The Whole Armor of God, Exegesis · Treatise 3 · Section
Eph. 6. 20.
For which I am an Ambaſſador in bonds, that therein I may ſpeake boldly, as I ought to ſpeake.
§. 173. Of well diſcharging a mans office.
THe reaſons which the Apoſtle vſeth to inforce his requeſt now follow. The firſt is taken from his office, he was an Ambaſſador of the Goſpell, or*foreign. for the Goſpell, namely to declare and make knowne the Goſpell. This his office ſheweth that hee was after an eſpeciall manner deputed, and appointed by God to preach the Goſpell. This charge being laid vponupon him, very needfull it was that he ſhould hauehave vtterance with open mouth boldly to make knowne the myſtery of the Goſpell: and becauſe it was ſo needfull hee craueth the helpe of their prayers to obtaine as much. From the force of this firſt reaſon I collect.
That charge which God is pleaſed to commit to any ones charge, ought to make him carefull in ſeeking, Obſer. 14. EueryEvery one ſ…ek… to diſcharge his charge.and vſing all good meanes whereby he may be enabled well to diſcharge it. Thus God hauing made Salomon a King, he was moued therby aboue all other things to deſirea1 Kin. 3. 7. 9 an vnderſtanding heart to iudge Gods people. To which purpoſe tendeth that prayer of Dauid, bPſal. 72. 1GiueGive thy iudgements to the King O God, and thy righteouſneſſe to the Kings ſonne. But more particularly to this purpoſe tendethcActs. 13. 2, 3 that practiſe of the Church, in faſting, praying, and laying hands on Paul and Barnabas, when God had commanded that they ſhould be ſeparate for the worke whereunto he had called them. For why did they then faſt and pray, but that thoſe Apoſtles might be enabled to doe that worke whereunto God had ſet them apart? To this enddActs 20. 28 the Apoſtle exhorteth the Elders at Epheſus to take heed of all the flocke. Why? becauſe the Holy Ghoſt had made them ouerſe…rs thereof: andcCol. 4. 17 Archippus to take heed to the Miniſtery which he had receiued in the Lord: f1 Tim. 6. 20and Timothy to keepe that which was committed to him.
God will require a particular account of that particular function which he appointeth to any man:Reaſon. of a King he will require an account of his kingly office, of a Prophet the diſcharge of a Prophets office, and ſo of the reſt: witneſſe thatgMat. 25. 19. particular reckoning which was made with them that receiued ſeuerall talents.
Wherefore let vsus eueryevery one hauehave an eye to that office and function whereunto wee are deputed:Vſe. EueryEvery one hauehave an eye to his particular office. and withall obſerue what is moſt appertaining thereto, what whereby we may bee beſt fitted thereunto, and beſt enabled to performe it acceptably to God, and profitably to others: thoſe things let vsus labour after, and pray for: and in thoſe things let vsus exerciſe our ſelues. In particular for Miniſters, let our calling be alwaies in our minds, remembring that we arehTit. 1. 7 Gods Stewards, i1 Cor. 4. 1Diſpenſers of the myſteries of God, Miniſters of Chriſt, k& 3. 8, 9, 10Gods labourers, Planters, Waterers, Builders, l1 Tim. 3. 1Biſhops, mIer. 23. 2Paſtors, nEzec. 3. 17Watchmen, &c. That the conſideration hereof, may make vsus well note what belongeth to the diſcharge of thoſe functions, what knowledge, what paines, what ſtudy, what vtterance, what boldneſſe, and the like gifts are needfull thereunto, that accordingly wee may ſeeke by our owne and others prayers,Obſer. 15. A Miniſters function is the office of an Ambaſſadour. and by all other good meanes how to be enabled well to performe our functions. Which that we may the better doe, let vsus diſtinctly conſider the nature of a Miniſters function, ſet forth vnderunder the title of an Ambaſſador.
§. 174. Of Ambaſſadours of the Word.
AN Ambaſſadour is an eſpeciall meſſenger ſent after an honorable manner from ſome great perſonage: for meane men vſe not to ſend Ambaſſadours. If it bee demanded who hee was that ſent S. Paul on his Ambaſſage, himſelf maketh anſwere in another place ſaying,o2 Cor. 5. 20 We are Ambaſſadors for Chriſt. Chriſt the great Lord & king of heauen & earth was his Maſter, & ſent him: in which reſpect he oft ſtileth himſelfe thep1 Cor. 1. 1 Apoſtle of Ieſus Chriſt.
Queſt. Was S. Paul the onelyonly Ambaſſador of Chriſt.
Anſw. Other Ambaſſadors beſides Paul.No verily: for expreſly he ſaith in the plurall number, we are Ambaſſadours, which phraſe he vſeth not as earthly Kings, or other in great place doe, for dignity ſake ſaying, wee Leo, or we Gregory command this or that: for when he ſpeaketh of himſelfe alone, and expreſſeth his owne proper name, hee vſeth the ſingular number, asaGal. 5. 2 I Paul ſay, bEph. 3, 1I Paul the priſoner, cPhil. ver. 19.I Paul hauehave written, &c.
But when he vſeth the plurall number he ſpeaketh of others alſo, whom he ranketh in one and the ſame order with himſelfe, and maketh equall to himſelfe.
Queſt. Who were thoſe other? any beſides the Apoſtles?
Anſw. The Apoſtles were ſpeciall ambaſſadoursThe Apoſtles were eſpecially after a peculiar manner the Ambaſſadours of Chriſt: for they had their commiſſion immediately from Chriſt, by Chriſts owne voice and word were they ſent forth: and in this reſpect the title of Apoſtle (which in effect ſignifieth the ſame thing that Ambaſſadour doth,Other Miniſters ambaſſadours alſo. namely, Sent) was appropriated to them: yet may we not thinke that they were the onelyonly Ambaſſadours of Chriſt, for then after their departure Chriſt ſhould hauehave had no Ambaſſadours on earth, none who in his name and ſteede ſhould offer reconciliation vntounto the world, and preach the glad tidings of ſaluation: certainly Chriſt ſtill continued to louelove his Church as well as euer he did, and is ſtill as carefull to prouide all things needefull for it as euer he was: he cannot caſt off the care of it. What therefore hee did immediately after his aſcention by Apoſtles, doubtleſſe hee continued to doe by other Miniſters:dEphe. 4. 11. for when hee aſcended vp on high, he gaue not onelyonly Apoſtles, Prophets, and Euangeliſts, who were extraordinary Miniſters to continue but a while til his Goſpel were ſpread al abroad among the Gentiles, but alſo Paſtors and Teachers, who were by ſucceſſion one after an other to continue till his glorious comming vntounto iudgement: and theſe alſo are his Ambaſſadours: ſo as this title appertaineth to all Miniſters of the Word, and all are compriſed vnderunder that ſpeech of the Apoſtle, wee are Ambaſſadours for Chriſt: which is further euident by this titleeReu. 1. 20. Angell (which ſignifieth a meſſenger) giuen to ordinary Miniſters.
§. 175. Of the dignity of the Miniſtry.
THis metaphor and title, Ambaſſadour, being applied to the Miniſteriall function, ſetteth forth theſe three things.
1 The dignity of the Miniſtery.
2 The duties of Miniſters.
3 The mercy of God in ordaining them to their function.
The dignity of Miniſters function, is in a ſpirituall reſpect ſo great, as no calling in the world can bee comparable vntounto it.Obſer. 16. The dignity of the Miniſtry.
