The Bibles Abstract and Epitome, Part 95
Of Angels and their Apparitions.
ANgels are called Spirits, and Angels: By the word Spirit their Essence andHeb. 1. 7. Nature is signified, to shew that they are incorporeall substances. By their name Angel, their office is noted out, which is as much to say a Messenger, or an Ambassadour in English.
For their Essence, they are true both subsistances and substances, yet such kind of substances as are not corporeall, but incorporeall.
For their Creation it was in time, they were not from Eternitie.
For their Apparitions it is so that they doe truly come unto us, when they are sent of God to that end, which thing we may plainly see by divers examples in the Word of God: as that they appeared unto Abraham in true bodies, but fromGen. 18. whence they doe take those bodies, and what becommeth of them, when they do lay them aside, seeing that the Scriptures do deliver no certaintie of it, we are not to enquire.
Now the Lord useth both good and evill Angels to doe his will.Heb. 11. 14. Psal. 34. 7. Psal. 11. 21. 2 King. 1…. Matth. 18. 10. 2 Sam. 24. 1 Chron. … …. 6. 12. 1 King. 22. 1 Cor. 4. 4. Luke 12. 2. I…de 6.
Good Angels Are imployed to be as a Guard and Garrison to the Elect of Mankinde, and that for their Comfort, Defence, and Protection at all times: And are such as behold the face of God in Heaven.
Evill Angels Are imployed for the triall and exercising of the Godly, and for the seducing and tormenting of the wicked and ungodly: And are such as are reserved in everlasting Chaines.
Use.
1. Hence we may learne to acknowledge how great the favour of God is towards us, who hath created so divine Servants for our sakes, placing them in office to rule, govern, and keep us.
2. We may learn to love God, because he is so gracious unto us that he will have the Angels to serve for our good and welfare.
3. We may learn to feare God, because he hath Angels to punish.
4. To blush to commit wickednesse, because that the Angels do behold and observe our actions done here on earth by us.
To fortifie our selves in Faith in all adversitie, because the Angels are alwayes present to help us, remembring the comfortable words of Elisha to his servant,2 King. 6. 16. saying, They that are with us, are more then they that are against us.
An Angel appeared unto
Abraham willing him not to lay his hand on Isaac his sonne.Gē. 22. & 24. 7. Act. 5. Num. 22. Luk. 22. Act. 10. 2 Sam. 24. Dan. 6. 2 Ki. 1. 1 Ki. 19. Ezek. 40. Iudg. 6. Isa…. 31. Gen. …6. Act 12. Gen. 31. Exod. 40. Rev. 1. Exod. 3. Iudg. 13. Luke 1. Matth. 28. Iohn 5. Act. 12. Act. 27. Act. 8. Dan. 3. Luk 2. Zech. 1. 9. Luk. 1.
The Apostles delivering them out of prison by the doores opening.
Balaam in his journey going to Balak, reproving him.
Christ a little before his Passion, comforting him.
Cornelius in a Vision willing him to send for Simon to instruct him.
David smiting many of his people for his numbring of them.
Daniel shutting the Lions mouth at his being in the Lions den.
Elijah willing him to reprove Ahaziah: as also feeding him.
Ezekiel shewing him the full and whole measure of the Temple.
Gidcon shewing him that he should be Captain over Israel.
Hezekiahs Comfort, by slaying thousands of the Assyrians.
Hagar in the wildernesse, willing her to returne to her Dame.
Herods confusion, by smiting him with wormes that eat him.
Iacob in time of Ramming, shewing him the he-goats leaping.
The Israelites going before them: and in the wildernesse conducting them.
Saint Iohn in the Isle Patmos, shewing him the Revelation.
Moses, in a bush burning and not consumed, calling to him.
Manoahs wife, shewing her that she should beare a sonne.
Mary shewing her that she was the woman of whom Christ should come.
The Keepers of Christs tombe rolling away the stone that lay on him.
The men at the Poole Bethesda troubling the water at a certain season.
