A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity, Text (1 of 3)

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity · Text (1 of 3)

p. 1A HOLY LIFE, THE BEAUTY OF Christianity.

2. Tim. 2.19.

And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.

TImothy, unto whom this Epistle was writ,chap. 4, 5, Ephes. 4.11.Eph 4:11 was an Evangelist, that is, inferior to Apostles and extraordinary Prophets, and above ordinary Pastors and Teachers. And he with the rest of those under his circumstances was to go with the p. 2Apostles hither, and thither, to be disposed of by them as they saw need for the further edification of those who by the Apostolical Ministry were converted to the Faith: And hence it is that Titus was left at Creet, 1 Tim. 1.3.1 Tim 1:3and that this Timothy was left at Ephesus. For they were to do a work for Christ in the world, which the Apostles were to begin, and leave upon their hand to finish. Now when the Apostles departed from places, and had left these Evangelists in their stead, usually there did arise some bad Spirits among those people, where these were left for the furtherance of the Faith. This is manifest by both the Epistles to Timothy, and also by that to Titus: wherefore Paul, upon whom these two Evangelists waited for the fulfilling of their Ministry, writeth unto them while they abode where he left them, concerning those turbulent Sprits which they met with, and to teach them how yet further they ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth. And to this purpose p. 3he gives them severally divers instructions (as the judicious Reader may easily understand) by which he incourageth them to the prosecution of that service which for Christ they had to do for those people where he had left them, and also instructeth them how to carry it towards their disturbers, which last he doth, not only Doctrinally, but also by shewing them by his example and practice, what he would have them do.

This done, he laboureth to comfort Timothy with the remembrance of the stedfastness of Gods eternal decree of Election, because grounded on his foreknowledge; saying, tho' Hymeneus and Philetus have erred from the Faith, and by their fall, have overthrown the Faith of some, Yet the foundation of God standeth sure, having this Seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his: Now lest this last hint should still incourage some to be remiss and carnally secure, and foolish, as I suppose this Doctrine abused, had incouraged them to be before: Therefore the Apostle immediately conjoyneth to it, this exhortation: And, let every one that p. 4nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. Two truths strangely, but necessarily joyned together, because so apt to be severed by the children of men; for many under the pretence of their being elected, neglect to pursue Holiness; and many of them again that pretend to be for Holiness, quite exclude the Doctrine, and motives that election gives thereto. Wherefore, the Apostle, that he might set mens notions as to these things, right, he joyns these two together, signifying thereby, that as electing love doth instate a man in the blessing of eternal Life, so Holiness is the path thereto; and, that he that refuseth to depart from iniquity shall be damned, notwithstanding he may think himself secured from Hell by the act of Gods electing love. For election designeth men not only to Eternal Glory, but to holiness of Life [a means] thereto.Ephes. 1.4, 5.Eph 1:4Eph 1:5 And the manner of this connexion of truth is the more to be noted by us, because the Apostle seems to conjoyn them in an holy heat of Spirit: Saying, The foundation of God standeth p. 5sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, and let every one that shall but so much as name the name of Christ, depart from iniquity: Or, as who should say, God will be revenged upon them for all, or notwithstanding they appropriate unto themselves the benefits of election.

In the Text we have,

1. An Exhortation.

2 The Extension of that Exhortation.

1. The Exhortation is, That men depart from iniquity.

2. The Extension of it, is to them, all of them, every one of them that name the name of Christ. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

In the Exhortation there are several things to be taken notice of, because insinuated by the Apostle.

The first is, That iniquity is a very dangerous and hurtful thing, as to the Souls of sinners in general, so to them that name the name of Christ.

It is very a dangerous and hurtfull thing to men in general. For 'tis that which did captivate the world p. 6at the beginning, and that made it a bondslave to the Devil. It has also done great hurt to mankind ever since, to instance a few things:

2 Pet. 2.12.2 Pet 2:121. 'Tis that which hath stupefied and besotted the powers of mens Souls, and made them even next to a Beast and Brute in all matters supernatural and heavenly. For as the Beast minds nothing but his lusts, and his belly, by nature: So man minds nothing but things earthly, sensual and devilish, by reason of iniquity.

Eph. 4.18.Eph 4:182. It has blinded and darkned the powers of the Soul, so that it can neither see where it is, nor which is the way out of this besotted condition.

Rom. 2 5.Rom 2:53. It has hardened the heart against God, and against all admonition and counsel in the things of the Gospel of Christ.

Colos. 1.21.Col 1:214. It has alienated the will, the mind, and affections from the choice of the things that should save it, and wrought them over to an hearty delight in those things, that naturally tend to drown it in perdition and destruction.

p. 75. It has made man odious in Gods eyes,Ezek. 16.5.Ezek 16:5 it has provoked the Justice of God against him, and made him obnoxious to Hell fire.

6. Yea, It so holds him,Pro. 5.22.Prov 5:22 so binds him, so reserves him to this, that, not he himself, nor yet all the Angels of Heaven, can deliver him from this deplorable condition.

7. To say nothing of the pleasure and delight that it makes him take in that way to Hell in which he walketh.Isa. 66.3. Pro. 7.22, 23, 24.25.Isa 66:3Prov 7:22Prov 7:23Prov 7:24Prov 7:25 Never went fat Oxe so gamesomely to the shambles, nor fool so merrily to the correction of the stocks, nor silly bird so wantonly to the hidden net, as iniquity makes men go down her steps to the pit of hell and damnation.

O 'tis amazing, 'tis astonishing to consider what hurt sin has done to man, and into how many dangers it has brought him: but let these few hints at this time suffice as to this. I will now speak a word to the other particular: namely, that as iniquity is dangerous and hurtful to the Souls of Men in general, so it is to them that name the name of Christ. As to the so, and so naming of him, to that p. 8I shall speak by and by, but at this time take it thus: That religiously name his name. And I say iniquity is hurtful to them.

1. It plucks many a one of them from Christ, and the religious profession of him. I have even seen, that men who have devoutly and religiously professed Jesus Christ, have been prevailed withall by iniquity to cast him and the profession of his name quite off, and to turn their backs upon him. Israel, saith the Prophet, has cast off the thing that is good. Hos. 8.3.Hos 8:3But why? Of their Silver and their gold they have made Idols. The sin of Idolatry drew their hearts from God: their love to that iniquity made them turn their backs upon him. Wherefore God complains, that of forwardness to their iniquity, and through the prevalence thereof,Ezek. 23.35.Ezek 23:35 they had cast him behind their back.

2. As it plucks many a professor from Christ; so it keeps many a one from an effectual closing with him. How many are there that religiously profess and make mention of the name of Chri…t, that yet of love to, p. 9and by the interest that iniquity hath in their affections, never close with him unto salvation, but are like to them of whom you read in Paul to Timothy, 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.2 Tim 3:12 Tim 3:22 Tim 3:32 Tim 3:42 Tim 3:52 Tim 3:62 Tim 3:7that they are ever learning and never come to the knowledg of the truth.

3. And concerning those that have indeed come to him, and that have effectually closed with him, and that name his name to good purpose: yet how hath iniquity hurt and abused many of them.

1. It has prevailed with God to hide his face from them, a thing more bitter than death.

2. It has prevailed with God to chastize, and to afflict them sorely;Lam. 3.33.Lam 3:33 a thing in which he taketh no pleasure.

