Three Godly and Fruitful Sermons, Sermon 3

Three Godly and Fruitful Sermons · Sermon 3

p. 83THE THIRD SERMON vponupon the fourteenth Pſalme.

PSALME 14.

Verſe 5. There they ſhall be taken with feare, becauſe God is in the generation of the iuſt.

6 You hauehave made a mocke of the counſell of the poore, becauſe the Lord is his truſt.

IN the former part of this Pſalme is ſet downe the iuſt complaint of the Prophet, concerning the ſinfull and corrupt nature, and conuerſation of all vnregenerate perſons; where is declared their horrible impietie againſt God, in that they ſayd in their hearts, there was no God: as alſo their bloudy crueltie againſt his ſeruants, in that they deuoured them as greedily as an hungry man doth eate bread. Both which, their impietie and crueltie, are ſufficiently proued: firſt, by their abhominable practiſe p. 84and behauiour, both in committing euill, and in omitting good. v. 1. 3. 4. Secondly, by the teſtimony of the Lord, who tooke a ſuruey of their diſpoſition and cariage.

v. 2. Thirdly, by the euidence of their owne conſciences, Do not the workers of iniquity know, &c?

Now in theſe words the holy Ghoſt ſheweth what will be the end and iſſue of ſuch vngodly courſes, and what iudgement will fall vponupon ſuch irreligious and cruell perſons; deſcribing it

1 Firſt, by the manner of it [There they Verſe 5 ſhall be taken with feare] that is, in the mids of their ſinfull practiſes, horrible terrours ſhall take hold of them, ſo that they ſhall be full of trembling and amazement.

2 Secondly, by the principall cauſes for which this iudgment is ſent, which are two.

1 One in reſpect of God, viz. his fauour and louelove vntounto his people, which he manifeſteth by being in the congregation of the righteous. That is, among all righteous perſons; and that not with an idle preſence, but ſtanding with them and for them, to vphold, direct, and comfort them according to their need, and to confound all ſuch as lift vp their heads againſt them.

2 Another cauſe is in regard of the enemies of God and of his people, to wit, their p. 85malice and ſinfulneſſe: againſt which the holy Ghoſt inueigheth by way of inſultation, You hauehave made a mocke, &c. q. d. You ſhall aſſuredly be met withall; and will you know why? You hauehave made a mocke of the Verſe 6 counſell of the poore. That is, at their reſolute purpoſe to ſeeke God, and their conſtant endeuours to depend vponupon him, as the words following ſeeme to imply. Becauſe the Lord is his truſt. q. d. You are ſo farre from taking good wayes, and reſting vponupon the prouidence and goodneſſe of God your ſelues, that you diſgrace and deſpite thoſe that will doe ſo; and therefore without doubt, woe and miſerie ſhall ouertake and ouerwhelme you, when you little imagine any ſuch matter.

Doct. 1 Verſ. 5. [There they ſhall be taken with feare] We may reade in the former part of the Pſalme, how forward theſe men were vntounto all vngodlines, and vnrighteouſneſſe; and now ſee how they are affected, and thence learne this doctrine: that Boldneſſe in ſinne brings daſtardlines afterward.Thoſe that are moſt bold to commit ſin are moſt cowardly when dangers doe approach. Hardines, and venturouſneſſe in euill courſes, hath commonly darſtardlineſſe attending thereupon, when any occaſion of feare is offered. There they ſhall be taken with feare (ſaith the Prophet,) that is, in the very height of their impiety againſt the Lord, and of their cruelty againſt his ſeruants; euen there p. 86they ſhall be ſurprizſed with horrour and aſtoniſhment, albeit they in their folly ſay, There is no God; and therefore ruſh into all abhominations, vtterly caſting off the yoake of obedience, and delighting in nothing more, than in deuouring Gods people: yet will he make them know that there is a God in heauen, that takes notice of their workes and of their waies; and if nothing elſe will cauſe them to beleeue it, the very torments and tortures which he ſuddenly and ſtrangely inflicteth vponupon their conſciences, ſhall make them, will they nill they, to confeſſe it. For when they preſume of all manner of ſafety, and doe not ſo much as dreame of any perill that is toward, becauſe of the weakneſſe and baſeneſſe of their aduerſaries; then ſome vnexpected euill ſhall ouertake them, and anguiſh ſhall come vponupon them, Euen as trauell vponupon a Pſal. 48. 6.Ps 48:6woman that i… with child, that is, ſuddenly, grieuouſly, and vnauoydably.

This is denounced as a part of the curſe to be executed vponupon thoſe that would not obey the lawes of God, nor feare the glorious and fearefull name of the Lord: That he would giuegive them a trembling Deut. 28. 65. 66.Deut 28:65Deut 28:66heart, and a ſorrowfull mind: that they ſhould feare both day and night: that in the morning they ſhould ſay, VVould it were euening; and at euening, VVould God it were morning. Which very curſe is expreſſed in other termes in the booke of Leuiticus, where the Lord threatneth thoſe that would not be reformed, but would walke ſtubbornely againſt p. 87him, that he would ſend a faintneſſe into Leuit. 26. 36.Lev 26:36their hearts, in ſo much that the ſound of a leafe ſhaken ſhould chaſe them, and they ſhould flie as flying from a ſword, though none did purſue them.

This point may be made yet more plaine by examples. King Ahaz was maruailous bold in his2 Chron. …8. 2. 3.2 Chr 8:22 Chr 8:3 idolatrous and wicked courſes, reiecting the ordinances of God, and bringing in heatheniſh abominations in ſtead thereof, without any feare of God or of his iudgements. But how was he affected when danger was neare? The Prophet Iſaiah telleth vsus, that when the king of Aram and the king of Iſrael came againſt him, his heart (togetherIſa. 7. 1. 2.Isa 7:1Isa 7:2 with the hearts of his people (that were like vntounto him) was moued as the trees of the foreſt are moued by the winde: That is, both he and all his ſouldiers were euen as Aſpen leaues, or ſome ſuch like, that in a great tempeſt of boiſterous winds are maruailouſly toſſed and ſhaken: the feare of their enemies that were neare at hand, did make them, hauing no faith in God, exceedingly to quake and tremble. The like wherunto the ſame Prophet foretelleth concerning the vnbeleeuing Iewes, ſpeaking of that which ſhould be, as if it were already done. The ſinners is Sion were afraid, (ſaith he) a Iſa. 33. 14.Isa 33:14feare is come vponupon the hypocrites. When Gods iudgments doe flie abroad in the world, this is the vſe that ſinfull perſons will make of them: they will vexe their hearts with helliſh and deſperate feares, and cry out, VVho among vsus ſhall dwell with deuouring p. 88fire? VVho among vsus ſhall dwell with euerlaſting burnings? For ſo they conceiue of God, that he is a conſuming fire, (as indeed he is vntounto ſuch as they are,) and that he will not onelyonly torment them preſently, but euerlaſtingly.