Peter, at what time as he was imprisoned, delivering him.
Paul, being in danger of shipwrack, comforting him.
Philip commanding him to go unto the Eunuch reading.
Shadrach and his fellowes in the fierie furnace walking.Sennache…ib
The Shepherds, shewing them that Christ was born at Bethlehem.
Zechariah The Prophet shewing him The restoring of Jerusalem.Women, Matth. 28.
Zacharias The Priest shewing him That his wife should beare a son.
Two Angels appeared unto Lot, whom he entertained at Sodome.Gen. 19. Ioh. 20. 12. Act. 1. 10. Gen 18. Gen. 28. Chap. 32.
Two Angels appeared unto Magdalene, in the midst of Christs tombe.
Two Angels appeared unto The Disciples at Christs Ascension.
Three Angels appeared unto Abraham, all which were entertained by him.Act. 1 10. Matth. 4.
Many Angels appeared unto Iacob On his Ladder walking.
Many Angels appeared unto Iacob And in his way journeying.
And many are they that pitch round about them that feare the Lord, to deliverPsal. 34. Psal. 91. them, and in their wayes to keep them.
Names and Titles given unto wicked Ministers.
Wicked Ministers are called
Beg…lers of people.2 Pet. 2. 18. Mat. 23. 24. Matth. 15. 14. Isai. 56. 10. Ier. 10. 21. Iude 11.
Blind guides.
Blind leaders of the blind
Blind watchmen.
Coveters of …lthy lucre.
Dawbers of untemperec morter.Ezek. 22. 18. Isai. 4…. 19. Tit. 1. 10. Rom. 16. 18. Prov. 14. 25.
Deafe messengers.
Deceivers of mindes.
Deceivers of hearts.
Deceitfull witnesses.
Wicked Ministers are called
Deceitfull workers.2 Cor. 11. 13. 2 Pet. …. 1. Ier. 23. 1. Ezek. 22. 28. Tit. 1. 10. 2 Cor. 11. 15. Isai. 56. 10. Phil. 3. 2. Isai. 36. 11. Phil. 3. 18. Tit. 1. 12. Phil. 3. 2.
Denyers of the Lord.
Destroyers of the sheep.
Diviners of lies.
Disobedient persons.
The Devils Ministers.
Dogs not able to bark.
Dumb dogs.
Greedie dogs.
Enemies of Christs crosse.
Evill beasts.
Evill mockers.
Wicked Ministers are called
False Brethren.Gal. 2. 4.
False …rophets.Deut. 13. 1.
False Shepherds.Ezek. 34. 2.
False …eachers.2 Pet. 2. 1.
False Witnesse-bearers.Phil. 3. 18.
Feeders of themselves.Iude 12.
Foolish Prophets.Ezek. 13. 3.
Foxes of the deserts.Ezek. 13. 4.
Hirelings forsaking their flocks.Iohn 10. 12.
Light persons.Zeph. 3. 4.
Liars speaking untruths.Rov. 2. 2.
Men without understanding.Isai. 56. 11.
Merchandizer… of Gods word.2 Cor. …. 17.
Ministers of the devill.2 Cor. 11. 15.
Prophane men.Ier. 23. 11.
Prophesiers of lies.Ier. 23. 25.
Robbers of the people.Ioh. 10. 8.
Scatterers of the Sheepe.Ier. 23. 1.
Seers of vanitie.Ezek. 22. 28. 2 P…t. 2. 19. Blinde, Deafe, Is. 4…. 18.
Servants of corruption.
Servers of their bellies.Rom. 16. 18.
Shepherds without understanding.Matth. 23. 13.
Idoll shepherds.Zech. 11. 17.
Sleepers loving to flumber.Isai. 56. 10.
Slumberers.Na…um 3. 18.
Snares of Fowlers.Hos. 9. 8.
Slow bellies.Tit. 1. 12.
Sorcer…rs.1 Sam. 28. 3.
Southsayer….Iosh. 13. 22.
Speakers of swelling words2 Pet. 2. 18.
