A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity, Text (2 of 3)

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity · Text (2 of 3)

p. 66That these do not depart from iniquity as they should, is clear.

1. For that their highest acts of holiness,Isa. 64.6. Psal. 143.2. Heb. 13.15. Mat. 6.12.Isa 64:6Ps 143:2Heb 13:15Matt 6:12 are tainted therewith, and made imperfect thereby: this is manif…st, because they s…ill are afraid to shew themselves before God in their own works, and because they betake them for acceptation with God, to the Priestly Office of Christ, p. 67and pray by him, Forgive us our trespasses.

2. This is clear also,2 Pet. 3.18. Heb. 6.12. Phil. 3.12, 13, 14. 2 Cor. 7.1.2 Pet 3:18Heb 6:12Phil 3:12Phil 3:13Phil 3:142 Cor 7:1 because we are, while in this world, no where by the word, said to have attained to the mark and point of absolute perfection; but are bid to grow, to follow on, to press forward, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Yea, the best of us all, even the Apostles and Prophets, have not only made it manifest by their imperfections, that as yet they have not departed from iniquity, as they should; but they have confessed, and denyed not, that they were yet in the pursuit of righteousness, and had not already attained.

3. This is clear also, for that the righteousness, by the which the best of Saints are justified in the sight of God, is a righteousness of another, not their own; the righteousness of another man, for that there is not any upon earth that doth good and sins not. And what need we pray, forgive us our trespasses, approach God in the perf…ctions of another, and be bid to perfect holiness, if we had already attained, or were already p. 68perfect, or were so departed from iniquity as we should?

4. Ala…, the complaints of God concerning this matter doth sufficiently testifie the truth of what I say. When God came to his people in Egypt, and bid them forsake the Idols of Aegypt, they did not. But they rebelled against me, says he, and would not hearken unto me: they did not, every man, cast away the abominations of his eyes, neither did they forsake the Idols of Aegypt. Well, He saved them out of Aegypt, and brought them into the Wilderness, and said to them there, Obey my Laws and my Commandments; But the House of Israel rebelled against me in the Wilderness, they walked not in my Statutes, they despised my judgments. Well, then he had them from the Wilderness to Canaan, and then said to them,Ezek. 20.Ezek 20 Keep my Laws. But when he had brought them into the Land, then they also polluted themselves, and sinned against him as before.

p. 69Again,Hag. 2.14·Hag 2:14 when God brought them out of captivity, both they and every thing that they did was unclean.

To be short,Jam. 3.2. 1 Jo. 1.9.Jas 3:21 John 1:9 what says Paul in the seventh to the Romans? what says James in the third Chapter of his Epistle? And what says John in his first Epistle, and first Chapter? Do they not all confess, though themselves were Apostles, and so for Grace and Gifts beyond any that breath in this world, that sin and iniquity was yet with them; and so consequently that there was not as yet, that departing by them, therefrom, as there should.

And the reason, as I have said, is because grace is weak, weak in the best and most strong of the Saints of God. Hence the greatest Saints use to complain, when much assaulted with corruptions, or attended with very hard service for God, of their weakness, and insufficiency, as to a compleatness of doing the will of God.

1. Moses, when God did but bid him nourish and succour Israel in the Wilderness,Numb. 11.11, 12, 13, 14, 15.Num 11:11Num 11:12Num 11:13Num 11:14Num 11:15 and carry them in his p. 70bosom, as the Nursing-father beareth the sucking Child, was stricken with such fear of miscarrying, through the weakness of his graces and the power of his corruptions, that he cryed to God saying, I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, and let me not see my wretchedness.

2. Job, when he was, for a proof of his integrity, to be exercised awhile with some of the judgments of God, crys out in a sence of his w…akness to bear them, and to go through as he should: Is my strength the stre…gth of stones, Job 6.12. chap. 7.12. chap. 13.24, 25.Job 6:12or is my flesh brass? And again, Am I a Sea, or a Whale, that thou settest a watch over me? Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?

3. So Daniel, when he was but to stand and talk with the Angel, how weak did he find himself; There remained, Dan. 10.Dan 10saith he, no strength in me; and, O my Lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. For how can the p. 71servant of this my Lord, talk with this my Lord? for as for me, straightway there remaineth no strength in me, neither is breath left in me. Some may say, but this is natural weakness. But I ask, how came nature to be so weak, but through sin? the remains whereof abiding still upon the best of Saints, make them, notwithstanding their graces, uncapable to do any thing as they should.

4. Paul, a man of men, who had so much Grace, revelation of grace, and Communion with Christ, that sometimes he knew not whether he was in or out of the body, and yet you find him making bitter complaint of the weakness of his grace, and of the power of his corruptions. I am Carnal, saith he, and what I hate, that do I. How to perform that which is good I find not; when I would do good, evil is present with me. Rom. 7.Rom 7But I see another Law in my members, warring against the Law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the Law of sin, which is in my members. O wretched man that I am, &c. What complaints, what p. 72confessions, what bewailings of weakness is here? And what need was there of any of this, if Paul could, as he would, have departed from iniquity?

I have instanced in these four men, because as to failings and miscarriages, they are as free (by what the holy record saith) as any four of whose lives you shall read in all the Bible: but you see that they were too weak to do, and depart from iniquity as they would.

Grace may be said to be weak, either when a lower or less degree thereof, is compared with a higher and greater degree of the same; or it may be said to be weak when, in what degree of it you will, it shall be ingaged by, or ingage it self against sin, &c.

1. There are degrees of grace in the world: some have less, and some bigger measures thereof, and according to the measure of grace received, so is a Christian capable of action. He that has little, acts but weakly; he that has much, acts more strongly; and he of the Saints that has most, acteth best of all: but yet p. 73none of these three can act so as they should and would, and, consequently, so depart from iniquity as is their duty. Witness those four that I mentioned but now, for they are among the first rate of Saints, yet you see what they did, and hear what they said.

Sin is a mighty Tyrant: it is also installed in our flesh, and has moreover that in it which suiteth with what ever is sensual in us: The flesh relisheth it well, though the spirit of the Christian is against it.

Sin is an Active beast, and will not admit that the soul should attempt to put forth it self in any good thing, without opposition, and contradiction. When I should do good, evil is present with me.

Sin is of a polluting and defiling nature; and what grace soever it toucheth, it staineth, and in staining, makes it weaker, than were it not so defiled it would be. Besides, not a grace, nor an act of grace in the soul can escape untouched.

Vnbelief stands ready to annoy faith in the grace, as well as in the act of faith.

p. 74Hardness of heart will not let love so affectionately, and sympathisingly act as it should.

Sence and reason being polluted, will not let hope be so stedfastly fixed upon unseen things as it should.

Pride will not let us be so humble as we ought; nor self, so self denying: passion often interrupts our patience, and angry motions our meekness. By these and more that might be named, it appears that sin is in us, opposeth our graces, and letteth them from acting as they should. And because this sin has part of our self in its possession; therefore, though our more noble part be utterly against it, yet we depart not from it as we should.