We may reade of Saul, in what wofull perplexity he was when he muſt part with his kingdome and his life at once. In the time of his proſperity he was a man of great courage, and too too boyſterous againſt Dauid: yet when newes came vntounto him that he muſt dye, the very report of it cauſed him ſtraight way to fall all along vponupon the earth like a beaſt, ſo that all that were preſent had much adoe to make him ariſe, and take a little food to refreſh him. He was ſtrong in body, and mighty inNote. battle, but ſinfull in heart, and therefore cowardly in heart: & the like might be ſhewed concerning Belſhazzar king of Ba…el, Daniel 5. and the ſouldiers that kept the ſepulcher where Chriſt was laid,Mat. 28. 4.Matt 28:4 when the Angell appeared in glory. But let vsus conſider of the reaſons hereof.

Reaſons 1 One is, becauſe all miſery commeth vponupon them vſually at vnawares: For they ſooth vp themſelues in their naughtineſſe, and perſwade themſelues that all ſhall be peace, though they walke on accordingDeut. 29.Deut 29 to the ſtubbornneſſe of their owne hearts: & therefore croſſes being vnexpected, doe findeThe ſuddenneſſe of their miſery. them vnprepared, and ſo caſt them into greater perplexity and anguiſh. It is ſaid (Pſal. 53. 5.) concerning vngodly men: There they were afraid for p. 89feare, where no feare was. Not but there was perill, and ſo cauſe of feare, but they had no expectation thereof; they miſtruſted nothing, but went on as boldly in ſinning, as a man would doe in the workes of his calling, & therefore were their hearts ſo diſtracted with feares when troubles did light vponupon them.

2A ſecond reaſon why preſumptuous offenders Their iudgment… are very grieuous.are ſo tormented with horrour is, becauſe many times the iudgements that God layeth vponupon them are very grieuous: as they hauehave preſſed downe others with heauy burdens, ſo the Lord purſueth them with heauy plagues. Thoſe that offend onelyonly through infirmity, ſhall hauehave more milde and gentle corrections: but as for them that tranſgreſſe with an high hand, the Lord will viſite them with ſharper ſcourges: and as they hauehave bene more bitter againſt their neighbours, ſo the Lord will hauehave them to drink more deeply of that cup which they prepared for others.

3Thirdly, God in his iuſtice will hauehave his hand to Gods terrible iuſtice is apparant in their afflictions.be ſeene againſt thoſe that make warre againſt him, and againſt his people: he will appeare in his anger againſt ſuch, and that muſt needes be terrible vntounto them. There is no bleſſing ſo ſmall, but if it come with Gods fauour, it is made very great: neither is there any croſſe ſo ſmall, but if it come withNote. Gods diſpleaſure, it is made exceeding grieuous; and that made them ſo afraid. Iſa. 33. 14. of whom mention was made before.

p. 90A fourth cauſe of their great terrour is, theThe guiltineſſe of their conſciences. guiltineſſe of their conſciences. They hauehave impoſed vponupon them grieuous burdens, which when the world went well with them, they ſcarſe euer felt: but in time of diſtreſſe they are made ſenſible thereof; and then they hauehave as it were a hell within them, and are continually vponupon the racke.

But that we may not miſtake the meaning of this point, we muſt vnderſtand, that this faint-heartedneſſe and cowardlineſſe doth not alwaies come vponupon preſumptuous ſinners when they behold imminent dangers: for though none of them hauehave true courage & fortitude, yet many of them hauehaveNote. a kind of deſperate ſtoutneſſe and reſolution, when they doe as it were ſee death preſent before their faces: which proceedeth from a kind of deadneſſe that is vponupon their hearts, and a brawnineſſe that hath ouergrowne their conſciences to their greater condemnation. But when it pleaſeth he Lord to waken them out of the dead ſlumber, and to ſet the worme of conſcience aworke within them, then this doctrine holdeth true without any exception, that the boldeſt ſinners proue at length the baſeſt cowards; & they that hauehave bene moſt audacious in aduenturing vponupon the moſt miſchieuous euils, do become of all others moſt timorous when Gods reuenging hand ſeazeth vponupon them for the ſame.

Vſe 1 Firſt therefore let vsus hence learne not to embolden our ſelues to ſinne in confidence of any p. 91outward helps: for there is nothing in the world that can procure vsus ſafety if we by our inquities do ſet the Lord againſt vsus.

Obiect. 1 Yet many are ſo fooliſh that they will truſt in lying vanities for their ſafegard and protection. Some will ſay, Tuſh, none of their threatnings ſhall fright me: for if the worſt come to the worſt, I can hauehave twenty deuices to helpe my ſelfe.

Anſ. But was not Achitophel as deepe a polititian as the beſt of vsus? yet when Gods terrible ſtroake was vponupon his heart, all his cunning could not keepe him from hanging himſelfe.

Obiect. 2 Others there are that reſt vponupon the multitude, and thinke themſelues ſufficiently ſheltred from Gods plagues, if they hauehave a great many to ioyne with them. Why ſhould ſhould we not ſport and game, and take our full pleaſure vponupon the Sabboth? (ſay they:) doth not all the country ſo? If it be ſo dangerous, many others ſhal feele the ſmart of it as well as we.

Anſ. They ſhall ſo indeed: for in the beginning of this Pſalme it is ſaid: They are all corrupt, all gone out of the way, there is none that doth good, no not one: ſo that there was as it were an vniuerſall conſpiracy in euill; yet is it ſaid of them all: There were they taken with feare. And at the laſt day at the beholding of the terrible ſignes that ſhall appeare, and at the hearing of the roaring of the ſea, all nations ſhall quake and tremble: ſo that the multitude of offenders doth no whit better their caſe, nay that rather maketh it worſe: for ſometimes p. 92euen where there is no perill, the very hearing of many ſending foorth bitter cryes and lamentable complaints, is a ſufficient terrour: how much more then would it be, if we were plunged in miſery with them? It is a cold comfort vntounto vsus to be told, You may ſafely goe to ſuch a towne; for there all the houſes are generally infected with the peſtilence! and as ſmall an incouragement is it for men to ruſh vponupon the committing of any ſinne, becauſe almoſt all the world is addicted thereunto, and corrupted therewith. For, as the more are infected with the peſtilence, the more are likely to die; and thoſe that go vntounto them, are ſure of more diſcomfort among them, and in danger to periſh with them: ſo by how much the number of them is greater that are tainted with groſſe ſinnes, the more are likely to goe to helliſh torments; and ſuch as will be their companions in euill, ſhall certainely be partakers with them in puniſhment: and the more reprobates are in hell together, the more hideous and woefull will their ſtate be.

Obiect. 3 Another ſort there are that ſecure themſelues with this, that they hauehave ſtomach and courage in them, and therefore they doubt not but they ſhall ſtand vndaunted and vnappalled in the midſt of all extremities.

Anſ. But theſe ſtout-hearted champions ſhall finde, that their hearts wil faile them, when the mouth of their conſcience beginneth once to be opened againſt them, and to lay their ſinnes new and old in order before them.