Stealers of the word.Ier. 23. 30.
Strangers, whose voyces are not knowne.Ioh. 10. 5.
Subverters of Housholds.Tit. 1. 11.
Tailes.Isai. 9. 15.
Teachers of things that they ought not.Tit. 1. 11.
Theeves.Ioh. 10. 1.
Theeves of lives.Isai. 9. 5.
Treacherous men.Zeph. 3. 4.
Ungodly men.Iude 4.
Vain Talker….
Unruly persons.Tit. 1. 10.
Wicked Angels.
Wicked Messengers.Prov. 13. 17.
Wresters of the Law.Zeph. 3. 4.
Greedie wolves.Act. 20. 10.
Ravening wolves.Matth. …. 1…
And they are compared unto
Clouds and Water.Tit. 1. 12. Jude 12.
Wels without Water.2 Pet. 2. 17 Jude 12.
Clouds carried about with a tempest.Idem.
Corrupt trees.Matth. 7. 17.
Blinde guides.Matth. 23. 24.
Thornes▪Matth. 7. 16.
Thistles.Matth. 7. 16.
Wandring st…rtes.Iude 13.
Painted Sepulchers.Matth. 23. 27.
The sea foming with raging waters.Iude 13.
These are they that the Lord speaketh of by Ieremiah, saying,
I have not sent these prophets, and yet they runne: I have not spoken to them, and yet they preached, Am I then a God that seeth but the thing that is nigh? and Jer. 23. 21, 23, 26, 32.not that is afarre off? How long will these preach the crastie subtiltie of their own hearts? I never sent nor commanded them, therefore they shall doe the people no good at all.
And again by Isaiah, saying,
These watchmen are all blinde, they have altogether no understanding, they are all dumb dogs, not being able to bark. They are sleepy, sluggish are they, andIsai. 56. 10.delight in sleeping.
They are shamelesse dogs that be never satisfied, they can never have enough, such is their covetousnesse, they look to their owne wayes for advantage, and forIsai. 56. 11. their own purpose.
And again by Ezekiel, saying,
These shepherds feed themselves, should not they have fed the flock? they eat the fat, they clothe themselves with the wooll, they kill them that are best fed, butEzek. 34. 2. the flock they doe not feed.
The weake they have not strengthened, the sicke they have not healed, neither have they bound up the broken, nor brought again that which was driven away,Chap. 34. 3. neither did they seek that which was lost, but with crueltie and rigour ruled them.
Heare therefore what the Lord saith by Ezekiel.
If thou give not warning nor admonish the wicked of his evil way, he shall dyeEzek. 3. 18. Chap. 33. 6. 1 Cor. 6. 19. in his own wickednesse, but his bloud will I require at thy hands; woe then toHos. 4. 8. those that preach no… the Gospel.
The midst of darknesse is reserved for them, and their damnation sleepeth not,2 Pet. 2. 4. saith the Apostle Peter.
It had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousnesse, then2 Pet. 2. 21. having known it to turn from the holy Cōmandement that was given unto them.
By their fruits they are knowne.
Reade Ier. 48. 10. Isai. 8. 20. Ezek. 34. 10. Isa. 56. 11. Psal. 50. 16. Ioh. 17. 18. Ier. 23. 14. Rom. 16. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 18. Tit. 1. 11. Hos. 6. 9. Ezek. 22. 25. Is. 28. 7. Zech. 11. 17. Mal. 2. 8. Eze. 13. 7, 8, 22, 23. Ier. 2. 8, & 12. 10. Eze. 13. 10, 11. Ier. 23. 14. & 11. 10. Ioh 10. 12.
Names and Titles given unto Godly Ministers.
Able Ministers.2 Cor. 3. 9. Ohs. 1. 1.
Ambassidours of Christ.2 Cor. 5. 20.
Angels.Rev. 1. 20.
Apostles.Matth. 10. 1.
Barkers.Isa…. 56. 10.
Bishops.1 Tim. 3. 1.