The dignity of an Ambaſſadours place, is greater or leſſe, according to the excellency of his Maſter that ſendeth him. An Emperours Ambaſſadour is preferred before a Kings, a Kings before a Dukes, and ſo in others.
Now Miniſters being appointed of Chriſt, ſent by him, declaring his will, in his name and his ſteede, they which know the excellency of Chriſt may well know what is the excellency of a Miniſters calling. Many other titles in Scripture are attributed to Miniſters, to ſet forth the dignity of their function, asf1 Pet. 5. 1. Elders, gHeb. 13. 17.Rulers, hAct. 20. 28.Ouerſeers, i2 King. 13. 14Fathers, k1 Cor. 3, 8, 10Planters, Builders, lReu. 1. 20.Angels, mMat. 5. 14.Lights, &c. Many excellent things are ſpoaken of you, O Miniſters of the Lord:
§. 176. Of the reſpect due to Miniſters.
LEt people hereby learne how to reſpect Miniſters:Inſtruction for people how to eſteeme their Miniſters. we ſee how Ambaſſadours of earthly Kings are eſteemed and entertained, namely, with all the reſpect and kindnes that may bee, euen as their Maſter ſhould bee. Thus ſhould Chriſts Miniſters bee accounted of. I would not bee vnderſtood (ſo much to ſpeake of outward reſpect) for our maſter is heauenly, our calling ſpirituall, our meſſage ſpirituall and heauenly: accordingly muſt the reſpect bee which is giuen vntounto vsus: which is diligently to attend vntounto our meſſage, willingly to follow our directions, to account our comming welcome, our feete bewtifull,nGal. 4. 14 in heart to eſteeme vsus as Gods Angels,Mat. 10. 40 yea as Chriſt himſelfe. For this end men muſt looke not on our perſons (for ſo we are not better then others) but on our Miniſtery and meſſage (for therein we excell all others) The honour and good which in this reſpect is done vntounto vsus,oIohn 13. 20 Chriſt accounteth as done vntounto himſelfe.
§. 177. Of deſpiſing Miniſters.
AS for thoſe who reproach or diſgrace our calling,Vſe. 2. Reproofe of ſuch as diſgrace Miniſters. or abuſe our perſons for our office ſake, they reproach and abuſe our Maſter: for ſo ſaith our Maſter,pLuke 10. 16 He that deſpiſeth you deſpiſeth mee. In this reſpect God ſaith of the Iſraelitesq1 Sam. 8. 7 they hauehave caſt mee away, becauſe they reiected his Prophets: and againe,rMal. 3. 8 they hauehave ſpoiled mee, becauſe they depriued his Prieſtes of their Tithes. Can ſuch deſpiſers of Gods Miniſters thinke they ſhall eſcape iuſt vengeance? Kings will not paſſe by any diſgraces and wrongs done vntounto their Ambaſſadors vnreuenged, if at leaſt they can take reuenge. But Chriſt is able to execute vengeance on all that ſhall deſpiſe him and his, and aſſuredly hee will ſo doe:fMat. 10. 15 for he hath threatned as much: his Miniſters are eſpecially in the rank of thoſe concerning whom he hath ſaidaPſa. 105. 15 Touch not mine Annointed, for he added, and doe my Prophets no harme. Remember the wofull deſolation of Ieruſalem, and note the cauſe thereof,bMat. 23. 37 She killed the Prophets, and ſtoned them which were ſent vntounto her.
This Land, and the greater ſort of people therein, hauehave in theſe daies highly prouoked the Lord by diſgracing and abuſing his Ambaſſadours:c1. Cor. 4. 13 For we are made as the filth of the world, the off-ſcouring of all things.
§. 178. Of the incouragement of Miniſters againſt their deſpiſers.
BVt let the world iudge as it liſt,Vſe 3. Comfort and encouragement to Gods Ambaſſadors. according to the corrupt cenſure thereof, let our eies be fixed on our Maſter that ſent vsus, and on our office deputed vntounto vsus: let the excellencie of the one, and the dignity of the other ſwallow vp all the ignominie which the world can lay vponupon vsus, and iniurie which it can doe vntounto vsus: therewith wee may comfort our ſelues againſt that baſe eſteeme which the world hath of vsus, euen for our calling ſake, and againſt the wrong which in regard of our Miniſtery it doth vntounto vsus. If the dignity of our calling were duely weighed, ſo many would not ſhunne it, as doe; but more would deſire it, and labour to fit themſelues for it.
§. 179. Of Miniſters walking worthy there place.
2 THe duties which are required of Miniſters by vertue of their ambaſſage,Duties of Miniſters. committed vntounto them,Obſer. 17. 1 Worthy walking. are two: one generall, the other particular: that reſpecteth their conuerſation; this their miniſtration. The generall is, to carrie themſelues worthy of the dignitie and excellency of their place: we ſee that Ambaſſadours of earthly kings are very circumſpect ouer their cariage, behauing themſelues grauely, ſoberly, honourably, ſhewing themſelues to be men of wiſdome, able to diſcharge ſo weighty a function, & that in a double reſpect, namely in regard of their own credit, & of their Maſters honor. So ought Miniſters of the word to behaue themſelues as becōmeth the Ambaſſadors of the great Lord of Heauen: all Chriſtians are commanded to walkedCol. 1. 10 worthy of the Lord, who hath called them,ePhil. 1. 27 worthy of the Goſpel, wherby they are called,fEphe. 4. 1. worthy of the vocation whereunto they are called: if all Chriſtians, how much more Miniſters whoſe particular calling hath an eminency aboue all. To this purpoſe tendeth that exhortation of Saint Paul to Timothy, g1 Tim. 4 12▪Bee thou an example of beleeuers in word, in conuerſation, &c. Otherwiſe as they diſgrace themſelues, and make themſelues to bee thought vnworthy of their place, yea to bee deſpiſed, ſo alſo they diſhonour their Maſter, as Hophni and Phinias did; whereupon God ſaid,h1 Sam. 2. 30. they that deſpiſe me ſhall be deſpiſed.
§. 180. Of Miniſters faithfulneſſe.
THe particular is to be faithfull in deliuering their meſſage.Obſer. 18. 2 Faithfulnes. Salomon implieth that an Ambaſſadour ought to bee faithfull, where he ſaith,kPro. 13. 17. a faithfull Ambaſſadour is health, that is, procured and preſerued ſafely to his maſter, himſelfe, and thoſe to whom he is ſent.lHeb. 3. 1, 2. Thus was the greateſt Ambaſſadour that God euer did, or could ſend forth, the Apoſtle and high Prieſt of our profeſſion Chriſt Ieſus, faithfull to him that appointed him: and this teſtimony God himſelfe gaue of his ſeruant Moſes, mNum. 12. 7.he is faithfull in all mine houſe: ſo hauehave all good Ambaſſadours beene: but not to inſiſt on particulars, note what Saint Paul ſaith of the duty of all Ambaſſadours whom he tearmed Stewards, n1 Cor. 4. 2.It is required in Stewards that eueryevery one bee found faithfull.
§. 181. of holding cloſe to Gods meſſage.
THis faithfulneſſe conſiſteth in three eſpeciall points.Wherein a Miniſters faithfulneſſe conſiſteth.