Numb. 20.12. Psal. 106.32. Job 38.2. chap. 42.6. Dan. 4.8. Rom. 7.24.Num 20:12Ps 106:32Job 38:2Dan 4:8Rom 7:24God chargeth Moses with rash and unadvised words, and so he doth Job also: Daniel did wear the name of an Idol God; and Paul freely confesseth himself unfirm.

Nor may what hath now been said, be applied to those that are weak in faith, and so in every other grace; for the strongest grace when acted as well as we can, cannot cause p. 75that we depart from iniquity as we should.

1. Because the strongest grace, cannot act without opposition.

2. Because we that are the actors are lame, infirm, and made weak by sin that dwells in us.

3. Because grace and a state of grace, is not that wherein the perfection designed for us doth lie; for that is in another world.

1. This is a place to act faith in.

2. This a place to labour and travel in.

3. This is a place to fight and wrestle in.

4. This is a place to be tryed in.

And therefore this is no place of perfection, and consequently no place, where Gods people can depart from iniquity as they should.

Now there is a twofold way of departing from iniquity.

1. One is when the mind is set against it, and withdrawn from the love and liking of it.

p. 762. The other is when the practice of it is shunned by the whole man.

The first of these ways, the Saints though they truly do depart from iniquity, yet depart not from it as they should.

1. Their understanding sees not the utmost baseness that is in it.

2. Their judgment is not informed about the vileness of it to perfection.

3. The conscience has not yet been convinced of all the evil that is in it. Then,

1. How should the soul abhor it as it should.

2. How should the desires depart from it, with that fervency as they should.

3. And the will and affections so turn away from it as they should.

Secondly, As to the shunning of the acts of sin, there we also come wonderful short.

We shun not the sins of others as we should: This is made appear,

1. For that we shun not the company of base men as we should.

p. 772. Nor shun or refuse to imitate them in their evil, as we should. How easily are good men perswaded to comply with bad mens ways: Yea, Jehosaphat himself said to Ahab that base one; Behold, 1 Kings 22.4.1 Kgs 22:4I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horse. Joseph could learn in Pharaohs Court,Gen. 42.15, 16. Gal. 2.11, 12, 13 14.Gen 42:15Gen 42:16Gal 2:11Gal 2:12Gal 2:13 to swear by Pharoahs life. Peter also when dissembling was in fashion among the people, could learn to dissemble likewise.

We shun not our own sins, or the sins of our own company as we should.

Christians learn to be proud one of another; to be covetous one of another; to be treacherous and false one of another; to be cowardly in Gods matters one of another; to be remiss and negligent in Christian duties one of another.

Besides, If I should go about to shew here,2 Sam. 12.12. Exod. 32.22, 23, 24. Judg. 6.29, 30, 31.2 Sam 12:12Exod 32:22Exod 32:23Exod 32:24Judg 6:29Judg 6:30Judg 6:31 how Christians will hide iniquity, as David; how they will excuse it, as did Aaron, how they will plead for it, as did the men of the City of Joash for Baal, and the like, I might soon make it abundantly p. 76duplicate page p. 77duplicate page p. 78appear, that Christians do not depart from iniquity as they should. And therefore the exhortation stands good, and of use to the best of Saints on earth, that they and every of them should depart from iniquity. Yea, the observation also that they do not do it as they should, doth still stand good against us.

Wherefore, as it is true in those that have nothing but notion, and that it is true in those that are wrought upon, but not effectually: so it is true, upon those that are truly gracious; observation, proves it fears; of damnation prove it; the outcry of the world, proves it; and the confession of the best men, proves it.

I come now to another observation, with which I will present you, and that is this, namely, that every one that in way of profession and religion names the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity. I say, that every one that in a way of profession and Religion, nameth the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity. This truth needs more practice than proof: For I think there are none that have either Scripture or reason by them, p. 79but will freely consent to this.

Nor is there any thing ambiguous in the observation that we need now to stand upon the explaining of. For,

What iniquity is, who knows not?

That it cleaves to the best, who knows not?

That it is disgraceful to profession, who knows not? and therefore that it ought to be departed from, who knows not?

But because the motives in particular may not be so much considered as they ought, and because 'tis Satans design to tempt us to be unholy, and to keep iniquity and the professing man together: therefore I will in this place spend some arguments upon you that profess, and in a way of profession do name the name of Christ, that you depart from iniquity; to wit, both in the inward thought, and in the outward practice of it. And those arguments shall be of four sorts, some respecting Christ, some his Father, some our selves, and some the World.

First, The Christ, whom you profess, whose name you name, and whose Disciples you pretend to be, p. 80is holy.Heb. 7.26.Heb 7:26 Be ye holy, for I am holy. This is natural to our discourse: for if Christ be holy, and if we profess him, and in professing of him, declare that we are his Disciples, we ought therefore to depart from iniquity, that we may shew the truth of our profession to the world.

Secondly, They that thus name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity, because This Christ, whose name we name, is loving. Those that have a loving Master, a Master that is continually extending his love unto his Servants, should be forward in doing of his will, that thereby they may shew their sence, and acceptation of the love of their Master. Why, this is his will, that we depart from iniquity, that we throw sin away:1 Thes. 5.22.1 Thess 5:22 that we fly every appearance of evil.

Thirdly, They that thus name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, Because of the honour and reputation of their Lord. 'Tis a disparagement to Christ, that any of his servants, and that any that name his name, should yet abide by, and p. 81continue with iniquity.Mal. 1.6.Mal 1:6 A son honoureth his Father, and a servant his Master: If then I be a Father, where is mine honour? and if I be a Master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of Hosts, unto you, O Priests, that despise my name? and ye say, wherein have we despised thy name.

Fourthly, They that name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, because of his name, that his name may not be evil spoken of by men: for our holiness puts a lustre and a beauty upon the name of Christ, and our not departing from iniquity draws a cloud upon it. Wherefore we ought to depart from iniquity, that the name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified, and not reproached through us.

Fifthly, They that name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, because of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. That the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which they profess, may not be evil spoken of by our neighbours. The Gospel is called holy;2 Pet. 2.21.2 Pet 2:21 therefore let them be holy that profess it: The which they can by no means be, if they depart p. 82not from iniquity. Men cannot serve the designs of the Gospel, and their own worldly and fleshly designs. But they that profess the name of Christ, they should be tender of his Gospel, that they keep that in good esteem and reputation in the world. The which they can by no means do, unless they depart from iniquity.

Sixthly, They that name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, Because the very profession of that name is holy. The profession; is an holy profession. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord: The vessels, that is, the profession for by that, is as it were, carried about the name, and Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must therefore lay aside all iniquity, and superfluity of naughtiness, and do as persons professing Godliness, as professing a profession,1 Tim. 2.10. Heb. 3.1.1 Tim 2:10Heb 3:1 that Christ is the Priest of, the High-Priest of. It is a reproach to any man to be but a bungle… at his profession, to be but a sloven in his profession. And it is the honour of a man to be excellent in the managing of his p. 83profession. Christians should be excellent in the managment of their profession, and should make that which is good in it self, good to the Church and to the world, by a sweet and cleanly managing of it.