3. It has provoked God to give them over to the hand of the Enemy,Jer. 12, 7. Mat. 18.34.Jer 12:7Matt 18:34 and to deliver them to the tormentors.

4. It hath brought them to question their interest in Christ, Psa. 31.22.Ps 31:22and whether they ever had grace in their Souls.

5. And for those that have yet believed they were in his favour,Psal. 51.Ps 51 this p. 10iniquity has driven them to fear that God would cast them away, and take all his good things from them.

Psa. 38.8. Psa. 31.10. Psa. 6.6. Jer. 31.18. 2 Cor. 12.21. Psa. 116.3. Ps. 31.3.4. Jo 13.27. Psal. 88. Lam. 3.4. Lam. 3.16. Jer. 8.14. Chap. 23.15. Psal. 60.3. Ezek 4.16.Ps 38:8Ps 31:10Ps 6:6Jer 31:182 Cor 12:21Ps 116:3Ps 31:3Ps 31:4John 13:27Ps 88Lam 3:4Lam 3:16Jer 8:14Ps 60:3Ezek 4:16Yea, he that would know the hurt that iniquity hath done to them, that name the name of Christ, let him consider the cries, the sighs, the tears, the bemoanings, the bewailings, the lamentations, the sorrows, the confessions the repentings and griefs wherewith they have been attended, while they have complained that they have been put in the stocks, laid in the dungeon, had their bones broken, suffered the terours of God, been distressed almost to distraction, and have been fed with Gravel, Gall, Wormwood, and with the Water of astonishment for days, yea, years together. By all which, and many more which might be mentioned, it appears that iniquity is a dangerous and hurtfull thing.

But I proceed, and come in the next place to the Extension of the exhortation: namely, that it reacheth to all those that name the name of Christ. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. To handle this a little, and,

p. 11First, to shew you what the Apostle here means by naming of the name of Christ: he meaneth not an irreligious naming of that worthy, name, nor those that name it irreligiously. This is evident, because, he passeth by their manner of naming of it without the least reproof, the which he would not have done, had the fault been in their manner of naming of the name of Christ. Now I say, if he intendeth not those that name the name of Christ irreligiously, then tho' the exhortation [let every one] seems to extend it self to all and all manner of persons that any ways name the name of Christ, yet 'tis limited by this, to wit, that rightly, religiously, or according to the way of the professors of Christ, name his worthy name. And it must needs be so taken, and that for these reasons.

1. For that, as I said before, the Apostle taketh no notice of their manner of naming of his name, so as …o reprove any undecency or unseem…iness in their Naming of him; wherefore he alloweth of the manner of their naming of him.

p. 122. Because, the Apostles design in this exhortation was, and is, that the naming of the name of Christ, might be accompanied with such a life of holiness, as might put an additional lustre upon that name when ever named in a religious way; but this cannot be applied to every manner of naming the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. For if a man shall name the name of Christ unduely, or irreligiously, though he shall never so much there withall depart from iniquity, and be circumspect to the utmost in all civility and morality, yet he answers not the Apostles end which he seeks by this his exhortation, For,

1. Suppose a man should name the name of Christ vainly, idlely, in vain mirth, wantonness, false or vain swearing, or the like, and shall back this his manner of naming the name of Christ with all manner of Justness and uprightness of life, would this answer the Apostle's end in this his exhortation? Verily no: for this manner of naming the name is worthy reprehension; Thou shalt not take my name in vain, or vainly make p. 13use thereof:Exod. 20.Exod 20 And moral goodness attending the so naming of the name of Christ will do more hurt than good.

2. There is a reproachful and scandalous naming of the name of Christ, such as the Jews, and Pharisees did accustom themselves unto, as to call him Jesus, the deceiver; and Christ in a way of scorn and contempt. Nor were these men quite destitute of that which put a luster upon their opinions; for said the Lord Christ himself unto them,Mat. 23.Matt 23 Ye indeed appear beautiful outward.

3. There is such a naming of the name of Christ as to make it a cloak for false and dangerous Errors: that men, by the use of that name and the putting of it upon such errors and delusions, may put off their errors to others the better.Mat. 24.5.Matt 24:5 Many shall come in my name, to wit with their delusions, presenting them in my name to the world, and shall put them off in my name to the destruction of the Soul. Now can any imagine that the Apostle should extend his exhortation to such, that they thus continuing to name the name of Christ, p. 14should depart from iniquity. To what end should such be comprehended in this exhortation of his? To no purpose at all: for the more an erroneous person or a deceiver of Souls shall back his errors with a life that is morally good, the more mischievous, dangerous, and damnable is that man and his delusions; wherefore such a one is not concerned in this exhortation.

4. There is a naming of the name of Christ magically, and after the manner of Exorcism, or conjuration: as we read in the Acts of the Apostles. The vagabond Jews, Acts 19.13, 14, 15.Acts 19:13Acts 19:14Acts 19:15the exorcists there say, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. Thus they called over them that had evil spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus. But what if these should cloth this their devilish art and devilish way of using or naming of the name of the Lord Jesus, with departing from iniquity so, as to commend their whole life to bye-standers for such as is morally good: what advantage would Christ, or Paul, or the Gospel get thereby? verily none at all, but rather dammage and reproach: as will soon appear p. 15to any mans reason, if it be considered that goodness of life joyned to badness of principles, is like the Devil clothed in white, or Satan transformed into an Angel of light. And Paul was grieved in his Spirit when the wench that had a spirit of divination did acknowledg him to be the servant of the most high God, for he knew it would nothing further or help forward the Lords design, but be rather an hindrance thereto. For when Witches and Devils come once to commend, or make use of the name of Christ, Christ and Paul like it not; therefore Pauls exhortation which here we are presented with by the Text, is not extended to any of the four sorts aforenamed, but,

First,Acts 15.17.Acts 15:17 To those upon whom his name is called, they should depart from iniquity. I say those whom God has so far dignified, as to put the name of Christ upon them: and I will add, that apply that name to themselves. And the reason is because God is now concerned.Chap. 11.26. God has changed thy name from Pagan, to Christian, and thou chusest to call thy self by that …ame, saying, I belong to Christ. Now p. 16thou must depart from iniquity, for that notice is taken of thee both by Heaven and Earth, that thou art become a Disciple, and let every one that (so) nameth the name of Christ, or,1 Pet. 4.16.1 Pet 4:16 that nameth it (being himself by God and himself put under such circumstances as these) depart from iniquity.

Secondly, It is spoken to those that name the name of Christ either in the publick, or pri…ate, worship of God: being themselves professed worshippers of him: and the reason is, for that the ordinances as well as the name of God is holy, and he will be sanctified in them that come nigh him. He therefore that approacheth the presence of Christ in prayer,Lev. 10.3.Lev 10:3 or any other Divine appointment, must take heed of regarding of iniquity in his heart; else the Lord will stop his ears to his prayers,Psa. 66.18.Ps 66:18 and will shut his eyes, and not take notice of such kind of worship or worshippers.

