Conversion of Nineveh, Gods Trumpet, Physic Against Famine, Sermon 3 (1 of 4)

Conversion of Nineveh, Gods Trumpet, Physic Against Famine · Sermon 3 (1 of 4)

p. 1PHISICKE AGAINST FAMINE.

LVKE 12.32.

Feare not, little Flocke: for it is your Fathers good pleaſure to give unto you the Kingdome.

THe occaſion of theſe words is to bee taken from the 15. The occaſion of the words.verſe of this Chapter, wherein our Saviour exhorteth to take heed & beware of covetouſneſſe, for as much as no mans life ſtandeth in the abundance of thoſe things he poſſeſſeth. True it is, this leſſon is ſhort, and ſet downe in few words: howbeit it is not ſo ſoone learned, and eaſily practiſed, as it is ſpoken and delivered. Wherefore, he propoundeth p. 2a parable, and telleth what hapned to a certaine rich man, who, in the plentifull encreaſe of his goods and fruits of his ground, bleſſed himſelfe the poſſeſſor, but not the Lord the giver of all: for he ſaid to his ſoule, Luke 12.19, 20.Luke 12:19Luke 12:20Soule, thou haſt much goods laid up for many yeeres, take thine eaſe, eate, drinke, and be merry. But what ſaid the Oracle of God unto him? Thou foole, this night thy ſoule ſhall bee required of thee; then whoſe ſhall theſe things be, which thou haſt provided? This example hee applieth to all, Verſe 21 ſo is he a ſtarke foole that layeth up treaſure for himſelfe, but is not rich toward God. Then he goeth forward to lay before us the care that God hath over his Children, both toward their lives and their bodies, Verſe 24 who feedeth the Ravens that cry unto him, and clotheth the Lillies of the Field that cannot cry unto him; Verſe 27 ſo that Salomon in all his royalty was not arayed like one of them. But what is all this, if we make not uſe thereof? if we doe not apply it unto our ſelves? doubtleſſe, it is no better then the covetous mans hidden treaſure, which he heapeth and hoardeth together, but doth neither to himſelfe nor to other any good. Wee have therefore the direction of Chriſt himſelfe, who draweth and deducteth ſundry concluſions from hence. Verſe 31 One uſe is taught in the verſe 31. Firſt of all ſeeke the Kingdome of God, and then all theſe things ſhall be added unto you. Another uſe is in theſe words of the text, feare not, for you have a Kingdome prepared and provided for you.

Thus we are come to the words that are to be handled, The interpretation of the vvords.being the uſe that the beſt Teacher and Maſter maketh of his doctrine he had delivered: Now let us ſee the meaning and interpretation thereof.

Feare not.) This is to be reſtrained according to the circumſtances aforegoing, the generall being put for the ſpeciall. We are ſometimes commanded to feare, p. 3Pſal. 34.9. O feare the Lord, yee his Saints: and Rom. Pſal. 34.9. Rom. 11.20. Matth. 10.26, 28. 1 Pet. 3.20. Pſal. 2.11. Luke 1.74.Ps 34:9Rom 11:20Matt 10:26Matt 10:281 Pet 3:20Ps 2:11Luke 1:7411 Be not high-minded, but feare. And againe ſometimes, not to feare, Matth. 10.26, 28. 1 Pet. 3.20. Sometimes wee are charged to ſerve the Lord in feare, and to rejoyce in trembling, Pſal. 2. Likewiſe ſometimes to ſerve him without feare, Luke 1.74. Theſe phraſes may ſeeme the one contrary to the other. But they are eaſily reconciled, if the words going before, and following after be diligently marked. In this place hee meaneth the feare of want of earthly things, as if there were none in Heaven above to provide, nor promiſe made in the Word to ſtrengthen, nor example of the godly to direct, or as if every one were left to ſhift and ſcamble for himſelfe. So then hee meaneth a corrupt and carnall feare, whereby a man feareth leſt he lacke ſuch things as are needfull for the maintenance of this life, and thereby is ſo diſtracted in the ſervice of God, that he employeth all his time in the buſineſſe and affaires of this preſent world.

Flocke) That is, my people, whom I have undertaken to maintaine, nouriſh, keepe, preſerve, and feed, as a good Shepheard doth his Flocke: for theſe are as it were the ſheepe of his paſture.

Little) Gods heritage is called little in three reſpects: firſt, in regard they are few in number, becauſe the multitude of the wicked world is the gnats, and repleniſheth all palces of the earth. Secondly, in regard of the ſmall account and eſtimation wherein they are; there is little reckoning made of them: Matth. 10.42. 1 Cor. 4.13.Matt 10:421 Cor 4:13for in the judgement of the ungodly, they are as the filth of the world, and the off-ſcowring of all things unto this day. Hence it is, that Chriſt ſaith, Matth. 18.14. Matth. 18.14.Matt 18:14It is the will of your heavenly Father, that none of theſe little ones ſhould periſh. Thirdly, they are little in their owne eyes, and thinke more lowly of themſelves, then any other, or p. 4then of any other, 2 Sam. 6.22. 1 Chron. 29.14.

Fathers.) That is, God, the Father of his Church, whom he tendreth as the apple of his eye, and loveth as a Father doth his Children, and therefore cannot ſee nor ſuffer them to want any thing that is good.

Kingdome.) That is, the Kingdome of Heaven, the Kingdome of glory, for Chriſts Kingdome is not of this world, Iohn 18.36. Touching the good pleaſure of God ſee more afterward.

In theſe words obſerve two points: The diviſion of the vvords.firſt, the counſell or commandement of Chriſt which is delivered. Secondly, a reaſon whereby it is enforced. In the counſell conſider theſe particulars.

Firſt, an earneſt dehortation or diſſwaſion, feare not. Secondly, a loving appellation by way of an Apoſtrophe, or a turning of his ſpeech, belonging to thoſe hearers that are called from feare, the Flocke of God.

Thirdly, a ſtrict limitation, or word of reſtraint, it is a little Flocke, that God taketh charge and care of. The Shepheard regardeth not the Goates and wild beaſts of the field and forreſt: it is enough for the Shepheard, that he feed his Sheepe and his Lambes.

The ſecond point is a reaſon, and that reaſon is a promiſe, and that promiſe is of a Kingdome. For ſo gracious is our good God unto us, that he annexeth his promiſe to our obedience, to give us encouragement in doing our duty. And herein obſerve divers branches; for the promiſe containeth the Author, the application, the ground-worke, the manner, the object, and the ſubject.

Firſt, the Author of the promiſe, who alſo is as able to performe it. Many men doe make large and faire promiſes, but are not able oftentimes to make them good. This promiſer is God, deſcribed unto us by a word of relation, he is in nature a Father.

Secondly, the ſpeciall application thereof to our p. 5ſelves, he is our Father, ſo that as he is able, ſo likewiſe he is willing to performe his promiſe, becauſe he loveth us. For what Father will forſake his children?

Thirdly, the ground and originall of it, his owne good pleaſure, and not any thing in our ſelves as of our ſelves to move him to favour us.

Fourthly, the manner of it, he giveth it, he doth not ſell it, or exchange and barter with us, to receive the like againe, or the worth of his promiſe in ſome other commodity at our hands; it is his free gift, it is not for any merits done, or workes and worthineſſe foreſeene: ſo that we cannot ſay to God, as Abraham did to the Hittites, Give it me for ſo much mony as it is worth, Gen. Gen. 23.9.Gen 23:923.9. and if any be ſo fooliſh, Acts 8.20.Acts 8:20we may anſwer them as Peter doth to Simon Magus, Act. 8. Thy mony periſh with thee, becauſe thou haſt thought that the gift of God may be purchaſed with mony.

Fiftly, the object of the promiſe, to wit, the perſons to whom it is given, to You: but to what You? not to the wiſe and prudent of this world, but to babes and ſimple ones: not neither to all in generall, for hee hath made no ſuch large promiſe to all the ſonnes of men, but to You, called before, the little Flocke.

Laſtly, the ſubject or matter of the promiſe, the Kingdome of Heaven, without which, all other promiſes are of no value. This is promiſed and beſtowed upon a few onelyonly. And thus much touching the occaſion; the interpretation, and the diviſion of the words. Now let us come to the particular handling of them in order as they have beene unfolded unto us.

Feare not) The firſt point that commeth to be conſidered, is the dehortation, wherein our Saviour ſheweth what wee may not doe. This is the ground of all diffidence and diſtruſt, a cauſeleſſe and needleſſe feare. This is the root of all doubting and diſtraction, and p. 6therefore he laboureth firſt of all to pull it up by the root, and to cut it off with the ſword of Gods providence. Doct. 1 This teacheth that Gods ſervants have no cauſe to feare the want of Gods hand or helpe in temporall things. We need not be afraid to be forſaken or forgotten of God, as if hee neglected us, or had caſt us off in time of diſtreſſe. True it is, when we looke upon our preſent eſtate with fleſhly eyes, and can ſee no end, nor iſſue out of our troubles, like a Sea that hath neither banke nor bottome, we are oftentimes aſſaulted with doubting, and ſometimes with deſpaire: but when we caſt up our eyes to Heaven, and behold the providence, the purpoſe, the promiſe, the protection, and preſervation of God, we have a ſtaffe of comfort put into our hands to ſtay us up, that we fall not to the ground. The Iſraelites being brought out of Egypt, lifted up their eyes, and beheld the Egyptians marching after them. Then they were ſore afraid, and began to murmure againſt Moſes, not without a bitter taunt likewiſe, Exod. 14.10.11.Exod 14:10Exod 14:11Exod. 14.10. Becauſe there were no graves in Egypt, haſt thou taken us away to dye in the wilderneſſe? Wherefore haſt thou delt thus with us to carry us forth out of Egypt? then Moſes ſaid unto them, Feare ye not, ſtand ſtill and ſee the ſalvation which he will ſhew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have ſeene to day, yee ſhall ſee them againe no more for ever: the Lord ſhall fight for you, and you ſhall hold your peace. Thus the Prophet ſpeaketh, Pſal. 34.9, 10.Ps 34:9Ps 34:10Pſal. 34. They that feare the Lord, ſhall need to feare no lacke: the Lyons lacke and ſuffer hunger, but they that ſeeke the Lord, ſhall want nothing that is good. Where no feare of God is, no marvaile if there be feare of all things elſe: but where the feare of his name is, there is a counterpoyſon to expell all other feare. Hereunto accordeth the ſaying of Chriſt, I ſay unto you, Matth. 6.25.Matt 6:25be not carefull for your life what yee ſhall eat, p. 7or what yee ſhall drinke, nor for your body what yee ſhall put on: is not the life more worth then meat, and the body then raiment? It is the manner of the moſt ſort, when they begin to feele any want, eſpecially in times of famine, to cry out, Oh, we are undone! what ſhall wee doe? how ſhall we live? wherewithall ſhall we maintaine our families and houſholds? As if there were no God in Iſrael that looked upon us, or cared for us, or knew our wants. But who is it that gave thee thy life? or from whence receivedſt thou thy body? have wee not our breath and being from God? doubtleſſe hee will therefore maintaine our lives, and cloath our bodies, ſo that we may ſay with the Apoſtle, Phil 4.6.Phil 4:6Bee carefull for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and ſupplication with thankeſgiving, let your requeſt bee made knowne unto God.

This truth receiveth farther ſtrength from the titles given to God. Is not he the Husband, the Shepheard, Reaſ. 1 and Father of the Church? It is the duty of the Huſband to provide all neceſſaries for his Wife, Epheſ. 5 31.Eph 5:31For no man hateth his owne fleſh, but nouriſheth and cheriſheth it, Epheſ. 5.31. Will a good Shepheard take charge of a flocke, and then ſtarve it? God hath taken charge of all that are his: when we are once become his Sheepe, in that very moment, we live under his protection, as Pſal. 23.1, 2. The Lord is my Shepheard, Pſal 23.1. & 80.1.Ps 23:1Ps 80:1and he maketh me lye downe in greene paſtures, he leadeth mee beſide the ſtill waters, and Pſal. 80.1. Give eare, O thou Shepheard of Iſrael, thou that leadeſt Ioſeph like a Flocke. Will not naturall Fathers and Mothers ſuſtaine their Children, and ſupply all their wants? can Parents ſee them periſh, or miſcarry, and never bee moved at it? Our Saviour telleth us, What man is there, if his ſonne aske him bread, Matth. 7 9, 10, 11.Matt 7:9Matt 7:10Matt 7:11will he give him a ſtone? or if he aske a fiſh, will hee give him a ſerpent? If ye then being evill, know how to give p. 8good gifts unto your Children, how much more ſhall your Father which is in Heaven, give good things to them that aske him? And the Lord by the mouth of the Prophet, Eſay 49.15, 16.Isa 49:15Isa 49:16Can a woman forget her ſucking Childe, that ſhe ſhould not have compaſſion on the ſonne of her wombe! yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, Eſay 49.15. The love of God therefore toward his, is greater then the love of men is, or can be to their Children: he that toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye, and ſhall not eſcape his hand, his revenging hand.

