Sermon Before the Lord Major of London, Sermon

Sermon Before the Lord Major of London · Sermon

p. 12 Theſſ. 2.3.

Let no man deceive you, by any means. For, that day ſhall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that Man of Sin be revealed, the Son of Perdition.

THis chapter is happily divided from the reſt; it diſtinctly containing the ſecond part of thi… Epiſtle, viz. foreign Propheſying of the Prognoſtick Antecedents, fore-running near before the next Appearance of Christ, with their appendices & Appurtenances.

An Error of ſome of the Theſſalonians, that the Day of Christ, foreign, was then even as preſent, Verſ. 2. was the occaſion of this Diſcourſe of the Apoſtle. Which he begins with beſeeching and obteſting them, (Verſ. 1.) by the future coming of Chriſt, that they would not be ſhaken in minde, as if he were then preſently coming, though (as in all Ages down to us) ſome would aſſert it, (Verſ. 2.) as pretending their own ſpirit of Propheſie, or ſome word, viz. Tradition; or ſuppoſitious Epistles of the Apoſtles. But, ſaith the Apoſtle, them that perſwade that, decline ye; for they go about to deceive you. Becauſe that Day cannot come, unleſs ſuch and ſuch things firſt come to paſs; and ſo he ſmoothly ſlides into our Text, and the Propheſie of the falling away of the ſeeming Christian, and the revealing of the Anti-christian, before the next Appearance of Chriſt. Let no man deceive you (ſaith the Apoſtle) by any means, for that Day p. 2ſhall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of ſin be revealed.

You ſee by the change of the Letter in your Bibles, how much is ſupplied by our Tranſlators, viz. Day ſhall not come is not in the Greek: but are the true ſenſe and intent of the Text, and therefore ſupplied by other Tranſlators, both of the beſt Latins and others. And they do it, becauſe, ſay ſome, here is an Apoſiopeſis, an Ellipſis, ſay others.**The Commentator on this Epiſtle in Zanchies works ſaith, that ſome Syriack Copy ſo ſupplyes words, viz. Syrus (inquit) Ne quis vos decipiat ullo modo, nam niſi venerit prius defectio, & reveletur ſilius hominis peccati, ſilius perditionis, ſcilicet non inſtabit Dies ille Domini. Howbeit I find them not any how ſo ſupplied in either of my two Syriack Coſies. But what need of all this? To me the Greek it ſelf duly pointed, and rendred, is able ſufficiently to expreſs it ſelf. foreign, &c. Correct the pointing (for we had need ſometimes, as John 15.2. &c.) and put the firſt Coma at foreign, and then the ſenſe runs ſmoothly and fully thus; Let no man deceive you by any means, that ſo it is, (viz. as Verſ. 2. that the Day of Christ is at hand) except there come a falling away first, &c.

There are ſome ſingular Elegancies and Emphaſes in the words, 1. foreign. Two Negatives are put in the Dehortation, whoſe properties are more vehemently to deny, and forbid; as that we may truly render the Apoſtle, according to the Idiome of our Engliſh thus; Let no man by no means deceive you. Intimating vehemently, that thence to ſucceeding Ages there would be much danger of many deceiving and being deceived, that Christs ſecond Coming was fulfilled afore it was. And this Deceit would peep up under many ſhapes, as the word foreign (rendred here means) may alſo ſignifie. We ſhall view this thouſand-ſhap'd Proteus better afterwards. 2. The falling away in our Engliſh, is in the Greek expreſſed by a word which ſignifies an odious falling away, and our Engliſh of it (if rendred word for word) exactly takes after the Greek for caſting an odium upon it; For 'tis foreign, Apostaſie. The Arabick keeps the ſame. The p. 3Syriack foreign ſignifies Rebellion. For Apostates uſually do not onelyonly fall away from the Truth, but alſo against the Truth**Heb. 6.6. foreign, Fall againſt. As the Greeks ſay, foreign, Contrary to reaſon, foreign. A tranſgreſſor againſt the Law. And the Apoſtle adds in that Heb. 6.6. foreign which is falling againſt the Truth with a witneſs.Heb 6:6 3. Revealed, and the Greek of it foreign, are near kin to foreign, the Book of the Revelation, both name and thing, viz. This man of ſin, and of perdition muſt be revealed as ripe in ſin for perdition, according to the Revelation, Chap. 16. & Chap. 17. before Chriſts next coming. Which Man of ſin is expreſſed with the greateſt Emphaſis, of Emphaſis upon Emphaſis, foreign, i. e. That ſame man of the ſin, that ſame ſon of the perdition. And the Greek of perdition is of the kindred of that Greek name of Anti-chriſt (Rev. 9.11.) Apollyon. **foreign, the Hebrew name there anſwers exactly.This Feast (as the Revelation oft cals him) is both actively and paſſively, The Man of ſin, and Son of perdition, ****Illud ſcelus, & Homo perditus; as the purer Latins name, one deſperatly wicked for ruine.He cauſeth, and is ſin and perdition. The cauſe in others; the object in himſelf. Son in Hebrew applied to things as in the Text, ſignifies inherence and propriety of the thing to that man.

I think it long this while I am in the Bark and Shell of the Text. Let us ſhew you briefly the pith and kernell. I am not willing, though it would be eaſie to ſhew you the variety of Gloſſes of the Greek ancient and pious Fathers, but rather (to my light) ſtrike point blank upon the verity of the native ſenſe.

Before the next Appearance of Chriſt, two Signes ſhall precede as fore-runners, Apostaſie, and Anti-chriſtian Impiety, both tranſcending, and ſurpaſſing. For 'tis as well emphatically ſaid foreign, The or that Apoſtaſie; as foreign, The or that Man of ſin. And both inferring one another, like Scales. If profeſſion of Chriſtianity go down, Anti-chriſtianiſme riſeth up. If Anti-chriſtianiſme ſtands up, aſcends; viſible Chriſtianity fals down, and deelines. The Apoſtle ſpeaks both in a breath, not putting ſo much as a period, or half period point between p. 4And after in this Chapter proſecutes them, as reciprocally, by turns, inferring one another.**So in Ver. 10 after the Text. Men hear the Truth, but not receive the love of the Truth; they are out of love with it; Therefore the Man of ſin is let to appear: He openly acts his power, ſignes, &c. and deceives ſuch with his unrighteouſneſs and lyes. This the order of nature of theſe, in the Apoſtles following proſecution.

This Apostaſie, and this Diſcovery revealine Anti-chriſt are both twofold (here hinted, and elſewhere more explained) twilled together, like the Legs of two Wreſtlers, claſping for a Combat. The firſt Apostaſie is not onelyonly from the outward ſerious practiſe of Religion, but alſo from the Doctrine of Faith, and the hiſtorical, or temporary Faith of Doctrine, (as elſewhere we have more enlarged**Doemonologie or Character of the crying Evils of the preſent Times.) yea, and by that means gradually to apoſtatiſe from a fundamental Faith, that there is one true God, JEHOVAH, that hath his throne in Heaven, and the Farth for his foot-ſtool; and yet (many) have a diabolical Faith, implicitly, at leaſt to go to the Devil in unlawfull, Astrologie, …ele…mes, Stoicheioſeis, Schemes, Cir…es, and Infernal ceremonies, to know, and do, things not revealed by God. This Apostaſie the Apoſtle here hints, …erſ. 10, 11, 12. after our Text, as a Commentary upon it, touching the word Apostaſie, ſaith he, They received not the love of the Truth, that they might be ſaved. For this came God ſent them ſtrong Deluſions, that they ſhould beleive a …e…; that they all might be damned, who beleived not the Truth, but had pleaſure in unrighteouſneſs.