Thirdly, Those that the Apostle in this place exhorts to depart from iniquity, are such as have taken unto themselves the boldness to say, that they are in him, abide in him, and consequently p. 17are made partakers of the benefits that are in him. He that saith he abideth in him, 1 Joh. 2.6.1 John 2:6ought himself also to walk even as he walked. And the reason is, because Christ is a fruitful root, and a free conveyer of sap into the branches; Hence it is written,Ps. 104.16.Ps 104:16 that the trees of the Lord are full of sap. So then, he that nameth the name of Christ by way of applying to himself his benefits, and as counting that he is found of God in him, and so abideth, ought himself to walk even as he walked, that he may give proof of what he saith to be true, by bearing forth before men that similitude of righteousness, that is in his Root and Stem: For such as the stock or tree is, such let the branches be, but that cannot be known but by the fruit:Mat. 7.16.Matt 7:16 by their fruit ye shall know them. So then, he that thus shall name the name of Christ, let him depart from iniquity: Yea, let every such man do so.

Fourthly, This exhortation is spoken to them that name Christ as their Sovereign Lord and King; let them p. 18depart from iniquity.Isa. 33.21.Isa 33:21 The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, he will save us, are great words: and as they cannot be spoken by every one; so they ought not to be spoken lightly by them that can. Nor may he that claims so high a priviledge, be but obedient, submissive, apt to learn, conscienciously to put in practice what he hath learnt of his Judge, his Lawgiver, and his King. Lest when some shall hear him say that Christ by name is his Lawgiver, and his King (and shall yet observe him to do things evil, and to walk in ways that are not good) they should think evil and speak so of his King; saying, learnt you this of Christ your King, or doth your King countenance you in ways that are so bad? Or do you by thus and thus doing, submit to the laws of your King! Yea your King, his name and Gospel shall bear the burden of the evil, together with the shame thereof, if thou that namest the name of Christ, shalt not depart from iniquity.

p. 19Lastly, What ever man he be that by his naming of the name of Christ, shall intimate that he hath any reverence of love to, or delight in that Christ, whose name he nameth, that man should depart from iniquity not only for the reasons that are above mentioned, but for those that may be named afterwards. But having thus far opened the word, and shewed who, and what manner of man the Apostle had in his eye, in this his exhortation: I shall come in the next place to make some observations upon the Text. As

First, That it is incident to men to name the name of Christ religiously, that is, rightly as to words and notions, and not to depart from iniquity. This was the occasion of this exhortation, for Paul saw that there were some that did so: to wit, that named the name of Christ well, as to words, but did not depart from iniquity. Some such he also found among them at Corinth, which made him say, Awake to righteousness, and sin not;1 Cor. 15.34.1 Cor 15:34 he found such at Ephesus, and cries out to them most p. 20earnestly, saying, Awake thou that sleepest, Ephes. 5.14, 15Eph 5:14Eph 5:15and arise from the dead: for albeit they were professors of Christ, yet they lived too much like those that were dead in trespasses and sins. This he also found among the Hebrews, wherefore he saith to them, let us lay aside every weight, Heb. 12.1, 2, 3.Heb 12:1Heb 12:2Heb 12:3and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. These professors were easily beset with sin, yea it did hang upon them as weights to hinder them from making of that proffesion of Christ, whose name they named, so beautiful as did become both him and them.

In my discourse upon this subject, I must endeavour to shew you two things.

First, What Paul means when he saith, depart from iniquity.

Secondly, Why some that as to words, rightly name the name of Christ, do not depart from iniquity.

The first of those doth need some explanation, because in some sence even the best of Saints cannot depart from sin, or iniquity.

p. 211. Because, as to the being of it, it is seated and rooted in their flesh, and hath its dwelling there. Yea, it hath, and so will have an abiding there, so long as man is on this side that state of perfection, which is not to be injoyed while we are in the flesh: for in me, Rom. 7.Rom 7that is in my flesh, sin dwells, nor doth any thing else but sin dwell there: for in me, that is in my flesh (said Paul) dwells no good thing, therefore the Apostle must not be understood as if he intended to insinuate that there was a possibility that the nature, and being of sin could be pluckt up by the roots, and so cast clean away from us, as to the very nature thereof: no, that will abide with us, for it hath its dwelling in us.

2. And as they cannot depart from the nature of it as such, that is, as they cannot be rid of the being of sin, so neither can they depart from the motions, and stirrings of sin, no more than they can stir from the motions or stirrings of their natural sences, or of their natural reasons: The motions of sin, which p. 22Paul also calls the lusts thereof, will be where the nature and being of sin is, because it is not dead; for that which liveth, what manner of life soever it hath, will have motion according to the manner of life which it hath: and sin being one of the most quick and brisk things that are, it will also have its motions and lusts accordingly. Hence Paul saies, it lusts and will lust, Rom. 6.12. Gal. 5.17.Rom 6:12Gal 5:17where it is, and dwells: though the very spirit of God, and the utmost diligence of a Christian be also there to oppose it.

3. Again, as the being and motions of sin will be with us, so also will it in its indeavours. It will endeavour to overcome us, and to make us captives to it self, and to Satan; and these endeavours will be with us; nor can we so depart from iniquity,Eph. 6.12. 2 Cor. 10.5. Heb. 12.4.Eph 6:122 Cor 10:5Heb 12:4 as to be utterly rid of all sence and feeling of what endeavours there are in sin and iniquity to be master and Lord, and reign; sin will endeavour to defile the mind, to defile the conscience, to defile the life and conversation: and this endeavour, as endeavour, we cannot depart p. 23from; that is, cause that it should not be in our flesh: for there it will be, since sin in its being is their.

4. As the being, motions, and endeavours of sin will still abide in our flesh, so consequently will its polluting fumes be upon us; nor doth the Apostle mean, when he bids us depart from iniquity, that we should think that we can so be, or so do, in this life, as that our being or doing should not smell of the strong scent of sin.Job. 14.4.Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. We are all as an unclean thing, and therefore all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Isa. 64.6.Isa 64:6The scent, the smell, the rank and odious stink of sins abides upon, yea, and will abide upon us, when most spiritual here, and upon our most spiritual actions too, untill they be taken away by Christ. Thus far therefore, we cannot be concerned in the exho…tation. For should Paul exhort us to depart from the being, motion, endeavour, and polluting fumes and scent of sin: I mean so to depart from them, as that there shall no such thing have place, p. 24or motion, or striving, or scent in, or upon us: he would exhort us to that which is altogether impossible for us to perform, yea, to perform through that working of the spirit of God which is to be with us, and in us here. Yea, he must exhort us to that which he could not perform himself, but such exhortations did not stand with the wisdom of an Apostle. Wherefore there is a certain meaning in this exhortation, from the which if we swerve, we shall both wrong the Apostle and our selves.

Let us inquire then, what Paul should mean when he bids them, that name the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. And for our better understanding of him we must consider that there is an iniquity that is inherent in us, and an iniquity that is apart, and at a distance from us: Now if he means, as certainly he doth, that they that name the name of Christ should depart from that sin and iniquity that is in themselves: then, though he cannot mean that we should separate that from our persons, for that's impossible, yet he would have us p. 25take off and with-draw our minds and affections there from. And he tells us that they that are Christs do so. And they that are Christs, have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts:Gal. 5.24.Gal 5:24 sinful lusts and sinful motions, our minds and affections should depart from them. There are the affections and lusts of sin: and there are the affections and lusts or desires of the soul: and again, there are the affections and lusts of the new man, in Saints. Now this is that that the Apostle would have, to wit, that the affections and passions of our souls should not chuse but depart from the affections & lusts of our old man, and should be renewed and made willing to be led by the Holy Ghost from them. This I say, saies he, Vers. 16.walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.