Brethren.Mat. 23. 8.
Bringers of glad tidings.Rom. 10. 15.
Builders.Jer. 1▪ 10. 1 Cor. 3. 10
Chariots and Horsinen of Israel.2 Kin. 2. 12.
Chosen Vessels.Act. 9. 15.
Chosen Shasts.Isai. 52. 2.
Counsellours.Prov. 11. 14.
Cryers.Isai. 58. 1.
Deacons.1 Tim 3. 13.
Disciples.Mat. 9. 37.
Disposers of Gods secrets.1 Cor. 4. 1.
Di…ines.Ezek. 13. 2….
Elders.Act. 11. 30.
Evangelists.Ephes. 4. 11.
Evangelizers.2 Tim. 4. 5.
Fathers.2 Kin. 6. 21.
Fellow-workers.Rom. 16. 21.
Friends of Christ.Ioh. 15. 15.
Gods Servants.Amos 3. 7.
Gods Labourers.1 Cor. 3. 9.
Gods Stewards.Tit. 1. 7.
Guides of the blinde.Rom. …. 19.
Interpreters.Ioh 33. 23.
Instructers of the foolish.Rom. 2. 19.
Instructers in Christ.1 Cor. 14. 17.
Labourers.1 Thes. 5. 14.
Lambes.Luk 10. 3.
Lawyers.Luk. 11. 52.
Lights of the world.Mat. 5. 14.
Burning Lights.Ioh. 5. 35.
Shining Lights.
Lords.1 King. 18. 7.
M…rders.Prov. 9. 3.
Messengers.Ioh 33. 33.
Messengers of the Lord.Hag. 1. 13.
M…ssengers of the Ministers. Church and glory of Christ2 Cor. 8. 23. 1 Sam. 2. 11.
Ministers of Christ,1 Cor. 11. 23.
Ministers of The Gospel.Gol. 1. 25.
Ministers of The New Testament.… Cor. 11. 15.
Ministers of The Spirit.2 Cor. 3. 6.
Men of God.1 Ki. 12. 22.
Holy men of God.2 Pet. 1. 11.
Honourable Men.1 Sam. 9. 6.
Fishers of Men.Matth. 4. 19.
Seeds. Men.Luk. 8. 5.
Sonnes of Men.Ezek. 8. 15.
Spokes Men.Exod. 4. 16.
Spirituall Men.Hos. 9. 7.
Watch. Men.Isai. 21. 6.
Wise Men.Prov. 11. 30.
Work Men.Matth. 10. 10.
Nurces. Men.1 Thes. 2. 7.
Overseers. Men.Act. 20. 28.
Phisitians.Ier. 8. 22.
Pillars.Gal. 2. 9.
Planters.1 Cor. 3. 8.
Preachers.Rom. 10. 14.
Pastours.Ier. 2. 8.
Principals of the flock.Ier. 25. 34.
Priests.Ier. 2. 8.
Faithfull Priests.1 Sam. 2. 35.
Prophesiers.Ezek. 29. 2.
Prophets.Gen. 20. 7.
Publishers of Peace and Salvation.Isai. 52. 7.
Recorders.Rev. 1. 2.
Reapers.Ioh. 4. 36.
Reprovers.Ezek. 3. 26.
Rooters.Ier. 1. 10.
Rulers of Gods houshold.Luk. 12. 42.
The savour of Life.2 Cor. 2. 16.
The savour of Death.
Salt of the Earth.Matth. 5. 13.
Scribes.Mat. 13. 52.
Servants of the Lord.Iosh. 1. 1.
Servants of Christ.Rom. 1. 1.
Secretaries of the Holy Ghost.2 Pet. 2. 21.
Seers.1 Sam. 9. 9.
Shepherds.Ier. 23. 4.
Singers.Isai. 5. 1.
Souldiers.Phil. 2. …5.
Sons of Thunder.Mark 3. 17.
Sons of ConsolationMark 3. 17.
Starres.Rev. 1. 20.
