Exposition Upon 1 Peter, Biblical exegesis · Chapter 2 · Verse 7

Exposition Upon 1 Peter · Biblical exegesis · Chapter 2 · Verse 7

p. 215Verse 7. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, Verse 8. And a stone of stumbling, and rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed.

NOw that which the Apostle had cited out of the Prophet, and was indefinitely spoken of all and every one, he comes to apply particularly to the Jews that he wrote unto, both believers and unbelievers, shewing the happy state of the one, and the miserable condition of the other, one and the same Christ being to them diverse: To Believers, precious, and fruitful to Salvation and all good; but to the unbelievers and disobedient, a stone to stumble at, &c. though not of his own Nature, yet through their infidelity, so that they should not onelyonly have no benefit by him, but destruction, stumbling at the word that foretold of him, and now testified of him. But least any should wonder at this madness in men, the cause is set down, that as God ordained some to life, and so to embrace Christ unto Salvation, so some others to stumble against him to their ruine: Besides this, he also removes a common and great scandal and log out of the weak and common peoples way, and that was, that whereas he had spoken so much of Christ, they could not see him to be such a one: and their learned Doctors and Rabbies, Scribes and Pharisees, High Priests and Elders, they could no way think well of him, they judged him a deceiver, and pursued him also, which they would never have done, if he had been the Savior and corner stone, as you speak, &c. But for this, faith the Apostle, If it were a new thing, that you never had had warning of, it were somewhat; but this is no other then was foretold in Davids time,Psalm 118. 22.Ps 118:22 so long ago, therefore it needs not seem strange to you; yet their strugling was in vain, for in despite of them he was made the head stone of the corner: This had been indeed a great temptation, if they had been to consult onelyonly with reason; For what should they have thought, but as they were taught and learned of their gave Teachers, of whom that People had a very great and high opinion; But considering Gods decree, and that he had foretold it should be thus, and that God would save his Church by such a way that worldly wise men thought not of, and would effect his purpose not onelyonly without the help, but even against the will of the great men of the world, it could not much trouble them.

And in that the Apostle doth apply that which was indifinitely said of all to particular persons,Observ. we may learn how to use the promises of God laid down in Scripture,Gods promises are to be particularly applied. even to endeavor to apply them to our selves particularly; This is the nature of true Faith: Its but a p. 216cold and dead thing to believe those things in general to be true, which Hypocrites, yea Devils do; but this to make them ours, as David, Psal. 18. 2.Ps 18:2My Lord, My Castle, My Refuge; and Job, My Redeemer; and Thomas, Iob 19. 25.Job 19:25My Lord and my God; Iohn 20. 28.John 20:28and Paul, Who loved me, and gave himself for me, Gal. 2. 20.Gal 2:20is that we must labor for: This particular Faith is that which is to Salvation, signified by eating and drinking: and Faith is compared to an hand; and in our Creed every one of us is particularly bound from our hearts, to say, I believe.

How may we come to this particular perswasion?Quest.

A person humbled,Answ. and seeking earnestly, God sends his Spirit to witness to his of the same,Rom. 8. 16.Rom 8:16 wherewith (that it may appear that its no presumption nor deceiveable perswasion) he gives also the Spirit of Sanctification, namely, an unfeigned hatred of all sin, and true purpose to please God; and whose findes these, may boldy build hereon: And though there will arise, through remnants of unbelief, sometimes doubtings and fears, yet this grace of Faith rooted in the heart, will never quite fail;Psal. 22. 1.Ps 22:1 as, My God, my God, why hast thou for saken me? The last words savor of distrust or dispair, but yet so, as Faith still held her hold: So is it with every Believer in their temptations; though they speak some words of doubting, yet some do come out by and by, that do argue a measure of true Faith: O lets never leave till we have a particular perswasion, and that upon good ground, that the promises of salvation especially (and other particulars) belong to us; some think they do, and are very bold, that yet can render no reason thereof, but their perswasion is vain: some being put to particulars, can say nothing thereto, and so can never have comfort or joy while they live.

Unto you which believe he is precious,] He saith not onelyonly that Christ is most blessed and good in himself, but that that which is in him is to be communicated to others, or else what were it to us? nay, he sheweth also by what means others may be partakers hereof, namely, by Faith; For what were it, though there were never so much in Christ, and that for others too, if we knew not the way to come by it? therefore he tells us, its made ours by Faith: As, what were it if there were never so much water in a Well, and no bucket to draw it out? or a very good Medicine, and no knowledge how to use it?

