leather Casket , with a precious Pearl therein of unspeakable worth : Turn them which way you will , if both in prosperity , infinite odds , one being the childe of God , the other of the Devil ; the godly hath more joy and peace in well-doing , then the wicked of all their jollity ; the ones prosperity is a pledge of better things in Heaven , the others is sent in wrath to fat them to their destruction : If both in adversity alike , yet infinite odds ; the one chastened of God , as a Father doth his children , for their great good , the other pursued in vengeance , by a just Judge , as fore-goers of greater plagues ; for the one Gods arrows are dipt in poyson , for the other , the poyson is taken away in Christs Sufferings ; On the one God hath promised to lay no more then they are able to bear , the other have no such promise ; the one have Gods promise to comfort and uphold them in them , as also assurance , as of good by it , so of a good and happy end , and after this life their joys to begin , that never shall end , but the other have no such promises ; nay , when this life ends , then shall begin their Torments , which shall never end ; nay , put the godly in the greatest misery that can be , and the ungodly in the greatest jollity , like Dives and Lazarus , or if ye will chain the one in a Dungeon about his feet , middle and neck , and let the other ride in all pomp , and with all the attendance and honor that the world can afford , yet the one is infinitely more happy then the other . In death the Righteous have hope , the wicked none , but are either full of horror or blockish : After death these go to Hell , those to Heaven ; the children are taken up into the Chambers of Christ , the Dogs and ungodly are cast out of doors : At the day of Judgement , the one shall stand with comfort on the right hand , the other with terror on the left , both being raised up : The wicked shall have the wound that death gave them healed up ( as Traytors be healed of their hurts , that they may come to execution ) and thereupon both in body and soul shall be cast into Hell fire ; though the one begin with joy , yet they end with wo ; and though the other begin heavily here , yet they end with joy in Heaven , and this life is nothing to that 's to come : Could we discern this , we would reverence the one highly , and no less pity the others ; yea , should the ones troubles here , infinitely exceed the others jollities , or the troubles of the godly be here greater then they are , as also the jollity of the wicked , we would not change with them .

1. This confuteth the blinde world , Use 1. that esteemeth basely of Gods servants , and of their state ; but let us never think the worse of our estate for them , as a plain rich man doth not , when a vain bragging fellow in brave apparel goes swaggering scornfully by him .

2. This may and ought wonderfully to comfort Gods servants , Use 2. that hath advanced them to this high dignity , passing by so many others : O that we would walk worthy hereof in an holy and pure conversation .

3. This may be a choak to the wicked , Use 3. notwithstanding all their jollity , and make them weary of their condition , laboring to become godly , and of Gods house , that so they may be truly happy .

What shall the end of them be that obey not the Gospel of God ? ] Here 's implyed ,

1. That though the afflictions of Gods people be many and great , yet they are nothing in respect of the miseries which shall befal the ungodly : The afflictions of the godly not comparable to the miseries of the ungodly . The Lord is Judge of all the world , and he will deal justly and equally , even give every one according to their works : If therefore he afflict his children with rods , he will plague his enemies with scourges ; Gen. 18. 5. if he will not bear with sin in his own servants that are careful to please him , Rom. 2. 6. and stand in awe , and yet be overtaken , then he will be dreadfully revenged of those that make a trade of sin ; if his children in their conversion , and often afterward upon any sin committed , have gripes of Conscience , and suffer the terrors of God , See Psal. 78. 55. 65. then shall the wicked have a gnawing Worm that shall never dye ; Isa. 27. 27. if those be brought , as it were , along by Hell , these shall be left and swallowed up of Hell : Ier. 25. 29. and 49. 12. The Lord began with the Israelites in Captivity , but ended with the Egyptians , in drowning them in the Red-sea ; the three Children were put into the fiery Fornace , not burnt , but fire seized on them that put them in ; Daniel was put into the Lyons Den , but his Enemies and Accusers were devoured ; Israel was carried Captive , but Ashur destroyed ; the children are beaten with the rod , thereafter it s burnt ; God chastens his for a few days here to their amendment , but the wicked shall be cast into eternal fire . In reading , hearing and seeing what grievous things the Lord hath laid on his own children , the wicked may see , as in a glass , the woful state that abides them .

2. That the torments prepared for the ungodly in death and at the day of Judgement , The ungodly's misery cannot be expressed . are such as cannot be expressed : The Apostle knew that they should have a fearful end ; but utter the further end of it , and lay it out to the full , he could not , therefore is forced to say , What shall be the end ? 1 Iohn 3. 2. It s a wonderful love of God , that he hath made us his Children , but yet it s not manifest what we shall be , that is , 1 Cor. 2. 9. it cannot be exprest what happiness is prepared for us : Eye hath not seen , nor ear hath not heard , what God hath prepared for his children : So cannot any decypher the fearfulness of the wo prepared for the ungodly : Such shall be separated from God and from his Saints , and have their portion with the Devil and damned : O the universality of their torments , both in respect of their bodies and souls ! O the greatness of their pangs , tormented with fire and brimstone ! O the eternity of them ! They shall be world without end : If a man in pain should shed a tear or drop of water from his eye once in a thousand years , and no more , yet sooner should he make a whole Sea , before this time will end .

1. O what an iron scourge should this be to drive the wicked to repentance , Use 1. not resting till they know they be freed from this woful lake ! O let them never glory in their prosperity , as long as they are in danger hereof ! If any will not break off their sins and fear , they will prove costly profits and pleasures ; and they that will not believe and fear here , shall feel them to eternal destruction hereafter .

2. How should this glad the hearts of all Gods people , Use 2. that know themselves freed from this fearful lake , and make them walk chearfully and obediently all their days , to the honor of him that by his sufferings hath freed them therefrom ; yea , should we not bear our few afflictions patiently , being freed from these endles and easeles ones , and not to envy at the prosperity of the wicked , seeing it shall have such an end ? let their beginning be what it will be , if this be their end , God keep us from having any part therein .

That obey not the Gospel of God . ] Disobedience to the Gospel a grievous sin . The wicked are described by their disobedience to the Gospel , and these are indeed the most wicked , and and have the fearfullest answer to make , and the lowest or worst place in Hell ; they shall speed worst , for their sin is greatest : For what a favor of God is it , not onely to give Christ to the world , but then to publish him by the Gospel , being the glad tidings of Salvation , to all of what sort soever , though never so mean , never so great sinners , there is mercy upon their unfained humiliation , and such God sends his Ministers to beseech men to be reconciled : O this is an unspeakable f●vor , as that the contempt thereof must needs deserve a fearful damnaton ! That men should continue yet in their sins , and have no minde ● Christ as a King and Savior , Simile . is fearful : If a company of Rebels●ad a pardon proclaimed , and sent out to so many as would come in , fany would stand out and refuse the Kings grace and favor , were he ●t worthy to be cut-off ? It shall be easier for Sodom and Gomorrah in ●e day of Judgement , then for these people : Heb. 2. 2. If they that despised the●aw were not unpunished , how shall they be dealt withal that desp● the Gospel ? The higher they are lift up , the lower they shall be casdown .

1. This rebuts the most part ; Use 1. Howsoever they talk of the Gospel , and come●t Church , and cry , The temple of the Lord , the temple of the Lord , yet ●ey yield not obedience thereto , but continue in their sins : There are ●w that come to see any such need of Christ , as highly to prize him , a● most earnestly to seek him ; though some would have Christ the Savior , and will have Jesus Christ in their mouths , yet few will sto● to his yoke , to renounce all their lusts , and yield up themselves in abbedience to his will , but either will live in all their sins , or onely yid in what they list , and so trample the precious blood of Christ unde●●eir feet , and despise the gracious offer of mercy : One would think th●very man hearing such a gracious voice , and offer of a Savior , sh●ld flie to it , and that it should suffer violence , every one saying , O ●me embrace it , let me , as they did at the Pool of Bethesdai : Iohn 5. 4. O ●t at the stirring of the water some might step in ; There might b●ne at once , but here if an hundred would , they should all be closed .

2. O then me your benefit of the Gospel , Use 2. by yielding obedience thereto ; Belie and repent , and then happy are ye that ever ye heard , else you shall c●t the time that ever you heard the Gospel : O ungrateful world ! unhappy company ! It will vex them , and encrease their torment , ●ee that mercy was offered so often , and yet they like woful caytiffs despise the same ; to obey the Gospel , is the note of a good christian : let appear by thy hearty obedience thereto , that thou art such a one .

Verse 18. And if the righteous scarcely be saved , where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ?

HE proceeds still in the foregoing reason , taken from the comparison between the good and the wicked ; whereof the former , though they have many troubles and afflictions , yet they shall in the end be eternally blessed , and saved in Heaven , though with some difficulty ; the latter , though they flourish and prosper for a while , and many of them persecute the former , yet they shall end their life with misery that cannot be expressed , and have a fearful appearance before God on the last day : If the righteous Servants of God get hardly to Heaven , the wicked , how glorious soever in this world , shall never be able to appear in Judgement before God , but in a most fearful maner , which is not set down by a bare affirmation , but by way of interogation , for the greater force : where there is comfort for Gods Children , notwithstanding their troubles , and the wickeds prosperity , they shall be saved , and terror for the wicked , notwithstanding all their present jollity , their end shall be fearful .

Speak we first of the position ; The righteous are scarcely saved ; then of the comparison , if it be so , where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ?

If the righteous ] Hereby we are to understand , not such as be perfectly righteous in themselves , and without sin ; for if there be any such ( as there is none ) they should not scarcely , and with difficulty be saved , but according to that , do this and live , easily and without stop : Even the most perfect have not been without their own failings ; there was impatience in Job , Mat 9. 13. infidelity in Zachary , &c. not meant the righteous in their own conceits , for these shall never be saved , as for whom Christ came not ; nor such as having attained some common gifts , as of knowledge , to profess to reform some things , &c. seem to themselves and others righteous , Whom we are here to understand by righteous . but yet are not so truly , but as the seed sown on the stony ground , and the house built on the sand ; but such as be truly righteous , though not perfectly , yet in some respect perfectly to ; See Ezek. 28. namely , 1. By the righteousness of Christ Jesus imputed unto them by Faith : They that have their sins pardoned in his death , and his righteousness imputed to them , are truly righteous , yea , and perfectly too , as ever they shall be in heaven . 2. By inherent righteousness , wrought in the hearts of Gods Children and Believers , by the Spirit of Sanctification , whereby they be sanctified throughout , though not perfectly , yet those God vouchsafeth to call righteous , though they be but so in part , and have remnants of corruption abiding in them , yet they are so called from the better part , as an heap of corn that lies on the floor , though there be chaff in it , and that much . 3. For that they endeavor , and daily labor after more righteousness ; as one is called a Schollar , or by the name of the trade he is entred into , though happily he can do but a little , onely endeavors for skill and knowledge therein : Of which elswhere .

1. This setteth out the exceeding goodness and mercy of God , Use 1. that vouchsafeth thus to come and call such poor and sinful creatures as we be , pestred with such a deal of blindeness , and so manifest corruptions ; yet seeing he seeth an heart in us to hate them , and suppress them , he will not reckon of us after them ; and though we have but a little grace , yet because it is true , and of his own working that we have , and that we would fain have more , he accounts of us according to that we would be , and not that we are .

2. This is an exceeding comfort to Gods true Servants ; Use 2. can we believe Christs righteousness imputed to us , and feel we an universal and true change in us , then may we rejoyce ; God calls us by glorious names , Saints , Holy ones , Righteous , let us not then be dismaid at our imperfections or corruptions , which we labor to mortifie ; le ts not say with some , because of them we are none of the Lords , we have such sinful hearts , &c. Neither let us suffer the Devil to pluck our Crown from us , or rob us of our comfort , making us believe that we be none of the Lords ; as some few be thus in danger , especially at first , though many Christians make too light of their sins ; as long as God speaks so graciously , let us not believe what Satan our adversary saith , onely let us care to grow more and more in grace .

3. This rebuketh those wretched mockers that reproach the Servants of God , Use 3. that labor to please God , and dare not do as they : O you be of the righteous , you be so righteous , &c. Is not this right like Ishmaels mocking of Isaac ? O you be the Son of the promise , you are the dainty one , &c. Such shall be shut out with Ishmael , unless by repentance they prevent it : Why say you thus ? because you think it to good a name for them ? Is thine eye evil , because Gods is good ? what hast thou to do , seeing God calls them so ? or is it because thou wouldst not have them so ? 1 Cor. 6. 9. Yes ; but if thou beest not also so , thou shalt never inherit the Kingdom of Heaven .

Scarcely be saved , ] Hereby is not meant rarely , or that but a few righteous ones shall be saved ; Acts 10. 4● . For whosoever believeth shall be saved ; and to every one that doth good shall be glory , Rom. 2. 7. and 8. 1. and honor , and immortality ; and There is no condemnation to them , or any of them that are in Christ Jesus : Nor is it meant , that there will be difficulty at the day of Judgement , whether they should pass or no , have or miss Salvation ; no , for God knoweth who be his , and their names be all written in the Book of Life ; Mat. 7. 22. and if they were righteous here , and had the Spirit , the seal of their Redemption , and earnest of their Inheritance , as they pass to it at death , so shall they have no stop at the day of judgement . Among earthly Judges , when a cause hath gone current on a mans side a great while , yet at last , either by corruption of Jury or Judge , or by some evidence come to light , not seen before , all may be dasht and turn'd the other way : It shall not be so at Gods judgement seat ; It s an hard thing for a man to get to Heaven . there will be question made of the damnation of some , but no question made of the salvation of any of the godly : But the difficulty is in this life ; it s an hard thing for a man to get to heaven ( called therefore a Straight gate , Mat. 7. 14. and Narrow way ) a hard thing to come to be a Christian , a converted person , and an hard thing to continue therein , and grow forward . God hath much ado to bring us to grace , and then much ado to hold us therein ; as he had a great deal ado to get his people out of Egypt , and into Canaan , sometimes themselves by murmuring , lingering , &c. and sometimes others , as Pharaoh , the Red-sea , &c. proving hinderances thereto ; so hath he to get one of us out of the bondage of the Devil ; out of the Egypt of sin : The Devil holds , the world hinders , yea , our own wretched nature is not willing to come out : What a stir hath he ? how many Sermons , Threatnings , Promises , secret gripes of Conscience , Warnings of the Spirit , purposes to come out , and yet keep in still , ere we will yield ? yea , how is God fain almost to pull us out by some crosses or sharp afflictions , as the Angels pulled Lot out of Sodom ; how hardly are we throughly humbled for our sins ? when cast down , how hardly comforted ? when we have got it , how hardly do we keep it ? what a stir with our hearts to leave our old courses and take new ? and when we have begun , yet what ado to hold out ? what revolting and backsliding hearts have we ? ready to wax cold , and to linger after our old lusts , so hard it is to do any good duty well . The Devil , like Pharaoh , pursueth us , and labors by all means possible to hinder us from all good altogether , or from the right performance of it , so also to draw us to all evil : Then the world like Pharaohs Soldiers , labors to hinder us by their ill example , by ill counsel , by vails of profits and pleasures , and if these not , by reproaches and troubles that it will raise up . Our own Nature is worst of all , as having a lingering after our old sins , as the Israelites after the fleshy pots of Egypt ; sometimes we think like them , we shall never hold out , there be such lets in the way , high walls , and Anakims , &c. so that we get forward hardly ; as a man that were to go up a steep hill , and had three great weights hung at his back ; so that we have such continual need of the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , Meditation , Conference , Watchfulness , that unless hereby , we wax cold , and grow out of order ; nay , notwithstanding all these , yet what ado to keep our hearts and lives in order , and our selves within compass , but we slip and stumble , and grieve , and up again , and down again ; yea , if the Lord to all these means should not adde some one or other affliction , it would be yet more hard : The Lord is fain to pull us with that strong cord also , and this is chiefly meant here , they are scarcely saved , even because they are forced to be brought through many troubles ; so that as a man that is to climb such a steep hill , as he cannot fasten his feet , but is fain to get Daggers in his hands , and sticking them into the ground , &c. may be said hardly to get up ; Simile . and as when two Armies fight for a Town , one while one part prevails , another while the other , at last the better side prevails , but notwithout much pains , many wounds , shrewd blows , and continual labor , we may say , They got the Town hardly ; the like may be said in this particular : Who knoweth not the truth hereof in his own experience ? how hardly canst thou be humbled ? how hardly drawn to renounce thy lusts ? how art thou fain to wrestle before thou canst do any good ? what continual need hast thou of prayer , good company , &c. yea , who knowing any thing , seeth not he hath need of his crosses , and that it was good for him that he was afflicted ?

1. This crosseth the most gross , Use 1. and yet most common conceit of the world , that its an easie matter to be saved , that there 's no need of such preciseness , but that if men mean well , God will be content , and though one have lived badly , yet at what time soever they repent ( for which a quarter of an hour is enough ) it shall be well with them ; and hence it is , that the Word and our Preaching is of such small account , and that so few take any pains to be saved , but take pains for the belly and back , and to grow rich , &c. Ignorant persons look not out , but content themselves with a blinde good meaning , without any part of a good life ; so prophane persons , so worldlings , so civil ones : Though the Scripture requires us to labor , strive , give all diligence , study , seek , yet will not they take any pains ; nay , not onely so , but they laugh and gibe at them that labor herein , as fools or idle persons : What art thou woful wretch , that darest cross the Lord so directly ? He saith , It s a strait way , and few finde it ; and to this end , bids Strive ; Thou sayest it s no such matter : If it were as thou dotest , Christ might not onely have spared those speeches , but indeed the whole Scriptures ; for what use of any , but to bid people live as they list , and at last cry God mercy , and all is well : No , God must make new Scriptures , and chalk a new way to Heaven , ere ever thou shalt finde that thou lookest for : But what art thou , that neither wiltst take pains to save thine own soul , nor canst be content that others should ? Dost thou think that they be idle persons that take pains to hear the word ? O , they could follow the world , and that too hard , but that they know one thing is needful : Could they not sit at home in their chairs , or keep their beds , as well as rise and toil , &c. but that they know that they cannot so get Heaven , but that they have need to use all means , and that little enough , though thou seest no such thing : Indeed , to lead a careless life , to do good if it come in the way , and if ill come in the way , to be as fit for that , &c. a few Sermons , and little hearing may serve for such a life , but this is not the way to get Heaven : If ever thou wouldst be saved , thou must change thy minde , and practice and believe the Scriptures , that its a strait way , and accordingly bend thy self to begin to take pains , to see and confess thy sins , to labor for faith , to turn to God , to strive against the Flesh , the World and Devil ; thus as hard as it is , thou mayest prevail . O strive whilst thou mayest , for many shall strive that shall not enter in , and thank God a thousand times , that thus striving thou mayest obtain .

2. Let every man prove whether he be in the strait way or not : Use 2. Many say , They thank God they have ever been of a good belief , and never doubted of Gods good will in their lives , and that they thank God they have a good minde ever , and can serve God with all their hearts , and that they are not troubled with any such temptations as they hear some complain of , and that they thank God they be not so wicked , that they should need so many Sermons as some do ; and that they have ever prospered , and have had as few crosses as any body , &c. These will think ill of me to unsettle them , but their state is too smooth , and too easie to be the way to Heaven , it s rather the broad green way to Hell : They that never doubted , never believed , that have been ever good , were never good ; so they that have had no dumps nor fears at any time : For Christ calls none but sinners , but the heavy laden ; they that can serve God with all their heart , without any trouble , the Devil hath them sure some other way , and therefore troubles them not in their duties , because he knows they be but lost labor , done in hypocrifie , or else he draws away their mindes , and they feel it not : Those that can do well without resistance , be better then St. Paul , Rom. 7. 19. who could not do the good he would ; it s a sign they be all flesh , for were there any Spirit in them , there would be opposition ; let such know , their state is naught : This way will never bring them to Heaven ; what would you have or lose all this time ? better begin twice , then be damned once .

On the other side , some say , They have gone a troublesom way , and full of labor and difficulty , have much ado to be humbled , much to get comfort , then much to hold it , so that they have had much strife with themselves for some lusts , and to take up some duties ; much ado with their old companions , and that they can do no good but with such opposition and pain , as Pray , Read , Hear , &c. and what a stir they have to bridle their nature ( and have had no more but needs ) many crosses , &c. Simile . let these be of good comfort ; this is a sign of the way to Heaven : and as a man that is going to some Inheritance , being before informed of the rugged miry and troublesome way he must go through , finding it so , though it somewhat trouble him , yet it more joys him , that hereby he knows he is in his way ; so cannot it but rejoyce those that thus labor , as knowing that they are in their way : let us be of good comfort , and strive still , and we shall at last get to Heaven , and be saved , though it be thus scarcely and with difficulty ; for faithful is he that hath promised , who shall separate us from his love ? He that that hath begun the good work in us , will perfect it ; The gates of Hell shall not be able to prevail against us , we shall get to Heaven in spite of the Devil , the World , and our own Lusts : Our Father is stronger then they ; That 's a racking uncomfortable opinion of Rome , that men may strive all their days , and at last lose all : No , wo were then to us ; If our Salvation were in our own keeping , it might and would be lost .

3. This teacheth all Gods Servants to take pains , Use 3. and strive hard to get to Heaven ; even Gods Servants are herein faulty , that they think it not so hard to be saved , and therefore are the more secure and lazy , take too little pains , watch not , put not on their armor , labor for no more grace then they had seven years ago : O le ts strive more against our lusts , labor for more strength and grace , pray , hear , meditate , watch continually , &c. It s not praying once a day will serve us , but as often as we have need , else if we spare our pains herein , and be negligent in these duties , we shall smart another way , fall the more into sin , have the more discomfort , bring more labor and charge upon our selves , as he that lets his house go out of reparation to avoid trouble and charge ; nay , how often meet we with crosses upon neglect of these duties ? O whil'st others are encreasing their iniquities , and making more rods for themselves , let us these holy days and vacation time take pains to further our selves to Heaven ; And as Travellers chear up one another , lend one another their hand to help them up , if they be down , or an high or slippery place ; so let us help one another to Heaven all that we can : Neither let us be unwilling to undergo afflictions , nor impatient under them , but rather bear them quietly and thankfully , seeing they help us up this hill of Sanctification to Heaven .

Where shal the ungodly and sinner appear ? ] If they that take great pains , yet get hardly to Heaven , then what shall become of them that lay down the rein , doing what they list , and taking no pains at all ; Here 's the comparison , shewing the woful state remaining for the wicked at the last day : By ungodly , we are to understand such as live wickedly , and indeed as if there were no God . Heaven or Hell ; and by sinners , such as go on impenitently in their sins , whether ignorants , prophane persons , 1 Iohn 1. 8. civil persons , or Hypocrites : All are sinners , and if we say we have no sin , we deceive our selves ; yet there be of them , which have sin in them , whom God will call righteous ; but of the workers of iniquity , of those that make as it were a trade of sin , and return a great deal , being great dealers therein , our Apostle is here to be understood .

These two , He that is not righteous is ungodly and a sinner . ungodly and sinner , be opposed to righteous , so that whoso is not righteous , is an ungodly one and a sinner : If such being reproved shall say , Are not all of you sinners ? are you without sin ? and shall think thus to hide themselves ; let them know , that the righteous ( though not without sin ) do both hate sin , and purpose against it before , strive against it at the present , and are sorry after they have committed the same , none of which are found in these ungodly and sinners .

Where shall they appear ? ] He asks not because he knew not , for he knew they should and must appear before the Judgement seat of Christ , 2 Cor. 5. 10. and knew also that they should be set on the left hand , to hear that dreadful sentence pronounced against them , Go ye cursed of my Father , &c. but speaks thus to shew the fearfulness of their state ; for it s more then if he had said , They shall appear to condemnation , Where shall they appear ? The fearfulness of the ungodlies condition on the day of Iudgement cannot be expressed . as if he could not express what a fearful appearance they should have : To flee therefrom they cannot , whether should they , all being on fire ? To resist they cannot , they have nothing wherewith , they are naked of their pomp and retinue : Hide themselves they cannot from his all-seeing eye ; to abide the presence of this Judge , is impossible : O they will then call to the hills to cover them ! we think that the Jews , Judas , Pilate , and the Soldiers , shall have a fearful appearance , but many among our selves shall have a worse then some of them : Do not we prefer our lusts before Christ , as the Jews did Barrabas ? Do not many among us pierce him with their sins ? Crucifie him again , persecute him in his Members ? This will not be the state onely of poor snekes , or of the common multitude , but of the greatest and mightiest potentates , Nimrods , Gyants : O these shall wail before him , beating their knees one against another !

They that have sit as Judges of Gods Servants in their Velvet coats and Gold Chains , shall now stand naked before this Judge : Here they dare appear any where , yea , where Gods Servants oftentimes care not for appearing , but we shall one day appear with joy , where they shall not shew their faces .

O that this might strike terror into wicked mens hearts , Use. to think of this day , and might be a choak to all their ungodly profits and pleasures : O this day will pay for all ! O that they could be perswaded now to kiss the Son , now to humble themselves before him , now to stoop to him , and imbrace him as their Savior ; yet how many wicked wretches be there , that will hope to be saved as well as the best , even notorious ones ? O fearful impudency ! you saved , then who shall be damned ? The Turks and Heathens that know not God . True , but not with such a destruction as shall befal you , your stripes shall be worse and more then theirs , your day is coming , you have had the start of Gods Children , you have been first in prosperity , as they in trouble , but ere long their mourning shall be turned into mirth , your joy into everlasting misery .

Verse 19. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God , commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing , as unto a faithful Creator .

THe conclusion , containing an Exhortation to commend and commit our selves and our state in all our troubles to God , holding on our good course , and keeping a good conscience , without turning awry one way or other , who both can , being our Almighty Creator , and will , being faithful in all his promises , whereof he hath many of protecting and defending his Servants , who will either deliver them out of their troubles , or give them strength to bear them , and when their life shall end , will take up their souls to Heaven , keeping their bodies to a joyful resurrection .

This also hath the force of another Reason to perswade to the point in hand , namely , patience and joyfulness in troubles , and may be gathered thus : If we may in all our troubles ( as long as we keep a good conscience in them ) confidently commend our selves to God , in assurance to be cared for , as shall be best for us , then ought we to be joyful in our troubles ; but the former is true , therefore the latter . Here 's an Exhortation to commend our selves to God in our troubles ; those are described by the efficient cause of them , they come by the will of God , whereunto ▪ Reasons are annexed to move us to commend our selves to God in them . 1. Because of his omnipotency . 2. Because of his faithfulness ; To all which is added a caution , how far forth we may commend our selves to God in our troubles , namely , in well-doing , even so long as we be careful to continue in our uprightness without swerving .

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God , ] Here note , That

Whatsoever troubles befal us in this life , The troubles of the godly are by his appointment . either afflictions from the hand of God , for chastisement or persecution from the world , for our tryal , &c. that they come not to us by chance , or the will of the Devil or man without God , but by the determinate purpose and counsel of God : But of this before .

Commit the keeping of their souls to him , &c. ] Here note , That

God hath a care and special regard of his Servants in the time of all their trouble and adversity of what kinde soever : God is careful of his children in the time of their troubles . He cannot forget them , they be as the apple of his eye : There are infinite promises of God to this purpose , Isa. 49. 8 , 15. in the Psalms and Prophets : He will either deliver them out of their dangers , as Let , Noah , Daniel , &c. or comfort and provide for them , as for Joseph in Prison , whom at last he advanced , as he did also David and Jeremiah ; else he will strengthen them to bear their pains , give them faith and patience to bear all the malice and torments of their Enemies , as he did Steven , and the holy Martyrs , that had such invincible courage and constancy , as they wearied their tormentors , even in the middle of their torments singing Psalms : See Rev. 6. 9. And their souls and bodies being parted , he takes their souls to himself into Heaven , in the mean time reserving their bodies safely to a joyful resurrection : Neither is it any wonder , For

He hath created them , Reasons . redeemed them with his Sons blood , sanctified them , preserved them , and prepared Heaven for them , ere the world was .

This teacheth Gods Children in all their troubles , Use. of what kinde or degree soever , See 2 Tim. 1. 12. to commend themselves into his hand , with confidence and assured trust , that he will take care of them , and dispose of them to the best , &c. Let 's never be dismaid , but cast our care , and roll our selves upon the Lord : be we assured that he will be with us , and not fail us : He is Almighty , and can do it ; He is also most loving , Rev. 2. 10. and hath made many promises in his Word so to do : Be we faithful unto the death , Heb. 10. 23. and he will give us a Crown of life : Faithful is he that hath promised : He loves that we should rely on him : If it be poverty , sickness , Psal. 9. 10. pain , persecution , &c. say not , I shal never be able to get through it , but cast thy self on God , who never failed any that put thier trust in him : Do not we rely on our selves ? for this were the way to fail , like Peter and Origen , who fell shamefully ; but trust in God , Pray , use all good means , and set thy faith on work to depend on God , to be well carried through thy trouble to the end , and from death to Heaven : Thus did our Savior , and after him St. Steven , commend their Spirits into the hands of God : O our unbelieving hearts , that fail as soon as any great tryal comes , as the Israelites upon Pharaoh's pursuing them ; yea , are ready to sink , to be dismaid , to put our hand to some unlawful means : If we had faith enough , what Victories might we get , what Conquerors might we be ? we shrink and are dismaid as if we had none to trust in , or as if God were not Almighty , or had made no promises , or at least were not faithful : O let us rebuke our unbelief , and gather up our selves and Gods promises , and examples of his goodness to his , and rest upon them , as on an unmoveable foundation .

In well-doing , ] Such as continue in well-doing , may comfortably commend themselves unto God . While we continue in a good course , without turning out of the way , we may comfortably commend our selves to God , but not otherwise : If we falter and shift for our selves , and put our our hands to unlawful means , then God takes no charge of us , then have we cut off our selves from all hope and comfortable commending our selves to him ; with what face can we so do , and what promise have we when we have broken our faithfulness ?

1. Therefore be we perswaded , Use 1. that our greatest comfort in our trouble must be to stick close to God , and so long God hath tyed himself to us ; but if we shall do otherwise , we defeat our selves of this : Therefore in what danger soever we be , let us never put out our hands to unlawful means , as to run to wizards , in poverty to steal , in any danger to forfeit a good conscience : Our comfort is then gone , and Gods promise belongs no further to us , at least till we humble our selves , and be reconciled upon our repentance for it .

2. No ungodly man in any strait can have any warrant or comfort to commend his soul or case to God , Use 2. where hath God made any such promise to such ? nor can they in their death ; A bad man cannot say , Lord , receive my soul ; upon what acquaintance ? God knows not this soul ; It s not redeemed , washed ; It hath not used to serve him , no such unclean souls ever came , or shall come to Heaven ; No , they go to him whom they have served : they that have given their souls to God in believing and obeying here , may with comfort yield up their souls , and say , Lord , The soul thou gavest me , and hast redeemed , sanctified , preserved , and with which I have unfainedly served thee , or which now in suffering , I have sacrificed for thee , I do now commend it to thy keeping : This soul God will most readily take , it s more his then thine , he loves it well : But for a wicked man , either he cannot have the face to commend his soul to God , as wherewith he hath at no time served him , but the Devil his Enemy , or if he be so impudent , God will take no knowledge thereof .

In well-doing . ] Such may confidently commend themselves to God , which labor for the good of their persecutors . This may be taken particularly for patience , and freeness from revenging our selves of them that persecute us ; for should we so do , God would not take charge of us ; but if we pray for them , love them , wish their good , we may the more confidently commend our selves to God : O then rely we on God , and in all constancy in well-doing commend we our selves to him in much assurance , as unto a faithful Creator . Use.

CHAP. V.

THe Apostle proceedeth in holy Exhortations to sundry excellent and necessary duties and vertues , from the begining of this Chapter to the tenth verse , from which to the end ; The Contents of this Chapter . there 's the conclusion of the Epistle : The Exhortations be either Special or General ; Special , to some special kindes of persons , as to Ministers , and to the yonger sort ; Ministers , from the beginning to the fifth verse , yong folks , in the fifth and sixth : The General belongs to all , being to Faith , to rely on God , to sobriety , watchfulness , &c. of which in particular , when we shall come unto them .

Verse 1. The Elders which are among you , I exhort , who am also an Elder , and a witness of the sufferings of Christ , and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed .

THe Apostle knowing that there are three vices incident and very hurtful to the Ministery and Ministers of the Word of God , The duties of Ministers , with reasons to enforce the same . namely , Idleness , Covetousness , and Pride , seeketh to prevent these in all Ministers , by exhorting them to the diligent and faithful performance of their duties belonging to them ; namely , 1. To feed the flock of God , that is , to Preach the wholsome Word of God diligently to them . 2. To take the oversight thereof , that is , to have a special care of them , and regard of all their lives and behavior , applying themselves to them accordingly . 3. To be examples to them of pure , humble , and godly conversation ; nor doth he onely exhort to the doing of these , but to the right maner of performing the same : They must be done , 1. Not by constraint , that is , out of fear of Gods wrath , or force of mens Laws , but willingly . 2. Not for filthy lucre , but of a ready and free minde , seeking Gods glory and the peoples Salvation . 3. Not being lordly or haughty in their carriage , but examples of humility and godliness : The Reasons whereby he urgeth the same are diverse ; The 1. taken from his own person , verse 1. where are three motives to perswade them to obey his counsel , even for that he was a Minister as they were , a witness of the sufferings of Christ , and a partaker of the glory to come in Heaven . The 2. For that the people were Gods flock and his heritage . The 3. For that they did depend on them for instruction and means of Salvation . The 4. For that hereupon they should receive a Crown of glory that fadeth not away .

Speak we first of those duties in general , then in particular .

In general , Ministers being here instructed in their duty as people elsewhere : Note ,

1. That the Scripture is not partial , The Scriptures inform every one of their duty . binding some to duty , and leaving others at liberty , but indifferently teacheth all ; yea , the greater place that any is in , the more duty it requireth ( every honor carrying a burthen of duty ) and the more need have such to do their duties for the example of others : Above all others , Ministers have most need both to be instructed in their's , and also to perform the same ; for on theirs depends the well-doing of the people , both in their general and special callings : for how shall the people have these things , if they receive them not from the Ministers of God put apart for that end ? how shall they else be either good Christians , or good Magistrates , Simile . Husbands , Housholders , &c. If the great wheel of the clock that should turn all the rest do stand still , so also must all the rest .

1. When people are informed of their duties , Use 1. and amongst others , of their duties towards their Ministers , as of love , honor , reverence , obedience , maintenance , &c. they must yield thereto , not think much hereof , for God hath laid as great a burthen on their Ministers , which they are charged with , yea , they must be thankful to God , that hath had such a special care of their souls , as so weightily to charge Ministers therewith ; as it s no small comfort to the poor , that God hath taken such order for them by so many commandments , so many promises also , and threats to the rich : People also ought in any wise to be careful of their own souls , and joyn with the Lord in care , who is so careful of them : Heavy is the state , and will be the answer of many people , who though they see this care in God to command his Ministers to preach diligently , to care for them , to give them good example , which according to their charge they do , yet they minde nothing , nor are ever the better , by feeding , care or example .

2. For Ministers , Use 2. they must take heed , that having gotten into this calling , and a living on their backs , they do not think themselves at liberty to do what they will , something or nothing , or but a little , and that when they list , and look for much reverence , obedience , and maintenance , and care not to do their part , and to procure this , and deserve it from the people ; but to know that they are as much tyed to their duty , and shall be countable to God : It s an easie matter to look for much , Acts 20. 35. but it s more worthy of a Minister to perform much : It s a more blessed thing to give then to receive : Let us therefore know we stand charged deeply by our office , and by how much our calling is more excellent , and the trust more that hath been laid upon us , so much the stricter account we must make .

2. That the calling of the Ministry is a very painful calling ; The calling of the Ministery a painful calling . The duties here exhorted unto imply the same . Hence it is , that it s called a work , a worthy work , a laboring in the Word and Doctrine , yea , it s a most high and honorable calling : Hence it is , that Ministers are called Stars , the light of the World , the salt of the Earth , Angels , Ambassadors , such as are employed about the highest things , the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , &c. for the gaining of mens souls , whereas Phisitians take care of their bodies , and Lawyers of their Estates ; They are appointed of God , as instruments to open the eyes of the blinde , and to translate them out of the power of darkness to the power of God , and of children of wrath , to make them the children of God ; Here 's honor indeed , but not without labor : Their titles of Builders , Husbandmen , Soldiers , Watchmen , Shepherds , &c. do also imply the same : This burthen of the Ministery , was after a sort prefigured by the burthen of the Ark which was imposed upon the Priests , See Downham of the duty and dignity of the Ministery , page 17. wherein was the golden Pot with Manna , Aarons budding Rod , the two Tables of the Covenant , and upon the Ark , the propitiatory overshadowed with the glorious Cherubims : By the Manna , we may understand the Sacraments ; By the Rod , Ecclesiastical Discipline ; By the budding and fruitfulness of it , their fruitful conversation ; By the Tables , the Preaching of the Law ; The Propitiatory signified Christ , understood the ministery of reconciliation , committed to the Ministers of God , both in respect of Prayer , and also of Preaching . Again , to Preach painfully , what preparation is required hereto ? what Reading , Meditation , Prayer , Labor of the minde , & c ? and for the delivery thereof , it spends not onely the outward , but the vital parts , and wastes the Spirit , which being hurt , is hardliest holpen . Again , to teach the ignorant , convince the gainsayer , comfort the heavy , admonish the disobedient , exhort them that be in a good way , pray for all , publikely and privately , watch to withstand all the Devils assaults , rebuke the stubborn , have an eye to hereticks and deceivers , that creep in to beguil and lead away , especially new converts that be in their first heart of love , perswading them ( as some Brownists have out of a proud discontented Spirit ) that we are no Church , and that Christ doth not reign among us as King , &c. who will not accouut this a laborious , hard , and difficult task ?

1. This rebuketh the common and base opinion of the world , Use 1. that the Ministers calling is an idle calling , and that they do nothing for their living , and that of all others they might best be spared . A. This is true indeed of those which fleer , but feed not the flock , being meer drones and ciphers , who should not eat , because they labor not , whose account shall be fearful in respect of their idleness , and the taking of wages for which they work not at all : But because some are such , are all so ? Is the calling it self an idle calling ? have not men souls as well as bodies , and as much need of help for the good of the one as of the other ? Is there need of Physitians and Lawyers , and not of Ministers ? Hath God ordained any other means whereby men may come to Knowledge , Faith and Repentance ? And is there not a labor of the minde as well as of the body ? Do the Prince , Councellors , Magistrates , &c. nothing , because they work not with their hands ? Their work is great , in foreseeing and preventing dangers , in ordering things well : Simile . It s in vain to pump the Ship , or for the Mariners to run up and down the hatches , unless there be one that sits at the helm to guide it aright : And if it be thus painful , then according to our Saviors testimony , Luke 10. 7. The laborer is worthy of his hire ; who goeth on warfare at his own charge ? 1 Cor. 9. 7. Maintenance indeed is the thing the world grudgeth at ; they could be as well content with the Sexton , or some base person to read a little for five or ten pounds a year , as a godly Preacher , who ( say they ) must have such a deal .

2. It rebuketh them that live idlely in this calling , Use 2. evil beasts , slow bellies , meer idols , having eyes , they see not , &c. blinde guides : Wo be to them that live at ease in this painful work , it will be turned to endles wo ; when the laborers shall rest in Heaven , as having been good and faithful Servants , the evil and unfaithful shall be bound hand and foot , and thrown into utter darkness .

3. It teacheth Parents what children to dedicate to God , Use 3. for the service of the Ministery , even the best and fittest , not the weak and lame : Gen. 4. 4. Herein God is little beholding to them ; Abel offered of the best in sacrifice : In this calling there will be use of all the parts and strength of body and minde ; whoso taketh notice of this great work , finding his own inability to Study , Preach , &c. through weakness , sickliness , &c. if he have a good conscience , it cannot but be a great grief and trouble to him : And if they intend their sons for the Ministery , let it be with this minde onely , even that they may prove painful and profitable laborers herein ; there are too many which have carnal ayms , that therein they may grow rich , live at their ease as Gentlemen , &c. O woful Parents , to bring up one to be a drone , a deceiver , a robber , a murtherer of souls , a ravening wolf , &c. Better thou hadst brought him up to the basest lawful trade in the world ; better thou hadst followed him to the grave being yong , for then , though he had gone to Hell , he should not have been the means of many others ruine , to the increase of his damnation .

4. For those that would enter into the Ministery , Use 4. let them beware what they do , and consider well , and tarry till they have a calling , and let them not intend to live at ease , to follow their pleasures , to gather riches , &c. but let them make their reckoning to prove Laborers , The first Reason of the following duties taken from his own person , being one every way fit to exhort them . Soldiers , Watchmen , &c. else no coming here . Thus in general .

The elders which are among you , I exhort , &c. ] This verse containeth the first Reason of the following Exhortation , which is taken from his own person , being one every way fit to exhort them ; namely , 1. An Elder and Minister as well as they ( for the name Elder , is of dignity and office here , and not of age ) who therefore knew what belong'd to his place , and did what he required of them to do . 2. A witness of Christs sufferings , and so well acquainted with his minde . 3. A partaker of the glory that shall be revealed , who therefore would not exhort you unto any thing , whereby either I my self may be deprived hereof , or you hindred from attaining hereunto .

1. In that he an Elder , exhorts them Elders , note , That

Ministers are fittest to teach Ministers , Ministers are fittest to teach one another , and judge of one anothers actions . and to judge of their actions . True , people may and ought try our Doctrine , modestly and humbly ; they may also dislike , and speak against foul things in our life and conversation , but of things not so apparent , people must not be ready to censure , 1 Cor. 14. 32. much less think to teach their Ministers : For the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets .

This rebuketh the too much rashness and pride of some this way , Use. ready to control every course of a Minister that is not pleasing to them , See Hosea 4. yea , their maner of teaching , prophanely calling it railing , and that they should have spoke thus and thus ; when such dislike any thing in a Minister , it were their wisdom to ask the judgement of some godly Minister , before they censure or give judgement against him .

2. In that he requireth nothing at their hands , but what he himself did , note , That

The most forcible and profitable way of teaching , To practice the duties we teach procures obedience thereto . whether private or publique , is , first , to do that in our own persons which we require of others : Jesus did and taught : Parents may not rebuke swearing in their children , and swear themselves : Housholders bid their Servants go to Church , Acts 1. 1● and stay at home themselves , having no necessary occasion to keep them from thence : Abraham was circumcised with his Houshold , Joshua and his Houshold served God , the Jayler and his Houshold were baptized : He is not the best Husband that puts over his work to be done by others , saying , Go : but who puts his hand thereto , saying , Go we , &c. He is an ill Captain that bids his Soldiers go fight , himself in the mean time tarrying behinde ; It s woful teaching by Ministers that do quite contrary : Shall we not condemn our selves , while we call for that in another , which we our selves do not observe ? Neither is there likelyhood that in such a case any will give ear unto us .

3. In that he besseecheth , Note , as his modesty and humility ; So that

Peter was no Pope , Peter was no Pope , neither challenged any Supremacy . had no Supremacy ; was not Christs Vicar , as the Pope of Rome affirmeth of him , and challengeth of him by succession : Had it been so , there had been no fitter time wherein to have shewed it , then this : Howsoever , what had it been to the Pope , who hath wofully degenerated ? He calls himself a Pastor , yet challengeth authority over all the Church , not Kings themselves excepted : He is an hideous Beast and Monster : If he send any commands , it s not , I that am a fellow-Minister , and that take pains in the same calling , do beseech you , but he proudly thundereth and threatneth , &c.

A witness of the sufferings of Christ ] So be we , How Peter was a witness of Christs sufferings . it s an Article of our Faith , and we look thereby to be saved ; but we are witnesses onely of that we have heard , he of that he saw ; he was with him when he was apprehended , when he was brought before the High Priest , &c. he was a witness by seeing them , preaching them , imitating them . Now in that he urgeth this as a reason to back his Exhortation , we may note ,

1. That if we have any Credit , All that we have must be improved for the Churches good . Honor , Favor , Dignity , we ought to improve the same to the benefit of the Church , and furthering of Gods cause .

2. That Ministers must use all Spiritual wisdom and skill to perswade unto obedience ; Spiritual wisdom to be used to procure obedience . as cunning Chapmen , they must use many reasons to perswade Customers to buy their Commodities .

3. That the troubles of Gods Ministers are so far from disgracing them , The troubles of Gods Ministers procure them more respect . as they honor them , and make their persons and counsel the more to be regarded ; for their sufferings are a seal to their Ministery , and shew their faithfulness ; for those we should respect them the more , See Col. 1. not think the worse of them .

And also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed . ] Philem. Here note briefly ,

1. That we should much regard those and their counsels , Such as are heirs of glory , should be much respected whom we see much graced of God , and like to be heirs of glory .

2. That such as are Partners with Christ in suffering , shall also partake with him in glory . They that suffer with Christ , shall reign with him .

3. That God hath prepared glory for his Saints in Heaven .

4. That a man may come to know in this life , that he shall be partaker of the glory of Heaven ; whereof whosoever is as yet ignorant , he must endeavor by all means to make it sure . Glory is laid up for the Saints in Heaven .

Q. How shall we come to know this ?

A. If here we partake of grace , we shall hereafter partake of glory ; on the contrary , How we may know whether we shall be heirs of glory . no grace , no glory , Lassure you : This knowledge is that which doth here uphold us amidst our many troubles ; it 's Mount Nebo , whence we see the Land of Canaan , all the Grapes we have to comfort us in the wilderness of this world .

5. That Faith makes things invisible to be seen , Through faith Gods children are even here possessed of Heaven . things absent ( as the glory here spoken of ) to be present : Through this a childe of God hath Heaven already in possession ; whereinto his Soul shall enter immediately after his death , Heb. 11. 1. as his body also being coupled to his Soul on the day of Judgement : Iohn 6. 47. He that believeth ( saith the Scripture ) hath eternal life ; Rom. 1. 30. and , Whom he justified , them he also glorified .

Verse 2. Feed the flock of God which is among you , taking the oversight thereof , not by constraint , but willingly ; not for filthy lucre , but of a ready minde .

THe first duty required of Ministers , is laid down in these words ,

Feed the flock of God which is among you , ] Feed , namely , by preaching the word soundly and diligently ; The flock of God , namely , The whole company which is under your charge , which is not yours , but Gods , and that whether by creation , as all are , or by redemption , as some are . Which is among you , or dependeth on you for Instruction , Comfort and Direction .

Feed ] This implies divers things , as

1. That Ministers must preach the Word of God : Ministers must preach the word . Now preaching is an opening of the Scriptures ( wherein as many things be dark and hard to be understood , which God hath done in his great wisdom , to stir up unto the search hereof ; 1 Cor. 14. 3. so there are wholsom instructions to be gathered , 2 Tim. 4. 2. which every one cannot finde out ) and an applying thereof , for doctrine , conviction , instruction , correction , comfort , &c. this preaching is feeding . Ioh. 21. 16 , 27 This is often required , as Mat. 28. 20. Mark 16. 15. 2 Tim. 4. 1 , 2. 1 Cor. 9. 16. it s the note of a Ministers love to God and Christ Jesus ; and the Apostle calls for a wo on himself if he did not preach : Eph. 4. 11. This is the Ordinance of God to convert souls , by working Faith and Regeneration , Mat. 13. 24. Acts 26. 18. Rom. 10. 14. 1 Cor. 1. 21. & 3. 5. 1 Pet. 1 , 23. This is the means to edifie and build up , Neh. 8. 8. and therefore called the Kingdom of Heaven . This is the ancient Ordinance of God , ever since the people so desired it , Exod. 20. 19. whereof we have examples both in the Old Testament , as of Ezra , &c. and in the New , Acts 2. 41. as of John Baptist , our Savior Christ , the Apostles , &c. This hath been powerful to this end , and by this was the world subdued , and this God is pleased yet to use .

1. This condemneth the Church of Rome , Use 1. which maketh a company of Ministers , but not to preach : If they can say Mass , and therein offer Christ ( as they say ) as a Sacrifice Propitiatory for the quick and the dead , that 's enough .

2. It condemneth all among our selves ( whereof there yet remain too many in this Land ) that are in the room of Ministers , Use 2. but feed not , either cannot or will not preach the Word ; such are no feeders , but starvers , See Hos. 4. 6. blinde leaders of the blinde , Soul-slayers , blood-suckers , yea , worse then Cannibals , as living of the blood of Souls , whereas these live on mans Flesh ; Davids abstaining from drinking of the water of the well of Bethlehem , for which he longed so much , as being purchased at such a rate , may condemn these men : How can they escape the forementioned wo , 1 Cor. 9 ? shall they not have the reward of the idle and unprofitable Servant , to be bound hand and foot , & c ? Howsoever they are to be reputed as Ministers , and their actions be not nullities , but may be sanctified to the people of God ; yet not being sent of God , that is , gifted , and apt to teach , they are no true Ministers of God ; neither can they be said to be good men , unless they be good in their special calling : They are indeed in the room of Watchmen , but are blinde , and cannot discern the enemy , therefore suffer the people to be surprised ; Husbandmen , but have no skill to plow up a fallow ground-heart , to sow , weed , &c. Builders , but cannot tell which way to hew a stick or stone for the Lords building ; Labourers , but take no pains ; Soldiers , but rather betray their people to the Enemy , then fight for them : Some of them be good fellows , and set on the great pot , and keep a good house ( which yet all do not ) and so think all well ; but what though they fill mens bellies , if in the mean time they starve their souls ? nay , though they live quietly , keep hospitality , make peace among their Neighbors , yet they do not their duty if they Preach not : O that they would give themselves to be feeders , or else take to themselves any other calling , rather then for a little advantage , lose their own and peoples souls ! what a foolish bargain make they for a little piece of the world , See Matth. 16. 26. a mite in comparison , to damn both their own and the souls of others ?

Object . But they read the word , Obj. and is not that sufficient ?

Ans. Reading both private and Ministerial , Sol. is of great use , but there 's no small difference between the same and Preaching ; when the Word is onely read , people neither understand it , nor have they power or will to apply it to themselves . Acts 8. 31.

Reading is as a rich and costly garment folded up , Differences between Reading and Preaching . Preaching when its open and held out by the four Corners : In reading we see it full of Majesty , but when it s unfolded by Preaching , we wonder at so much matter in so few words : Of this argument read Attersol on Phil. pag. 208. Reading is as the whole loaf , Preaching as the cutting of it in pieces , where every man hath his portion divided ; The Preachers Plea , p. 114. to 180. Greenham on Heb. 13. 17. It s as the cracking of the nut , and finding out the kernel : This difference will appear plainly by comparing the knowledge and practice of those which live under those which are onely Readers , with theirs which live under faithful and diligent Preachers .

3. For people , Downham of the duty and dignity of Ministers . 1. If they have not this feeding at their Ministers hands , they must count themselves grievously wronged , & complain to God , as being ready to starve , and pray earnestly , and complain to them that be in place to right such things , Gibson on 1 Cor. 9. yea , and that much more then if they were wronged in respect of their Temporal Estate : But woful world ! Use 3. most people care not for this , are well enough content , complain not hereof ; The 1. branch . If their Ministers do but use them well in their Tythes , they can swallow down any thing else , nay , in numbers of places the people like such best ; we may know by the Market folks , how the Market goes : Ask of those you meet with as you travel , what Ministers they have ; what 's their usual Answer ? If he be a Reader , We have an honest peaceable man ; true , he doth not Preach , but he doth what he can , and we can desire no more of him , &c. but if he be a Preacher , then , We have a troublesome man ; some say he is learned , but howsoever he hath troubled us all , we were as quiet as could be till he came , but now there is such finding of faults , and such new orders , as we are even weary of both ; and thus they had rather have one that will let them go on snorting in their sins , not reproving them , then a faithful Minister that seeks to pull them out of the fire ; pitiful Creatures ! If the King should make weekly allowance to a Town , and the under Officers should defraud them of it , would they not complain ? God hath appointed the preaching of his Word for the food of souls ; This is not distributed by divers , who would seem entrusted herewith , and yet who openeth his mouth in this case ? God would have us to be Seers , but the world would have us either to be stark blinde , that we should see nothing amiss to reprove in them , or purblinde at least , to see nothing but foul sins that stare men in the face ; Isaiah 58. 1. for their pride , covetousness , or neglect of duties , they must not meddle therewith : God would have us cry aloud , and set the Trumpet to our mouth , and rebuke the world of sin , but the world would have us either dumb dogs that should not bark at all , either in hope of a crust , or fear of a blow , or else at least to bark at none , but strange and monstrous sins . The 2. branch . 2. If they be fed , they must look to profit thereby ; If their Ministers prepare for them good and wholsome food , they also must prepare themselves , and bring a good stomack , and take it in well , by diligent hearing , digesting it by meditation and conference , that they may grow thereby : O woful people in many places , that have excellent Preachers , and as good feeding as may be , and yet have lean ill-favored and mishapen souls ( being inwardly as Pharaoh's seven kine appeared outwardly ) as if they had never had a good meals meat ; whence is this ? some will not come to Church , where the food is ; some come , but presently fall asleep ; some have their stomacks so cloyed , that they have no appetite ; others put it out like wanton children : These are authors of their own wo , their blood shall be on their own heads , what answer will they make to God , when they shall be called to an account for this ? what a grief is this to Gods Ministers ? when they have made their provision , they are gladest if their guests come , and have good stomacks , that nothing be lost . 3. While their Minister is feeding them carefully , The 3. branch . they must be careful to feed him with necessary and convenient maintenance , that he may not be troubled or distracted : Simile . If a sitting Hen should go much from her nest to seek for food for her self , the eggs could not but chill : If Ministers should not be maintained , how could they go on in this great work ? contrarily , how many purloin from their Ministers ? how many endeavor to get their Tythes at an under-rate , & c ? Doth their Minister feed them carefully , and should not they allow him to the utmost ? should not they be as careful of him , as he is or ought to be of them ? how else shall he maintain himself and his family ? how else keep hospitality , and be helpful to the poor ? how else succor poor Christians , Schollars , and Strangers that resort to him fo● succor ? A good Minister had need be a Treasurer helping to so many good uses .

2. That Ministers must preach the Word soundly , Ministers must preach the Word soundly . they must not give stones instead of bread , for an egge , a Scorpion , for a fish , a Serpent , for food , Poyson : Not onely they must not teach erroneous Doctrine , but also not brackish and unsavory points , that jar with Scripture , though not in the highest degree : They must not Preach mens inventions and Traditions ( what is the chaff to the wheat ? ) not idle things , frothy stuff , &c. to the discouraging of the good , and heartening of the wicked : See Iohn 10 ▪ This were not to feed the flock , neither are we to follow or embrace any such Doctrine .

3. That Ministers must Preach diligently , Ministers must preach diligently . in season and out of season , watching every opportunity to do their people good , and that in regard of their manifold wants and great weaknesses . 2 Tim. 4. 1● ▪

1. This rebukes them , Use 1. that having flocks , feed them but seldom , haply once a year , quarterly or monethly Sermons , they think more then enough .

2. It rebukes the woful backwardness of many people , Use 2. that howsoever wisdom cryeth and lifteth up her voyce in the streets , Luke 14. 18. yet for their Oxen and Farms will not intend this Market , count her wares but as dead commodities ; How many worthy Ministers have been forced to give over their preaching for want of company , as others to preach to a few ? O what lets have without us , besides our own untowardness to call home the uncalled at one time or other , to build up by little and little the good : Alas , even they that have been somewhat forward , are subject to decay , and to become worse again . A Ministers work is not like a Carpenters or Masons , Simile . as they leave it , they finde it , but he may leave some in a good minde , who yet within a while after are cooled or turned away .

The flock of God ] These words are a reason , The second Reason Christians are Gods flock . whereby he enforceth his Exhortation . The people are the Lords , not ours ; all are his by creation , but he hath a company in the world , who are his by another right , Acts 20. 28. namely , of Redemption , as being bought by the precious blood of Christ : O unspeakable price ! They must therefore be dear to him , for such things as costs us much , we much set by : If God gave his Sons blood for them , his Spirit to them , and prepareth Heaven for them , then they be dear to him ; therefore he will call to a strict account for Souls , not one shall perish , but he will have account how , and by whose default . The King will have account of every of his Subjects ( even the meanest ) how he comes to his end , so will the Lord of Souls .

1. This teacheth all men to take heed of Souls , Use 1. they meddle with Jewels , with costly Ware , when they meddle with them : Woful is the state of all unconscionable Patrons , that to incroach a great part of the Livings in their gift , put in of Jeroboam Priests , when the Souls of Congregations were at their mercy to save or destroy them ; woful also is the state of such , whom they thus put in .

2. Let Ministers do their duties , Use 2. as they that must be called to an account , Iohn 21. 16. for their flock be the Lords , his Sheep , his Lambs , but ●ost use them not as if they were the Lords . See Ezek. 34. 10.

3. This teacheth people to submit themselves to the guidance , Use 3. direction , teaching and government of their Shepherds , whom God hath set over them : They must be content to be kept within the fold , to be kept from rank places that would rot them , to be kept in bare pasture , Iohn 10. 27. to be often dressed , &c. As sheep follow their Shepherds voyce , Heb. 13. 17. so must Gods people the whistle of Gods Word by his Ministers .

3. This rebukes numbers which will not be kept in , Use 4. but stray where they list : These straglers will fall into the Devils mouth , they will run into the rank rotten places of unlawful profits and pleasures ; do what Ministers can , they will not be dressed , &c. Thus thousands dye of the rot , and of other deadly diseases , notwithstanding all the care of the most diligent Shepherds ; these be none of Christs sheep , his follow the mouth of his under-Shepherds , and lose nothing by it , as who shall have eternal life ; but these be Goats , and its easie to know their place , where it will be , even on the left hand , to hear their doleful doom .

Again , By Flock , the whole company that is under a Ministers charge being to be understood , thus much may be noted , that

A Minister must have regard to all his people , Ministers are to regard all their people ▪ even to the meanest , from the one end of the Church to the other : No Shepherd will willingly lose the least sheep of his fold ; and good Husbands and Housewives do not onely look to their Silver Vessels , but to those of Brass , Pewter , Stone , Wood ; so must we take care of all , look to all .

1. This rebukes those Ministers which preach so loftily , Use 1. and in divers tongues , and after such a fashion , as is quite beyond the reach of most , and onely apply themselves to a few of the chief , rather in ostentation seeking themselves , then Gods glory , or the peoples souls : It were unreasonable for a Minister to preach , if his voyce could not be heard of the one half , so is it to be heard , if not understood ; five words are better being understood , 1 Cor. 14. 19. then many in an unknown tongue . A Ministers glory is to stoop to the capacity of the meanest ; what 's the end of preaching , but that people may understand and be affected ? have not the poor souls as well as the chief ? yea , it may be they are most dear to God , for the poor receive the Gospel .

2. This teacheth all to give ear and yield obedience to the Word ; Use 2. This must the poor do , this also the rich : But O the woful carelesness of the one , contempt of the other ! for the poor , they sit at the lower end , and regard nothing , come but seldom , and think their poverty excuseth them , which should indeed provoke them more unto obedience ; They live as if they had no souls , all for the belly and back , but regard no good thing universally ; for the rich , they think their greatness may excuse them , and that this subjection doth not become their place and rank , whereas the more riches , the more greatness , &c. they should be the more obedient .

Which is among you , ] Or dependeth upon you . Here note ,

1. That its Gods minde , Every Congregation is to have a several Pastor . that every particular Congregation should have a several Pastor over them , and so did the Apostles take order in their times .

2. That a Minster must attend to that charge over which the Holy Ghost hath made him overseer ; Every Pastor is to look to his own charge He is not bound to other flocks , but to his own ; not but that one Minister may help another in case of special need , not neglecting his own , but his main care must be for his own .

1. This rebuketh those that lying in Universities , Use 1. Cities , or great mens Houses , regard not the people that depend on them ; Their people depend on them for instruction , comfort , direction , &c. and their lips should preserve knowledge , now if they be dry Nurses , Wells without water , they do but deceive their people , their people trust to a broken reed .

2. People must respect those Ministers which are set over them ; Use 2. If their gifts be competent , and they teach them the truth , they must not dishonor them , but pray for them , hearten them , frequent their Sermons , &c. As Ministers must attend their own people , so people must attend their own Ministers ; even a Minister that is sincere and careful , though of meaner gifts , may yet be fitter to do good in his own place then a stranger , because he knows their state and condition best , and we may also look for Gods blessing on the labors of such : As poor folks Children with their plain and slender dyet , Simile . are yet as lusty , well liking , strong and comely , as they that are rich , having all abundance and variety : Men must not say , I can edifie better by another , or I cannot edifie by him , they must labor to edifie , and God will give a blessing ; If at other times other helps are offered , people are to embrace them , and be thankful for them , but without contempt of their own Minister .

Taking the oversight thereof , ] Ministers must oversee and look into their flocks . Another duty of the Ministers of God : It s not enough to preach , yea soundly and diligently , but they must besides take a particular view and oversight of their flock , marking and looking into ( by themselves and others ) the conversation and behavior of their people , See Prov. 27. 23. and applying themselves to them accordingly in admonition , Iohn 10. 3. exhortation , Acts 20. 28. comfort : As Watchmen , they must continually look to prevent , Simile . descry , and disapoint the Enemy : As Nurses , they must not onely feed their Children , but have also a careful eye over them ; should they leave them , they might peradventure go together by the ears , scratch one another , fall into the fire , wander out , fall into the water , &c. No , they must have continual work with them ; as to take them up , being fallen ; wash them , being soul ; chide and part them , when they wrangle and fight : As Shepherds , they must not onely drive or lead out their Sheep to Pasture , but view and mark them at going out and coming into the Fold , having also all day long their eyes on them , fetching home those that wander , binding up those that are hurt , &c. If a Minister know any of his people riotous or prophane , he must rebuke them ; If any out of the way , admonish them ; he must hearten them that be in a good course to go on still , and must comfort them that languish under their sins , temptations and fears ; in a word , deal with every one as the cause requireth : As they say of a Begger , he is never out of his way ; so it s true of a Minister in his own Parish , he is never out of his way , but wheresoever he goeth , there is some work , and whomsoever he meeteth with , he hath something to say to him : If he be a riotous son , a disobedient servant , an idle person , one that comes not to Church , or that behaves himself rudely therein , there 's occasion offered to rebuke and admonish : But if it be some zealous Christian , or some beginning to wax faint , or some in affliction , there 's occasion offered to exhort and comfort : The like may be said when he goes to see or sit with any of his people , whether poor or rich , and amongst those he may finde some staggering in judgement , ready to be seduced by Brownists , Papists , Anabaptists , &c. whom he must have an eye to : Thus he may help his publique Ministery : Thus prevent and remedy many things amiss ; Thus their peoples consciences cannot but be convinced , whereas what is spoken in the publique Ministery , many take not to themselves : Thus Ministers shall know the better how to Preach aptly , according to their peoples necessities , who else shall but preach generally and uncertainly : his Ministery is also the more like to prevail , when he comes home close to the peoples hearts , and toucheth their very faults ; thus also shall he know the better whom to admit to the Sacrament : All the discommodity is , that having rebuked or admonished men of any faults in private , and coming to reprove such things in publique , they think he points at them , and galls them , and so they stomack him , and cannot away with him ; but its onely thus with some few proud persons , or rich men , who therefore must have the less said to them in private , and that they shall get by their frowardness .

1. This rebukes those Ministers that be absent from their people usually or continually : Use 1. How can these take care of them , that come not at them above once in a Quarter , except they could indent with the Devil , never to trouble their people , or tempt them in their absence , or tell them when he would be busie with them , &c. If they say they care for them by another , so they shall go to Heaven by another , but be in danger to go to Hell in their own persons . Besides , either he is fit to care for them ( and then why hath he not the wages that doth the work ? ) or he is not fit , and then how will they answer that to God ?

2. It rebukes those also that living among their people , Use 2. yet care not thus , but think themselves discharged that they meet them at Church on the Sabbath , and then preach them a Sermon , whereas all the week after they consider not of them , nay , scarce visit the sick , but either are so entangled with cares and businesses of the world , See 2 Tim. 2. 4. that they cannot , or so addicted to their pleasures , that they will not minde this ; Thus they are less fit for Preaching , do the less good , and receive all at a venture to the Sacrament , which is a fearful thing .

3. As people must be careful for their Ministers ( who had need of no worldly care hanging on them ) that they may attend on their care of them ; Use 3. so they must be willing that their Ministers have a care of them , and deal privately with them and theirs .

This many cannot away with , but would that the Minister should content himself with seeing them at Church , but not to look into their behavior in their Families , or to pry into their lives , or deal privately or particularly ; who yet if they have a shepherd , look that he should diligently tend their sheep all day , and look to them particularly , as well as feed them ; they should be glad when the Minister will come to their Houses , and sit with them , conferring with them and theirs of heavenly things , &c. But if they should know when he would come , they would be sure to be out of the way ; this is a sign of an ill conscience , that they cannot abide the tryal , and ( which is worse ) of a bad heart that is not willing to mend .

But there 's another extremity , when people will expect too much at the Ministers hands , as to visit them at their houses more often then the largeness of the place , and his strength and time will permit , which though it be a good fault and a rare , & therefore to be much born with ( for there is nothing more comely in the world , then to see Ministers delight in their peoples company , and people in theirs , and thereupon to be much together ) yet it must be done as it may stand with the publique ; There must be convenient time to Preach , that we may not come unpreparedly ; and if a Minister Preach also on the week days , he cannot have much time for private , especially in a great and wide Parish .