Stewards of God.Tit. 1. 7.
Stewards of Gods Mysteries.1 Cor. 4. 1.
Faithfull Stewards.Luk. 12. 42.
Wise Stewards.
Teachers of Babes.Rom. 2. 20.
Trees bearing fruit.Ier. 11. 19.
Good Trees.Matth 7. 17.
Trumpetters.Ier. 6. 17.
Waterers.1 Cor. 3. 6.
Warriours.1 Tim. 1. 18.
Winners of Soules.Prov. 11. 30.
Witnesses of Christs sufferings.2 Pet. 5. 1.
True witnesses.Prov. 14. 25.
And they are compared unto
Bels of Gold.Exod. 28▪ 34.
A Citie set on a hill.Matth. 5. 14.
A defenced Citie.Ier. 1. 18.
Fig-trees.Matth. 7. 16.
Grapes.
A Housholder.Matth. 13. 52.
Iron Pillars.Ier. 1. 18.
Pipers.Matt. 11. 17.
…lowers.Luk. 9. 6….
Sheep among wolves.Matth. 10. 16.
Waters.1 Tim. 1. 18.
Wals of brasse.Ier. 1. 18.
Wrestlers. Warriours.2 Tim. 2. 4.
And they are said to be unto God:
To sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved, and in them that perish:2 Cor. 2. 15, 16. To the one the savour of death unto death, and to the other the savour of life unto life: Who then is sufficient for these things?
For we are not (saith Saint Paul) as many are, which chop and change withChap. 2. 17. the word of God, but as of purenesse, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
The spirits of the prophets being subject to the prophets.1 Cor. 14. 32.
So that according to the saying of Malachi, the Priests lips shall preserve knowledge, and the Law shall be sought at his mouth, because he is the Messenger of theMal. 2. 7. Lord of Hosts.
How beautifull then are the feet, upon the Mountains, of him that bringethIsai. 52. 7. good tidings of Good, that publisheth Salvation, and saith unto S…on thy God reighneth.
Reade Numb. 22. 38. Deut. 12. 32. Isai. 61. 1, 2. Ezek. 3. 9, 10. Prov. 27. 23. & 29. 18. Amos 3. 7. Isa…. 62. 6. Ier. 15. 15. Act. 20. 20, &c. 2 Cor. 12. 14. Chap. 6. 3, 4. Ephes. 4. 12. Phil. 3. 17. 1 Tim. 3. 6. Tit. 1. 8. Chap. …. 7. Iames 3. 7, 11. Hos. 4. 8. Micah 3. 5, 6.
The Dutie of Ministers.
The Dutie of a Godly Minister is to
Heare the Word of the Lord from the mouth of the Lord: To admonishEzek. 33. 7. Exod. 18. 20. Ezek. 3. 18. Deut. 4. 2. 1 Thes. 3. 22. 2 Cor. 6. 3. Act. 4. 36. Mark 3. 17. Isa…. 61. …. 1 …hes. 2. 10. Deut. 21. 5. Isai. 58. 1. Matth. 13. 52. 1 Pet. 5. 2. 1 Thes. 2. 7. Isai. 61. 3. Act. 20. 33. Rom. 9. 3. Exod. 32. 3…. 2 Tim. 2. 15. Ch. 4. Psal. 2. 4. Col. 4. 17. Ezek. 20. 46. Deut. 32. 2. the people of the Ordinances of God: The Godly that he doth not …in, and the wicked of his sinne.
Adde nothing to the word of God, nor to take any thing therefrom.
Abound in love towards his people, and towards his brethren.
Approve himselfe the Minister of God by Patience and affliction.
Be a Barnabas the son of Consolation, to divulge Gods mercies to the broken hearted.
Be a Boanerges, the son of thunder to denounce Gods judgements to the obstinate.
Behave himself holily, justly, &c. binding up the broken-hearted.
Blesse the people in the Name of the Lord, being assembled.
Blow the Trumpet, to lift up his voice like a Trumpet aloud.