But this, this ſame Apoſtle, in 1 Tim. 4.1, 2. lays wide open, and ſtrikes home thus: Now the Spirit ſpeaketh expreſly, that in the later …imes ſome ſhall depart from the …ITH, giving heed to ſeducing ſpirits, and DOCITRINES of DEVILS, ſpeaking lyes in hypocriſie, having their p. 5CONSCIFNCES SEARED WITH AN HOT IRON. This added, fully reacheth this latitude of the firſt Apoſtaſie; which though it ſeems to wreſtle against Anti-chriſtianiſme, yet doth but liſt it up. For by the opportunity of this Apoſtaſie, Anti-chriſtianiſme takes its turn to be advanced, and therein is the firſt Revelation of Anti-chriſt (as the Text ſpeaks) that is, Anti-chriſt ſhall be revealed in his power and glory **So the Greek Fathers generally, though I liſt not to name them.(as the blinde Worlds power and glory****Rev. 13.3. All the world wondered after the Beaſt.Rev 13:3) as our Apoſtle ſufficiently hints in the … … and …erſes after the Text, as a Commentary upon it, touching that revealing; that ſame man of ſin (ſ…ith the Apoſtle, according to the Creek) and … of perdition be revealed, that ſame oppoſer and exalter of himſelf above all that is called God, or is worſhipped; even to hi… ſitting over the Temple of God as God, ſhewing himſelf that he is God; and now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. That is, the being and power of the Roman Emperour hindered Anti-chriſt then, from appearing in that dominion, power, and glory, as to be above all that is called God, &c. that is, above all Magiſtracy. To which as he attains, there is added a ſecond Apostaſi…, he draweth after him the Nations of the Earth, from their due Subjection to their own chief Magiſtracy, to adore and worſhip him, Rev. 13.8. And this our Apoſtle ſufficiently hinteth**Though we n…me not the whole ſtream of the Latin … th… generally running this way: unto us in Verſ. 9. and 10. After in that he ſaith, This ſame Oppoſer of all other powers ſhall come after the working of Satan, with all power, and deceivableneſs. Should ſeem he ſhall deceive many with all his falſe Principles, and draw them after him, to ſubmit to his power; till at laſt follows a ſecond Revelation of that Man of ſin Anti-chriſt; revealing him in his intolerable impiety, tyranny, and enmity, not onelyonly againſt the Christianity of Beleivers, but againſt the natural liberty of mankinde. So p. 6that this ſecond Revelation of him, Legs down, and overthrows the first Revelation of him. And repays his cauſing the former Apoſtaſies from Conſcience towards God, and due ſubjection to Magiſtrates, with an Apostaſie (if I may ſo call it, it being a godly Apoſtaſie) of the enlightened World from him and his pretended power, both eccleſiastical and cevil. This ſecond Revealing of him (not to lean upon modern learned, which might numerouſly be quoted) we clearly collect out of the Apoſtles words in the 8. Verſ. after our Text, as further commenting upon the extent of the word revealing. And then (ſaith he) ſhall that wicked one be revealed. How revealed? As ſtubble in a ſlame; and nearer to the words; as riches and pomp in the riotous waſting and ſpending. And as a perſon in great honor, deveſted and degraded from that honor. For (ſaith the Apoſtle) him ſhall the Lord conſume with the ſpirit of his mouth, and deſtroy with the brightneſs of (to keep to the Greek) his Appearance. The Spirit or Breath of Chriſts mouth is his Word;**See Iſay 11.4 The Chalde on that Chapter expounds the Spirit or Breath of his mouth, to be his Word.Isa 11:4 and his Spirit accompanying it (as 2 Cor. 3.) And his appearance is as well ſpiritual in the effect of his Word and Spirit upon the hearts of men drawing them from Anti-chriſt, and providential in ordering things to that end, as perſonal in his viſible coming; next before which perſonal, his ſpiritual and providential ſhall be moſt eminently conſpicuous, to a glorious brightneſs in the eyes of the generality of all men. So that before them, in their eſteem, the pomp, glory, riches, power, authority, dominion, majeſty, &c. of Anti-chriſt ſhall be blotted out as a fair writing, or melt away as a great eſtate rioted to nothing, and made void, as non ens; as the Greek **foreign expendere, delere, &c. foreign, antiquare, irritum facere, abro…are.well imports. The Goſpel ſhall manifeſt ſuch freedom, comfort, &c. in oppoſition to Anti-chriſt, and providence ſhall ſo ſerve that end, that p. 7men ſhall infinitely vilifie him; untill at laſt that be fulfilled, Rev. 17.16. The ten horns hate the Whore, make her deſolate, and naked, eat her fleſh, and burn her with fire. That is, the Nations that were formerly ſubject to him, that were formerly his horns of power to arm him with might, now ſhall turn their power againſt him to his ruine. For though they be called Kings, Verſ. 11. yet the meaning cannot be Kings properly, for that the holy Ghoſt tels us there in the 10. Verſe, thoſe Nations ſhould change their Government often; as from Kings to Conſuls, Dictator, Triumvirs, &c. And experience ſuggeſts that ſeverall Nations that have departed from Anti-chriſt, have no King.**Switzers, Helvetians, Low Countries. And therefore the ten ho… muſt ſignifie ſo many Nations, by thoſe chief Powers the People ſhall ſet up, in whom under God, all civil power is radicated; and is planted (for uſe and ſhelter to a State) in him or them to whom the people by an orderly general conſent ſhall delegate it. There is no Rule in Scripture to conſtitute any Form of civil Government to be jure divino, and unchangeable. The Apoſtle uſeth firſt the word Apoſtaſie, becauſe its native ſignification denoting the ſhrinking and ſlinking of Souldiers from their. General unto the Enemy, the tranſlating and transferring thereof to the Apoſtaſie meant (as we have heard) in this Text, is very apt, elegant, and emphatical. And ſecondly, he uſeth the word revealing, becauſe the beginning of Antichriſt was in a Myſtery, Verſ. 7. after the Text, that is hiddenly. But Chriſt by his Word and providence ſhould reveal him. John in the Revelation (as one ſaith) writ the Myſtery of Anti-chriſt, Paul in his Epiſtles the Commentary. And both (our experience can tell us) are dayly more and more expounded, by the divine providence wheeling Kingdoms and States to that effect. And thirdly, the Apoſtle cals the Race and Succeſſion p. 8of Anti-chriſt, the man of ſin, the ſon of perdition, as if but one man. Firſt, becauſe ſtill (as their main prinpal) one man is the abſolute Head, and chief of all that Monſter and monſtrous Body, whether Turk or Pope. Though both one**They are one in deſent both of Nature and Religion. Mahomet by one of his Parents being a Gentile, by the other a jew: and Mahomet and a Popish Monk invented his Alcoran or Religion. And from the Pope he took his Dominion, breaking off three horns from the ten, Dan. 7.Dan 7 Antichriſt; In deſcent, in dominion, in the Iconiſme or deſcription in the next Verſe after the Text, viz. Sitting over the Temple of God, &c. ****The Turk ſitting over the material Temple at Jeruſalem; as the Pope of Rome over Chriſtians, the ſpiritual Temple.Though they pretend, the Turk ſomething, the …ope more, to honor Chriſt, and to be foreign, for Chriſt, (as foreign ſometimes ſignifies, …o. 1.16.) yet they are foreign, againſt Chriſt, (as the word is intended and explained, 1 …o. 2.22.) And ſecondly, the Apoſtle ſpeaks of Anti-chriſt, as if but one, becauſe originally, collectively, and repreſentatively in the eſteem of God, there are but two men from the beginning of the World to the end there of. Adam is called the firſt man, 1 Cor. 15.45, 47. Chriſt in the ſame place is called not only the ſecond man, but alſo the laſt man. And ſo all the ſons of men in all Generations are to be reſerred to, and conſidered in one of theſe two. Sinners to and in Adam (fallen) the firſt man; and Beleivers to and in Christ, the ſecond and laſt man; as it is the whole Diſcourſe, and the main intended Deſign in that Diſcourſe of the Apoſtle, Rom. 5. v. 12. to the end of the Chapter: and punctually and home the Apoſtle tels us, Rom. 6.11. that all Beleivers are to be RECKONED in Chriſt. Yea, in 1 Cor. 12.12. he boldly eals the Church by the name of Chriſt, as of old did the Prophet Jeremy, Chap. 33. verſ. 16. And this is the name wherewith SHE ſhall be called, The Lord our Righteouſneſs. Which is the Name, the ſame Prophet in Chapter 23. Verſe 6. gives to Chriſt. But ſinners have a twoſold conſideration, as under a double notion; one general, in their corrupt natural condition, as diſ-obedient to God, contrary to the Law, and ſo they are Adam, 1 Cor. 15.47, 48. The firſt man is p. 9of the earth, as is the earthy ſuch are they that are earthy. The other notion is more ſpecial, as ſinners are under, and conſidered in a moral ſtate and acting of nubeleif, refuſing Chriſt, contraay to the Goſpel; and ſo they are all Anti-chriſt, limbs and members of the Anti-chriſtian Head, though ſome parts are more remote and leſs quickened by that Head. Thus Saint John in his Epiſtles doth much inculcate; as in the place but now mentioned, 1 John 2.22, 23. He is Antichriſt that denieth the Father and the Son. Whoſoever denieth the Son, the ſame hath not the Father: therefore there are many Antichriſts now of thoſe called Chriſtians. For they ſleight Chriſt at the leaſt: and Verſ. 18. of the ſame Chapter, Antichriſt ſhall come; now are there many Antichriſts. They went out from us, becauſe they were not of us. Obſerve, the Departers from religious perſons and practiſes, from the holy Church, and the holy Rule, are called Antichriſts. So chap. 4.3. Every ſpirit that confeſſeth not that Jeſus Chriſt is come in the fleſh, is not of God, and this is that ſpirit of Antichriſt; and is even now already in the World. The ſame in 2 Eph. v. 7. Now we know by 2 Tim. 3.5. Men may deny Godlineſs, though they keep the form: by Rom. 2.20, A man may have a form of knowledge, yet be, and act as a great Tranſgreſſour: by Tis. 1.16, Men may profeſs they know God, but in Works deny him. And 'tis granted by all (generally) that are not Papiſts, or Heathens, the Papacy and all its Members holding Juſtification by Works, to be Antichriſtian, though they do in words acknowledge Chriſt for a Saviour. So that (to our point in hand) all that refuſe Chriſt, believe not in him, are more or leſs Antichriſt. For in ſubſtance of Religion he that is not for Chriſt is againſt him; though in natural or civil circumſtances (as to ſerve Chriſt, though we be not in his perſonal preſence) Not to be againſt Chriſt is to be with him. It hath been ſomething irkſom to me (for your ſakes) that I have been ſo long in the Explanation of the Text, abſent from the doctrine which is my Errand, and your charge to be carried with you. But you ſee, it was a Cabinet lockt; till opened you could not have the Jewell. That, I ſhall p. 10now give you in the main, though I (that am here leſs then the Poets foreign A man of a day; couched to an hour) cannot ſtand to gather up all the ſmall Bracelets that might go along with it. I muſt omit Obſervations upon ſeveral words, and tell you my Deſigne from the heart of the Text,The obſervation. this doctrinal point: What ever many deem and dream, yet afore the next Appearance of Chriſt there will be a falling away of Hypocrites, obſcuring Chriſtianity, and a revealing of Antichrist: There will be an Apoſtaſie from Piety, and a revelation of the man of iniquity. Profeſſion of Religion will have the falling ſickneſs; and Antichriſtianiſme a recovery; the riſe of Hereſie and Impiety, and the ruine of Godlineſs will eminently appear, aſore Chriſt the ſecond time appears; and this defection ſhall be attended with perdition. Take it in which form of words you pleaſe, ſo as you carry with you the thing. 'Tis not a Point ſelected, whereon to ſhew learning or eloquence (if I had them worthy the naming) or to vent my ſelf (too common a ſin with us) but (God is witneſs) laid upon my ſpirit, with deep impreſſions, by the hand of God, out of love to my Nation, to warn them, that as the Jews after Conqueſt of Kings and Nations, they do not periſh by their own ſins. Here is (though ſelf-flatterers will dote of ſtrange things) Perdition in the Text as well as ſin: and for the Apoſtaſie in the Text, periſhing and damnation after the Text, ver. 10, 11, 12. Men that are ſhort ſighted (as purblinde eyes) will ſee no Apoſtaſie, anſwering to the Text, but that which was neareſt at hand after the Text had ſpoken, many hundreds of years ſince. But men dream what they deſire, and love ſuch Interpretations as put away fear. I do not forget what I have preached, and printed, and ſtill do hope, that a glorious time is coming, and do expect that it is not very far off: but I cannot change the Scriptures, nor invert Chriſts method. It will be dark afore the Cloud ſhine as a pillar of fire. Some ſtormes and ſtreights will be, afore Iſrael get clear of Egypt, and come to Canaan. So our condition all along the Revelations. The caſe ſtands thus; as the Promiſes and their Priviledges p. 11of good things have their ſucceſſive and gradual fulfilling, (as we have in another place demonſtrated**Sermon before the Lord Maior upon the Day of Thankſgiving for our Victory againſt the Scots, Octob. 8. 1150.) ſo the divine Premonitions and Prognoſticks of future evils (that ſhall in ſucceſſion of Ages conflict againſt the welfare of true Saints) have alſo, in a kinde of equipage, or lackeying, of a Geometrical Proportion, if not Arithmetical their ſucceſſive Increments, at leaſt by-turns, and proportionable Perdition or judgement at the heels of that, till the Promiſes ſwallow up the Prognoſticks, as Aarons Serpent did that of the Inchanters. Enoch (ſhould ſeem by Saint Jude **Jude v. 14, 12.) in the ſeventh Generation from Adam propheſied, That the Lord would come with ten thouſands of his Saints, What to do? To execute judgement. What is the matter? Men ſhould be found to be ungodly, ungodlily committing ungodly dieds; and ungodly ſinners, ſpeaking hard ſpeeches againſt God. Which Propheſie of Enoch, though it were many years after, at the time of Noahs Flood,Enoch propheſied about An. Mundi 937. The Floud was An. Mundi 1657. Buchole. * ere it was fulfilled, was not then totall; fulfilled, but more after the time that God confirming Iſrael in the knowledge of himſelf by a ſtery Law at Mount Sinai, carrying them thence, along by Seir, and Paran, &c. to the overthrow of more wicked Kings and Kingdoms, of Og the King of Baſhan, and Sihon King of the Amorites. For ſo Moſes repeats Enoch his words, Deul. 32.2. and makes it the ground-work of Propheſie, that as God had ſo done againſt the wickedneſſes that did ariſe againſt Iſrael till then; ſo the moſt impious Kings and Nations in Canaan ſhould be dealt withall. Compare v. 2. with v. 7. v. 11. &c. in that Chapter: and yet in this, that Propheſſe of Enoch had not powred out all its Vial; there was yet more Apoſtaſie, and ſin, and Antichriſtianiſme, to be revealed in the World, and therefore there is behinde more wrath in that Vial, to be powred out in the laſt times to ſucceed in and after the Apoſtle Judes time, to which S. Jude applied it. Thus alſo is the race of that denunciatory Propheſie of Iſai. 11.4. The Rod of the ſtemm of Jeſſe (Chriſt Jeſus) ſhould with righteouſneſs judge the porr, &c. but ſmite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his nostrils ſlay p. 12the wicked: which though mightily fulfilled in his perſonal preaching, and confounding the Errors of Life and Doctrine of the Phariſees, and making them to fall back ward with his words, I am He; and giving power to the Apostles to do Miracles, to the terror of the Enemies, and death upon Ananias and Saphyra; yet more wickedneſſes Apoſtaſies, and Antichriſtianiſme ſucceeding the time of Christ and the Apostles, muſt have of the Vial of this prophetical threat powred out upon them, as our Apoſtle in the 8. Verſe after our Text doth punctually apply this place of Iſaiah to the Apoſtaſies and Antichriſtianiſme to follow his Times, and down ward. Firſt, he puts Apostaſie, and next Antichristianiſme: Apostaſie leads the Dance, from an Almain to a Coranto, I mean from bad to worſe, and Antichrist follows, revealing himſelf in the fame of riſe, till he be revealed in the flame of his ruine.