But Christ is precious to those that believe in him;Doctr. They shall be partakers of all that is in Christ whatsoever,Christ is precious unto all those that believe. Pardon, Grace, Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, Redemption, Life and Glory is in him, or to be had by him, is ours by Faith, and no other way: If there be never so much in Christ, yet to the unbeliever it avails nothing,Iohn 1. 12.John 1:12 he shall not have a dram of benefit by him; Therefore Faith is compared to an hand to lay hold on Christ, to a mouth to feed on Christ, &c. As a mans hand chopt off can take nothing, his mouth closed up can eat nothing, so without Faith, no benefit by Christ; for Faith is the onelyonly instrument that God hath ordained to convey all grace from Christ into us.

1. Here's comfort to all such as can prove themselves believers.Use 1.

p. 2172. Labor we for this grace of true Faith,Use 2. which intitles us to Christ, and makes him ours, without which he will be a rock of offence to our condemnation: This Faith is not every idle perswasion of the brain of a carnal professor without ground, and never humbled, or any whit reformed, but it must be a work of the Spirit of God, which hath so much depending upon it, which few truly enjoy: And the rather are we to labor for this grace, because as it makes Christ ours, so all things else to work to our good, without which all turn to our destruction.Rom. 1. 16.Rom 1:16 As the Word by Faith is the power of God to Salvation, and the savor of life unto life; so is it to unbelievers the contrary, even to their Condemnation; as the sun-shine to good eyes is comfortable, but to weak and blear eyes offensive and hurtful: Thus are all other holy things; Thus the Sacrament; Thus also our meat and drink, &c. To believers that are not onelyonly perswaded by the Word, that they are Gods creatures appointed to nourish us, but that we be such as having lost our interest in Adam, have it restored in Christ; we using them also with prayer, may with good consciences make use of them, whereof those that have not this Faith are usurpers: Yea, that which is a part of the curse in its own nature, yet by Faith is made a blessing; as our sicknesses, crosses and troubles which came in with sin as punishments,Rom. 8. 28.Rom 8:28 yet to believers, them that love God, all things (even these) work together for the best; but to unbelievers they are the beginning of their sorrows. And

As Christ in our sense is precious to the Believers, namely, that they make most precious and high account of him, and so of the means that have brought them to him, the Word, and the means that yet still bring them tidings of him, the Word and Sacraments; so also in this, that he is fruitful and blessed to them: Therefore never leave till we be in the number of these believers.

But unto them which be disobedient, &c.] now to the other sort: The true and direct opposition had been to have said, But to the unbelievers; Why then not so, but to the disobedient? namely, to shew who they be that be unbelievers,Obs. by the effect, disobedience: For as Faith is the mother of obedience,Such are unbeleivers which are disobedient so Infidelity the mother of disobedience and rebellion: Unbelief hath the seat in the heart, who then can know it? the Lord who seeth it, sheweth that they which be disobedient to the Word be unbelievers.

Hereby may every man try himself,Use. whether he be in the state of unbelief or not; Thou art, if thou beest in the state of disobedience. Thus are they that live in the open breach of Gods Law, and are tainted with foul sins;See also Iohn 3. 36.John 3:36 they are in unbelief to this hour, whom (if they should thus dye) this Scripture would send headlong to destruction: Thus are they, who though they reform some, yea many things, yet maintain themselves in the love and practice of some one sin, either by doing some forbidden evil, or neglecting some known required duty, which they will not reform, nor desire to do: Let these know (whatsoever they are) that they are in unbelief until this hour, and so stand in the state of wrath and condemnation: O that this might p. 218awaken all our carnal Professors that bear themselves in hand that they have Faith, when they have nothing towards it; no, it must cost you more then ever yet it did, ere you enjoy it, and must be shewed forth by better fruits.

Now before he comes to shew directly what Christ is to the unbelievers, he doth by the way remove a stumbling block.

The stone which the builders disallowed, is made the head of the corner.] This Text alleaged out of the Psalms, Psal. 118. 22.Ps 118:22is meant 1. Of David, who by Sauls Courtiers was rejected, whom they would not have had King, yet God had so appointed, and would have it so. 2. Of our Savior Christ, whom the great learned men of his time did reject, and would not embrace as the Savior of the world: Where Christs Kingdom is compared to an house, and Christ to the foundation thereof, or corner stone, and the learned men of Christs time to builders, who should have built the Church of God (by their place) but they rejected the best part and foundation of this building: Therefore were like to make a bad building.