Secondly, 2God will worke above and beyond all ordinary meanes, rather then ſuch as are his ſhall periſh, and after the courſe of nature to doe them good, and to preſerve them from evill, who hath all creatures in his owne hand. A memorable example hereof we have in the Iſraelites, while they were in the wilderneſſe, hee fed them with Manna for the ſpace of 40. Exod 16.15. Numb. 20.8.Exod 16:15Num 20:8yeeres, and opened the hard Rocke to give them water, whereof they and their Cattell dranke, Exod. 16. Numb. 20. Conſider this further in the example of Eliah, 1 King. 19. when he was conſtrained to flye for his life from the perſecution of Jezabel, and deſired to dye, the Angell of the Lord came unto him and ſaid, 1 King 19.…. & 17.6.1 Kgs 19Ariſe, and eat: and he went in the ſtrength of that meat 40. dayes and 40. hights unto Horeb the mountaine of God. The like we read before, that is, The Word of the Lord came unto him, Hide thy ſelfe in the brooke Charith, and thou ſhalt drinke of the brooke, and I have commanded the Ravens to feed thee. So hee did according to the Word of the Lord, for he dwelt by the brooke, and the Ravens brought him bread and fleſh in the morning, and bread and fleſh in the evening, and he dranke of the brooke. But be hold how the Lord tryed him! for hee had not tarryed there long, but the brooke dryed up, becauſe no raine fell in the Land. What then did the Prophet p. 9of the Lord? did he murmure againſt God? No, hee waited with patience his leiſure, and he ſent him other meanes for his maintenance; he directed him to the widdow of Sarepta, where he was fed in that famine. She had indeed but an handfull of meale in a barrell, and a little oyle in a cruſe, and he ſaith unto her, Verſe 14 Thus ſaith the Lord God of Iſrael, The barrell of meale ſhall not waſte, neither ſhall the cruſe of oyle faile, untill the day that the Lord ſendeth raine upon the earth. Thus he commandeth to lay aſide feare, and to ſubmit her ſelfe to the will and pleaſure of Almighty God. Thus alſo the Lord dealt with her, that had beene the wife of one of the children of the Prophets, after his deceaſe, 2 King. 2 King. 4.1, 43, 44. Ioh. 6.5, 6, 10, 11.2 Kgs 4:12 Kgs 4:432 Kgs 4:44John 6:5John 6:6John 6:10John 6:114. he dying indebted, the mercileſſe Creditor came to take unto him her two ſonnes to be his bondmen: but the mercy of God was ſuch in her extremity, that having in her houſe a pot of oyle onelyonly, it was ſo increaſed and multiplied, that ſhe received more then ſhee deſired, through his abundant bleſſing that giveth more then is asked, ſo that ſhe, not onelyonly paied the debt, but her ſelfe and children lived of the reſidue.

Thirdly, God will ſanctifie a little, 3and that of the worſt, and courſeſt ſort, to ſerve and ſuffice thoſe that are his: that albeit they have but ſhort Commons and a poore Pittance, yet a little that the righteous hath, ſhall be better unto them, then all the ſtore and abundance of the ungodly. This Moſes teacheth, Deut. 8. Man liveth not by bread onelyonly, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. Wee have a lively example hereof in Daniel and his fellowes that did eate nothing but pulſe (a graine that beareth his fruit in poddes) yet were they fairer and freſher, fuller and fatter at the end of ten dayes, Dan. 1.15.Dan 1:15then all the children which did eate the portion of the Kings meate, Dan. 1.15. This alſo we may ſee by experience in rich p. 10mens and poore mens children, and in themſelves alſo as well as in their children. For whereas the poorer ſort have ſcarce one good meales meat in a monethmonth, but keep a perpetuall Lent, not eating a bit of fleſh in their owne houſes once in a yeere, and feed hardly and homely with browne bread, and yet have not enough of that neither: Eccleſ. 5.12.Eccl 5:12yet is their labour pleaſant, and their ſleepe ſweet: whereas the richer ſort that fare deliciouſly every day, are many times oppreſſed with raw humours, and are neither ſo ſtrong and healthy as the other.

Fourthly, 4nothing ſhall bee able to hurt Gods ſervants. For as all things tend to the hurt of the wicked, and nothing ſhall doe them good: ſo contrariwiſe nothing can hinder the ſalvation of the Church, Rom. 8.28.Rom 8:28Rom. 8. But all things ſhall fall out for the beſt to them that love him. For what ſhall ſeparate us from the love of God? ſhall tribulation, or diſtreſſe, or perſecution, or famine, or nakedneſſe, or perils? no doubtleſſe: foraſmuch as we are more then conquerours through him that loved us. Pſal. 90.5, 6, 7.Ps 90:5Ps 90:6Ps 90:7So likewiſe, Pſal. 90. Thou ſhalt not be afraid for the terrour by night, nor for the arrow that flyeth by day, neither for the peſtilence that walketh in darkneſſe, nor for the deſtruction that waſteth at noone day, a thouſand ſhall fall at thy ſide, and ten thouſand at thy right hand, but it ſhal not come nigh thee: there ſhall no evill befall thee, neither ſhall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Obiect. But it may bee objected, Doe not theſe befall the righteous, as well as the unrighteous? nay, doe not the godly often fall by them, while the ungodly eſcape out of them, or never enter into them? Anſw. I anſwer, Divers wayes. Firſt, albeit all theſe may befall, and doe befall the Faithfull, yet doe they not come upon them as evils. They may dye of the plague, but to them the plague is no plague. True it is, of themſelves or in the nature of them they p. 11are evill, and the puniſhments of evill; but to Gods children they are onelyonly chaſtiſements and correction of a good and gentle Father, and that for their further good, to prevent ſinnes to come. Contrariwiſe, to the wicked, they are the heavy ſtrokes of a juſt Iudge, or of a revenging enemy. Secondly, God pulleth out the ſting of them, that they cannot hurt them. True it is, 1 Cor. 15.55.1 Cor 15:55all things fall out alike to the godly and ungodly, to him that ſweareth, and to him that feareth an oath, ſo that no man knoweth love or hatred by theſe outward things, yet the venome and poyſon is pulled out from theſe Scorpions, ſo that albeit they may hiſſe at us, yet they ſhall never hurt us. Gen. 2.17. Rom. 6.23.Gen 2:17Rom 6:23Death is of it ſelfe the wages of ſinne, Gen. 2. Rom. 6. It came into the world by ſinne, and is the laſt enemy that ſhall bee ſubdued: howbeit it hath already received his deaths-wound, and the nature of it is quite changed to the godly. Indeed death remaineth as a cup that all muſt taſte off: but behold the difference, to the ungodly it is the reward of ſinne, the ſuburbs of hell, the ſeparation of the ſoule from God, and the guide that conducteth them into everlaſting torments. To the godly it is no puniſhment of ſinne, but the aboliſhing of ſinne, the path and paſſage to a better life, the haven of our reſt, the end of all our labours, and the way by which we muſt come into the preſence of Chriſt. He is become the death of death, ſo that they are bold in him to looke death in the face, becauſe they looke beyond death. For he that will not feare it, muſt caſt his eye further then it; as they feared not the fiery Serpents, that lifted up their eyes to the brazen Serpent. Thirdly, if any meanes to uphold their life be wanting, the Lord doth ſtrengthen & arme thoſe that are his, with patience, contentedneſſe, and inward comfort and conſolation, that he maketh them able to beare them; he layeth heavy burdens upon them, yet he p. 12ſupporteth thē with his hand, that they ſinke not under the waight thereof. Albeit famine doe pinch and preſſe hard upon their bodies, hee feedeth their ſoules with the precious food of his Word to eternall life, and they are ready to anſwer with their Lord and Maſter, Ioh. 4.32. I have meant to eate, Iohn 4 32.John 4:32that yee know not of. Albeit they be vexed with warre, yet he giveth them peace of conſcience that paſſeth all underſtanding, even peace with himſelfe, which the world cannot take away from them. Albeit they fall into times of perils and dangers, yet are they made to dwell in the ſecret place of the moſt high, Pſal. 91.1.Ps 91:1and to abide under the ſhadow of the Almighty, Pſal. 91.1. The name of the Lord is a moſt ſtrong tower and place of refuge, the righteous flie unto it, and are preſerved. Albeit they be ſometimes enforced to endure nakedneſſe, yet even then hee clotheth them with the precious robes of Chriſts righteouſneſſe, Pſal. 45.8.Ps 45:8all whoſe graces ſmell of Myrrhe, Aloes, and Caſſia, whereby they are more adorned, then with all the ſilver and gold in the world. Laſtly, if he take away this temporall life, he recompenſeth the loſſe thereof with eternall life and happineſſe.

We learne from hence firſt of all, Vſe 1 what need we have all of us of faith, to lay hold on the promiſes of God made in Chriſt Ieſus to ſuch as are in him, and have him dwelling in them. For what is there can drive us out of this feare, 1 Tim. 4.8. & 6.6.1 Tim 4:81 Tim 6:6but faith? Indeed godlineſſe is profitable to all things, and hath the promiſes of this life, as well as of the life to come. Of this life, with condition, ſo far as it ſhall be good for us: of the life to come, without any condition. This godlineſſe is great gaine, nay, the greateſt of all other. But what of all this, if wee have not the hand of faith to receive them? Offer meat never ſo much to the hungry ſoule, yet if the hand be cloſed, and the mouth ſtopped, hee can receive nothing. p. 13Powre water upon a Veſſell all the day long, it remaineth empty, if the entrance thereof bee ſhut up: ſo let us heare of the promiſes of God to ſuſtaine us in times of famine, want, loſſe, and nec…ſſity; yet it is all one as if you ſpake to a dead man, except wee have faith to quicken us, and to put life into the ſoule. For as the Apoſtle concludeth from the ſuffring of the Saints, Hebr. 10.34.Heb 10:34who endured with ioy the ſpoyling of their goods, knowing they had a better inheritance reſerved for them in the Heavens, that we have all need of patience, that after we have done the will of God, wee may receive the promiſe, Hebr. 10. So from this conſideration that wee are ready every foot to faint, and to feare want and beggery (or elſe this dehortation were vaine and needleſſe) we are to gather, that we may not caſt away our confidence in God, which hath great recompence of reward. The juſt ſhall live by faith, Hebr. 11.1.Heb 11:1which is the ſubſtance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not ſeene. Take heed therefore, and beware of infidelity. For as covetouſneſſe is the root of all evill, 1 Tim. 6. 1 Tim. 6.10.1 Tim 6:10ſo is infidelity the root of covetouſneſſe. What is the cauſe that we feare the lacking of earthly things, which the greateſt ſort doe more feare then the lacke or loſſe or leſſening of the feeding of the love and favour of God? Doubtleſſe this is nothing but the want of faith. Let them loſe but a trifle, or the leaſt pinne and profit that commeth to the purſe, what crying and complaining have wee? how much adoe have wee to perſwade them to bee contented? to bee reſolved to ſubmit themſelves to the pleaſure of Almighty God? and to beleeve that hee is able to give them more then that? All the armor and furniture that wee can bring out of the Store-houſe of the Scripture, is too little to ſettle their unbeleeving hearts upon the promiſes of God. But theſe men can bee content without any ſcruple or touch of conſcience to abſent p. 14themſelves from the houſe of God, to loſe many Sermons, and much wholeſome doctrine which is according to godlineſſe, many exhortations, many inſtructions, many comforts: nay, they may apparently feele their decaying and declining in knowledge, in faith, and in obedience, yet it troubleth them no more then it did that prophane Eſau, Gen. 25.34.Gen 25:34who when hee had ſold his birth-right, contemned and deſpiſed it. The true cauſe of our carnall and corrupt feare is this want of a true lively faith, when we dare not believe him that hath promiſed, who yet is able to performe, and is not as man that he ſhould lie, or as the ſonne of man that hee ſhould deceive. Hence proceedeth feare of the loſſe of life and living, that we are afraid to commit our ſtate and ſtanding to the ſafe garding of God, as manifeſtly appeareth by the contrary, Pſal. 27.1, 2.Ps 27:1Ps 27:2Pſal. 27. The Lord is my light and ſalvation, whom ſhall I feare? The Lord is the ſtrength of my life, of whom ſhall I be afraid? Though an hoſt ſhall encampe againſt me, my heart ſhall not feare: though warre ſhould riſe againſt mee, in this will I bee confident. What made the Prophet bold to overſtride all dangers, that he could not be diſmaied by them, but becauſe his heart was fixed in God to depend upon him, and to looke for ſalvation from him? On the other ſide, what doth diſcomfort and diſ-harten many men, what maketh them to doubt, to murmure, and many times to blaſpheme, but becauſe they imagine the Lords hand is ſhortned, Numb. 11.23.Num 11:23and is not able to ſupply their wants? It is an eaſie matter, when we have ſtore and abundance, when the Lord bleſſeth us on every ſide, and our ſubſtance is encreaſed, when he waſheth our ſteps with butter, Iob 29.6.Job 29:6and the rocke powreth out rivers of oyle upon us, to flatter our ſelves that we have a ſtrong faith, and a full perſwaſion and aſſurance of his love, that we put our whole truſt and affiance in him, and will never be brought to rapine againſt him. p. 15But be not deceived, theſe are not the dayes of triall of our faith, theſe are not the times of the patience of the Saints. Before triall, Peter was moſt confident; but in the brunt of the battel he was a coward, and gave over in the plaine field. So doe we triumph before the victory: but when wee ſee perſecution, famine, perill, and ſword, we give over fighting, and feare poſſeſſeth our hearts. When Eliſha the man of God was ſent with a comfortable meſſage at the ſiege of Samaria, that two meaſures of barly ſhould bee ſold for a ſhekell, and a meaſure of fine flowre for a ſhekell to morrow about that time, one of the Princes beleeved not the Word of the Lord, Behold, 2 King. 7.1, 2.2 Kgs 7:12 Kgs 7:2if the Lord would make windowes in Heaven, would this thing be? the Prophet anſwered, Becauſe thou ſaiſt ſo, thou ſhalt ſee it with thine eyes, but ſhalt not eate thereof: and according to his Word ſo it came to paſſe. The Diſciples being in danger to be drowned, when a ſtorme aroſe, they came to Chriſt their Maſter for helpe, and he ſaith, Why are ye fearefull, Ma…th. 8.26.O yee of little faith? He accuſeth them not to be faithleſſe men, or to have no faith at all: for beleeving and doubting, faith and feare may ſtand together in one ſubject, as they met together in theſe, but he layeth to their charge to have little faith. The like wee read touching Peter, when he ſaw the windes blow, and the waves ariſe, he was ſore afraid, and beginning to ſinke, he cryed out, O Maſter, ſave me! Matth. 14.30, 31, & 6.30.Matt 14:30Matt 14:31Matt 6:30Then Chriſt ſtretched out his hand, caught him, and ſaid, O thou of little faith, wherefore didſt thou doubt? And in a like caſe wherein we deale, he ſaith, If God ſo clothe the graſſe of the field, which to day flouriſheth, and to morrow is caſt into the Oven, will he not much more cloathe you, O yee of little faith? Thus doth Chriſt evermore upbraid ſuch as are fearefull, doubtfull, and diſtruſtfull, with want or with weakneſſe of faith to reſt upon him. For as the Apoſtle ſpeaketh p. 16of perfect love: 1 Ioh. 4.18.1 John 4:18ſo may I ſay of perfect faith, that it caſteth out feare. Where ſuch feare is, there is little faith. Theſe teſtimonies teach us, where to ſeeke and finde the true cauſe of all our wavering and doubting: it ſpringeth from an evill heart and unfaithfull, Hebr. 3.12. 1 Ioh. 5.4, 5.Heb 3:121 John 5:41 John 5:5to depart away from the living God, this is the ground of all. Therefore this ſhifting for our ſelves, and penſiveneſſe for worldly things, is a ſtrong argument of a weake faith: for whatſoever is borne of God, overcommeth the world, and this is the victory that overcommeth the world, even our faith: and who is he that overcommeth the world, but hee that beleeveth that Jeſus is the Sonne of God? 1 Iohn 5.4, 5.