Wherefore when he saith, depart from iniquity, if he means, from our own inherent iniquity, then he mu…t mean thus, take your mind and your affections off, carry your minds away from them,Col. 3.1.2▪ 3.Col 3:1Col 3:2Col 3:3 set your minds and affections upon other objects, and let your minds and affections be p. 26yielded up to the conduct of the word and spirit of God. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, Ro. 6.12.Rom 6:12that ye should obey it in the lust thereof.

Now a man, in mind, and affections, may depart from that which yet will not depart from him: yea, a man in mind, may depart from that which yet will dwell in him as long as he lives.

For instance, there are many diseases that cleave to men, from which, in their minds, they willingly depart. Yea, their greatest disquietment is, that so bad a distemper will abide by them: and might they but have their desire accomplished, they would be as far there from as the ends of the earth are asunder, and while they are found to continue together, the mind departs therefrom, and is gone either to God or to Physicians, for help, and deliverance from it.

And thus it is with the Saint, and should be with every one that by way of profession nameth the name of Christ:Rom. 7.Rom 7 he should depart from his indwelling sin, with his mind: with his mind he should serve the law of God.

p. 27And this is an excellent thing to do, and can be done by none but such as are possessed with an excellent spirit. Ah! to find a man that really departs from himself, and that draweth the affections of the soul, from the affections and lusts of his flesh, is a rare thing.Ezek. 11.21.Ezek 11:21 The heart of the most of professors go after the heart of their detestable lusts, and after their inward abominations:Gal. 6.8.Gal 6:8 But such shall of the flesh reap corruption, notwithstanding they name the name of Christ.

Sin is sweet to him that is nothing but flesh,Job 20.12.Job 20:12 or that can savour nothing but what is of the flesh: nor can it be that he that is such, should depart from himself, his sweet self:Ro. 8.5, 6, 7, 8,Rom 8:5Rom 8:6Rom 8:7Rom 8:8 no they that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh: wherefore they that are in the flesh, though they profess Religion and name the name of Christ, cannot please God; for such instead of walking in and after the spirit, have put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces,Ezek. 14.7, 8.Ezek 14:7Ezek 14:8 to hinder their departing therefrom, nor will all their inquiring of God, nor their seeking p. 28and praying to him, keep them from stumbling and falling, and spliting themselves in sunder upon the rocks and ruins that are provided for them,Job 14.16.Job 14:16 as a reward of the evil of their doings. Yea, they shall suck the poyson of Asps, and the Vipers tongue shall slay them, notwithstanding all their profession?

Quest.But some may say, how shall I know that I do depart from the iniquity of my flesh, from the iniquity that is in me.

Answ.I shall answer this question briefly thus:

1. How is iniquity in thine eye, when severed from the guilt and punishment that attends it? is it as sepeparate from these, beauteous, or illfavoured? I ask thee how it looks, and how thou likest it, suppose there were no guilt or punishment to attend thy love to, or Commission of it. For if in its own nature it be desirable to thy mind, and only therefore shunned, for fear of the punishment, that attends the Commission of it: without doubt thou art none of them that do depart from it: all that thou p. 29dost, is, thou shunnest the sin, not of abhorrence of the sin, but for fear of the punishment that attends it. Like the Thief that yet refuseth to take away his neighbours horse, not of hatred of theft, but for fear of the Gallows.

2. How dost thou like thy self, as considered possessed with a body of sin, and as feeling, and finding that sin worketh in thy members, doth this yield thee inward pleasedness of mind, and a kind of secret sweetness, or how? for to be sure, where a sanctified mind is,Job 42.6. Ezek. 16.63. Ro. 6.12.Job 42:6Ezek 16:63Rom 6:12 there is nothing more odious in it self, nor that makes a man so in his own eyes, as doth this sight, the sight of sin in him, of the working of lust in him. 'Tis this that makes the good man ashamed, that makes him blush, and that makes him abhor himself.

3. How look thy duties in thine eyes, I mean thy duties which thou doest in the service of God? I say, how look the best of these, the most warm and spiritual of these, since not one of them can be performed, but they do catch the stain of p. 30sin, as coming from thee? or art thou through the ignorance that is in thee as unacquainted with these things?

4. Why wouldest thou go to heaven? Is it because thou wouldest be saved from Hell, or because thou wouldest be freed from sin? I say wouldest thou go to Heaven, because 'tis a place that's Holy, or because 'tis a place remote from the pains of Hell? I ask again, wherein dost thou think, the blessedness of Heaven consists? is it in the holiness that is there; or in the freedom that is there from Hell? There is not a man alive but would go to Heaven, that he may be saved from Hell: but how many would go thither that they might be saved from the pleasures of sin, from the inward pleasure of sin; of that I will be silent: though surely they are those that are out of love with sin, and that do depart from iniquity.

Verily my brethren, 'tis a great thing to depart from iniquity; 'tis a great thing to have my will, my mind, and my affections departing from it.

p. 31But secondly, As they that depart from iniquity withdraw their minds and affections from the lusts and motions of it, so they depart also from the occasions of it;Ro. 14.13. 1 Tim. 5.4. Exod. 23.7. Prov. 5.8. 2 Tim. 2.16.Rom 14:131 Tim 5:4Exod 23:7Prov 5:82 Tim 2:16 there are occasions by which sin worketh to bring forth the fruits thereof, and some seek those occasions. But he that hath set himself to depart from sin in himself, will not seek occasions from abroad, to do it. Such a man as will keep far from an evil matter, will not company with a person that pollutes and defiles, nor will he come near the door of the Adulteresses house. He will shun profane and vain babling, for fear of the ungodliness that attends it. He will walk with wise men that he may be wise,Prov. 13.20.Prov 13:20 knowing that a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Now there are occasions given and occasions taken to sin against the Lord Jesus: but he that departeth from iniquity departeth from them both. He is not for giving any occasion to others to sin; he had rather wrong himself and put up injuries done, than give occasion to others to do iniquity, and as he is p. 32for giving none,1 Tim. 5.22.1 Tim 5:22 so neither is he for taking any. He is for partaking of no mans sins, but for keeping of himself pure.

Thirdly, To depart from iniquity is to depart from it in those examples that are set before us thereto: occasions, and examples are sometimes the same, but there may be occasions to sin, where there are no examples thereto: and therefore in that they differ. And to depart from iniquity is to shun and depart from those examples, those beastly examples that in every corner of the Country present themselvs to men.

Examples to drunkenness; Examples to Whoredom; Examples to Swearing, to lying, to Stealing, to Sabbath-breaking, to Pride, to Covetousness, to Deceit, to Hypocrisie, and to what not, are now adays common among men, and he that is to seek in this matter, and that knows not how to be expertly base, may have patterns and examples thereto in every hole. But to depart from iniquity, is to depart from sinful examples, to shut the eyes at p. 33them, to turn the back upon them, and to cry out to Heaven for grace, to be kept in the path of life. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.

Fourthly, To depart from iniquity, is to depart from the enticings of iniquity. There is that in iniquity that is of an enticing nature. Its Pleasures, Profits, Honours, Delights and sweetnesses are enticing, and he that hankers after these is not departed, nor departing from iniquity: A man must be weaned from these things, and must find some things somewhere else, that are better than these, else he cannot depart from iniquity.

But some may say I go from it and it follows me. Quest.I reject it and it returns upon me. I have said it, nay a thousand times, and yet it offereth it self and its deceits to me again, what would you have me do?