1 In deliuering nothing but what he hath receiued of his Maſter,1 Nothing to be deliuered but what is receiued. and is agreeable to his will: in this reſpect Chriſt ſaid of that which he deliuered,oIoh. 7. 16, 17. My doctrine is not mine, but his that ſent mee; and further proueth that he ſpake not of himſelfe: So the Apoſtle,q1 Cor. 11. 13. I hauehave receiued of the Lord that which I deliuered vntounto you: The Prophets to manifeſt as much to thoſe vntounto whom they ſpake, vſed to prefixe before their meſſages theſe and ſuch like prefaces; rIer. 14. 1The word of the Lord, ſMal. 1. 1The burden of the word of the Lord, tIſa. 50. 1.Thus ſaith the Lord, &c. And that it may appeare that this is a duty, God giueth this expreſſe charge to his Prophet,uEzek. 3. 17 Heare the word at my mouth, and giuegive them warning from me: and Chriſt this vntounto his Apoſtle,*Mat. 28. 20 Teach them to obſerue all things whatſoeuer I hauehave commanded you. The Scripture noteth it as a property of falſe Prophets, xIer. 23. 16, 21to ſpeake the viſion of their owne heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. I hauehave not ſpoken vntounto them, ſaith the Lord, and yet they propheſied.
§. 182. Of declaring Gods whole will.
2 IN deliuering his whole meſſage,2 Gods whole meſſage to be deliuered. See §. 163. euen all that the Lord deliuereth vntounto him. Thus much God commanded to his Prophet,yIer. 1. 17 Speake vntounto them all that I command thee: and Chriſt to his Apoſtles,*Mat. 28. 20 Teach them to obſerue all things whatſoeuer I hauehave commanded you: Nothing muſt be concealed for feare or fauour: Of this mind was Michaiah, who being deſired to ſpeake good to the King, as the other Prophets had done, anſwered;z1 Kin. 22. 14 Whatſoeuer the Lord ſaith vntounto me, that will I ſpeake, *Ier. 42. 4and Ieremiah; Whatſoeuer thing the Lord ſhall anſwer you, I will declare vntounto you: I will keepe nothing backe.
§. 183. Of the manner of deliuering Gods Word.
3 IN deliuering his meſſage as the Word of God: Gods Word to be deliuered as Gods Word.This direction in general is laide downe by Saint Peter, who ſaide,a1 Pet. 4. 11 If any man ſpeake, let him ſpeake as the Oracles of God.
That Gods Word may thus be deliuered, there is required in the diſpencer thereof,
1 Grauitie oppoſed to lightneſſe,1 With grauitie. and vaine affectation: A wiſe Ambaſſadour will not deliuer his meſſage like a ſtage-player;See §. 163. the reſpect of him from whom he is ſent, the preſence of them to whom he is ſent, will keepe him from lightneſſe, and childiſhneſſe. Can lightneſſe then beſeeme Gods Ambaſſadours? Gods word is in it ſelfe full of grauity, no lightneſſe, no vanity in it. Saint Paul expreſly requireth grauity in Titus, and not without good reaſon; for this will breede reuerence and due reſpect to their meſſage in the hearts of their hearers.
2 Authoritie oppoſed to fearefulneſſe,2 With authority. and ſhamefaſtneſſe. Gods word hath in it a diuine power, and an admirable maieſty; and therefore muſt accordingly be deliuered. This is it whereunto the Apoſtle exhorteth Titus, ſaying;aTit. 2. 15 Speake with all authoritie: We hauehave an excellent patterne hereof in Chriſt Ieſus,bMar. 1. 22 who taught with ſuch authority, as made his hearers aſtoniſhed. That thus we may deliuer Gods Word, wee muſt in the name of our Maſter, and by that authority which he hath committed vntounto vsus, vrge and preſſe that which we deliuer: this will ſmite the conſciences of our hearers, and make themc1 Theſ. 2. 13 Receiue the Word, not as the word of men, but as the Word of God: and thus will it worke obedience in them that heare it.
3 Sinceritie, 3 With ſincerity.oppoſed to falſifying and adulterating the Word of God, which is to mixe it with our owne, or others conceits, or to faſhion it to mans humour, ſo as it may moſt pleaſe man. This was the fault which the Apoſtle diſcouered in falſe Teachers, and whereof he cleareth himſelfe, and his fellow Apoſtles, ſhewing withall that they were carefull to vſe all ſincerity: for thus hee ſaith;d2 Cor 2. 17, Expounded. Wee are not as many which corrupt the Word of God: but as of ſincerity, but as of God, in the ſight of God ſpeake we in Chriſt. The word tranſlated*foreign. Pſeudopoſtolos tangit humanum ſenſum diuinae praedicationi miſcentes: vnde Eſayas ait Caupones tui miſcent vino aquam. Hieron. Corrupt or deale deceitfullie with, is a metaphoricall word, taken from deceitfull Vintners, who for gaine mixe water with wine: whereby is ſhewed that Gods Word ought not to be deliuered ſo deceitfully, but purely, and ſincerely; this is that vncorruptneſſe & ſincerity which the Apoſtle requireth (Tit. 2. 7.) For the word is in it ſelfe pure and ſincere without any mixture: whereupon Saint Peter termeth it,c1 Pet. 2. 2 foreign. Sincere milke: if accordingly it be deliuered, it will nouriſh; if it be mixed, it may poyſon.
§. 184. Of the end of a Miniſters high calling.
Vſe THus then wee ſee that this excellent and high calling is not committed to Miniſters for their owne ſakes onelyonly, for their honour and renowne, to exalt them, to puffe them vp, and make them inſolent, but to prouoke them to doe their duty. Whereupon the Apoſtle ſaith, f1 Tim. 3. 1If a man deſire the office of a Biſhop, he deſireth a good worke. A worke it is, and requireth paines and diligence: for which end they are calledg2 Tim. 2. 15. Workmen, h1 Cor. 3. 9.Labourers, iEzec. 3. 17.Watchmen, kIer. 23. 4,Shepheards, lCor. 4. 5.Seruants, m1 Cor. 3. 5Miniſters, nTit. 1. 7Stewards, &c. They who neglect the duties of an Ambaſſadour, can receiue ſmall comfort in the dignity of their ambaſſage: and yet many there be who ſeeke to be Miniſters, onelyonly as men ſeeke to be ciuill Officers, for profit and promotion ſake, as is too euident by their carriage in their Miniſtry: they neither care to frame their liues worthy of their place, neither are faithfull in performing the worke of their Miniſtry, whereby they cauſe this honourable calling to be vilely and baſely eſteemed.
§. 185. How Mans Weakeneſſe is ſuccoured by the miniſtry of Man.
BVt howſoeuer ſome abuſe this excellent calling,Obſeru. 19. 3 Gods mercy in appointing Ambaſſadors. yet God hath manifeſted his great mercy to his Church, in appointing men to be his Ambaſſadours vponupon earth: for this hath God done both to ſuccour our weakeneſſe,1 Mans weakeneſſe ſuccoured. and to ſupport our faith. In regard of our weakeneſſe, we are not able to endure the glorious preſence of Gods glorious Maieſty. The very Angels are not able to endure it: whereuponoIſa. 6. 2 they are ſaide to hauehave wings to couer their faces when they appeare before God: how then ſhould mortall man endure it? Note the behauiour of the Iſraelites when they heard God deliuer his Law,pExod. 20. 18 They fled, and ſtood afarre off: They ſaid;qDeut. 5. 25 If we heare the voice of God any more, we ſhall die. Hereupon they made this ſuit vntounto Moſes, rVerſe 27.Goe thou neere, and heare all that the Lord our God ſaith, and doe thou declare all that the Lord our God ſaith vntounto thee, and we will heare it, and doe it. This motion God well liked, and accordingly appointed ſonnes of men to be his Ambaſſadours, and to declare his will vntounto his people. Thus in regard of mans weakeneſſe, are men (like to all others,ſActs 14. 15 ſubiect to the ſame paſsions that other are) ordained Miniſters of Gods Word.