Not by constraint but willingly , ] Ministers are not by constraint , but willingly to perform their duties towards their people . Now for the maner ; A Minister is not to perform the forementioned duties by constraint ( as for fear of Gods wrath , mens Laws or shame , &c. ) but willingly : To do by constraint is base and servile , what any doth thus , they do but homely , no better then needs must ; and besides , what hope of Gods blessing can they expect upon such work ? 1 Cor. 9. 17. God loves a willing heart , and a chearful doer : 2 Cor. 5. 14. There 's a constraint that is good , whereof the Apostle writeth to the Corinthians , The love of Christ hath constrained me , &c. namely , because Christ hath pardoned my sins , dyed for me , hath called me to this high and holy calling , to be his Ambassador to his people , hath entrusted me with the souls of his People , &c. I will therefore in all and every these respects ▪ do my duty in the most faithful and careful maner that I can , neither can I do otherwise ; other constraint is base : A man cannot endure his Servant should thus do his work , much less the Lord , who hath no need of any man ; and if one do it not , he can set up another at his pleasure .

1. This rebukes those that never Preach , Use 1. but so often as they are bound by Law , once a moneth , or once a quarter , as also those who for avoiding the shame of dumb idols , step up and do a little , but like hirelings , who have no love to their work , are at it in body , their mindes being far therefrom .

2. It may perswade all Ministers to readiness and willingnes in our duty private and publique , Use 2. when we finde any loathness to our study , and drousiness therein ; le ts think what an honorable Calling ours is , and that whereas others are employed on earthly things : ours is in the Scriptures , searching in the rich Treasures of the Word , and dealing altogether in Spiritual and Holy things ; and again , what a trust is laid up with us , and what weight lyeth upon us , and what a reward remaineth for us ; we serve a good Master , in an excellent work , in the assurance of most rich wages .

3. People must learn also to do their duty , Use 3. not by constraint but willingly ; Thus must they reverence their Ministers , hear them , obey their Ministery , allow them maintenance ; but how grudgingly do most pay their Tythes , which is for want of finding good by the Word ; They should so take part of the Ministers Spiritual things , as they may put themselves into his debt , and see cause to allow him means : O suffer not any of the tenth part to cleave to your fingers , neither seek to enrich your selves hereby , but by the remaining nine parts : whoso think to enrich themselves by working on the Lords day , or keeping back their Tythes , deceive themselves , they shall not prosper : Be the Minister good or bad , give him willingly all the Law gives him ; If he do not his duty , he shall answer for it : Be not you Trespassers also , stoppage is no payment ; but if he be a sufficient and painful Minister , your custom will not priviledge you from paying him his due by Gods appointment , you must give him his due to the utmost , and he is worthy of it : But O the woful covetousness and corruption of men in this behalf ! They think any thing enough for a Minister , though it be but from hand to mouth , whereas they look to encrease themselves , and think their Trade bad , and themselves ill Husbands , if they leave not store to their Posterity .

Not of filthy lucre , Ministers must not perform their duties for filthy lucre , but of a ready minde . but of a ready minde , ] It s not enough to do our duty willingly , for so we may do for filthy lucre and gain , but it must be of a ready minde , even the love of God , and zeal of his glory , and the care of the peoples Salvation , and winning them to God ; It were a base thing that lucre should set us on work , or any thing else , but those high and holy ends .

Obj. None would preach but for their maintenance , Obj. they look for it .

Sol. Suppose it to be so , Sol. yet many preach , and have not half the maintenance they spend where they live , but either spend of that little God gave them by their friends , 2 Cor. 11. 8. or else rob other Churches ( as the Apostle speaketh ) to preach to them : but it s one thing to be set on work for gain , and another to expect an honest and necessary mainteinance , which is a necessary help to the doing of the duty , and without which it cannot be well done ; It comes in , I say , by the by , as a necessary help to the duty , 1 Cor. 9. 10. not as the end that sets on work thereto : And its Gods Ordinance , that they that preach the Gospel should be maintained thereby ; yea , if a man had maintenance of his own , he were not bound in these days , See Isaiah 56 ▪ 10 , 11. and among an able people to preach of his own cost , Ier. 6. 13. but might expect the recompence of his labors , and ye● do not this duty for filthy lucre . Mic. 3. 5.

1. This rebuketh those that heap living upon living , Use 1. that they may live wealthily and at ease , doing little of the work , and taking small care of their calling .

2. Those which do no good in their places ( who yet are very cunning to gather in their commodities , Use 2. and to make as much of their peoples as they can ) but follow Farming and Lawing , as if they were meer Farmers , Grasiers , or Atturneys ; they eat the fat , and cloath themselves with the fleece , but do not at all regard their peoples good .

3. Such vagabond and vagrant rogues that go up and down with a set Sermon or two which they have got by heart , Use 3. and coming into by places , offer themselves to Preach , falling in the end of their Sermons to make known their necessities , by reason of great losses , as by fire , or the like , all being notorious lyes ; These be notorious rogues , fitter for the Whipping-post then any place else : O but you disgrace that calling ! No , I speak against these scabs and scurfs that disgrace it , for some of those were never in the Ministery , but boldly have taken this course without calling or warrant ; some it may be have been in the Ministery , but for their base and detestable behavior , have been cast out , and now take this course ; Those are notorious drunkards , Gamesters , Whoremasters , as hath been proved .

4. Such as desire to preach at many Funerals , Use 4. and there for a little see set their tongues and consciences to sale , in saying they care not what , sometimes without , sometimes against their knowledge .

5. Such as having a great man in their Parish , Use 5. dare not displease him by preaching the truth , but double and faulter , serving their turn for advantage .

O that we would set Gods glory and our peoples good before our eyes , as the mark whereat we are to aym ; covetousness is a base sin in any , but chiefly in a Minister : How shall he teach others to depend on God , or teach the Doctrine of Gods providence , that is himself perplexed with worldly cares ? how can he preach against covetousness in others , who is himself covetous ?

6. For People , Use 6. they must not reverence and make much of their Ministers , for filthy lucre , and because they let them good peny-worths , but for their Office , Gifts and Care . Note we further , that

As we are to do good duties after a right maner , Duties are to be done with a willing heart . as in hearing with an honest heart , praying , with lifting up pure hands , without wrath or doubting , Isa. 1. 11 , &c. and 58. 3. receiving the Sacrament after due preparation , &c. ( else how glorious soever the outside be , they are abomination in Gods sight , and encrease our condemnation ; So we must particularly do the same with a willing heart ; so were the offerings of the people towards the building of the Tabernacle and Temple : All our duties to God , his Ministers , the poor , all works of mercy , &c. must be thus done .

Again , No man is to follow any calling meerly for gain . that no man ought to do the duties of his calling , or go to his work meerly for gain , so that if it were not for it , he would not follow his calling : These be servants and drudges to Mammon , so do Heathens and Turks , but Christians ought to go to their work , because God hath so appointed , Eccles. 1. 13. and for the good of the Church and Commonwealth , his gain must come in on the by , as it shall please God to send it ; but we ought to follow our calling , as the means God hath appointed to keep us from idleness , and to humble us thereby , and we might be instruments of the common good .

No doubt most men offend God greatly this way , Use. yea , good Christians go not to their work in Faith , as they ought , nor so single-heartedly as they should , but are carried along by profit ; therefore some when they cannot encrease as they have and would , then give over their callings , and live idelly of the sweat of other mens brows , by Usury , &c. most never regard the common good , but their own private advantage . Most of the gain of the world is filthy gain .

Filthy lucre , ] Not that all gain ( for so lucre signifieth ) is evil or filthy , yet so he calls gain , to shew us , that most of the gain of the world is filthy gain ; though to the most of the world , all is fish that comes to net , and gotten by hook or crook , right or wrong is cleanly enough , though never so filthy : Indeed , hungry dogs will eat dirty things , and draff is good enough for swine ; we must learn to keep our selves clear of filthy lucre .

What is filthy lucre ? What s to be accounted filthy lucre . whatsoever is got basely by the neglecting any good duty towards God , our souls , our families , our brethren , is filthy gain ; So whatsoever is gotten by any unlawful means , gain gotten by the breach of any of Gods commandments , as by society , and conversing familiarly with Idolaters against the second Commandment ; so all gain gotten by oaths , charms , &c. all gain gotten by travel or working , or bargaining on the Lords day ; all gain gotten by defrauding the Prince of his Taxes and Customs , or Ministers of their Tythes and Dues ; all gain accrewing by oppression , withholding Corn from the poor , upon forfeitures , &c. all gain gotten by Whoredom on the womans part , or on the mans by winking thereat , so all of gain gotten by any kinde of fraud or deceit , as by bribery , gaming , and the like : So by selling things not useful , as Cards and Dice , or things not sellable , as Church livings , or things naught or mixt , or at unreasonable rates , or by false weights and measures ; so in buying , taking hold of the necessity of a poor man ; so in borrowing , not paying , whereof those subtile and wicked bankrupts are guilty , which break to enrich themselves ; so lending upon usury , to the poor especially , letting rackt Rents ; so in doing work , but not truly , or not at all , and yet taking the wages , whereof many Ministers are guilty ; so in not paying wages , whereof not a few rich are guilty ; so in Partnership , all unjust and unright gain by secret fraud or open violence ; so all gain , by lying , and dissembling , and falshood , the common course of gaining in the world ; so of Lawyers , pleading and setting a face upon bad and foul unjust matters for their fees , &c.

Do we examine our gain which we have had : Use. If it be filthy lucre , confess , Col. 3. 6. repent , 1 Thess. 4. 6. and cry to God for mercy , and restore , else look for Gods vengeance , 1 Cor. 6. 9. God will pursue it in themselves , and curse it that it will not abide to their posterity ; and besides , they shall have no part with God : Matth. 16. 26. And then what shall it have profited them to have won the world , with the loss of their souls ? yea , the time will come , either in the torment of their conscience in this world , or else at the day of fearful account , when they will be as glad to be rid of it again , as ever Judas was of his thirty pieces ; he thought if he could get money , he were made , but when he had it , he was never so ill in his life as then : So was it with Achan , Gehazi , Ananias and Sapphira , &c. And for the time to come , let 's beware lest any filthy lucre cleave to our fingers . Note further , That

Lightly the Scripture speaks not of riches , Vsually the Scriptures mention not riches but with some check . but with some checks ; If but two words , one of them is to take off our mindes therefrom , as uncertain riches , deceiveable riches , unrighteous Mammon ; It s hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven , and here filthy lucre : The Reasons . This is , that we should not set our hearts too much on them ( whereunto we are very prone ) but taking heed of covetousness , neither too greedily desire them , nor be insatiable in our desires , nor too sparing from our selves and families , nor niggardly to good and holy duties , nor having them , to set too much by them , or put our confidence in them , or be too much cast down in the loss of them , &c.

To this end , Means to help against covetousness , or the too much love of riches . 1. Consider , That covetousness is idolatry , and so a most hanious sin , withdraws our heart from God , is the root of all evil , will make a man break any Covenant ; the bane of godliness , a throne that choaks the seed of the Word . 2. That our life stands not in them , much less our happiness ; yea , that they are changeable , and which even Reprobates have in great abundance . 3. Seek after the favor of God and assurance of Salvation , and lay up a treasure in Heaven , and this will stay your stomack for these things : This hunger will starve the other hunger , when we have assurance of Salvation , it will stay us , as a man that hath well broke his fast , hath no great haste to his dinner ; Heaven will fill the heart , the world cannot .

Obj. Obj. Why then are many Christians covetous ?

Ans. Sol. It s not their goodness ; If they had more faith , they would be less careful of the world , but if these be so , being assured of Heaven , what would they be , if they had no assurance thereof ? 4. We must follow our Calling diligently , Heb. 13. 5. and cast our selves upon God , believing his promise ; He will not fail us , neither forsake us .

Obj. Obj. But the world is hard , we must therefore follow it earnestly , which if we should not do , we should leave but little for our posterity .

Answ. Sol. If we have faith to depend upon God , he will give us by our lawful and moderate seeking , that blessing that shall be best and sufficient both for us and ours , and shall continue longer with our Posterity , then more gotten greedily .

Verse 3. Neither as being Lords over Gods heritage , but being ensamples to the flock .

NOw followeth the third duty of the Minister , namely , to give good example of an holy life to his people ; where pride is forbidden , they must not rigorously , cruelly , or over imperiously rule them : speak we first of that which is prohibited , then of that which is enjoyned .

That which is forbid Ministers , is pride and lordly carriage of themselves ; whereunto a reason is annexed , even because the people be Gods heritage and portion .

Neither as being Lords , ] Ministers must not exercise any temporal power over their people . Here note ,

1. That Ministers must not exercise civil authority and temporal power over their people , but use a spiritual rule over them , by teaching them , and denouncing the judgements of God against them that do evil , Iohn 18. 36. and ruling them by the Word of God , and by spiritual censures to correct the stubborn and disobedient : Luke 12. 14. Our Savior Christs ( our Masters ) kingdom was not of this world , and so not ours : He would not be a Judge or Divider between two at variance about their inheritance ; Magistrates must rule by the Sword , and we by the Word ; they by the Temporal Sword , we by the Spiritual ; we must teach the people , exhort , perswade , and commend men to God , and pray for them ; and if any be obstinate , to admonish them more seriously ; and if they reform not , to debar them from the Sacraments ; yea , if they have committed any notorious sin , and live without repentance , to cast them out of the Church , 1 Cor. 5. 5. and deliver them up to Satan : These be more weighty and fearful censures , 2 Cor. 10. 4. being rightly performed , Matth. 20. 25. then any bodily punishment ; Iohn 2. 15. we must leave other things to the Magistrate , whose power is of God to rule with the material Sword : Thus did our Savior Christ , onely once , as he was the King of his Church , and not as a Minister of the Gospel , he whipt out the buyers and sellers out of the temple : So the Apostles exercised no other but Spiritual authority , except Peter by special and extraordinary direction , on Ananias and Sapphira , and Paul on Elimas the Sorcerer ; In those times God shewed extraordinary works and miracles for the confirmation of the Gospel , which we need not now : And this was not usual , for then they could not have served Demetrius , Tertullus , with all their Enemies thus .

A Reason hereof may be this , The Reasons . one calling is sufficient for one man ; As the Magistrate must not encroach upon the Ministers office ( as Uzza did ) either a private man to expound the Scripture and administer the Sacraments ; 2 Tim. 2. 4. so must not Ministers on theirs : The action of Phineas was extraordinary , Numb. 25. and so no fit president .

1. This rebukes the notorious usurpation of the Pope of Rome , Use 1. who not onely challengeth to be the Head of the whole Church , and to have Supremacy over the same , but also Temporal Jurisdiction over Princes and Potentates , to set up and cast down whom he pleaseth , to set them together by the ears , to impose Taxes on them , to exempt their Subjects from their Allegiance , &c. But upon what ground doth he challenge this Supremacy ? from Peter , whose Successor he alledgeth himself to be : But he is quite fallen from the Faith and Doctrine of Peter , and if he did succeed him aright , yet could he have no such authority , for Peter himself had no such thing , neither do any places of Scripture ( used to this purpose ) prove any such thing , much less had Peter and Civil Jurisdiction over Princes and People , which the Pope also challengeth from him : But of this heretofore , onely let us know that our Christian King , and all other Kings in their several Dominions are Supreme Governors , and that the Pope hath no authority to meddle with them ; all that hold otherwise ( as all right Papists do ) are Traytors in heart at least , and can be no good Subjects ; let 's pray that all other Kings may shake off his yoke , both in Spiritual and Temporal things , and stoop to Christs yoke : And let us know that God hath given no Civil authority to Ministers to rule the people by , what Princes in their savor may bestow upon them , and what they may lawfully receive from them , and enjoy and exercise : I mean not now to discuss , neither indeed can it be well decided ; this we are sure , that there is no more weighty part of any Ministers duty , nor none like unto it , then to Preach the Word of God , about which the Pope with his Popelings have no minde to take pains ; Those that have been godly Bishops have exercised themselves diligently in the same .

2. It condemns the lawless freedom of the whole Popish rabble from the Civil Magistrate , Use 2. which is wicked ; for though our Ministery be above Magistrates , and all , even Princes are to be subject thereunto , and our duty is to discharge our duty in rebuking sin in all , yet as we be Citizens , so we are under the Magistrate , and he hath power to punish faults in Ministers , as well as of any other .

2. That Ministers must not carry themselves proudly , Ministers must not carry themselves proudly and disdainfully . highly , and disdainfully , accounting of others as a company of Clowns and simple fellows , but account them the people of God , and such as they must care for , serve and attend in all painfulness , for the Salvation of their souls , carrying themselves so lovingly and amiably , as that the meanest may be bold in good sort to speak unto them . Nor

3. Must a Minister rule them rigorously and with violence , Ministers must not use rigor toward their people . and subdue them with suits or strong hand , God cannot away with such Shepherds : Neither will any rule more Tyrannously over people , then those that take least pains to seed them , Ezek. 34. 18. but they must win men by the Word : If any be obstinate , they must deal more roundly with them , yet still after a Spiritual maner , and no carnal kinde of violence , which is not so fit for a Minister , nor so like to do good ; if they be unbridled and unruly , let the Magistrate deal with them : A Minister must be kinde to those that have any good ; they that be not as he would have them , yet must not be cast off , but wait with patience , shewing all good desire of winning them ; for though a Minister is over the people , yet not so as that he may do with them what he list , but as God requires : Eph. 6. 1. So is the Father over the Children , Col. 3. 19. yet must not he provoke them to anger ; and Husbands are over their Wives , yet must not they be bitter to them : Simile . The Minister is over the people , as a Shepherd over his sheep , he must feed them , catch them with his hook , see what they ayl , dress them , binde their legs being unruly , if they range out , fetch them in , if they come not at his whistle , set his dog at them to scare them , but he must not pend them up all the day and starve them , break their legs or their backs , worry them with his dog , Simile . sell or change them away , &c. The Minister is over the people , as the Nurse over the Childe committed to her , namely , to feed it , tend it , and take pains about it , but not to hurt , maim , starve it .

1. This rebukes the contrary in some Ministers , Use 1. who because they are over the people , therefore ( like some yong Husbands , that having married before they were wise , misuse their wives because they be their heads ) carry themselves haughtily , what are they but a company of Clowns , Swains , a company of simple fellows ? what are they ? They are those you are appointed to tend , and such as you must give an account of to God , such as may belong to God as well as you , haply rather then you ; Members of Christ , as dearly bought as you , and Heirs of Heaven , such as must put a Crown upon your head at the last day , such as maintain you of their labors , that you may attend their souls ; you must win them by the Word , by publique and private perswasions , by a good life , and not by a strong hand , by suing them at Law , and contending with them .

2. If Ministers must not Lord it over the people , Use 2. then much less people over them ; a Minister hath some colour , they none : To set light by him , to check or controll him , to insult over him , use him at their pleasure , because they have purses , &c. is wicked ; what is he , will they say ? he is but a Minister , a Parson , a Priest , &c. what is he but a Minister ? Is that a disgrace to him ? Is that a base Calling ? Is there any more high and honorable ? what is he ? He is the man you must depend on for the means of your Salvation , by whose Ministery you must be pulled our of the jaws of the Devil , and power of sin , and converted to God ; It s he that hath power to binde or loose you , and as he doth , so shall it be done in Heaven ; he hath power to open the door or shut it against you , as he seeth your behavior : To the good that be converted , he is their Spiritual Father , to whom they owe more then to their Natural Father , of the one they had a being , of the other a well-being ; of the one born into the world , a man , and a childe of wrath ; of the other born again into the Church , a childe of grace ; To these also a Nurse to cherish them , confirm , strengthen , and comfort them , and an helper of their faith to the Kingdom of Heaven : But for the wicked , he hath power to shut them out as dogs , from partaking the Childrens bread , yea , to deliver them up to Satan , if they deserve it ; Luke 10. 16. therefore say not , who is he ? or what is he ? For he that despiseth them , Psal. 105. 14 , despiseth Christ himself : Touch not my Prophets , and do mine anointed no harm : He hath rebuked Kings , and the greatest for their sakes ; nay , even the least ( as those Children that mocked the Prophet ) have not scap'd free , yea , to misuse them in body , goods , or name , and offer them indignity , is the ready means to provoke the Lord to wrath and indignation .

Over Gods heritage , ] The third reason Christians are Gods Heritage . A reason against Lordly and Tyrannous dealing , People be Gods Heritage : The word signifies elsewhere a lot , because Heritage used to be divided by lot : The word is of the plural number , whereby is meant particular Congregations , over which God appointeth particular Ministers , as being parts of the Heritage of God , which is the whole Church of God in Heaven and Earth , and every particular Congregation is a part of it , and as a Farm or Manor committed to a Spiritual Husbandman , to yield the Lord the fruit thereof .

The word here used , the Papists apply onely to Ministers , but improperly ; for the people also be the Lords lot , portion , and the rod of his inheritance , though indeed Levi was Gods part in a special maner , set aside for Gods service in his Temple , yet then and now all Gods Church are his Heritage .

The people is the Lords Heritage ; He hath bought his Church at a dear rate , he plants it , waters it , and hedgeth the same in .

1. This rebuketh those Ministers , Use 1. that use them at their pleasure , kill them , sell them , misuse them , &c. but they shall be countable to God for them , as Jacob to Laban for those sheep that were lost or torn : We must use them as Gods Sheep , husbanding Gods Heritage carefully , that it may yield fruit in abundance to the owner the Lord ; we must not use them as we list , but as we will answer for every sheep : They be dear to God , and he will have account of every sheep in our fold ; we should be thankful to God , that hath trusted us with such a jewel , as a part of his Heritage , and therefore be faithful to him and them .

2. If People be Gods Heritage , Use 2. and every Congregation as a particular Farm , they must look they yield fruit , that God may take delight therein , and may say , It s the fruitfullest Farm that I have within a great way , I have more obedience yielded to my Word , my Sabbaths better kept , my Sacraments better resorted to , Families better instructed and governed in that Town , then in many others , more love , Simile . mercy , zeal , &c. As an Husbandman that hath a rich piece of ground , and which bears a great crop , he will delight to be much in it , looking on it , walking about it , looking that no damage come to it , &c. but if it prove barren , he cares not for coming at it ; So where theirs a fruitful piece of ground to the Lord , he wil delight in it , boast of it , bless it , fence it , and continue his favor to it , and to their posterity after them , they paying the rent of the Gospel , and fruit which is the obedience thereof , and outward mercies as he seeth best , &c. But in Towns where there is no fruit , no obedince yielded , no Prayer , no regard of Sabbaths or Sacraments ; but on the contrary , Prophaness , Swearing , Sabbath-breaking , Contention , Whoredom , Drunkenness , &c. God will take no pleasure in such a Farm , but if it hath had a good Husbandman , will take him away , and put it over into the hands of some hireling or base person , See Heb. 6. 8. good enough for such a place .

But being ensamples to the flock , ] Now of the duty exhorted unto , which is the third and last ; the two former are not enough , to those this must be added ; Though it may be said , Better Preach well and live naughtily , then live jollily well , and preach not , or altogether without edification , yet indeed , both ought to go together .

Ministers must not onely teach well , Ministers must not onely preach well , but live well . but also do the same , be paterns unto their people , go before them in practice ; they must not be like Statues in a high-way , like Noahs builders which framed the Ark , but were not saved therein , or like the Scribes and Pharisees ; which laid heavy burthens on others , Luke 11. 46. which they themselves would not touch .

This was signified under the Law , Lev. 21. 18. none that were to minister before the Lord , Acts 1. 1. were to be deformed : Matth. 5. 16. Our Savior both taught and did , 1 Tim. 4. 16. Ministers must be as shining Lights , they must be unrebukeable ; as people must joyn doing with hearing , so must Ministers doing with Preaching .

Reasons . Reasons . 1. Hereby it shall appear that they mean in good earnest , and require nothing of others , but that whereunto they themselves are willing to yield . 2. Hereby Atheists will be put to silence , whose usual speech is after this maner , Tush , if there were any such matter to be feared , as they talk of , would not they live otherwise ; but there 's no such thing , they must say something in place , to scare the people and keep them in awe : The common sort of ignorant and careless people profit not by preaching , as long as the Preachers life is contrary to his Doctrine ; as who go more by seeing , then by hearing . If a man should speak as an Angel , and not live thereafter ( such is their weakness ) they would not regard him , yea , in the better sort , it doth greatly abate the edge of all they hear ; yet doth not the power of the Word , and efficacy of the Sacraments , depend on the lives of the Ministers , Matth. 23. 2. but whether they be good or bad , sitting in Moses Chair , they are to be followed and obeyed in those things which they teach truly . 3. Hereby they shall procure themselves a good degree and great liberty , and boldness in their Ministery , whereas otherwise , it 's not possible but that their ill consciences must stop their mouthes : How can they rebuke sin zealously , they themselves being addicted unto those very sins which they would reprove ? Luke 4. 23. If they do , will it not be replyed , Physitian , heal thy self ? 4. Ministers have such a Calling , as that whil'st others are busied about worldly things most part of their time , theirs lies in the study of the Scriptures , and about holy and Spiritual things , whereby they may daily be further and further built up . 5. It s the way to do most good , when the one is seconded by the other , holy Preaching with an holy life , else there 's a very ill harmony , when upon both good is not done , people are left without excuse . 6. The Devil labors to stain Ministers lives , as knowing that hereby their Doctrine becometh for the most part ineffectual ; Therefore he labors by all means to bring in ill livers into the Ministery , neither cares he what their gifts be , so their lives be stained ; or else he labors with those that be in , to pervert them one way or other , by loosness , riot , &c. or get them to be covetous , &c. If he cannot prevail in those , then in some lesser things , as in their apparel , the government of their Families , and the like ; If he cannot do thus much , yet will he rather play at some small game then sit out , he will then raise up false reports of godly Ministers , which he knows will be listened unto , and do some hurt .

1. For Ministers . Use 1. 1. They must live among their people , else how can they give them good example , and so win them ? 2. They must look exceeding warily to their lives , yea , to their Wives and Childrens behavior ; we must watch over our own hearts , bridle and beat down our corruptions , avoid all appearance of evil , all the least occasion of evil , for a mote in us will be counted a beam , and do more hurt then a beam in another ; yea , we must not onely beware in things evil , but even abridge our selves in lawful things , of something we might do , and that for the peoples weakness , as of our lawful recreation or refreshing , so that we wrong not our selves too much herein , and in the matter of the maintenance , seeking our own , or providing something for Wife and Posterity , which we might and ought to do , yet we must forbear somewhat for the peoples weakness , who are ready to think a man covetous , if he hath any thing more then from hand to mouth , or looks to save any thing , as they do for theirs : And yet people must here again be admonished , that they stand not too much upon their Ministers life , but look to his Ministery , and labor to profit by it ; the Word of God is holy , and ought to be of power with us , whatsoever the life of the Minister be . But alas , how many Ministers be as bad as the worst in the Parish , as ready to run to the Alehouse , to play on the Lords-day , to be Gusters , Swearers , unclean Persons , Usurers , what not ? O we ought to bewail the state of the Land in this behalf ! Such with Eli's Sons , make the people loath the Sacrifice of God : They pollute the holy things of God , what answer shall they be able and to make ? even out of their own mouthes they shall be condemned , as who having often preached others , yet have hated to be reformed .

2. For People . Use 2. 1. If Ministers must give good example , then must people imitate and follow the same , for even to this end also are Ministers enjoyned to live well ; Matth. 11. 29. our Savior saith , Learn of me , &c. the Apostle Paul , Eph. 5. 1. Be ye followers of me , &c. But 2. There be some that will either be catching at somewhat to keep themselves in their old course , or if they can finde no just ground , then will they say , he is an honest man indeed , and there is all , but for following his example , they minde no such matter ; some again will bear with themselves in pride , vanity , ignorance , why ? what , we be no Ministers , therefore need not be so holy ; we are beholding to them , that they think we should be holy , but so must they too ( else wo unto them ) especially after so long teaching : Some will be prying into a good Ministers life , and if they can see or hear by any that he hath any infirmity ( which yet haply is not so ) they judge amiss thereof ; nay , though it be his burthen , and he labors against it , yet this shall be sufficient for some proud prophane men to set light by all his Ministery ( which is approved and powerful to many others ) and by all the rest of his godly conversation : what , do these think to have a Minister perfect without infirmity ? Iames 5. 17. none ever was ; Elias ( as St. James saith ) was a man subject to the like infirmities that we are ; Acts 15. 39. Paul and Barnabas also were stired up the one against the other ; Samuel , Eli , & the rest , were not with out their own frailties : Some Ministers are a little too fine , some a little too worldly , others somewhat too quick and hasty , &c. But will this discharge people from regarding and profiting by their Ministery and example : This is not spoken that any Minister should bear with himself in any weakness , but for them that hereupon think they may cast off the regard of him and his Ministery , saying , What are they , or what is he ? he is a man , and hath infirmities as well as others : But as Noah condemned the world by making the Ark , so shall their Doctrine you , if ye amend not thereby : If you be so sharp sighted , that you can spy what infirmity is in your Minister , then look you follow all the other good things you observe in him , and shun that , but they will do thus with a Minister , yet will nourish many gross things in themselves : Oh , if Ministers were like the Angels , perfect , and could do miracles , and heal their sick , and live ( as Moses did , forty days ) continually without meat , then they would like well of them ; but seeing they must have maintenance , and can do nothing but Preach to them , and Pray for them , and go before them in a good example , and have infirmities , they make no reckoning of them , but such shew themselves carnal and foolish ; even such Ministers must be such as must save us , and no other .

Verse 4. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear , ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away .

THe last Reason taken from the commodity , The fourth Reason from the reward of faithful Ministers . and happy event , and rich reward that will be to all that shall thus faithfully discharge their duties , wherein the Apostle doth , like the Devil with our Savior Christ , though to a better , yea , contrary , and leaves the Reason from profit till the last , as likely to be of most force .

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear , ] Christ the chief Shepherd Jesus Christ is meant by the chief Shepherd ; Iohn 10. 11. He is that good Shepherd , the Shepherd of Shepherds , Heb. 13. 20. the great Shepherd of his people ; we be Shepherds also , but inferior to him .

He is worthily so called , 1. Because the sheep be his , not ours , he is the owner of them , Acts 20. 28. and they cost him full dearly ; for us , we are but set to tend and feed them . 2. He appoints us under him , and gives us gifts to feed and direct them ; Eph. 4. 11. He sets us on work . 3. It s he that gathers and keeps the sheep , and heals them ; we indeed use the means , but it s he that gives the blessing ; we cannot change a goat into a sheep , nor force one home from straying , but he perswades their hearts , he gives the encrease . 4. It s he to whom we must give our account , and who pays us our wages : for , as for the present maintenance we have , it s not answerable to the work we do ; the world think it too much , but Christ will pay us after another fashion . 5. He is over all the flock in all places and countreys , we onely are over handfuls and parcels of this great flock , which yet are called flocks , but nothing to the whole .

1. This condemneth that notable usurpation of the Pope of Rome , Use 1. who arrogateth unto himself , that he is the chief Pastor and Arch-Shepherd over all the Church : But there is no other chief one but Christ on Earth , who is present with his Church to the worlds end : A Shepherd ; a devouring wolf he is , that destroys all souls ; A Feeder ; he poysons the people by the dung-hill dirt of false Doctrine , and his own Traditions , he feeds all for the Devil , but brings none to Christ to be sure .

2. It teacheth us that are Ministers to look to our Calling by the chief Shepherd , Use 2. whether besides the outward allowance of men , we have received a competency of skill and gifts to manage the business we are set about , the gaining of the peoples souls ; as also to crave his direction and blessing upon our labors , and so to use our people , Heb. 13. 17. as for whom and every of them we must make an account to their owner , our Master ; we must not starve them , or half starve them , be cruel unto them , buy , sell , chop or change them away , as if they were our own , when as we are but Servants ; This is little believed or regarded .

3. For people , Use 3. if they want a Shepherd , and be scattered , they must crave one of the chief Shepherd ; yea , generally , that he would furnish many , and send them abroad among the lost and forlorn sheep ; They must also submit themselves to their Ministery and Government , as to those that be set over them by Christ , knowing that if they despise them , they despise their Master ; and if they be not won by their Ministery , they despise the voice of Christ Jesus himself .

Ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away . ] The great reward of faithful Ministers . Here 's the reward of faithful Ministers ; They shall attain a state of happiness , which God hath provided for his in Heaven ; it s not to be uttered nor conceived what it is : It s described , according to our weak conceit , by a feast , a marriage feast of a Kings Son , a City whose Walls and Streets are Gold , and Gates Pearls , &c. It s a State free from all evil ; whereas here there 's nothing but crying and complaining , one of his head , lungs , back , &c. another of his unruly children , losses by sea , by Bankrupts , &c. There all tears are wiped away ; there also there 's no want of any thing , no need of any thing , whether for body or soul , but a perfect enjoying of all good , for we shall enjoy God himself , the fountain of all goodness ; we shall also enjoy the society and fellowship of the Lord Jesus , who hath so loved us , and who is the joy of our hearts : So of the holy Ghost the Comforter ; so of the Angels , of the Patriarks , Prophets , Apostles , Martyrs , of our godly Friends , Children , Ministers , that begat us to God , &c. where we shall be so filled with all comfort , as we shall joy continually , for we shall sing night and day ; the place also adds unto our happiness : Needs must Heaven be excellent , as being prepared by God for himself to set forth his magnificence ; what it s within , appears by its glorious outside , and the glory thereof , by the fairness of the world , given to dogs and Gods Enemies ; this also is eternal : The glory of this world , as it s not worthy to be so called ; so it s inconstant and fickle ( see it in Nebuchadnezzar , Belshazzar , Herod ) one day , yea , one hour knows us often , Dan. 12. 3. both happy ( as the world accounts ) and miserable ; 1 Tim. 4. 16. but such is not the glory of Heaven , 2 Tim. 4. 8. it endures for ever : This is here ( as elsewhere ) promised to faithful Ministers , they shall enter into their Masters joy .

1. This may exceedingly encourage Ministers , Use 1. to take all the pains that possibly they can in their calling ; we serve a good Master : O how men strive for a corruptible Crown , how much more should we for an incorruptible ! how careful should we be in Studying , Preaching , living well , & c ?

2. It may serve to uphold us in the midst , Use 2. and against all discouragements ; our office is not onely painful , but oftentimes fruitless , thankless ; and perilous : A Minister shall have to do with such dull ones , as he must teach them as a childe new weaned , with line upon line , precept upon precept ; others are so wretched , as that by no means they will be reclaimed ; yea , oftentimes they may receive unkindeness where they least expect it ; people count our labors nothing , which yet we finde such as we are scarce able to undergo ; others grudge at our maintenance , otherwhile we shall ( having delivered things never so carefully ) be taxed by some of ignorance , by others of malice ; Ier. 20. 7. others will raise up lyes and slanders against us , and so requite our pains ; others will persecute us , as Demetrius , and Alexander the Copper-Smith did the Apostles ; yea , the more painful we are , the harder we shall be dealt with : Now against all those and the like , hath not a Minister need to have something to comfort and hearten him ? This will do it fully ; the incorruptible Crown will pay for all , we must look up to that : Contrarily , what will be the reward and end of all unfaithful Ministers , that starve and mislead their Flock , that live in jollity and at ease , & c ? Oh , their reward will be with the unfaithful Servant , to be taken and bound hand and foot , and thrown into utter darkness : Then shall they pay for all the wages taken without doing any work ; so for all their ease , which will be turned into pain and wo ; They shall then give an account for all the souls that they have caused to perish . At what time they shall receive their reward .

Q. But when shall Gods Ministers have their Crown ?

Answ. When Christ shall appear and come to Judgement : O then , if he never come , we shall never have our Crown ! O doubt not once hereof ! He shall certainly come to Judgement : It s an Article of our faith , and which is often mentioned in Scripture , See Matth. 25. 31. Acts 2. 11. 1 Thess. 4. 14. 2 Thess. 1. 10. Rev. 1. 7. Therefore let neither the good doubt hereof , to become slack or faint , nor the wicked , to continue careless . Obj.

Obj. But when will it be , Sol. It will be long first ?

Answ. It cannot be long ere it be , for we be in the latter end of the last times ; but if it were , our life is not long , and in the end thereof we shall have one half of our Crown , and our bodies shall rest for the other until the day of Judgement ; therefore live by Faith , and wait , and be not short breathed : If one part tarry a while , it will be so wonderful when it comes , Use 3. as that it will abundantly pay for all .

3. For People ; If they be good sheep , brought from their wandring , turn'd from goats to sheep , and be ruled by the government of their godly Pastors , 2 Tim. 4. 8. they shall also have this incorruptible Crown of glory : For the stubborn and disobedient , that will retain their goatish qualities , that wil not be brought home by any means that can be used , their condition will be fearful ; but in death , when their souls shall be carried into Hell , and on the day of Judgement , when they shall stand on the left hand ; they which here would not hear that voice that called them so often to him , shall then be charged to depart from him : As this day will be joyful to the godly , so shal it be terrible to the wicked ,

Verse 5. Likewise ye yonger , submit your selves unto the elder ; yea , all of you be subject one to another , and be clothed with humility , for God resisteth the proud , and giveth grace to the humble .

THe Apostle proceeds to the duty of another special sort of people , namely , the yonger ones , shewing what duty they owed to their elders , and then goes to Exhortations to sundry particular duties .

Likewise ye yonger , submit your selves unto the elder ; ] Although I use to trouble you little with divers interpretations or mens judgements , taking it that my duty is to shew you , rather what God saith , then what men say ; yet at this time it will not be amiss to propound fome : Elders may be taken as in the preceding uses , not for elders in years , but by office ; and so by the yonger may be meant , not the yong in years , but inferior in place , namely the people ; or if yong in years are to be understood , What we are to understand by the yonger and the elder . then a part for the whole is meant : All the people must submit themselves to their Ministers , whereof a great part are yong ones , and they commonly the most unruly , and so the duty of people towards their Ministers is here taught , as the word likewise seemeth to imply : Or Elders may well be taken for Elders in age properly , and so the yonger in like sort for the yong sort of people , and so the duty of youth towards them that are aged be here taught , as it may well be , and the more likely in my minde : But I will not spend any time to approve or disapprove the one more then the other , but speak something of both , as in some such cases is not unusual nor amiss , when both may very well stand , and it be difficult to say which is the true meaning of the place , this or that .

For the first ; Wherein the duty of people towards their Ministers consists . The duties of people towards their Ministers laid down in the fifth commandment , stand in these four things : 1. They must reverence them for the dignity , highness , and excellency of their Calling , in which respect they are termed Angels , Stars , the light of the world , Heb. 13. 17. Gods Ambassadors . 2. They must yield obedience to them in their Ministery . 3. They must willingly allow them a sufficient maintenance , that they may wholly without distraction attend on their souls . Eph. 1. 16 , 17. 4. They must pray for them , both that their Ministery may be fruitful , Heb. 13. 18. and that they may long continue amongst them , of those the second is the principal ; Namely , that

People must submit themselves to the Ministery of the Word in the mouths of their Ministers ; People must submit themsel●●s to the Ministery of the Word . as we stand bound to preach , so do you to hear and obey : For , Blessed are they that hear the word of God , and keep it , Luk 11. 28. that are doers as well as hearers : God hath not appointed us to Preach in vain , but for the conversion of people ; The Ministery is ordained to work faith , to convert souls : it was the peoples request with promise to hear and do ; Exod. 20. 19. God hath yielded and sanctified it to be the onely ordinary means ( not reading , 1 Cor. 1. 21. not preaching by an Angel ) even the foolishness of Preaching ( by the hand of men ) to save them that believe .

If Ministers must be called to an account for Preaching , shall not the people how they have profited ? and if a wo to us if we preach not , Matth. 11. 20. is there not to them if they repent not ? For this cause our Savior upbraided those Cities wherein his mighty works were done , not because they would not entertain him , nor hear him , as the Gadarens , but because they repented not : we have done you no good , nor have you heard well , Rom. 6. 17. till you have repented and be converted , till you have obeyed from the heart the form of Doctrine delivered you : The Law humbleth , the Gospel wo●●th Faith , both bring to a reformed , new and godly life ; we hear aright when we go away pricked in our hearts : Acts 2. 37. Till then there 's no good wrought on us , as appears by the Prophets complaints , Acts 13. 48. Isaiah 49. 4. and 53. 1. Jer. 6. 10. else no mark of Election , 2 Pet. 1. 10. faith being a demonstration hereof ; we make sure our Election by our effectual calling : 1 Thess ▪ 1. 4 , 5 ▪ The Apostle also termeth the Thessalonians Elect of God , because the preaching was not to them in word onely , but in power , and they received the word in much affliction , and became followers of us , &c. and that they received his preaching , not as the word of man , but as it is indeed , the Word of God ; not to hear and obey , is rather a mark of reprobation , as in Eli's Sons ; 1 Sam. 2. 25. If we be Christs sheep , we hear his voyce in the Ministery and follow him : Iohn 10. 27. O what an excellent harmony would this make , if Ministers preach faithfully , and the people become converted , and then built up in all obedience thereby !

1. Then this rebuketh the woful contempt of the world at most hands , Use 1. for how few yield obedience thereto ? look in all Towns , how many ignorant persons that have no knowledge , neither will have any , give their mindes to none , but pul in their heads that they might not see the light that would glister in their faces ; who so blinde as he that will not see ? Iohn 3. 19. These are far from conversion : This is condemnation , that light is come into the world , and men love darkness rather more then light : So how many prophane persons that live in some known sin ( though some more outragiously then others ) as in Drunkenness , Whoredom , Malice , &c. That hear not , though the Charmer charm never so wisely , and do even stop their ears ; God knocks at the door of their hearts , but they will not open ; his Ministers cry out against their sins , yet they rush on every one after his own hearts lust , and hateth to be reformed ; having a pardon brought and offered them , if they would come in , they stand out : What will become of these ? having refused to hear a gracious voyce offering mercy , they shall hear a fearful voyce denouncing judgement , not hearing a voyce calling them to him , they shal hear a voyce commanding them from him , and as he called and they refused , so shall they call , but not be heard or regarded : What shall these have to say for themselves ? Their iniquity shall stop up their mouth : How many civil persons are there also , that be not converted if they so continue , they shall perish , unless they be born again , truly humbled , planted into Christ ; obey in all things , not in the duties of the second Table onely , giving men their due , but of the first also , giving God his , they cannot be saved : What should I speak of worldlings that are so glued to the world , as they savor not at all of Heaven , or heavenly things ? no such thing can enter into their hearts , either they hear not the Word at all , or the thorny cares of the world quickly choak that seed : What of Hypocrites , some professing outwardly , and yet living in some known sin ; others not so bad , that yet fall far short , having gone some steps , and hoping that all is well ? These were never as yet truly humbled , and so not converted , & so had not that that accompanieth Salvation ; these hear , but not aright : Every man therefore must examine himself how he hath heard , and whether the Word hath been a means of his true conversion , and whether he make conscience to submit himself to the precepts thereof ? They that can prove themselves thereby converted , how comfortably may they go on , walking in obedience thereto ? Contrarily , the care of others is dangerous ; for , think not that our preaching will go away unregarded , or that it s no matter how you have heard : Oh! Preachings and Sacraments be dangerous things , life or death can do a great deal of good , or as much hurt : to them that obey , its Salvation , but to the disobedient , it s the savor of death unto death : This is a fearful sin in this Land , and the cause of all our plagues , Matth. 11. 21. by reason whereof we may fear worse : Remember the wo pronounced against Chorazin and Bethsaida .

2. This may be for exhortation to all , Use 2. that as they come and hear , so to submit themselves , Isaiah 11. 6. and pray God to make his word effectual by his Spirit ; Acts 26. 18. So shall God be glorified , if of Lyons we become Lambs ; If won from Satan to God : The Ministers shall rejoyce , as having the greater Crown ; The Angels in Heaven will rejoyce , having new fellow Servants ; yea , God himself will rejoyce , the Father as having a new Son , Christ as having another member , the Holy Ghost another Temple ; onely the Devil will be sorry , as who loseth all , but your selves shall have the benefit both here and for ever . Further ,

Being converted , we should still listen and stoop to whatsoever commandment we have thence of renouncing and forbearing this or that evil , or doing whatsoever good , without reasoning , delays , excuses , saying , Now I see what the Word saith , I have done , I will yield and become obedient : Thus it ought to carry us contrary to our profit , pleasure , ease , custom of our selves , fashion and example of others , which yet but few do .

Thus of the first sence .

For the second , The duties of youth to the aged ; As the Apostle hath been before in hand , with Subjects , Wives , Husbands , Servants duties , and now with Ministers , so doth he proceed to inform the yonger of theirs towards their elders . Gods Ministers must particularly inform every one of their duty . Gods Ministers must not onely teach things generally belonging to all , but even special things belonging to every age , sex and condition of persons : They must not onely labor that people may become Christians , but that they may be good in their special calling ; like good husbands they must be in every corner , instructing each in their duties , they must finde out what be the special faults of youth , as rashness , pride , unconstancy , speaking against them , and laboring to prevent or cure them ; so what be most needful for them , as sobriety , humility , discretion , stayedness , accordingly calling for these ; thus must they do with the aged , speaking against their testiness and covetousness , and calling upon stayedness and soundness in all good judgement and conversation : So they must take notice of the faults most incident to women , as niceness , curiosity , loquacity , accordingly endeavoring to cure them thereof ; for even in those that be good Christians , yet there may be some such particular and special failings , as whereby the name of God and his Gospel may be ill spoken of : Thus did the Apostles , being herein good and wise stewards , to give to every one of the Lords Family their portion of meat in due season , workmen that needed not be ashamed : The Scripture teacheth every man his duty , wherein accordingly ( revealing every piece of Gods councel ) we are to instruct them ; for want of this the Gospel hears ill , even of those that have some good things in them .

Therefore as Ministers must be wise , Use. prompt Scribes taught of God , and careful herein ; so people must be content , nay , like well hereof ; not repining nor finding fault with their Ministers , for such weaknesses and faults as our nature is prone to : Neither must people dislike , and say , What , cannot the Minister be content to open his Text , and teach us general things , but he must meddle how we Husbands live with our Wives , we Wives with our Husbands , how we behave our selves in our Families , how we Servants should do our work , & c ? This is an ill sign ; a good hearer is desirous the word should come home close to him and tell him of his duty , yea , ere thou come to the hearing of the Word , pray , O that the Minister may come home close to my corruptions ! O that I may be so instructed in my duty , that I may please God by performing the same ! yea , if the Minister come not home so close as we would , Luke 3. 10 , 12 , 14. we should go and enquire of him of our duties , and what shall we do ?

In particular ; Wherein the duties of the yonger towards their elders consists . The yonger must honor their elders ( as it s in the fifth Commandment ) here called submiting themselves , under which be these duties : 1. They must reverence them inwardly in their hearts , and declare it by countenance , gesture and behavior ; and this they must do , because old age is a piece of Gods image , and of his eternity , who is termed the Ancient of days : See Lev. 19. 32. If there be gray hairs alone , Dan. 7. 9. they require reverence , See Prov. 16. 31. but if with godliness , then double honor , for that is a great piece of the image of God . 2. They must haste towards them when they are called , Iob. 32. 4. and looking on them reverently , answer them soberly and dutifully . 3. When they speak , they must have their ears open , Iob 12. 12. &c. for which the ancient is wisdom . 4. They must be obedient to them , to their good councels , admonitions , rebukes ; and follow their good example , and thank God they have those that have experience , and have trod the way before them , and who it may be have bought it dearly to tell them their duty freely : Simile . As if one that had passed a dangerous water with much difficulty , should tell another Travellor which way to go safely through . 5. To pray for them , to have all graces increased in them , and they fitted more and more to do good to many , and that they may live long to that end , and to help on yong ones . Alas , if all were Colts in a Plough or Cart , what work would be there ? usually therefore old ones are joyned to hold in and guide the yong : Simile . So doth God in wisdom and mercy by those that are old , guide and direct them that are yong ; so that youths must not behave themselves rudely or saw●ily in countenance , word or deed , neither babble nor prate , nor shake off their counsel and example which God hath given them to follow .

1. For Elders ; Use 1. If the yonger must honor and reverence them , then they must be such as deserve it and procure it ; they must speak so wisely and profitably , as yong ones may willingly lay their hand on their mouth and be silent ; they must also give them godly and good counsel , and an holy example , which the yonger may follow : when they see you dissolute , disordered , given to this or that vice , Sabbath-breaking , lewd company , riot , they must advise and perswade them to beware , telling them from their own observation how many have by such means brought themselves to ruine ; so about their matching , that they are to be ruled and guided by their Parents ; so when they see any trifle out their time , and defer their repentance , and live riotously , they must thus from their own experience expostulate with them , O make use of your time while you have it ! This is your freest time , if I had not got somewhat in my youth , it had been bad with me now , being so dull and forgetful : or if we lost our time then , and God hath since brought us to repentance , let us tell them from our own miserable experience , O take heed , do not as I did , I lost my time , and spent it away foolishly , when I should have learned goodness , and now how dull am I ? Alas , I shall never come to any great matters , now I am past ( and have lost ) my youth ; if it had not been Gods unspeakable mercy , I had perished , and he lets in a little light into me , but alas , how slow of capacity am I ? what a bad memory have I ? So if we see them that will not be advised by counsel , we must rebuke them , yea , carry such a gravity and godly hatred of sin , Iob 29. 8. as the wicked may stand in awe , and not dare abide our sight when they do evil : But the most part of old folks are so silly and ignorant , that they have no good counsel in them , nay , are blockish and unteachable ; they spent their own time badly , and never made conscience thereof , therefore do not they call on others , not being converted , how can they strengthen others ? Many also are so far from rebuking them for disorder , and making the wicked afraid , as they will sit still on their benches , and look upon youths rioting , dancing , &c. and laugh at them , aud so they strengthen them in their naughtiness ; and if a yonger man reprove them , whether Officer or other , they do not make any reckoning ▪ thereof , for why , such an ancient old man will stand and look on us , and when they see such coming , they are so far from fleeing as were meet , as they are the more emboldned , because they know they shall be countenanced by them ; yea , these do in effect as Saul , who held the garments of those that stoned Stephen ; others there are , who though they will not stand looking on them , yet will pass by , and say nothing to them , but rather bid them God speed , and so are partakers of their evil : These also should give good example , be paterns of piety , godliness , hatred of sin , zeal for Gods glory , love to the house of God , &c. as those that have had much time , many means , and now have but a while to live : If their example be good , it may do much good , Tit. 2. 2. if ill , then no hoe ; Abraham , Isaac , Jacob were godly old men ; so Noah , Job , Samuel , Simeon , their example did much good : But Oh , how vain , frothy and unsavory are the words of some , being so prophane , as youths might rather open their mouth to reprove them , then give any attention to hear them : Some talk as filthily , as if they had never repented of the whoredom of their youth ; some talk and tell to youths , and laugh at the lewd pranks of their youth , so reading their Lectures of evil ; they shew themselves zealous to do evil , that not onely will do so themselves as long as they can , but would that others should after them ; the contrary is a good sign : Some also even aged , are Swearers , Sabbath breakers , Al●househaunters , &c. some also , though for the time they might have been Teachers ( though not publique ones , yet of the youths ) had need to be taught even the easiest Principles of Religion ; they can onely tell you of old Stories , they can remember since King Henry went to Bulloign , and can remember the old learning , and that they helpt the Priest say Mass many a time : If they could remember that they had repented of it , it were well ; or could remember of any good they did forty years ago ; or that they were greatly moved at a Sermon , and ever since have made conscience of their ways , took such and such pains to hear , such delight to read in the Scriptures , and other good Books , have sate up half nights in doing good , O this were well : If they could talk of our Saviors birth , life , miracles , death ; of his Apostles & their acts ; of the Israelites carrying into captivity , coming out of Egypt , so of the Flood , of the Creation , &c. these things indeed would become them ; See 1 Iohn 2. 13 , 14. as they can tel you how old they are , and in what Kings Reign they were born ; so if they could tell you when they were born again , and how old they are in Christ , it were happy : But alas , in such things they have no more skill then Nicodemus had when he first came to our Savior : They are dumb when they are put from their old Stories , I knew his Grand-father , his great Grand-father , Isa. 65. 20. &c. the older a man is , the worse he is , if he be not godly : O that such would consider why they came into the world , how near death is , what good counsel or good example they have given , whom they have kept from evil , or furthered in good , what good they have done for their own Souls , how they should have served God in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life , and that they have not thus served him , for which they have a fearful answer to make , Though there be no great hope in respect of your dullness , as also that God will not accept such a lame Sacrifice , and the Devils leavings , who requireth the firstlings , and lest the Devil will not be put out , nor sin accustomed unto be done away , yet nothing is impossible to God ; therefore despair not , onely ply you with exceeding haste , lest you be shut out ; and that you may turn to God , get some assurance of his love , redeem the time , make some amends , do some good ere you dye , as the good Thief that rebuked his fellow . If old folks would not live , without being desired , nor be a burthen , nor dye without being mourned for , let them live to good use , and do good , so shall their age be honorable and honored : There be some good old ancient men , but alas , their ●umber is but small , and they not so zealous as they should be ; old men also in Towns must use their power and place to the good of the yonger and Church wherein they live , and not to ease their own bodies or purses , laying the burthen on their inferiors ; See Tit. 2. 3. 4. and as old men , so are old women also here meant , who must give good instruction , and do good also by example ; they must speak graciously , and to good purpose , not given to Tale-telling , Malice , idle Talking , &c. as most are .

2. For youths , Use 2. it rebuketh the notorious pride and malepart boldness of the youths of our times , in their gesture , carriage , speech to their elders , whether in publique or private ; what a universal complaint do men make of their children ? what a complaint , especially of Servants , that there were never the like for pride , idleness , untrustiness , &c. never looking for more maintenance , never less duty . In former times , when they had not the tythe of the means they now enjoy , servants were plain , diligent , trusty , careful to please , painful , &c. What a shame is this ? Hereupon they that be ill minded blame us and the Gospel , never good servants since so much preaching : O woful mouth , is our preaching or the Word of God in the fault ? Is there one word in the Bible , or doth any one come from us at any time , that teacheth them so to do ? Do not we teach them the quite contrary ? and do not you give God a good mends for the Gospel ? There are some which do even profess Religion , that yet suffer civil servants to go beyond them in diligence , and trustiness , and gentleness , and good behavior : Oh , what may we not fear upon the Land , for the ungraciousness of this generation , seeing they will not bear the easie yoke of Government of their Elders , they may look for some heavy yoke or other ; God will set up houses of Correction for such . How few youths make any account that it belongs to them to be Religious ? or that their youth should be otherwise spent then in vanity ; but the Scriptures call for Religion , even at the hands of yong men . There are also Reasons to disswade yong men from tainting their yong years , and laying up matter for their age , to roar for the sins of their youth , from losing this freest and fittest time : The fittest , because they be fresh , and apt to conceive , remember , and are strong , which way they set themselves to good or evil : 1 Iohn 2 ▪ 13. The freest , as not being incumbred with cares , worldly businesses , &c. old age also is dull , and unfit to learn ; the trade of Christianity is to be learned betimes : You yong men and maids , and yonger women , shew your humility in being ready to listen and follow any good councel or example : If you have seen God go before you in your Elders , and follow them not , your judgement will be great , and sin without excuse : There be indeed Religious and sober good youths , and yong folks , married and single , and such as shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven before their Elders , children before their Parents , and Servants before their Masters , and yong men which be able to instruct , and be paterns to the aged : 1 Tim. 6. 1. These are comely persons , but how few be of these ? These also must remember to reverence their Parents , Masters , Elders , though they should not be for knowledge or grace as they ought , and themselves have more then they .

All of you be subject one to another ] He lays not this duty on the yong onely , as in the former words , but now requireth it of all , even of Superiors to Inferiors , and equalls each to other ; not that he forgets himself , or would lay all common , and make a confusion , as if the Superior ought as much submission to his Inferiors , as they to him , and so equals each to other ; not so , but they must submit themselves to them in another kinde , as Superiors to Inferiors , to care for them , and seek their good , and bear with them ; and equals to stoop to do each other good , and to bear one with another , and yield and give way to each other , not standing stifly upon terms .

For Superiors , How superiors must be subject to their inferiors . they must submit to their Inferiors , even Princes . Councellors , Nobles , Judges , &c. must beat their heads , study and take pains for the good of the Subjects , as the Subjects must submit to them in reverence , obedience , tributes , &c. So they care for them , put themselves to pains to do them good , for God hath appointed no Calling to take all and pay nothing , but every honor hath a burthen of care going with it . Simile . As in the Members of the the natural Body , not one is allowed to be idle , but every one works for the good of the whole ; the eye looks , the tongue talks , the foot walks , the hand works , &c. Now some may think that all these work , and the stomack and belly in the midst lie still and be idle , doing nothing ; but it s not so , for though they work not as the other , yet their work is as profitable and necessary , without which they could not long stir ; namely , they concoct the meat , and nourish the whole body ; the like may be said of Princes and Magistrates : So Ministers , even the greatest must stoop low , and take care publikely and privately of the meanest in the Congregation : Luke 22. 26. He that is chief , must thus be servant of all : So the chief men in Towns , must take care for the good of the poor ; they must visit them into their poor houses , and look in their cupboards , &c. it s their glory thus to do ; The Angels tend on us , and scorn not , yea , God stoops to take care of us poor Creatures ; He numbers the hairs of our heads , and makes all our beds in our sickness ; So our Savior Christ , being rich , became poor for us ; and the Holy Ghost takes up us miserable Creatures for his lodging ; Housholders also , as they look for submission from their Families , so must they submit themselves to have care not of their bodies only , but to instruct , teach and admonish them for the good of their souls ; so Husbands must bear with their Wives weakness , and not stand strictly upon every word amiss , when they are at sometimes disquieted : Neither is it any disparagement for a Superior to yield to his Inferior , but a commendation , for so did Abraham to Lot ; let every one know we be the Lords Stewards , and therefore must lay out as well as take in .

For equals , ] How equals must be subject one to another . There must be a doing good each to other , being not born for our selves : The useful man is the man that will be beloved and have comfort , we may stand in need one of another , and therefore must do good one to another ; also we must yield each to other , not as they that will strive for the wall or way , and lay each other in the dirt ; in reasoning we must not be stiff , and seek to have the last word ; in fallings out , if our adversary will not come at us , we must go to him ; In matter of commodity , if he will not yield an inch , we must ; if he be angry , break off , be silent , or answer mildely , &c. This is so far from being any disgrace , as that its our honor and credit , what though we could master and subdue another ? we are far wiser if we can overcome our selves , and subdue our own hearts to the word and will of God : Matth. 5. 9. This also tends greatly to peace , and blessed are the peacemakers , Simile . without this no peace . A flint and steel being the one beat against the other make fire , not so if we strike it against a cushion : The world thinks , shall I yield to him ? O this great courage to stand out , but its carnal and beastly courage of Bulls and Bears , not of Christians ; How many might have saved an infinite deal of trouble and charge , yea , haply their lives , if they would but have yielded a little at first , which afterwards they have wished , when it was too late .

Be cloathed with humility , ] Humility the fountain of submission . He exhorts to another vertue , which is the mother and fountain of this submission ; would you thus submit your selves , then be humble : whence as we may note , that where this submission is not , it s for want of humility , and pride bears sway , ( which its needful we should take knowledge of , that we may the better seek the cure ) so we may learn , That

Whatsoever submission proceeds not from humbleness of heart , Whatsoever submission proceeds not from humility , is hypocrisie . is but dissimulation and hypocrisie ; as Absolom , that behaved himself so lowly to all the people , which yet had a most proud heart in him , to aspire to the kingdom in his fathers life time : 2 Sam. 15. 5. So the Pope calls himself Servus servorum Dei , when yet he lifts up himself above all , makes himself head of the Church , to have Supremacy over Princes , to set up and cast down at his pleasure , &c. So the Monks and Fryers that pretend great humility , in fasting and punishing themselves , which yet proceeds from a proud heart , thinking hereby to merit at the hand of God : So they that profess voluntary poverty , which yet live in abundance of all things ; so many among us use low conges and crouches , which yet have all ensigns of pride upon them ; so some that be mean enough in apparel , and will speak so lowly , and give so much to others , even more then is fit , and abuse themselves too much , which yet do it but in cunning and with a proud heart , as may appear by their gibing and jesting at those whom it may be they have thus spoken to and preferred ; as also their jesting at others , whom if you shall stir a little , you shall finde them more like Lyons , and unappeasable , which is the sign of a proud heart ; yea , some will put down themselves too low , that all may advance them the more , and dispraise themselves , to have others set out their commendations .

The cloathing which is here principally meant , is the inward : The filthy Soul must be cloathed with the white raiment of Christs Righteousness : The soul ( behang'd with the filthy rags of beastly lusts ) must be adorned with the sanctifying graces of Gods Spirit ; The Church is all glorious within : Psal. 45. 13. Thus must both men and women of all sorts be adorned , and herein be paterns unto others . Here is not now present any naked body ( you would be ashamed that there should ) but I am afraid that there 's here many a naked Soul , nay worse , even defiled with many noisom lusts of Pride , Ignorance , Hypocrisie , Prophaneness , &c.

In particular , What humility is . the vertue exhorted unto , is Humility , which hath his place in the heart , and sheweth it self outwardly by fruits in the countenance , gestures , speeches and actions of the life : This is a vertue and grace of Gods Spirit , whereby a man not out of cunning , melancholly , carelesness , or discontent with himself , but from a true knowledge of God , himself and others , doth with an unfained , voluntary , free meekness of minde , set a low value of his own worth , or doth esteem meanly of himself : Matth. 11. 29. Though the natural man may seem more humble , Rom. 12. 16. then some Christians , Eph. 4. 1. yet the proudest Christian hath more humility then the humblest carnal man : Phil. 2. 3. This is often called for in Scripture , Luke 14. 10. and taught by our Savior Christ in the matter of the guests , and is also commended much in the Proverbs : Besides , pride , which is opposite to it , is continually forbidden and condemned , all which are of many commendations of humility .

To point it out the better , see it by the fruits thereof , and then by examples .

The fruits may be considered , The fruits of humility in respect of God . either in respect of God or men . In respect of God , 1. It makes a man , seeing his own woful state by nature , by his guiltiness in Adam , by his actual sins also , and bondage under sin , and all the curses due thereby , to renounce and abhor himself , and to flee for pardon , mercy and deliverance ; and having nothing at all in himself but wretchedness and deformity , to desire to finde all in another ; which if he do , he counteth himself infinitely bound to God for ever , See Luke 9. 23 as the poor Publican and Prodigal childe , the Patriarchs shewed it in sackcloath and ashes : This is the first step to Heaven , and without which there is no coming to the Kingdom of God . 2. It makes a man acknowledge himself unworthy of any of Gods favors ; as Abraham , Jacob , Peter , with others : See Gen. 18. 27. and 32. 10. 2 Sam. 7. 18. Psal. 8. 4 , &c. 3. It makes a man acknowledge whatsoever good thing he hath , to proceed from God and his meer grace , and therefore to give God the glory thereof in Thanksgiving : See Dan. 2. 27. Act. 3. 12. and 14. 15. 1 Cor. 4. 7. As they in an Hospital , Simile . they are not ashamed of the Founder thereof , but keep the memory of him ; neither are they fit to receive any thing , who will not acknowledge it : Nebuchadnezzar was seven years in learning this . 4. It makes a man to see his own weakness and frailty , his unability to do good , and proneness to evil , and that he hath no strength to stand one blow in the Spiritual Warfare , so that he doth always fear and suspect himself , and craves continually of God to be kept from the one , and enabled to the other ; as David , Open mine eyes , stay my feet in thy ways , ●ead me forth , forsake me not , teach me , quicken me , &c. so that the humble man is full , as of thanks , so of Prayers . 5. It makes a man prest , and ready to yield obedience to God , seeing both his Soveraignty over us as his poor creatures , and then that he hath been so undeservedly merciful : See Ier. 43. 2. Thereupon he saith , Speak Lord , for thy servant heareth . Iam. 5. 21. Humility is the mother of Obedience , as pride of disobedience ; therefore we are willed to receive the word with meekness . 6. It makes a man , if he have done amiss , exceedingly grieved , and to confess and humble themselves ; even Ahabs counterfeiting the same , did him good . 7. It makes a man meekly to bear the hand of the Lord , as well in respect of his Soveraignty over us , as 1 Sam. 3. 18. 2 Sam 15. 26. Psal. 39. as in respect of our own unworthiness , Iam. 3. 22. as Mic. 7. 9. knowing that we have deserved a thousand times more , and that its of his mercy , we are not consumed . If we be reproached or wronged by men , we will bear it quietly , as David being raised upon by Shimei , 2 Kings 6. 33. because we know we have deserved to be made a threshold for all to tread on , and therefore we will wait patiently on God for deliverance ; when the proud will withdraw , and lift up their mindes , and wait no longer ; or mur●●●● as the 〈◊〉 , or blaspheme , as those mentioned Rev. 16. or 〈…〉 means , as Ahakia and Sa●t : If poverty seize on them , they will stoop to it , See Iob 1. and onely use diligence and prayer : If their Goods , Children , Friends be taken away , humility will say , He hath taken but what he gave or lent me for a season . 8. It makes a man that as he dare not curiously pry into the Ark ▪ and meddle with things not revealed , but to content himself to be ignorant where God hath not spoken , so to rest himself satisfied without any further doubting , or cav●●ing , or enquiring , when he knows what is Gods will .