For what ſaith the Prophet Zephany? In the great Zeph. 1. 14. 15.Zeph 1:14Zeph 1:15day of the Lords wrath, the ſtrong man ſhall cry bitterly. Now crying is an argument of great perplexity and anguiſh, and of baſeneſſe of mind, when it proceedeth from outward cauſes; and yet the Prophet ſaith, that the ſtrong men, and ſuch as did profeſſe fortitude, ſhould cry, and that bitterly: and the more couragious they had bene in ſin, the more cowardly they ſhould be when the Lord did viſite them for ſinne.

Obiect. 4 Laſtly, there are others that thinke to carie out their vile practiſes by reaſon of their noble parentage, their high places, the multitude of their attendants, the largeneſſe of their ſubſtance, &c. If they ſay the word, who can hinder the deed? who dare controll them or croſſe them? If any thinke himſelfe wronged (ſay they) let him take his aduantage, and ſeeke his remedie, &c.

Anſwer. See the haughtineſſe of fleſh and bloud when once it is ſet on horſe-backe: but ſuppoſe that men dare not encounter them, doe they imagine that the Lord will be afraid of their bigge words, and bigge lookes? if they do, they are much deceiued. Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Belſhazzar, were as great and as proud as moſt of theſe braggers: yet did not the Lord ſtrike them with horrour and amazement, and make them ſee and know that hee was the king of kings, and Lord of Lords? Sathan p. 94hath all that worldly men can hauehave, and a great deale more both of wit, and wealth, and company, and courage, and command; and yet for all this the very conſideration of Gods indignation maketh him to tremble: according to that of the ApoſtleIam. 2. 19.Jas 2:19 Iames: Thou beleeueſt that there is one God, the diuels alſo beleeue, and tremble. And how then can they thinke to eſcape the terrours of the Lord, who though they be great in the world, yet come farre behinde the prince of the world in greatneſſe?

Let experience ſpeake in this poynt: when theNote. Lord tooke away our gracious Queene, and there was likelihood either of a ciuill diſſenſion, or forren inuaſion, (howbeit the Lord miraculouſly deliuered vsus from them both:) who were then leaſt troubled with feares? thoſe that were great in the world, or ſuch as were great in Gods fauour? And now that the Lord doth viſite our cities, and townes and villages with the peſtilence, who are they that are moſt couragious? ſurely thoſe that truly feare the Lord: they thinke it the ſafeſt courſe to exerciſe thēſelues in the workes of their callings, and not to run hither and thither; and to come vntounto the publicke aſſemblies of the Saints, and not to neglect the feeding of their ſoules for feare of endangering their bodies: whereas the wealthy and great ones of the world, hide their heads in a corner, being very vnwilling to aduenture vponupon any good worke that either God or man calleth them vntounto, if there be but the leaſt appearance of any perill.

p. 95Vſe 2 Therefore (in the ſecond place) if we would be voyde of thoſe terrours that wicked men are ſubiect vntounto, and be able with boldneſſe to hold vp our heads, when Gods iudgements are abroad in the world, then let vsus obſerue theſe directions following.

Firſt, let vsus beware of all manner of ſins, that noRemedies againſt he…liſh feares. 1. Feare to offend. See M. Dods booke: Con. 1. Pſal. 1…. …Ps 1 iniquity hauehave entertainment with vsus; and labour to be at one with the Lord, that ſo our conſciences may be at one with vsus: which if we can attaine vntounto, we ſhall be ſtrongly fortified againſt all vnneceſſary feares. According to that in the Pſalme: Bleſſed is the man that feareth the Lord, &c. He ſhall not be afraid of euill tidings, &c. Where the Prophet ſheweth, that hee is an happy man that is truly religious, and ſheweth it forth by fearing of God, and delighting in his commandements, and by performing the duties of louelove and merciemercy towards his brethren: for as he ſhall be freed from all hurtfull euils, ſo ſhall he be exempted from all paſſionate feare thereof. Many wickedNote. men hauehave not the plague in their houſes, and yet are plagued with the feare of it: and many godly men hauehave their families viſited therewith, and yet are not perplexed with ſuch terrors: and the reaſon is yeelded in that place, becauſe their hearts are fixed and eſtabliſhed, and beleeue in the Lord. That is the foundation wherupon they build their courage and confidence, euen the Lord himſelfe, who is a ſure ſtay to thoſe that relie vponupon him. His children p. 96know that nothing can befall them without his prouidence, and that nothing ſhall betide them, but he will ſupport them vnderunder it, and make them to profite by it: and what cauſe then hauehave they to be diſtempered? If therfore we deſire to hauehave ſtill & quiet hearts, when others ſhall be euen at their wits end, then let vsus get the breaſt-plate of righteouſneſſe and innocencie: for the righteous is bold as a Prou. 28. 1.Prov 28:1Lyon. Let vsus feare ſin before it be committed, and when we are tempted thereunto, ſay with Iob: Are there not strange puniſhments for the workers of iniquity? Iob. 31.Job 31Will not the Lord be angry with me if I ſhould commit this wickedneſſe? will not mine owne heart be diſcomforted? will not my ſpirit be made ſad within me? how ſhould I be able to looke the Lord in the face, if he ſhould lay his hand in any fearefull manner vponupon me or mine, when I hauehave ſo prouoked him to his face &c? Thus if we could fright our hearts from offending the maieſtie of God we ſhold be as bold as Iob was whē the waues of aduerſity flow in vponupon vsus on eueryevery ſide: The Lord (ſaith he) hath giuen, and the Lord hath taken, bleſſed Iob. 1. 21. Iob. 13. 15.Job 1:21Job 13:15be the name of the Lord. And in another place, Though the Lord ſhould kill me, yet will I truſt in him. He feared ſinne which is the ſting of croſſes, and therefore were his croſſes leſſe terrible vntounto him when they came: and ſo will they be vntounto vsus if we carefully eſchew thoſe corruptions which otherwiſe will inuenome and poyſon them vntounto vsus. This is the firſt meanes to arme vsus againſt feares, viz. to p. 97take heede of ſinne before it be committed.

2But if it be committed, the next remedy is, to Repentance for offences committed.ſtand in awe of Gods iudgements due vntounto the ſame, and ſo to be led on to true repentance. The beſt way to eſcape deſperate feare, is, to fright our ſoules with an holy feare: For if we iudge our ſelues, we ſhall not be iudged of the Lord. Excellent for this purpoſe, is that anſwere of Huldah the Propheteſſe vntounto good Ioſiah: Becauſe thine heart 2. Kings 22. 19. 20.2 Kgs 22:192 Kgs 22:20did melt (ſaith ſhe) and thou haſt humbled thy ſelfe before the Lord, when thou heardeſt what I ſpake againſt this place, and againſt the inhabitants of the ſame, to wit, that it ſhould be deſtroyed, and accurſed; and haſt rent thy clothes, and wept before me, I hauehave alſo heard thee ſaith the Lord. Behold therefore I will gather thee to thy fathers; and thou ſhalt be put in thy graue in peace, and thine eyes ſhal not ſee all the euill that I will bring vponupon this place. And agreeable to this, is the ſpeech of Habakkuk: VVhen I heard, Hab. 3. 16.Hab 3:16my belly trembled, my lips ſhooke at thy voice: rottenneſse entred into my bones, and I trembled in my ſelfe. But what benefite had he by that? That I might hauehave reſt in the day of trouble. So that we ſee the beſt way to be quiet and peaceable in our ſelues in troubleſome times, is to be diſquiet in our hearts for ſinne before troubles do approach.