§. 186. How Faith is ſupported by the miniſtry of Man.
ANd that greater credence might be giuen to their meſſage,2 …ans faith ſupported. they are after a ſolemne and peculiar manner (ſet in Chriſts ſteed, in his name, euent2. Cor. 5. 20. as if he himſelfe did it) to preach peace, and to offer reconciliation: the Goſpell is the meſſage of Gods Ambaſſadours: for the Apoſtle hauing relation to the Goſpell, ſaith; Whereof (o… for which) I am an Ambaſſadour. So that in reſpect of this function and place appointed to Miniſters, Gods people may with as ſtrong confidence imbrace and receiue the glad tidings of ſaluation thus brought vntounto them, as if God himſelfe with his owne voice did make offer of it. Herein lieth a maine difference betwixt a Miniſter and a priuate man. A priuate man may hauehave great knowledge of the myſtery of the Goſpell, and be able to open and declare the ſence and meaning of it: but a Miniſter by vertue of his office hath this prerogatiue and preheminence aboue others, that in Gods ſteede he declareth reconciliation: ſo that when a Miniſter preacheth and applieth the promiſes of the Goſpell, he doth not onelyonly declare and make knowne Gods mercy and goodneſſe to poore ſinners, but alſo is an eſpeciall meanes to moue ſinners to beleeue thoſe promiſes, and to imbrace reconciliation with God. Is not this a ſtrong proppe vntounto our faith? doth it not bring great comfort and peace to diſtreſſed ſoules?
§. 187. Of receiuing Gods meſſage by the miniſtry of man.
REiect not the offer of peace made vntounto you by Gods Ambaſſadors,Vſe. Reiect not the Goſpell becauſe it is preached by man▪ because they are ſonnes of men; yeeld not to Satans ſuggeſtions, whereby he laboureth to perſwade men that whatſoeuer Miniſters ſay of peace and reconciliation, God meaneth no ſuch thing: but rather, ſeeing God hath ſent them forth, and ſet them in his ſteede,uGal. 4. 14. Receiue them as Gods Angels, yea, as Chriſt Ieſus: and*1 Theſ. 2. 13 receiue the Word preached by them, as it is indeed the Word of God, which alſo worketh in you that beleeue: x2 Chr. 20, 20Beleeue Gods Prophets, ſo ſhall you proſper. Whoſoeuer lightly eſteeme their Miniſtry, and beleeue not their meſſage, they put from them the very Word of God, and iudge themſelues vnworthy of euerlaſting life.
§. 188. Of the manner of Pauls being chained.
THe ſecond reaſon, whereby the Apoſtle inforceth his requeſt for the helpe of their prayer, is taken from his preſent condition. He was in bonds, or word for word, yforeign.In a chaine. This phraſe implieth that he had not free liberty, but was reſtrained: reſtrained, I ſay, ſo as he could not goe from Countrey to Countrey, and from Church to Church, as he had done before times; yet not ſo as thoſe which are cloſe held within the wals of a dungeon, or cloſe priſon: for then could he not hauehave performed his ambaſſage,foreign. as here he expreſly ſaith he did, (I doe my ambaſſage in a chaine) then would hee rather hauehave deſired the helpe of their prayers for his deliuerance out of priſon.
It is likely that he hath reference to that time (whereof aAct. 28. 16, 31.Saint Luke maketh mention) when hee dwelt by himſelfe with a ſouldier that kept him, and preached the Kingdome of GOD.
Obiect. But there is no mention made of manicling, fettering, or binding with chaines, which ſeemeth hereto be implied.
Anſw. At Rome (where Paul was a priſoner) ſuch priſoners as were not cloſed vp in priſons,How Paul was chained. but had liberty to goe abroade,Lipſius in lib. Taciti 3. had a long chaine, the one end whereof was faſtened to their right hand, and the other end was tied to a ſouldiers left hand, ſo as the priſoner could goe no whether without that ſouldier, who was as a keeper to him. And thus it is likely that Saint Paul was chained: for he mentioneth here but one chaine in the ſingular number: and it is ſaid thatcActs 28. 16. Paul was with a Souldier that kept him.
Here note theſe diſtinct points.
1 The Apoſtles condition; he was in a chaine.
2 The declaration of it. He himſelfe makes it knowne.
3 The cauſe of his condition, for the Goſpell.
4 The connexion of his office and condition together.
5 The reaſon why here he maketh mention of it.
§. 189. Of the hard vſage of Miniſters.
1 FOr the firſt: Notorious malefactors were wont to be chained: Here then note how
An holy Apoſtle is vſed as a thiefe. Obſeru. 20. Chriſts Miniſters vſed as malefactors.In which reſpect hee ſaith,d2 Tim. 2. 9 I ſuffer trouble as an euill doer, euen vntounto bonds. Thus was Peter dealt withall,eActs 12. 4. 6. He was put in priſon, and deliuered to foure quaternions of Souldiers, hee was bound with two chaines, and lay betweene two ſouldiers, and the Keepers before the doore kept the priſon. Yea thus was Chriſt himſelfe dealt withall: forfMat. 26. 47. 55. a great multitude came as againſt a thiefe with ſwords and ſtaues to take him. The like might be exemplied in many other Prophets, Apoſtles, Miniſters, and faithfull ſeruants of Chriſt: for it hath beene the common condition of all, in times of perſecution eſpecially.
What might be the reaſon hereof?Reaſon. any notorious crimes which they commited, or any vniuſt offence that they gaue to their perſecutors? No verily. No Chriſtian can imagine any ſuch thing of Chriſt,g1 Pet. 2. 22. Who did no ſinne, neither was guile found in his mouth. Saint Paul was ready to doe what good he could to all: forhRom. 1. 14. he held himſelfe debter to all, namely, in louelove: but hurt he did to none. The like may be ſaid of others, who hauehave beene ſo handled. They hauehave beene as ſheepe very profitable and harmeleſſe: for the Spirit which commeth from aboue was in them, which is,iIam. 3. 17. Firſt pure, then peaceable, gentle, eaſie to be entreated, full of mercy, and good fruits, &c. It is therefore an euill iealous ſuſpition which the World hath of them, together with an inward inueterate enuy and malice which it hath againſt them, which maketh it ſo handle them, and that becauſe they are not of the World. Reade Iohn 15. 19.
Vſe Let vsus not cenſure men according to the Worlds dealing with them. Let vsus not iudge ſuch (as wee hauehave iuſt cauſe to account Chriſts faithfull ſeruants) malefactors, becauſe by perſecutors they are handled as malefactors: ſo might we condemn thoſe worthy Martyrs which ſuffered in Queene Maries dayes, and many that are moſt vilely vſed by the Spaniſh inquiſition, and other perſecuting Papiſts in other places.
§. 190. Of Pauls holy glorying in his Chaine.
2 FOr the ſecond, the Apoſtle himſelfe declareth and maketh knowne this condition wherein he was at Rome, and that vnderunder his hand by a publike letter ſent to an whole Church, which was alſo to remaine vntounto all Churches, to be read of all: ſo that it appeareth he was no whit aſhamed of his chaine.
Perſecution ſimply in itſelfe is no matter of ſhame. Obſer. 21. Perſecution no matter of ſhame.Expreſly the Apoſtle ſaith,k2 Tim. 1. 8. 12. that he was not aſhamed of his ſuffering: And he exhorteth Timothy not to be aſhamed of him, becauſe hee was Chriſts priſoner: If any ſuffer as a Chriſtian (ſaith Saint Peter) Let him not be aſhamed, 1 Pet. 4. 16.but glorifie God in this behalfe.