These indeed were Christs chief Enemies, and could not away with him, persecuted him, prefer'd Barabbas before him, crucified him, forbade his Disciples to preach in his name, yea imprisoned and scourged them for so doing.

How came this to pass? They had a strong conceit that the Messiah should be an earthly Potentate,Acts 6. 14.Acts 6:14 and that he should continue Moses his Law and Ordinances: When therefore they saw the contrary, they would none of him; but for all they were so expert in the Law, yet they fulfilled it to their own destruction, in rejecting him that was the fulfilling of the Law and the Prophets. See what a strong conceit and prejudicate opinion will do.

Now their rejecting of him was,Why the Iews did reject Christ. 1. To shew that God had purposed the Salvation of his Church and building of his kingdom by a way that the wise men of the world never dreamed of. 2. That their malice might appear to their punishment, and Gods power in resisting them. 3. To shew, that great men are not always the greatest maintainers of the Truth, but miss the cushion oftentimes; they be not always friends and furtherers of the Truth, but often great lets and arch enemies thereunto: Thus it hath been for the manifestation of Gods power, who can do his will not onelyonly without the help, but against the might of great persons.Ier. 20. 1.Jer 20:1 Thus was it in Ahabs time; Thus in Jeremiahs; Thus in our Saviors: They that should have been the first and chiefest entertainers of him, preaching to the people,Iohn 7. & 9.John 7 hated him, excommunicated him, and persecuted the people for believing in him; so hath it been of long time, and is at this day with the chief of Rome: Oh, they boast themselves to be the onelyonly Church, and all that vary from them to be Hereticks, and that they have all the marks of a true Church, Unity, Universality, Antiquity, with a perpetual succession of Bishops from Peter; when yet they are the Enemies of the true Church of God, and have still so been; a pack of erroneous and pestilent Doctrines they hold, contrary p. 219to Christs Truth, whose Church they persecute with fire and sword: The Church never found greater Enemies, nor any so great, as they that profess themselves to be the Church of Christ. For their succession which they boast of from the Apostles, its very idle, and makes no more for them, then that Ahab was right owner of Naboths Vineyard, because he came into the possession of it; or that a Thief having kill'd the master of the house,Succession is of Doctrine or Person. sits down at Table in his chair, and eats of his meat. Succession is of Doctrine or Person: Succession of Doctrine is good; Therefore that company that continues in the Doctrine of the Apostles, and Fundamental Points thereof (though some errors should be mingled) and hath the Sacraments pure for the substance, that company is a church of God, though there be defects in maners, for so Christ said of them that sate in Moses chair; for though both Doctrine and maners be necessary in a good Pastor, yet if he hold the Fundamental Points of Doctrine (though he erre in life and maners) we reject him not from being a Pastor. But as for succession of Person and Place, its nothing: For Place; Where hath God ever in the New Testament, tyed himself or his Church to any particular place? or doth he not call it Universal, as being in the parts of it spread into all places?Acts 20. 29.Acts 20:29 For Person; as though Thieves may not succeed good men, and Wolves faithful Pastors: Therefore, though they could prove that there hath been ever since Peter a continual succession of Bishops in Rome, yet this would do them small pleasure; but this their Personal succession they cannot prove, they agree not among themselves who was first after Peter. Again, it was broken off sundry times, when some of their Popes were condemned for Heresie, when there were many Antipopes, and in the days of Pope Joan; unless they will say that these were true successors of the Apostles: But say they could prove this, yet what would it avail them, seeing they are altogether degenerate from the purity of the Apostles doctrine, and are become enemies and persecutors of the same? They have overthrown the foundation, and almost all the Fundamental Points of Religion, and left nothing sound, brought in errors, and laden the Church with an infinite rabble of idle and most frivolous Ceremonies; by their Doctrine overturning almost every Article of the Faith, and thereby violating every Commandment of the Law: and for the Sacraments, they have altogether abolished one, and turned it into a Sacrifice and blasphemous Idol; and the other they have so besmeared with their filthy inventions, that its nothing like it self. Not at all to speak of their filthy maners, that besides all other sins, are wholly sold to blood and murther, as being not from above, but from the Devil, Who is a murtherer from the beginning; we therefore conclude, that they are none of the Church of God, but a Synagogue of Satan: They be the rightful successors of the Apostles, that being rightly called, do build upon their foundation, teaching the purity of Doctrine, and administring the Sacraments for substance sincerely, whether they have had long succession, or have but lately come to their places. p. 220Thus we see, that they which boast themselves to be the Converters of the world, the onelyonly Church, are the deadliest enemies thereto; they which would challenge to themselves to be the great Fathers and Builders of the Church, have not onelyonly not built themselves, but (as the Scribes and Pharisees,Mat. 23. 13.Matt 23:13 that kept back the key of knowledge) have been the greatest lets to the building; whose case is the more fearful, seeing they both may and ought, and profess to do great matters, yet are so far from doing, that they altogether hinder.