In respect of men ( and it s most towards our Equals and Inferiors , In respect of men . and is not so much seen in the other , namely , To our Superiors , and there be that will stoop none so much or basely to Superiors , that will despise their Inferiors most of all ) 1. It will make a man prefer others above himself ; Rom. 12. 16. and do as our Savior Christ bids , Luke 14. 10. sit down below , Phil. 2. 8. not dissemblingly , but ingenuously ; so inwardly , to esteem others better then our selves , knowing our own faults , and looking on the vertues of others . 2. To be sociable , friendly and helpful , taking pains to do others the good we can , not scorning to be beholding , especially to our Inferiors and Equals . 3. To submit our selves , yield and give way to our Equals , yea , if need be , to our inferiors , as Abraham to L●t , not standing stiffly upon terms , I am his b●●ters let him come to me if he will : It makes also a man peaceable , not ready to provoke , not easily provoked , but innocent , patient , not apt to revenge , &c. 4. Not to be too ready to censure and condemn others , as knowing so much weakness in our selves ; not to insult over one that hath offended , but rather pity him , knowing that as he fell yesterday , so we may ( if God should leave us ) fall to morrow ; as also to see and acknowledge the grace of God in any , and give it the due commendation , not lifting up our selves above them , as Saul was higher by the head and shoulders then any of the people . 5. It will make one willing to receive counsel , and to submit himself to a reproof ; as Moses followed the counsel of Jethro as his equal , and Naaman did not despise the advice of his servants . 6. It s seen in lowly countenance , humble gate , courteous salutations , yet without Apish mowings , or Fryerly duckings ; so in lowly speeches and behavior , which though sometimes they may be counterfeited , yet usually the inside will be seen by the outside : Pride can hardly keep counsel . 7. In modest apparel , according to our calling , not excessive for the matter , nor vain , fond and curious for the fashion , yet without baseness or affected roughness , as the false Prophets , and as Monks and Fryers : This will be further seen into by examples of humility , Examples of humility . which will not onely serve to perswade us thereto , but shew us further the nature thereof . Heb. 11. 7. Noah an humble man , moved with a reverend fear , without any contradiction , Gen. 18. 27. went about and finished that tedious and troublesome work of making the Ark. Abraham acknowledged himself to be but dust and ashes , and followed Gods command he knew not whither , yea , Exod. 4. 14. was ready to have sacrificed his onely Son . Moses was very humble , refusing to be made Ruler over the Israelites , till he saw God was angry ; also he followed the counsel of his Father in Law , and would have had him gone with him into Canaan , which would have somewhat darkned him , to have an Equal or Superior to go with him : So when the people murmured against him , Exod. 17. 4. and were ready to have stoned him , he prayed to God on their behalf . David acknowledged all his confidence to be from God , being continually in thanksgiving , or admiration at Gods bounty , or praying for grace , bearing the hand of God patiently : 1 Sam. 18. 23. So to menward , What am I ( saith he ) that I should be son in Law to a King , &c. This grace also was eminent in Hezekiah , Gideon , John the Baptist , The Virgin Mary , Cornelius , The Centurion , Paul and Barnabas : Mat. 11. 29. but the most absolute patern of all , was our Savior Christ ; Phil. 2. 8. who as he bad us learn it of him , 1 Pet. 3. 18. so the Apostles Paul and Peter do often set forth his example to be followed of us . He was born of a woman of low degree , in a mean place , laid in a Cratch , subject to his Parents till he was of the age of thirty years , once onely he shewed himself among the Doctors when he was twelve years old : At thirty years old he came to John the Baptist to be baptized of him : He chose mean Apostles , and who lived in a mean degree : He had not whereon to rest his head : Usually he went on foot , yea , till he was weary : Mat. 21. 7. When he did ride ( which was but once as was foretold ) it was meanly , on an Ass: He refused to be a Judge or Divider , or to be made a King : He eat his meat sometimes in the fields ; he washed his Disciples feet ; he humbled himself for our sakes to the death , even the death of the Cross ; Humility an excellent vertue . all which shew forth his humility . This is a most excellent vertue , greatly pleasing to God , and greatly accounted of by men : Mat. 18. 9. Every man loves and likes them that are humble , though many will not so be : As it s of absolute necessity to Salvation , so it s greatly behoofful for a mans well passing his time : Hereby he shall escape many dangers and evils , and pass his time more safely , with more favor of God and men : The humble man hath this priviledge , that he cannot fall , he makes himself so low ; he judgeth himself , and so shall not be judged of God : Humility gives glory to God , and God gives honor to the humble ; it s a beautiful Ornament wherewith we are to deck our selves : it s the Ornament of all graces , have a man much or little : Let a man be empty and proud , it s most odious , as often it falls out , the emptiest vessels make the loudest noise : If a man have but a little , yet walking humbly he is esteemed : Eph. 41 , 2. If a man have never such good parts , if he be puft up with them , it s a disgrace to them all , as dead Flies in a precious box of oyntment . This is an helpful vertue , also a peaceable vertue , tending greatly to a quiet life .

1. This should teach us to examine our selves by the forementioned notes , Use 1. that we may finde to our comfort that we have attained the same in some good measure : He that hath it , hath an ornament , hath a jewel indeed .

2. As those that have it are to labor by all means to encrease therein ; Use 2. so for those that want it , they must labor for it : To this end we must pray for it , we must set the forementioned examples before our eyes , and often think of them : We must look into our own vileness and wretchedness , by reason of our many great sins , and the curse due thereto , and this will drive us to God ; into our own baseness , and this will make us thankful into ; our own inability to good , and this will make us pray ; into our own meanness , and Gods greatness and goodness , and this will make us stoop to his Commandments , and to his Cross : Also to men-ward , we must look on our own faults and others vertues , and aggravate our evils above theirs , and the good things in them above those in our selves . O let us walk humbly both in respect of God and men : Let us not be proud of our gifts , not trust to our selves , nor despise , reject and condemn others ; else whereas great honor might redound to our profession , and we might do much good , we shall do much hurt .

For God resisteth the proud , &c. ] The Reason of the Exhortation taken from the benefit , and illustrated by the contrary . Pride and Humility are like Esau and Jacob , Ier. 42. 8. and 48. 11. hates the one , as much as he loves the other : The proud man either gives Gods glory to another , or detains it from God , which cannot be without his wrath : This is in respect of God and men , as was said of humility , and by the notes of that , this may be discerned . The fruits of pride in respect of God .

In respect of God , 1. Pride makes men think themselves not so bad , but they have something in them , and can do something to commend them to God , and whereby to be saved ; these be the whole and righteous whom Christ came not to call : Rev. 3. 17. These are like the yong man in the Gospel , like the Church of Laodicea : Thus the Papists think they have some natural strength in them to deserve the first grace , and with the help of that to merit the next , and eternal life : Thus many boast of their Civil Righteousness ; Thus ignorant persons hope to be saved by their good meaning and good prayers , and that they have a good heart in them , and that they love God above all , and their neighbors as themselves . This is most detestable pride , for a base and woful creature , a lump of misery and sin , to think himself good enough for heaven , and to come into Gods presence , whereas the childe of God sees he is not worthy to think thereof , and wonders that he should be advanced thereto ; yet numbers of civil poor people think themselves not proud , because they be not proud of apparel . 2. It makes a man think himself worthy of the benefits he hath , whereat he wonders not , but rather that he hath not more , and gives not daily thanks . What pride , for a poor woful creature , that deserves every day to be plagued with one judgement or other , yea , to be cast to Hell , that yet receiveth continual favors , and goes his way with the nine Lepers , and never returneth to give thanks . 3. It makes a man account of the gifts or graces he hath , that he hath them of himself ; or if from God , yet for some worthiness in himself , and therefore he useth them as he will , to his own glory , and seeks himself in his wit , preaching , speeches , doings , &c. and so stands as it were in Gods light . The proud man thinks he hath that he hath not ; as many a one thinks he knows much , that knows nothing , and that he hath faith , repentance , a good heart , when it s nothing so , or that he hath more of a thing then he hath by much , more wisdom , strength , &c. or what he hath , he attributes it to himself , as if he had it of himself , or got it by his own wit and industry , when it s onely given him , and he but received it , and so is but proud of borrowed cloathes . 4. It makes a man think himself strong in himself to avoid this sin , or resist this temptation , or to do this or that duty , and therefore prays not ; goes out in the morning upon all the temptations in the day , See Prov. 28. 14. goes to the Word and prays not ; so into ill company , &c. 5. Pride makes a man that he stoops not to God in his Word : This is horrible pride , when a poor mortal creature shall shake off the commandments of the most glorious God , Ier. 13. 15. and 43. 2. and 44. 16 , 17. yet many living in sins , even contrary to their knowledge , think they be not proud . 6. Pride makes men that they are not grieved when they have done wickedly , they cannot stoop and be humbled ; they cannot see their sins , at least nothing as it is , and then pride hardens their hearts , as if they could finde many ways to escape the hand of God . 7. Pride makes men impatient under Gods hand ; for either they murmure , blaspheme , use unlawful means , will not wait on God for an end ( as hath been already said ) or are full of revenge against those whom God hath raised up to punish them . 8. Pride makes men curious to pry into things forbidden , as the Israelites , that would go out and seek Manna on the Sabbath day , though they were told before they should finde none . The men of Beth-shemesh would pry into the Ark : Some there are that delight in curious questions , some meddle with matters beyond their reach , some with things out of the compass of their calling , some also will not rest satisfied , when they see what Gods Word saith in a thing , but cavil and make objections against the same . Thus in respect of God .

In respect of men : In respect of men . 1. It makes men prefer themselves before others , thinking more highly of themselves then of others , looking on their own vertues , and on other folks faults : It makes men look for great Titles , high Places , and to be preferred and set up , and strive , and be discontent if they have not the same , as Haman was vexed that Mordecai did not stoop to him . The Scribes and Pharisees did love greetings in the Market-places , and to be saluted , Rabbi ; Saul would have Samuel honor him before the people , the Disciples strove who should be greatest . 2. It makes men unsociable and strange , either scorning to be beholding to any , or else too burthensom , loth to help , &c. 3. It makes men loth to submit themselves to their equals or inferiors : To their Superiors oftentimes they be most base and cunning , which yet be lordly and cruel to their Inferiors , and stiff and stern to their Equals ; they will not yield an inch : If they take an Argument or an Opinion , they will carry it away , or else fall flat out : If they be fallen out with any , they will not yield a jot , but look they should be sought to : They are very contentious , ready to offer occasion of offence , thinking so highly of themselves , and meanly of others , Prov. 13. 10. that they are ready to embrace the least occasion , stand upon it , contend , and will not be pacified . 4. It makes men very ready to censure , finde fault , make light of others gifts , extenuate and deprave their good actions , aggravate their faults ; not considering either their own faults that they daily commit , or their weakness and readiness to fall . 5. It makes a man that he will neither ask nor take counsel , being wise in his own eyes , but would have every body do as he doth , or follow his counsel , else he is ready with Achitophel , to hang himself in discontent , nor will he abide rebuke or admonition . 6. It shews it self in proud looks , haughty eyes , scornful speeches , imperious commands , stately carriage , jetting and mincing as they go . 7. Excessive apparel , for the matter , not fit for ones caling , nor according to ones place and ability , but quite beyond their degree ; Ladies like Queens , Gentlewomen like Ladies , Waiting Maids like their Mistresses , poor Milk-maids , as if they were the wealthiest mens daughters in the Countrey , too garish and gawdy for the colour , too full of slashes and cuts , too soft and delicate , especially mens ; so for the fashion , new , strange , garish : Fashion-devisers or followers cannot free themselves of pride .

Examples hereof , Examples of pride . The evil Angels , Adam and Eve , that would be as gods ; The Builders of Babel , Pharaoh , Haman , Absolom , Achitophel , Nebuchadnezzar , Herod , &c.

This is a most wicked and dangerous sin , How abominable it is . hateful to God , that which lieth open to his judgements , Prov. 6. 17. as the highest Trees and Pinacles are burnt down with lightning , Simil. stricken with thunder ▪ or overturned with winds : This is odious to men ; humble men see and mislike it , even proud men cannot abide it in others ; Yonder , say they , goes one will not give his head for the washing , that thinks better of himself then all the Parish besides ; He hath a good wit , but he knows it ; She is very fair , How hurtful . but ye need not tell her thereof : It makes a man run into many sins , into many absurdities , and draws on many punishments : It disgraceth all good gifts , and so stains them , as they become unprofitable : It makes us uncapable of the grace of God , as the hilly ground shuts off the rain , therefore those profit not by the Word , nor by the Sacraments , nor can pray , &c.

This is naturally bred in our hearts , Whence it comes . and very hardly rooted out ; it comes much , either of abundance , or of conceit and opinion of much ; usually or abundance : If any have more Beauty , Wit , Strength , Skill in any Calling , Knowledge , Gifts , Wealth , Authority , or the like , this makes the heart swell , in a base or mean condition under affliction or misery to be humble ( at least in shew ) is nothing , but in abundance of gifts to be humble , this is a great grace and rare .

This is not onely in the common sort and wicked , The very best not free therefrom . but haunteth even the Servants of God , and riseth of the ashes of other sins ; when we have got the mastery over them , and grace and ability to do good duties , then pride thrusts in to make us think well of our selves , as if we had done them by our own power , and so even in our best duties ; there 's most danger of this . Hence it is that the Lord leaves corruptions and infirmities in the hearts of his Children to hold them under : Therefore are they so often foiled , when they seek themselves most . Hence many Christians of good parts are held in a poor estate , See Iob 33. 17 lest they should wax proud ; yea , if it prove very rank , and bear a great stroke in them , he lets them fall into some foul sin , or some notable disgrace , to cure them of pride : for desperate diseases must have a desperate cure . It s the Devils practice , if he can no way else prevail with a man , to win him to evil , or to live in any sin , but that he hath got good gifts , and is careful in the use of them , then he seeks to blow them up with pride ; as Enemies when they have long laid Siege to a Town , Simile . and can by no means win it , at last they undermine it , and seek to blow it up with Gunpowder .

1. Let us examine our selves concerning this sin ; Use 1. this may be generally said , and too truly , that this Land is universally overspread with the same in a fearful maner . How is Christ preached , and how few imbrace him , at least in their hearts , and stoop to him ? How few use the gifts they have to Gods glory , as acknowledging they come from him , but seek themselves onely ; using their wealth , wit , skill , &c. as they list ? Universally men obey not , nor will stoop to the word of God , but do what they list , whatsoever God saith . How generally do men use unlawful shifts in their crosses ? what contentions , stirs , ●usts , are between some about places ? what notorious pride and excess is there in apparel ? whereby we may justly fear the Lord hath a quarrel against us ; yea , though we are in such a fearful state , we think highly of our selves , and as if our care had never been better , cannot endure to be told that these are dangerous and evil times , yea , it s dangerous to say that these are dangerous times : What measure soever we have of pride , it s both dangerous and damnable . If men trust to something in themselves ; if they stoop not to the word ; if they use unlawful means in their afflictions , as good have Ratsbane in their bellies , as this pride in their hearts : If we be conceited of the good things in us , take too much to our selves , set too light by others , think too well of our own strength , lift up our selves above others , be contentious , censurers , such as will bear no reproof , proud in our speeches and apparel , the least of this will provoke God against us .

2. Let us labor to be purged of this deadly sickness : Use 2. The consideration of our matter , See Iob 17. 13. Dust and Ashes , our mortality and frailty , that we may be under the clods ere the morrow ; our sinful state whereby we deserve that curse and all evils ; our readiness to fall into any evil , the glory , power , justice , goodness , holiness and purity of God , may disswade us from pride . O take heed of pride , the worm and canker of any grace , and that which hinders the good our gifts might do .

God resisteth , ] God sets himself against the proud . A warlike word ; is up in arms , makes open war , and professedly sets himself against the proud , as the Angel that stood with a sword drawn to resist Balaam in the way : See to this purpose Prov. 6. 17. 16. 5. 18. Psal. 119. 21. Luke 1. 52. & 14.

Reasons . Reasons . This stands in Gods light , and robs him of his glory ; it s not Caesars friend , the arch-Traytor : Will God suffer himself to be spoiled of his glory by a poor creature ? God delights to disgrace them that think so highly of themselves , and so lift up themselves above others ; so , lest they should do too much hurt , for if proud men get wealth and authority , there is no hoe . This also will be more taken knowledge of , then if many inferior ones were cut off ; and will also prevail more , for if God hath crossed and cut off those , others will beware .

God resists them , How God resists them . sometimes by taking away that they be proud of , wit ( sending them phrensie ) beauty ( sending them deformity ) gay clothes , sending them rags , &c. Sometimes he makes their pride become them ill , and so they be noted and disgraced thereby : Sometimes he makes their gifts unprofitable , and blasteth them , that they dye , foils them , when they seek themselves most , lets them fall into some foul sin , and so shames them , or crosseth them by some punishment or other , &c. God will cast dung in their faces , and besmear them ; he delights to disgrace such . Call to minde the forementioned Examples , of the evil Angels , ths Builders of Babel , Pharaoh , Adonibezek , &c. and how God set himself against them .

1. If we observe any to be very proud , Use 1. do not we envy them , but rather pity them ; Prov. 16. 5. for God is their enemy , and their destruction cannot be far off .

2. As we would avoid destruction , let us take heed of pride , and labor to be purged of it more and more ; let us resist it and stamp it down . God will not give his graces to those that will rob him of the glory of them . If we strive not against this , but yield hereto , God will either let us fall into some foul sin , and so shame our selves to cure us , or at least he will thwart us with many crosses , which by humility we may avoid .

And giveth grace to the humble , ] The direct Reason to move us to humility , See Ier. 57. 15. and 66. 2. Unto the humble , God giveth the gifts of his Spirit , temporal deliverances and favors , Luke 1. 53. respect among men , favor with him self ; How God giveth grace to the humble . he dwells with such , and filleth them with good things . This may be shewed in all the properties thereof before mentioned : 1. They that be vile , and nothing in their own eyes , and be poor , mourning , sighing , hungring , &c. obtain mercy with God . They are fit objects thereof ( witness the poor Publican ) will be thankful , Luke 18. 14. and do any thing at Gods command . 2. Such as acknowledge themselves unworthy of any mercy , God honoreth with many ; as Abraham , Jacob , the Centurion , the woman of Canaan ▪ with others . 3. They that acknowledge , that whatsoever grace or gift they have , they have had it of God , and refer it to his glory , shall have more , as he that had gained five Talents : He is not worthy to be an Almsman , that will not acknowledge the Donor . 4. They that acknowledge their own insufficiency and inability to good , or resist evil , these will pray , and God will keep them , and give them the grace they want : they shall be satisfied , Psal. 119. 100. as the thirsty ground with rain . David prayed to be taught , and got more understanding then the Ancients ; to this end also they will hear , read , come to the Sacraments , &c. as knowing the need they have of help , and so are holpen . 5. They that humbly submit themselves to the obedience of Gods word , them he will teach , and they shall profit : Psal. 25. 9. These shall save themselves from many a sin and sorrow , Ioh. 7. 17. which else with David , Jonah and Peter , they may bring upon themselves . 6. When having sinned , they humble themselves , God is near them to receive them to mercy ( as to the Prodigal ) and to turn away evil , as from Josiah . 7. Them that humble themselves under Gods afflicting hand , God graceth with deliverance , as David from Saul , from Absolom . 8. Them that keep themselves humbly within their compass , God teacheth , and keepeth in their places to do good , when others medling with matters above their reach , run into some error or heresie , and bring shame upon themselves . So 9. Them that be humble towards men , preferring others before themselves , and being low in their own eyes , God graceth with favor , credit , and a good report .

The Use followeth in the following words .

Verse 6. Humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God , that he may exalt you in due time .

THe Apostle having shewed that Humility is an ornament to be labored for , and given a Reason thereof , he doth here press the same with an Exhortation , teaching both us how to preach , and you how to hear : We must deliver sound Doctrine , prove it strongly by Arguments and Reasons , and then urge the practice thereof , to the avoiding of evil , and performing good , else we do nothing . People also must thus hear ; How Ministers ought to preach , and people to hear . when they know a thing , then must they yield to the obedience thereof , else all is nothing . We must be cast into the mold and shape of the Doctrine delivered ; we must follow the sample and patern of the Word ; we must write after our copy , though haply we do it not so fairly as were requisite ; we must be like the eccho that answereth the same sound to the voyce , Psal. 27. 8. though not perfectly : Our lives must in some measure be answerable to the word .

Humble your selves therefore . ] Humility is the way to Gods grace . If in seeing our own vileness and sin , we do humble our selves , God will have mercy on us : Shall not the grace of God allure us , which is more worth then the whole world ? what else will ? But of this before .

Under the mighty hand of God , ] Two other Reasons perswading to humility . Now follow two other Reasons to perswade to humility ; One from Gods power , with whom we have to do ; the other , from the preferment whereunto we shall attain in due time , he will exalt us .

From the 1. The mighty hand of God , either to lift us up being humble , or cast us down being proud . Note , that

The consideration of Gods Almightiness is a good mean to make us humble : The consideration of Gods power a good means to perswade to humility . See this in Peter , at the great draught of fishes , Depart from me , for I am a sinful man : So Abraham , I am but dust and ashes : So Isaiah , Wo is me , I am undone , &c. Hence God gave his Law in such terrible maner , and humbled his Servants whom he was to send unto his people with fearful visions ; Isa. 6. 5. so when God would somewhat take down Job , he did it by shewing him his power in his creatures . Gods hand indeed is mighty , that made the world of nothing , divided the Red sea , opened the earth in sunder , made the mountains to tremble , and will raise us out of our graves in the last day . This ought much to affect us , that so we might seek to get into his favor , stoop to his Word , submit our selves under the cross , and be humbled : The want of this is the cause of pride , and that we do not stoop before the Lord : We think because we can make our part good one with another , we can do so with God : But O potsheard , who art thou that strivest with thy maker ? What is the potsheard to the bar of iron ? whether it give or take the blow , it breaketh into pieces ; the proudest Gyants have not stood before him when he hath been angry : If the Lyon roar , Simile . the Beasts tremble . If a Gyant should take an ordinary man in hand , what could he not do ? would he not fling him against the ground , and make the earth to ring ? so doth God by many a proud man in a year , he flings him on his back against the ground , and makes all the Countrey ring of the fall .

O then consider this , and humble thy self for thy sins past ; labor to get into Gods favor , stoop to his Word when he speaks , yield and bow under his afflicting hand , lest he tear thee in pieces , whiles there is none to help , Psal. 2. 12. if his wrath burn but a little : Oh , Kiss the Son lest he be angry , and ye perish in his wrath : Little did Pharaoh , Nebuchadnezzar , and others , think God had such a mighty hand : Be wise by their harms , stoop in time , lest he make thee have woful experience of his Almightiness to thy confusion .

And he will exalt you , ] Namely , with grace here and glory hereafter . This is the second Reason , from which note , that

Humility is the way to glory : Humility is the way to glory . This may be shewed in the forementioned properties of humility : If a man confess and humble himself in the sight of sins , God will exalt him with comfort ; so will he outwardly advance the humble and dejected . Leah being despised , God made her fruitful , Gen. 29. 31. as David from the Ewes to be anointed , and after he was humbled under many afflictions , Psal. 78. 71. God exalted him to the Kingdom in his own time ; See Iob 5. 11. and 22. 29. so were Joseph , Esther , Mordecai exalted ; so will he exalt to glory in Heaven all his that have humbly walked before him amidst their sorrows , Prov. 29. 23. and the many afflictions of this life , as Lazarus .

Labor we therefore for humility , Use. if we would be indeed exalted .

In due time . ] God doth all things in due time . Though Gods servants be not always advanced or delivered when they will , yet shall they in due time : God is not onely able and willing to exalt his humble servants , but infinitely wise to know the fittest time : Ier. 5. 24. He doth all things in due time : If he deal with the insensible earth ( if our sins hinder not ) he sends rain , Psal. 145. 15. the former and latter in due season : If with bruit Creatures , he gives them meat in due season , on whom they wait for it , much more will he give unto his own servants : Deut. 32. 35. He that teacheth men to do things in due season , to sow , plant , reap , fell timber , all things to their best advantage , will do his in season . As he pulls down the wicked in due time ( though often not when we think good , or so soon as we would , but when it shall be most for his glory , the comfort of his servants , and the greatest shame and astonishment of his adversaries , as it was with the builders of Babel , Haman , and others ) so will he also exalt his own , as were Joseph , David , Moses , with others .

Let us wait upon God patiently , Use. think not long , use the means diligently , and pray , but murmure not , use no unlawful means : We must not despair , though we be not holpen by and by , knowing that the due time is not yet . Sarah and Rebecca failed herein , and used unlawful shifts , the one to obtain a childe by her handmaid ; the other , the blessing for the Son she loved . Isaac would not do so , but waited and prayed twenty years together for a childe , and never would meddle with any handmaids bed : We may not appoint the Lord the time , whose are times and seasons .

Verse 7. Casting all your care on him , for he careth for you .

HEre he exhorts to another necessary vertue , even Faith and Confidence in God , whereby laying aside all superfluous and excessive care , we depend upon God for the welfare both of body and soul : This is of very great use in our life , and that which will make it much more comfortable then most mens lives be . It may depend on the foregoing matter thus , The prevention of an Objection . as an Answer to an Objection that might rise from the former point , which concerneth humility : If we should be thus humble towards men , then should we be misused of all , and made a threshold whereon to tread : No , saith the Apostle , cast your care on God for that , do that you are commanded , and commend your selves to God , he will care for you ; Will he suffer them that obey him to be trodden under foot ? No : What will he do then ? take the care of them , and that both for body and soul : Here then we have an Exhortation and a Reason .

Casting all your care on him , ] Christians must neither be careless , nor too careful . What , would he have us altogether careless , and have no regard what becometh of our bodies and souls , but leave all to God ? No , there are two extremes to be avoided , too careless , and too careful ; a Christian must go in the midst .

By All , They must not be careless he means all superfluous and distrustful care . God bids we should labor , strive , seek , give all diligence in the matters of Salvation , to get Knowledge , Faith , Repentance , &c. therefore must hear , read , meditate , pray , confer , &c. for though God work both the will and the deed , yet he will have us work out our salvation with fear and trembling ; he will not save us without us : So for this life , we must be painful ; as Adam both before and after his fall : Every man must have an honest calling , and therein take pains ( else he must not eat ) that he may be a profitable member in his place : Prov. 10. 4. As the wise man commendeth diligence , so doth he as well speak against idleness ; yea , we must have an honest and moderate lawful care ; therefore is the sluggard sent to the Ant to forecast , Pro. 6. 6. and save somewhat in youth against age , Gen. 41 : 48. in health against sickness , as Joseph in the time of plenty saved for the years of famine ; All this God likes well : When these two meet , as they did in that good woman , Pro. 31. or when one is husbandly both for soul and body , as either of them is better then nor , so both of them are excellent : Who may tend upon the good of their souls , better then the diligent and provident ? Who may do more good to others then they ? for idle persons and unthrifts , are neither good for themselves , nor any body else .

1. This rebuketh slothful Christians , Use 1. that have no care of their souls , regard not the Lords Market-day , the Sabbath , care not for the Word , or else come coldly unto it , without buying , or laboring to make provision of those graces needful to Salvation ; care not for Prayer , the Sacraments , Religious Company , &c. Hence it is that they have ragged , beggarly souls , void of any true riches or spiritual graces , and so will be cast out with Dogs : This will be fearful condemation , that so few wise Merchants purchase the Pearl , lay up treasure for their souls , or seek the true riches in Christ ; few labor for the meat that endureth to life everlasting : O the soul is little regarded , and yet what profit is it to win the whole world with the loss thereof ?

2. It rebuketh idle persons , Use 2. that have no Calling , no skill in any , no minde to follow any ; or if they do , then do they unthriftily waste their time in drinking , gaming , &c. and when they come home , either through their own pride and unthriftiness or their wives , they lash out as long as their means lasts , without any frugality or moderation , whence poverty taketh hold on them , whereof they should take notice , and reform : Oh , it s an ornament in a Christian to be diligent and frugal .

The other extreme which is forbidden , They must not be too careful . is , Excessive care ; and this is for soul or body : Soul , when we cast distrustful thoughts , or have cares out of our own reach , About their souls . and which be in Gods power ; as thus , If one that hath been a notorious bad person , hearing the Gospel preached , and Mercy proclaimed to such , should be held off , because he never looks that any such thing should be done to him , but thinks it impossible he should ever come to good , that hath been thus and thus bad , and so hold off , and thinks as good never being to seek to God , for it will never be . This partly must use the means that God hath ordained for miserable sinners to come unto him , and finde mercy by , and commend the success to God . Another having begun to finde some comfort , and enter upon a good course , is held off , hearing he must renounce all sin , and labor to please God in all things , else no salvation ; now he hath one sin or corruption he thinks verily he shall never prevail against , therefore as good never go further : He must use the means of subduing this by the Word , Prayer , the Sacraments , &c. knowing that as God gives him strength against some , he can also and will in time against all corruptions ; in the mean time , take it . Another having begun , hears , that he only that endures to the end shall be saved , and he thinks he shall never , but shall fall either finally , and perish , or at least most foully into some error in judgement , or sin in life , and shame all , and therefore as good go no further : But God bids us use the means , and look for good success , and cast our selves on him . I grant indeed , if we should look upon the world , the Devil , our selves , we might fear ; as also considering that many great ones have faln ; but its like either they trusted to themselves , or neglected the means ; which if we do not , God will keep us : If we should use the means , and yet torture our selves with care , how miserable were our lives ? Another saith , he shall never be able to abide persecution and the fire , let such labor for faith and love , and yield to God in what he calls for ; bearing present afflictions patiently , whom God will enable to greater , if he shall call them thereto : So some are afraid they shall dye a raving death , some that they shall be bedrid and lame , some that if they should have the Stone , or such a grievous torment , they were never able to endure it , &c. It s good in some sort to hove some such forethought to quicken our care , but not distrustfully to discourage our selves . Again , if a man should be so careful for his soul , as to neglect his Calling , and think he should not follow it , this were excessive care .

Excessive care for the body ; About their bodies . it s either for fear of evils , or for obtaining good things : For the 1. O what if I should lose all I have , and come to misery , by Bankrupts , fire , & c ? What if I should fall into such a cruel mans hands , he would undo me ? Also what if I should for my well doing and profession have my Landlords displeasure , be put into Courts , brought into trouble , &c. we must labor for grace to bear us out in such things , and for heaven , doing our duty wisely and godly , as Daniel , and leaving the issue to God , on whom we must cast our selves and our care .

For the 1. It s either when we take care for the successes of things , which is Gods part , or when we use excessive care , that makes us sin , by neglecting some duty , or committing some evil : For successes , as when we have made a bargain , and used the means , then we fall to take thought for the success too ; but Oh , if it should not prove well , I should be hindred or undone , but we must use the means , and leave the success to God , when we have used the outward means , and prayed , and so sanctified our labors , then ought we to live by faith , and be assured that we shall have that success that God shall see best . If it shall fall out to my desire , I shall desire to be thankful , if otherwise , Hest. 4. 16. I know God will dispose it to the best , as Esther , If I perish , I perish . For excessive care for worldly things , when men will for these neglect good duties to God , their own Souls , Families , Poor , Word , Sacraments , Prayer , &c. or shall commit evil , by stealing , oppressing , dissembling , defrauding , breaking the Sabbath , &c. This is wicked . Would God have us provide for our selves with his dishonor , with the wounding of our own souls , and hurting our brethren ? or cannot he provide for us sufficiently without these ? When we follow our Callings ( all duties discharged ) and be provident and thrifty that nothing be lost , this is as far as we must go , further we must not , any further is too far .

1. This rebukes the universal sin in this Land : Use 1. Poor people take such thought what they shall eat , &c. that they lye , steal , &c. The richer sort use all unconscionable courses , dare not come to the Word for fear of wanting , nor read nor pray in their Families , but dare do any evil , or at least be so excessively careful , as that thereupon they use lying , deceit , oppression , racking rents , &c. and this is not the fault of the bad onely , but even of Gods servants , who be tainted with too much care , under the the colour of lawful care going too too far : They are careful oftentimes about the successes of things , when they might by faith rest quietly on God : They do often neglect good , or post it over , and do evil with more care .

The root of this in the men of the world , is want of Faith , for had they any perswasion of Gods love and care , they would not be thus careful ; so also the want of prizing , seeking and regarding Heaven and Spiritual things . In Gods children , the weakness of Faith is the ground hereof ; as also their too little esteeming of heaven and heavenly things : For if we were assured of Gods particular caring for us , aud that heaven ( so excellent a place ) is ours , and did more highly esteem of Spiritual graces , with the means thereof , we would spend much time in them , and so be kept from so much worldly care .