Secondly, 2it is our duty to rely upon Gods providence for earthly things, as Children doe upon their Fathers love and care for them, in like manner as Abraham ſpeaketh to his Sonne. When Iſaac ſaid, My Father, where is the ſacrifice? he anſwered with words of faith, Gen. 22.8.Gen 22:8My Sonne, God will provide. Doe wee not ſee how little Children, albeit they have nothing, and know not to day what they ſhall have to morrow, never diſquiet themſelves what they ſhall eate, or what they ſhall drinke, or wherewith they ſhall be clothed? And the reaſon is, becauſe they know, their Parents provide for them, and will not ſee them want. Shall wee rely leſſe upon our heavenly Father, then theſe doe upon their earthly? or ſhall we thinke that God hath leſſe care of his Children, then the ſonnes of men have of theirs? Nay, as great as the difference is betweene that which is infinite, and that which is finite; ſo much greater is his love then the love of men, Pſal. 103.11, …3.Ps 103:11Ps 103:3and conſequently ſo much greater ought our dependance to bee upon him. His love is infinite as himſelfe is: for the love of God is God, and every way as great as himſelfe, nay, it is himſelfe: it is no quality in him, as it is in us. To p. 17worke this reſting upon God as upon a rocke, we have ſundry exhortations in holy Scripture, all of them tending to the ſame purpoſe, Commit thy way to the Lord, Pſal. 37.5. 1 Cor. 10.13.Ps 37:51 Cor 10:13and truſt in him, and he ſhall bring it to paſſe, to wit, when we can ſee no end or iſſue out of our dangers, yet hee can: we ſee but before our eyes, he ſeeth the moſt hidden things of the world. And againe, Pſal. 35.22.Ps 35:22Caſt thy burden upon the Lord, and he ſhall ſuſtaine thee. Let us not therefore content our ſelves to depend upon him in light and ſlight troubles, but even then, when we have the greateſt tentations and afflictions upon us: and let us not cry out in anguiſh of ſpirit, O what an heavy burden doe I beare! no man is ſo troubled as I am. No man knoweth what ſorrow I ſuſtaine, what miſery I feele! But be it never ſo tedious and toilſome, as waighty and weariſome as a mountaine to carry, caſt thy care and croſſe upon the Lords ſhoulders, he is able to beare it, albeit we be not, and he hath promiſed to helpe us to beare it, who never faileth of his promiſe in time of need. Thus Salomon ſpeaketh, Prov. 16.3. Prov. 16.3.Prov 16:3Commit thy waies unto the Lord, and thy thoughts ſhall be eſtabliſhed. And 1 Pet. 5.7. Caſt all your care on him, 1 Pet. 5.7.1 Pet 5:7for he careth for you. If a Prince ſhould utter any ſuch gracious words of comfort to any of his poore people, and give ſuch a precept accompanied with ſuch a promiſe, O how would they accept of it, and rejoyce in it, as we ſee an example in Barzillai, 2 Sam. 19. David promiſing to ſhew kindneſſe to his Sonne, I will doe to him whatſoever thou ſhalt require of me, 2 Sam. 19.38.2 Sam 19:38and whatſoever ſhall ſeeme good to thee: how did his heart reſt in the Kings word? and how willing was he to truſt the King with him? God hath made a faithfull promiſe to us to care for us, and ſhall not we caſt all our care upon him? or ſhall wee thinke he will, or can falſifie his Word? True it is, the chiefe promiſe that we lay hold upon, is touching the p. 18remiſſion of ſinnes and eternall life: but when by a true faith we lay hold upon the principall promiſe of God, and beleeve it, touching ſalvation in Chriſt, we apprehend by vertue thereof the promiſe of God for temporall bleſſings alſo, as food, raiment, health, peace, liberty (all which depend upon the former maine promiſe of Chriſt) ſo farre forth as God ſeeth them behoovefull for us. This wee ſee in Abraham, who, beleeving in God and having his faith imputed unto him for righte-ouſneſſe, doubted not of the particular promiſe that God would give him a Sonne, Gen. 15.6. Heb. 11.12.Gen 15:6Heb 11:12and that his ſeed ſhould be as the Starres in Heaven for multitude, and as the ſand upon the Sea-ſhore that cannot be numbred. The heart that hath truely learned to ſay by faith, God will pardon my ſinnes and ſave my ſoule; will eaſily alſo ſay by force of the ſame faith, God will give mee food and raiment, provide things neceſſary for my body, and ſufficient for this preſent life. If we have not learned to beleeve in God touching his mercy in feeding and in clothing of us, which are matters of farre leſſer moment and importance, we have not yet learned to depend upon him for the remiſſion of our ſinnes, and the imputation of Chriſts righteouſneſſe, which are of infinite more price and value then the other. If we will not truſt him for our bodies, how ſhould wee truſt and reſt in him for our ſoules? And if we commit not to him the things of this life, how can we credit him with heavenly things? Wee muſt all therefore learne to ſay with the Apoſtle, I know whom I have beleeved, 2 Tim. 1.12.2 Tim 1:12and I am perſwaded that he is able to keepe that which I have committed unto him againſt that day.

Laſtly, 3ſeeing we ought not to feare at all touching earthly things, we may be well aſſured hee will give us all things needfull for our ſoules, which are of an higher nature, and of a greater price. If hee that ſitteth in p. 19the Heavens, vouchſafe to looke downe ſo low, and to abaſe himſelfe to order every creature ſerving for the ſafety of our bodies, doubtleſſe hee will not paſſe over the proviſion for our ſoules: he, I ſay, who hath forbidden to tithe mint, and rue, and all manner of herbes, Matth. 23.23.Matt 23:23and then paſſe over iudgement, and the waightier matters of the law. If he will not deny us the leſſer, certainely he will beſtow upon us the greater bleſſings, without which it cannot goe well with us. For as hee knoweth what we have need of, ſo he knoweth, wee may better bee without earthly then ſpirituall bleſſings. What folly were it for a man to be carefull for the garment, and careleſſe of the body it ſelfe? to reſpect the ſhoo, and to neglect the foot? Wee muſt therefore all of us, from this fatherly care of God for our bodies which are tranſitory and muſt turne to duſt, learne to aſcend higher, to ſee his care toward our ſoules, which beare the lively prints of his image, and come neerer to his nature. Earthly bleſſings indeed are ſpeciall pledges of his louelove, whereby he taketh us by the hand, and leadeth us farther to behold his eternall favour in his owne Sonne: but if we doe not make this uſe of them, his bleſſings ceaſe to bee bleſſings to us, whatſoever they are in their owne nature.

Flocke.) In this word we have the ſecond point in the Counſell, which is the appellation or title of the people of God, being called the Sheepe of God. Properly a Flocke is a company of Sheepe gathered together into one paſture. A Flocke preſuppoſeth a Shepheard, a Sheepfold, and the Sheepe themſelves. The Shepheard is God: the Sheepfold is the Church: the Sheepe are the faithfull. Chriſt Ieſus is the dore of the Sheepe, by him if any man enter, he ſhall bee ſaved, Ioh. 10.7, 9. Epheſ. 3.12.John 10:7John 10:9Eph 3:12and ſhall goe in and out, and finde paſture, Ioh. 10.7, 9. The wrath of God againſt ſinne hath clozed up againſt us p. 20all entrance into Heaven, and hath ſhut us up under ſinne and damnation. The death of Chriſt hath opened the dore, and not onelyonly ſatisfied the wrath of God, but merited for us mercy and forgiveneſſe, grace and favour for ever. This is the preeminence of the paſſion of Chriſt. Now they enter by him that beleeve in him. The Sheepe of Chriſt are of two ſorts: one outward in the account of the viſible Church conſiſting both of good and bad: the other inward, conſiſting onelyonly of the Elect, being members of the inviſible or Catholike Church. Doct. 2 Hence wee learne, that all the Elect are the Sheepe of Chriſt, and his Flocke, beloved of him, deare to him, as his portion and poſſeſſion, and in the account of him, his chiefe jewels, and principall ſubſtance, Cant. 1.7. Joh. 10.14. Heb. 13.20. many other teſtimonies doe follow after. The reaſons are plaine.

Firſt, Reaſ. 1 Chriſt Ieſus paid a deare price, and gave his life for them, for it coſt him much to redeeme the ſame, Act. 20.28.Acts 20:28as Act. 20. He purchaſed the Flocke with his precious blood: precious indeed, becauſe it was the blood of him that is God, as well as man, and therefore of infinite value and eſtimation, ſufficient for the whole world.

Secondly, 2becauſe they reſemble Sheepe, and that in many particulars: Firſt, Sheepe are by nature ſtraying and wandring out of the way, and ready to bee made a prey to the Wolfe: ſo it is with men, yea even the Elect and ſuch as are called, in which reſpect the Apoſtle Peter ſaith, 1 Pet. 2.25.1 Pet 2:25Ye are as Sheepe going aſtray through ignorance of the doctrine of ſalvation, and prone to be ſurpriſed by the Devill that great wolfe, but are now returned to the Shepheard and Biſhop of your ſoules. Act. 20.28, 29.Acts 20:28Acts 20:29Secondly, Sheepe oftentimes wander out of the right way, ſo that there ſeemeth ſmall hope of their ſafety, and in the judgement of man, they are eſtemed to bee as good as p. 21utterly loſt without any redreſſe, or recovery: ſo it is among ſuch as are the Sheepe of Chriſt, ſome doe ſo farre ſwarve, and are ſo intangled in the ſnare of the enemy, as a Sheepe in the brambles, that their eſtate ſeemeth deſparate and forlorne: Hereunto commeth the parable, Matth. 18. How thinke yee? Matth. 18.22. Luke 15.4.Matt 18:22Luke 15:4If a man have an hundred Sheepe, and one of them be gone aſtray, doth hee not leave the ninety and nine which went not aſtray, and goe after that which is loſt, till he finde it? Such a Sheepe was Manaſſeh, that filled Ieruſalem with innocent blood, 2 King. 21.16. 2 Chron. 33.6.2 Kgs 21:162 Chr 33:6and did much evill in the ſight of the Lord to provoke him to anger: yet he found mercy upon his prayer and humiliation. Such a Sheepe was Paul, who had beene an oppreſſor and blaſphemer, 1 Tim. 1.13.1 Tim 1:13yet he was called and converted to the faith, and of a perſecuter became a Preacher, becauſe he did it ignorantly, through unbeleefe. Such were the hearers of Peter, Act. 3. who denied the holy One and juſt, and deſired a murtherer to be granted unto them, They killed the Prince of life, Act. 3.14, 19.Acts 3:14Acts 3:19when Pilate was determined to let him goe; yet when they repented, their ſinnes (albeit moſt hainous) were blotted out, when the times of refreſhing came from the preſence of the Lord. Such Sheepe were the Gentiles, Ioh. 10.10. Other Sheepe I have which are not of this fold, Iohn. 10.10.John 10:10them alſo I muſt bring. He runneth farre that never returneth: ſo doth the ſinner that never repenteth, Such God calleth at all houres, Matth. 20. That where ſinne aboundeth, grace may abound much more, Rom. 5.20. Thirdly, Sheepe doe heare and know the voice of their owne Shepheard, but the voyce of a ſtranger they will neither know nor heare, after they be once thorowly acquainted with the voice of their owne Shepheard: ſo men Elect in the Church, when they have had the voice of their Shepheard ſounding in their eares rightly circumciſed, they know it and diſcerne it, Ioh. 10.27, 28.John 10:27John 10:28and they follow p. 22him, who before their regeneration were as wild beaſts and ſavage creatures. For no man is borne a Sheepe of Chriſt, but a Goat of the Devill. When he is become a Sheepe, he is by regeneration formed or reformed to be ſo: foraſmuch as by nature we are no better then others, but the children of wrath as well as others, Epheſ. 2.3. Tit. 3.3.Eph 2:3Titus 3:3we are rather of our ſelves wolves, living in malice and envy, hatefull and hating one another, Tit. 3.3. Laſtly, the reſemblance ſtādeth in meekneſſe, gentleneſſe, ſimplicity, innocency, harmeleſneſſe, being profitable to many, hurtfull to none, ſubject to the injuries of other creatures to be rent and torne in pieces of them, but of all other moſt patient in bearing: ſo the faithfull in the Church, are a people innocent, 2 Sam. 14.17.2 Sam 14:17and harmeleſſe, 2 Sam. 24. Theſe Sheepe what have they done? they profit ſuch as hurt them, they doe good to thoſe that doe them evill, they forgive their enemies, they pray for their perſecuters, they lie open to open wrongs, and yet poſſeſſe their ſoules with patience when they are wronged. Hence it is, that Chriſt himſelfe is ſaid to bee led as a Sheepe to the ſlaughter, Act. 8.32. Eſay 53.8.Acts 8:32Isa 53:8and like a Lambe dumbe before his ſhearer, not to open his mouth. Nevertheleſſe, the Sheepe of Chriſt muſt be in ſuch ſort ſimple as Doves, that they be alſo wiſe and prudent as ſerpents, in taking heed of the wiles of their enemies, who can abide neither Shepheard, nor Sheepe, nor Sheepfold.