Seventhly, They that profess the name of Christ, or that name it religiously, should to their utmost depart from iniquity, because of the Church of Christ which is holy. He that religiously professeth the name of Christ, has put himself into the Church of Christ, though not into a particular one, yet into the universal one. Now that is holy. What agreement then hath the temple of God with Idols? I, or any Pillar, or Post, or Pin,2 Cor. 6.16.2 Cor 6:16 or member of that temple. One black sheep is quickly espied among five hundred white ones, and one mangie one will soon infect many. One also among the Saints, that is not clean, is a blemish to the rest, and, as Solomon says,Eccl. 9.18.Eccl 9:18 one sinner destroyeth much good.

p. 84Eightly, They that profess the name of Christ, or that name that name religiously, should depart from iniquity, Because of the Ordinances of Christ, for they are holy. Men of old before they went in to meddle with holy things,Exod. 30.17, 18.19.20.21.Exod 30:17Exod 30:18Exod 30:19Exod 30:20Exod 30:21 were to wash their hands and their feet in a vessel prepared for that purpose. Now since they that name that name religiously do also meddle with Christs appointments, they must also wash and be clean: cleanse your hands ye sinners if you mean to meddle with Christ in his appointments: Wash lest God cut you off for your not departing from iniquity.

Ninthly, They that name the name of Christ religiously, should depart from iniquity, because of Christs observers. There ar… many that keep their eye upon Christ, and that watch for an opportunity to speak against him even through the sides of those that profess him. Behold, Luk. 2.34.Luke 2:34this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel: And for a sign that shall be spoken against. Some take occasion to p. 85speak against him, because of the meanness of his person; here some again speak against him, because of the plainness of his doctrine; also some speak against him, because of the meanness of his followers; and some speak against him, because of the evil deeds of some that profess him. But if he that gives just occasion of offence to the least of Saints had better be drowned in the Sea with a Mill-stone about his neck: what think you, shall his judgment be, who, through his mingling of his profession of Christs name, with a wicked life shall tempt or provoke men to speak against Christ?

I come now to those arguments that respect God the Father.

First, Then, they that profess the name of Christ should depart from iniquity; because of God the Father, because God the Father has made Christ to be to us what he is; to wit, the Apostle and High-Priest of our profession.1 Cor. 1.30. Joh. 5.23. chap. 15.8.1 Cor 1:30John 5:23 He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father, which hath sent him. Nor can the Father be honoured by us, p. 86but by our departing from iniquity. All our talk and profession of Christ, adds no glory to his Father, who has made him our King, and Priest, and Prophet: if it be not joyned to an holy conversation. Wherefore, if you profess the name of Christ, and would hold the word in hand, that you have believed in him, depart from iniquity, for the Fathers sake that hath sent him.

Secondly, As it is the Father which has made Christ to us what he is; so it is the Father, who hath called us to partake of Christ and all his benefits:1 Cor. 1.9. Heb. 3.14.1 Cor 1:9Heb 3:14 Wherefore we must depart from iniquity, that profess the name of Christ, that we may glorifie him for his call. He has called us to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ; That is, to partake of all that good that is in him, as Mediator, and to be done by him for those that trust in him. Nor had we ever come out of a cursed and condemned condition, to Christ for life and blessedness, but by the call of the Father; For 'tis not of works, Rom. 9.10, 11.Rom 9:10Rom 9:11but of him that calleth: now since he has called us to this priviledge, [even us whom he has p. 87called] and left others in their sins to perish by his judgments,Heb. 3.1. 2 Pet. 1.2, 3.Heb 3:12 Pet 1:22 Pet 1:3 it is meet, we should depart from iniquity. Specially since the call by which he called us, is heavenly, and holy, and because he has not only called us to glory, but to vertue.

Thirdly, We that religiously name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity, because God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has commanded us so to do. Wherefore gird up the loyns of your minds, be sober, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient Children, not fashioning your selves according to your former lusts in your ignorance; but as he that has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation: Because it is written, Be ye holy, as I am holy.

Fourthly, They that religiously name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity, that they may answer the end for which they are called to profess his name. The Father has therefore called them to profess his name, that they might be p. 88trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Dost thou then profess the name of Christ; bring forth those fruits that become that holy profession, that you may be called trees of righteousness, and that God may be glorified for, and by your professed subjection to the Gospel of his Son.Isa. 61.3.Isa 61:3

Fifthly, They that name (as afore) the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, should depart from iniquity, that they may shew to the world the nature and power of those graces, which God the Father has bestowed upon them that do religiously name the name of Christ. And the rather, because, he that religiously nameth that name, declareth even by his so naming of him, that he has received grace of the Father, to enable him so to do. Now he cannot declare this by deeds, unless he depart from iniquity:Tit. 1.16.Titus 1:16 and his declaring of it by words alone signifies little to God or man.

Sixthly, We therefore that religiously name the name of Christ, should also depart from iniquity; because the spirit of the Father will p. 89else be grieved.Eph. 4.30.Eph 4:30 The countenancing of iniquity; the not departing therefrom, will grieve the holy spirit of God, by which you are sealed to the day of redemption: and that is a sin of an higher nature than men commonly are aware of. He that grieveth the spirit of God shall smart for it here, or in Hell, or both. And that spirit that sometimes did illuminate, teach and instruct them, can keep silence, can cause darkness, can withdraw it self, and suffer the soul to sin more and more; and this last is the very judgment of Judgments.1 Thes. 5.19.1 Thess 5:19 He that grieves the spirit, quenches it; and he that quenches it, vexes it; and he that vexes it, sets it against himself, and tempts it to hasten destruction upon himself. Wherefore take heed, professors,Isa. 63.10. Acts 5.9.Isa 63:10Acts 5:9 I say take heed, you that religiously name the name of Christ, that you meddle not with iniquity, that you tempt not the spirit of the Lord to do such things against you, whose beginnings are dreadful, and whose end in working of judgments is unsearchable. A man knows not whither he is going, nor where he p. 90shall stop, that is but entring into temptation; nor whether he shall ever turn back, or go out at the gap that is right before him. He that has begun to grieve the Holy Ghost, may be suffered to go on untill he has sinned that sin which is called the Sin against the Holy Ghost. And if God shall once give thee up to that, then thou art in the Iron cage, out of which there is neither deliverance nor redemption. Let every one therefore that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity, upon this second consideration.

Thirdly, In the next place, I come now to those arguments that do respect thy self.