Nothing ought to make vsus aſhamed but onelyonly ſinne,Reaſon. which maketh vsus odious before God, becauſe it is a voluntary euill proceeding from our ſelues. Now to ſuffer, in it ſelfe is no ſuch matter.
Vſe If for the ſinnes of this Land God ſhould (which God forbid) depriue vsus of the light of his Goſpell, and of our Chriſtian Magiſtrates, and giuegive vsus ouer to the power of ſuch aduerſaries, as ſhould chaine, impriſon, or any other way deale hardly and ignominiouſly with vsus; let vsus not thereupon thinke our ſelues, our brethren, or the Goſpell diſgraced, and thereupon be aſhamed of our profeſſion: The Apoſtle doth here rather boaſt and glory in it, as ſome doe in a chaine of gold: and the Scripture maketh perſecution a matter oflMat. 5. 12. gladneſſe, reioycing, andmPhil. 1. 29. honour. If we ſhould be aſhamed, it would make vsus ſtart backe from our profeſſion, it would diſcourage our brethren, and very much hearten our enemies.
§. 191. Of the cauſe that maketh perſecution a matter of reioycing.
Queſt. HOw can perſecution be a matter of honour and ioy? can any ſuch thing be in ſuffering? Why then ſhould malefactors be aſhamed?
Anſw. As ſuffering in it ſelfe is no matter of ſhame, ſo neither of honour: it is the cauſe for which one ſuffereth, which altereth the caſe this way or that way.
The theeues betwixt whom Chriſt was crucified,Ibi erat Chriſtus, …vbi & latrones. Similis paena, ſed diſſimilis cauſa. Aug. ſer. 50. de ſanc. ſuffered one and the ſame kind of puniſhment, yet could one of them ſay;*Luk. 23. 14 We receiue things worthy of that we hauehave done, but this man hath done nothing amiſſe.
3 The third thing therfore to be conſidered, is the cauſe of S. Pauls ſuffering, implied vnderunder this clauſe; For which, namely, for the Goſpell. For both the function, and alſo the condition of the Apoſtle hath reference thereunto, as hee was an Ambaſſador for the Goſpell, ſo for the Goſpell he was in a chaine.Obſeru. 22. The cauſe of perſecution is that which honoureth it.
It is the cauſe which maketh perſecution a matter of honour and reioycing. Note the Scriptures wherein perſecution is commended,Cauſa non paena facit martyrem. Aug. epiſt. 61. and ye ſhall find the cauſe either expreſſed, or neceſſarily implied: Note Mat. 5. 11. Phil. 1. 29. 1 Pet. 3. 14. & 4. 16.
Perſecution in it ſelfe ſeparated from a good cauſe, is a puniſhment,Reaſon. and a curſe: a thing grieuous to the fleſh, and to be grieued for.
§. 192. Of the things for which Men may ſuffer with comfort.
Queſt. VVHat may bee the cauſe of that perſecution which cauſeth bleſſedneſſe?What is it that cauſeth comfort in perſecution.
Anſw. In generallaMat. 5. 10 Righteouſneſſe; and that either in abſtaining from euill, or in performing of our bounden duty.bGen. 39. 12 Ioſeph ſuffered impriſonment for refuſing to commit folly with his Miſtreſſe:cHeb. 11. 25 Moſes choſe rather to ſuffer affliction with the people of God, then to enioy the pleaſures of ſinnes. On the other ſide,dDan. 6. 10 Daniel was caſt into the Lyons den, for praying vntounto God. AndeMar. 3. 6 Chriſt was perſecuted for doing workes of mercy.Iohn 5. 16
More particularly the Goſpell which is here ſet downe. ThefActs 4. 2, 3 Apoſtles were perſecuted for preaching the Goſpell: gActs 9. 2Others for beleeuing the Goſpell. Now becauſe the Goſpell is the Doctrine of Chriſt, they which ſuffer for preaching or profeſſing it, are ſaid to ſuffer for Chriſts hMat 5. 11ſake, and for the name ofi1 Pet. 4. 14 Chriſt: they which renounce it, are ſaid tokMat. 10. 33 denie Chriſt Ieſus.
Vſe 1 They which looke to hauehave true comfort in their ſuffering, muſt eſpecially looke vntounto the cauſe, and thorowly examine it,Try the cauſe in all perſecution. whether it be indeede of that kinde that by Gods Word we may warrantably, yea, and ought neceſſarily to ſuffer for.l1 Pet. 4. 15 Saint Peter implieth that there be many cauſes for which many doe ſuffer, wherein hee would not hauehave Chriſtians to ſuffer, Let none of you (ſaith he) ſuffer as a murtherer, or as a thiefe, or as a buſie body in other mens matters. Note how he maketh not onelyonly open notorious ſinnes, but alſo medling with other bodies matters, to be an vnwarrantable and vniuſt ground of ſuffering. This therefore is to be obſerued, not onelyonly againſt traytors, murtherers, theeues, adulterers, idolators, and ſuch like: but alſo againſt Separatiſts, Schiſmatikes, and all ſuch contentious ſpirits, as by raiſing troubles in the Church, bring trouble vponupon their owne pates.
Vſe 2 If the cauſe be iuſt and good, with courage ſtand vntounto it; let not reuiling and diſgraceful ſpeeches, let not loſſe of goods, loſſe of friends, impriſonment, baniſhment, racke, ſtrapadoe, ſword, halter, fire, or any thing elſe, make thee ſtart from thy Sauiour, to denie him. But for thy comfort and encouragement looke to the end,m2 Tim. 2. 12 If we ſuffer, we ſhall alſo raigne with Chriſt.
§. 193. Of the Worlds vile handling of Chriſts Ambaſſadours.
THe fourth point noted, is the connexion of the Apoſtles function and condition together, though hee were an Ambaſſadour, yet was he chained; and though he were chained, yet performed he his function: for he ſaith;a… foreign. I doe my Ambaſſage in a chaine.
Hence ariſe two points to be noted. The firſt, that
The Ambaſſadors of the King of Heauen are more hardly dealt withall then the Ambaſſadors of mortall Kings. Obſer. 23. Chriſts Ambaſſadours worſe dealt withall then others Ambaſſadours.We ſee by experience that all ſorts of Ambaſſadours are kindly vſed. The moſt ſauge and barbarous people that be, will not wrong an Ambaſſador. It is againſt the law of Nations to impriſon an Ambaſſador. Though Ambaſſadors be free in deliuering their meſſage, and though their meſſage be diſtaſtfull, yet at leaſt they are let goe free, if not rewarded. But Chriſts Ambaſſadors hauehave in all ages beene very hardly dealt withall. This was it whereofoMat. 23. 37 Chriſt complained againſt Ieruſalem, ſaying; O Ieruſalem, Ieruſalem, which killeſt the Prophets, and ſtoneſt them which are ſent vntounto thee. pActs 7. 52.And whereof Saint Stephen alſo complained, ſaying; Which of the Prophets hauehave not your Fathers perſecuted, &c.
Obiect. They are not in all places, and at all times ſo dealt withall.
Anſw. When and where it pleaſeth God to raiſe vp Chriſtian Magiſtrates who louelove the Goſpell, and defend the Goſpell, then, and there the Ambaſſadors thereof are kept from publike perſecution: but yet the greater ſort of people will priuately ſcorne them, and wrong them. And though there be alwayes ſome, who knowing and beleeling the excellency, neceſſity, and benefit of their function, highly account of them, euen as of the Angels of God; yet thoſe ſome are but few in compariſon of the many which oppoſe againſt them. All that are of the world will doe what they can againſt them: And that in regard of their meſſage, and of their Maſter.