Without furher preamble, the Syſtem and frame of this Mystery of iniquity (as the Context calls it) is thus; the foundation and root of Apoſtaſie is perſonal, in the graceleſs, ſinfull hearts of Hypocrites: the ſuperſtructure and limbs are the concurrence of the generality of a Nation to ſpeak that Language, and act that converſation as ſuits to apoſtatizing, or falling away, more or leſs; till at laſt it benear oeconomical and univerſal; that Chriſtendom (as they call it) be for the moſt quite cold in their affections, and corrupt in their very Principles as well as in their Practiſes. And though at a time, like an houſe on fire, ſome peices falling, or a few Buckets powred on, do damp, and obſcure the flame for preſent, yet anon it breaks out worſe, till the whole be pulled down: and thus it gets head again, by riſing in ſeverall ſhapes, and when it hath gone over all ſorts; then an old one riſeth up, as a new Faſhion: all which proceſs and recory of Apostaſie and Antichristianiſme, notwithſtanding ſome impedings, or diſcountenance, is ſenſibly perceived by them that are ſpiritual, Living Creatures (Revel. 4.) that have eyes as well within as without. Theſe can ſee, that though all Roots of goodneſs be not kill'd, yet the Bloſſomes and young fruit of p. 13of the Trees are generally blaſted. Though Autume Plants and Herbs be not as in Winter, altogether leaf-leſs, without all appearance, yet lifeleſs, without ſpirit and vigor.