1. This serves to teach us,Use 1. not to stand upon great mens opinion, or hang upon their mouth, approving and disallowing upon their testimony or example: We must herein look onelyonly to the Word of God; yet the common saying is, Do you think that such great or learned men would say or do so and so, if it were not good and right?

2. To magnifie the power and wisdom of God,Use 2. that hath used to build his Kingdom, and uphold it, not onelyonly without the help, but against the wills of great men, that rather fret then rejoyce thereat.

Builders] They would be so called, so reputed; But what did they build? Errors, their own Traditions, and humane Ceremonies, for which they were very zealous, being enemies to the true Building and Builders: They are so called, not because they were so, but because they should have been so, their place and office did so require: These should have taught the Law, and offered Sacrifice in memorial of Christ till his coming; and being revealed, they should have preached him the Foundation, and built up the Church on him: But they did quite contrary. Hence note,

1. That none will take so great names to themselves,Obser. as those carnal minded men who do least good of all,Such as do least good, challenge to themselves the goodliest titles nay rather do hurt: Yet will these ever challenge most to themselves; as the Popish Priests, I warrant you, ascribe more to themselves, then the most faithful Pastors; and so do a number of lazy Ministers at this day.

2. That such have been ever greatest enemies to faithful Builders,Obser. which have challenged to themselves the name of Builders,Such as would be reputed Builders, are usually greatest enemies to true Builders. being indeed nothing less: The Churches enemies are often in her bosom; and godly Ministers (as Micaiah, Jeremiah, the Apostles) have lightly no greater enemies, then those of their own coat and calling; so the Popish rabble hate all good Protestant, but especially godly and painful Preachers:Ezra. 4. 2.Ezra 4:2 The Jews had no greater enemies then they that seemed desirous to help them in building.

3. That its the duty of Gods Ministers to be Builders of Gods Church;Observ. so they are stiled,Ministers must be Builders. they are also called Laborers and Workers.

We must build by all means,1 Cor. 3. 10.1 Cor 3:10 with both hands, Doctrine and Conversation:2 Cor. 13. 1.2 Cor 13:1 All must be done to Edification, and not to Destruction in the Church; all must be done for, nothing against the truth: We must build by preaching Christ the Foundation, and build thereon not Wood, Hay, Stubble (false Doctrine) but Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, answerable to the nobleness of the Foundation. p. 221We must daily edifie by Preaching,Mal. 2. 6, 7.Mal 2:6Mal 2:7 dividing the word aright, which was signified by that Urim and Th…mmim written on Aarons breast,2 Tim. 2. 15.2 Tim 2:15 light of Doctrine,Exod. 28. 30.Exod 28:30 and integrity of Life;1 Tim. 1. 19.1 Tim 1:19 we must keep the Faith, even soundness of Doctrine in a good Conscience.

1. This rebukes those that build with neither hand,Use 1. but rather destroy,Prov. 14. 1.Prov 14:1 like the foolish woman in the Proverbs: Thus the Papists, who be woful Builders: They overturn sound Doctrine, and build trash of their own devising; as if one would come to an house to build, and would put up the groundsels, and rear up a house of leaves, sticks and boughs, so do they Toys and Ceremonies: So also those that would build with one hand, live honestly, but Preach not: These be willing guides, but know not a step of the way: A man cannot be an honest man in that calling, that is not an honest Preacher; His goodness must appear in his particular calling:See Dr. Dounham of the dignity and duty of Ministers, pag. 97. A Minister ought not only to be a Sheep in the Fold, but a Pastor of the Flock; not only a stone in the Building, but a Builder: So those that build by Preaching, but pull down by Life, O pitiful people! and O dreadful answer that such have to make,Ier. 48. 10.Jer 48:10 which have undertaken to Build, and yet pull down; The curse will light on such: No Minister can do this as he ought, Who is sufficient for these things? O lets labor to Build worthily.