Acknowledge from hence to our great and endleſſe comfort, Vſe 1 that Chriſt Ieſus, the great Shepheard, will judge all the adverſaries of his people. It goeth farre better with them then it doth with all other Flockes of Sheepe that are unreaſonable creatures. True it is, the care of ſuch as have the overſight of ſuch Flockes, hath beene great day and night, Gen. 31.40. Luke 2.8.Gen 31:40Luke 2:8Gen. 31. Luk. 2. But what is this to the love of Chriſt the Arch-paſtor of his Sheepe, who guideth them to eternall life, and ſuffereth p. 23no man to doe them harme, but often rebuketh Princes and people for their ſakes? Howſoever therefore no creature lyeth open to more dangers and diſadvantages then they doe, yet Chriſt is their guide and governour that will judge betweene the Lambes and the Goates, Ezech. 34.17.Ezek 34:17As the Shepheard ſeeketh out his Flocke in the day that he is among his Sheepe that are ſcattered, ſo will I ſeeke out my Sheepe, ſaith the Lord. The like wee read in the propheſie of Amos, Amos 3.12.Amos 3:12As a Shepheard taketh out of the mouth of the Lyon two legges or a piece of an eare: ſo ſhall the Children of Iſrael bee taken out that dwell in Samaria: and ſo will our Shepheard take his Sheepe out of the jawes of our adverſary the Devill, who goeth about like a roaring Lyon, ſeeking whom he may devoure: 1 Pet. 5.8.1 Pet 5:8Indeed it cannot be denied, ſome of them are often in pittifull caſe, ſome loſt, Matth. 10. ſome broken, Gal. 6. Matth. 10.6. Gal. 6.1. Rom. 14.1. & 15.1.Matt 10:6Gal 6:1Rom 14:1Rom 15:1ſome weake, Rom. 14.1. ſome ſicke, and ſome driven away, Ezek. 34. But here is matter of much comfort, he will ſeeke that which is loſt, he will binde up that which is broken, hee will ſtrengthen that which is weake, he will bring againe that which is driven away, and he will cure that which is ſicke. Woe then to all ſuch as are any way injurious to this Flocke. The more the ſervants of God lye open to injuries, the more will God bee in the middeſt of them ready to uphold them. This wee ſee in Paul, whiles as a ravening Wolfe he preied upon the poore Sheep, the Shepheard cryed out unto him from Heaven, Saul, Saul, Act 9.4.Acts 9:4why perſecuteſt thou me? All ſuch therefore as are the enemies of this Flocke muſt underſtand, that they have to doe, not onelyonly with the Sheepe that may bee maſſacred, but with the Shepheard himſelfe that cannot bee overmaſtered. Be it that they may overcome them, yet it is impoſſible to overcome him. The Apoſtles were ſent out as Sheepe in the middeſt of Wolves, Matth. 10.16. Matth, 10.16.yet p. 24nevertheleſſe they proſpered and prevailed in the worke whereunto they are employed: and when the faithfull, that beleeved through their word, were carryed as Sheepe to the ſlaughter, they multiplied and encreaſed even under the croſſe, as the Iſraelites did in Egypt when they were oppreſſed.

Secondly, 2let us all be like unto Sheepe, and thereby examine our ſelves, whether wee bee in the number of the Elect of God, or not. For wee are all of us either Sheepe, or Goats. This ſhall be made manifeſt at the latter day, when our Saviour ſhall ſever the Sheepe from the Goats, which are here blended and mingled together, and ſet the Sheepe on the right hand, and the Goats on the left. Wee muſt know therefore, wee are either Elect or Reprobates. For as there are but two places, Heaven or Hell: ſo there are but two ſorts of perſons, we are either Saints or Devils. I ſpeake of them as the Lord doth of Judas, Ioh. 6.70. & 17.12.John 6:70John 17:12Have not I choſen you twelve, and one of you is a Devill? Some of the Diſciples were Sheepe, were Elect, were Saints; one of them was a Goat, a Reprobate, a Devill, the ſonne of perdition. The properties of Chriſts Sheepe. Ioh. 8.47.John 8:47Now the Sheepe of Chriſt are knowne by theſe properties. Firſt, they heare his voice, and follow him. This is as it were their eare-marke, as Ioh. 8.47. Hee that is of God, heareth Gods Word: yee therefore heare it not, becauſe yee are not of God. Every man hath ſome marke whereby to know his Sheepe. This is Gods marke whereby he knoweth his, to heare him, and to obey him. As the Sheepe are Gods, ſo the Goats are the Devils, and belong to him, to whom they ſhall be ſent at the laſt day: he knoweth his vaſſals by the contrary, they will not heare the Word of God, nor follow after it: they will heare his voice, and obey him as their lord and maſter, but Gods voice they cannot abide, neither will they heare it, and he rejoyceth in it. Secondly, p. 25they are profitable to many, they doe every way what good they can, as Gal. 6.10. As wee have opportunity, Gal. 6.10.Gal 6:10let us doe good to all men, eſpecially unto them who are of the Houſhold of Faith. They conſider they are borne to doe good to others, much more that they are borne againe to that end. This is the nature and property of love, 1 Cor. 13.3.1 Cor 13:3It ſeeketh not her owne. It is a corrupt love ſo to live, as if we were borne for our ſelves alone, which the very Heathen abhorred. Thirdly, we muſt be patient in bearing wrongs, we muſt not be deſirous of revenge. This was in the Shepheard of the Sheepe himſelfe, 1 Pet. 2.23. When he was reviled, he reviled not againe: 1 Pet. 2.23.1 Pet 2:23when hee ſuffered, he threatned not: but committed himſelfe to him that iudgeth righteouſly; Theſe are notes of the nature of the true Sheepe: the contrary are evident ſignes and markes of ſtinking and unſavory Goats. And if wee will try and prove our ſelves, and examine others by theſe badges of Chriſtian profeſſion, we ſhall finde many jetting up and downe like Sheepe, who challenge to themſelves the name, but are not indeed the Sheepe of Chriſt, becauſe we cannot finde the former properties in them. For few heare his voice with diligence, and yeeld obedience with conſcience. Few labour to doe ſervice to the Saints, while they have time, but are idle and unfruitfull. Now it is day, we know not how long it will laſt: The night commeth, wherein no man can work. Ioh. 9.4.John 9:4Alas, when the Lord ſhall demand an account of his Stewards, what good they have done; what will they anſwer? ſhall they not be taken ſpeechleſſe? Few can put up the leaſt injury and diſgrace, every one of us is ready to breathe out threatnings, or to diſſemble our malice untill we may revenge, as we ſee in Eſau, Gen. Gen. 27.41.Gen 27:4127.41. and in Abſalom, 1 Sam. We are taught another leſſon of our Lord and Maſter, to be meeke and gentle, Matth. 11.29. Eſay 11.9, 10. & 65.25.Matt 11:29Isa 11:9Isa 11:10Isa 65:25and lowly in heart, that we may finde reſt to our ſoules. p. 26I never knew or have obſerved any meeke and mild in ſpirit, ready as a Lambe to endure wrongs, and unmindfull of injuries for Chriſts ſake, but hee bare a deepe impreſſion of grace, and a lively character of Gods Spirit in his heart. This wee may ſee in all the Saints as in a glaſſe, the Scripture having ſet before us a cloud of witneſſes, that in them we ſhould behold our faces. Conſider Abraham, Iſaac, and Jacob, how they behaved themſelves patiently, when their enemies oppreſſed them, and filled up the wells, which they with great labour and induſtry had found and digged, Gen. 26. Gen. 26.18.Gen 26:18How often did the unthankfull Iſraelites murmure againſt Moſes, and ſought ſometimes to ſtone him to death, Numb. 12.3.Num 12:3yet was hee the meekeſt man upon the face of the earth? Hee never deſired fire to come downe upon the heads of his enemies to deſtroy them, but oftentimes prayed for them. Gen. 50.19. 1 Sam. 24.12 & 26.10, 11. 2 Sam. 16.10. Pſal. 7.4. Acts 7.60. Heb. 12.2. Luk. 23.34.Gen 50:191 Sam 24:121 Sam 26:101 Sam 26:112 Sam 16:10Ps 7:4Acts 7:60Heb 12:2Luke 23:34What ſhould I ſay more? for the time would faile me to tell of Joſeph pardoning the treachery of his brethren; of David, paſſing over the injuries of Saul, and the curſes of Shemei; of Stephen, praying for them that ſtoned him to death; of Chriſt himſelfe, an example farre above all theſe, the Author and finiſher of our faith, enduring mockes, buffetting, and crucifying, and yet he prayed to his Father to forgive them. The contrary to all theſe are evident markes and ſignes of Goats. And if we ſearch into the waies of men by theſe former notes, wee ſhall finde few Sheepe indeed, but ſtore and plenty of Goats every where. Gedeon ſeemed to have many ſtout Souldiers in his Army, Iudg. 7.3.Judg 7:3but after they were once tried, there remained few with him: ſo many are diſguiſed in Sheepes clothing, but when they come to bee proved, they appeare to be rather ravening Wolues, or filthy Goats, wild Beaſts of the forreſt, or cruell Boares out of the wood; then any true Sheepe. How rare are they p. 27that heare the voice of Chriſt with diligence, attention and obedience? The Word is no more regarded of the moſt, then if it were a tale or a toy, as appeareth by their palpable ignorance, ordinary abſence, and notable diſobedience. Every light pleaſure, every ſlight profit, every fooliſh occaſion, every frivolous buſineſſe is ſufficient to lead them from the houſe of God, and yet they would be accounted ſuch Sheepe of Chriſt as heare his voice. How rare are they that labour to doe what good they can to the Church of God, albeit God have inabled them with plentifull meanes to doe much! Where are they that can ſay with godly Nehemiah, Thinke upon me, my God, for good, Nehem. 5.19.Neh 5:19according to all that I have done for this people; or if they ſhould, what doe they but pray fearefully againſt themſelves? When the Lord Ieſus ſhall come to judgement, and all fleſh ſhall appeare before him, will he enquire of them, what goods they have gotten, or how much ground they have purchaſed, or what lands they have left to their poſterity, and how richly they have provided for their heires? No, no, we muſt give up unto Chriſt Ieſus other accounts, and that of other things, to wit, what good we have done with our goods, what members of his we have fed, clothed, harboured, or viſited. O what an heavy reckoning then have thouſands to make, when they muſt give up an account of their Stewardſhip! and yet they would be accounted the Sheep of Chriſt? O that they could think of theſe things betimes, before it be too late! How rare alſo are they, almoſt as blacke Swannes, that will forbeare, forgive, and forget the wrongs that are offered, Epheſ. 4.32. Col. 3.12, 13.Eph 4:32Col 3:12Col 3:13as Chriſt forgiveth them that offend him? but if any of us have a quarrell againſt another, we are ready to purſue it with all greedineſſe, and watch all occaſions of advantage many yeeres ſometimes, as wee ſee in the example of Abſalom, p. 282 Sam. 2 Sa…. 13.22, 23.13.22, 23. and yet they would be accounted the Sheepe of Chriſt. There cannot be a more fearefull marke and cognizance of a Goat then this is; beware of it.