You will ſay, How ſhall theſe things be, now forward,The Demonſtration. which have not been ſo, palpably, theſe two or three hundred years backward or more? If this be true, thank Perſecutions, Oppreſſions, Afflictions for it. But beſides the common Cauſe of Apostates and Antichrists; 'tis the nature of the Beast, and property of the Diſeaſe, viz. Wicked men and Seducers grow worſe and worſe, deceiving and being deceived, till their folly and madneſs be made manifest to all men, (2 Tim. 3.9, 10, 11, 12, 13.) I ſay, beſides this common Cauſe, that ſuch, in longer time, grow riper in their ſins, there are ſpecial Reaſons now nearer the end, afore Christs Appearance, to wit, now God changeth his hand, ever and anon, to truſt Nations that have pofeſſed the Goſpel, with Liberty (Civil and Spiritual) a thing which for many Ages they have not known, and therefore are utterly unskilled to rightly uſe it. And from hence as men half-famiſhed coming to full Diet, they ſurfet and break out into ſpiritual Scabs, and Botches. Their Liberty to the generality of them proves but as a Lightening afore Death; their glorying but as the bright Glance and Glare of a Spark or Snuff before it goes out. The Liberty they triumphed in, as if they would improve it to great advantages in matters of Religion, proves but an opportunity (none then controlling their Opinions and way of Profeſſion) for them to become any thing, till at laſt they become nothing.