3A third remedy is, to feare Gods iudgements Feare of Gods iudgements.when we behold them vponupon others; and if we hauehave bene ſinfull before, yet then to ſeeke a reconciliaon with God before his diſpleaſure ariſe againſt vsus. p. 98It was the wiſedome of the Gibeonites, when theyIoſhua 9.Josh 9 ſaw Ierico and Ai vanquiſhed and deſtroyed, not to ſtand it out with Ioſhua, but to make a league with him: if they could deale ſo prouidently with him for their bodies, much more ſhould we with the Lord for our ſoules. When the wiſe captaine came vntounto Elijah with his fifty men, conſidering how the two former captaines had bene conſumed with fire from heauen, he humbleth himſelfe and ſaith: O man of God, I pray thee let 2 King. 1. 23.2 Kgs 1:23my life be precious in thy ſight. In like manner when we heare that the people of the land are taken away by hundreds and thouſands, ſeeing we are guilty of the ſame ſinnes, that they were; we ſhould caſt downe our ſoules before the Lord, and beſeech him that our liues may be precious in his ſight, but eſpecially that our ſoules may be ſpared: that though our bodies ſhould periſh, yet our tranſgreſſions being pardoned, our better part may be preſerued, and euerlaſtingly ſaued. This isSee the ſecond Sermon on Lament. 3. v. 57. Feare not.Lam 3:57 the beſt receipt that any can take againſt the venome of the peſtilence, that he may be ſure it ſhall neuer hurt him. And thus much of the remedies againſt hurtfull feares.

[Becauſe God is in the generation of the iuſt.] This is one reaſon why it muſt needs go hardly with wicked men, that are deuourers and ſpoilers of Gods people; becauſe the Lord himſelfe is among them, to take notice of all the iniuries and indignities which they ſuſtaine, and to reuenge their p. 99quarrell vponupon their enimies, that are ſtronger than Doct. 2 Good men neuer want good company.they: whence ariſeth this point of doctrine, that the Lord is euer preſent with all righteous men.

A good man neuer wanteth good company: for whereſoeuer a Chriſtian is, there God himſelfe is with him, and in him, and round about him: ſo that none are ſo neare vntounto one another, as the Lord is vntounto his people.

Now that he is alwaies thus preſent with hisReuel. 1. 13Rev 1:13 children, appeareth in the Reuelation. Where Chriſt is ſaid to walke in the middes of the ſeuen golden Candleſticks: that is, of the ſeuen Churches: ſo that it is his ordinary walke to go in and out amongſt his ſeruants. Neither hath he a generall care of the whole Church onelyonly, but he hath an eye alſo vntounto eueryevery particular member; as will appeare in ſeuerall examples. When Iacob was all alone, trauelling towards Padan Aram, there being no towne neare, and the night drawing on, he was faine to take vp his lodging in the open field: but that night the Lord ſhewed himſelfe preſent with Iacob, and he ſaw that he had acquaintance euen in that ſolitarie place; for God tooke notice of him, and renewed with him his couenant made vntounto Abraham and Iſaac, and made him a promiſeGen. 28. 15Gen 28:15 to be [with him] whither ſoeuer he went, &c. So that that night was one of the comfortableſt nights that euer Iocob had.

The like we reade of Elijah, that when he fled from Iezabell, there was one knew him in the wilderneſſe p. 100and brought him his dinner, euen an Angell ſent from God: and afterward when he1 King. 18.1 Kgs 18 was vponupon mount Horeb, the Lord tooke knowledge of him, and called him by his name: VVhat doſt thou here, Elijah?

Yea Ionah found fauour from God, where no body elſe could come vntounto him, euen in the bottome of the ſea. Whence it is euident, that the Lord is eueryevery where with his people. AndHow God is preſent with his. that.

1Firſt, by his wiſedome, to giuegive them good direction: To direct them.in which regard Chriſt that is called a counſellour (Iſa 9.) is ſaid to be in the middes of the ſeuen golden Candlestickes, clothed with a garment downe to the feete, as was the manner of counſellours in thoſe times. Reuel 1. 13. So that he is euermore ready to reſolue vsus in our doubts: to aduiſe vsus in our actions and in our ſpeeches, and to direct vsus what and how to do and ſpeake, according as occaſion ſhall be offered.

2Secondly, he is preſent by his power, as a gracious To defend them. Iſa. 43. 1. 2.Isa 43:1Isa 43:2protector of his children, according to that of the Prophet Iſaiah: VVhen thou paſſeſt through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the flouds, that they doe not ouerflowe thee. VVhen thou walkeſt through the very fire, thou ſhalt not be burnt, neither ſhall the flame kindle vponupon thee. Where we may ſee that the Lord promiſeth to be with his Church in a wonderfull manner, and to be a defence and ſafegard vntounto thē in the moſt perillous times, euen p. 101when they ſhould paſſe through fire and water.

3Thirdly he is preſent with his children by his To comfort them.Spirit as a comforter, to refreſh their hearts in all extremities. Chriſt fortelleth his diſciples, that in the world they ſhould meete with many ſorrowes, which ſhould cauſe them to mourne, when others did reioyce; but withall he promiſeth to ſend them the comforter, euen the bleſſed Spirit of grace, whichIoh: 14. 6. ſhould miniſter vntounto them aboundance of conſolation, euen in the middes of the perſecutions and ſufferings, which they endured for Chriſt his ſake.

And that which was promiſed vntounto them, all the members of Chriſt ſhall feele in themſelues: for God is he that comforteth the abect, one as2 Cor. 7. 6.2 Cor 7:6 well as another, without exception.

By this now which hath bene ſpoken it may eaſily be diſcerned how the Lord is preſent with his ſeruants, viz. by his wiſedome to direct them: by his power, to preſerue thē; & by his Spirit, to comfort them. And that God hath bene, and is thus preſent ſtill, will be very euident, if we conſider the ſtate of the Church what it is, what it hath bene: namely ſtill beſet with many and mighty aduerſaries, that hauehave vſed, and doe vſe, their wit and wealth, and power and friendes, and al meanes that poſſibly they can diuiſe, for the razing and vtter ouerthrowing of Gods people: and yet hauehaveNote. neuer bene able to effect and bring to paſſe their p. 102malicious enterpriſes againſt the ſame. The Church is as a weake tent in it ſelfe, not fortified with any wals, and yet thoſe that hauehave laid ſiege againſt it, & ſought vtterly to conſume it, hauehave not taken away ſo much as one ſtake, or brokē ſo much as one cord thereof, as the Prophet Iſaiah witneſſes: and why?Iſa. 33. 20. 21.Isa 33:20Isa 33:21 becauſe (as he ſaith) the mighty Lord was their defence. Chriſtians are euen as ſheep, very impotent and feeble for the moſt part, in regard of outward ſtrength; & withall few in number: & their enimies are like raging Lyons, & beſides for multitude very many: yet the flocke of Chriſt ſtill remaines, & the more the wicked rage againſt it, the more doth it ſtill increaſe, as we hauehave an experiment in the Iſraelites vnderunder Pharaohs tiranny. Yea in many placesNote. where their paſtours ſeeke to make hauocke of thē, euen there are they couragious for the truth; and though Chriſtians dwell where ſatans throane is, and were he ſeemeth to beare full ſway, yet it may be ſaid to them, as it was vntounto the Church of Pergamus by Chriſt Ieſus, Thou keepeſt my name, and Reuel. 2. 13Rev 2:13haſt not denied my faith.