§. 194. Of the cauſes why Chriſts Ambaſſadors are hardly vſed.
1 THeir meſſage is as contrary to the diſpoſition of the world as can be:Reaſon 1. Their meſſage irkſome. This qEphe. 5. 8is darkeneſſe,rMat. 5. 14 That is light. Darkeneſſe cannot endure light: nothing can be ſo much againſt the haire (as we ſpeake) againſt the heart of a carnall man, as the Goſpell: it pierceth to the quicke, and ſo maketh him to fret & fume, rage and raue againſt it, and the meſſenger thereof. For the world hath a peace of it owne, wherein it is faſt lulled aſleepe: when it is rowſed vp by any meſſengers of the Goſpell, like a Beare or a Lyon it beſtirreth it ſelfe againſt him that diſturbeth it, and forgetteth all modeſty and humanity. If it were a Father that brought this light of the Goſpell to a carnall ſon, the ſonne would hate and perſecute the father for it: ſo the father the ſonne, and one friend another: hence it is that Chriſt Ieſus the Author of this Goſpell, is ſaidfMat. 10. 35. to ſet a man at variance againſt his father, and the daughter against her mother, &c. which is not ſaid, to note out the proper end of Chriſts comming, but to ſhew what followeth vponupon the ſending of the light of the Goſpell to carnall men, by reaſon of their wicked and obdurate hearts.
2 Their Maſter is indeed a great King,Reaſon. 2. Their Maſter of another world. aIohn 18. 36.but his kingdome is not of this world, if it were, his ſeruants would ſurely fight. Now becauſe he cauſeth none to riſe vp in armes to execute ſpeedy reuenge, but ſuffereth the wicked till the great day of reckoning, the world feareth him not, nor careth to abuſe his Ambaſſadors.
Vſe 1 How great is the blindneſſe, wilfulneſſe, wretchedneſſe, malitiouſneſſe, vngratefulneſſe of the world?
Vſe 2 How are Miniſters to prepare themſelues againſt al the hard dealing that may be? let them not looke for ſuch reſpect at the worlds hands, as earthly Ambaſſadors find: if they find ſuch, they hauehave cauſe to ſuſpect themſelues. It is to be feared, that they ſeek too much to pleaſe the world. If they hauehave notbActs 20. 24. the reſolution which this Apoſtle had, they may be as loath to deliuer their ambaſſage, ascIon. 1. 2, 3. Ionah was.
§. 195. Of Miniſters vſing their libertie.
THe other point is, that
Ministers muſt take and vſe what libertie they can hauehave. Obſer. 24. Miniſters muſt vſe what libertie they can.Saint Paul went as farre as his chaine would let him: In his chaine hee preached. So likewiſe in priſon heedActs 16. 32. preached. Thus did Chriſt and his Apoſtles, though they were perſecuted, continue to preach: when they could not in one place, they went to another.
There ise1. Cor. 9. 16. a neceſſitie laid vponupon the Ambaſſadors of God:Reaſon. and woe to them if they preach not the Goſpell, when they may. But if notwithſtanding ſome reſtraint, they doe what lawfully they may, and poſſibly they can, as they manifeſt thereby a great zeale of Gods glory, in preferring it before their owne eaſe, ſo great ſhall that reward be, which their Maſter will giuegive them.
§. 196. Of Miniſters forbearing to preach, being inhibited.
Queſt. VVHat if Miniſters bee inhibited by Magiſtrates to preach: may they notwithſtanding that inhibition preach?
Anſ. Difference muſt be made betwixt times of perſecution (when infidell or idolatrous,Whether Miniſters inhibited may preach. or any ſuch Magiſtrates as are open enemies to Chriſt beare rule, who ſeeke vtterly to ſuppreſſe the truth of the Goſpel, and roote out the profeſſors thereof) and times of peace (when Chriſtian Magiſtrates, who defend the Goſpel, & ſeek the progreſſe thereof, gouerne the Church) The inhibition of infidels, and idolaters made ſimply againſt preaching of the Goſpell, becauſe they would hauehave it vtterly ſuppreſſed, is in this caſe no ſufficient inhibition to bind the conſcience: it is directly and apparantly contrary to Gods word. But when Chriſtian Magiſtrates inhibit Miniſters to preach, it is becauſe they thinke them vnfit and vnmeete, either for ſome notorious crimes, or for ſome erronious opinions, to exerciſe their miniſteriall functions. In theſe caſes, ſuch as are ſo inhibited, ſo far forth as they are inhibited, ought not to preach. Neither are particular and priuate men to iudge of the cauſe of the inhibition, whether it bee iuſt or vniuſt: but as they who are appointed by the preſent gouernment to ordaine Miniſters, are to iudge of their fitneſſe thereunto, ſo likewiſe of their vnfitneſſe.
Againe, difference muſt be made betwixt the kindes of Miniſters which are inhibited to preach. Some were ordained immediatly by Chriſt Ieſus, & particularly commanded by him to preach: all the world could not ſilence ſuch: though they were inhibited, yet ought they not to be ſilēt, if at leaſt they were not forcibly reſtrained. Wherfore, we reade thatfAct. 5. 40, 42. the Apoſtles notwithſtanding they were commanded by the Prieſts and Rulers of the Iewes to preach no more, yet cōtinued to preach:gAmos 7. 12. &c. the like may be ſaid of the Prophets, who were extraordinarily appointed by God. Other are ordained by the hands of men, euen of the Gouernors of the Church. Now as they hauehave power to ordaine Miniſters, when they iudge them fit for that place, ſo they hauehave power to depriue Miniſters, when they iudge them vnfit for that place, and therfore obedience muſt be yeelded to their inhibition.
§. 197. Of Miniſters needleſſe forbearing to preach.
BVt to returne to the point, Perſecution is no ſufficient cauſe to make a Miniſter ceaſe preaching; rather then not preach, he ought, as Paul did, preach in a chaine, if he may hauehave ſuch libertie as Paul had.
How will they anſwere it vntounto their Maſter,Vſe 1▪ who vponupon meere ſurmiſes and needleſſe feares abſtaine from preaching: not much vnlike to a ſloathfull man, that being to goe about his buſineſſe, ſaith,hProu. 22. 13. A Lion is without, I ſhall be ſlaine in the ſtreete? ſuch ought to be a Miniſters forwardneſſe in performing his ambaſſage, that he doe his vttermoſt endeauor, till he be directly and neceſſarily hindred.
Vſe 2 Heauie is that reckoning which they muſt make, who hauehave all the libertie, fauour and encouragement that they can deſire, and yet preach not.
§. 198. Of praying for Miniſters reſtrained.
5 FOr the laſt point, the reaſon why the Apoſtle heere mentioneth his chaine, is the rather to ſtirre them vp to helpe him with their prayers, that he might both be aſſiſted by God, in doing what he did, and alſo, if it pleaſed the Lord, hauehave greater libertie to doe more good. The word in the former verſe, and in this verſe alſo tranſlated bould ſpeaking, ſignifieth alſo liberty to ſpeake.
From the force of this reaſon, I obſerue,
The more Miniſters are reſtrained,Obſer. 25. Miniſters reſtrained to be prayed for. the rather ought prayer to be made for them.