And further, the rotten-hearted (the moſt of men) bad enough of themſelves, infecting (as I may ſay) the common air where they profeſſed, and now putrifie, cauſing ſome Saints (none being yet perfect) to be touched with a tincture of the common Contagion, ſome ſpecks of Itch, and petty ſpots appearing, as Symptomes of their ſtain alſo (ſo far) with the general Infection, thoſe rotten-hearted men take incouragement thence to loath all the ſincere, and their wayes; but pronounce to themſelves their own licentious Liberty, & baſe backſliding, a pious priviledge, a ſpirituality, a perfection. Thus as Luthers Sw…ne (of which he ſpeaks to this our purpoſe) Theſe impious Revolters joyfully grunt, gladly to nuzzle in Excrements, but contemptibly trample Gold and Jewels, and pleaſingly wallow in the Mire, becauſe ſome godly men p. 14by force of temptation a little trod in the dirt, but got out again. Theſe Comparers of themſelves with the worſer things of the beſt men to be worſt themſelves, never take notice of the common hour of temptation, brought on by themſelves; nor take any true account of the juſt circumſtances of beleivers failings, that if Solomon be carried forth to make experiment of the vanity of wine, yet ſtill he acquainted his heart with wiſdom. Nor do they look after the Saints, many, yea, thouſands of repentings for one ſin. David for his, pens many penitential Pſalms: how often by him recited who can tell? We are not deſtitute of Precedents to confirm this, even down to theſe times; wherein the common crowd of Profeſſors of Religion fall away to be deteſtors of Religion. And becauſe they ſee ſome weakneſſes in ſome ſingle Saints that adhere to Ordinances; and that no way either of Baptiſers, Presbyters, or Congregations, is perfect, therefore they adore their own New-nothing, or their worſe then nothing in Religion, to be a great religious ſomething. For to a many, a freedome of their ſpirits to ſin, is by them cried up for a ſanctity. So long ſince as Constantine the great we have a draught, and platforme of the manner, means, and meaſure of Apoſtaſie and Antichriſtianiſme, before aſſerted. He putting a period to the ten Perſecutions, about the year after Chriſt, 313. thence forward for his time, giving liberty, peace, promotions, and donations to the Churches, how odiouſly anon after, brake out and ſprang up Papal pride, Arrian Antichriſtianiſme, and the thouſand headed Hydra of Hereſie; too much to be counted, name and thing, in one hour, as pious and learned Epiphanius about 50 years after, and S. Auſtin about 30 years after him have declared. When a dark cloud of War began again to overſhadow the Earth; fulneſs of troubles in many places; God raiſing Carolus Magnus (accounted to have been a wonderfull religions Prince**Carolus Magnus fuit admodum religioſus princeps. Epit. Hiſt. Fccleſ. Magdeburg. Ad annum 383. c…. 3.) about the year 760 after Chriſt, as a mighty Warrier, and ſuccesfull Deſtroyer of the open Enemies of Religion, and withall exceeding indulgent and beneficial to the Churches (which then were many in many Countries****Ibid. pag. 1. Epit. Hiſtor. Hiſt. Eccl. Magd. ad ann. 788, 789, 791, &c.) how abominably after a while did thouſands apoſtatiſe, Pontifical pride begins more to ſwell, and Hereſie, and Superſtation more to fret and ſpread like a Gangrene and Leproſie. Multi jam errorres, &c. many Errors had now crept into the Church of Chriſt. The Hunnes revolted from Chriſtian Religion to Ethniciſme. Tum religio chriſtiana, &c. Chriſtian Religion then was much contaminated with many Superſtitions; with infinite more in the next Century, and downwards. Theſe doubtleſs might be part of the Apoſtles meaning in our Text, and in his Explanation, p. 151 Tim. 4.1. &c. numbering the kindes of Apoſtaſies, &c. to be in the later Times, (mark the Phraſe according to the Greek **foreign.. But theſe are not all our Apoſtles ſenſe and intent. Theſe afore named in the ſaid Times are but beginnings, and Landskips, and petty Maps to that Ocean, and world of wickedneſs that was to follow in future. For ſurely, when our Apoſtle, & the Apoſtle Peter do afterwards, by the ſame Spirit, ſpeak in a higher Key, 2 Tim. 3.1. &c. ſaying, In the laſt Dayes. **foreign.And in 2 Pet. 3.3. in a yet higher Key, ſaying, In the laſt of Dayes: ****foreignand do immediately ſubjoyn theſe Propheſies of worſer Impieties near to the Appearance of Chriſt, (2 2 Tim. 4.1. & 2 Pet. 2.1. compared with 2 Pet. 3.10.) they muſt needs intend to ſignifie to us a further Apoſtaſie of Profeſſors, and Revelation of Antichriſt; viz. An (foreign, as 'tis in the Text) eminent, a the or that ſame Apoſtaſie, and Revelation of Antichriſt, of the ſin of the perdition, ſome general and grand defection. And ſo doth S. John in the Revelation carry on the ſucceſſion & ſuccretion, the length and latitude of that defection: for in the 13. Chapter. The Beaſt hath power to act two and forty moneths, i.e. 12. hundred & 60. Dayes, i. e. Years, blaspheming God, and adored of men, more or leſs. This John propheſied about an hundred years after Christ: ſo that this (if we could ſay no more) carries the Pedigrecc to 1360. years after Christ. But we can out of Scripture ſay more to this. Antichriſtianiſme in Pauls time was but in a Mystery. The Hinderer **foreign: alii, foreign.(the Roman Emperour ſitting in the Throne) lying in the way, and keeping under the Revelation of Antichist (as 'tis in the Context); Antichriſt had not yet his****foreign, &c. power given to him to make war thoſe 42. moneths (mentioned Rev. 13.5.) You heard before, that till 313, after Christ, the Church was under a ſore Perſecution by the Heathen Roman Emperours. But after that time Antichriſt began to appear in Arrianiſme, and Perſecution of them that were contrary minded. Then began his power, about 390. years after Chriſt. And in 410. the Hinderer, the Roman Emperour was taken away, Rome being taken and ſpoiled by the Gothes, &c. All which accounts (putting 410. to 1260.) are not yet run out. So that Apoſtaſie and Revelation of Antichriſt to all effects, fruit and branches are yet in the increment and increaſe, as our wofull experience at this day can fully atteſt. And this Saint John doth further mainifeſt unto us, Rev. 16. v. 10. &c. In the time of the fifth Vial (which is the utmoſt to which we are come, if we be come) Antichriſt hath his Throne **So the Greak.(though then to be darkened) and men are very blasphemous and impenitent, notwithſtanding the powring forth of that Vial (O that our Eares could not witneſs p. 16ſuch Blaſphemies). And beyond this under the ſixth Vial are three unclean ſpirits like Frogs, coming out of the mouth of the Dragon, the Beast, and the falſe Prophet which are ſpirits of Devils working of Miracles, and drawing the Kings of the Earth to Battle againſt the Saints. And laſtly, Satan ſtill reigneth, and the great City is undivided, and the Cities of the Nations ſtand, ana Babylon comes not into rememberance before the Lord, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierce wrath of God, till the ſeventh Vial be powred out, Revel. 16.17. When this is powred out, then thoſe things are done, (ibidem) and Satan is bound, Rev. 20. Be ſure Amorite-Apoſtates and Antichriſts ſins muſt be firſt ripe and full, afore they receive for their ſins their total fall and ruine, which being not yet executed, no doubt but the truth of our Text by coſts and turns ſhall have its progreſs and augmentation, of further Apoſtaſie and Antichriſtianity; though here and there, now and then, by parcell they receive ſhrewd blows afore the fatal one comes. For if ye mark the Myſtery of Gods diſpenſations, and his Methode between his promiſes of good, and Prognoſtications of evil; the prognoſtick is progreſſive to ſuch a period; the promiſe likewiſe being ſucceſſive, overtakes it, and knocks it down; it riſeth up again, and gets more head; the promiſe again makes after it, reacheth it, and gives it another blow and wound. And thus they keep turns, till Good hath the full Victory of Evil unto its full perdition at Chriſts appearance, as you have heard and ſeen all along this Diſcourſe.

So here is our fear and our care now brought home & laid before us;The Application. namely, to inquire how forward we are gone in Apoſtaſie and Antichriſtianity; and how far behinde Perdition is; for according to the ſtature of the defection, there attends proportionable perdition, you ſee perdition is written upon ſin (in the Text). Cains mark. And to Apoſtaſie is added after the Text, Seduction and Damnation. And ſo as God ſaid to Cain, Evil lies at the door, the Apoſtle cries in my Text, Let no man deceive you. Should ſeem men are apt to be deceived about theſe things which we now diſcourſe.Heb. 3.12, 13. Rev. 3.24. 2 Cor. 11.15.Heb 3:12Heb 3:13Rev 3:242 Cor 11:15 Apt to be hardned by the deceitfulneſs of ſin, their deceitfull hearts, the depths of Satan, and the transformation of men the instruments of Satan (the Prince of Darkneſs) into Angels of light. To be ſinfully miſerable, and not to know it, is double miſery. Darkneſs and Chains.The Apoſtaſie of England. In opinions and Principles. 'Tis not out of our ſight and hearing in part, that the common Crowd of Profeſſors in this preſent Age count their Apoſtaſie (kicking behinde them Ordinances with the ſcorne of formes; holy converſation with the brand of Bonds and privation of their native liberty; and Christ with the reproach of a fleſhly thing) to be their ſublimity, and high perfection.

p. 17And for Antichriſtianiſm, many they are on the other ſide who deny Chriſt to have come, been born, and ſuffered in the fleſh; (which S. John defines to be Antichriſtianiſm:) Familiſtically making him a Non-ens. And as S. John (you heard before) tells us, In denying the Son, they deny the Father alſo. And truely for Atheiſm, ſtore of them are profeſſed ones; and make the Creatures that ſhould convince them, to be God; and the Scriptures that ſhould be their cure, to be their ſcorn. I will not name all that I know of theſe mens nefanda, words and things, leſt I ſhould tranſgreſs againſt the Word, that forbids Baalim, and Fornication, Covetouſneſs, and other ſins, ſo much as to be named **Hoſ. 2. v. 17. and Eph. 5.3.Hos 2:17Eph 5:3. Theſe roots (it ſeems by Books) came out of Germany; which planted here, do like their ſoyl, and grow mightily. And beſide, the devil is as well here, as any where elſe; and can as eaſily make Judaſſes among us, as in other Nations; how much more Ananiaſſes, Maguſſes, Hymeneuſſes, Epheſians, Sardiſians? Multitudes among us heretofore ſeemingly ſound and hot in Religion, have lyed to their profeſſion, made Gain their godlineſs, embraced Religion out of deſigne, made ſhipwrack of the Faith, forſaken their firſt love, entertained unſound Teachers, have onelyonly a name of Chriſtians; and are as dead and cold in Religion, as a ſtone. Thus they are, and refuſe (a many of them) to read, or hear, or converſe with ſound profeſſors, that they may be ſure never to be better.