2. Let us therefore labor to be purged of this distrustful care , Use 2. or being free , to keep our selves so : To this end we must labor for faith , and to encrease therein , and highly to prize grace ; and the rather must we thus do , because as this vice hath so ill roots , so the fruits are as bad . Excessive care for the world hurts the body , brings gray hairs , distracts and rends the minde asunder , makes a man unfit for any good , unfit to be a good Magistrate ( as who will never tend or regard the publique good ) so to be a good Minister , nay , to be a good housholder , as which will justle out or hinder Reading , Prayer , good Duties , &c. It hinders a man from the Word , or if he doth come thereto , he is already so full , as all runs beside , or falls asleep , and so cannot meditate thereon , Luke 14. 18. or receive any comfort thereby ; it choaks the Word , Luke 21. 34. yea , in time makes a man mock at it : It makes him unfit to pray or perform any other duty , yea , unfit to dye , and for Christs coming ; but fit for all evil , for its the root of all evil , and easily leads a man to the breach of any Commandment : The Devil can fasten any temptation on such a one .

Let us therefore take heed of it , Why we ought not to be too careful of worldly things . and the rather for that 1. These things be good in a very mean degree , cannot breed contentment , nor make a man happy . 2. They are base , bones for Dogs , such as Reprobates have more in plenty , then Gods Children , more meet as wages for slaves , then portions for Children , even the wicked have these , but the godly have spiritual graces here , and hereafter eternal life . 3. They be very vain , subject to many losses and changes ; yea , and we are as vain as they , which if we should never lose , yet might be taken from them not twenty or forty years hence , but ere to morrow ; and whether we shall leave them to our children , we cannot tell , haply it may be to strangers , yea enemies ; if to our children , we know not how they will spend them . If some miserable men that have robbed God , stoln from the poor , sold themselves to the Devil , had but leave to look out of their graves a little , and see who dwells in their houses , and have got that they left , it would encrease their torment to see they were such fools : Therefore to be excessively careful , is neither good for our selves nor our children , we must follow our calling and be thrifty , and go as far as we may lawfully , and no further : We must give our children good education ; and if we can do that by good means , all duties discharged , then there 's great hope of Gods blessing , and if they fear God , it shall be blessed , and that shall be sufficient ; and if they fear not God , the more we leave them , it s the worse , and the more hurt they will do : how happy would it have been for many a youth , if he had been left at a trade hard at work , &c. he should not have run into many sins that his abundance hath led him into : If we leave them the poors part , the Ministers part , &c. God will rifle in their pack , and have so many quarrels against them , so that a little by lawful means gotten , shall do them more good , then a great heap of Lambs grease , when the heat of Gods wrath begins to beat upon it : A mans house cannot be established by iniquity . In all these respects , let us take heed of distrustful and excessive care : O how sweetly might a Christian live , if he would follow his Calling diligently and thriftily , and go no further , but leave the rest to God : Thus might we be freed from a world , nay , rather an Hell of cares that now distract us , and make us unfit for good .

For he careth for you . ] God cares for his own children . A main Reason ; we may spare all our care , any more then the lawful use of the means ; for why , if God care for us , we are well enough ; He is infinite in power , therefore nothing impossible to him , nothing can hinder him ; He is infinite in love and mercy , therefore ready enough to do us good ; so in wisdom , therefore knows what we need , and is good for us : It s not so with the children of any earthly Parents , for they sometimes would care and do for them , and cannot ; some can , and will not ; some both can and would if they knew , but through distance of place , and such like lets , they know not their state .

Now that God doth care for his , appears , for he chose us before the Foundation of the world ; In Adam He created us happy , and fully furnished us with all things needful for us ; In our own Creation , he gave us our shape in our mothers womb , and kept us that we were not stifled : So in our birth , infancy , wanton youth , and wilde time , when we cared not for him nor our selves , he provided for us , as ever since by his Spiritual goodness : He hath provided us a peaceable Land , Magistrates to rule us , Ministers to teach us , given us his Son revealed in the Gospel : He chose us ere we were , therefore will not forsake us being his ; gave us his Son , therefore with him will give us all good things ; called us of his own free grace without our desire , and will he not fulfil his good works , now we desire it above all things ; he gave us life , therefore wil give us food and raiment for the preservation thereof : He gave us those without our either care , help or pains , and will he not give us the lesser with our pains ? Matth. 6. 26. He feeds the fowls of the air , and clothes the Lillies of the field , and are not we much better then they , Use 1. and can use means more then they ?

1. For so many of us as know God to be our God and Father , let us rest our selves on this promise , and help our selves against this world of cares , which through the want of faith doth so much distract us : O the state of Gods Children , is a safe happy state , if they knew it , which through faith they might . Use 2.

2. For the world , no marvel though they ca●k and use all unlawful means , seeing they have no Father to care for them , and are poor Orphans : If a poor fatherless boy should run up and down , toil and moil , Simile . and be careful to please every body , every one would say , Alas , it s a fatherless childe , &c. but if a rich mans Son should so do , and whine and drudge , and pilfer , geting into one bodies cupboard , and stealing a loaf , into anothers cellar , and stealing drink , into anothers field , and stealing his hedges , would not every one cry out on such a one , See Matth. 6. 32. and would it not be an horrible disgrace both to the Son and Father ? So it is with the godly and ungodly about these worldly things , &c.

Verse 8. Be sober , be vigilant , because your adversary the devil , as a roaring Lyon walking about , seeketh whom he may devour .

HEre follow two other most necessary Exhortations , the one to sobriety , the other to watchfulnes , and that from the danger that else we must needs fall into , by reason of a most dangerous adversary that seeks by all subtilty and diligence our destruction : fitly are these joyned together , that before this ; for as a drunken man cannot hold open his eyes , so cannot an intemperate man in these things keep a Spiritual watch .

Be sober , ] What Sobriety is . Sobriety is a moderation and right use of our lawful liberties which are given us of God , not to be used as we will , but as may stand with these three main ends , the glory of God , our own good , and the Salvation of our Brethren : Our lawful liberties are meat , drink , apparel , recreation , mirth , use of marriage and riches , all which may be reduced to these two heads ; namely , Pleasure , and Profit . But of this heretofore .

Be vigilant , ] What watchfulness is here required . He means not of the bodily sleep ( that 's not prohibited , so it be in fit time ; the night not the day , so it be in fit place ; our Chambers , not the Church , in fit measure to enable us the more for the duties of our Calling ) but of the sleep of the soul , for there be many that be awake in body , rising early , and go late to bed , which yet are in a spiritual sleep in respect of their souls , fast asleep in their sins , and lie snorting in deep security of sin . What Spiritual watchfulness is . Watchfulness is a diligent and continual looking to our selves , that both in thought , word and deed we may resist evil , A man must be awakened before he can watch . and do the good we ought . This is the work onely of a good Christian , who being awakened out of his sins , hath obtained the pardon of them , and assurance thereof , and therefore hath set his heart to lead a godly life , Eph. 5. 14. and to please God in all things : It s requisite then that a man be awakened before he can watch , as we bid not a man fast asleep look to this or that , but first to wake , and then look to it ; we bid not a man that is down , run , but first to get up on his feet , and then run .

By nature we are asleep in sin , By nature we are asleep in sin , which is diversly prov'd . yea dead therein : For 1. As in the bodily sleep all the sences are bound up ; So in the Spiritual , a natural man hears not the voice of God , hears not the alarms either of mercies or judgements : He sees not one step of the way to Heaven , nor the danger he is in ; Though he wallow in the mire of foul sins , that a good man will stop his nose at , yet he smells nothing ; he cannot taste good and evil asunder , but calls sweet , sower : The Word , good Counsel , good Company , &c. wherein Gods people take most delight , are bitter to him : Though the word hit him never so hard blows , he feels not , as neither , though he wound his own conscience with never so foul sins . And 2. As a man asleep loves not to be awaked , so a natural man out of his sins , and to be called upon to repent . 3. As in sleep men dream of that they have not , so a natural man dreams he is in a very good case , hath faith , repentance , love , &c. when it s nothing so , and when he awakes he confesseth it . 4. As a man in sleep speaks some good words , but knows not what , and by and by is out ; so a natural man in good company will speak good words , but hath no feeling of them , and will again be quickly out of them . 5. As a man before he sleeps , gives direction that none awake him , and turns from the one side to the other , sleeping now on the one , then on the other ; so a natural man will not be called upon to repentance , having slept long enough on the one side in prodigality , will haply turn on the other , and lie as long in covetousness . 6. As a man that hath been in a long deep sleep can hardly be awakened , though it thunder , though the winds be ready to blow down the house he hears nothing ; so it s hard to awaken any out of sin , especially when they have lain long , and lived therein , no Preaching or calling on , no Judgements of God , though never so apparent , can awake them from their security . 7. As sleep is an image of the first death , so is sleep in sin of the second .

Therefore we must endeavor for faith , Use. and set upon a good life , we must learn to watch and keep us well while we be well : Iohn 5. 25. To this end , we must make use of the Trumpet of the Word daily sounding in our ears , and take notice of Gods Judgements , both on our selves and others : What may not induce us hereunto ?

Reasons are many . Reasons for watchfulness . 1. We are of the day , and the light of the word shines in our faces : It s enough for them in the night of Popery , and where the word is not , 1 Thess. 5. 5. to sleep in sin ; he is a sluggard indeed that sleeps , when the Sun shines his face : Some of you have slept till nine a clok , till high noon , till three in the afternoon , for shame awake . 2. He that sleepeth in Harvest , Prov. 10. 5. is the Son of confusion . This is the plentiful harvest of the Gospel : Now there is good to be done , good gathering of faith , knowledge , repentance , and such other graces . 3. It s a shame to sleep when others be at work : Many through Gods grace be awakened by the word , and are busily working out their Salvation , laboring for grace , and using the means diligently , and will you lie snorting in sin ? then will they be provided of necessaries , when you will perish . 4. It s a shame to sleep , when all one's work lies to do , but many among us have done just nothing of that that God hath set them here for , nothing done towards their Salvation , but all against it ; awake therefore ere night come , when you cannot work . 5. It were strange if a man should sleep when he were in great danger , See Ionah 1. 5. the house burning over their heads , or in an hideous Tempest , ready to be cast away , but every natural man hangs as it were over the pit of Hell by a twined threed . 6. It were strange if one should still sleep , having many Messengers sent to awake him : Some will say , If any had called me , I would have awaked with all my heart ; we are called by Sermon after Sermon , by this Preacher , that Preacher , the other , &c. to whom the Lord will say , Did not I send you and you to awake such a man , &c. you are now come under the means of awakening ; O that it might please God to bless his Word , in piercing the ears of your soul to this end : And be not half awaked , and afterward when you be gone hence , fall asleep again ; as a man in a deep sleep , being called upon , he begins to stir , and lift up an eye , and it may be his head from his pillow , but hearing no more , he lies down again , and falls again as fast asleep as before ; let it not be so with us . Some , I doubt not , begin to think with themselves about awaking , and that it were good for them so to do ; but beware when you be gone hence , you lay not your head down again , but come and hear again and again , till you be soundly awakened , that you may not hereafter sleep any more ; if you be not awaked , you must perish for ever . A man would be loath to dye in his Natural sleep , having gone well to bed , and thinking of no such thing , yet this cannot hurt a good man ; but to dye in the Spiritual sleep is damnable . And I beseech you yong men and women be awakened betimes , defer no longer , the longer the worse : Come to a man newly gone to bed , ye may easily awake him ; come an hour after , more hardly , but come at midnight , and then though you call and shout , you can scarce awake him : Sleep not till your middle age , you can hardly be awaked then , but if till your old age , with exceeding difficulty , if at all . But of this also I have spoken before .

Because your adversary the Devil , as a roaring Lyon , walketh about , seeking whom he may devour . ] A Reason of the forementioned Exhortation : By yielding thereto we shall take away advantage from the Devil , who else will draw us into manifold temptations : He is here described by all things that make a dangerous Enemy ; as Malice , called therefore Our adversary , the Devil ; Strength , called therefore A Lyon , A roaring Lyon ; Subtilty , That he walketh about , seeketh by all ways and means , as by violence and craft to draw us into evil ; Diligence , That he walketh about , &c.

His malice is exceeding against God , Satans malice exceeding great . and man especially , Gods people , and against all goodness : It hath been so from the beginning ; from his fall he was filled with malice against God , laboring by all means , that no reasonable creature might praise him on earth : His envy also against mankinde continueth , he is still a most deadly enemy against all goodness and means thereof , against good persons , good duties , good meetings , the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , Fasting , &c. laboring to hinder these , and the good success of them ; as the good Angels are filled with love and zeal to God and goodness , rejoycing at the conversion of a sinner ; so is the Devil on the contrary , yea , his malice is deadly , nothing will content him but our blood , and destruction both of body and soul ; therefore called Satan , An Adversary , The Envyous man , The Accuser of the Brethren , A Murtherer from the beginning ; and because there is no man so vile , but hath some reliques of humanity in him , he is compared to the Beasts without reason , and so termed here A roaring Lyon , as elsewhere , A red Dragon , &c. he it is that first tempts , and then accuseth us to God , and ready to be the executioner : Let him suck the blood of never so many , Rev. 12. 12. yet is not his malice the more satisfied ; he hath been so from the beginning , but now more by much , because his time is but short .

Strength : Satans strength . He was strong by Creation , which though it be diminished , yet continueth it exceeding great : He can do marvellous things , though no true miracles . Through Gods permission he were able to do infinite mischief , see in Job , what havock he soon made ; his names declare it , The strong armed man , A Lyon , yea , A roaring Lyon , his strength being doubled with hunger , A great red Dragon , Principalities , Powers , &c. Prince of this world , bearing a great sway , and having many at his command ; The God of this world , yea , that doth almost what he list , and who in respect of mans power to resist , hath as it were an Omnipotent strength to do what he list : And as he is wonderful in strength , so he knows it well enough , and is audacious and bold to put it out to the outmost ; when he may ( as to Job ) he wil set upon any the greatest and worthiest servants of God , and sometimes foil them : He set upon David , a man according to Gods own heart , and foiled him twice shamefully , and again got him to number the people : He winnowed Peter that was so couragious , he buffered Paul that valiant Champion ; yea , he set upon our first Parents in their innocency , when he had no great likelihood of prevailing ; yea , upon our Savior Christ himself , having no likelihood at all , and that again , and again , and again ; and when he had been so often foiled , yet he departed from him but for a season , who no doubt was busie with him in his passion in the garden .

Subtilty : Satans subtilty He was made exceeding wise by Creation , which is not lost , but perverted and turned to evil ; much hath been revealed to him , and wonderful much he hath gotten by his almost 6000 years experience , which would make a simple body wise , yet he hath not an absolute knowledge ; He knows not our thoughts and hearts perfectly , nor things to come , but he can guess very shrewdly and nearly at them by signs , and comparing things past with present , as at our thoughts by observing our speeches , actions and desires ; So at future things , by knowing and seeing further into the nature of things , and of mens bodies , then men can , but he is exceeding cunning to do evil and compass his purpose ; He was so at first , much more now , therefore called , Matth. 4. 3. not a Tempter , but the Tempter , by way of excellency ; he that hath the Art and Trade of Tempting , Rev. 12. 9. that is the Master thereof , all others learning of him : So the old Serpent , which was subtile at first , Gen. 3. 1 , 3 , 4 , &c. but now much more ; How cunningly dealt he with Eve ? 1. He goes to her , not to Adam . 2. When she was alone . 3. Pretends great good will . 4. Takes away the fear of all danger . 5. Tells her of great benefits which would come by eating of the forbidden fruit , yea , such a benefit as she most desired , and was most fit to tempt her , she wanted nothing but to be as God , &c. 6. He shews her the beauty of the fruit , and how like it was to be good meat , and so perverted her : So dealt he with our Savior Christ , when he had fasted forty days , Matth. 4. 2. and was alone in the wilderness , then he tempts him to trust ; and not prevailing therein , to presume ; wherein failing , he propounds wealth and honor : So now , he tempts some to be Atheists , and of no Religion ; if not so , then to be of a false Religion ; if not so , then to be careless and idle professors of the true ; if not so , but that men will be somewhat careful , to read , hear , get knowledge , be forward , then he labors to lift them up with pride , and blow them out of the Church to Amsterdam , make them too forward , &c. yea , some he will not leave there , but provoke them further , to be Anabaptists , nay Sebaptists , as Mr. Smith , who Baptized himself : If he cannot tempt men to keep from Church , then will he go with them , to hinder them from receiving any good there , and there bring them asleep , if they be inclined that way ; or if not , then fill their heads with worldly thoughts ; if not so , then he brings in good thoughts of some good things , that at another time were good , but now out of season , as thoughts of some other Sermon ; so in Prayer , he fills the head with odde and strange thoughts , or else with thoughts of the Sermon , to keep them from lifting up their hearts wholly to God : If he cannot keep men in presumption , but that they be troubled about their estate , then he seeks to drown them in dispair : Bad men he will incite to those evils they be most apt to ; Civil men he will keep in a coldness in Religion , and carelesness in the matters of Salvation , as about the Word , Sacraments , Sabbath , Prayer ; Good men he will incite to do good things , but to ill ends , or if they propound good ends to themselves , to compass them by unwarrantable means ; Thus is he a cunning fisher and fowler ? He hath baits and nets for all kindes , high and low , rich and poor , learned and unlearned , men , women , yong , old , he will spread them , and so lay them , that he will not lightly miss : He hath for every sex , age , constitution , complexion , state and condition ; he will make his shraps of profits , or pleasures , or honors , and then get in some , especially of the fairest marks , and set them up as a stall , and by both together tills in many .

Diligence . ] Satans Diligence . He will spare for no pains , he rests neither night nor day , but goeth about continually ; His occupation is to compass the Earth : If he prevail not at one time , he will come again and again ; yea , he will not leave a man as long as he lives ; and though there be such an infinite number alive at once in the world , yet what with the multitude of Devils , and with their most exceeding diligence , and unwearied pains , no man is free : So that he is armed on all sides to do mischief : If he were malicious and had no power , we might despise him ; if power and no malice , or but a little , we might the less fear him ; or if malice and strength , yet if he had no wit nor cunning , there were much less danger , for he were as a Gyant without eyes , one might keep out of his hands ; or if he were all those , and yet were lazy , and could take no pains , we might be free most what , but put altogether : O Lord , who shall escape him ?

1. No marvel that most men go the broad way , Use 1. and perish , and so few be saved , seeing there is such an enemy , and so armed , and so followed , that hath sworn all mens destruction ; he so malicious , and we so careless of our Salvation ; he so strong , and we so weak ; he so subtile , and we so simple for our souls , and in Spiritual things ; he so diligent , and we so retchless and lazy in the great matters of our soul. Every man by nature loveth sin , and carrieth along with him as ready a disposition to yield to temptations , as Satan is to tempt him : Marvel not that so few , but that any are saved ; and if thou hast any hope and assurance , wonder and praise : If God were not infinite in wisdom , power , love and care over us , we should certainly perish .

2. See what wonderful need there is of diligent , Use 2. continual , zealous , earnest and plain preaching of the Word ; it s that must cast the strong man out : Acts 26. 18. This is the mean to scale his walls , batter his Kingdom ; were it not for this , he would do what he list in the world , and carry all to destruction : Where this is not , he may sit and sleep , for his work and will goes forward ; What should let ? therefore it s no marvel he is such an Enemy to it , and the Preachers thereof . O what should become of Gods people already pluckt out of his Kingdom , if they had not the Word to shew his subtilties , what is the will of God , what good , what evil , how to do it , what be the advantages that Satan takes , and how we may be able to resist them ? Hence Gods servants are made wise , and strengthened against his Temptations ; they come weak to the Word , but go from thence mightily strengthened : What do they then that seek the hinderance of the faithful and zealous preaching of the Word , but gratifie the Devil in an high degree , and work journey-work to him in the best maner ; it s to learn the Devil to have his will , to devour what souls , and as many as he lists .

3. We may wonder and praise God , Use 3. that seeing there be so many Devils , and such as we have spoken of , that the Church of God can be upon the face of the earth , that it is not rooted out and swallowed up , the Devil having so many and such armed instruments in the world : A wonder the Church hath any abiding , but that God Almighty hath a care of it , and will defend and preserve it ; Christ Jesus the Husband thereof , will not suffer his Spouse to be trodden under : We may wonder we be yet a people under this peace of the Gospel , there being so many Papists within and without the Land ; and such an infinite number of most subtile and malicious Jesuits , that like the Devil , go up and down compassing the earth to work mischief : That poor weak men and women in themselves , sinful and poor creatures , should yet be got out of Satans power , and then defended from his malice ; not in body , goods and name onely , but from his deadly temptations , and to escape them , and get safe to Heaven . O this is Gods Almighty power and goodness ; so may every poor Christian man say , and wonder .

4. This rebuketh 1. Such as make a League with the Devil to obtain their purposes ; Use 4. It was death by the Law of God , Exod. 22. 18. and so ought to be still : What fools be these ? They think the Devil serves them , and is at their command , when indeed he hath got them to serve him , and that in an high degree of sin to their destruction . 2. Such as seek to such for things lost , or for cure from them , for them and theirs : Those woful Creatures , seeking to the sworn Enemy of mankinde for help , are like to speed , as if a Lamb should run to a roaring Lyon to be kept from harm . Simile . Think they that he will do them any little pleasure outwardly , unless to fasten deadly on their souls to work the ruine of them ? His help is as the milk which Jael presented unto Sisera . 3. All such as live in sin , and so serve the Devil ; These count him not a deadly Enemy , if they did , they would not be at his beck , as the most part be ; Though they stop their ears against God , their Parents , Magistrates , Friends , yet they open them to all his temptations ; no Servant can serve his Master so diligently , as the world doth the Devil , even with all the might both of their bodies and mindes , speaking , and writing , and employing both their goods and pains on his behalf , and for sin , and that both night and day : What he bids them do , they do , Lye , Swear , Curse , break the Sabbath , Oppress , Cozen , Mock , &c. who yet ( for that their humor likes it , and its agreeable to their own minde ) observe not Satans policy herein , nor suspect him for an Enemy : They will say , they hate the Devil as much as any , and defie him ; alas , he can give them leave so to do , as long as they serve him , and do his works ; This is as good as Popish holy Water , and crossing themselves . 4. All civil persons that say they never found the Devil so troublesom as they hear folks talk ; They never doubted of their Salvation , were ready to make away themselves , were never troubled with such wicked and blasphemous or troublesom thoughts , were never so troubled but that they could go to Church , and serve God quietly , &c. True , the Devil tempts them not to dispair , because he hath them fast enough in pride and presumption : He tempts them not to foul sins , because he sees God hath restrained them , and so that there 's no great likelihood he shall prevail , neither cares he , seeing he hath them fast enough in the main ; namely , in ignorance , unbelief , or carelesness of the first Table : He troubles them not with thoughts it may be when they go to good duties , because he knows they are likely not to do any good duty ; yet he tempts them in things , which through blindeness they discern not , as being none of the foulest things as they think : Though in the hearing of the Word they have many wandring by-thoughts , they feel not that the Devil is at their elbow , and at work with them , because they make no account of such smal things ; also about worldly idle speeches on the Sabbath , they see not Satan going along with them , because they count them small , whereas a good Christian in these espies Satan , and is troubled thereat : when the strong man hath and holds his Possession , all things are at peace , the Devil having these fast enough , he cares not for troubling them ; but let him be about to be cast out , and then I le warrant you he will bestir himself , and they shall have trouble . Let a civil man that lived never so quietly before , be smitten in conscience for his sins , and begin to be converted , he shall finde his case altered , and that the Devil will do him all the mischief he is able , and this is a great deal better then before ; and men should labor to be at enmity with him , and must pray that the stronger man , even Christ , would put him out of his possession .

5. This should rowze up the servants of God out of security and intemperance : Use 5. Have they need to be drunk with the world , or be asleep , having such an Enemy ? ought they not rather to be sober , and continually to watch to save themselves from his deadly enmity .

Against his malice let us have Christian resolution , and earnestness to seek after salvation .

Against his power let us set the power of God , and be strong in his might , craving his assistance continually , for we have no power of our selves ; he that should trust to himself , should speed as this our Apostle ; we must always have recourse to God , saying with David , God is my Castle , Psal. 18. 2. Rock , Tower of Defence , in him will I trust .

Against his subtilty , Col. 3. 16. let us labor to be wise in the Word of God , read , hear , meditate , confer , that it may dwell plentifully in our hearts in all wisdom , and labor for the wisdom of the Spirit of God , that thereby we may spy Satans subtilties , and be holpen to avoid them ; and let us have the fear of God always in our hearts , and before our eyes , which is true wisdom : Through this alone we avoid Satans snares , and are not ignorant of his wiles ; who so Achitophel like , think by worldly policy to resist the Devil , the Devil will make fools of them , and ensnare them at his pleasure .

Against his diligence , let us be as diligent and watchful ; we must not be weary , or give over our watch at any time , if we do , we must prepare our throats for destruction ; Satan gives no truce . Not a few Christians have no such fear of this enemy as they should , neither do they furnish themselves against him as they should , but are careless , silly and negligent . Hereby it comes to pass that the Devil hath his will too much , and too often of us , and catcheth us here and there ; as to neglect one duty , to do another untowardly , and to fall into this or that evil , and so makes us to dishonor God , to wound our own consciences , and to give ill example to others : If we had a bodily Enemy thus armed , how would we fear ? If there were a great Lyon in our fields , and which did haunt our grounds , how afraid would we be ? but there 's a roaring Lyon , a red Dragon , an old Serpent , lies in wait for us , who may do us more mischief then all the Lyons , Dragons or Serpents in the world , and yet we are careless . Here he is not thus fearfully described to discourage us , or make us cast away all our weapons , as though there were no resisting , but to watch and be careful ; and then , though he be as he is , we may be preserved from his anger ; for though he be malicious , yet God is most merciful and careful for us : Though he be strong , yet God is stronger : His power is limited , he cannot do what he will to the godly ( as to Job ) nay , not to reprobates , as to Saul and Ahab , the Devils had leave , before they could do their feats , nay , till they had leave they could not enter into the Swine : And though he be so subtile , yet the wisdom of God is far beyond his craft to catch him in it , as he hath done many a time ; as in the fall of our first Parents , he thought the same should have been to Gods utter dishonor , and that he should not have a Creature on earth to serve him , which yet turned to Gods greater glory ; the like might be instanced about the death of Christ : So he can turn his temptations to nothing , to folly , to our greater good : And though he be diligent , Psal. 121. 4. yet have we a God that keepeth Israel , who neither slumbers nor sleeps . Rev. 5. 5. The Devil is a Lyon , but we have a Lyon of the tribe Judah to fight against him : He is strong , but God is stronger then all ; they be innumerable , but God is greater then all together ; and to help our weakness , we have the good Angels to take our part , more with us then be against us : He is a Spirit , but the Spirit of God is in us more active , nimble and wise then he ; we have no cause therefore to be dismaid : Let us hold our Faith , Hope and Confidence , and go on in a godly course , and in the end we shall get to Heaven . Praised be God , praised be God alone : To God onely be glory for this .

Verse 9. Whom resist stedfast in the Faith , knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren that are in the world .

HEre are the means set down , whereby we must oppose the Devil ; and through the use of which we may prevail against him ; namely , By being stedfast in the faith .

Whom resist ] The course to be taken with an Adversary , Satan is to be resisted . is either to make peace with him , to yield to him , to flee from him , or resist him . To flee from Satan we cannot , from men we may ; but not from him , as who will be with us whithersoever we go : To yield to him we may not , then we spoil all , that were to be his servants to our destruction ; to make peace with him we must not , for his malice is unquenchable , and he will still seek our destruction , therefore we must resist him , and herein onely is our safety .

1. We have a warrant and command for this . Reasons . 2. We promised so to do in our Baptism . 3. If we resist not , we can never come into Heaven ; 1 Cor. 16. 13. for none come there , Eph. 6. 10 , 11. but such as overcome , such as are conquerers , Iam. 4. 7. who have palms in token of victory : See 2 Tim. 4. 8. James 1. 12. Rev. 2. 26. and 3. 10. and 7. 14. 4. If we do not fight and resist , we shall surely be destroyed : Every coward will fight , when he sees there 's no other remedy . 5. If we resist , we are sure to overcome ; for we fight not in our own might , but under our Captain Christ Jesus , Rom. 16. 20. who hath bruised and broke the Serpents head in his own person , and will do also in us : We resisting as he requires , it were a disgrace to him if we should be overcome ; nay , most certain it is , that no Soldier of Christ Jesus , resisting by the armor of his appointing , can ever be finally or wholly vanquished .

1. This rebuketh all those that resist not Satan at all , Use 1. or as they ought ; as 1. The prophane sort that live in sin ; these resist not , but rather serve the Devil : They resist God , his Word , the Spirit , good Counsel , all the means which are used to draw them from their sins ; but Satans temptations ( as serving their humor ) they resist not ; this is the cause that Hell is so full : If the Devil perswade them to any evil , they are as ready to yield , as he to tempt . 2. Civil persons , they resist not the Devil , as conceiving their case to be good enough , for that they are not ( as they conceive ) so bad as others , though to neglect all duties in their families , and towards their souls , and to pass the Sabbath in worldly talk , and to be little at the Sacrament , or without any preparation , be frequent with them . 3. Hypocrites , who though they resist him in some things , yet in others yield , which is enough to their destruction . 4. Backsliders , that resisted him a while , and seemed to be wel minded , & to be sorry for time past , & were fully purposed to take a new course , and seemed so to do for a time , that yet afterward returned to their old vomit , and yielded to his wil and temptations , as they did before : This resisting was nothing , unless they had so continued to the end , and until they had overcome ; for not they that make a flourish , and strike a few blows , and then flie or yield themselves to the Enemy , shall be crowned : O let all such repent of their baseness , and yielding themselves into the Devils hands , and to his temptations , as also of their breach of promise in Baptism ; and for the time to come , let them learn to know what is the will of God , and which be Satans temptations , and resist the same , and that constantly , and in all things ; so shall the second death have no power over them , but they shall conquer here , and be crowned eternally hereafter .

2. This reproveth weak Christians , Use 2. yea , sometimes even them who have well profited , and yet will shew themselves weak in this , that if the Devil have any temptations against them , telling them they be hypocrites , and that they shall not be pardoned , their sins being so great , and their hearts to sinful , what do they but consent , and say as he saith , against themselves , and so yield ; what a folly is this ? Is not the Devil adversary enough , but that you must also be an enemy to your selves ? and do you know its the Devil , who is a lyar , and yet suffer your selves to be carried away by him , and say as he saith ? a murtherer , and yet yield to him ? fie upon it , you ought to resist , & have recourse to your friends for aid ; even seek unto God by prayer , search the promises laid down in the Word , listen to good counsel , &c. yea , when a man hath spent a good time in laboring to comfort them by the Word , they yet are at the same stay , and yield more to a temptation which is a lye , then to all that can be said against it ; also , many and most Christians , alas , how little do they resist ? how often do they yield ? If he tempt them to lay aside prayer for trifles , or to keep them from the Word , there being this or that to do , how quickly do they yield ? Many also are so filly , that they see not one of ten of Satans temptations , and are so careless , that they fear them not : Thus sometimes they omit good duties , sometimes marre a good duty in the doing , are sometimes overcome in small things : What if they be not great things ? The least sins be against God , hurt our souls , hinder our peace , make our comfort the less . If Satan come with some great thing , we fear , and look about us , he would wound us at the heart ; but would we be willing to be hurt in the leg or arm ? we must not yield at any time , in any thing , how small soever , but manfully and constantly stand in opposition .

Stedfast in the faith , ] Faith gives Satan the foil . Faith is a principal piece of our Christian Armor ; Eph. 6. Gods Armor is Spiritual not Carnal , and though here one part be prescribed , yet we must not content our selves therewith , But put on the whole armor of God ; for so we shall overcome : The Armor of Gods making shall prevail .

1. If none can resist nor overcome but they that have these weapons , Use 1. What shall become of most , who have not so much as one of them , not Faith , nor Hope , nor Righteousness , nor Truth , & c ? They must needs be a prey to the Devil as unarmed Creatures ; They have been told of this Enemy , and that there was a compleat Armor of Proof , which they might have if they would take pains ; they neglecting the same , their condemnation will be of themselves .

2. It rebukes Christians that put on their Armor to halves , Use 2. leaving off and neglecting this or that piece , and so are often overcome ; we must get it all , and buckle it well and close to us every morning , yea , never lay off any part of it ; we may do any thing in it , work , ride , lie down , sleep , do any good , &c.

More particularly , Eph. 6. faith is a principal piece of this Armor : Above all , 1 Iohn 5. put on the shield of faith , that will quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one : This is also the Victory that overcomes the world , even our Faith : This takes hold of the promises laid down in the Scriptures , of Providence , Provision , Preservation , Salvation , and is found by experience to be a notable means to resist all temptations in any kinde , as worldliness , fearfulness , &c.

They then that are void of faith cannot resist the Devil , True faith rare . and how rare is true faith among men ? The world imagine that its easie to believe , but Gods Servants finde the contrary .