It ſhould ſeeme that the Apoſtle, when he wrote to the Hebrewes, was ſome way or other hindred, ſo as he could not then come to them, whereupon hauing deſired them to pray for him, againe hee deſireth themiHeb. 13. 19. ſomewhat the more earnestly to doe ſo, that he might be reſtored to them more quickly: but moſt cleare is this by the practiſe of the Church, when Saint Peter was clapt vp cloſe into priſon, kAct. 12. 5.earneſt prayer was made of the Church vntounto God for him.
Prayer is the beſt meanes that can be vſed in this caſe:Reaſon 1. the moſt powerfull with God,gActs 12. 7. &c. the leaſt offenſiue to men. Note the iſſue of the Churches prayer for Peter.
There is alſo greateſt need of the beſt meanes in this caſe,Reaſon 2. and that in regard of the loſſe which the Church ſuſtaineth by the reſtraint of faithfull Miniſters.
Vſe The vſe which we are to make of this point, is, that we put it in daily practiſe.
§. 199. Of the need of boldneſſe.
THe Apoſtle hauing vſed thoſe two forcible reaſons to mooue them to pray for him, returneth againe to the matter, and repeateth the thing which he would hauehave them pray for in his behalfe, namely, that hee may ſpeake boldly, which he amplifieth by the manner, as hee ought to ſpeake.
The word which the Apoſtle vſeth in this latter place ſomewhat differeth from the former, that is aaforeign. Nowne, this abforeign Verbe: yet in effect they imply one and the ſame thing. This repetition of this point ſheweth, that
Boldneſſe and freedome of ſpeech is very needfull for a Minſter: Obſer. 26. Boldneſſe needfull.The Holy Ghoſt repeateth not things in vaine: wherefore that which hath beene deliuered concerning this point, is the rather to be regarded. That which the Scripture againe and againe vrgeth, we muſt not lightly paſſe ouer, but giuegive the more diligent heede thereunto.
§. 200. Of Pauls iealouſie ouer himſelfe.
IN that vponupon the mention of his chaine Saint Paul reneweth his deſire of this point, namely, that hee may ſpeake boldly, as if he had thus ſaid; Becauſe I am chained, I doe the rather deſire boldneſſe of ſpeech: I note foure commendable vertues in him.
1 An holy iealouſie which he had of his owne weakeneſſe.Obſeru. 27. Foure commendable, vertues in the Apoſtle.
2 An earneſt deſire of well performing his function.
3 An inuincible reſolution to hold out to the end.
4 A ſtrong affiance in the power of God.
1 For the firſt,1 His iealouſie of his own weakeneſſe. he was not ignorant that an iron chaine, a keeper continually by one, reſtraint of liberty, and feare of greater danger, were greeuous to the fleſh, (cHeb. 12. 11 For no chaſtening for the preſent ſeemeth to be ioyous, but grieuous) that they might be meanes to dant the freeſt ſpirit, and to make the moſt couragious fearefull, that hee himſelfe was fleſh & blood, that there needed more then fleſh, euen Gods Spirit to vphold a man, to make him bold to performe his duty in a chaine: wherefore though yet he were not danted, yet he deſireth Gods helpe in regard of his preſent affliction to ſupport his ſpirit, and keepe him from fainting.
§. 201. Of Pauls deſire well to performe his function.
2 For the ſecond,2 His earneſt deſire of well performing his function. ſuch was his deſire of courage and boldneſſe to performe his function as he ought, that being in a chaine, he deſireth rather ſtill in his chaine ſo to doe, then to be freed from his chain. For one would hauehave thought that being afflicted, he ſhould moſt of all hauehave deſired the remouall of the affliction: but hee preferred that before this: as is more cleare & euident by that which he ſaid to the Elders of Epheſus, when hee tooke his farewell of them;dActs 20. 24. I count not my life deare vntounto my ſelfe, ſo that I may finiſh my courſe with ioy, and the miniſtry which I hauehave receiued of the Lord Ieſus, to teſtifie the Goſpell of the grace of God.
§. 202. Of Pauls conſtant reſolution.
3 For the third,3 His inuincible reſolution though hee had ſuffered much, yet as yet he had noteHeb. 12. 4. reſiſted vntounto blood: though his liberty were reſtrained, yet his blood and life were preſerued; therefore hee ſtill continueth to fight the Lords battaile, and to maintaine his quarrell: In a chaine hee preached, and ſtill deſireth boldly to preach, yea, though it were in a chaine. Doth hee not herein manifeſt a braue ſpirit, an vndanted mind, an inuincible courage?
§. 203. Of Pauls ſtedfaſt Faith.
4 FOr the fourth,4 His ſtrong affiance. aſſuredly hee beleeued that God was able to giuegive him courage and boldneſſe, notwithſtanding his chaine, and mauger the fury and rage of all his enemies, or elſe would he not hauehave deſired boldneſſe, now that he was in the power of his aduerſaries: but well hee knew that they which chained him, were chained by his Maſter Chriſt Ieſus, who fEphe. 4. 8.led captiuity captiue: ſo as they could no further reſtraine him then his Maſter permitted them; and he was not ignorant (for himſelfe ſaid it) that g2 Tim. 2. 9.though he himſelfe ſuffered vntounto bonds, yet the Word of God was not bound: they chained his body, but they could not chaine Gods Word.
§. 204. Of the excellency of the foure forenamed Vertues.
BEhold here a rare example:Vſe: rare for the excellency, and rare for the ſcarcity of it. Admirable vertues were theſe, worthy our imitation.
1 They who maintaine in them ſuch an holy iealouſie, fearing leſt through the weakeneſſe of the fleſh they may be danted with affliction, will be the more watchfull ouer themſelues, more earneſt with the Lord in prayer to aſſiſt and vphold them, and more deſirous of the helpe of others prayers, as Saint Paul here was: ſuch hauehave beene found to ſtand out to the laſt caſt ſtedfaſtly, when proud crackers hauehave beene quailed.
2 To deſire while a man is vnderunder the croſſe, rather to preach boldly, then to hauehave the croſſe remoued, argueth a great zeale of Gods glory, and a true deſire of the progreſſe of the Goſpell, and edification of the Church: for thus he preferreth theſe before his owne eaſe, liberty, yea, and life too.
3 Conſtancy is that which ſetteth the crowne vponupon a mans head. They who after they hauehave endured ſome trials, ſhrinke in their heads, and giuegive ouer the fight before their life be ended, looſe the glory of their former valour.
4 But to be perſwaded, that God is able to enable his ſeruants in all diſtreſſes and difficulties to doe that worke whereunto he ſendeth them, notwithſtanding their owne weakeneſſe, and their aduerſaries power, will make men not feare what can be done againſt them, but ſtill hold on vntounto the end.
§. 205. How moſt mens diſpoſition is contrary to Pauls.
THus we ſee what rare and excellent vertues theſe be. But alaſſe they are too rare and ſcarce among men: as appeareth by their contrary diſpoſition: For
1 Many after they hauehave endured ſome ſmall trials, grow ſo inſolent thereupon, that they thinke they can neuer be moued, and ſo forget God, and care not to ſeeke helpe and aſſurance from him.
2 If they call vponupon him, it is rather for deliuerance from that preſent croſſe, in regard of their owne eaſe, then for any ability to honour God, or doe good vntounto his Church: when men are any way afflicted, they account deliuerance from it a great happineſſe, and therefore aboue all deſire it: Oh that I were at liberty, ſaith the priſoner: Oh that I were in my Country, ſaith the captiue: Oh that I had health, ſaith the ſicke man: and I wealth, ſaith the poore man.