Thirdly, 3conclude the ſafe eſtate and condition of the Sheepe of Chriſt: Iohn 10.28.John 10:28for who ſhall be able to take them out of his hand, Ioh. 10.28. or who ſhall fight againſt his Sheepe, and the Flocke of his paſture, and prevaile? This the Prophet teacheth, Ier. 2.3.Jer 2:3Iſrael was holineſſe unto the Lord, and the firſt fruits of his increaſe: all that devoure him, ſhall offend, evill ſhall come upon them, ſaith the Lord. Ier. Iob 1.3.Job 1:32 3. The Sheepe of Job are reckoned in the account of his ſubſtance: ſo are Gods Sheepe a part of his ſubſtance which he choſe to himſelfe: ſo great is the kindneſſe and mercy of God toward us, For why doth hee take them for his Sheepe, and let the reſt goe as Goats, being by nature no better? Is it any worthineſſe, or excellency in them before others? Rom. 2.12, 19.Rom 2:12Rom 2:19No, we are all gone out of the way, there is none that doth good, no not one, that every mouth might be ſtopped, and that all the world may become guilty before God. Is it for their multitude? Iohn 14.6.John 14:6No, they are called by Chriſt in this place, a little Flocke, and hee is the truth it ſelfe that ſpeaketh it. Thus Moſes ſheweth, that the Lord did not ſet his love upon Iſrael, neither chuſe them, becauſe they were moe in number then any people, Deut. 7.7.Deut 7:7For they were the feweſt of all people, Deut. 7.7. Is it for their ſtrength, might, and power they have? Ezek. 16.5, 6.Ezek 16:5Ezek 16:6No, he found them weake and wallowing in their blood, none eye pittied them to have compaſſion upon them; ſo that wee may not ſay in our hearts, Deut. 8.17, 18.Deut 8:17Deut 8:18My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth, but wee muſt remember the Lord our God, for it is he from whom wee receive all good things. What then? is it becauſe we are more righteous? The Iſraelites are charged not to ſpeake ſo in p. 29their hearts, Deut. 9.4, 5. Deut. 9.4, 5.Deut 9:4Deut 9:5becauſe It was not for their righteouſneſſe or uprightneſſe of heart that they entred to poſſeſſe the Land, but for the wickedneſſe of thoſe Nations which were driven out before them. Who is it among the ſonnes of men, that will not ſpend land, and limme, and life it ſelfe, to defend that which hee hath bought and purchaſed with a great price, and at a deare rate? And will not God defend and avenge his Children, whom he knew to be his before the foundation of the world was laid, though they bee oppreſſed for a time, and he beare long with the veſſels of wrath, who cry out againſt them, Downe with them, downe with them, even to the ground? 2 Tim. 2.19. Rom. 11.1, 2, 32 Tim 2:19Rom 11:1Rom 11:2Rom 11:3howbeit the foundation remaineth ſure, and hath this ſeale, The Lord knoweth who are his, and hee will not caſt off the care of them for ever.

Fourthly, 4here is matter offered unto us to ſtirre our hearts to thankſgiving, conſidering the infinite mercy of God toward us, who hath vouchſafed to make choiſe of us to be his Sheepe, paſſing by ſo many thouſands in the world. Of this duty the Prophet putteth us in minde, ariſing from this doctrine, Pſal. 100. Pſal. 100.3, 4.Ps 100:3Ps 100:4It is the Lord that hath made us, and not we ourſelves: for we are his people, and the Sheepe of his paſture. What followeth? he maketh this uſe thereupon, Enter into his Gates with thankeſgiving, and into his Courts with praiſe, be thankefull unto him, and bleſſe his Name. It is no ſmall token of his love toward us, to make us to be his Sheep, that are by nature Lyons, Leopards, Beares, Bulls, Dogs, Pſal. 22.12, 13, 16, 21. Matth. 15.26.Ps 22:12Ps 22:13Ps 22:16Ps 22:21Matt 15:26Wolves, and wild Beaſts, and what not? Is not his love (who loved us firſt) worth our love to him againe? If it be a great bleſſing, that we are made to bee reaſonable men, how much greater is it to be received and regarded as his owne inheritance, then which nothing is dearer to him, nothing ought to be better to us? The p. 30unfaithfull are the worke of God by naturall generation, but they are the new-worke of God by ſpirituall regeneration. It is not our owne free will that can frame and faſhion us to be the people of God, for then we might ſay, It is we our ſelves that have made us, and not the Lord. Particular branches of thankfulneſſe.This thankfulneſſe conſiſteth not in words onelyonly, but in divers other particular branches noted by the Prophet in that place. Firſt, let us give to him our hearts, that our tongues may bee guided thereby: let us firſt offer him all that is within us, and then all that is without us will follow alſo; for other worſhip God accepteth not. In vaine they worſhip him, Matth. 15.8.Matt 15:8that draw neere unto him with their mouth, and honour him with their lippes, when their hearts are farre from him. Secondly, we muſt never bee aſhamed to praiſe the Lord, and to confeſſe his wonderfull workes to the children of men. We ſee how men are not aſhamed to ſinne before the Lord, openly, publikely, proudly, preſumptuouſly, and prophanely, and they bluſh at nothing but at godlineſſe, prayer, profeſſion, hearing the Word, and ſuch like workes of Chriſtian piety. Theſe men glory in their owne ſhame, Phil. 3.19. Ier. 6.15.Phil 3:19Jer 6:15but they are aſhamed of their glory, nay of Gods glory, and even of their owne good. Thirdly, the ſervice which we performe to God, wee muſt yeeld willingly, readily, joyfully, 2 Cor. 9.6.2 Cor 9:6and with a glad heart, for hee loveth a cheerefull giver. Thankes conſtrained, or wrung and wreſted from us, are rejected of God. Wee muſt give unto him backe againe, as he giveth to us. But how is that? and in what manner beſtoweth he upon us? hee giveth us his gifts freely, we muſt therefore returne to him our thankes frankly. Laſtly, he calleth us to the aſſembly of his Saints, which he nameth the Court and preſence of God, which was the place appointed for his publike ſervice and worſhip. Indeed God is not confined to a p. 31certaine place, Act. 7.48. Iohn 4.21.Acts 7:48John 4:21neither is there any place wherein he is not to bee worſhipped: nevertheleſſe, ſuch as are indued with true faith, muſt follow the communion of the Saints, as Sheepe that feed not alone, but with their fellowes. Gods Sheepe and ſervants muſt ſhew themſelves in the publike Aſſemblies, being publikely thankefull for publike benefits received at his mercifull hands, Pſal. 84.10.Ps 84:10conſidering that one day in (a) his Courts is better then a thouſandelſewhere.

Fiftly, 5all that are Paſtors and Teachers under Chriſt are bound to feed the Flocke that dependeth upon them. They are VnderUnder-ſhepheards, as it were Chriſts Vicars or Curates: hee is the great Shepheard of our ſoules, to whom the reſt muſt be ſubject, for the Sheepe are his. This uſe is gathered from the exhortation that Paul giveth to the Elders of Epheſus, Act. 20. Take heed unto your ſelves, and to all the Flocke, Act. 20.28.Acts 20:28over the which the holy Ghoſt hath made you overſeers, to feed the Church of God, which hee hath purchaſed with his owne blood. Where he reaſoneth thus, It is the Flock of God, therefore feed it: for hee maketh the Church of God and the Flocke of God all one. So when the Lord Ieſus aſcended, and led captivity captive, hee gave gifts to men, and appointed VnderUnder-paſtors and VnderUnder-teachers, Epheſ. 4.11.Eph 4:11for the worke of the miniſtery, and the edification of the whole body. This is the charge hee gave to Peter, To feed his Sheepe: as if he ſhould ſay, Feed them, becauſe they are my Sheepe. 2 Tim. 2.2.2 Tim 2:2Now as Paul ſpeaketh to Timothy; The things that thou haſt learned of me, the ſame commit to faithfull men, who ſhall bee able to teach others alſo: ſo Peter having received ſo earneſt a charge himſelfe, is carefull to deliver the ſame to others, himſelfe an Elder, to the Elders, 1 Pet. 5. 1 Pet. 5.2.1 Pet 5:2Feed the Flocke of God which is among you, taking the overſight thereof, not by conſtraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, p. 32but of a ready minde, &c. And that we may performe this the better, we muſt conſider that we are ſundry wayes provoked to our duties by this title. For as wee have ſhewed that the people muſt reſemble the Sheep, Wherein the Miniſter is to reſemble a Shepheard. Matth. 18.12.Matt 18:12ſo we muſt remember that ſpirituall Paſtors and Teachers muſt be like to other Shepheards, beſtowing great labour and paines among the ſheepe, for that is not an idle calling. Firſt, the Shepheard overſeeth the whole flocke in generall, and every part in particular; foraſmuch as to overlooke one, and overſlip another, is the part of a looſe and careleſſe Shepheard. Thus muſt the Miniſter of God looke to all, and exempt himſelfe from inſtructing of none that are of his fold. For as the ſoule quickneth every member of the body from the higheſt to the loweſt, from the greateſt to the leaſt: ſo muſt he ſeeke the good of all, both high and low, great and ſmall, one and other, ſo farre as lyeth in him to the utmoſt. Hence it is, that Paul willeth the Elders to take heed to all the flocke. Whoſoever ſcorneth in his deeper skill to ſtoope downe to teach the leaſt, the loweſt, the pooreſt, the ſimpleſt, & to be familiar with them to win them to God, ſerveth not his Maſter Chriſt, neither ſavoureth of his Spirit, Comment. on Numb. pag. 699.but rather of the ſpirit of Antichriſt. But of this more at large elſewhere. Secondly, the Shepheard looketh to the lambes as wel as to the ſheep, which are as the hope of the flocke, as we ſee in Jacob, Gen. 33.13. So is the Miniſter to teach the youth, that he may have comfort of them in their age, as Moſes would not goe out of Egypt without their little ones to offer ſacifice to the Lord, Exod. 10.9.Exod 10:9Exo. 10.9. As Chriſt willeth the Diſciples to ſuffer little children to come unto him, Mark. 10.14.Mark 10:14becauſe to ſuch belongeth the Kingdome of God, Mark. 10.14. And he willeth Peter to feed his Lambes as well as his Sheepe, Ioh. 21.15. Prov. 22.6.John 21:15Prov 22:6Joh. 21.15. If a child bee taught what trade to take when he is young, he will not forget it when hee is p. 33old; as a veſſell retaineth the taſte of that liquor wherewith it was ſeaſoned when it was new. Thirdly, wee ſee that as the Shepheard feedeth the flocke, ſo it feedeth him againe, whereby the Miniſter of the Word hath warrant to live of the Goſpell, as he preacheth the Goſpel. This ſimilitude is preſſed by the Apoſtle, 1 Cor. 9. Who goeth a warfare any time at his owne charges? 1 Cor. 9.7.1 Cor 9:7who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flocke, and eateth not of the milke of the flocke? If we feed the flocke, we have warrant to be fed therewith? but we have no power and authority given us from God to eate thereof, if we labour not. 1 Theſ. 3.10.1 Thess 3:10For he ſetteth us to worke, he calleth us not to idleneſſe. Fourthly, the Shepheard looketh to the ſheepe that are weake and feeble, and laboureth to cure them, and therefore is never without his remedies and medicines to heale them: ſo the Miniſter of God muſt receive the weake, reſtore ſuch as are fallen, warne them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, ſupport the tender-hearted, and be patient toward all men, 2 Tim. 2.26.2 Tim 2:26proving if God at any time will give them repentance, that they may come out of the ſnares of the Devill, of whom they are holden captive to doe his will. Theſe doe eſpecially ſtand in need of the helpe of the ſpirituall Shepheard. Fiftly, as the Shepheard preſerveth the ſheepe from the violence and invaſion of the Lyon and the Beare, 1 Sam. 17.34.1 Sam 17:34of the Wolfe and the Fox, that would prey upon both the ſheepe and lambes; ſo muſt the Miniſter keepe his hearers from the infection and contagion of ſeducers and falſe teachers, who oftentimes come in ſheepes clothing, Matth. 7.15.Matt 7:15but inwardly are either crafty Foxes, or ravening Wolves. To this purpoſe it is ſaid, Cant. Cant. 2.15.Song 2:152 Take us the Foxes, the little Foxes, that ſpoile the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. Thus wee muſt give all diligence, earneſtly contending for the faith, Iude 3.Jude 1:3which was once delivered p. 34to the Saints. Sixtly, as the Shepheard is to give an account of his ſheepe, Gen. 31.39.Gen 31:39as appeareth in Jacob, ſo is the office of the Miniſter an office of account, and therefore woe unto us if we preach not the Goſpell, becauſe a neceſſity is laid upon us, 1 Cor. 9.16. Ezek. 34.2.1 Cor 9:16Ezek 34:21 Cor. 9. Eze. 34. Thus ſaith the Lord God unto the Shepheards, Woe bee to the Shepheards of Iſrael that doe feed themſelves, ſhould not the Sheepheards feed the flockes? On the other ſide, if wee feed the flocke willingly, and readily, wee ſhall receive a crowne of glory that fadeth not away, 1 Pet. 5.4. Dan. 12.3.1 Pet 5:4Dan 12:3when the chiefe Shepheard ſhall appeare in glory. If this great Day of the Lord were alwaies before us, it were ſu…ficient to make them that are idle to be diligent, and ſuch as are diligent, to be yet more diligent; and ſuch as are faithfull, to bee yet more faithfull.