Is this all? No.In Practice. Theſe are but the foundation and root; the ſuperſtructure and fruit is evils of Practice; as, Drinking, Riotouſneſs, Whoredoms, Wantonneſſes,Againſt Self. Curſings, Blaſphemies (even in Pulpit, and elſewhere) with ſuch words of alluſion to the ſacred things of Chriſt, as a pious heart hates to think. With ſome of p. 18theſe ſins they pleaſe the fleſh; with others they ſear their conſciences, that they may never repent. And they do profeſs an inſenſibleneſs of any ſin, and to act thoſe things by principle.

Are theſe all?Againſt God. No. There is another predicament or Table of high tranſgreſſions againſt God. I will name but two.

1. Unlawful, ſuperſtitious, and diabolical Aſtrologie. Of which becauſe I have ſpoken in Print, I ſay no more here.

2. Prophanation of the Lords day.

Of which ſin, the Edict or Book of Sports was I am perſwaded a main meritorious cauſe to bring our two laſt Kings to untimely ends; and the practiſe of it brought Gods judgements upon hundreds: as the Book of Gods judgements on ſinners, and that other of Gods judgements on Sabbath-breakers, do declare. And we are extremely guilty ſtill; Thouſands chuſing to walk in fields on the Lords day, rather then to hear the Preaching of the Word. For now they are free from enforcement to hear the Service-book, they return this for their thanks, They will hear nothing at all. And thus they daily do about London, though the worthy Lord Maior preſent, and others formerly, have much endeavoured to prevent it. But let me ſay to thoſe Profaners, Tolle Diem, & tolle Deum cultus. Take away the Day, and you take away the Deity of Worſhip.

Are theſe all?Againſt our Neighbour. No. There is another Predicament or Table of ſins againſt our Neighbour; Viz. Falſe accuſations, Injuſtice, Bribery, Oppreſsion, Circumvention.

Have we yet All?Againſt the Church of Chriſt. No. There is another of ſins againſt the Univerſal Church of Chriſt. Reproaching of Ordinances: Diſgracing all ways of Worſhip: Questioning all Miniſteries, reproaching their Perſons and Offices, pining them from maintenance, and profeſsing their hope (as ſome have expreſſed) that within few years the name of Miniſter p. 19ſhall be odious. For teſtimony, we have their Books, common expreſſions, and deeds. Would God all the Lords people were Prophets; or that you need not to be taught by men, but were fully taught of God. But mean while, Lord turn thoſe mens hearts; or elſe diſpoſe of us, that we may not ſee your ruine.

Have we yet all?Sins againſt the State. No. There is one Predicament more of ſins againſt the State.

1. Self-power; every man would rule, or bring the Majeſtie of Magiſtracie as lowe as themſelves; (a dangerous preface to cutting of throats:) an Adamitiſh diabolical Levelliſm.

2. Selfends. Moſt men care for their Cabins, whiles the Ship, the Common welfare, is in danger. They are like the Romane Conſul, that was deaf with delight in his Garden, whiles the Drums of the enemy beat at the walls of the City.

3. Sycophancie, with pretence of the Common weal, to fill ones own pockets. O this State-eating, this Commonwealth-devouring!