2. There's comfort to them that unfeignedly strive to build both ways;Use 2. As its a special work they do to help up the Lords Spiritual Temple, so their reward shall be great in the Kingdom of Heaven: O happy is he that layeth but one stone into the building, and holds in the rest! Oh, its the greatest honor in the world; other men deal about mens bodies or goods, we about their souls; others build houses for men (what though for Kings?) we a Spiritual house for God himself; who would not be encouraged hereby, against whatsoever discouragements this world (theirs especially which should most encourage us) gives us?

3. We must pray to God to furnish and send out many wise and able Builders into his Church,Use 3. that may be workmen that need not be ashamed, that may lay the Foundation well, and build answerably thereupon;See Mat. 9. 38.Matt 9:38 The Lord send such into his Church.

But,Observ. though Ministers be chiefly Builders of the Church, yet we are to know,Every man must be a Builder. that every man also must be a Builder, and help the work forward, both of himself, by working the things that are publikely delivered on himself in private,Iude, verse 20. and by other private means; as also one of another,Heb. 3. 13.Heb 3:13 by Admonition,1 Thess. 4. 18.1 Thess 4:18 Exhortation, Consolation, example of Life,Iude, verse 23. and Prayer: For we are not born for our selves only, but to help to save as many as possibly we can: Every man must put his hand about this work: Being converted, we are to help forward the conversion of others: As formerly we drew others to vanity, so must we now draw them to grace.

But alas, great is the Impiety, and carelesness of the times this way.

Impiety;The Impiety of these times. How few seek to build up, but rather to destroy by their p. 222vile example, yea, by reproaches, discouragements, and logs laid in the way of any that would come forward, and desire to do better then they have done? O how few helpers do Gods poor servants finde? There's none so simple, but hath somewhat whereby to discourage and hinder them; yea oftentimes even Husbands and Wives prove lets and discouragements to each other: O these wicked scatterers from Christ, That will neither enter into the Kingdom of Heaven themselves (nor serve God) nor suffer them that would: If they that win men to God shall shine in Heaven, what shall become of the enemies of Christs Kingdom, which do daily turn men from God? he will be fearfully revenged on them; These be like Devils, that turn'd our first Parents out of the way. Herein I may yet go more particularly; thus, 1. By example they destroy altogether. 2. For admonition for any thing amiss, they are rather content thereat, and if men did otherwise, these would not like it so well: If any of Gods servants do amiss, their admonition is, to blaze it abroad in hatred of their persons and profession. 3. For consolation, if any be afflicted, they can say little to it, but I pray be of good comfort, nay haply utter much idle talk: If any be humbled for sin, either they give it out that they are mad, and that through running to Sermons; or at the furthest, bid them be merry, put away melancholly thoughts, ride abroad to their Friends, Drink, Play, &c. Miserable comforters inindeed. 4. For Exhortation to them that be going on well, they do quite contrary; though they loved them never so well before, now they hate, revile, and discourage them all they can.

Yea the carelesness even of those that profess Religion,The carelesness of these times. is to be lamented: Its a very lamentable thing to see how every one casts off the care of others, as though it concern'd them not who admonisheth, comforteth, exhorteth, &c. And for example, is it not grievous that some that make great profession of Religion, yet walk so loosly, or have so foul things fall from them, as that in stead of edifying, the godly are wounded, the weak daunted, the wicked hardened in their courses against goodness, nay occasioned to speak ill of the Gospel and Profession, and professors thereof? Such have lived to an ill pass, it had been better they had been taken away at the best, if ever there were any soundness in them: These had need not onelyonly to repent between God and their own Souls heartily, but labor ro recover by all wise, godly and most holy carriage of themselves, that which they have lost,Mat. 18. 6.Matt 18:6 Else it were better a milstone were hanged about their necks, and they thrown into the bottom of the sea: O what evil examples are some professors for promise breaking, ill payment of their debts and work-folks; as others for extream covetousness, hastiness, and the like? Christians are as a City set on an hill, and have many eyes set on them (the Canaanite also and the Perizzite dwelling in the Land) and therefore must take heed and be watchful over themselves:Gen. 13. 7.Gen 13:7 Oh, God hath done great things for them, therefore they ought to shine as lights in the places where they live, to gain men to God; If they will not, we have openly discharged the Gospel and our selves of p. 223their sin, and testifie that they never learned so in the Word of God: The Gospel is good, let them be what they will, and we neither defend nor like them.