Laſtly, 6conclude from hence, that the faithfull cannot want any thing that is good for them. The title given to the faithfull, that they are Chriſts Sheepe belonging to their All-ſufficient Shepheard, ſerveth to aſſure them of his never-failing care toward them. For albeit they be ſimple and innocent, yet their Shepheard is wiſe and full of diſcretion to ſearch and ſee into their wants, as Eſay 40.11. Eſay 40.11.Isa 40:11He ſhall feed his flocke like a Shepheard, he ſhall gather the Lambes with his arme, and carry them in his boſome, and ſhall gently lead thoſe that are with young. They are his chiefe treaſure, a royall Prieſthood, a choſen generation: they are choſen of him to life, and diſtinguiſhed from all people of the world, Revel. 2.17.Rev 2:17graven in the palme of his hands: They have a new name ſet upon them, which no man knoweth ſaving ſuch as have received it. How then can they bee forgotten of him that knoweth them all by their names? Thus David reaſoneth, Pſal. 23.1.Ps 23:1Pſal. 23.1. The Lord is my Shepheard, I ſhall not want. Obſerve the concluſion of the Prophet in this place: the Lord was his Shepheard, and p. 35he one of his ſheepe, therefore he is aſſured he ſhall never want, therefore he will have a ſpeciall care of him. For what, I pray you, can they want, who have God to be their Shepheard? Hence it is, that hee ſaith elſewhere, I am poore and needy, Pſal. 10.17.Ps 10:17yet the Lord thinketh upon me. But it will be objected, Obiect. Doe we not ſee many of Gods ſervants live in want? to ſuffer hunger, thirſt, nakedneſſe, cold, and an heape of many miſeries? to be driven from houſe and home, and to wander from place to place? and doth not the Scripture teach us as much? 2 Cor. 11.27. Heb. 11.37. I anſwer, Anſw. God feedeth his in ſuch extremities as theſe, another way: hee ſtrengthneth and ſtayeth them up with his grace, that they cleave unto him, and depend upon him, for hee is their portion, and never forſaketh them. They have ſuch inward peace that the world knoweth not of; which made the Apoſtle ſay, Phil. 4 11, 12.Phil 4:11Phil 4:12I have learned in whatſoever ſtate I am, therewith to be content: I know both how to be abaſed, and know how to abound: every where and in all things I am inſtructed both to be full, and to bee hungry, both to abound, and to ſuffer need. This hee expreſſeth more at large, 2 Cor. 6.8, 9, 10. What then? is there nothing required on our behalfe? Yes doubtleſſe, for we have no promiſe of earthly things, Matth. 6 32.Matt 6:32except we ſeeke firſt of all the Kingdome of God and his righteouſneſſe. If our chiefeſt care be of heavenly things, all theſe temporall things ſhall be added unto us. And this muſt bee our chiefeſt care for theſe cauſes. Firſt, the ſoule is of more excelelnt price then the body by many degrees, Matth. 16.26. and draweth neerer to the nature of God, becauſe it is a Spirit immortall, and inviſible. Secondly, corporall and earthly bleſſings are common bleſſings, Luke 12.16. & 16.19, 23. & 18.18, 23.Luke 12:16Luke 16:19Luke 16:23Luke 18:18Luke 18:23the ungodly are partakers of them as well as the godly, nay oftentimes they have the greateſt ſhare and portion of them, Luk. 12.16. & 16.19. & 18.23. p. 36Thirdly, temporall bleſſings ſerve onelyonly for this preſent life, but ſpirituall belong to the life to come. As then the life to come ought more to be deſired which never ſhall have end, then this preſent which is tranſitory and cannot continue, but paſſeth away wee know not how ſoone: ſo we ſhould much more deſire the bleſſings of the next life which abide for ever, 2 Cor. 4.18.2 Cor 4:182 Cor. 4. For the things that are ſeene, are temporall, but the things that are not ſeene, are eternall. Fourthly, we may have earthly bleſſings, and yet they may lie dead by us, and wee have no uſe at all of them, either to our ſelves or to others: it is not ſo with heavenly bleſſings, ſuch as poſſeſſe them, alwaies doe good with them. Fiftly, ſpirituall things are ſimply and abſolutely neceſſary to ſalvation, ſo that without them we cannot be ſaved: the other not ſo. For albeit they be required for the uſe of this life, yet they are not neceſſarily requiſite to bring us to ſalvation. Nay, ſometimes through the abuſe of them, and ſometimes through the want of a ſpeciall ſanctifying grace, they become hindrances, and clogs, and ſnares, and thornes unto us, as lamentable experience in the world teacheth. Laſtly, ſpirituall bleſſings once received ſhall never bee taken away from us, becauſe his owne, Iohn 13.1. Rom. 11.29. Luke 22.32.John 13:1Rom 11:29Luke 22:32whom he loved in the world, he loveth to the end, his gifts and graces are without repentance; and their faith ſhall never faile; whereas temporall things are onelyonly left and lent unto us, but the time ſhall come when they muſt leave us, and we them. Theſe two points laſt remembred, are concluded out of the words of Chriſt himſelfe, Luke 10.42.Luke 10:42Luk. 10. touching the neceſſity and perpetuity of ſpirituall graces; as for temporall bleſſings, they are indeed convenient and profitable, but not ſimply neceſſary, ſo that we may be ſaved without them, as many are condemned with them. For the ſoule of Lazarus was carried into Abrahams boſome, p. 37that wanted them, and the ſoule of the rich man to hell and torments that had them. Laſtly, we are moved to ſeeke Gods Kingdome before and above all earthly things, becauſe as earthly things are Gods gifts, ſo they belong rightly and properly to the faithfull. They onelyonly have the promiſe, that they ſhall not want, and therefore they have the trueſt title and tenure whereby they hold them, as Eſay 65.13. This made the Prophet ſay, Pſal. 37.25. I have beene yong, and now am old, Pſal. 37.25.Ps 37:25yet have I not ſeene the righteous forſaken, nor his ſeed begging bread. The Lord hath made no ſuch promiſe to ungodly men. True it is, they have earthly bleſſings oftentimes more then the godly, to make them without excuſe, but they have them not by vertue of his promiſe. For where hath hee given to them any ſuch promiſe? or how can they ſhew us their charter? nay, they and their children have a contrary judgement wayting upon them, Pſal. 109 9, 20.Ps 109:9Ps 109:20Let his children bee continually vagabonds and begge, Pſal. 109. Such as will not hearken unto the voice of the Lord to obſerve all his Commandements, ſhall be curſed in the City and in the Field, Deut. 28.15, 16, &c. 2 Sam. 3.29. 1 Cor. 3.22. Rom. 8.32. Matth. 5.5.Deut 28:15Deut 28:162 Sam 3:291 Cor 3:22Rom 8:32Matt 5:5in their basket and ſtore, in all their fruit and increaſe, Deut. 28. 2 Sam. 3.29. As for the godly, it is not ſo with them, Chriſt Ieſus is theirs, and therefore no marvaile, if all things elſe be theirs, and that they ſhall inherit the earth. The Sheepe of Chriſt have all by a right of donation, the ungodly hold all by a wrong of uſurpation. Can there be a better or truer title then Gods gift, by which Iſrael poſſeſſed the Land of Canaan? or can there be a meaner or worſer hold, then to uſurpe that which is not their owne, as the theefe doth the true mans purſe? All that the godly man hath, is his freehold touching the Conſcience, Iohn 8.36. Gal. 4.26.John 8:36Gal 4:26as themſelves are made free by the Sonne, and as his ſervice is perfect freedome: his food is free, his houſe and land (if hee have any) is p. 38free, his dwelling is free, all that he putteth on, or any way belongeth unto him, is of a free tenure. Howbeit underſtand thus much, that this freedome of the faith full exempteth them not from Princes lawes, but is wholy ſpirituall; and this is their advantage, that which they have, is their owne, and they may uſe it to their comfort. For they have an intereſt both from God and man; from Heaven and earth, to enjoy the things of this life. It is not ſo with the ungodly, who are in bondage to ſinne, to Satan, to their owne luſts and corruptions, which bringeth all that they poſſeſſe into bondage with them. True it is, they may ſhew their warrant from men, and bring forth their evidences, or leaſes, their writings and ſeales, their bonds and indentures; but what is all this to their right and claime from God, and to a ſound ſanctified uſe of them before him? For the bondage of their perſons bringeth with it the bondage of their poſſeſſions. All therefore that they have and hold, is a bad and a bond hold. They can fetch their title no further then from men, and from their courts and cuſtomes. Howſoever ſuch are ready to cry out with the Iewes, Iohn 8.33.John 8:33Wee were never in bondage to any, yet while they take themſelves to bee the freeſt men upon the earth, and to have liberty to make others free, 2 Pet. 2.19.2 Pet 2:19they are themſelves the ſervants, nay ſlaves to their owne corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the ſame is he brought into bondage.

Flocke.) Another obſervation ariſing from the number here uſed.Another obſervation fitly ariſeth from the name and number here uſed; as the former did from the borrowed ſpeech, and title aſcribed to the faithfull. For hee calleth not his people flockes, as ſpeaking of many, but he ſingleth them out in the ſingular number, as ſpeaking of one onelyonly by the name of a flocke, my little flocke; one flocke, not many or ſeverall flockes. True it is, there are many ſheepe, yet they make but p. 39one flocke or ſheepfold. This teacheth us, Doct. 3 that the Church of Chriſt is onelyonly one, and not divers. So wee profeſſe in the Articles of our faith, to beleeve one holy and Catholike Church, not many Catholike Churches. This Chriſt himſelfe ſheweth plainely, Ioh. 10. there is one Shepheard, and one Sheepfold. Iohn 10.16.John 10:16The Shepheard is but one, ſo the flockes are not many. Thus alſo the Apoſtle ſpeaketh, 1 Cor. 12. 1 Cor. 12.12. Epheſ. 1.10. & 2.16.1 Cor 12:12Eph 1:10Eph 2:16There be many members, yet but one body. This we finde often repeated in him in many places, he purpoſed to gather together in one all things both which are in Heaven and in earth, Epheſ. 1.10. we being many, are one body in Chriſt, Rom. Rom. 12.5. Gal. 3.28. 1 Cor. 10.17. Iohn 17.21.Rom 12:5Gal 3:281 Cor 10:17John 17:2112.5. Ye are all one in Chriſt Jeſus, Gal. 3.28. Wee being many are on bread and one body, 1 Cor. 10.17. This is the effect of our Saviours prayer, That they all may bee one, as thou, O Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they alſo may be one in us. This alſo Salomon ſetteth downe, Cant. 6. My Dove, my undefiled is but one, Cant. 6.9.Song 6:9ſhe is the onelyonly one of her Mother, ſhe is the chiefe one of her that bare her.

The tr…th hereof better appeareth, Reaſ. 1 if wee conſider the titles given to the Church. Pſal. 87.2. & 48.2. Cant. 4.9, 12. & 5.2. Eſay 2.2. &. 5.7. 1 Cor. 6.19. Numb. 12.7. Heb. 3.2. Epheſ. 3.15. G…l. 4.26. 1 Tim. 3.15.Ps 87:2Ps 48:2Song 4:9Song 4:12Song 5:2Isa 2:2Isa 5:71 Cor 6:19Num 12:7Heb 3:2Eph 3:151 Tim 3:15It is called the City of God, Pſal. 87.2. The City of the great King, and the joy of the whole world, Pſal. 48 2. The body of Chriſt, Epheſ. 1.22, 23. & 5.23. 1 Cor. 12.27. Col. 1.18. The ſpouſe of Chriſt, Cant. 4.9. The Mountaine of the Lord, Eſay 2.2. The Temple of God, 1 Cor. 6.19. The houſe of God, Numb. 12.7. Heb. 3.2. The piller and ground of the Truth, 1 Tim. 3.15. The vineyard of the Lord of Hoſts. Eſay 5.7. The whole family in Heaven and Earth, Eph. 3.15. A garden incloſed, Cant. 4.12. as Chriſt alſo oftentimes in that Booke calleth it his Siſter, his Love, his Dove, his Vndefiled, chap. 5.2. The heavenly Jeruſalem, the mother of us all, Gal. 4.26. and many other ſuch like titles, all ſingular ſignifying one, none plurall as pointing out many.

Againe, 2the priviledges of the Church are one and p. 40the ſame: for albeit there bee many Citizens in this City, many ſubjects in this Kingdome, many members in this Body, many dwellers in this Houſe, many plants in this Vineyard, many Sonnes and Daughters in this Family, many trees in this Garden, and many children of this Mother, yet the milke they ſucke, the meat they eate, the garments they put on are one and the ſame, as Epheſ. Eph. 4.4, 5, 6.Eph 4:4Eph 4:5Eph 4:64.4, There is one God, one Head, one Saviour, one Redeemer, one Sanctifier, one Husband, one Hope, one Heaven, one Way, one Doore, one Lord, one Baptiſme, one Supper, one Faith, and one Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Here are many unities, which make the Church fitly joyned together, and compacted by that which every joynt ſupplieth, according to the effectuall working in the meaſure of every part, &c.

But it may be objected, Obiect. How is it then that we read of ſundry Churches, 1 Cor. 11.16. Likewiſe of the ſeven Churches of Aſia, Revel. 1.4, 13. as alſo of the Churches of the Romanes, Corinthians, Galatians, &c. I anſwer, Anſw. Theſe are onelyonly ſeverall parts of the Church militant, which is the company of Elect or faithfull living under the Croſſe, deſiring to be diſſolved and removed hence, to be with Chriſt. Now as the Ocean Sea which is but one, is notwithſtanding divided into ſundry parts, according to the Countries and Kingdomes by which it runneth: ſo the Church diſperſed over the whole earth, is divided into many particular Churches, according as the regions are ſeveral in which it is ſeated. Or as the body of man is one, but in this body there are many ſeverall members that make all of them but one body: ſo it is with the body of the Church it ſelfe, Pſal. 122.3.Ps 122:3as the Prophet teacheth, that Jeruſalem is builded as a City that is compact together in it ſelfe, Pſal. 122.3.