Yea further (which is of all other things moſt ſtrange) the poore lambes of Chriſt are ſo far from being torne in pieces by thoſe Lyons, that they become Lyons themſelues, not for cruelty but for courage. For ſo ſaith the Prophet Micah: And the Mich. 5. 8.Mic 5:8remnant of Iacob ſhall be among the Gentiles, in the mids of many people, as the Lyons among the beaſtes of the foreſt, and as the Lyons whelpe among the flockes p. 103of ſheepe. The meaning of which place is, that ſome few poore Chriſtians ſtanding in the cauſe of God, and comming furniſhed with the grace and power of the holy Ghoſt, ſhould be able to daunt and terrifie the hearts of many ſinfull perſons, and cauſe them euen to quake and tremble, as Paul did Felix, when he reaſoned powerfully andAct. 24. 26.Acts 24:26 effectually concerning righteouſneſſe, and temperance, and the iudgement to come. In ſo much that many who are hypocrites in heart, will make a ſhew of religion and piety, and ſeeme to conforme themſelues vntounto Chriſtians whom they hate with a deadly hatred: which plainly argueth, that there is a kind of maieſty of God, ſhining forthNote. in the faces and in the cariage of Gods ſeruants, which the vileſt reprobates are many times driuen to acknowledge, though full ſore againſt their wils.

Vſe 1 This point miniſtreth vntounto vsus a double inſtruction. Firſt, that we ſhould take part with righteous men: for if God be on their ſide, they muſt needs be the better ſide, and the ſtronger ſide; and therefore it is good wiſedome to ioyne with them. It was the ouerthrow of Achitophel that he forſooke king Dauid to take part with Abſolon. And it was the ruine of Abiathar and Ioab that they withdrew themſelues from Salomon to ſet vp Adonijah as king ouer Iſrael. And why ſped they ſo ill, but becauſe they were of a contrary ſide vntounto God himſelfe, who ſtood for Dauid and Salomon, and their adherents? And certainly the Lord is as ſtrongly with his Church now, as he was with Dauid and Salomon p. 104then; and therefore it muſt needs be very dangerous for any to ſeparate themſelues from his choſen: in which regard let vsus be carefull euermore to cleaue vntounto them, and to take part with them.

Obiect. Oh, but they hauehave many enemies that ſeeke to vndermine them, and therefore it is not ſafe ioyning with them!

Anſ Feare not their aduerſaries, though they be ten Pſal. 3.Ps 3thouſand to one: for God is their buckler, and the lifter vp of their heads: he will ſmite all their enemies vponupon the cheeke bone, & daſh out their teeth that ſeeke to draw bloud from his ſeruants. All that hate Sion ſhall periſh euen as the graſſe that groweth vponupon the houſe top; which though it make a bragging ſhew for a time, yet ſuddenly withereth and commeth to nothing. They that ſeeke to roote out the Iſrael of God, do, as it were, ſet their naked ſhoulder, to remoue an huge rocke that will fall vponupon them, and grinde them to powder, be theyZach. 12. 3Zech 12:3 neuer ſo many: and therefore we hauehave little reaſon to be afraid of them.

2Another inſtruction hence to be learned, is, that ſeeing God is in the generation of the righteous, therefore we ſhould frequent their ſociety, and reſort vntounto the aſſemblies of the Saints: for if the Lord be preſent with eueryevery one of his, by his ſpeciall prouidence and by his grace, then is he much more forcibly and effectually preſent with a multitude of them, that do worſhip him in ſincerity, and fill the heauens with zealous prayers, and ſtrong cryes.

p. 105Many are deſirous to go to the Court in hope (though they be not certaine) to ſee the King only, albeit hee doe not looke vponupon them, or ſpeake to them, or they to him: how much more deſirous ſhould wee be to come vntounto publike Chriſtian meetings, where wee ſhall be ſure to ſee the King of Kings in his glorie, and to hauehave him to take notice of vsus, to ſpeake vntounto vsus, to grant vsus free libertie to put vp our ſuites vntounto him, and to eſtate vsus in all the good things, which his ſonne Chriſt hath purchaſed for vsus by his pretious blood?

Are our hearts frozen in the dregges of our iniquities, and ſo hardened that wee cannot mourne for the ſame? let vsus repaire vntounto holie aſſemblies, and there we ſhal meete with the weapons of God that will pierce and wound our harts, and cauſe them to be diſſolued into teares: there ſhall wee feele the vertue of the ſpirit, effectually working vponupon vsus, ſo that wee ſhall be conſtrained to ſay of thoſe that deliuer the meſſage of Chriſt vntounto vsus, that God is in them indeed. Do1. Cor. 14. 25.1 Cor 14:25 we want faith in Gods prouidence and promiſes? Do we want power and ſtrength againſt our corruptions? In a word, doe wee want any grace of God, or any bleſſing of God? let vsus hauehave recourſe vntounto the congregations of the Saints, and there wee ſhall meete the Lord himſelfe, who will bee readie to ſupplie our neceſſities whatſoeuer they be, and to grant vsus aboue that that we can aske or thinke.

And as for our owne priuate caſes, ſo for the p. 106publike ſtate of the Church and Commonwealth; if wee would hauehave the peſtilence or famine, or any other iudgement remoued, the way to procure this is, to repaire thither, where wee ſhall meete with many of the faithfull, that will be ready to ioyne with vsus in praier, and to wreſtle with the Lord by feruent and earneſt ſupplications for the remouing of his deſerued ſtrokes. And this ſhould much incourage vsus and adde life vntounto our prayers, as often as wee hauehave occaſion to aske any thing in publike, that God will vouchſafe vntounto vsus his gratious preſence, and ſhew by good effect that hee is in the generation of the righteous.

Verſ. 6. Ye hauehave made a mock of the counſell of the poore] In that the holy Prophet doth lay this vntounto wicked mens charge, as a hainous crime, and as the cauſe of his ſtrokes that were to bee inflicted vponupon them, this Doctrine offereth it ſelfe for our learning, that

Doct. 3 Ieſting and ſcoffing at Gods children, is a grieuous kinde of perſecution, and ſuch as the LordMockers are grieuous perſecutors. Heb. 11.Heb 11 takes ſpeciall notice of.