Is made the head of the corner] namely, The Foundation of his Church, or the Head, that is, the principal part of the same, notwithstanding Satans rage, and his instruments rejecting of him; these great Rabbies and Doctors would none of him, yet he was the Foundation of his Church for all that, he had still the place that God appointed him to, though these great men rejected him, and cast him off. So

God will do with his Church and Ministers,Obs. and build up his Kingdom as he hath appointed,The enemies of the Church shall not be able to hinder the Lords building thereof. do his Enemies what they will or can, fret, rage, gnash their teeth, and gnaw their tongues: There is no wisdom, counsel nor strength against the Almighty; The Lord will do it, and who can let it? he hath decred a thing, and who shall alter it? Men may account of Gods faithful Ministers as they please,Isa. 8. 9, 10.Isa 8:9Isa 8:10 and cast them out as rubbish, but God will set them in their own place, and accordingly account of them. As if a man had a house to build, and a great many fair well hewn stones to build it with, and the Workman of spight would cast away these good stones, and build the house with rubbish, will the master of the house put it up? No, seeing he hath been at the cost to get and fit those stones, he will have them laid in their own place in his building, as is meet; so will the Lord in building his Church. How often do great men and others fret, and seek to overturn goodness, but God will do his will in despight of them: Thus he did in the Apostles time, though the Scribes, Pharisees and Priests gathered themselves oft together, and plotted to stop the course of the Gospel; but they might as well have gone about to stop the wind, or hide the Sun, seeing God had set them on work: So in Luthers time, all raged against him, yet God kept him, and by him gave the Pope such a deadly wound, as he can never recover; though Turk and Pope and all fret, yet Christ is and will be the corner stone. So the Papists fret at us, and have sought by many Treasons, and blowing us up, to overturn our peace and being; yet by Gods goodness we continue a Church, and if our own sins undermine us not, shall do still in despight of our adversaries. So in a Town, God will have his Word come and continue, and prevail to gather out his, and do that which he hath purposed, though hand joyn in hand to thrust them out; He hath the key of David, and openeth, and no man shutteth, and till his work be done, no might of men or Devils can shut the door.

And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence,] Namely, unto the disobedient, as its in the former Verse. Now is shewed what Christ proves to the disobedient & unbelievers, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even a let and hinderance that they should not be saved; and lest they should except against it, and say, They stumble not against Christ (as many unbelievers will) yet saith he, Ye stumble at the Word and Gospel that preacheth and offereth him: Not we, say unbelievers, p. 224we stumble not at the Word, God forbid we should; yes, saith the Apostle, that you do, both against Christ and his Word, while you be disobedient to them both; whereat that none might wonder, he shews that this came to pass through the wise and just councel and providence of God, who had before ordained that …t should so be: Even that as some should embrace and obey them to Salvation; so on the contrary, some should not, to the glory of his Justice.

In that the Apostle divides the people thus into Believers and Unbelievers, and shews the note of unbelief, Disobedience; we may see, That

The duty of Ministers is to divide the Word aright,Doctr. and give every man his Portion,Ministers must divide the Word aright, and give every man his portion. not speaking confusedly to all alike; The Word is a fan, that will make two heaps where it found but one, laying the chaff and corn each by it self: It sets down certain notes and marks to know one from another; the Regenerate or Believers, from the unregenerate, and unbelievers: these must be observed by the Minister, that every man may see his face as in a glass, and know himself in what state he stands, that none may be deceived, but such as willingly deceive themselves; that they that be Believers may know it, and walk chearfully, and give glory to God by a life answerable; and they that be contrary may know it, to humble them, or leave them without excuse: Thus did John the Baptist, our Savior, and his Apostles: And this thus set down in the Word, and Preached by Gods faithful Ministers, is a certain foregoer of their righteous Sentence, which Christ himself shall give at the last day to the good and bad. Those that now the Ministers of God according to the Word pronounce to be Believers and penitent persons, they shall then be found such, and have the reward of Believers on the right hand: Those on the contrary, that they shall thus mark out for unbelievers, shall then be found such, and have their reward accordingly; for that which is loosed or bound on Earth, is loosed or bound in Heaven.