3 So farre they are from reſiſting vntounto blood, and induring till death, that ſo ſoone asaMat. 13. 21. perſecution ariſeth for the Goſpel, they are preſently ſo offended and affrighted that theyb2 Tim. 4. 16. forſake their profeſſion.
4 They ſo dread their aduerſaries power, and ſo doub… of Gods almighty power and good prouidence, that they thinke it in vaine to call vponupon God.
The want of the forenamed graces in moſt men, ma…keth them to be the more admirable in them who hau… them; and it ought to moue vsus to ſeeke the more carefull after them.
§. 206. Of the neceſsity of preaching boldly.
THe laſt clauſe is this, as I ought to ſpeake: which ſome take to be ſet downe by the Apoſtle as a further motiue to ſtirre them vp to pray for vtterance and boldnes of ſpeech in this behalfe, becauſe it was his bounden duty, neceſſity was laid vponupon him, hee ought ſo to ſpeake: whence may bee obſerued that,
It is not a matter arbitrary for a Miniſter to preach the Goſpell, Obſeru. 28. To preach the Goſpell boldly a neceſſary thing.and that boldly, but a neceſſary thing. c1 Cor 9. 16.Neceſsity is laid vponupon mee (ſaith the Apoſtle) and woe vntounto me if I preach not the Goſpell. As much may bee ſaid of all Miniſters: Their offices require as much, the charge is committed vntounto them. They who doe it not, omit their bounden duty: wherefore eueryevery ſleight occaſion ſhould not be an hinderance to them.
§. 207. Of preaching after a right manner.
BVt I take this clauſe rather to declare the manner of preaching, then a motiue to preach: and to hauehave reference both to his function, and alſo to his condition: that he may ſo ſpeake as becommeth an Ambaſſador, and ſo alſo as becommeth one which was in bonds. Hence firſt note that,
It is not ſufficient for a Miniſter to preach, Obſeru. 29. The Word to be preached after a right manner.vnleſſe it bee done after a right manner: What is required vntounto the manner of preaching I ſhewed before: the point in generall is againe vrged by this Apoſtle, Col. 4. 4. And by Saint Peter ſaying,e1 Pet. 4. 11. If any ſpeake let him ſpeak as the oracles of God. Thus in other functions doth the Apoſtle require aright manner of performing them. Rom. 12. 8.
The ſame Lord who requireth the duty it ſelfe,Reaſon. hath preſcribed the right manner of performing it, ſo as our obedience and faithfulneſſe is declared by the one, as wel as by the other.
In the duties which wee performe, let vsus carefully obſerue how they ought to bee performed, if at leaſt in the performance of them wee deſire to be accepted. Little is this in regard by many: for to inſiſt in the point in hand, how looſely, how coldly, how trudely doe many preach the Word? as if it were inough onelyonly to preach. Againe others fal into an other extreame: they preach the Word too curiouſly, too conceitedly, too vainely, with too great affectation and oſtentation. Little doth God regard ſuch paines: little comfort can Miniſters reape thereby.
§. 208. Of a Miniſters carrying of himſelfe according to his preſent eſtate.
AGaine,Obſer. 29. Miniſters muſt carry themſelues according to their preſent condition. the Apoſtle implieth that,
A Miniſter in bonds muſt hauehave reſpect to his preſent condition, accordingly to carry himſelfe: as he may not by his timorouſneſſe betray Gods truth: ſo neither by his indiſcreete and ouer-great boldneſſe indanger the ſame. This doth Chriſt imply vnderunder that generall precept,dMat. 10. 16. Be wiſe as ſerpents, and innocent as doues. Doue-like innocency will keepe vsus from all fraudulent dealing, ſo as wee ſhall not deceiue our Maſter, and abuſe that truſt which hee putteth in vsus. Serpent-like wiſdome will make vsus preuent many miſcheefes, which otherwiſe through raſhnes we might fall into. Such wiſdome vſed the Counſell at Ieruſalem, when they did forbeare to bee too violent againſt all the rites of Moſes Law, becauſe of the multitude of Iewes which beleeued, and permittedeActs 15. 29. Abſtinence from blood, and from that which was ſtrangled: yea it may be probably collected that Saint Paul fAct. 19. 9, 10.while he continued, by the ſpace of two years diſputing in the ſchoole of Tyranus which was at Epheſus, preached not particularly againſt Diana, though in generall hee perſwaded the people that gverſ. 26.They are no Gods which are made with hands, and alſo hverſ. 8.perſwaded the things which concerne the kingdome of God. For certainly there would hauehave beene many tumults raiſed againſt him, & the Church (asiverſ. 24, 25, &c. through the malice of Demetrius a ſiluer-ſmith there was afterwards) if by name he had inueighed againſt Diana.
That thus we may,Vſe. Pray for the ſpirit of wiſdome. when we are in our enemies power, ſpeake as wee ought to ſpeake, we are tokEphe. 1. 17. pray for the ſpirit of wiſdome, that wee maylPhil. 1. 10. diſcerne things that differ, and that wee may rightly iudge of all circumſtances (as are Time, Place, and Perſons, with the like) and accordingly behaue our ſelues. That promiſe which Chriſt made to his Diſciples (ſayingmMat. 10. 19, 20. When they deliuer you vp, it ſhall bee giuen you in that houre, what yee ſhall ſpeake: for it is not yee that ſpeake, but the Spirit of your Father which ſpeaketh in you) and that which more generally he made to al that call vponupon him aright (namely, thatnLuk. 11. 13. God will giuegive the Holy Ghoſt to them which deſire him) Theſe and ſuch like promiſes may aſſure Gods faithfull Ambaſſadours, that the Lord their Maſter will giuegive them vnderſtanding how to deliuer their ambaſſage, if at leaſt they ſeeke tooRom. 12. 3. vnderſtand according to ſobriety, & be not too prepoſterous, following the apprehenſion of their owne conceit, rather then the direction of Gods word.pAct. 4. 29. O Lord grant vntounto thy ſeruants that with all boldneſſe they may ſpeake thy Word, that ſo thy name may be the more glorified, and thy Church edified. Amen.
An Analyſis or ReſoluTION OF A DECLARATION which Chriſt made of the ſinne againſt the Holy Ghost: Recorded, MATTH. 12. 31, 32. and MARKE 3. 28, 29.
IN the Declaration, is noted
1 The Preface, wherein is intimated
1 The certaintie of the point (Verily).
2 The authoritie of him that deliuered it (I ſay vntounto you).
2 The Point it ſelfe: wherein is noted
1 Gods Mercy
1 Declared by forgiuing ſinne.
2 Amplified by
The ſinnes forgiuen.
Set foorth by
The extent of them
All ſins wherwith ſoeuer.
The Kinds of them noted.
Generally
All matter of ſinnes.
Particularly
Blaſphemee.
The Perſons
1 By whō ſin is cō mittee,
Men: Sons of me:
Amplified by their generality (whoſoeuer).
2 Againſt whom ſinne is committed.
The Sonne of Men.
2 Gods Iuſtice.
1 Declared by affording to pardon to the ſin againſt the Holy Ghoſt.
2 Amplified by ſetting forth
1 The nature of the ſinne, and that by
The quality of it, in
Speaking againſt: Blaſpheming.
The obiect againſt which it is directed
The Holy Ghoſt.
2 The iſſue of it noted
1 Negatiuely, and that
Simply by
An indefinite particle, NOT.
A generall particle, NEVER.
Cōparatiuely, by a diſtinction of times.
Nor in this world.
Nor in the world to come.
2 Affirmatiuely, in theſe words, Is in danger of eternall damnation.