In which regard the Apoſtle, Heb. 11. 36. ſpeaking of the wonderfull great trials which ſundrie of the Saints did by faith vndergoe, reckoneth vp this as none of the leaſt of them, that they had been tried by mockings. In like ſort when the holy Ghoſt yeeldeth a reaſon of the vtter ouerthrow of the kingdome of Iudah, and of their long and wofull captiuitie, he ſetteth downe this to be one of the p. 107principall cauſes thereof, viz. That they mocked 2. Chro. 36. 26.2 Chr 36:26the meſſengers of God, and deſpiſed his words, and miſuſed his Prophets, vntill the wrath of the Lord aroſe againſt his people, and till there was no remedie.

This kinde of perſecution Iſmael vſed againſtGal. 4. 29.Gal 4:29 Iſaac (as the Apoſtle witneſſeth) for which heeGen. 21. 9.Gen 21:9 was caſt out of the Church of God. And this was one of the meritorious ſufferings of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt, that they ſpit vponupon him, and noddedMat. 26. & 27. Pſal. 22.Matt 26Ps 22 their heads at him, and vſed taunting and diſgracefull ſpeeches vntounto him, and put as it were a fooles coate vponupon him to diſguiſe him, and called him in mockage, the King of the Iewes, &c. This I ſay was not the leaſt part of his bitter paſſion, through which hee purchaſed eternall ſaluation for all his elect, namely, that hee endured much contempt and reproch both in the courſe of his life, and at the time of his death.

Now the reaſon why Satan maketh choice of this weapon aboue others, therewith to fight againſt Gods ſeruants, is,

Reaſons. Firſt, becauſe mans nature is ſubiect greatly to abhorre contempt, and therefore cannot eaſily endure to bee vilified and diſgraced by ſcoffing and reprochfull ſpeeches and geſtures.

2Secondly, the diuell knoweth that he can get many ſouldiers to be imployed this way. EueryEveryNote. limme of his cannot impriſon, nor ſpoile Chriſtians of their goods, or of their liues: but there are few or none but they can frame ſcoffes and p. 108ieſts againſt the members of Chriſt Ieſus. EueryEvery boy can quickly grow skilfull at this, as we ſee in Iſmael, and in the two and fortie children that2. King. 2.2 Kgs 2 were torne in pieces of two beares for their mocking of the Prophet Eliſha: the very ſcumme of the people, the vagabonds and rogues that run vp and downe the countrie can doe their maſter the diuell good ſeruice this way: thoſe that were the children of fooles and the children of villaines,Iob 30. 8. 9.Job 30:8Job 30:9 (as Iob ſpeaketh) who were more vile then the earth it ſelfe, could make Iob their ſong and their talke: and in like ſort did the drunkards andPſal. 69. 12. Pſal. 35.Ps 69:12Ps 35 pot-companions deale with Dauid; and the thiefe vponupon the croſſe with our Sauiour, euen at y^t timeMatth. 27. 44.Matt 27:44 when the fierce wrath of God was manifeſted vponupon his bodie hanging on the croſſe, for that he had been a notorious and hainous malefactor.

Vſe 1 Firſt, this doctrine muſt teach vsus to beware of deriding and taunting at good men for taking of good waies, leſt by ſo doing we become perſecuters, and bee proceeded againſt as enemies vntounto God and his people. It is not ſo ſafe for vsus, as many take it to be, to exerciſe our ſelues in ſuch kind of ſcoffing: he is commonly held to be a ſillie fellow, that cannot gird at a Miniſter, and at ſuch as vſually reſort vntounto Sermons. But let vsus take heed of ſuch nipping and biting ſpeeches as tend to the defaming of any of Gods ſeruants or ſeruices; leſt we be caſt out from hauing any communion and fellowſhip with God, as ſcoffing Iſmael was, and be expoſed to ſuch plagues and puniſhments p. 109as the wicked Iewes were, who mocked the meſſengers of God, and reuiled our bleſſed Sauiour in ſuch an opprobrious and diſgracefull manner, as the Scriptures doe record.

Vſe 2 Secondly, for as much as contemptuous and reprochfull ſcoffes and girds are ſuch weapons as Satan putteth into the hands of his inſtruments, let vsus prepare for them, and arme our ſelues againſt them. Chriſts Diſciples muſt not looke to be aboue their maſter: if wicked ſinners reuiled and derided him, we muſt not imagine to eſcape their virulent and venemous tongues: and therefore the Apoſtle exhorteth vsus, that ſeeing he hathHeb. 13. 12. 13.Heb 13:12Heb 13:13 borne our reproch, wee ſhould beare his, and for the ioy that is laid before vsus, endure the croſſe,Heb. 12. 2.Heb 12:2 and deſpiſe the ſhame, and ſo at length wee ſhall receiue the crowne of glorie, which is prepared for all thoſe that in patience doe waite for his glorious appearing.

Now that wee may be better inabled to beareHow we may be inabled to beare contēpt. theſe taunts and reproches, let vsus take this direction following.

11. Firſt labour againſt that inbred pride that Labour againſt pride.is naturally in eueryevery one of our hearts, which maketh vsus vtterly vnable to vndergoe diſgrace: therefore was it, that though many of the chiefe rulers of the Iewes beleeued in Chriſt, yet they durſt not confeſſe him, becauſe of the Phariſies, who would hauehave excommunicated them, and diſgraced them to the vtmoſt: and the reaſon is rendred in that place, viz. That they loued the p. 110John 12. 43.John 12:43praiſe of men, more then the praiſe of God: they ſtood vponupon their carnall credite and reputation among their neighbours and countriemen, more then vponupon that true credite and eſtimation which they might hauehave had with the Lord and his children; and therefore was it that they were ſo loath to expoſe themſelues for Chriſt his ſake vntounto the ſhame of the world: whereas if they had had humble and lowlie hearts, they would hauehave denied themſelues in their eſtimation among men, and hauehave taken vp the reproch of Chriſt as an honorable crowne: let this therefore be our firſt worke to labour againſt the hautineſſe of our fleſhly hearts.

2Secondly, to the intent that we may more patiently Conſider what ſcoffers are.indure to be vilified and diſgraced, let vsus conſider what manner of men ſcoffers be, viz. the moſt abiect, vile and contemptible perſons that are, as we may ſee in thoſe before mentioned, who in this ſort purſued Iob and Dauid, and our bleſſed ſauiour.

Obiect. Oh but (will ſome ſay) they are men of great wealth, of great place, of great parentage, of great wit and learning, that doe mocke vsus, and gird at vsus for our religion, and for our profeſſion.

Anſwere. Grant that they be great men in all the former reſpects, yet if they be wicked and vngodly, the holy ghoſt accounteth them vile and contemptible men: and ſo ſhould wee eſteeme of them, though they be as mightie as Zenacherib was; for when he ſent a diſdainefull and ſcornefull meſſage p. 111vntounto Hezekiah, and the reſt of Gods people, hee was indeede ignominious, becauſe hee was impious and blaſphemous: he was vile in Gods ſight, and he made him appeare vile both before men and Angels, according to that of Iſaiah, The Iſai. 37. 22.Isa 37:22virgin daughter of Sion hath deſpiſed thee and laughed thee to ſcorne.