I wiſh I might ſee men go quite beyond Iehu, and, like Nehemiah, do that which all may have a ſhare in. O England, I am afraid concerning thee; and London, concerning thee. The Swedes, and that party, are fallen from their firſt zeal, and have unworthily made agreement with Antichriſtian Amalek, with whom, in ſuch a Caſe and Cauſe, no Peace was to be made. The Netherlands unhappie in their League with one limb of Antichriſt, and in their aſſiſtance of another limb of him to be their neer ill neighbour. The Scots have fallen from their own Articles, profeſſion of Reformation, and their quondam Principles, to bring Malignants to condign puniſhment. But England and London are mightily fallen from Religion. Not long ſince you were neer the higheſt in profeſſion of Religion above all the Nations of the earth. England was the Paradiſe, and p. 20London the midſt, where were the choice trees of knowledge and of life. But now in many main things of Religion, ye are fallen lower then Lutherans, Papists, Iews, Turks, and Heathens; in deſpiſing Chriſt, denying the Scriptures, and profeſſed Atheiſm. England is a waſte wilderneſs of decayed Religion, and London the neſt of all unclean birds. Therefore am I afraid of the Citie of my habitation, and of the Land of my nativity. I fear not the French, Danes, Scots, &c. I fear the ſins of England and London. For when Balak could not beat us, nor Balaam enchant and curſe us; we received and acted the Doctrine and Counſel of Balaam; the Nation is full of Adulteries, Corporal and Spiritual, beſide thoſe clouds of ſins afore appearing. Can God in juſtice put up theſe things at our hands, and not do by us as by Iſrael for that Balaamitiſh defection, till Zimri and Cozbi, Num. 24.Num 24and thouſands more, were deſtroyed unto death; ſome killed with a javelin, others hanged, and Four and twenty thouſand deſtroyed by the Peſtilence? What though glorious times for the Univerſal Church are not far off? England is but a ſmall ſpot of ground, and may have an hour fo temptation, and yet that deſigne little or nothing interrupted. A ſtorm of Lightning, Thunder, and Hail, may fall in the dawning of a moſt glorious fair Summers day, as it proves afterward. Iſrael was got quite out of Egypt; yet often ſinning in the way towards Canaan, were often ſorely puniſhed, 1 Cor. 10. And if any Believers among them concurred in the ſin, they eſcaped not the puniſhment. The Lord forgave their iniquities, Pſal. 99.8.Ps 99:8but took vengeance of their inventions. Yea, when Iſrael had begun to enter Canaan, and had conquered Iericho, Of the Two Witneſſes, and their time and place of lying dead and riſing.yet, for a great ſin, before Ai they fall. Though the Two Witneſſes have been long time ſlaying, the Queſtion ſtill is, Whether they p. 21have layn their three days and an half dead. Which being not yet fulfilled, it will be a Common calamity when and where it falls. And not altogether unſutable, 'tis the judgement of ſome piouſly learned, That the time of all the great troubles to be on the Chriſtian Gentiles is not yet over: but that there is a time yet to come, in which the Popal power ſhall dowineer over all Europe, afore its full ruine. Their Arguments are two. The one from Revel. 17.1 Argum. in which (ſay they) is intimated a two-fold ſubjection of the ten Horns, that is, of the ten Kingdoms of Europe, to the Beaſt. The firſt in verſ. 12, 13. where it is ſaid emphatically, They, all ten of them, had one minde, ſentence, judgement, or reſolution to give their power to the beaſt. They then being all of one Religion, under the ſame groſs Ignorance and Superſtition, they were by that means all of one minde. Secondly, in verſ. 17, God put (Greek, gave) into their hearts to make (ſo again in the Greek) one minde, ſentence, judgement, or reſolution, to give their kingdom to the Beaſt. (For I am bold to obſerve this for them, That though in both places 'tis foreign, one minde, ſentence, judgement, or reſolution; yet there is this ſingular difference, that in verſ. 13. 'tis foreign, that is, They have one minde, ſentence, judgement, or reſolution; in verſ. 17. 'tis foreign, To make one minde, ſentence, judgement, or reſolution. Before, from innate Principles of the ſame ſuperſtitious Religion, they were of one minde: But now, upon debate, policie, confederacie, and deſigne, they make one minde, ſentence, judgement, or reſolution.) How? Why, ſay they, the Text tells us, God gave it into their hearts to make that one minde: That is, (as 'tis ſaid in a like phraſe, Rom. 1. God gave them up; and Rom. 9. God hardens ſome mens hearts) God gave them up in juſt judgement, that as many of the ten p. 22Horns as ſhould after deſtroy the Whore (ver. 16.) ſhould notwithſtanding afore that, having been enlightned, and in good meaſure delivered from Popery, revolt from that illumination and deliverance, and cloſe, confederate, and covenant into one determination with the other of the ten Horns or Kingdoms of Europe, that continually abode in Popery. For, ſay they, Now, in verſ. 17. all the ten Horns were not of one minde, till by conſultation and agreement they made themſelves of one minde. Some of them (as we ſaid but now) had been enlightned, and eſcaped from Popery; but now revolt into one minde with Popiſh Kingdoms and Nations, and their powers. And this muſt be, ſay they; elſe how ſhall the Witneſſes of all Gods people lie dead three days and an half? For theſe Witneſſes of all Believers, are not found in Kingdoms that ſtill contined in Popery: Therefore they muſt be in Nations that once, being enlightned, departed from Rome; but (as 'twas ſaid afore) revolt again unto ſubjection to Rome. And this laſt ſubjection to Rome, is that which precedes next before the ruine of Rome, by the reſurrection of the Witneſſes; who muſt riſe up, out of thoſe Nations before enlightned, though ſince revolted; but now again returning to the Truth; God ſtirring up his people to that animoſity. For not all the ten Horns or Kingdoms ſhall hate and deſtroy the Whore; becauſe 'tis expreſs, Rev. 18. that ſome of them ſhall lament her ruine, But, the meaning is, that ſome of the ten Horns ſhall deſtroy her, (Synechdoche generis pro ſpecie, totius pro parte.) As 'tis ſaid with the ſame figurative ſpeech, The Thieves (that is, de ſpecie latronum, ſome of the kinde of Thieves, as well as of Souldiers, &c.) reviled Chriſt, though but one of them did it.2 Argum. Their other Argument is from Revel. 18.7. That before the total fall of p. 23Babylon, even a little afore that ruine, ſhe ſhall glorifie her ſelf, ſaying in her heart, I SIT A QUEEN, AM NO WIDOW, AND SHALL SEE NO SORROW. But, ſay our Authors, 'tis not yet ſo with the Popedom. For my part, I had not time (in my ſudden warning to this work) to debate theſe things to my full ſatisfaction; nor have I time in this hour to determine how far I cloſe with theſe things in all particulars, further then to tell you, that ſo far I conceive them to be right, as in the main they make out my Text and Doctrine, That an eminent falling down of Religion, and ariſing up of Antichriſtianiſm, will be before the next appearance of Chriſt; and ſutable perdition ſucceſſively will attend upon it. And both will be the more general, and high, where they are not timouſly prevented. You will ask, How ſhould there be any prevention in any degree? We anſwer out of the Text, three things. 1.Three Preventions. To beware aforehand; take warning: Fear and repent. Bleſſed is the man that feareth always, (as is the general ſcope of the Text.) And our Saviour to the lapſed Churches in the ſecond and third Chapters of the Revelation, gives this antidote in the word Repent: threatens to remove the Candleſtick: or to do ſo and ſo unto them, unleſs they did repent: and aggravates their ſin, that he gave them time to repent, and they did not: and commands them to repent, and do their firſt works. It ſhould ſeem Chriſt diſtinctly requires affectionate and effectual Repentance, to prevent thoſe judgements. Affectionate, in deep workings of the affections (as the word intimates;) and effectual, in doing our former works, as tis there expreſs: Repentance, it ſhould ſeem, will avert ſuch threats. Non-repentance lets in ruine as a deluge. In Revel. 16. at pouring out of one Vial, p. 24'tis added afore the next be poured our, that they repented not at the pouring out of the former. Repentance is fully deſcribed,A Motlon for days of Humiliation. 2 Cor. 7.11. And to help on this, I would Parliament, and Citie, and Kingdom would not loſe their acquaintance with days of publike Humiliation. (Now for Sins, as formerly for Judgements. The former is a weightier cauſe, and includes the buſineſs of the later:) And to go to the work afore we are whipt to it. Forcement to that duty, will neither ſpeak for our ſincerity, nor for our hopes, in the day of ſolemn cries. Poor Nineve of Heathens ſcaped by this courſe of Repentance. Think of it, you Engliſh Profeſſors, and promote it. Mean while, let us be marked with the letter foreign,**The firſt letter of foreign, the Law, Doctrin, Inſtruction, & Word, of God. Thereby ſignifying men whoſe hearts are deeply affected with the Word of God, to judge and do according to it., T (as 'tis in the Hebrew) noting us for them that mourn, and ſigh, and cry for the abominations of the land, Ezek. 9.4.

And you Senators and Judges of Seſſions and Judicatures, Let juſtice be done according to the Law (as the Perſian Emperour ſaid of judging a mighty Queen, in Eſth. 1.15.) chiefly on Blaſphemers and Atheiſts; who are worſe then many Thieves you hang. And let all of us call upon our apoſtatized friends, and reclaim, or conſtrain, or reſtrain them.

2.2 Prevention. The Text doth intimate, that all ſhall not be deceived, to fall totally away; elſe the Apoſtles admonition to the Theſſalonians had been totally vain. Therefore let us ſearch into our hearts and try our ways by the candle of the Lord, (as Solomon ſpeaks, meaning Divine light) whether we be of them that are like to have this Falling-ſickneſs of Apoſtacie from Religion,Symptomes of the ſpiritual Falling-ſickneſs, or Apoſtacie from Religion. like to fall away from our Profeſſion. I ſhall here for brevity ſake give you but Five Symptomes.

1 Symptome 1is, Not to receive the LOVE of the Truth. So verſ. 10. after my Text: where 'tis not ſaid p. 25onelyonly, receive THE TRUTH; but the LOVE of the Truth. Truth, and love of Truth, and to love it as Truth. And that, not meerly to be prudent, wiſe, underſtanding men; but (as 'tis there alſo) to be ſaved. And ſalvation (as S. Austin well, upon Mat. 1.21.) is to be ſaved from our ſins. Truth muſt be a Science cloſed with the Stock of the heart by Love: It muſt be a Plant ſet in a moist heart, Jam. 1.21. An implanted or engrafied Word. foreign.Thy heart and the Word muſt live, and grow up together, as a Stock and a Science or Scion: And (which is wonderful) the Science muſt change the nature of the Stock.

2. He whoſe heart is willing to ſin,2 Symptopage missing but only 'tis reſtrained by ſomething without the heart; as in Laban, Balaam, and at a time in Saul and Pilate; he, that very man, is like to fall away; whiles his forbearance of ſin is not from inward divine principles, and diſputed in Prayer, and back'd by Faith in the death and reſurrection of Chriſt: which was the Art of Paul, Rom. 7. and Phil. 3. If men do not mainly by ſuch inward principles, ſo mann'd and managed, depart from ſin; but do it, ſo far as they do it, by policie, looking at outward reſpects, they have the tokens of this Faling-ſickneſs.