p. 41Acknowledge from hence a difference betweene the true Church, Vſe 1 and all other falſe conventicles and ſynagogues of Satan, not worthy to bee called by the names of Churches. The true Church is onelyonly one, as God is one, that calleth it, as Chriſt is one that redeemeth it, as the Spirit one that ſanctifieth and preſerveth it. But the falſe churches have Satan and his angels for their head and king: and as hee is called the god of this world, ſo he may be called the god of diſorder and confuſion, the god of hatred and malice; theſe are at enmity with God, with the truth, with the true Church, and one with another, Iudg. 7.22.Judg 7:22as the ſwords of the Midianites were drawne out againſt the Midianites their owne fellowes. This uſe is concluded in the ſong of Salomon, chap. 6. There are threeſcore Queenes, Cant. 6.8, 9.Song 6:8Song 6:9and foureſcore Concubines, and Virgins without number: yet my Dove, my Vndefiled is but one, the onelyonly one of her Mother. Here is an objection and an anſwer to it. As if it were ſaid, There are indeed multitudes of other aſſemblies in the world, which ſeeme to bee in more favour with God then the true Church, by reaſon of their multitudes, by reaſon of their pomp and glory, by reaſon of their flouriſhing eſtate, and freedome from inward and outward terrours: nevertheleſſe, though there be ſuch an innumerable ſort of Queenes and Concubines as theſe, yet the true Church is onelyonly one, and indeed the onelyonly one dearely beloved, and tenderly regarded of the true God, as that which walketh in the truth, and profeſſeth the Word truely. As for all other ſocieties, they are no better then as routes of Rebels, and conſpiracies of wicked men gathered together, and riſen up againſt the Lord, and againſt his Anoynted, breaking the bonds, Pſal. 2.3, 9.Ps 2:3Ps 2:9and caſting away the cords of doctrine and diſcipline, who in the end ſhall be broken to ſhivers with a rod of Iron, and daſhed in pieces like a Potters veſſell. Such p. 42are all the aſſemblies of the Turkes, Sarazens, Savages, Iewes, Perſians, Pagans, and the like, who are no Churches. Such are the congregations of the Papiſts, the meetings of the Arrians, Anabaptiſts, Libertines, Familiſts, Antinomies, Tritheits, Samoſatenians, Swinkfieldians, all which are falſe Churches, ſome like the Iſraelites or ten tribes, after they were fallen from the houſe of David, and others worſe: all of them no true Churches of God, but multitudes of horrible Infidels, deteſtable Idolaters, and abominable Heretickes departed out of the true Church, with whom wee muſt hold no communion, with whom wee muſt have nothing to doe, but rather ſhun them, and ſeparate from them, nay abhorre and abjure them, as men that walke in the path-way that leadeth to death and deſtruction. A man will not willingly goe into an infectious houſe, but theſe aſſemblies are a rout and receptacle of peſtilent and prophane perſons, who have made ſhipwracke of faith and of a good conſcience. Hence it is that the Church ſpeaketh in reſpect of ſuch, Cant. 1.7.Song 1:7Cant. 1.7. Why ſhould I be as one that turneth aſide by the flockes of thy companions? ſhe meaneth ſwarmes of Idolaters, heapes of falſe Worſhippers, and ſocieties of Schiſmatickes and Heretikes, 2 Tim. 2.17.2 Tim 2:17whoſe doctrine fretteth as a canker, ſowreth as a leaven, and ſpreadeth as a leproſie over the whole body. Therefore hee calleth theſe evill companies flockes, becauſe they are many in number, and not that one flocke, which hath Chriſt Ieſus to be the onelyonly Maſter, the onelyonly Shepheard, the onelyonly Teacher of the true ſervice of God. There alwaies have bene, and now are, Revel. 3.9.Rev 3:9ſuch as are no other, nor no better then the ſynagogue of Satan, who ſay they are virgins, but are harlots: who ſay they are Jewes, that is, the true Church and people of God, and are not, but doe lye.

Secondly, the Church being but one, this point and p. 43principle is to be holden, that there is no ſalvation out of the Church, as there is no condemnation to them that are of the Church, and conſequently every one that looketh to bee ſaved by Chriſt, muſt neceſſarily range himſelfe in that number, that ſo he may become a member and Citizen of this one Catholike Church. For as out of the Sheepfold are Goats, Dogs, Swine, Wolves, and ſuch like, Revel. 21.15.Rev 21:15ſo out of the Church are Sorcerers, and Whore mongers, and Murtherers, and Idolaters, and whoſoever loveth and maketh lies, Revel. 22. Such albeit they may be in the Church for a ſeaſon, yet are not of the Church, for they remaine not in it. They that were not in the Arke of Noah, periſhed in the waters: ſo out of the Church, and out of this flocke and ſheepfold all are condemned. Hence it is that Luke teacheth, Acts 2.47. Cant. 4.12.Acts 2:47Song 4:12The Lord added to the Church from day to day ſuch as ſhould be ſaved. So Salomon, Cant. 4. A garden incloſed is my Siſter, my Spouſe, a Spring ſhut up, a Fountaine ſealed. This is plaine in theſe foure reſpects. Firſt, Why there is no ſalvation out of the Church.becauſe Chriſt Ieſus is the onelyonly head of the Church, by whom all parts as by certaine joynts and ſinewes are knit and coupled together: but out of the militant Church there is no Chriſt, Revel. 1.13.Rev 1:13for he alwaies walketh in the midſt of the ſeven golden Candleſtickes: out of the Church there is no faith in Chriſt, no obedience to Chriſt, no juſtification through Chriſt. This reaſon may bee thus concluded,

Where no Saviour is, there can be no ſalvation.

But out of the Church there is no Saviour: Therefore

Out of the Church there can be no ſalvation.

So then where no head is to quicken or make alive, there can be no body or members that are alive: but out of the Church there is no head to quicken or make alive: therefore there is no body or members quickned or made alive, but dead members which are ſo p. 44onelyonly in name. 2Secondly, out of the Church who ruleth as King, 2 Cor. 4.4. Epheſ. 2.2.2 Cor 4:4Eph 2:2but the prince of the aire, and god of this world, that ruleth in the hearts of the children of diſobedience? and therefore ſuch as are juſtly caſt out of the Church by the cenſure of excommunication, and cut off by that ſpirituall ſword of diſcipline, 1 Cor. 5.5. 1 Tim. 1.20.1 Cor 5:51 Tim 1:20are ſaid to be delivered to Satan, that they might learne not to blaſpheme, 1 Cor. 5.5. 1 Tim. 1.20. This reaſon may be thus framed.

Where Satan ruleth, nothing beareth ſway but deſtruction:

But out of the Church Satan ruleth, Therefore

Out of the Church nothing beareth ſway but deſtruction,

and conſequently there can be no ſalvation. 3Thirdly, out of the Church there are no ordinary meanes to come to ſalvation. Now what are the meanes to attaine ſalvation? They are theſe, Hearing, Faith, Prayer, the Sacraments, and ſuch like. But out of the boſome of the Church there is no ſound preaching of the Word, no true beleeving in Chriſt, no devout calling upon God, no right partaking of the Sacraments, no ſincere holineſſe of life, no brotherly communion of Saints, no pure worſhipping of God according to his Word. Theſe are the priviledges of the Church, and the markes whereby it is knowne, Acts 2.42.Acts 2:42Act. 2. They continued ſtedfaſtly in the Apoſtles doctrine, and fellowſhip, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Where theſe are not, 4there can be no Church, nor ſalvation. Fourthly, the Church and the world are quite contrary the one to the other. Iohn 17.9, 14. Epheſ. 5.27. 1 Pet. 2.9.John 17:9John 17:14Eph 5:271 Pet 2:9Chriſt prayeth not for the world, as hee doth for the Church, and for all the parts and members of it, John 17.9, 14. the whole world lyeth in wickedneſſe, onelyonly the Church is an holy company, which followeth the waies, and practiſeth the workes of godlineſſe.

p. 45Laſtly, labour to be of this Church, 5and joyne thy ſelfe to it, as a part and member thereof. If any aske, By what ſignes we may diſcerne whether we be members of the Church: or not? I anſwer, It is not hard, much leſſe unpoſſible to eſtabliſh our hearts in this truth. For firſt, ſuch are ſeparated from the world, 1and are called with an holy calling by the voice of their Shepheard, and ſet apart by the power of the Word, as the Nazarites were by their vow. To this purpoſe it is ſaid of the Church, Loe, the people ſhall dwell alone, Numb. 23 9.Num 23:9and ſhall not be reckoned among the Nations; If then we joyne our ſelves with the world, we disjoyne our ſelves from the Church. Secondly, 2true holineſſe is begun in their nature. Wee beleeve this in our hearts, and wee muſt practiſe it in our lives, Tit. 3.5. Tit. 3.5. 2 Pet. 1.10. Matth. 5.16.Titus 3:52 Pet 1:10Matt 5:16Hereby we make our election and calling ſure, 2 Pet. 1.10. Matth. 5.16. No ſanctification, no ſalvation. Thirdly, the holineſſe of Chriſt and his righteouſneſſe is imputed unto them, 3Heb. 10.10.Heb 10:10being waſhed and bathed in his blood, Heb. 10.10. Theſe rely wholy upon his merits for their righteouſneſſe and ſalvation, not upon themſelves. Fourthly, 4they cleave unto ſuch as feare God, and worke righteouſneſſe with unchangeable affections, as the onelyonly people in the world, with whom they become one body, Rom. Rom. 12.5.Rom 12:512.5. For as they are one in Chriſt, ſo they are one among themſelves, and love one another in deed and in truth, as fellow ſervants of the ſame family, as fellow berthren of the ſame Father, and as fellow Citizens of the ſame City, with all meekneſſe, patience, gentleneſſe, lowlineſſe, long-ſuffering, love, concord, and unity. As ſheepe will not be alone, ſo neither will they ſort with Swine, or Beares, or Lyons, or Wolves. Let all our delight therefore be in the Saints, Pſal. 16. 2 Cor. 6.16. 2 Theſ. 3.14. Heb. 10.39.2 Cor 6:162 Thess 3:14Heb 10:39On the other ſide, let us avoid the ſociety of the wicked, Come out from among them, and touch no uncleane thing, ſeparate p. 46from them, 5and have no familiarity with them. Fiftly, they ſtrive with might and maine by ſanctification and holineſſe of life to exceed and outſtrip the deeds and practices of Turkes, Papiſts, and prophane perſons of the world, 1 Pet. 2.9. Phil. 2.15.1 Pet 2:9Phil 2:15that theſe may ſee their good workes, and glorifie their Father which is in Heaven. For except our righteouſneſſe exceed the righteouſneſſe of the Scribes and Phariſes, Matth. 5.20.Matt 5:20wee cannot enter into the Kingdome of Heaven. Our workes, not our words onelyonly muſt ſpeake for us, and witneſſe with us, that we are of this one Church. And let us take heed, leſt by our ſinfull lives we ſlander our profeſſion, blaſpheme the Name of God our Father, diſhonour Chriſt our Head, and diſgrace the Church our Mother, 6Epheſ. 1.4. Laſtly, wee muſt acknowledge our ſelves to be Pilgrims and ſtrangers in this world, Heb. 11.9, 10.Heb 11:9Heb 11:10as the Patriarkes and holy men of God did. For albeit we are in the world, yet we are none of the world: and albeit we live on the earth, yet we muſt not be earthly-minded, Phil. 3.20.Phil 3:20but have our converſation in Heaven, and from thence looke for our Saviour, to change our vile bodies, and to faſhion them like to his glorious body. We live here as in a ſtrange Country, but we looke for a City which hath foundations, whoſe builder and maker is God. We muſt therefore uſe this world as though we uſed it not. 1 Cor. 7.31.1 Cor 7:31And thus being members of the Church militant in this life, wee ſhall be parts of the Church triumphant in the life to come, there to remaine with Chriſt Ieſus our Head for ever.