I would answer thus,Answ. Departing from iniquity, is not a work of an hour, or a day, or a week, or a month, or a year: But it's a work that will last thee thy life time; and there is the greatness and difficulty p. 34of it: Were it to be done presently, or were the work to be quickly over; how many are there that would be found to have departed from iniquity: but for that it is a work of continuance, and not worth any thing, unless men hold out to the end, therefore it is that so few are found actors, or overcomers therein. Departing from iniquity, with many, is but like the falling out of two neighbours, they hate one another for a while, and then renew their old friendship again

But again, since to depart from iniquity is a work of time, of all thy time: no wonder if it dogs thee, and offereth to return upon thee again and again: for that is mischievous and seeks nothing less than thy ruin; wherefore thou must in the first place take it for granted that thus it will be, and so cry the harder to God for the continuing of his presence, and grace upon thee in this blessed work, that as thou hast begun to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, and begun to depart from iniquity: so thou mayest have strength to do it to the last gasp of thy life.

p. 35And further, for that departing from iniquity is a kind of a warfare with it, for iniquity will hang in thy flesh what it can, and will not be easily kept under, therefore no marvel is thou find it wearisome work, and that the thing that thou wouldest be rid of, is so unwilling to let thee depart from it.

And since the work is so weighty, and that it makes thee to go groaning on: I will for thy help give thee here a few things to consider of, And

1. Remember that God sees thee, and has his eyes open upon thee, even then when sin and temptation is lying at thee to give it some entertainment. This was that that made Joseph depart from it,Gen. 39.8, 7.Gen 39:8Gen 39:7 when solicited to imbrace it by a very powerful argument.

2. Remember that Gods wrath burns against it, and that he will surely be revenged on it, and on all that give it entertainment. This made Job afraid to countenance it, and put him upon departing from it: for destruction from God was a terror p. 36to me,Job 31.23.Job 31:23 and by reason of his highness I could not endure.

3. Remember the mischiefs that it has done to those that have imbraced it, and what distress it has brought upon others. This made the whole congregation of Israel tremble to think that any of their brethren should give countenance to it.Josh. 22.16, 17, 18.Josh 22:16Josh 22:17Josh 22:18

4. Remember what Christ hath suffered by it, that he might deliver us from the power of it. This made Paul so heartily to depart from it,2 Cor. 5.14.2 Cor 5:14 and wish all Christians to do so as well as he.

5. Remember that those that are now in hell-fire went thither for that they loved iniquity,Psal. 9.17. Psal. 11.6.Ps 9:17Ps 11:6 and would not depart from it.

6. Remember that a profession is not worth a pin,Jam. 2.16, 17.Jas 2:16Jas 2:17 if they that make it do not depart from iniquity.

7. Remember that thy death-bed will be very uneasie to thee, if thy conscience,Hos. 7.13.14.Hos 7:13Hos 7:14 at that day, shall be clogged with the guilt of thy iniquity.

p. 378. Remember that at the Judgement day Christ will say to those,Luk. 13.27.Luke 13:27 depart from me, that have not here departed from their sin and iniquity.Mat. 25.41.Matt 25:41

Lastly, Remember well, and think much upon what a blessed reward the Son of God will give unto them at that day, that have joyned to their profession of faith in him a holy and blessed conversation.

Having thus briefly shewed you these things, I shall come in the next place to shew you,

Why some, that as to words, rightly name the name of Christ, do not depart from iniquity. The reasons.That it is incident to men to name the name of Christ religiously, and not to depart from iniquity: I have proved already, and now I must shew you why it is so, and the reasons are of three sorts.

First, Some profess him, First Reason.yet have not saving faith in him, nor yet received grace from him. That some profess him that have not saith in him, nor received grace from him, I will make appear first. And then that they do not depart from p. 38iniquity, shall be shewn afterwards.

That the first is true, consider, Christ saies to his Disciples, there are some of you that believe not. Joh. 6.46.John 6:46And again, For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. Now if they believe not, they have none of his grace in them: for faith is the first and head grace, the beginning and leading grace: he therefore that is destitute of that, is empty of all the rest. Besides, other Scriptures also confirm this truth. James calls some of the professors of Christ that were in his day,Jam. 2.20.Jas 2:20 vain, or empty men; that is, men void of grace. And the Apostle suggesteth in the very words below the Text, that as in Gods house there are Golden, and Silver Saints,2 Tim. 2.20.2 Tim 2:20 so their are also earthy and Wooden ones. For in a great house as Gods is, are not only Vessels of Gold and Silver, but also of wood and of earth, Rom. 9.20.21, 22.23.Rom 9:20Rom 9:21Rom 9:22Rom 9:23and some to honour, and some to dishonour; that is, some for Heaven, and some for Hell.

p. 39Now they are these Wooden, and Earthy professors that he aimeth at in the Text; to wit, that they should depart from iniquity, or else their profession would do them no good, and these also that he despaireth of in the next words, saying, But, but in this great house of God there will not only be Golden and Silver Christians, but Wooden and Earthly ones. And if any man purge himself from these, from these mens companies, and from these mens vices, he shall be a vessel to honour sanctified, and meet for the Masters use, and prepared to every good work.

From all which it is gathered that there are some that name the name of Christ in a way of profession, that have neither faith nor grace in them, and so consequently that do not depart from iniquity. For,

First, These want that principle; that holy and blessed principle that should induce them thereunto; to wit, the great and principal graces of the spirit, and they are four. First, As I have said, They want faith, that heart purifying grace: for the heart is purified by faith.Acts 15.9.Acts 15:9 I p. 40have shewed you already that departing from iniquity must be with the mind and affections, or with the heart: but how can that be, where the heart is not sanctified and made holy? For an unsanctified mind cannot depart from iniquity, no more than the Ethiopian can change his Skin;Jer. 13.23.Jer 13:23 but nothing can purifie the heart but faith. Therefore nothing can make a professor depart from iniquity where faith is wanting. So then, when men professedly name the name of Christ without having holy faith in him: they still abide by their iniquity: they depart not from their iniquity, but rather make of their profession, a cloak for their iniquity, for their malice,1 Thes. 2.15. 1 Pet. 2.16.1 Thess 2:151 Pet 2:16 and for their covetousness and the like. It is not profession, but faith, that bringeth God and the Soul together: and as long as God and the soul are at distance, what ever profession is made, there is not a departing, not an heart departing from iniquity. Wherefore to these professors, James writeth thus: Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you, Jam. 4.8.Jas 4:8cleanse your hands, p. 41ye sinners, and purifie your hearts, ye double minded. Men, far from God, cannot think reverently of him, nor so speak and profess him, as standeth with the nature of Gospel Religion; wherefore God saith, draw near hither, that is by faith, and again,Isa. 40.1.Isa 40:1 let them come near, then let them speak, then let them profess.Heb. 11.6.Heb 11:6 Without faith a man cannot please God, because he cannot without it, stand before him in the spotless righteousness of Christ, nor yet depart from iniquity and live a holy life.

There are three things in Faith, that directly tend to make a man depart from iniquity.

1. It apprehendeth the truth of the Being, and greatness of God, and so it aweth the spirit of a man.

2. It apprehendeth the love of this God in Christ, and so it conquereth, and overcometh the spirit of a man.

3. It apprehendeth the sweetness and blessedness of the nature of the Godhead, and thence perswadeth the soul to desire here communion with him, that it may be holy, and the injoyment of him, when this world p. 42is ended, that it may be happy in, and by him for ever.