Bring forth out of his Treasurie things both new and old.
Care for the flock not by constraint, but of a readie minde willingly.
Cherish the people as a Nurce doth her children continually.
Comfort all that mourn, to give them beautie for ashes, oile of joy for mourning, and garments of gladnesse for heavinesse.
Deale not only the Gospel, but his soule for the people.
Divide the word aright; and to doe the work of an Apostle.
Declare the decrees of the Lord, fulfilling the ministrie taken on him.
Drop the word of the Lord, and his Doctrine as the rain.
Exhort an Elder as a Father, the younger as brethren; the Elder women as mothers, and the younger as sisters.1 Tim. 5. 1.
Feed the people, and to give no occasion of offence unto any.2 Cor. 6. 3. Ier. 2…. 4.
Flee from the lusts of youth, and to follow after Faith, Charitie, &c.2 Tim. 2. 22.
Give Attendance unto reading, unto exhortation and doctrine, and to1 Tim. 4. 13. Neh. 8. 8. 1 Cor. 14. …8. 2 …im. 2. 24. 1 …. 2. 25. 2 Tim. 4. 2. Isai. 50. 4. Eph. 1. 9. Jer. 1. 10. 2 Tim. 1. 2. Ezek. 29. 2. Matth. 10. 7. Isai. 61. 1. Jer. 9. 2. Act. 10. 36. Isai. 61. 2. Hag. 1. 13. Act. 5. 20. Numb. 22. …8. give the sense having read the word distinctly.
Interpret Scriptures, and to instruct with meeknesse contrary minded.
Improve, rebuke, and exhort with long sufferings, preaching the Word.
Minister a word in time to the person that is wearied.
Open the mysteries that are hid of the will of God.
Pluck up, and to root out, and to throw down, and to plant daily.
Pray for Kings and men in authoritie, and for the people continually.
Preach The preaching that God commandeth: The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Good tidings to the poore, Libertie to the Captives, the opening of the prison to them that are bound, the acceptable yeere of the Lord, the kingdome of God, the word of the Lord; Peace by Jesus Christ, the day of vengeance, the Lords message, the words of this life, the words that God puts into his mouth, not his own words.
Preach the words of Exhortation, to edifying, repentance towards God, and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, testifying unto the people that Christ is Judge of quick and dead, together with all that God hath commanded; teaching precept upon precept, line unto line, here a little and there a little, and that not with inticing speech of mans wisdome, but in plain evidence of the Spirit of the Lord, without giving Titles to any, that is, flattering any, or fearing of any, but with boldnesse, rising early in seasonJo… 32. 31. Act. 4. 31. Chap. 28. 31. 1 Thes. 2. 4. … Tim. 2. 4. 2 Tim. 5. 20. 1 Sam. …2. 23. Ezek. …9. 2. Deut. 5. 5. … Tim. 1. 4. 1 Tim. 2. 2…. and out of season, not as pleasers of men, but of God.2 Cor. 2. 17.
The Dutie of a Godly Minister is to
Respect no worldly affaires, therewithall to be entangled.Jer. 1. 10. Ezek. 22. 30. Psal. 106. 23. Exod. 32. 30. Isai. 50. 4.
Rebuke them that sin openly, shewing them the good and right way.
Set his face against the wicked, and against them to prophecie.
Stand between the Lord and the people, declaring Gods Word.
Studie to be approved before God: and not to strive abou… words.
Strengthen the weak, to heal the sick, to binde up the broken, to seek those that are lost and that are away driven.Ezek. 34. 4.
Shew himself an Example of good, suffering crosses patiently.2 Tim. 4. 5. 1 Thes. 2. 5, 6, &c. 1 Cor. 7. 2.
Use no flattering words: but to be in gravitie and in integritie.Ezek. 18. 20. & …. 18. 1 Pet. 5. 2. Rom. 9. 3.
Voyde all coloured covetousnesse, without seeking praise of men.
Wrong no man, to defraud no man, nor to corrupt any man.