First, Those that religiously name the name of Christ should, must depart from iniquity, because else our profession of him is but a lie.1 Joh. 1.6.1 John 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie. And walk in darkness: that is, and walk in iniquity, and depart from a life that is according to the course of this World. He that saith, chap. 2 4.I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a lyer, and the p. 91truth is not in him: The truth that he professes to know, and that he saith he hath experience of, is not in him.1 King. 17.24.1 Kgs 17:24 Every man that nameth the name of Christ, is not therefore a man of God, nor is the word in every mans mouth, truth; though he makes profession of that worthy name. It is then truth in him, and to others with reference to him, Rev. 2.2, 9. chap. 3.9.Rev 2:2Rev 2:9when his mouth and his life shall agree. Men may say they are Apostles, and be lyers: they may say, they are Jews, that is Christians, and lie, and be lyers, and lie in so saying. Now this is the highest kind of lying, and certainly must therefore work the saddest sort of effects. Thus mans best things are lies. His very saying, I know him, I have fellowship with him, I am a Jew, a Christian, is a lie. His life giveth his mouth the lie:Acts 5.4. Rev. 21.8.27. chap. 22.15.Acts 5:4Rev 21:8Rev 21:27 and all knowing men are sure he lies. 1. He lies unto God: he speaks lies in the presence, and to the very face of God. Now this is a daring thing: I know their lies, saith he: and shall he no… recompence for this? See these Scriptures in the Margent, and take p. 92heed. I speak to you that religiously name the name of Christ, and yet do not depart from iniquity. 2. He lies unto men; every knowing man; every man that is able to judge of the tree by the fruit, knows that that man is a lier, and that his whole profession as to himself is a lie, if he doth not depart from iniquity. Thus Paul called the slow bellies, the unsound professors among the Cretians, Tit. 1.12, 13, 14, 15, 16.Titus 1:12Titus 1:13Titus 1:14Titus 1:15Titus 1:16liers. They were so in his eyes, for that their profession of the name of Christ was not seconded with such a life as became a people professing godliness. They did not depart from iniquity. But again, 3. Such a man is a lier to his own soul. What ever such an one promiseth to himself, his soul will find it a lie. There be many in the world that profess the name of Christ, and consequently promise their soul the injoyment of that good, that indeed is wrapt up in him, but they will certainly be mistaken hereabout, and with the greatest terror, will find it so, when they shall hear that direful sentence,Luk. 13.27.Luke 13:27 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. Christ p. 93is resolved that the loose-lived pr… fessor shall not stand in the judgment, nor any such sinners in the congregation of the righteous. They have lied to God, to men, and to themselves; but J…sus then will not lie unto them: He will plainly tell them that he hath not known them, and that they shall not abide in his presence. But,

Secondly, Those that religiously name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, else, as they are liers in their profession, so they are self-deceivers. I told you but now such lie to themselves, and so consequently they deceive themselves. But be ye doers of the word, Jam. 1.22.Jas 1:22not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 'Tis a sad thing for a man, in, and about eternal things, to prove a deceiver of others; but for a man to deceive himself, his own self of eternal life, this is saddest of all: Yet there is in man a propenseness so to do. Hence the Apostle says, be not deceived, and let no man deceive himself. And again,Vers. 26. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth p. 94not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this mans Religion is vain. These words [But deceiveth his own heart] I have much mused about: for they seem to me to be spoken to shew how bold and prodigiously desperate some men are, who yet religiously name the name of Christ: desperate I say at self deceiving. He deceiveth his own heart; he otherwayes perswadeth it, than of its own self it would go: Ordinarily men are said to be deceived by their hearts, but here's a man that is said to deceive his own heart, flattering it off from the scent and dread of those convictions, that by the word sometimes it hath been under: perswading of it that there needs no such strictness of life be added to a profession of Faith in Christ, as by the Gospel is called for: or that since Christ has died for us, and rose again, and since salvation is alone in him, we need not be so concerned, or be so strict to matter how we live. This man is a self deceiver: he deceives his own heart. Self deceiving, and that about spiritual, and eternal things, p. 95specially when men do it willingly, is one of the most unnatural, unreasonable, and unaccountable action in the world. 1. It is one of the most unnatural actions. For here a man seeks his own ruin,Prov. 1.18.Prov 1:18 and privily lurks for his own life. We all cry out against him that murthers his Children, his Wife, or his own body, and condemn him to be one of those that has forgot the rules, and love of nature: But behold the man under consideration is ingaged in such designs as will terminate in his own destruction: he deceiveth his own soul. 2. This is also the most unreasonable act; there can no cause, nor crum of cause that has the least spark or dram of reason, or of any thing that looks like reason, be shewen why a man should deceive himself, and bereave his soul of eternal life. Therefore, 3. Such men are usually passed over with astonishment and silence. Be astonished O Heavens at this! Jer. 2.11, 12, 13.Jer 2:11Jer 2:12Jer 2:13and be ye horribly afraid, for my people have committed two evils, they have forsaken me the fountain▪ of living waters, and hewed them out Cisterns, broken p. 96Cisterns, that can hold no water.

But above all; This, as to this head, is the most amazing place, where 'tis said that the self deceiver makes his self deceiving, his sport:2 Pet. 2.13.2 Pet 2:13 Sporting themselves with their own deceivings. These are a people far gone to be sure, that are arrived to such an height of negligence, carelesness, wantonness, and desparateness of spirit, as to take pleasure in, and make a sport of that which will assuredly deceive them forever. But this is the fruit of professing of Christ, and of not departing from iniquity. The wisdom and judgment of God is such, as to give such over to the sporting of themselves in their own deceivings.

Thirdly, Those that religiously name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity, because of the scandal that will else assuredly come upon Religion, and the things of Religion through them. Upon this head I may begin to write, with a sigh; For never more of this kind than now. There is no place where the professors of religion are, that is clean p. 97and free from offence and scandal. Iniquity is so intailed to religion, and baseness of life to the naming of the name of Christ, that one may say of the professors of this age, as 'twas said of them of old,Isa. 28.8.Isa 28:8 All places are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean. Where are they even amongst those that strive for the rule, that mind it at all, when it pinches upon their lusts, their pride, avarice and wantonness? Are not, now adays, the bulk of professors like those that strive at a Gnat and swallow a Camel? Yea,Mat. 23.24. Jer. 2.33.Matt 23:24Jer 2:33 do not professors teach the wicked ones to be wicked? Ah! Lord God, this is a lamentation, and will be for a lamentation. What asore disease is now got into the Church of God, that the Generality of professors should walk with scandal!

No fashion, no vanity, no profuseness, and yet no niggardliness but is found among professors. They pinch the poor and nip from them their due, to maintain their own pride and vanity. I shall not need to instance particulars, for from the Rich to the Poor, from the p. 98Pastor to the People, from the Master to his Man, and from the Mistress to her Maiden, all are guilty of scandal, and of reproaching, by their lives, the name of the Lord. For they profess, and name that worthy name of Christ, but are not, as they should, departed from iniquity.