Little flocke.) The third point of the diviſion followeth, which is the limitation, it is little. Though it be a flocke, yet it is but a little flocke. It is a company, yet but a ſmall company. Touching the company or compaſſe of the Church, we are to conſider two things: Firſt, the errors that ſtand on both ſides, and the ſtrength of the reaſon that Chriſt maketh againſt all p. 47carnall feare of want and famine. Touching the errors on both hands, as well on the right hand as on the left, ſome goe about to ſhrinke up the ſinewes of this little flocke, and ſo contract it into a leſſer roome then Chriſt himſelfe hath folded it into. True it is, hee hath ſhut it up into a narrow fold, but many have gone about to pin it up, and to tye it ſhorter then he hath done. Thus the Iewes that were of the Circumciſion offended, who went about to gather it into a ſhorter ſumme then they ought to have done: for they contended with Peter, and tooke it grievouſly, Acts 11.2, 3.Acts 11:2Acts 11:3that he went in to men uncircumciſed, and did eate with them. They falſely perſwaded themſelves, that the promiſes concerning the Meſſiah pertained to themſelves alone, becauſe they heard in the Scriptures that they were called the peculiar people to whom pertained the adoption, Rom. 9.4, 5.Rom 9:4Rom 9:5the covenants, the giving of the Law, and the ſervice of God, and ſo they dreamed that the Gentiles were quite excluded from ſalvation, and ſevered from the Church of God. Howbeit this is contrary to the ancient promiſe and propheſie, that God will enlarge Iaphet, Gen. 9.27.Gen 9:27that hee ſhall dwell in the Tents of Shem: and hereunto doe other Prophets accord. Thus alſo did the Donatiſts ſhut up the Church into a corner of the world onelyonly, to wit, in Africk, Auguſt. De Haereſ. cap. 69.as if it had beene utterly periſhed out of the whole earth beſides. Thus doe the Anabaptiſts and ſundry of the Separation, as if there were no true Church upon the earth, but among themſelves, who in truth are the true Donatiſts of our time, as whoſoever knoweth the hiſtory of them will eaſily acknowledge. For theſe Sectaries were Separatiſts, who had their Conventicles apart under colour of great corruptions in other places, perſons, and Churches, and they imagined contagion and infection to ariſe by communicating with all others. This is a generation that ſay p. 48as it is in the Prophet, Eſay 65.5.Isa 65:5Stand by thy ſelfe, Come not neere to me, for I am holier then thou. But here good and evill are mingled together, as cleane & uncleane in the Arke, as wheate and chaffe in the floore, and muſt ſo continue to the end of the World. So likewiſe doe the Romaniſts abridge it, who faſten the Church to the ſleeve of the See of Rome, and therefore define it to bee a company of men under one Paſtor, Bellar. lib. 3. De Eccleſ. cap. 2.Eccl 2and ſubject to the juriſdiction of the Biſhop of Rome: ſo that let men beleeve never ſo orthodoxally and ſoundly otherwiſe, yet they hold them out of the account of the Church, and brand them to bee no better then damnable Heretikes, who doe not acknowledge their lord god the Pope to be the Vicar of Chriſt, the head of the Church, and their chiefe, nay univerſall Paſtor. Thus Catholike and Romane with them, generall and particular ſhall be all one; which Church when it was at the beſt, Rom. 1.8.Rom 1:8and their faith ſpred abroad thorowout the whole world, was never taken to be the Catholike Church, but a part thereof, which now is no ſound part or member thereof, being fallen from that faith. For neither did that Roman Church beleeve as this doth, neither yet this as that did, as it were eaſie to ſhew by ſundry particulars. But to leave all theſe, the Iewes, the Donatiſts, the Anabaptiſts, the Separatiſts, and the Romaniſts that thus reſtraine the Church: on the other ſide there are others, who pull up the fence, and digge downe the wall wherewith it is fenced and defended, and lay it out as common ground, and ſet it wide open to the beaſts of the field. Now they ſtretch it too wide, and extend it too farre, who will have all men ſaved in their religion (whatſoever it bee, true or falſe) ſo that they bee zealous, and ſerve God with a good intention and devotion. Theſe erre on the contrary part, who leſt they ſhould ſeeme to condemne any raſhly, they proclaime a generall pardon, p. 49and offer ſalvation unto all. They ſee and confeſſe that there are manifold contentions touching faith and religion, but becauſe all ayme at one and the ſame end, and deſire both to ſerve God, and to bee ſaved by him, therefore they hold that their error and ignorance ſhall be no hindrance or impeachment unto them. This perverſe and peeviſh opinion is very plauſible, and well-pleaſing to fleſh and blood, and to the politicke wiſe men of the world, and therefore findeth many followers: the ground whereof they take out of the Words of Chriſt, There ſhall bee one Shepheard, and one Sheepfold. But this he underſtandeth not of all men generally, but of the Elect onelyonly, or ſheepe gathered of Iewes and Gentiles; whereby he repreſſeth the vaine boaſting of the Iewes, who preſumed that they were the Children of Abraham, and that the promiſes of ſalvation belonged to themſelves alone. Theſe doe indeed pretend devotion, and thinke it enough to ſerve God with a good intention: howbeit neither are they devout, neither yet have they any good intent. For how unreaſonable is it once to imagine, that God will be pleaſed with good intents, that ſaith by the Prophet, Who required theſe things at your hands? Eſay 1.12.Isa 1:12or as though the Church were a kennell of Dogs, or a ſtye of Swine, or a den of wilde Beaſts, which receiveth a mixture or confuſion of all ſorts without difference or diſtinction. If God be God, we muſt follow him alone, there is no dallying with him, nor halting betweene two opinions: 1 King. 18.211 Kgs 18:21and if the Scripture be the Word of God inſpired by him, we muſt follow the direction thereof. The Chriſtian religion is the onelyonly true religion, Acts 4.12.Acts 4:12there is no name under Heaven whereby wee can bee ſaved, but by Chriſt Ieſus, the Lambe ſlaine from the beginning of the world, Revel. 13.8.Rev 13:8neither is there ſalvation by any other then through him alone.

p. 50Now concerning the reaſon that Chriſt uſeth in this place, it is indeed contrary to carnall reaſon, and ſeemeth rather to deſtroy that which he would perſwade, then perſwade that which he would deſtroy. For he ſheweth in this place, to whom he maketh this dehortation, even to his little flocke: whereby he may ſeeme rather to diſcourage them, then to encourage them; and to worke diſtruſt and infidelity in them, then to draw them from their feare, foraſmuch as the reaſon ſtandeth thus, Feare not: Wherefore? Becauſe yee are a little flocke. If a Captaine ſhould ſay thus to his Souldiers, Yee are a little Army, and your Enemies are many, therefore feare not their feare, neither be yee diſcouraged, what comfort could bee gathered by ſuch reaſoning? But God uſeth not reaſons according to mans reaſon; his Workes are contrary to the wiſedome of men, Iohn 9 6.John 9:6as Chriſt cured the blinde man by making clay of the ſpittle, and by anoynting his eyes therewith. Thus alſo are his arguments, his promiſes, his threatnings, and his puniſhments oftentimes contrary to humane underſtanding. Wee are ready to judge them to bee no promiſes, which notwithſtanding are great and precious promiſes, if we conſider of them aright. As for example, Pſal 89.32.Ps 89:32Pſal. 89.32. If thy children forſake my Law, then will I viſit their tranſgreſſion with the rod, but my loving kindneſſe I will not utterly take from him: and this God would doe in mercy, 1 Cor. 11.32.1 Cor 11:32as 1 Cor. 11. that we ſhould not be condemned with the world. So Davids afflictions were medicines and bleſſings unto him, and as a precious balme, Pſal. 119.67, 71. Againe, wee many times ſuppoſe thoſe to be no threatnings, nor puniſhments at all, which nevertheleſſe are deepe and grievous judgements, as Hoſ. Hoſ. 4.14.Hos 4:144.14. I will not puniſh your daughters, when they commit whoredome. Where he threatneth to let them alone, ſo that he will not puniſh them, but ſuffer them to run p. 51on without puniſhment, that thereby hee may puniſh them the more ſharpely and irrecoverably. His hand is moſt heavy, when it is thought moſt light; and he ſtriketh us with a deadly blow, while we are ſenceleſſe and feele nothing. Thus the wound is deepeſt, when it is not ſeene at all. Theſe doe ſeeme paradoxes to naturall men.And as ſometimes he will not puniſh, that he may puniſh: ſo ſometimes hee will bleſſe, that he may not bleſſe. Thus no puniſhments become puniſhments, and bleſſings become no bleſſings, but curſes upon us. Theſe conſiderations may ſeeme paradoxes and ſtrange poſitions to naturall men, Pſal. 92.7. Mal. 2.2.Ps 92:7Mal 2:2but the regenerate underſtand them well enough, and feele the truth of them by experience, and wonder at the unſearchable wiſedome of God, and tremble under the ſtroke and deepe judgement of his right hand upon the world. To eſcape ſcotfree whiles other men ſmart for their ſinnes, the moſt ſort interpret to be no puniſhment at all, but rather a ſpeciall priviledge, and notable bleſſing: howbeit ſuch ſhall know and feele in the end to their eternall woe and deſtruction, that it had beene a thouſand times better, they had lyen under the rod, and beene chaſtened of the Lord all the day long For as it is ſaid of an earthly Father, Prov. 13.24. & 19.18.Prov 13:24Prov 19:18Hee which loveth his child, chaſteneth him betimes, Prov. 13.24. and 19.18. ſo it is with God, thoſe whom he loveth, he alſo chaſteneth betimes, Heb. 12. which made David ſay, Pſal. 119.67, 71.Ps 119:67Ps 119:71It is good for me that I have bene afflicted, that I might learne thy Statutes: becauſe, before he was afflicted, he went aſtray. In like manner, the reaſons that the holy Ghoſt uſeth in his Word, are not like our reaſonings, as his thoughts are not like our thoughts, neither his waies like our waies. If we conſult with fleſh & blood, we ſhall never allow this for a ſtrong and a ſubſtantial reaſon, Ye are a little flock, therefore feare not: but rather conclude the contrary, therefore feare. Wee would rather argue on this manner; p. 52as they did in the Prophet, Ezek. 33.24.Ezek 33:24Wee are many, therefore feare not, Ezek. 33.24. Wee are wealthy, therefore feare not. We have many friends, therefore feare not. Wee have houſes and lands, therefore feare not. Wee have much laid up for many yeeres, and wee want nothing, therefore feare not. But the reaſon ſtandeth otherwiſe with God. He will draw faith from the conſideration of our frailty; hope out of deſpaire; and ſtrength out of weakneſſe; as once hee brought light out of darkneſſe, Gen. 1.2, 3. Rom. 4.17. Heb. 11.3. 2 Cor. 12.9.Gen 1:2Gen 1:3Rom 4:17Heb 11:32 Cor 12:9and all things out of nothing. As if hee ſhould ſay, Ye are few and little regarded of the world, therefore ye ſhall be the more regarded of me, my power ſhall be perfected in your weakeneſſe, and the more yee lye open to the wide world, the more ye ſhall be under my protection, and the leſſe yee ſhall need to feare: ſo that howſoever yee be every way little in the judgement of men, yet yee are every way great in mine eyes. Thus doth Chriſt our Saviour underſtand more then hee expreſſeth. Now to come to the words themſelves, we have ſhewed before in what ſence the flocke of God is called little. The firſt conſideration is in regard of the number; yee are a few in number, yea a very few, and as it were a little handfull: yet notwithſtanding as a little corne is more of worth then great heapes of chaffe, and one ſheepe then many goats: ſo this ſmall company is more precious in Gods ſight then all the multitudes of the ungodly. Doct. 4 This teacheth, that the flock of Chriſt is but a ſmall and little flocke: the number of Gods children is few, thin ſowne, and ſoone told. We may eaſily perceive and prove the truth hereof, if wee obſerve the ſtate of the Church from the beginning of the world. Gen. 4.8, 25.Gen 4:8Gen 4:25The family of Adam the firſt man was little, and he remained childleſſe a long time after Abel was made away by his owne brother, while the poſterity of Cain (a carnall and curſed ſeed) encreaſed in p. 53power, in ſtrength, in number, and in eſtimation of the wicked world. When the flood came, the houſe of Noah onelyonly (whom hee ſaw righteous in that generation) conſiſting of eight perſons was ſaved, Gen. 6.9. & 7.1 1 Pet. 3.20. 2 Pet. 2.5. Gen. 19.24. 2 Pet. 2 6.Gen 6:9Gen 7:11 Pet 3:202 Pet 2:5Gen 19:242 Pet 2:6whiles all the reſt were miſerably drowned in the waters. When Sodom was deſtroyed with fire and brimſtone from Heaven, all the reſt of the City were conſumed and burnt to aſhes, and onelyonly the houſe of Lot eſcaped with their lives as a prey. Of all the multitude that came out of Egypt amounting to ſixe hundred thouſand, none entred into the Land of Canaan, but Caleb and Ioſhua. Numb. 14.22, 23.Num 14:22Num 14:23True it is, all the reſt were not condemned: howbeit if we conſider their often provocations, diſc…entments, murmurings, and open rebellious againſt God, we ſhall eaſily diſcerne that the feweſt number did truely beleeve, and ſoundly cleave to God, and entred into the heavenly Canaan, as Iude 5. Iude 5.Jude 1:5The Lord having ſaved the people out of the Land of Egypt, afterward deſtroyed them that obeyed not. The holy Scripture is full of ſuch teſtimonies, examples, parables, and compariſons both in the old and new Teſtament. Thoſe whom God reſerveth as a portion to himſelfe, are called a tenth: Eſay 6.13. & 17.6. & 24.13.Isa 6:13Isa 17:6Isa 24:13they are compared to the ſhaking of an Olive tree, Two or three berries are in the top of the utmoſt boughes, and foure or five in the high branches. The Church it ſelfe complaineth, that it is as the Summer gatherings, Mic. 7.1.Mic 7:1and as the grapes of the Vintage, there is no cluſter to eate. If there be foure ſorts of hearers, Matth. 13.23. Luk. 18.18.Matt 13:23Luke 18:18one onelyonly among them all is the ſaving hearer that hath a good and honeſt heart. And if ten leapers be clenſed, one of them onelyonly among them all is found to returne backe to give glory to God. Gen. 18.32. Ier. 5.5. Matth. 7.13. Luk. 13.24. Rom. 21.3, 4. 1 King. 19.14.Gen 18:32Jer 5:5Matt 7:13Luke 13:241 Kgs 19:14When Abraham made interceſſion for Sodom, if ten righteous perſons had beene found in it, the whole City had bene ſpared for their ſakes; See more, Jer. 5.5. Matth. 7.13. Luk. 13.24. Rom. 11.3, 4. compared with 1 King. 19.14. p. 54Rom. Rom. 9.27, 28. Eſay 10.22, 23. & 1.9. Revel. 3.4.Rom 9:27Rom 9:28Isa 10:22Isa 10:23Isa 1:9Rev 3:49.27, 28. Though the number of the Children of Iſrael be as the ſand of the Sea, yet a remnant ſhall bee ſaved: for he will finiſh the worke, and cut it ſhort in righteouſneſſe, becauſe a ſhort worke will the Lord make upon the earth. And as this hath beene in former times, ſo is it in our dayes. If wee would take a view of the ſtate of the world as it is knowne and daily diſcovered in our daies, and ſever from places where the face of a Church is, the ſtate of Mahometans, Barbarians, Savages, Iewes, and Idolaters, what is it but a poore handfull, as a brand taken out of the middeſt of the fire, or as a little flocke driven into a corner of the world? Againe, to leave out the rabble of thoſe that are without, experience teacheth that where the face of a Church is ſetled and eſtabliſhed, and Chriſt Ieſus is profeſſed, if you take away ſuch as are open enemies, Libertines, Epicures, luke-warme Profeſſors, prophane men, Atheiſts, Newters, Halters, carnal Goſpellers, ignorant perſons, hypocrites, Antichriſtians, Anabaptiſts, falſe-brethren, meere civill men, that trouble not themſelves with God or godlineſſe, and ſuch like, that meddle not any way with matters of religion; we may truely cry out with Chriſt our Saviour, Matth. 20.16. Luke 18.8.Matt 20:16Luke 18:8Many are called, but few are choſen. Neither may we thinke it will be better or otherwiſe hereafter: for Chriſt Ieſus admoniſheth us, that when the Sonne of man commeth, he ſhall ſcarce finde faith on the earth.