Weare on Aarons garment with his brestplate, Ʋri… and Thummim, that is, soundnesse of Doctrine and Integritie of life▪ to be an ExampleExod. 28. 30. 1 Tim. 4. 1…. Matth. 5. 16. to others in word, conversation, faith, and purenesse, to have their lights slaine before men, &c. As also to have a Bell and a Pomegranate on their robe like Aaron, that is, a word and a work, faith and fruits, Profession and practise, say wellExod. 28. 34. and do well, what thy words sound let thy works expound, for that a noise in words without deedes acted is to weare a Bell without a Pomegranate.
Ʋse. Beate Down his own bodie, and to bring it in subjection, lest by any means1 Cor. 9. 10, 27. 2 Tim. 4. 7. Dan. 12. 3. Nehem. 8. 6. 1 Chron 30. 27. 1 Cor. 14. 16. after he hath preached unto others, he himselfe should be reproved. And having thus performed his dutie, having fought a good fight, and so finished his couse, there is laid up for him a Crown of glorieMatt. 24. 45. & 18. …. in Heaven.
Reade 1 Tim. 1. 2. Chap. 5. 22. Tit. 1. 17. Isai. 28. 9. 1 Tim. 3. 1. Tit. 2. 7. Act. 20. 28. 1 Thes. 4. 10. Rom. 12. 8. Ephes. 6. 6. Eccles. 9. 10. Amos 3. 7. Iames 5. 20. Micah 3. 8, 9. Act. 20. 35. 2 Cor. 12. 15. Prov. 27. 23. Isai. 62. 6. 1 Cor. 14. 6. Tit. 1. 8.
Uses drawn from the Dutie of Ministers.
Are then the Dutie of Ministers such as they are thus described, surely then many are in these dayes to be reprehended:
This serves to reprehend
1. Dumb Ministers who cannot preach the Word of God, let them heare the Apostle: Darknesse and Damnation is for them prepared.2 Pet. 2. 3, …1.
2. Able Ministers who make themselves dumb, being able to preach, yet doe not preach: such the Scribes and Pharisees shall at the last condemne, who taught diligently, and kept Moses his chaire warme, compassing sea and land (Satans walk) to make a Proselyte: these sit still and frieze in zeale, and by their dull and wilfull neglect lose Proselytes. The Master of the vineyard also when he comes shall find thē loytering in the publikeMatth. 23. 15. Chap. 20. 6. market place, & shall shake them by the shoulder with a Quid statis otiosi?
3. The Temporizer who measures his Sermons by his Lords humour and his Ladies, and therefore dares not speake
Against Oppression, Because it is the fault of his Lord.
Against Pride, Because it is the fault of his Ladie.
Against Riot, Becaust it is the fault of his Young Master.
Against Drunkennesse and Swearing, Because it is the fault of his Lords Followers.
Against Drunkennesse and Swearing, Because it is the fault of his And young masters Companions.
So that whiles he is their servile Chaplain he must learn Turkey-work to make thrumbe Cushions of flattery for their elbowes: Thus he serves three masters, his Lord, himselfe, and the devil.
He preacheth Peace where there is none: woe is pronounced against him.Ier. 6. 14. Ioh. 7. 18.
4. The vain-glorious minister, who to get glory to himself useth gallantnesse of action, pompe of words, exquisitness of Phrase, elaboratenesse of stile, ambition of quotation, witfull luxuriances of popish Postillers, affected ostentations of pregnancie of wit, varietie of reading, skill in tongues, profoundnesse of conceit, ripenesse and happinesse of memorie, rareness of invention, and such other humane artificiall accessions, whereas they should seek the glorie of God alone that sent them, by dividing the word of truth aright,Iohn 7. 8. Act. 12. 23. to those that heare them. Herods Example is a Caveat for them.
5. Papists, who, in stead of Sermons, use Latine services forbidden by the Apostle,1 Cor. 14. Gal. 6. 6. with Masses and such like, by themselves invented, but let them be warned▪ The Lord God will not be mocked.