1. Hence the name of God is polluted and reproached even till God is weary and cries out, pollute ye my name no more with your gifts, Ezek. 20.39.Ezek 20:39and with your Idols. O do not pollute my name, says God: Rather leave off profession, and go every one to his wickedness. Tell the world, if you will not depart from iniquity, that Christ and you are parted, and that you have left him, to be imbraced by them to whom iniquity is an abomination. 'Twould far better secure the name of God from scandal and reproach, than for you to name the name of Christ, and yet not to depart from iniquity. Then, though you sin as now you do, the poor world would not cry out, Ay! this is your Religion! Then they would not have occasion to vilifie religion, p. 99because of you; since you tell them that Christ and you are parted. But,

2. If you will not leave off to name the name of Christ, nor yet depart from iniquity, you also scandal the sincere professors of Religion; and that is a grievous thing. There are a people in the world that have made it their business ever since they knew Christ, to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and that desire to perfect holiness in the fear of God: and you scandalous professors mixing your selves with them,2 Pet. 2.13. Jud. 12.2 Pet 2:13Judg 12 make their gold look dim. You are spots and blemishes to them; you are an evil mixing it self with their good, and a scandal to their holy profession. They are you that make the heart of the righteous sad, whom God would not have sad. They are you that offend his little ones. O! the Millstone that God will shortly hang about your necks, when the time is come that you must be d…owned in the Sea, and Deluge of Gods wrath.

p. 1003. If you will not leave off to name the name of Christ, nor yet depart from iniquity; you continue to extend your scandal also to the word and doctrine of God. They that name the name of Jesus religiously, should so carry it in the world, that they might adorn the doctrin of God their Saviour: but thou that professest, and yet departest not from iniquity; thou causest the name and doctrine which thou professest, to be blasphemed,1 Tim. 6.1. Tit. 2.5, 10.1 Tim 6:1Titus 2:5Titus 2:10 and reproached by the men of this world; and that is a sad thing, a thing that will bring so heavy a load upon thee, when God shall open thine eyes (and he will open them either here or in hell-fire, that thou wilt repent it with great bitterness of soul. The Lord smite thee to the making of thee sensible to thy shame, and conversion, if it be his blessed will. Amen. But,

4. If thou wilt not leave off to name the name of Christ, nor yet depart from iniquity, thou wilt bring reproach, scorn and contempt upon thy self. For sin is a reproach to any people. Prov. 14.34.Prov 14:341. These are they that God will hold in great p. 101contempt and scorn: See the first of Isaiah. 2. These are they that his people shall have in great contempt. Therefore, saith he,Mal. 2.9. Jer. 25.9, 18.Mal 2:9Jer 25:9Jer 25:18 have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as you have not kept my ways, but have lifted up the face against my Law. 3. Such shall also be contemned, and had in derision of the men of this world. They shall be an hissing, a by-word, a taunt and a reproach among all people. For him that honoureth me, saith God, I will honour, 1 Sam. 2.30.1 Sam 2:30but he that despiseth me, shall be lightly esteemed. I remember that Philpot used to tell the Papists that they danced BAREARSED in a Net, because of the evil of their ways; and the Lord bids professors have a care that the shame of their nakedness does not appear, or lest they walk naked, and their shame be discovered. For those professors that depart not from iniquity, however they think of themselves, their nakedness is seen of others. And if it be a shame to the modest to have their nakedness seen of others, what bold and brazen brows have they who are not p. 102ashamed to shew their nakedness, yea, the very shame of it, to all that dwell about them? And yet thus doth every one that religiously names the name of Christ, and yet doth not depart from iniquity.

Fourthly, Those that religiously name the name of Christ, and do not depart from iniquity; They are the cause of the perishing of many. Mat. 18.7.Matt 18:7Wo, saith Christ, to the world because of offences: And again, wo to that man by whom the offence cometh. These are they that cause many to stumble at sin, and fall into Hell. Hark, you that are such, what God says to you.Mal. 2.8.Mal 2:8 You have caused many to stumble at the Law, and at religion. Men that are for taking of occasion, you give it them: men that would enter into the Kingdom; you puzle, and confound them with your iniquity, while you name the name of Christ, and do not depart therefrom. One sinner destroyeth much good: these are the men that incourage the vile to be yet more vile; these be the men that quench weak desires in others; and these p. 103be the men that tempt the ignorant to harden themselves against their own salvation. A professor that hath not forsaken his iniquity, is like one that comes out of the Pest-house among the whole, with his Plague sores running upon him. This is the man that hath the breath of a Dragon, he poysons the Air round about him. This is the man that slays his children, his kinsmen, his friend, and himself. What shall I say? A man that nameth the name of Christ, and that departeth not from iniquity; to whom may he be compared? The Pharisees, for that they professed religion, but walked not answerable thereto, unto what doth Christ compare them, but to Serpents and Vipers; what does he call them, but hypocrites, Whited Walls,Mat. 23.Matt 23 Painted sepulchers, fools, and blind? and tells them that they made men more the children of H…ll than they were before. Wherefore such an one cannot go out of the world by himself: for as he gave occasion of scandal, when he was in the world; so is he the cause of the damnation p. 104of many.Prov. 11.30.Prov 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life: but what is the fruit of the wicked? of the professors that are wicked? why, not to perish alone in their iniquity.Job 22.20.Job 22:20 These, as the Dragon, draw many of the Stars of Heaven,Rev. 12.4.Rev 12:4 and cast them to the earth with their most stinking tail: cast many a professor into earthly and carnal delights, with their most filthy conversations.

Acts 20.30. Phil. 3.18, 19.Acts 20:30Phil 3:18Phil 3:19The Apostle did use to weep, when he spake of these professors, such offence he knew they were and would be in the world.

These are the chief of the Engines of Satan, with these he worketh wonders. One Balaam, one Jeroboam, one Ahab, O how many fish bring such to Satans net. These are the Tares that he strives to sow among the wheat, for he knows they are mischief to it. Wherefore let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Fifthly, Those that religiously name the name of Christ, and do not depart from iniquity: how will they die, and how will they look that p. 105man in the face, unto the profession of whose name, they have intailed an unrighteous conversation? Or do they think that he doth not know what they have done, or that they may take him off with a few cries and wringing of hands, when he is on the Throne to do Judgment against transgressors. O! it had been better they had not known, had not profest: yea, better they had never been born. For as Christ said of Judas, so may it be said of these; It had been good for that man, if he had never been born. And as Christ says it had been good, so Peter says, it had been better. Good they had not been born,Mark 14.22. 2 Pet. 2.20, 21.Mark 14:222 Pet 2:202 Pet 2:21 and better they had not known and made profession of the name of Christ.

But perhaps some may ask me, Quest.what iniquity they must depart from, that religiously name the name of Christ?

I answer, first, in general,Answ. 1. Those that religiously profess the name of Christ, must depart from all iniquity.Heb. 12.2. 1 Thes. 5.22.Heb 12:21 Thess 5:22 They should lay aside every weight; they should fly all appearance of p. 106evil. Many there be that are willing to part with some sins, some pleasures some unjust Prophets, if they may be saved: but this selling of all, parting with all, forsaking of all, is a very hard chapter.