Stedfast , ] What faith it is that prevails over Satan . It s not a small or weak faith , but a strong and stedfast faith , that must resist and overcome the Devils Temptations , especially great ones : Such Christians then are to be blamed , which content themselves almost with a shew of faith ; so that when they come to lie on their death beds , after long profession , their hope is so faint , and their perswasion so weak , as that it s to be wondred at , who then might have been triumphing in assurance .

So in their lives , Use. their faith is so weak , as that every temptation shakes them , Matth. 14. as the Disciples at a little Tempest : O that Christians can hold the hope of their Salvation so slenderly , and have such poor evidence , when as they should be able to prove it by many infallible Arguments .

Obj. But the least measure of true faith will save . Obj.

Answ. True , Sol. but poorly . A weak tattered ship may come safe to Land , Simile . but with how many dangers and fears , whereas a strong and well rigg'd Ship comes with more assurance and content to the Passengers .

Knowing that the same affliction , All Gods children are liable to Satans temptations . &c. ] A Reason to perswade us to resist the Devil , and not to be discouraged , because it s not our case alone to be tempted and molested by Satan and his Instruments , but of all the Servants of God every where : Satan spiteth not some few , though he doth them most , which most oppose him , but he hateth and seeketh to mischief all the Servants of God whatsoever : As Pharaoh pursued not some few of the Israelites , but all of them , to fetch them back again ; so doth the Devil set himself against all the Israel of God : There 's enmity between the seed of the Woman , and the seed of the Serpent ; He set upon David , resisted Jeshua , &c. tempteth all , 2 Tim. 3. 12. spares none : All that will live godly in Christ Jesus , shall suffer persecution : There 's none so tempted , but others have met with the like ; Thus will the Lord have all to be humbled , thus prove them , thus set their graces on work , yea , thus encrease grace in them .

We must therefore be the more comfortable , Use. seeing we have so many , and such Companions , would we go to Heaven an easier way then all the Servants of God have gone ? we are well if we go the same Sanctified way ; And as we go in no harder way then others , so we must not look to have a soft and fine way strewed out for us alone , this were too much daintiness . True , it is the Devil that will perswade us , and we are ready to think no bodies case like ours : O I have had such temptations . That there is no God , that the Scriptures be false , innumerable blasphemous thoughts ! so to rebel against God , to hurt my self , &c. O be not discouraged , others of Gods Servants have met with all these : So we are ready to think our pain , or cross , or kinde of life , to be more painful then any others , whereas it is nothing so ; and this the Devil perswades to , that we might conceive that God hath pickt us out for his Enemies , and so might move us to distrust , and put us out of comfort .

Are accomplished , ] God enables his children to overcome Satans temptations . That is , both suffered and overcome by them . Hence note , That

God lays no temptation on his , but he enables them to overcome it ; They have no power of their own , but by his they are able to do all things ; yea , even such as our selves have gone through the fire it self .

This may encourage us to fight and resist manfully , Use. for as others have overcome , so shall we , who do no more fight in our strength , then they did ; we have had many a temptation , that we feared sometimes we should not have prevailed over , which yet through Gods goodness we have now outgrown ; So shall it be with the rest .

Obj. But seeing they knew this before , Obj. why doth he urge this as a Reason to comfort and hearten them , and not rather some others which they knew not ?

Answ. Because though they knew it , Sol. yet they had not so the use of it , as to be heartened by it : It s one thing to know a thing , another to be able to apply it , and make use of it , according to our need : The common sort know many principles , and many truths , whereof yet they make no use of their lives , and live as if they knew no such thing , whose knowledge doth but procure them the more stripes .

1. It s therefore the Ministers duty , Ministers must endeavor as to inform the understanding , so to work on the affections of their people . not to inform the understanding onely , but to labor and work upon the dull affections , and to bridle the unruly lusts of the heart , and bring them to stoop : If people could make use and apply a thing as soon as they knew it , a Ministers life would be more easie then it is ; but the wisdom and skill is to winde into the peoples hearts , and to work a love to that they know is good , and an hatred to that that is evil .

2. People must not content themselves to know , People must joyn practice to their knowledge . but look they put in practice that they know : If ye know these things ( saith our Savior ) happy are ye if ye do them : O how many promises do Gods people know , whereby yet they are not comforted .

In your brethren , ] There s a near conjunction between believers . There 's a near conjunction between believers : They are fellow-brethren , of the best brotherhood ; God is their Father , the Church is their Mother , they are begot of the same immortal Seed , nourished by the same food of the Word , Heirs of the same Inheritance , are Members of the same Body .

1. This rebukes them that scoff , like Ishmael , at the term of Brethren or Brotherhood , who yet can be content to have a Brotherhood between themselves in swaggering , lewd companionship , &c. such scoff at the language of the most High .

2. It teacheth us to embrace each other with brotherly entire affections , Use 1. and express them by brotherly actions ; as good counsels , admonitions , exhortations , prayer , example , rejoycing with them that do rejoyce , and weeping with them that weep , &c.

3. This rebuketh not onely the want of these ( which is very common ) but also and especially the contentions and jars that are often between Christians : Use 2. If Parents should have of their children some going together by the ears , and that before the rest of their Brethren and Sisters , yea , before the servants and strangers , how would it grieve them ? so doth it God , if we shall before his face , and our Mother the Church , our fellow Brethren and Sisters , to their grief , yea , before the Canaanites and Perizzites , who will laugh thereat : If , I say , we shall thus contend and strive together , how monstrous is this ? either we must unchristian our selves and one another , or else we offer violence to Christs body , pulling one member from another , which he will not indure . What if there be a sudden offence or falling out between any , is there not a time to forget , to be reconciled , and to heal up all ?

That are in the world , ] Gods Church is dispersed throughout the world . That is , dispersed here and there in the world . Hence note , That

God hath his Church far and wide in many places . In former times indeed it was hemmed within the compass of Jury ; but since our Saviors time , it s spread into all Nations , though not into all at once : This in some Countreys more visible , in others less , because of persecution , wherein yet no doubt are Seven thousand that never bowed their knee unto Baal .

We must therefore pray earnestly for all Gods people that be in other Countreys ; Use. they have as much need of prayers as we , and as many , yea , the same temptations with us , yea , most of them far greater : They love the same God and Jesus Christ that we do , are led by the same Spirit , look for the same glory , have the same hearts to God , have the same Devil for their enemy ; therefore pray for them , for so we may do them good , though they be thousands of miles from us , and love we them when we hear of them , for they be our Brethren .

In the world , ] The Saints in Heaven are free from temptations . As if he should have said , There are some of your Brethren indeed , that are not under these temptations , namely , They that be out of the world , they which be triumphing in Heaven : They rest from their labors , and are blessed : They triumph with palms , are out of danger : No temptation , no trouble toucheth them , but all that be in the world be in the same troubles .

1. Therefore whilst we are in this world , Use 1. do not we look for any time of truce ; we may be foiled in our old age , if we look not to it , as many worthy men have been : We must not therefore lay away our weapons , we may hap to have a sore combat on our death-bed .

2. Long to be with God , Use 2. and so to be out of temptations , though not so earnestly , but that we be content to tarry the Lords leisure , and work ere we look for wages , in the mean time doing him the best service we can : Some offend in impatient haste , they would be crowned ere they have fought up their fight ; some again linger here too much , not for the right ends ( for we should be content , and desire for some respects of Gods glory and others benefit , to tarry here still ) but for worldly respects , which we must carefully avoid .

Verse 10. But the God of all grace , who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while , make you perfect , stablish , strengthen , settle you .

HEre followeth the conclusion of the Epistle , in which the Apostle prayeth for them whom he hath taught , and desires an effectual blessing upon that he hath written to them : Thereafter he commendeth to them his Epistle , and lays down the sum of it , next sends his salutations , then wisheth them to love each other , and testifie the same , & lastly with a short prayer for them , takes his leave of them .

In this Verse he prays for them , even that God would daily increase them in all grace toward perfection , and at last perfect them , after the few afflictions that he hath here appointed them to go through ; and in the mean time , that he would confirm , strengthen and stablish them in knowledge , obedience and faith , that they might not be removed nor shaken through their troubles , from their good beginnings . Hereof also he rendreth some Reasons , 1. Because he of whom he begs the same , is the God and Author of all grace ; not of every kinde of grace onely , but of every measure of grace . 2. He hath already shewed them mercy , and bestowed grace on them , and called them out of the world , and from their corrupt estate of blindeness , unbelief , impenitency , to the knowledge , faith & obedience of the gospel , & of Jesus Christ , therefore he will go on and finish his work : And in this 2d Reason are sundry others couched ; as that he hath called them to his eternal glory , & therefore wil not leave them in the mid way ; that he hath called them in Christ , and therefore that its firm & fast , and cannot be shaken ; so that this is a most excellent and sweet comfortable prayer , worthy to be remembred of us all , Note . & laid up with us for ever . Herewith a couple of ancient good Christians ( that I knew , and who were as full of troubles , and as deeply tryed as ever I knew any ) did wonderfully comfort themselves , and were so affected therewith , as I never visited them ( as I did often ) either together , or when God sundred them , but they had this in minde , and would utter it so feelingly , as they declared themselves much sustained thereby .

From the coherence , in that the Apostle prayeth for the people , and for a blessing on that he had taught them , note , That

It s the duty of Gods faithful Ministers , Gods Ministers must further their peoples Salvation by all means . to seek to advance and further the Salvation of Gods people by all means : Thus must they do by Preaching , Example , Prayer , &c. Thus did Moses and Aaron , Ezra , Num. 6. 24. Jeremiah , the Apostles , &c. so ought we for the gathering of more to God , for the edification of those that be won , for the comfort of the feeble , the rowzing up of the drowsie , the reformation of what is amiss , the daily encrease of that that is good : This is no small forwarding of the work , of no small avail with God : Thus shall we manifest our zeal to the glory of God , our unfained and hearty love to the peoples souls , and this will be for our own discharge , that we may have boldness and a good conscience .

Hereupon people must do for their Ministers , Use. both for love to him , and to requite like for like , and for their own benefit , for encrease of knowlede in the Word of God , Wisdom , Zeal , Love , Patience , and all graces that may tend to further the work of Salvation in them , the fruit whereof shall redound to them ; for according as the Minister is , much after are the people , and for direction and assistance every time he is to preach to them : This no doubt is much neglected on both hands ; and the Ministery of the Word must be followed with prayer , for the success thereof depends upon Gods blessing , and therefore is to be obtained by hearty prayer : It depends not on the Preacher , if he could speak with the tongue of men and Angels , he could not of himself open the eyes or convert the soul : The Apostles had power to work miracles , to heal the sick , cast out Devils , &c. but to convert the soul , 1 Cor. 3. 6. that God reserved ever in his own hands : Paul may plant , and Apollos water , but God giveth the encrease : The best Preacher in the world cannot with all his skill , grace and pains , change the heart of his wife , sons , daughters , or dearest friends . True , the Minister may help or hinder by the maner of his preaching and living , as if he Preach ignorantly , confusedly , coldly , or mingle unsavory and galling speeches , or live badly , he may hinder the likelihood of good by the word ; and if a Minister preach understandingly , orderly , feelingly , zealously , and live thereafter , he provides the medicine the better , and more fit to work , yet he cannot convert a soul ; If we meet with any speeches sounding that way , 1 Tim. 4. 16. as to Timothy , Thou shalt both save thy self and others , &c. we are to understand them to be meant instrumentally : See also Acts 26. 18. The work is the Lords , and above all created power , yet a greater work it is , then the making of the world : Nor doth it depend on any hearer , be he of what wit , memory , dexterity , education soever , for even such have long lived under the Ministery , and yet are as far from conversion as ever ; we are by nature blinde , dead in sin , not onely not apt to any good , but full of Rebellion : See Deut. 29. 4. Jer. 24. 7. Acts 11. 21. and 16. 14. Therefore the success of the Word depends on blessing , which is to be sought by humble and hearty Prayer , the same being all in all .

It s a good sign in the Minister that he hath a desire his Ministery should prosper ; when he is not content to Preach onely , but follow it with Prayer . Simile . As women having set herbs or sown seeds in a dry ground , following them with the watering Pot , have a minde they should grow ; and as we sow not our seeds in the field , but we ask Gods blessing thereon , so much more should we on this precious seed : Thus shall it appear that they trust not in themselves , and that they are desirous that their Preaching should not be in vain .

So ought the people ; for the blessing of the Word , namely , the fruit of it is all in all ; what though we hear never so much , if the same be not made effectual to us , the threats to humble us , the promises to comfort and quicken us , the sins forbidden to bring us into an hatred of them , and love of the contrary duties , and we be so altered by that we are : This is the end of all ; See Jonah 3. 5 , 6 , &c. Acts 2. 37. 1 Cor. 14. 25. Therefore they should , as pray earnestly before that the Word may be made of force and efficacy ; so afterwards must their mindes run on the things delivered , and their Prayers in their Families by themselves , relish of the same : But what neglect is there this way ? How few pray before , and how many after they have heard , suffer worldly business or pleasures to put out the same ? Oh! there is no such care that this precious seed should take root and fructifie ; we complain of our bad crops , but not of this , yet here there 's not onely a loss if it do not take root , but it turns hurt ; by to every Sermon a step ●igher Heaven or Hell : What Crop can we shew to God of all the Sermons we have heard ? we crave Gods blessing upon our bodily food , how much more ought we on this Spiritual ?

The God of all grace , ] God is the author and give● of all grace . He is so called of the effect , because he is the Author and Giver of all grace ; he is the Author of all that may be called good , which may be divided into gifts and graces in this world ; gifts of all kindes , as of body , minde , &c. In him we live , he makes the Sun shine on us , &c. also gifts of health , strength , beauty ; so of the minde , See Exod. 31. as natural vertues , also gifts to rule Kingdoms , as to Saul ; so of Trades , Arts , Sciences , nay , of gifts yet higher then those , knowledge , understanding of the Scripture , Prophesie , Prayer ; yea extraordinary too , as of miracles : So is he also of graces , which are such as accompany Salvation , and he bestoweth onely on his Elect , as saving knowledge , Rom 15. 13. and 16. 20. faith , peace of conscience , joy in the Holy Ghost , repentance , love , meekness , patience , &c. 2 Cor. 1. 3. Hence it is that sometimes he is termed the God of hope , sometimes the God of peace , sometimes the God of all comfort , so here the God of all grace : He gives every good gift and grace , and not that onely , but every measure of every grace , Iohn 1. 16. the beginning , continuing , and finishing grace : Whatsoever grace is in Saint or Angel , Eph. 4. 7. is the gift of God , either by Creation , as to the Angels and Adam , or sin by restitution : What grace is in any man alive , of what kinde or measure soever , is onely of God , for we are so far from having any of our selves , that we have nothing but the quite contrary , even Opposition and Rebellion , none else ever did , or can give grace : The best Parents cannot convey grace into their Children by generation ; nor can the best Minister into any by preaching or counsel , God alone is the giver hereof .

1. Every one that hath grace , Use 1. in what measure soever , must be humble and thankful , acknowledging the same to be onely from God , and giving him the praise thereof : O be exceeding thankful for it , that he hath given it to thee , denying it to most ; and to thee , as unfit to receive grace , as the worst in the world , and who didst no better deserve it , then they that shall never have it ; and especially be thankful for it for the worth thereof , one dram of grace is of more worth then the whole world , it s the quintescence of Gods favor , and like Pearls of great value in a little room . A true humble heart in the sight of thy misery , a little true faith in Christ , and Sanctification , with an hatred of all sin , and care to please God in all things , is worth a Kings Ransom , and an honest upright heart , careful to be be ruled by that it knows , is better then all knowledge without this .

2. Every one that is without it , Use 2. must endeavor for it : Whether goeth a woman with her pot or pail for water , but to the Fountain ? so must thou have recourse unto God ; there is grace enough in him , and he hath it to bestow , and it s his honor so to do : But how shall we come by it , the Well is deep ? God hath opened the Fountain of his grace in Christ Jesus , and conveys grace by the Conduits of the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , &c. so that it s not lockt up in Heaven ; wouldest thou therefore have thine heart humbled and broken , God can do the same , come to him , wait on him in his word for it ? would'st thou believe thy sins are pardoned through Christ ? would'st thou be changed , and have thy heart altered to hate every sin , to love whatsoever is good ? would'st thou have grace against thy strongest corruptions , that thou could'st never master , and do duties to thy thinking impossible , as to love thine Enemies , abide persecution for the Truth , & c ? come to him in the same word , and by prayer ; he can do these things for thee : Why then is the world so graceless , seeing there is abundance in God ? Psal. 4. 6. It s because men see not their emptiness of grace , and know not the worth thereof : They desire Health , Wealth , Honor , Pleasure , true grace they regard not , prize not : O that men did see themselves woful naked Creatures , without grace ! They would not then content themselves with any shadow of grace , hearing , profession , a little restraint , some few gifts , &c. but labor indeed for grace .

3. The Servants of God that have obtained some measure of grace already , Use 3. should be provoked still to wait upon God for increase , for he gives all grace , the last , as well as the first and the middle : According therefore to our proceeding , let us beg fitting grace of God ; Why , are there all kindes and measures of grace in God , and we have so little ? we beg not earnestly , we open not our mouth wide , that God might fill it , we have not hunger-bitten hearts , we prize not grace .

Who hath called us , ] Another Reason to perswade himself and them , that they should obtain this request of being confirmed to the end , even because God had already begun with them , and called them , that is , had pulled them out of the state of ignorance , unbelief , impenitency , into the state of grace , knowledge , repentance , &c.

Whom God means to save , Doctr. he calls them out of their sinful state to grace ; Whom God will save , those he doth effectually call . There 's an outward calling , and there 's an inward calling : This last , through the operation of the Spirit going along with the outward means , is made effectual , as to Lydia .

This stands in three things , enlightning the understanding to conceive , opening the heart to believe , and changing the whole man from that it was before ; not onely he calls them , but awakens them ; not onely invites them to come , but gives them an heart to come : of this you may read Rom. 8. 30. 1 Pet. 1. 15. This is proper to Gods children , and is the work of God , none else can do it ; without this there 's no Salvation , as those that have this shall be certainly saved , this being a mark of their Election past , 2 Pet 1. 10. and of their glory to come , Rom. 8. 30.

Let every man examine himself , Use. whether he be effectually called ( heretofore I have laid down the marks hereof ) if thou findest thou art , then be of good comfort : Be thankful , for that God hath called thee , leaving others , there being no more worth or aptness in thee then in them ; and study how to walk worthy of this high and holy calling , even in all zealous and godly conversation , not fashioning our selves like unto the world , from which we be called , but differing as much in our behavior , as we hope to do in our end , not defiling our selves with any evil , not yielding to our lusts , not doing any thing unbeseeming our holy calling ; but as he is a holy God that hath called us , and its an holy Gospel whereby we are called , so we may be holy in all maner of conversation : Eph 1. 4. This is the end , as of our Election and Redemption ; Luke 1. 75. so of our calling : Iam. 1. 18. So that we must not serve God coldly , who hath singled us out from the world , but look we be singular persons , a peculiar people to him .

On the other side , if our hearts tell us , that we be not effectually called , then is our case bad : Gods callings , which we have not obeyed , will be accusations against us . O how few be truly called ? most hold on in a prophane and bad course ; others having reformed some things , and thereupon counted themselves in a good estate , nay , given some good hopes , yet have after fallen shamefully ; some to the world , some to open prophaneness , for there is no stay of a man till he be effectually called : O then entreat God now to work on your hearts , you know not whether you shall ever be called more or not : To day if ye will hear his voyce , harden not your hearts ; listen to Gods voyce , call upon him to open thine eyes , and change thine heart . When thou comest to the Word , pray , O Lord , strike that stroke that may truly convert my Soul ; yea , let all Gods mercies , and thy several afflictions and crosses , be as so many voyces calling thee to God , count them so , and listen and yield to them ; and though heretofore thou hast turned the deaf ear to God , yet now let it be so no more .

Into his eternal glory , ] Such as are effectually called shall partake of glory . The end why and whereunto they be called , even that they might have glory , not vanishing , but eternal glory , so that it was not possible , but that they should be saved : See 1 Thess. 2. 12. 2 Thess. 2. 13 , 14. 1 Pet. 1. 3.

1. He that is effectually called is an happy man , Use 1. and of high dignity .

2. Let such walk worthy hereof , Use 2. glorifying God with all their might .

3. It should whe● on others to listen to the voyce of the Lords call : Use 3. What shall they lose ? they shall come from sin and shame , from wrath and damnation , and shall be admitted into Gods favor , partake of grace here , and of glory hereafter . No marvel people be so loath to yield , and we have so many delays , and hard answers of them . Are they not shrewdly hurt to be called to this estate ?

Now in that the Apostle useth this as an Argument , that the Lord would confirm , strengthen and stablish them , even for that he had called them , we may note , that

Whom God hath effectually called , God will not forsake them whom he hath called . he will never forsake , but continue them to the end : His nature is unchangeable , whom he loveth once , he loveth always to the end ; we are indeed apt to fall away daily , Rom. 11. 29. but Christ hath prayed for us , 1 Thess. 5. 23. and our salvation is not now in our own keeping . Iohn 17. 11.

By Christ Jesus ] Christ is the way by which all good comes to us , All good comes to us by Christ . as our Election , so also our effectual calling .

1. It s therefore not from any merit of ours , Eph. 1. 4. but for Christs sake that we are called ; Use 1. we must not be proud of our selves , but thankful unto God through Christ .

2. This also may comfort us , Use 2. we shall never fall , our calling hath such a sure foundation .

After that ye have suffered a while , ] He prays that God would make them perfect , &c. but in the due time , even when they had passed the few afflictions and tryals he had appointed . Here note ,

1. That we must go through troubles , Gods children must here suffer , before they can partake of heaven . ere we come to our perfection in Heaven . There 's a time for all things ; a time for Soldiers to fight , and a time for them to rest and enjoy the spoil after victory : The cross is the Christians companion . Many are the troubles of the Righteous , Psal. 34. and we must look for such in this world : It hath been the Kings-road and High way to Heaven , Iohn 16. 33. that sanctified way , Acts 14. 22. wherein from Abel until this time , 2 Tim. 2. 12. all Gods Worthies ( the Patriarchs , Prophets , Apostles , Reasons . Christ himself , &c. ) have walked : Neither is this without cause , for afflictions serve to humble us for sins past , and fetch us from wandring ( as the Shepherds dogs doth the sheep ) whereof David had experience , Iob 33. 17. Psal. 22. Isa. 27. 9. and 119. They serve also to mortifie our lusts , tame our pride , subdue and kil our rebellious old man , helping us against it , which would else be too strong for us ; so to hold us in compass when we be well , as an hedge of thorns . Children must be washed and made clean , Simil. though they cry , so must we from our sins ; and as they by mustard , or the like , must be weaned from the dug , so must we by afflictions from the world , which we love too well ; and as as there were no rule with children without the rod , so would we be unruly , were it not for afflictions : They also make us heavenly minded , and hereby our Faith , Patience , and such other graces are tryed , as whether we have such or not , whether more or less then we thought ; yea , they serve to purifie and encrease that measure we have , for as standing waters gather mud , and bodies without exercise wax unhealthful , so but for afflictions we should be in a bad case . Hereby grace is made more active and fruitful , as the vine is by pruning .

1. Therefore we must be content to go this way to heaven , Use 1. and glad to : We must not think to have a new way strewed and paved , and covered , as it were , with carpets , when as the other Worthies of the Lord have waded to the ankles in blood .

2. How can they that give themselves to all jollity , Use 2. and put away all hearts grief , and do wholly give themselves to profits , pleasures , feasting , &c. How can these , I say , think they are going to Heaven-ward ? They will have their will here , whatsoever befal them hereafter .

3. If any should hereupon doubt that they are not in the way to Heaven , Use 3. because they have no troubles , &c. What , have you no troubles ? Are you not troubled with a rebellious and sinful heart ? and fight you not with Principalities and Powers , and Temptations , that make you cry our sometimes , O wretched man that I am , & c ? and do you never meet with ill tongues for the profession of the truth ? you do : Then are not you without troubles , though it may be you have not had so great troubles as some : Well , thank God , and use prosperity well , and store your selves with grace against troubles come ; It may be God hath spared you hithertil , because you are old vessels , too weak for new wine , in time you shall be met with . Besides , all are not in trouble at once ; neither our whole life troubles , but God gives many breathings : Therefore discourage not your selves , neither pray for troubles , God knows what is best , we know not how fit we should be to bear them .

2. That the afflictions of Gods Children are but small ; The afflictions of Gods children are small . They are so in respect of quantity and continuance , not so in respect of us , or of our strength ; for small ones would be too great for us , if God did not assist us , and they be small in respect of that we have deserved Hell torments , or the joys of Heaven we be called to . Alas , they are not a flea-biting that any of Gods children endure here , Rom. 8. 18. to that they deserved , 2 Cor. 4. 17. and the wicked shall suffer in Hell , nor to be compared to the least part of the joys of Heaven . And for the continuance , our life is but short , a span long , and in it we have many respices ; See Psal. 30. 5. Isaiah 17. 14. and 54. What are sixty years to Eternity ? as a drop of water to the whole Sea , as a Mote in the Sun to a Mountain : Isa. 4. 5. God moderates the afflictions of his Servants ; if he deal with his Enemies he lays it on , let them bear it if they can , if they cannot , Rev. 2. 10 , choose them , as Judas : The just time is set down for the godlies troubles ; It shall not be as we will , nor as the Devil and his Instruments will ; If as we would , then should they be so small , as we should be never the better ; If as they , we should be spoiled : God will rule the matter , it shall be neither too much nor too little , but just enough for our best good .

We should praise God for his mercy and goodness , Use. that respects our weakness thus , and hath delivered us from the eternal torments we had deserved , and turned them into a few merciful afflictions for our good : If they press us any thing hard , then they are but short and small , and laboring for a good measure of faith , they will be the smaller ? They are nothing to that we have deserved : Turn thine eyes downward to the torments of Hell , then lift up thy thoughts to the joys of Heaven , these will make us account them but small , and bear them quietly .

Make you perfect , ] That is , lead you on daily towards perfection more and more ; perfect is taken in two sences in Scripture , for upright , that hath perfection of parts and absolute , which is perfect also in degrees and measure ; for parts , as a childe new born , so is a Christian in his first conversion : 1 Cor. 3. 9. Absolute none can be here , Phil. 3. 13. aym at it and towards it they may , yet comparatively some are so called and counted , Gods people must labor for perfection . namely , they that have well profited in respect of novices .

We must labor to grow forward daily , and forgeting what we have attained , 1 Thess. 4. 1. run forward as they in a race : we must neither be so proud , 2 Thess. 1. 3. as to think we are perfect by and by ( as some in their conversion do , not knowing they are but babes ) nor yet so lazy , as to content our selves with any measure , how small soever , but joyn measure to measure ( as a covetous man doth house to house ) coveting Spiritual gifts , and growing in grace more and more ; what man is content if he have but from hand to mouth , and scant that to live on , but desires rather a little elbow room , and to have a competency to live in some good handsom fashion , and to have for himself and his friends , and wherewith also to relieve the needy ? and wiltst thou rest satisfied with any measure of grace , especially having the means of growing ?

1. This rebukes them that be grown worse : Use. 1. O fearful ! either they never began in truth , nor laid a good foundation , which is most to be feared ( whom therefore it now concerneth to begin right and lay sure , for better begin twice , then perish once ) or if they did , then it much concerns them to repent and amend , Rev. 2● 5. &c.

2. It rebukes such as stand at a stay , Use 2. like an Apple-tree in a cold clay ground ; that lives , and it may be every year bears two or three shrunk Apples , but shoots not out her branches , nor bears plenty of good fair fruit as we desire ; what 's the reason ? when we see a Beast in good Pasture , which hath not cast the old coat , we say its surfeit , it must have a drink ; so are these surfeit with the love of the world , then which there is no greater bane to godliness : It s like a great high Ash-tree , that will suffer no tender plant to grow thereby or thrive ; another reason may be , for that they compare themselves with them that have less , or nothing in them ; another , for that they neglect the means , or live under lean means , or they use the means carelesly , What a shame is this ? we might have with care attained a far greater measure , so as our worst time might have been as good as our best was wont , as it proves with thrifty persons , who through Gods blessing come to have better fare any day , then they had at first on their best day : If a man should have an Apprentice many years , and he be worse and worse , or learn nothing , what would he say ? were he likely to attain skill in his Trade ? If God should call most of us to an account , alas , we have but small skill in the trade of Christianity .

3. It may comfort those that desire to grow forward and use the means carefully , Use 3. and mourn that they can do no better , and grow so poorly , surely they are like to thrive apace .

Stablish , strengthen , settle you , ] Here he prays for their perseverance . Hence note , That

It s not enough for us to begin well , Christians must hold out to the end . but we must hold out to the end ; neither is this either less necessary , or less difficult then the other .

Use all means diligently to this end , Use. and pray earnestly to God , for we shall have many opposites : Confirm your judgements in the truth , and keep you from Error ; strengthen you in faith , that you be not removed from your stedfastness and faith in Christ the rock ; stablish you in your good course and godly conversation : we shall meet with subtile deceivers , that will seek to ensnare and withdraw us , as the Galatians were misled , Gal. 3. 1. and those mentioned Acts 8. 10. They of the Separation trouble many honest people of a tender conscience , and in their first love , and yet have not sufficient knowledge to try what they say , but come with a great colour of zeal : It s a great trouble to be distracted in minde , therefore use the means , resort to those whose Ministery God hath blessed to convert your souls : And is not the Church and Gospel as well able , and as like to confirm you , as it hath been to beget you to the faith : Let us take heed of being removed from our Faith , either in general or in particular ; let us take heed of being shaken and put from our good course , and drawn into evil through prosperity , or of being choked by preferment , or daunted by affliction and persecution .

Q. If a man having begun in truth , do use the means carefully , may he be assured of perseverance ?

A. Some think that no man can have any such assurance , or hold out to the end , considering what man is in himself , what the Devil , what the World , &c. but though we be subject to fall away every hour , and if we should compare our selves with the oppositions of our Spiritual Enemies , we might even utterly despair , yet we are in a strong hand to be kept : Col. 3. 3. Our life is hid with Christ in God , we are kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation : 1 Pet. 1. 5. Those that are justified and sanctified , though of mean parts , yet are sure and safe ; The least measure of grace shall stand , when the greatest gifts without grace shall fall away .

Verse 11. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever . Amen .

HAving had occasion to speak of Gods mercy in Christ Jesus , Our Election and vocation should move us to praise God . he cannot but break out into praise and thanksgiving . Whence we may learn , That

Upon the consideration of our Election in Christ , Rev. 4. 8. as also our effectual Calling , &c. we must at no time cease praising the Lord ; thus do the Saints and Angels in Heaven , and it will be our work there , which therefore we should begin here : We must labor throughout our whole course of life to glorifie God , yea , seeing Dominion and Power belongs unto Christ , herein is our comfort , herein the welfare of the Church of God , and every particular Christian , Christ bears the sway , else wo were to us .

Verse 12. By Silvanus , a faithful Brother , unto you ( as I suppose ) I have written briefly , exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand .

ANother part of the conclusion , namely , A commendation of his Epistle : 1. From the Messenger he sends it by , Silvanus , whom he commends for a faithful Christian and Minister , and one that loved them well , and was careful for them , as he was perswaded , and saw cause to move him so to think . 2. He sets down the sum of his Epistle , consisting of two parts : 1. His testifying by infallible Arguments , That that was the true Religion and way of Salvation , which they believed and yet stood in ; though there were other false Religions , yet was this the onely true Religion . 2. His exhorting of them earnestly , not to suffer themselves to be removed from the same by any means whatsoever ; so that he wrote not about trifles , but about the main , namely , To signifie and prove to them the true Religion , and to perswade them to constancy therein .

By Silvanus , ] The Apostles had some to attend them , and assist them to write and send to the Churches ; not for pomp , but necessary use and furthering of the work : This grew after to pomp and state under Popery ; but pomp and state beseems not the Ministers of the Gospel , howsoever , its meet that they should have necessary furtherance .

He sends this Epistle by this Silvanus , whom he so highly commends , he pickt him out of purpose ; for he would not commend such a jewel , a prime piece of the Churches treasure , to every ordinary person ; he also was fit to certifie them of the Apostles minde therein , and preach out of it to them .

It s meet holy things should be in the handling of holy persons : Holy things should be handled by holy persons . See 1 Tim. 3. Eli's sons made the people loath the Sacrifice of the Lord : Even the meanest Officer in the Church is to be of some understanding , and of sober , honest conversation , not a base person , Swearer , Drunkard , &c. it s a loathsom thing to see such , having any thing to do with Church-businesses .