3Thirdly, let vsus conſider, as what they are for the preſent, ſo what they ſhall be hereafter: and that the ſame Prophet Iſaiah ſheweth, ſaying, Feare ye not for the reproch of men, neither be ye afraid Iſai. 51. 7. 8.Isa 51:7Isa 51:8of their rebukes. For the moth ſhall eate them vp like a garment, and the worme ſhall eate them like wood.

Obiect. 1 But (will ſome mā ſay) what great matter is this? ſhall not the wormes conſume the good as well as the bad?

Anſwere. Yes ſurely, that cannot be denied: and yet there is an euident difference betweene the wicked & the godly, euen … this reſpect: for thoughNote. righteous mens bodies become wormes meate, yet it is not in any diſpleaſure from the Lord, nor for any hurt vntounto them, for they are ſtill pretious in his eyes, as their ſoules are, which euen then enioy celeſtial happineſſe; and beſides euen thoſe bodies of theirs ſhall be reſtored, and be made euerlaſtingly glorious together with their ſoules: all which things are farre otherwiſe with ſuch ſinfull perſons as delight themſelues in ſcoffing and deriding of the Saints of God: their bodies are at beſt when they are deuoured by wormes: they can neuer expect better, but that which is farre worſe ſhall ſurely come vntounto them.

p. 1124Fourthly, that wee may bee inabled in conſcience Meditate on the reward.to ſwallow vp ſuch reproches as are caſt vponupon vsus, let vsus ſeriouſly meditate on the reward which is promiſed vntounto them that can ſo doe. Bleſſed are you (ſaith our Sauiour) when men reuile Matth. 5. 11. 12.Matt 5:11Matt 5:12you, and perſecute you, and ſpeake all manner of euill againſt you for my names ſake falſely. Reioyce and be glad, for great is your reward in heauen. And againe, the Apoſtle Peter ſaith, If yee be railed vponupon 1. Pet. 4. 14.1 Pet 4:14for the name of Chriſt, bleſſed are yee; for the ſpirit of glorie, and of God reſteth vponupon you. This made Moſes to eſteeme the rebuke of Chriſt greater riches then Heb. 11. 26.Heb 11:26the treaſures of Egypt: for (ſaith the holie Ghoſt) hee had reſpect vntounto the recompence of the reward. Therefore when wee finde our hearts beginning to bee diſmaied at the bitter taunts and ieſts of prophane ſcoffers, let vsus animate our ſelues vntounto patience with theſe or the like conſiderations; why ſhould I be diſcouraged at theſe things? ſinfull men ſeeke to vilifie and diſgrace me; but doth God thinke euer the worſe of me? I am baſe and contemptible in their eyes, but doe the Angels of God, or any of his Saints, conceiue any whit more hardly of me in that regard? Nay, doth not the Lord himſelfe, and ſuch as hauehave his image moſt liuely ſhining foorth in them, eſteeme me ſo much more honorable, by how much they labor to make me more vile and abiect in regard of my weldoing? Why then ſhould I faint vnderunder the burthen of reproch, wherewith they do ſtill load me? eſpecially ſeeing that this momentanie diſgrace p. 113which I ſuſtaine for Chriſt his cauſe, ſhall bring vntounto me an eternall and inualuable weight of glorie?

Doct. 4 Of the poore] From which words note this Doctrine, that the eſtate of Gods people is commonly The godlie vſually afflicted.a poore and afflicted eſtate. Therefore in the originall the word [poore] is not vſed in the Plurall number, but in the Singular, and carries this ſenſe [ye hauehave made a mock of the counſell of that poore one] implying thereby, what is the common caſe of all, namely, to be full of calamities and diſtreſſes, through many tribulations to enter into the kingdome Acts 14. 22. Rom. 8.Acts 14:22Rom 8of God, and to be conformable vntounto their head Chriſt in afflictions and ſufferings.

And this the Lord in his wiſe prouidence will hauehave to be ſo for theſe reaſons:

Reaſons. Firſt, that thereby the fleſh might be diſcountenanced, and hauehave no cauſe to reioyce before1. 1. Cor. 2.1 Cor 2 him.

2Secondly, that men might embrace religion for it ſelf, and in conſcience vntounto God, not in any outward reſpects. Whereas if moſt of thoſe that are Chriſtians, were of great place, many would make a ſhew of being religious, that they mightNote. thereby grow to aduancement in the world, and ſo ſeeke earthly things in ſpirituall exerciſes.

3Thirdly, that his childrē might grow in neerer acquaintance with him, who otherwiſe would be ſtrangers vntounto their owne father: In their affliction Hoſ. 5. 15.Hos 5:15(ſaith God) they will ſeeke me diligently. Before that time they would rather ſue vntounto any then vntounto p. 114the Lord: therefore was he driuen to break them with one breaking vponupon another, that ſo hauing no other refuge to betake themſelues vntounto, they might hauehave recourſe vntounto him. This is cleere in the example of Manaſſe, who being in bonds and in irons, humbled his ſoule before the Lord, and prayed vntounto him for fauor, and merciemercy, and found it at his hands: whereas before ſuch time as hee was preſſed downe with grieuous miſerie, he obſtinately refuſed to hearken vntounto the Lord, and to his meſſengers, and was ſo far frō calling vponupon his name, that he diſhonored it by all manner of abominations, which hee committed with an high2. Chron. 33. 6.2 Chr 33:6 hand, euen to anger the Lord.

4Fourthly, God would hauehave his people often to taſte of aduerſities, and troubles, that ſo they might learne to truſt in him, whereas otherwiſe they would make the arme of fleſh to bee their ſtay and confidence. This the Lord himſelf auoucheth in the prophecie of Zephanie, ſaying, I will Zeph. 3. 12.Zeph 3:12leaue in the middeſt of thee an humble, and poore people, and they ſhall truſt in the name of the Lord.

Vſe. This point maketh for the confutation of an error which withholdeth diuers from the profeſſion of the Goſpell: Is this the word of God? is this your holy miniſterie (ſay they) and are theſe your good men that doe embrace the ſame? a companie of ſimple baſe fellowes, of poore Artificers, and the like? who can imagine this to bee the truth, which ſuch kinde of men as theſe doe giuegive credence vntounto? How many Gentlemen, or p. 115Noblemen, or men of learning and policie are of their mindes? and for thoſe that are, hauehave they not manifold afflictions in their hearts, or vponupon their bodies and eſtates? This is iuſt the cauill of the Phariſies againſt the doctrine of our Sauiour: Neuer man ſpake like this man (ſay the officers thatJoh. 7. 46. 47. 48.John 7:46John 7:47John 7:48 were ſent to take him, but did not:) Then anſwered the Phariſies, Are yee alſo deceiued? Doth any of the Rulers, or of the Phariſies beleeue in him? but this people which know not the law, are accurſed. Therefore let not vsus bee deceiued by ſuch vaine words of men, that iudge not righteous iudgement, but according as their owne fleſhly wiſedome directeth them, but let vsus rather build vponupon the words of him that is the true witneſſe, who as he receiued a commiſſion to preach vntounto the poore, ſo he did accordinglyLuke 4.Luke 4 performe it, and found good ſucceſſe thereupon, and therefore biddeth Iohns diſciples to tell him, that the poore receiued the Goſpell. TheyLuke 7. 22.Luke 7:22 were the profitable and fruitful hearers of Chriſt, who by reaſon of ſome outward calamities and diſtreſſes or other, were humbled and abaſed in their owne eyes, and had the pride and ſtubbornneſſe of the fleſh ſomewhat maſtered and taken downe.