And yet the Lord Jesus lays it there,Luk 14.33.Luke 14:33 saying so likewise, whosoever he be of you (of any of you that professeth my name) that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Christ by this Text requireth more of them that are his than to forsake all iniquity: Wherefore to be sure, every sin is included. No less than Vniversal obedience,Hos. 10.2.Hos 10:2 will prove a man sincere. A divided heart is a faulty one. He that forsaketh not every sin,Job 20.13. Joh. 14.21, 22, 23, 24.Job 20:13John 14:21John 14:22John 14:23John 14:24 is partial in the Law, nor can he have respect to all Gods Commandments. There can be no true love to Christ where there are reserves; he that will hide any one sin in his bosom, or that will keep it, as the phrase is, under his tongue, is a secret enemy to Jesus Christ. He loveth not Christ that keepeth not his sayings. To halt between two is nought, and p. 107no man can serve two Masters. Christ is a Master, and sin is a Master: yea, and Masters are they, so opposite, that he that at all shall cleave to the one, shall by the other be counted his enemy. If sin at all be countenanced, Christ counts himself despised. What man would count himself beloved of his Wife, that knows she hath a bosom for another? Thou shalt not be for another man, saith he,Hos. 3.3.Hos 3:3 so will I be for thee. Would the King count him a Loyal subject, who would hide in his house, nourish in his Bed, and feed at his Table, one that implacably hateth and seeketh to murder his Majesty? Why, sin is such an enemy to the Lord Jesus Christ: therefore as Kings command that Traitors be delivered up to Justice; so Christ commands, that we depart from iniquity. Take away all iniquity, is a good prayer, and to resist unto blood, striving against sin, Hos. 14.2. Heb. 12.4. 2 Cor. 10.5.Hos 14:2Heb 12:42 Cor 10:5is a good warfare, and he that brings every thought to the obedience of Christ gets a brave victory. Grace leaveneth the whole soul, p. 108and so consequently all the parts thereof: now where the whole is leavened, the tast must needs be the same throughout. Grace leaves no power, faculty, or passion of the soul unsanctified; wherefore there is no corner in a sanctified soul, where sin may hide his head, to find rest, and abode without controul: consequently, he that has harbour for this or that sin, and that can find an hiding place, and an abode for it in his heart, is no Christian man. Let them then that christianly name the name of Christ, make it manifest that they do not do it feignedly, by departing from iniquity. But,

Answ. 2.Secondly, And more particularly: They that name the name of Christ, as above, let them depart from their Constitution-sin, or if you will, the sin that their temper most inclines them to. Every man is not alike inclined to the same sin, but some to one and some to another: Now let the man that professes the name of Christ religiously, consider with himself, unto what sin or vanity am I most inclined; is it Pride? p. 109is it Covetousness? is it fleshly lust? And let him labour, by all means, to leave off and depart from that. This is that which David called his own iniquity, and saith, I was also upright before him, and I kept my self from mine iniquity. Psal. 18.23Ps 18:23Rightly are these two put together; for it is not possible that he should be an upright man that indulgeth, or countenanceth his constitution-sin; but on the contrary, he that keeps himself from that will be upright as to all the rest: and the reason is, because if a man has that grace as to trample upon, and mortifie his darling, his bosom, his only sin, he will more easily and more heartily abhor and fly the rest.

And indeed, if a man will depart from iniquity, he must depart from his darling sin first: for as long as that is entertained, the other, at least those that are most suiting with that darling, will always be haunting of him. There is a man that has such and such haunt his house, and spend his substance, and would be rid of them, but cannot: but now, let him rid himself of that, p. 110for the sake of which they haunt his house, and then he shall with ease be rid of them. Thus it is with sin. There is a man that is plagued with many sins, perhaps because he imbraceth one; well, let him turn that one out of doors and that's the way to be rid of the rest. Keep thee from thy darling, thy bosom, thy constitution-sin.

Motives to prevail with thee to fall in with this exhortation, are several.

1. There can no great change appear in thee, make what profession of Christ thou wilt, unless thou cast away thy bosom sin. A mans constitution-sin, is, as I may call it, his visible sin; 'tis that by which his neighbours know him and describe him: whether it be pride, Covetousness, lightness, or the like; now if these abide with thee, though thou shouldest be much reformed in thy notions, and in other parts of thy life. Yet say thy neighbours, he is the same man still: his Faith has not saved him from his darling: he was proud afore, and is proud still; was covetous afore, and p. 111is covetous still; was light and wanton afore, and is so still. He is the same man, though he has got a new mouth. But now, if thy constitution-sin be parted with, if thy darling be cast away, thy conversion is apparent, 'tis seen of all, for the casting away of that is death to the rest, and ordinarily makes a change throughout.

2. So long as thy constitution-sin remains, as winked at by thee, so long thou art an hypocrite before God; let thy profession be what it will: also when Conscience shall awake and be commanded to speak to thee plainly, what thou art, it will tell thee so, to thy no little vexation and perplexity.

3. Besides, do what thou canst, so long as thou remainest thus, thou wilt be of a scandalous life. No honour is brought to religion by such. But,

Again, As they that name the name of Christ should depart from their constitution-sin: so they should depart from the sins of other mens …empers also. Much harm among …rofessors is done by each others sins. p. 112There is a man that has clean escaped from those who live in error: has shaken off the carnal world and the men thereof, and is come among professors, but behold, there also he meeteth with wicked men, with men that have not departed from iniquity, and there he is intangled. This is a sad thing, and yet so it is. I doubt there are some in the world, I mean professors, that will curse the day that ever they were acquainted with some professors. There are professors that are defilers, professors that are wicked men,Jer. 5.26. Jer. 2.33.Jer 5:26Jer 2:33 professors of whom a wicked man may learn to sin. Take heed of these, lest having fled from thine own sins, thou shouldest be taken with the sins of others. Be not partakers of other mens sins, is the counsel and caution that Paul giveth to Timothy, 1 Tim. 5.22.1 Tim 5:22if he would keep himself pure.

4. Dost thou profess the name of Christ, and dost thou pretend to be a man departing from iniquity? Then take heed thou dost not dedeceive thy self, by changing one bad way of sinning, for another bad p. 113way of sinning. This was a trick that Israel plaid of Old: for when Gods Prophets followed them hard with demands of Repentance and Reformation, then they would gad about to change their ways;Jer. 2.36.Jer 2:36 but behold, they would not change a bad way for a good, but one bad way for another; hopping as the Squirrel, from bow to bow, but not willing to forsake the tree. Hence they were said to return, but not to the Most High.Hos. 7.16.Hos 7:16 Take heed I say of this: Many leave off to be drunkards, and fall in with covetousness: many fall off from covetousness to pride and lasciviousness: take heed of this. This is a grand deceit, and a common one too, a deceit of a long standing, and almost a disease Epidemical among professors.

Many times men change their darling sins, as some change their Wives and Servants; that which would serve for such an one this year, may not serve to be so for the year insuing. Hypocrisie would do a while ago, but now Debauchery. Profaneness would do, when Profaneness was in fashion; but now a deceitful Profession. p. 114Take heed, professor, that thou dost not throw away thy old darling sin for a new one. Mens tempers alter. Youth is for Pride and wantonness, Middle age for cunning and craft, Old age for the world and Covetousness. Take heed therefore of deceit in this thing.