But without Faith these things cannot be apprehended, and therefore those that want it, whatever their profession is, they will not depart from iniquity.

Secondly, Repentance, is another of the great and principal graces, which the Holy Ghost worketh in the heart: Wherefore without this also there can be no departing from iniquity. It is in vain to expect it of any man, let his profession be never so stately and great, if he is a stranger to found repentance. How many are there in our day, since the Gospel is grown so common, that catch up a notion of good things, and from that notion make a profession of the name of Christ, get into Churches, and obtain the title of a Brother, a Saint, a member of a Gospel congregation, that have clean escaped repentance. I say they have catcht up a notion of good things, and have through that adventured to name the name of Christ; quite forgetting to take repentance with them. Repentance p. 43should be,Mark 1.15. Pro. 3.7. chap. 16.6.Mark 1:15Prov 3:7 and is one of the first steps into true Gospel profession: but some know nothing of it, untill they come to the end of all, and their repentance will do them no good. Repentance is not, but where the true fear of God is; yea, the fear of God is one ground of repentance. Repentance is the scouring grace, 'tis that which purges. Repentance is, as I may call it, that bitter pill without the taking, and sound working of which, base and sinful humours will rest unstirred, unpurged, undriven out of the soul. Can repentance be where godly sorrow is not? or can repentance be where the fruits of repentance are not?Mark 1.4.5. Rom. 6.21. Jer. 7.3, 5.Mark 1:4Mark 1:5Rom 6:21Jer 7:3Jer 7:5 O the fruits of repentance, thick sown by preachers, but it comes up but thinly! Where shall the fruits of repentance be found? Confession of sin is one fruit of repentance; shame for sin, is another fruit of repentance; amendment of life, is another fruit of repent…nce; restitution for cousening, cheating, defrauding, beguiling thy neighbour,Luk. 19.5, 6, 7, 8.Luke 19:5Luke 19:6Luke 19:7Luke 19:8 is another fruit of repentance; yea, if you would see the fruits of repentance as described by p. 44the Holy Ghost, and put together for the further conviction and shame of the impenitent professor; look into the Second Epistle, to the Corinthians, Chapter 7. vers. 9, 10, 11.

But this is a day that was never read of, a day wherein conversion is frequent, without repentance; such a conversion as 'tis, and therefore doth the Church of God now swarm with them, that religiously name the name of Christ, & yet depart not from iniquity.

Alas! all Houses, all Tables, all Shops, have hanging up in them, the sign of the want of repentance. To say nothing of the talk, of the beds, and the backs of most that profess:Eccles. 7.27, 28.Eccl 7:27Eccl 7:28 by which of these is it that one of a thousand for Men; and for Women, one of ten thousand do shew that they have repentance? No marvel then that the name of Christ is so frequently mentioned there, where iniquity dwells, yea, reigns, and that with the consent of the mind.

I would not be austere, but were wearing of Gold, putting on of apparel, dressing up houses, decking of children, learning of complements, boldness in women, letchery in men, p. 45wanton behaviours, lascivious words, and tempting carriages, signs of repentance: then I must say, the fruits of repentance swarm in our Land: but if these be none of the fruits of repentance then, O, the multitude of professors, that religiously name the name of Christ, and do not depart from iniquity. But,

Thirdly, Love is another of those great and principal graces, which the H…ly Ghost worketh in the heart: wherefore let profession be never so high, yet if Love be wanting there, to be sure such professors depart not from iniquity. 1 Cor. 13.1 Cor 13Hence all profession, and subjecting to profession are counted nothing, where love is not. Love is counted a most infallible sign that a man is in a state of Salvation. He that loveth dwells in God, is born of God, and knoweth him. 1 Joh. 4.7, 16, 21.1 John 4:71 John 4:161 John 4:21Love divideth it self to God, and to my Neighbour. Love to God, is, that we keep his savings, his commandments, his Laws. If a man love me, saith Christ, he will keep my words; and he that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings. Joh. 14.23, 24.John 14:23John 14:24For this is the love of God, that we keep his p. 46commandments, and his commandments are not grievous. So then, that professor that hath not love, cannot depart from iniquity.

Psal. 119.136.Ps 119:1361. Where no love is, men cannot be tender of the name of God, they are not afflicted because men keep not Gods Law.1 Cor. 13.5.1 Cor 13:5

2. Where no love is, men cannot deny themselves of that, which otherwise they might lawfully do, lest the weak should fall, and the world be destroyed.Rom. 14.15. Psal. 97.10.Rom 14:15Ps 97:10

3. Where love to God is, there is hatred against iniquity; ye that love the Lord, hate evil.

A man cannot love God, that loves not holiness; he loves not holiness, that loves not Gods word; he loves not Gods word, that doth not do it: It is a common thing to find men partial in Gods Law, setting much by small things, and neglect…ng the weightier matters, paying Tythe of Mint, and Anise, and Cummin, and neglecting the weightier matters. These turn the Tables of Gods book up-side-down; making little Laws, of great ones; and great ones, of little ones; counting half an hours bodily p. 47service, better than a moral life. Love! Love is gone out of the Conutry; Love to …he doctrine of the first Table, Love to the doctrine of the second Table▪ O how many professors, in Gods eyes, are accounted of no more than sounding brass for want of this ornament, love.1 Cor. 13.1 Cor 13

To speak nothing of the first Table, where is he that hath his love manifested by the second? where are they that feed the hungry, and cloath the naked, and send portions to them, for whom nothing is prepared? Where is Paul that would not eat meat while the world standeth, lest he made his brother offend?1 Cor. 8.13.1 Cor 8:13 Where is Dorcas, with her garments she used to make for the Widow, and for the Fatherless.Acts 9.36.39. Job 30.25 chap. 31.13.32.Acts 9:36Acts 9:39Job 30:25 Yea, where is that rich man that (to his power) durst say as Job does, as is recorded in those Chapters quoted in the Margent? Love! love is gone, and now coveting, pinching, griping and such things are in fashion; now iniquity abounds, instead of grace, in many that name the name of Christ. They want love, and therefore cannot depart from iniquity.

p. 48Fourthly, Hope is another of those great and principal graces, which the Holy Ghost worketh in the heart, and without which let a man be never so high in profession, and so open in naming the name of Christ, he cannot depart from iniquity. As was said before of faith, so we say now of hope.1 Joh. 3.3.1 John 3:3 And every one that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself as he is pure. Here is that excellent office, or rather effect of hope made manifest, it purifieth, it cleanseth a man; it makes him make the Lord Jesus his example, as well as his Saviour. He purifieth himself even as he is pure; to wit, in soul, in body, in spirit, in life and conversation. Hope of life eternal by Christ, makes a man purifie himself in obeying the truth through the spirit. Hope to be with Christ hereafter, will make me strive to believe him here. Hope of being with Angels then, will make a man strive to live like an Angel here. Alas! alas! there is a company of half-priests in the world, and they cannot, they dare not teach the people the whole counsel of God, p. 49because in so doing they will condemn themselves and their manner of living in the world: where is that Minister now to be found that dare say to his people, look on me, and walk as you have me for an example? or that dare say, what you see and hear to be in me, do, and the God of peace shall be with you. Philip. 3.17. chap. 4.9.Phil 3:17These men had hope, and hope purified them to an example, till they became patterns to others: Is not this now far off from some professors in the world, are they purified, are they clean that name the name of Christ? are they weaned from that milk, and drawn from the breasts. No, nor their profession is not attended with grace; they name the name of Christ; well, but they do not depart from iniquity. Let a man believe a lie, and according to the reality of his belief, such will his obedience be; let a man hope for that, for which he hath no ground to hope, yet his hope will work with him according to the power thereof: And yet we have a generation of men that profest the blessed Gospel, which yieldeth the p. 50most substantial ground for faith and hope: yea, we have a company of men that will be naming the name Christ, which is the sweetest, the most taking, and desirable name that is named among the sons of men, and for all that, this Gospel, this worthy name, nor yet their naming of it, doth make them depart from iniquity. But whats the reason? why, they have taken up a profession, but want the Grace of Christ; the Faith, the Repentance, the Love and hope of the Gospel. No marvel then, if they abide among the wooden sort of professors: No marvel then, though the iniquity of their heels still follows them, and that it droppeth from them whereever they go. But so much for the first reason, Why men do name the name of Christ and yet do not depart from iniquity.