3. When a man acts good with ſelf-ends, 3 Symptomand beyond that he doth not act, as Jehn, Judas, and Magus; he hath the ſignes he will fall away as the did. Jehn onelyonly acted to remove that which ſtood in his way, viz. That which did impede his acceſs to the Crown, and his peaceable enjoyment of it; but not the Idol and evils of his predeceſſor. Magus profeſſed his belief, and was baptized, that he might obtain the admired gifts. Indas the longeſt laſting falſe ground, laſted as long as his gain laſted, no longer. Hoſ. 7.14, When ye howled (as alluding to dogs crying for love of their meat, not of their maſter) for corn and wine, and oil, did ye faſt unto me, even to me? And Hoſ. 10.1. Iſrael is an empty vine, bringing forth fruit unto himſelf. He onelyonly clothed himſelf gay with green leaves, unleſs he brought a few berries to ſeminate its kinde: not to ſerve the end of the Huſbandman, that planted it.

p. 264.page missingymptom. Be the fruit never ſo fair, or full, if it be not from a right cauſe, root and ſtock, he will fall off as a dead branch. Ioh. 15.2. Point it right, thus: Every branch, (put the comma there) in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away; and (as 'tis in verſ. 6.) is caſt forth AS A BRANCH. That is, a man will fall off, and become a tarquam-Branch, a thing that is but an AS IT WERE in Religion unleſs he be fruitful, and brings forth that fruit from a Phyſical union (as 2 Pet. 1.4, intimates) from a partaking of the divine nature, from a communication (as Gal. 2.20.) of the life of Chriſt; from a ſerious frequent application of Chriſt to that very end.

5.page missingymptom. The laſt Symptome of the ſpiritual falling-ſickneſs is, the want of that Antidote of Antidotes; oil in the veſſel, (as Chriſt calls it) Mat. 25.4. For as 'tis there in the parable, the fooliſh virgins went very far; were in the Heaven of ordinances, companiors to the wiſe, had lamps of much brain knowledg of divine things, with a fair moral converſation; had an expectation of Chriſt coming, (therefore took lamps and waited) had ſome awakenings of conſcience at the noiſe of Chriſts coming; yet for all this becauſe they had no oil in the veſſel, that is, no infuſed habit of divine grace in the heart; no inward change, no complexion of holineſs; they fail and fall at laſt.

Therefore (Chriſtians) if theſe five tokens of the ſpiritual falling ſickneſs be upon us, our work of ſalvation lies yet undone;page missing matter and page missingner of Regepage missingtion and Salpage missingon. 'tis yet to be done. A new foundation is to be layd, in floods of godly ſorrow for ſin, and in particular, for paſt hypocriſie. New applications of Chriſt by faith in Goſpel promiſes offering him, are to be made; with ſtrong cries of prayer that God would give our hearts and ſouls to Chriſt, that we may be joyned to the Lord (1 Cor. 7) as one ſpirit; and ſo really cloſe with him, with mutual taking him to us and we giving up our ſelves to him, Cant. 2.16. My beloved is mine, and I am his; adding to all an earneſt begging of God (as was the manner of ſincere ones, Iob, David, p. 27and Pauls advice to the Corinthians, 2 Cor. 13.) to ſearch and try us that we be not deceived. And ſtill to ſtick to this work in attendance on ordinances and duties, with Meditations, ejaculations, and ſpiritual conteſtations between God and us, and us and our own ſouls (as Pſal. 42. Pſ. 43.) till the ſoul come to an experimental knowledge of the inward myſtery and power of godlineſs in the heart, having all the ſpiritual ſences touched, affected, & exerciſed with the delightful preſentation of their commenſurated objects, thus:**The inwapage missing myſtery and power of Gpage missing neſs in the page missing deſcribed.

1. The heart hears the voyce of Chriſt, in the language of a ſpiritual lover, as in Cant. 2.8. The voice of my Beloved, The ellipſis and imperfect expreſſion intimateth a ſuddain ſpiritual paſſion of the heart, leaping with joy at the found thereof. Of this inward voice the Prophet ſpeaks, Thou ſhalt hear a voice behinde thee, ſaying, This is the way, walk in it. And Pſal. 35.3. Say unto my ſoul, Thou art my ſalvation. And Pſal. 27. Thou ſaidſt, Seek my face: thy face, Lord, will I ſeek. (That Text intimates a voice making an Eccho in the heart.) Should ſeem by this laſt place, and the reſt, that this voice is not a Scriptureleſs dreamed Revelation or Enthuſiaſm; but the voice of God's written Word carried from the ear to the heart, by applications ond impreſſions of the Spirit. 2. The heart ſees the glory of the exellency of Chriſt; Viſions of faith, and raptures of admiration and adoration of him, Cant. oft. And 1 Cor. 2. Eye hath not ſeen, &c. But God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit. And Phil. 3. I count all dung to the excellency of the knowledge of Chriſt. 3. The heart feels the operations of the Spirit of Chriſt, as mortifying ſin, ſo quickening, raiſing, and enlivening the ſoul in ſpiritual actings, Rom. 8. much. And Cant. 5.6. While he ſpake, my ſoul failed, (Heb. my ſoul went forth) through wonderful affectionate apprehenſions. 4. The heart taſtes the ſweetneſs of Chriſt's love ſhed or poured upon the ſpiritual palat, Rom. 5.5. 2 Cor. 5.14. 5. And laſtly, the heart ſmells the fragrant, pleaſant, acceptable communications of p. 28Chriſt to the ſoul, Cant. 1.12. While the King ſitteth at the table, my ſpikenard, viz. by communication from him, ſendeth forth the ſmell thereof: for ſo it follows in the next verſe, A bundle of myrrhe is my Beloved unto me. And v. 14. My Beloved is to me a cluſter of camphire. So the ſoul ſpeaks of Chriſt, Pſal. 45.8. All thy garments ſmell of myrrhe, aloes, and caſsia. Iacob is ſweet, but not of himſelf, but in the garments of his elder brother; by that means, he ſmells as a field of flowers whom the Lord hath bleſſed, Gen. 27. And thus (Chriſtians) we be, or muſt be, if right.

The third thing to be done in relation to the Minatory Prognoſticks of evil to come,page missingnvention. is to raiſe our Faith to believe in God through Chriſt, that (as the Prophet ſaith, Say to the righteous, It ſhall be well with them) it ſhall be well with us that believe. This our Apoſtle hints in the Context, when he exhorts the Theſſalonians not to be ſhaken in minde. As we flee to Prayer for ſuccour againſt ſuch ſtorms, ſo Faith is the hand of Prayer to lay hold and climb up into God's lap. And to cheriſh our Faith, and comfort thereby, the Apoſtle tells us in the Text and Context, that if, do the good party what they can, Apoſtacie and Antichriſtian impletie riſe yet higher and higher, come the worſt that can come, it ſhall not be long after ere Chriſt come. Acerbiſsima pati poſſumus, modo breviſsima. We may endure ſharp things, if ſhort. If nothing elſe can take down the high appearance of Apoſtates and Antichriſts, Chriſts appearance ſhall. Then is their total ruine, and our perpetual reſtauration; and to triumph on earth (for a time) afore the Ultimate Glory; as we have it elſewhere. That as when nothing would reſtrain ſeveral rebellions of the Iſraelites about to ſtone Moſes, Aaron, and other good men among them, The glory of the Lord appeared upon the Tabernacle, and aw'd and huſht all: ſo ſhall it be in this. Therefore with Faith, and Hope, and perſonal purity, wait. Cannot we watch with Chriſt one hour? Bleſſed are all they that ſtand ready waiting for him with their loyns girt. Amen.

FINIS.

End of the text · Nathanael Homes, Sermon Before the Lord Major of London (1650)