5. Dost thou profess the name of Christ, and dost thou pretend to be a man departing from iniquity? take heed lest thy departing from iniquity should be but for a time: Some do depart from iniquity, as persons in wrangling fits depart from one another; to wit, for a time, but when the quarrel is over, by means of some intercessor, they are reconciled again. O! Satan is the intercessor between the soul and sin, and though the breach between these two may seem to be irreconcileable; yea, though the soul has sworn it will never give countenance to so vile a thing as sin is, more ▪ yet he can tell how to make up this difference,2 Pet. 2.18, 19, 20, 21, 22.2 Pet 2:182 Pet 2:192 Pet 2:202 Pet 2:212 Pet 2:22 and to fetch them back to their vo…t again, who one would have thought, had quit… p. 115escaped his sins, and been gone. Take heed therefore, O professor: For there is danger of this, and the height of danger lies in it. And I think that Satan, to do this thing, makes use of those sins again, to begin this rejoynder, which he findeth most suitable to the temper and constitution of the sinner. These are, as I may call them, the Master sins; they suit, they jump with the temper of the soul: these as the little end of the Wedge, enter with ease, and so make way for those that come after, with which Satan knows he can rend the soul in pieces. Wherefore,

6. To help this, take heed of parlying with thy sins again, when once thou hast departed from them: Sin has a smooth tongue; if thou harken to its inchanting language, ten thousand to one but thou art intangled. See the saying of the Wiseman,Prov. 7.21, 22.Prov 7:21Prov 7:22 with much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips, she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as a… Ox goeth to the slaughte…, or as a Fool to the correction of the Stocks. He heard p. 116her Charm,Vers. 27. and by hearing, is noosed, and led away to her house, which is the way to Hell, going down to the Chambers of Death. Take heed therefore of listning to the charms, wherewith sin inchanteth the soul. In this be like the deaf Adder, stop thine ear, plug it up, to sin: and let it only be open to hear the words of God.

Thirdly, Let them that name the name of Christ,Answ. 3. depart from the iniquity of the times. There are sins that may be called the iniquity of the day. It was thus in Noahs day, it was thus in Lots day, and 'twas thus in Christs day; I mean in the days of his flesh: and 'tis a famous thing for professors to keep themselves from the iniquities of the times. Here lay Noahs excellency, here lay Lots excellency, and here will lie thy excellency, if thou keep thy self from the iniquity of this day.Act. 2.40.Acts 2:40 Keep or save your selves from this untoward generation, is seasonable Counsel: but taken but of few; the sin of the time, or day, being as a strong current or stream that drives all before it. Hence Noah and Lot were found as it were alone, in the practice of this excellent piece p. 117of righteousness, in their Generation. Hence 'tis said of Noah that he was a just man, and perfect in his Generations. And again, The Lord said unto Noah, come thou and all thy house into the Ark;Gen. 6.9.Gen 6:9 for thee have I seen righteous before me, in this Generation. The meaning is, he kept himself clear of the sin of his day,Chap. 7.1. or o… the Generation among which he lived.

The same I say of Lot, he kept himself from the sin of Sodom: and hence Peter crys him up for su…h a right…ous man. Just Lot, saith he, that righteous man,2 Pet. 2.7, 8.2 Pet 2:72 Pet 2:8 whose righteous soul was vexed with the fil…hy conv…sation of the wicked. Mark a Just man, a Righteous man, his righ…eous soul, &c. But how obtained he this char…cter? Why h… ab…orred the sin of his time, he fell not in with the sin of the people, but was afflicted and vexed there about: yea, it was to him a daily burden. For that righteous man dwelling a…ong them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day, Psal. 119.158.Ps 119:158with their unlawful deeds. So David, I beheld, saith he, the transgressors, p. 118and was gri…ved because they kept not thy word. The sin of the times, is to God the worst of sins, and to fall in with the sin of the times, is counted as the highest of transgressions. Consequently, to keep from them, though a man should through infirmity be guilty of others, yet he is accounted upright. And hence it is (I think) that David was called a man after Gods own heart; to wit, because he served his own generation, by the will of God, or as the Margent reads it,Acts 13.Acts 13 after he had in his own age served the will of God. By the sin of …he t…mes Satan, as it were, set up his Standard in defiance to God; seeking then to cause his name in a signal way to be dishonoured, and that by the professors of that age. And hence it is that the Lord doth manifest such wrath against his people, that are guilty of the common sin of their day, and that he shews such special favour to them that abstain therefrom. Was there no more, think you, but Noah, in his generation that feared …od: yes several no doubt, but he was the man, that kept clear of the sin of his p. 119day, therefore he and his family must be partakers of Gods deliverance: The other must die before, and not be permitted to the mercy of the Ark, nor to see the new world with Noah. Vnbelief was the sin of the day, when Israel was going from Aegypt to Canaan; therefore all that were guilty of that transgression, must be denyed to go in to see that good Land, yea, though it were Moses himself. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,Numb. 20.12.Num 20:12 because ye believed me not, to sanctifie me in the eyes of the Childr…n of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this Congregation into the Land which I have given them.

The sin of the day, is an high transgression; from the which because Caleb, and Joshua kept themselves, God kept them from all the blasting Plagues, that overtook all the rest, and gave them the Land which he had promised to their Fathers. But my servant Caleb, Numb. 14.22, 23, 24.Num 14:22Num 14:23Num 14:24because he had another spirit in him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the Land, whereunto he went, and his seed shall possess it. Idolatry was the p. 120sin of the day, just before Israel were carried captive into Babylon. Now those of the Priests that went astray then, Ezek. 44.10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.Ezek 44:10Ezek 44:11Ezek 44:12Ezek 44:13Ezek 44:14Ezek 44:15Ezek 44:16even they say, God shall bear their iniquity. But the Priests, the Levites the sons of Zadok that kept the charge of my Sanctuary, when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near unto me, to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord God. They shall enter into my Sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.

Great complaints have we now among professors, of deadness in duties, barrenenss of the ministry, and of the withdrawing of God from his people; But I can tell you a cause of all this, namely, the sin of the day is got into the Church of God, and has defiled that holy place. This is the ground and cause of all these things: nor is it like to be otherwise, till the cause shall be removed. If any should ask me what are the sins of our day. I would say they are conspicuous, p. 121they are open,Isa. 3.9.Isa 3:9 they are declared as Sodoms were. They that have imbraced them, are not ashamed of them: Yea, they have got the boldness to plead for them, and to count them their enemies that seek to reform them. All tables are full of Vomit and filthiness. And for Pride and Covetousness for loathing of the Gospel, and contemning holiness, as these have covered the face of the Nation: so they have infected most of them, that now name the name of Christ.

And I say again, when you find out a professor that is not horribly tainted with some of these things, (I exclude not the Ministers nor their families) let him be as a Beacon upon an Hill, or as an Insign in our Land. But say one, would you have us singular? and says another would you have u… make our selves ridiculous? and says a third, such and such more Godly Wise than we, do so. But I answer, if God has made you singular, and called you to grace, that's singular; and bid you wa…k in ways that are singular, p. 122and diverse from the ways of all others. Yea, if to depart from iniquity will make you ridiculous, if to be holy in all manner of conversation will make you ridiculous, then be contented to be counted so. As for the Godly-wise you speak of, let them manifest themselves to be such by departing from iniquity. I am sure that their being tainted with sins of the day, will not prove them godly-wise. Behold, I have taught you, said Moses, Statutes and Judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me; that ye should do so in the Land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore, and do them, for this is your wisdom, and your understanding in the sight of the Nations, which shall hear of all these Statutes, and say, surely this great Nation is a wise and understanding people. Here then is wisdom, and this is that that manifesteth a people to be understanding, and godly-wise, even the keeping of the commandments of God. And why, follow the apish fashions of the world; hath the God o… wisdom set them on foot among us? or is it because the Devil and wicked p. 123men (the inventors of these vain toyes) have out-witted the law of God? What Nation is there so great, Deut. 4.5, 6, 7, 8.Deut 4:5Deut 4:6Deut 4:7Deut 4:8who hath God so nigh unto them as his people have, and as he is in all things that we call upon him for? and what Nation is there so great, that hath Statutes and Judgments so righteous, as all this law, said Moses, which I set before you this day. This then is that which declareth us to be godlywise, when we keep our soul diligently to the holy words of God: and sit not only our tongues and lips, but also our lives thereto.