2Secondly, here is matter of reioycing for Gods ſeruants, that are in pouertie and diſtreſſe any maner of way: it is the common condition of the members of Chriſt, and therefore they muſt not from thence draw any hard concluſions againſt themſelues. It is the very high way vntounto heauen, p. 116which hath been troden by Chriſt and all his Saints, to paſſe through manifold troubles and grieuances, manifold ſtraits and extremities, and at length to attaine vntounto that reſt which is prepared for vsus in the kingdome of God. If any by reaſon2. Theſſ. 1. 7.2 Thess 1:7 of their neceſſities and miſeries had euer miſſed of the crowne of life, wee had ſome cauſe to feare our ſelues in that regard: but ſithence none euer did ſo, but rather hauehave reaped benefit by their afflictions, then taken any hurt thereby, wee ſhould be of good comfort; and be ſo farre from fainting in our trials, that wee ſhould reioyce in the ſame, making full account, that then Gods owne hand will moſt manifeſtly appeare for our preſeruation and conſolation, when humane helps do moſt of all faile vsus: neither indeed could it be ſo cleerely diſcerned that he is the vpholder of his Church, if it had wealth, and power, and outward props and pillars to beare vp the ſame.

Doct. 5 Ye hauehave made a mock of the counſell of the poore: and why? becauſe the Lord is his truſt: This is the verie true cauſe, whatſoeuer other pretences there bee. Wicked men hauehave a quarrell againſt godlineſſe.Whence obſerue this Doctrine, that true godlineſſe is that which breeds the quarrell betweene Gods children and the wicked.

Vngodly men may ſay what they liſt, as namely, that they hate and diſlike them for that they are proud and ſawcie in medling with their betters: for that they are ſcornefull & diſdainfull towards their neighbours: for that they are mal…content, and turbulent, and I know not what: but the true p. 117reaſon is yeelded by the Lord in this place, to wit, becauſe they make him their ſtay and their confidence, and will not depend vponupon lying vanities, as the men of the world doe.

And the like reaſon is giuen by the Apoſtle Peter, who ſpeaking of vnregenerate men, ſaith, that it ſeemeth ſtrange to them, that the godly runne not 1. Pet 4. 4.1 Pet 4:4with them to the ſame exceſſe of riot: and therefore (ſaith hee) ſpeake they euill of you. The cauſe why they traduce and defame them, is not becauſeNote. they are euill, but becauſe they will not be as bad as themſelues: not becauſe they hauehave committed great faults, but becauſe they will not commit them. And this we may obſerue in our owne experience, that the moſt holy exerciſes are moſt offenſiue vntounto carnall perſons: and that they exclaime againſt many things, as if they were hainous crimes, which God hath commanded as neceſſarie duties: to wit, faſting and prayer, and hearing of the word, and ſuch like, which as occaſion ſerueth, muſt of neceſſitie bee performed: theſe are the holy men (ſay they) that muſt needs bee more forward then all their neighbors; that will not allow of good fellowſhip and of merrie meetings, but are altogether for praying and for preaching, &c. when others are ſporting and dancing, and recreating themſelues: I warrant you they are but meere hypocrites and diſſemblers: their hearts are as bad as the worſt, and none are more diſloyall ſubiects to their Prince then ſuch are. Theſe are hard charges, yet ſuch as befell Chriſt p. 118Ieſus himſelfe, who among many other falſe imputations was eſteemed an enemie to Caeſar. But whence proceed all theſe hard ſurmiſes and cenſures? Surely from this, that Gods children doe endeuour from a true and faithfull heart to ſerue and pleaſe the Lord in all things, and doe refuſe to walk with the multitude in the broad way that leads vntounto deſtruction. Here is the matter whereupon al their malice doth work: and this ariſeth,

Reaſons. 1 Firſt from the diuell himſelfe, who is an vtter aduerſarie vntounto mans ſaluation and vntounto Gods glorie, and therefore makes warre againſt the ſeed of the Church, which keepe the commandements of Reuel. 12. 17.Rev 12:17God, and hauehave the testimonie of Ieſus Chriſt.

2Secondly, from that helliſh corruption that is in mans nature, which though there were no diuell, would miniſter vntounto them ſufficient malice, whereby they ſhould bee ſtirred vp to carrie a grudge againſt the image of God whereſoeuer it is, yea though it be in thoſe that in the bounds of nature are moſt neerely linked vntounto them; as we ſee in Cain, who hated and murthered his brother Abel: and why? becauſe his owne workes were euill, 1. Ioh. 3. 12.1 John 3:12and his brothers good.

Vſe 1 Therefore let Gods ſeruants neuer looke to pleaſe the world by weldoing, but make full reckoning that they ſhall much diſpleaſe them.

Obiect. Oh but it is your owne preciſenes (will ſome ſay) that cauſeth you to be ſo much maligned and diſliked.

Anſwere. Nay, it is the worlds wickednes, not our ſtrictnes; p. 119otherwiſe what cauſed the Prophets of God, the Sonne of God himſelf, and his holy Apoſtles to bee ſo much hated and wronged by vngodlie men? They dare not ſay it was their indiſcretion and niſeneſſe, or any the like failing on their part, but in trueth the malice of the wicked, which is the very cauſe why euen in theſe our daies Gods people finde ſuch hard meaſure from prophane perſons.

2Secondly, let this teach vsus not to be diſcouraged, albeit wicked ſinners thinke and ſpeake the worſt of vsus: our goodnes, not our badnes is the occaſion thereof, and therefore wee ſhould be ſo farre from conceiuing the worſe of our ſelues or of our works meerely in this reſpect that they go about to depraue and vilifie both vsus and thē, that we ſhuld hauehave a better opinion, both of our own perſons and actions, as hoping that the Lord doth gratiouſly accept of the one and of the other, becauſe the vileſt ſinnes do moſt of all diſlike them, and ſeeke by all meanes to faſten infamie and diſgrace vponupon them. Do we then truſt in God, & do ſinfull perſons deride our ſimplicitie in that behalf, and tell vsus that we ſhall be ouerthrowne, and neuer be long able to hold vp our heads? let vsus reſt on the Lord ſtill, & neuer be diſmaied at their miſchieuous and malicions ſpeeches, & attempts againſt vsus, knowing and aſſuring our ſoules that they that truſt in the Lord ſhall be as mount Sion, that Pſal. 125. 1.Ps 125:1cannot be remoued, but ſtandeth faſt for euer.

FINIS.