Second reason.Secondly, The second reason, why some that name the name of Christ, depart not from iniquity, is, for that, though they rest not in bare notions, as those forementioned, yet they take up as they, short of the saving grace of God. There are bare notions, there are common workings, p. 51and there is a work that is saving, and that will do the soul good to eternity.

1. There are bare notions,1 Thes. 1.5. 1 Cor. 4.19, 20.1 Thess 1:51 Cor 4:191 Cor 4:20 and they that have them, are such unto whom the Gospel comes in word only; such whose Religion stands in word only, and is not attended with a power sutable: that is, there goeth not along with the word, a power sufficient to subdue, and work over the heart to a cordial, and gracious close with that word that comes to them. Yet such is the noise, and sound of the word that they are willing to become professors thereof; there is some kind of musicalness in it, specially, when well handled and fingered by a skilful preacher. And lo, saith God unto such preachers, when their auditory is made up of such kind of hearers, And lo, Ezek. 33.30, 31, 32.Ezek 33:30Ezek 33:31Ezek 33:32thou art unto them as a very lovely Song (or as one that sings a Song of Loves) of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: For they hear thy words but they do them not.

p. 522. But then, besides these, there is another sort, and they go further than these. For to them the word came, not in word only, but also in power: though not in that or in such a power, as is sufficient, absolutely against all atempts whatsoever, to bring the soul to glory. Of these we read in several places; to wit, that they have tasted of the powers of the world to come; but not so as to bring them safe to glory. Yet thus far they go.

Heb. 6.4.Heb 6:41. They attain light or illumination, to see much of their state by nature with.

1 King. 21.27, 28, 29.1 Kgs 21:271 Kgs 21:281 Kgs 21:292. This light standeth not in bare speculation, but lets fall upon the conscience, convincing arguments to the bowing and humbling of the spirit.

3. They submit to these convictions, and reform, and may for a time, not only come out from them that live in error,2 Pet. 2.18, 19, 20.2 Pet 2:182 Pet 2:192 Pet 2:20 but escape the pollutions of the world, by the knowlege of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.Gal. 3.4. chap. 4.20.Gal 3:4

4. Yea, so powerful will this dispensation be, that it will prevail with them, to do and suffer many things p. 53for the vindication of the truth of that Gospel which they profess. For

1. The word will be sweet unto them.

2. Christ, the gift of God,Heb. 6.4.5.Heb 6:4Heb 6:5 will be relished by them.

3. The powers of the world to come will be in them.

4. Some workings of the Holy Ghost will be in them.

5. And joy,Luk. 8.13.Luke 8:13 which is as oyl to the wheels, will be with their souls.

Thus, I say, it is with some professors, who yet cannot be said to depart from iniquity, that is, for all ado, because the things that now are upon them, abide with them but awhile. For awhile, they believe;Luk. 8.13. Joh. 5.35. 2 Pet. 2.11Luke 8:13John 5:352 Pet 2:11 they rejoyce in the light for a season. So they clean escape from them, who live in error for a little, or awhile; and after that return to their old course, and are again intangled with their inquities and overcome. This is called, A turning with the Dog to his own vomit again, and with the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. And some of these are set forth by this and such like sayings.Mat. 12.43, 44, 45,Matt 12:43Matt 12:44Matt 12:45 When the unclean p. 54spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places seeking rest, and finding none. Then he saith I will return into my house, from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there, and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Now the causes of this declension, returning, or falling away again unto iniquity, are many.

First, One is for that this work, this work of power that they have been made partakers of, has not been thorough enough upon all the powers of their souls. Their understandings, their Judgments and Consciences have been dealt with, but the power of God has not been upon their wills and minds,Psal. 110.3.Ps 110:3 and affections rightly to subdue them to the grace of the Gospel. Indeed there seems to be a subjection of the will, and an overruling of the mind, and affections also, else they could not for a time lay aside their iniquity, come off from the pollutions of the world, and p. 55for a season rejoyce in the word and be pleased with the light thereof. But we may consider, that this may be, not for that a sound work of God hath passed upon these powers of the soul, but that rather this was by reason of those reflex acts, that the understanding now inlightened, the judgment now informed, and the conscience now convinced, had upon these other powers of the soul. And I the rather think it so, because willingness, mindfulness of, and affection for this Gospel, lasted no longer than the light shined in their understandings, or than the things were relished by their judgment and conscience. So that when the light of their Candle went out, and when the taste of this sugar-plumb was out of their mouth, their wills and affections, not being possessed with the fear of God, they returned again to their course, and went away as before with iniquity.

Nor do I by any thing here discoursed, lay blame or fault at the door of God. For,

1. He is a free agent to do what he pleaseth, and may if he please refuse p. 54duplicate page p. 55duplicate page p. 56to give any thing, or if he gives something, why may he not give what he pleases also? He may give special grace to one, and that which is not so to another: he may open Baalams eyes, Numb. 24.3. Acts 16.14. Heb. 6. Cant. 5.1.Num 24:3Acts 16:14Heb 6Song 5:1and open Lydia's heart; he may give some but a taste, and cause some to eat abundantly. He may suffer some to fall away, and keep others by his power, through faith unto salvation.

2. Besides, Gods withdrawing, to wit, of those common workings, if they were withdrawn without a cause given, (which yet I question) yet why may they not be withdrawn from these, as well as from his own peculiar ones. He knows but little, that doth not know that God ofttimes hides his face from his own, and also withdraws from them the light and great influences of the Holy Ghost: and turns them over at least in their own apprehensions to the ungodly, and to fallen Angels for their Chastisement, or Tryal, or Instruction, &c.

3. And why may not God, since these Rebels had such working with them, as that their minds, by their p. 57understandings, their will and affections, by their judgment and consciences were somewhat taken and allured, cause a withdrawing of these for tryal, and to see if they would cry after him to return.

But we will let these things pass, and call you again to a remembrance of what is in hand: we are now shewing that there be them that name the name of Christ, that yet depart not from iniquity, and in shewing the cause of their not so doing, one was for that the Gospel came to them in word only; and the other was for that though it came to others in power, yet not in power, or in that power, that effectually keepeth some to salvation. Upon this second reason I now am, and am shewing how it comes to pass that they that are under the power of the things that we have afore discoursed, should notwithstanding that return to their vomit again. One cause of this declension, or going back to iniquity I have just now touched upon, and we have some more behind.

p. 58Secondly, Therefore such persons upon the withdrawing of those influences that at present are mighty upon them, do forthwith forget, both what they had, and what work it made upon them. Straightway they forget what manner of men they were: 'Tis said of Israel they sang his praises, they soon forgot his word. So these they forget.