Fourthly, But again, let them that name the name of Christ depart from the iniquity, that is,Answ. 4. as I may call it, from family-iniquity. There is an house-iniquity; an iniquity that loves not to walk abroad, but to harbor within doors. This the holy man David was aware of, therefore he said that he would behave himself wisely, in a perfect way; yea, saith he,Psal. 101.….2.Ps 101 I will walk within my house, with a perfect heart.

Now this house-iniquity standeth in these things.

p. 1241. In Dom…stick broyls and quarrels.

2. In Domestick Chambrings, and wantonness.

3. In Domestick misorders of Children and Servants.

First, For house broyles and quarrels, it is an iniquity to be departed from, whether it be betwixt Husband and Wife, or otherwise. This, as I said, is an iniquity that loves not to walk abroad, but yet it is an horrible plague within doors. And many that shew like Saints abroad, yet act the part of Devils when they are at home, by giving way to this house iniquity; by cherishing of this house-iniquity. This iniquity meeteth the man and his wife at the very threshold of the door, and will not suffer them to enter, no not with one foot into the house in peace, but how far this is from walking together as heirs of the grace of life, is easie to be determined.Ephe… 5.21▪ …2 23, 24.…5, 26, 27, 28. 1 …et. 3.7.Eph 5:21Eph 5:2 Men should carry it in love to their wives, as Christ doth to his Church; and wives should carry it to their husbands, as the Church ought to carry it to p. 125her Saviour: and untill each relation be managed with respect to these things: this house-iniquity will be cherished there. O! God sees within doors as well as without, and will judge too for the iniquity of the house as well as for that more open.

2dly, As house-iniquity standeth in domestick broyls, and Contentions: So it also standeth in Chambrings and wantonness. Ro. 13.13.Rom 13:13Wherefore the Apostle puteth them both together, saying, not in chambring and wanness, not in strife and envy. This chambring and wantonness is of a more genneral extent, being entertained by all, insomuch that sometimes from the head to the foot all are horribly guilty. But, it is a shame to speak of those things that are done of some in secret:Eph. 5.12.Eph 5:12 For through the lusts of their own hearts, Rom. 1.24, 27.Rom 1:24Rom 1:27they dishonour their own bodies between themselves, working that which is unseemly, to their ignominy and contempt; if not with their fellows, yet with God, who sees them;Psal. 139.12.Ps 139:12 for the darkness hideth not from him. It was for this kind of iniquity with other, p. 126that God told Ely that he would judge his house for ever:1 Sam. 3.13.1 Sam 3:13 also the words that follow are to be trembled at,Vers. 14. that say, The iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. Such an evil thing is house-iniquity in the eyes of the God that is above.

Thirdly, As domestick iniquity standeth in these, so also in the disorders of children and servants. Childrens unlawful carriages to their Parents, is a great house-iniquity, yea, and a common one too.2. Tim. 3.2, 3.2 Tim 3:22 Tim 3:3 Disobedience to Parents is one of the sins of the last days. O! 'Tis horrible to behold how irreverently, how irrespectively, how sawcily and malapertly, children, yea, professing children, at this day, carry it to their Parents; Snapping, and checking, curbing and rebuking of them, as if they had never received their beings by them, or had never been beholding to them for bringing of them up: yea as if the relation was lost, or as if they had received a dispensation from God to dishonour, and disobey Parents.

p. 127I will add that this sin reigns in little and great, for not only the small and young, but men are disobedient to their Parents; and indeed, this is the sin with a shame, that men shall be disobedient to Parents; the sin of the last times, that men shall be disobedient to Parents, and without natural affection. Where now adays shall we see children that are come to men and womens estate, carry it as by the word they are bound. to their aged and wornout P…rents? I say, where is the honour they should put upon them? who speaks to their aged Parents with that due regard to that relalation, to their age, to their wornout condition, as becomes them? Is it not common now adays for Parents to be brought into bondage, and servitude by their children? For Parents to be under, and children above; for Parents to be debased, and children to Lord it over them. Nor doth this sin go alone in the families, where it is: no, those men are lovers of their own selves, Covetous Boasters, proud, Blaspheemers,2 Tim. 3.2.2 Tim 3:2 that are disobedient p. 128to their Parents. Isa. 3.4, 5.Isa 3:4Isa 3:5This is that the Prophet means, when he saith, the child shall behave himself proudly aginst the antient; and the base against the honourable. This is a common sin, and a crying sin, and to their shame be it spoken that are guilty; a sin that makes men vile to an high degree, and yet it is the sin of professors. But behold how the Apostle brands them: he saith, such have but a form of godliness, 2 Tim. 3.2, 3, 4, 5.2 Tim 3:22 Tim 3:32 Tim 3:42 Tim 3:5and deny the power thereof, and bids the godly shut them out of their fellowship. This sin also is, I fear, grown to such a hight in some, as to make them weary of their Parents, and of doing their duty to them. Yea, I wish that some are not murtherers of Fathers and Mothers, by their thoughts, while they secretly long after, and desire their death; that the inheritance may be theirs,1 Tim. 1.9.1 Tim 1:9 and that they may be delivered from obedience to their Parents. This is a sin in the house, in the family, a sin that is kept in hugger mugger, close; but God sees it, and hath declared his dislike against it,Ephes 5.1, 2, 3.Eph 5:1Eph 5:2Eph 5:3 by an implicit threatning, to p. 129cut them off that are guilty of it. Let them then that name the name of Christ, depart from this iniquity.

Disorders of Servants, is also an house-iniquity, and to be departed from by the godly.Psal. 101.7. 2 Chro. 9.4.Ps 101:72 Chr 9:4 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house, said David; and he that telleth lies, shall not tarry in my sight. One of the rarities in Solomons house, and which the Queen of Sheba was so taken with, was the goodly order of his Servants.

Some of the disorders of Servants are to be imputed to the Governors of families, and some to the Servants themselves. Those that are to be i…puted to the Governors of Families are such as these.

1. When the Servant learns his vileness of his Master, or of her Mistress.

2. When Servants are countenanced by the Master against the Mistress; or by the Mistress against the Master: or when in opposition to either, they shall be made equals in things.

p. 1303. When the extravagancies of Servants are not discountenanced, and rebuked by their superiors, and the contrary taught them by word and life.