A faithful Brother , ] He was a good and faithful Christian , and a faithful Brother in the Ministry , good both in his general and particular calling ; the one is the ground and tryal of the other : He that is no good Christian , Note . can be no good Magistrate , Minister , Housholder , &c. and he that is no good Magistrate , &c. is no good Christian : In that the Apostle gives him such a good commendation ,

1. It teacheth every one of us to labor for a good name and report in the Church of God , A good name is to be labored for . as Job , Zachary and Elizabeth , Barnabas , Obadiah , See Heb. 11. 2. with others had : This is better then good oyntment , then much gold and silver : Eccles. 7. 1. What a blessing while we live , and after death a fragrant memory ? Prov. 22. 1.

2. It rebuketh those that live so badly , as the Church nor Charity it self cannot speak well of them ; as also such as live so doubtfully and suspiciously , as in some things they give some hope , in others they dash it again , so that there 's none can give any full testimony of them : Such provide ill for themselves .

Unto you ] He was very loving and faithful to them , Such as are faithful in the Ministry , draw their peoples hearts to them . hereof the Apostle informs them , that they might esteem the more of him , and profit the better by him : Such as are faithful in their Ministery , draw their peoples hearts to them and their Ministery , whereby they receive much comfort , as their people profit .

1. This rebukes the great unfaithfulness of numbers of Ministers , Use 1. they have little care or conscience for their peoples good . But

2. If Ministers be loving and faithful to them , Use 2. then ought they again to regard them much , lest else they discourage them in their Ministery .

As I suppose ] The Original word signifies more , as by casting mine accounts I finde , or by laying things together I can gather ; yet not such a confident word but kept within bounds , whatsoever might fall out . We ought to speak and think so well of others as we have ground for . Here note ,

1. That we ought to think and speak as well of Ministers and others , as we have cause , and as we have grounds to warrant us , not keeping from them their due regard and commendation , much less speak evil of them that deserve well .

But herein great numbers fail , Use. with whom one infirmity in their brethren , shall drown their many good graces ; yea , are ready to hear ill reports and believe them , though they be never so uncertain or ungrounded .

2. That we ought to be wise and wary in our commendations : We ought to be wary in our commendations . Many have repented that they have so largely commended others , when as they did not walk answerably ; much hurt hath come this way : We had need be wary , except we have more then ordinary experience , for the heart of man is deceitful , and many good beginnings to the eye , have not proved so well ; yet if any should not prove well , it can be no great disparagement to them that have spoke well of them , so they have been moderate therein , for all the Apostles were deceived in Judas , as Paul of Demas .

I have written ] The Apostles great care of their good : Having entred them , he would confirm them ; and now , that he could not preach to them , he writes , which would stick to them , and whereunto they might resort again and again at their pleasure .

Hence I might speak of the profitableness of writing Epistles , The profitableness of writing Epistles . how much good Gods servants may do to each other being absent , by Prayers , by Letters : How much good hath been done by the Letters of the Fathers , and of godly men in latter times , as of Calvin , Beza , the Martyrs , &c. who knoweth not ? what a fault is it that it s no more used , as Parents to their Children being absent , friends to friends , &c. whereas wanton Letters , and Letters about worldly businesses are frequent enough .

Written ] Thus God moved the hearts of his Servants , and assisted them extraordinarily to pen the parts of holy Scripture : O what a a benefit it is that we have the whole , and most holy Word of God written and before us , and how should we in token of thankfulness be exercised therein ? But most busie their heads with other matters , namely , Their worldly profits and pleasures , fools bables , in the mean time little using or regarding the Bible .

Briefly , ] 1. Because he would have them the oftner in it , and take the more delight to read it over . 2. Because he sent Silvanus to open and unfold it at large , Heb. 13. 22. by preaching out of it , and making application thereof for their good .

Here see how God in his infinite wisdom hath provided us his Word , Gods wisdom in providing for us his Word , and goodness in ordaining Ministers to re-reveal unto us his will therein . wherein is all his minde , and that in few words , to provoke us to be exercised therein ; for if the Word had been written as large as we had need for our understanding , the world could not have contained the books that must have been written ; but the Lord hath revealed his will briefly , laid down much in few words ; yet for our further benefit , God hath Ordained the Ministery of his Word , and given gifts to men to preach it , expound it , apply it to every bodies use , so that both together do most happily : How should God have provided better for us ? If therefore people profit not , their answer must be heavy .

Exhorting and testifying , &c. ] These words afford sundry points ; as

1. In that the Apostle testifieth by sound Arguments that they were in the right way , People must particularly know that the Religion they profess is the truth of God . note , that

Its needful for every one to know and be well assured of the Religion he professeth , that it is the truth of God , for there be many Religions , yet but one truth , miss that and perish ; we must not go by guess in our Religion : It s not enough that we have the true Religion , except we know it to be so , that we be not wavering , and carried about with every wind of contrary Doctrine .

1. This rebukes those that take occasion , Use 1. because there be so many Religions , therefore they will meddle with none , but take their ease , and tarry till all agree .

2. It rebukes those that profess a Religion , Use 2. as all do , but know not whether it be truth or not , but believe as the Church believes , as they be told , but have no ground from the Word for the same : Turks may not , its death to question about their Religion ; Papists may not , especially the Laity , who are forbid to read the Bible , or any good Book that way , but we may ; yet how do the most in this Land profess the Gospel , which by Gods goodness is the truth indeed ? alas , how few know and are able to prove it ?

3. As it s our duty to testifie and prove our Religion , Use 3. to be the onely true way of Salvation ; so it s yours to know and acknowledge it , that if an Angel should come and inform you otherwise , you might not give ear to him .

2. In that the Apostle thought it not enough to prove to them that that was the true Religion they were in , Christians must persevere in the truth . but exhorted them to continue constant in the same , note , that

They that know the truth , ought so highly to esteem it , and be so thankful to God for it , Prov. 23. 23. as they never suffer themselves to be removed therefrom , whether for hope of gain , or fear of trouble , &c. we must buy the truth , not sell it . The Martyrs would rather lose their lives then the truth ; if we let that go , we lose our Souls .

3. In that the Apostle takes such care and pains with those Jews that now stood in the truth , to hold them therein , we may note , that

Its an hard matter for those to hold out stedfast , Constancy in well-doing difficult . that have begun to do well , for our heart is deceitful , the Devil is subtile and strong , and there are also many Seducers , many baits , many discouragements , &c.

What are they then that say , Use. there 's too much Preaching and Reading ? They know nothing that belongs to true Christianity . A little means may serve to keep men in a loose , carnal , and prophane course , but to keep us in a good course , there must be precept upon precept , line upon line , &c. and all little enough .

Therefore Ministers ought to continue with all diligence , not onely to gain home more , but even to hold on and confirm them that be gained , that they fall not away into error , sin and security , and people have also need to use all good means to this end .

4. In that his Epistle consisteth in testifying by sound reasons , for the confirmation of their judgements , and then of the Exhortation for the whetting on of their affections ; Note , That

Both parts are necessary in Preaching , Doctrine and Application must go together . the one still to accompany the other .

1. Ministers therefore must labor in and for both .

2. People must make use and account of both , Use. 1. regard Doctrine for knowledge , Use 2. and suffer Exhortation for practice : Some cannot endure Application and Exhortation , but are all for knowledge and to feed the understanding , and it appears in their lives , for they cannot endure , but to live at elbow-room , as they list , notwithstanding the profession some make in hearing Sermons .

Verse 13. The Church that is at Babylon elected together with you , saluteth you , and so doth Marcus my son .

ANother part of the conclusion , consisting of Salutations from the whole company of the faithful with him , and particularly from Mark.

The Church ] The company of the faithful that were at Babylon , knowing of our Apostles writing to these his dispersed Brethren , entreat to be remembred to them , and pray the Apostle ( for he would not send their commendations without their knowledge ) that he would signifie to them , Christians must be mindful one of another , how far distant soever . that they remembred them , loved and reverenced them , and were glad of them , praying to God for them , &c.

Gods people though far distant one from another , yet must be mindeful one of another .

Which is at Babylon , ] God hath some even in the worst places . Namely , a City of Assyria , whither the Jews were carryed Captive by Nebuchadnezzar , and there abode for Seventy years : There were here now sundry believing Jews , as God hath his Church in the worst places , where Satans Throne is , and though most of the Jews rejected Christ , yet some here and in other Cities embraced him .

The Papists will needs have this meant of Rome , This place not meant of Rome but upon what ground they know not ; there can be no reason rendred why Peter should hide the name or dissemble it : But this is that they might get some place of Scripture proving Peter to have been at Rome , but if they can get no plainer then this , the Pope may sit besides his Chair : They have no place to prove it by , See Dr. Willets Synops. and yet they say , he sate there as Bishop five and twenty years , which that it was not , the Learned have proved by divers Reasons .

But thus the Pope comes by his Supremacy , Peter had it , and he left it to his Successors , the Bishops of Rome : But neither had Peter any such Supremacy , or if he had , it was not tyed to place , but to Truth and Religion ; now the Popes is clean contrary to Peters , hating and persecuting the same .

But where by Babylon , Rome indeed is meant , as Rev. 14. 17 , 18. ( so called mystically for the likeness to Babylon in Idolatry , and vexing the Church and Servants of God ) that they cannot away therewith ; See Dent on this Question .

Thus Hereticks wrest Scripture at their will to their own purpose ; Hereticks wrest Scripture . where it may make for them , though it have no such meaning , it shall yet be used ; where it s against them , though it be never so plain , yet it may not be allowed : This is a vile taking of Gods name in vain , and it will be to their own destruction .

1. Therefore we must not believe that is confirmed by Scripture of their or any Hereticks alledging , Use 1. but try their allegations .

2. That we never dare to bring a sence of our own to the Scripture , Use 2. but fetch the sence thereof out of the Scripture by humble and diligent search .

Elect together with you , ] A Church chosen of God ( as you are ) out of the world to bestow his Gospel upon , and reveal his truth unto : Election is taken largely or strictly ; Election diversly taken . Largely , for choosing a People or Nation out of the world to bestow his favors upon , and make Covenant with , Isaiah 44. 1. as Israel from all other Nations : You onely have I chosen : So to choose to an Office , Iohn 6. 70. as our Savior Christ saith , I have chosen you twelve , and one of you is a Devil : Strictly , for the Election of any to Salvation before the world ; When God chooseth out a Church , and bestoweth his mercy upon it , though no doubt there be numbers of Gods Elect in it , as in the Church of England , yet many may be Reprobates , especially in such a Church where Religion is enjoyned by authority : in such a company as this of the Jews where they were voluntary , there was likelyhood of the more , and yet even among such were Hypocrites , that voluntarily joyned themselves to the Church , as Ananias and Sapphira .

1. Know we that its a great mercy to live in an Elect Church , It s not enough to live in an elect Church , but we must finde that we are Elect. as the Church of England is , when most of the world sit in darkness , and be Synagogues of Satan .

2. Yet must not we content our selves herewith , but be able to prove our own particular Election , which is an unspeakable favor , and for which we ought to be exceedingly thankful .

Now in that the Apostle calls them an Elect company , Why the Apostle calls them an Elect company . it was because he knew there was a number of Gods chosen among them , as he saw by their fruits ; but who they were particularly , and who were not , that he could not justly tell , because its unknown what the heart of the one is , and what God may do in time for the other .

We must not take upon us precisely to determine of other mens Election or Reprobation , Use. but judge modestly and charitable , thanking God for being sure of our own , and laboring more and more for assurance herein .

Saluteth you ▪ ] wisheth all good unto you : What , would the Apostle trouble himself or his Epistle with such a trifling matter , as sending of commendations ? It s no idle or small matter , but of very good use ; So that as it hath been an ancient custom in the Church of God , so being Christianly performed its worthily continued , and is of great use . The sending of commendations how useful it is . For 1. It testifieth to our selves that we are of the number of Gods faithful ones , that we not onely love the brethren with us , but even those which are absent , yea , not onely no kindred , but not known by face , onely heard of , that we so love God , that we love his grace wheresoever . 2. It s no small encouragement to the Servants of God that be thus saluted , against the many unkindnesses , yea , hatred they meet with from the world , that yet they see themselves regarded , loved and prayed for of Gods people .

1. This should provoke us to perform this Christian duty to the Servants of God , Use 1. for our own discharge , and both their and our comfort ; we must not be all to our selves , nor to those we be with , but even have our hearts with the Church of God elsewhere , rejoycing to hear of the free passage of the Gospel , the zeal of any embracing it , and that we help them forward the best we can .

2. If we have salutations sent us by any of Gods Servants , Use 2. we should make special account thereof , and be much comforted thereby , and set the same against all the scoffs , ill will , and hard measure that the world affordeth ; and if we be in any heaviness , that we stir up our selves and be thankful to God , that we are remembred of him and his Servants , and make more account of commendations from a mean Christian , then from a great Knight or Noble man that s not in Christ .

3. They that are Messengers hereof , Use 3. must not forget nor deal carelesly herein ; even civil and courteous Salutations onely of friends or kindred each to other , are of use and not to be omitted , but much more such as those here , who knoweth how seasonably they may come ? what good they may do ? what heaviness they may remove ? They must not count so lightly of them being sent , as to forget them , or let them ( as they say ) flye away by the way , but as a token wherewith they were entrusted , and which it were no honesty to keep back .

Marcus my son , ] Acts 15. 37. 38. It s like its that Mark spoken of Col. 4. 10. who was Cozen to Barnabas , about whom there was a breach between Paul and Barnabas : He calls him his Son , not in the flesh , but in the faith , as having begotten him thereto by his Ministery , as the Apostle Paul useth the same word on the same ground : See Tit. 1. 4. 1. Tim. 1. 2. 1 Cor. 4. 14. Philem. v. 10. Here note , that

The Preaching of the Word is the instrument of Regeneration to beget men again to God . The preaching of the Word is the instrument of Regeneration .

1. This rebuketh those that disgrace , either simply , or under colour of magnifying , praying and reading ; so also those that withdraw themselves from this , Use 1. and staying at home , say , They read good Books , Simile . &c. They do as the Israelites , who having Manna allowed them by God , which should have been unto them in stead of all the food in the world , yet would have Quails , but they had leanness sent into their soul , and so have these ; either they get no knowledge , or if any , onely a little swiming in the brain , but not sinking down into the soul , to the changing thereof .

2. It teacheth all Ministers so to preach the Word , Use 2. as by all means possible they may win some ; what should our desire be , but so to do , whether we consider the love we owe to God or to our people , & that their salvation will be our crown ? To this end we must preach those points most diligently and carefully , that be most effentially necessary to work conversion ; we must beat upon mens misery , labor to bring them to Faith and Sanctification , &c. without these all other points will be unprofitable : Unpreaching Ministers have no possibility of winning souls .

3. People should so hear the Word , Use 3. as they labor and pray it may be powerful by the Spirit to their conversion and new birth ; they must have a Spiritual Father , as well as a Natural Father ; must be born again ere they dye , else happy had they been if they had never had their first birth ; le ts try our selves herein : It s not hearing the Word , yea , with joy , and reforming some things that is Regeneration ; it s not to be restrained from the gross evils of the world , or to be somewhat changed in some things ; alas , Regeneration is another matter then that , wherein many deceive themselves and perish , knowing no more what is Regeneration , then Nicodemus when he first came unto Christ , nor laboring after it to finde it , with the fruits and signs thereof .

My Son ] He calls him so also of tender love , Ministers must love their people as their Children . as Paul One simus , his own bowels . Here note , That

The Ministers of God ought exceedingly to love all Gods people , but chiefly such as have been won to God by their means : They must cherish and further such all they can , as the Hen when she hath hatched her Chickens , broods and tends them ; and as the Mother after she hath brought forth her childe , is careful to keep it from harm . and to provide all necessaries for it ; they must watch over them , preach to them , pray for them , not depart from them , but in the case of absolute necessity ; as the Apostles having won any to God , would come again to them , exhorting them to continue in the grace of God , confirming their hearts , &c. so must we ; they be our comfort and joy here , and crown hereafter ; our Epistles of commendation , the seals of our Ministery , they that make us rejoyce and give thanks , therefore we are much beholding to them , and must love them most dearly , and desire the work begun may be happily perfected , knowing , it s no less wisdom and thrift to hold that we have gotten , then to get more .

Accordingly must the Spiritual Children love their Spiritual Fathers dearly : So people their Ministers . They ought to love all Instructers ; but as Children their Parents , so they them best by whom they have been begotten to God : They ought to give them double honor , to reverence them , and not to suffer them want necessary comforts : In doubtful cases of Conscience , they must resort to them for counsel , as Children to their Father : They must obey all their godly precepts , endure their severity , be guided by all their godly directions , receive no accusation against them under two or three witnesses , &c. A childe will not hear , much less believe any evil reports of his Father .

For those people that set light by their Ministers , Use. can suffer them to want , fall out with them ( if he be gone , we shall have one as good as he , &c. ) its questionable whether ever they were converted by their Ministery ; for we see by experience , that such as are converted , their hearts be so knit to their Spiritual Father , that they think best of his counsel , praise God for him , as the instrument of their conversion , love him dearly , &c. we love the fathers of our bodies , and ought so to do , and yet they help us to a being in sin , and into a sinful world and state , and should we not love our Spiritual Fathers , through whom we are changed therefrom ? The Separatists therefore are either unconverted persons ( as I doubt not but sundry are ) or else they be most unnatural and unthankful persons , in railing against all the Ministers of England , and so against their own Spiritual Fathers ; They spi: on their faces , and call their Mother Whore : O most wretched requital !

Verse 14. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity . Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus , Amen .

THe last part of the conclusion , consisting 1. Of an Exhortation to embrace each other with love , and to testifie the same by outward signs . 2. Of a Prayer for them , that all that be true Believers in Christ Jesus , might have all prosperity and welfare ; to which he joyns the note of his faith and fervency , Amen . So concluding his Epistle with all signs of love .

In general ; That he contents not himself that he loved them , but labors to further love among them ; It s needful that where love is , it should be continued . we may note how needful this duty is ; where love is , we must endeavor the continuance and encrease thereof ; where its crazy , we must use means to heal it , Blessed be the peace makers ; It s a sign they are endued with the wisdom which is from above : All our words should tend to make love , the Devils Cole-carriers and Bellows that blow up strife , rejoyce in folks contentions , and further encrease the same : A woful office ; who gets hereby but the Devil , except the Lawyers hap to get too .

Greet one another , ] Christians should salute one another . To Salute each other hath been an ancient custom in the Church of God , whereof you may finde the forms , Judg. 6. 12. Ruth 2. 4. Psal. 129. 8. Luke 1. 28. and 10. 5. John 20. 19. and elsewhere : Ours also are commendable , when we meet any , we say , God save you ; when any goes from us , God be with you , or Fare you well ; in the morning , we say , God give you a good morning ; in the afternoon , God give you a good night ; when any is at meat , we pray God that much good it may do them ; when one goes a journey , we say , God speed you in your journey ; when at work , God speed your work ; when one is come newly to an office , God give you joy of your office , &c. These ought we to use as occasion serveth , both to our Superiors more reverently , by the Titles that are due to them , of worship , honor , &c. our equals with good respect , and somewhat familiarly , as we look they should to us , and to our inferiors , that they may not think themselves despised , and so be discontent with their place , and with God ; and it s a base thing to tread under ones inferiors : Thus we must salute not our friends onely , but strangers , but our enemies ; Even blessing them that curse us , and praying for them persecute us : Else we shall be but like the Publicans , who salute those that salute them ; so we must salute not onely good men ( though those most respectively ) but even the bad , for we must have peace with them , though not with their faults , and give them their due , though if we have occasion to speak of their sins , we must deal plainly , except we know them to be Gods Enemies , then ought we to give them no countenance .

Reasons hereof may be these : Reasons . 1. It s a good testifying of our love , which we should do upon all occasions . 2. It s a part of urbanity and courtesie . 3. It s a good means to procure love from them whom we do salute ; 2 Sam. 15. 6. so did Absolom , &c. 4. The neglect hereof , as it cannot but bewray some defect in us , so it breeds suspicions , and thoughts of emulation in our neighbors , and works in them no small discontent , for our nature can abide nothing less , then to see our selves despised .

1. This rebukes not so much those that of rudeness , Use 1. or for want of good maners , go by and regard no Salutations , seeming so to minde their businesses , as they regard none but themselves ; but those that of a prophane minde neglect it , especially towards those whom they think not to be of their disposition , as some prophane rude wretches , that will come by a Minister or godly Christian after a scornful maner , without shewing any courtesie ; This being done in respect of their Religion , is abominable and vile , and a very bad sign .

2. Such as of pride ; Use 2. If they have a little more wealth or gay cloaths , or any gift more then another , they are so puft up ; that they pass by others scornfully or carelesly : What is one worm to lift up himself thus against one that is his own flesh , that it may be is as good or better then himself ? The more God hath given any , the more humble they should be .

3. Such as of frowardness , Use 3. malice and old hatred , cannot speak at meeting , are tongue-tyed ; They have a tongue , but the malice of their heart taketh away the use of it ; They look like Tygers on each other , and would as readily kill them , if they could as safely and easily ; This is seen to God , 1 Iohn 3. 15. before whom he that hateth his brother is a man-slayer .

4. Let us labor to purge our hearts hereof , Use 4. that we may give every one his due .

With a kiss of charity , ] The ancient maner of saluting among the Iews . The maner of saluting among the Jews , was by kissing ; Thus did Jacob and Esau at their meeting , Laban and his Children at their parting , so Joseph and his Brethren , Jonathan and David , &c. we finde it also practised in the new Testament ; See Luke 7. 45. and Acts 20. 37. It was a Custom in some Churches before the Communion , to kiss each other , signifying the joyning of hearts ; this we retain in part : But men Salute by uncovering , and shaking hands , the joyning of our hands signifying the joyning of our hearts ; This was the use till courtly Congeys and Crouchings have put them by , taking one another by the knees and by the elbows , &c.

Of charity , ] Our Saluting one another must be in love . But be the Salutation what it will , kiss or shaking hands , or uncovering head , it must be of love , and thence proceeds ; for as we must not be content to have love in our heart , except we shew it by outward signs ; so must all outward tokens proceed from love as the ground and root , else its lying diffimulation .

Those kisses they are elswhere termed holy ; Rom. 16. 16. not a wanton kiss , not a dissembling kiss , much less a treacherous kiss , but such a one as proceeds from a Sanctified affection of love seated in the heart .

1. This rebuketh the customary and formal saluting which wants this ground ; Use. 1. Many do thus greet one another , who yet have but small love to the parties they salute : This is a taking of Gods name in vain , it s a dissembling with our neighbors , Rom. 12. whereas love should be unfained without dissimulation .

2. Treacherous courtesies and greetings , when there are fair speeches , How do you ? I am glad to see you well , &c. when mischief is in the heart , Psal. 28. 3. as did Joab and Judas ; Thus the Devil pretended love to Eve , this is the note of a wicked man : Many after kinde salutations , will straight rail , gibe , slander , plot mischief , &c. Those should rather make known their malice , that others might beware of them , then cloak their mischief with the shew of love .

3. Let every one of us labor to possess our hearts of true love , Use 3. that so we may not onely salute one another , but in a right maner do the same : O let us labor for this most lovely vertue of love , so often commanded of us , so highly commended to us ; It s the bond of perfectness that tyes up all together , Col. 3. 14. without which all duties shatter asunder ; Rom. 13. 10. It s the fulfilling of the whole Law ; It s that vertue which is so pleasing to God , that which so long continueth , that wherein the Angels and Saints now shine .

To this end , Hinderances of love . let us labor to be more and more assured of Gods love to us , which will make us not onely to love him , but our neighbors for his sake , the godly best , but all because God bids , yea our Enemies , as who loved us when we were Enemies ; we must also strive against , and purge out the cankers of love ; as namely , 1. Pride , which esteems so highly of ones self , and basely of others , offereth occasions of offence readily , and taketh occasion for every thing . 2. Covetousness , for this also hinders love , he that 's covetous cares not how he gets , by right or wrong , nor how much he wrongs his Neighbor . 3. Frowardness and hastiness ; This also stirs up strife : If there have any things fallen out otherwise then well between us and any ( as there may be even between good persons ) let us take notice thereof , acknowledge and be sorry for the same , seek reconciliation , Rom. 1 ▪ 31. be pacified , forgive and forget as we are required , and expect forgiveness from God : O an unappeasable minde is a fearful thing , a note of a Reprobate ! Such are unlike God , who is slow to wrath , ready to forgive ; like the Devil , who is irreconcileable : O woful , a poor mortal man to bear immortal hatred ! How can he look God in the face ? little doth he think what fearful things he hath done against God ; did he , he would think how ever he could look up to God for pardon of 10000 Talents , See Matth. 18. 28. when he catcheth and holdeth his neighbor by the throat for 300 pence , nay , it may be if it be truly examined , for nothing .

Peace be with you all , What meant by peace . &c. ] Now he prays for them ; by Peace is usually meant outward prosperity , as health , conveniency of outward things , welfare of our selves and ours , freedom from grievous evils , and a quiet estate and condition in the comfortable enjoying of Gods blessings , in our bodies , wives , children , goods , names , &c. also that which is the fountain hereof ; namely , peace with God and our own conscience : But I will speak here first of outward blessings : Where note , That

We may lawfully desire for our selves and ours , Outward blessings may lawfully be desired , and how . or any other , a convenient portion of Gods outward favors ; so did both Jacob and Agur. True , we have no warrant to pray for abundance , that were a sign of a proud and earthly heart ; but if God send it , we must crave much grace therewith , lest we surfeit thereof , and it make us like a Camel over-burthened , that we cannot go : So we may crave Peace in a Land , See Psal. 1. 3. and 112. 3. & 128. 3. and 84. 11. in Towns , in Families , between particular persons ; so health , a dutiful fruitful Wife , religious and obedient Children , &c. These things are promised of God , neither will he withhold any good thing from them that love him , Matth. 6. 33. and therefore we may pray for them : But , because they be good but in a mean degree , we must desire grace first more and more earnestly , these things onely conditionally , we must seek his favor , forgiveness of our sins , faith , grace , absolutely without taking ; nay , for the outward , we must submit our wills to his will , and desire them onely so far , as may stand with his glory and our best good ; for God seeth , that though these blessings be goodly things , over the contrary , yet we abuse them , and are the worse for them , and therefore God is fain to take them away , and send the contrary ; as see what an abundance of iniquity this our long peace and plenty hath bred , so that though we may not pray as Elias did , for a punishment on the Land , yet surely we might rather be glad , if God would scourge the Land one way or other to the amendment thereof , then that it should thus go on to be destroyed ; and for our selves , how do we abuse our prosperity , if it do but continue some small time ? we must therefore pray for that which may stand with our best good , and for grace to use it well , we shall enjoy it the longer ; we must be content for our selves , rather to have an healthful soul in a sick body , then in an healthful body a surfeited soul with sin and security ; so a meaner Estate with some losses , but with Spiritual gains in grace , is better then abundance with a worldly and secure heart ; so for our Children , we may desire that they may prosper in this world , and have a competency , and live to do good , but must desire most that they may be gracious , and rather so in a poor estate , then to swagger it out , or be worldings in great wealth : It s found true from experience , that such as be earnest and much in desiring these outward things , they seldom or never crave Gods favor , or seek grace for their souls ; If we be shortened in these things , look we cause it not by our sin ; If we have , we must repent and amend ; If we have not , then may we think that the Lord knoweth this state to be best for us , and thereupon to be content therewith .

That are in Christ Jesus , ] Christ is the fountain of all peace . Here 's the true fountain of all Peace , namely , to be in Christ ; Hence all Peace comes to us , and without this , there is nor can be no true Peace : By nature we are the Children of wrath , are at enmity with God , are Rebels and Traytors , and guilty of eternal condemnation , so that there must be a peace made between God and us , else we perish : This is onely done by Jesus Christ , who is our Peace-maker , who by his All-sufficient Sacrifice of himself , hath made an atonement ; when our sins is taken away in his death , and his righteousness imputed unto us by faith , then is God at peace with us , and become our merciful Father : when we be assured hereof by Gods Spirit , and able to prove it by good Testimonies , then have we peace in our own consciences , even such as passeth understanding , yea joy , and that unspeakable and glorious : Then , Hosea 2. 18. being at peace with God , all Creatures be reconciled to us , the Angels to become our friends and attendants , the Devils not to have their wills of us , men to respect and regard us , &c. and thus have we right to all outward peace and prosperity , for Christ hath purchased , as Heaven , so Earth for us , and it s promised to the believers , and they have right thereto , though with exception of the cross , when God seeth it best .

Thus we see how peace flows from Christ ; no peace in conscience till God be at peace with us ; no Creature at peace with us , till God be reconciled , yea , without this peace , we have no right to any outward peace ; so that a bad man can have no peace .

Obj. But the common sort of men , Obj. prophane worldlings , and civil ones , will say , We are none of those you think very well of , for we are none of your precise fellows , yet we have peace with God we doubt not , nor see we any other cause , and if he loved us not , he would not do for us as he doth ; and for my conscience , I thank God I am at peace therewith , I was never troubled in my life ; and for outward prosperity , I thrive ( I thank God ) well ; nay , these precise fellows are most without peace , for they are not in Gods favor its like , for no body cares for them , but hates them ; besides , they be troubled in minde , and sad , and some of them are at their wits ends ; and for outward peace , they be ever sickly , a number of them , and one cross or other is upon them , so that I think you are quite wide .

Answ. How foolishly do these reason ? Sol. They are loved of God because of their outward prosperity ; This is but Esaus , but Ishmaels Portion , yea , and Judas bare the bag : The Lord maketh his sun to shine and the rain to fall , even on the bad : He casteth such bones to dogs ; and for their peace of conscience , it s no peace , but benumbedness , and an hard heart for want of sight of their deadly danger , which yet is never the less , and will one day break out in most fearful maner ; they peace that were never humbled for their sins ? It s woful peace ; they peace that live in their sins , what to do have they therewith ? had Zimri peace that slew his master ?

For outward peace , Iob 21. 7 , 8 , &c. health , welfare , &c. it s often the portion even of Atheists and contemners of God ; but what is it whilest they have no peace , with God , have it in wrath with a wo and secret curse ? There 's no soundness in this peace , it cannot comfort the heart , it s but flashing vanity , if any contrary blow come , they are dead in the nest , as Belshazzar . Besides , how uncertain is it ? subject to be lost every moment ; Iob 20. 8. The wrath of God is still ready to seize on them , as on the Philistines sporting at Sampson , See Psalm 37. 2. 20. Pharaoh , Herod , &c. They pass away as a dream , their rejoycing is as the crackling of Thorns ; How soon is their Candle put out ? They stand in a slippery place , how suddenly are they gone , leaving nothing but a stink behinde ? Their end will be eternal howling with Dives . And are not the godly in Gods favor , because men favor them not ? They are the more ; and for their trouble in minde , when is it ? even in the beginning , especially when God opens their eyes to see their woful case , whereupon they are humbled ; but them by the Gospel have their hearts directed to see the right way of comfort , and so in time attain sweet peace , which if at any time they interrupt , they never leave seeking till they have recovered it again : For their crosses , they have often prosperity , though not so much or continually as to surfeit , but when they meet with crosses ; God makes them wholesome , as our corrupt nature makes them needful , Iohn 14. 27. but in the midst of them , they know themselves at peace with God , 2 Cor. 6. 9. and have peace in conscience , and this sweetens their affliction ; Their case is in shew miserable , but in truth happy .

Therefore let none content himself , Use. till he can prove himself in Christ , Isaiah 48. 22. else there 's no peace for him .

All that are in Christ Jesus , ] Here note ,

1. That we should not neglect the poorest or weakest Christian in a Congregation , Respect is to be had of all Gods people . but have respect unto them as well as the greatest or wealthyest : It s an ill sign when men can make no difference in their judgement between a Civil man , and one truly Religious , and that can give no countenance to those in whom they see the grace of God ; They account of every thing in great men , but despise or slight even the greatest things in mean ones .

But there be some professors which yet be not in Christ Jesus , but are hang-byes and hypocrites , what wisheth he to them ? none of this peace ; it s not for them , sorrow is fitter for them , that they may be humbled , and endeavor after true repentance : So do I wish to all true hearted Christians , as much peace and welfare as may be good for their souls ; but those that be hypocrites , professors , but neither believing in Christ , nor reforming their ways , I wish they may have little rest and ease , till they set their hearts to seek to be at peace with God .

2. The most admirable and near union that is between Christ and every true believer ; The near union between Christ and true Christians They are in Christ as the root , and built on him as the foundation , and are Members of his mystical body ; by vertue hereof it comes to pass that they continue and hold out , when hypocrites fail and fall away : Hypocrites are as a wooden leg , believers as true Members of the Body ; Simile . Those as standing waters that dry up , these as a spring that runs continually , and that from Christ the Well-head and Fountain of all grace . But of this heretofore .

Amen . ] Fervency of affection and faith requisite in Prayer . This word noteth the fervency of his affection , and shews forth his faith ; These two be most necessary in all our Prayers , and thus we see he hath taken his leave of them with as many tokens of love as may be .

FINIS .