1. They forget what light and what conviction they had.

2. They forget what sorrow for sin they had.

3. They forget what tastes of Christ and his word they had.

4. They forget what joy and comfort they had.

5. They forget how fair for heaven they were.

6. And they forget how cleansed once they were.

2 Pet. 1.9.2 Pet 1:9They have forgotten that they were purged from their old sins. Now forgetfulness makes things that are past, as nothings; and if so, then it can lay no obligations upon the mind to ingage it to the delight of them, and to the injoying of them, no not in the thoughts of them, as if they p. 59were remembred by us. For…etfulness is a very dangerous thing; …t makes preaching vain,1 Cor. 15.1, 2.1 Cor 15:11 Cor 15:2 profession …ain, faith vain and all to no pur…ose. Such profession is but a dream, …nd the professors but as dreamers; …ll vanishes in the morning. This made Paul so caution the Corinthi…ns, that they forgot not the preach…ng; and the Author to the Hebrews, …o earnestly call them, in their back…liding, back to the remembrance of former days, and to the recollecting of what it was that then had made them so willingly indure their great fight of affliction.Heb. 10.32, 33.Heb 10:32Heb 10:33

Forgetfulness, I say, makes things, no…hings; It makes us as if things had never been; and so takes a way from the soul one great means of stay, support and incouragement, when choice David was dejected, the remembrance of the Hill Hermon was his stay: when he was to go out against Goliah; the remembrance of the Lyon and the Bear was his support: so when those that have had the power of the things of God upon them, can think of this; when they are withdrawn, it will, even p. 60the thinking of it will have some kind of operation upon the soul. And therefore you shall find that the recovering of a backslider, usually begins at the remembrance of former things▪ Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, Revel. 21.2, 3.Rev 21:2Rev 21:3and repent, and do thy first works.

'Tis marvelous to see how some men are captivated with this forgetfulness. Those that sometimes have prayed, cryed, groaned, and sighed for eternal life: Those that sometimes thought no pains too much, no way too far, no hazzards too great to run for eternal life; those who sometimes were captivated with the word, and with the comforts and joy thereof, and that, had it been possible, could have pulled out their eyes,Gal. 4.14.15.Gal 4:14Gal 4:15 and have given them to a Gospel Minister, so dear, and sweet were the good tidings which they brought to such.

I say 'tis marvelous to see how such men are captivated with the forgetfulness of this. They are as if they never had been them men; they are, as if they never had had such things; or as if they had never had p. 61thought about them. Yea, they are strange, and carry it strangely to all those that still are under the power of that word, and of that mighty hand, by which sometimes themselves were guided.

Should one say to some, Art not thou the man that I once saw crying under a Sermon, that I once heard cry out, what must I do to be saved, and that sometime ago I heard speak well of the holy word of God: how askew will they look upon one; or if they will acknowledge that such things were with them once, they do it more like images and rejected Ghosts, than men. They look as if they were blasted, withered,Joh. 15.John 15 cast out and dryed to powder, and now fit for nothing, but to be cast into the fire, and burned. The godliness from which they are departed, and the iniquity unto which again they have joyned themselves, has so altered, so metamorphosed, and changed their heart, and mind, and ways. This therefore is the second thing which shews why some that have been under something of the power of p. 62things, are again with iniquity, entangled and overcome.

Thirdly, Another thing that makes these enlightened ones that they continue not to depart from iniquity, is the persecution that always attends the word: for persecution always attends the word, that of the Tongue, or that of the Sword: Now these men that were once enlightened, though they cannot remember what they were themselves, yet Satan helps them to think that their neighbours remember what they were: and having now lost the savor, the sence of what they once had, and sinned away that spirit that brought it to them, they grow weak; ye are above all men the most unable to stand up, to abide the shock, and tryal, that for their profession is coming upon them. Wherefore,Mat. 4.16, 17. Luk. 8.13.Matt 4:16Matt 4:17Luke 8:13 by and by they are offended; to wit, with their own profession, and call themselves an hundred fools, for being so heedless, so witless, and unwary to mind Gods holy things, in such a time and day. Then they bethink with themselves how to make an honourable p. 63retreat, which they suppose they usually do, by finding fault first with their own unadvisedness, and of the over-perswasiveness of others; they also now begin to say farewel conscience, yea, God and Heaven and all, and joyn in confederacy with the world again. Thus are they in fear, where no fear is; and the sound of a shaken leaf doth chase them. And there are four things are the cause of this.

First, For that, notwithstanding the former power that attended the word to their hearts, their hearts did still abide as hard as a rock, there was no true and sound breaking, nor softning in that: wherefore there the word wanted depth of earth, as our Lord is pleased to call it; and anon when the Sun was up, that which remained was presently scorched, and so withered away.

Secondly, Notwithstanding what they had sometimes injoyed, yet the grace of the fear of God was wanting in them; so wanting,Eccl. 7.16, 17, 18.Eccl 7:16Eccl 7:17Eccl 7:18 that what should hinder but that they should return to go as they came, and leave p. 64Christ, the Gospel, and the people of God to shift as well as they can for themselves.

Psal. 78.30, 36, 37.Ps 78:30Ps 78:36Ps 78:37Thirdly, All that they injoyed did not estrange their heart from their lusts, though when they were in the power of things they were deader to them than formerly; I say than formerly: And it is even with such, as with them, who are for a time taken off from what yet they love, by some new imploy in which they are ingaged. Saul went out to look for David to kill him, but when he came at Naioth in Ramah, 1 Sam. 19.18.24.1 Sam 19:181 Sam 19:24the spirit of God came upon him and he prophesied. But this lasted but for a while, Saul soon returned to his old envy against the holy man again.

Fourthly, It comes upon them even of judgment and wrath, for since they so soon give way to sin, and forget, God suffereth them to fall into fear of men, and to force their hearts to comply with bad things, even as Judas and Demas did; till they are swallowed up of that Gulph, into which the ungodly descend. As for such Psal. 125.5.Ps 125:5as turn aside unto their own crooked p. 65ways the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity.Psal. 125.5.Ps 125:5

When once God is angry with a people; He can deal with them, He can give them up to those lusts in judgment, that they will not be separated from by mercy. Yea, he can make a way for his anger to overtake them that have made a way by the deceits of their hearts, to go a Whoring from under him.

And these are the causes, why those that were once inlightned and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, return with the Dog to his own Vomit again, and so though they have or do name the name of Christ, yet depart not from iniquity.

Thirdly, A third Reason, why they that name the name of Christ,The third reason. do not depart from iniquity, may be, because Grace is weak, and corruption strong. I speak now of them that are truly gracious: for as those that never had nothing but notion, did never at all depart from iniquity; and as those that never had saving grace, though common workings p. 66were with them, do but a little depart from iniquity: so those that yet have the grace of God in them, in truth, do not, as they should, depart from iniquity: wherefore the exhortation is as much to them as it is to any body else; And let them that name the name of Christ, with gracious lips, depart from iniquity. For though there is a great difference 'twixt these, and the two sorts that I mentioned before, these having the true principles of holiness in them; but the other nothing thereof: yet they, even they, also have need of this exhortation: for they do not as they should, depart from iniquity. Their graces as I said are weak, and that is the reason thereof.