1. This condemneth numbers which Preach as if all were alike,Use 1. and seldom shew out any (except they be the best) neither set down marks that every one may know themselves.

2. For people,Use 2. they must be willing hereto: Oh, naturally men cannot away with it, they love general Doctrine! A sieve thus to sift the one from the other they cannot abide.

3. Here's comfort to all such,Use 3. to whose hearts Gods Ministers shal declare by good and infallible tokens that they be Regenerate persons, and Believers in Christ; They must not make a small account hereof, but rejoyce and lift up their heads in true thankfulness and obedience: They shall finde that verified, which is now told them, it shall never deceive them: We speak it to you, not of our selves, but from the Word, which deceiveth none.

4. This may terrifie those that by just marks are left in the number of unbelievers;Use 4. let them not depart as if this did not concern them, or touch them at all, but fall down and bewail themselves, for they p. 225are yet shut out of Heaven, & if they continue their courses, shall finde Gods Ministers words true; where they set them, there they shal stand.

And a stone of stumbling, &c.] Our life and Christian course is usually compared to a way, and the stops and lets that hinder us from entring into a good life, or turn us out of it, or make us slack in it, are called stumbling stones, by reason of which men are hindred from entring in, or turn out of the way, are made go back again, or go slowly on; Now Christ and his Word are here said to be so to Unbelievers.

Q. How can this be, that these should be lets to men?

A. Its not in the nature of themselves;How it comes to pass that Christ and his Word become stumbling blocks to unbelievers. for Christ is the way by which we come to the Father, the light of the world to guide us to him, and the door whom we enter; and the Word of God is that blessed direction and light to guide men to the Kingdom of Heaven, and sheweth us every thing that belongeth to our happiness, which is therefore called the Word of Life, and Kingdom of Heaven; but through the default of the parties themselves, even the unbelievers and disobedient, some of ignorance stumble, that know not these things, nor desire to know them, do content themselves that they be not book learned, and are poor, and think they have a good heart, and mean well; or if they know some things generally, as that they must love God above all, and their neighbors as themselves, they perswade themselves they so do, and as they say, so will, and that further they need not trouble themselves; others stumble out of notable pride of heart; others of prophaneness, as not a few of malice, as the Scribes, Pharisees and Priests, who though they were convinced in their own Consciences of the wrongs they did Christ, yet would not go back from that they had said or done. Note then, that

There is nothing so holy and good,Obser. but that our wicked nature will thereby take occasion to stumble,There's no thing so goo… whereat our corrupt nat: will not take occasion to stumble. and take hurt; Christ Jesus and his Gospel, nothing more excellent, yet many stumble at them both.

For Christ, The world hath ever stumbled at him, which was also foretold of the Jews, though some received him, yet the great ones (especially) rejected him; they stumbled at his (seeming) baseness and poverty,Obser. misinterpreting the Scriptures which foretold of his Kingdom, as if an Earthly had been meant therein,The world hath ever stumbled at Christ. whereas the contrary was foretold; & howsoever he was Man, and mean in their eyes, and so unable to save the world, yet he was God also, and Lord and King of all, and even in his greatest abasement,Isa. 8. 14.Isa 8:14 his Godhead uttered it self notably; when he lay in the Cratch,Iohn 1. 11.John 1:11 the wise men from the East led by a Star came and worshipped him;1 Cor. 1. 23.1 Cor 1:23 The Angels also appeared to the shepherds,Isa. 53. 2, 3.Isa 53:2Isa 53:3 & with songs set forth his Nativity; He was hungry, yet fed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes; Slept, but when he awaked stilled the winds and waters; Paid tribute, but out of the fishes mouth; Wept for Lazarus, yet raised him from death, when he had lyen three days in the grave; Betrayed of Judas, but at the same time healed Malchus his ear, and at his word caused them that came to take him to fall down backward; At his death the Sun was eclipsed, the Earth shook, the Graves opened, the vail of the Temple was rent; He was buried, p. 226but rose again the third day, yet for all this they would none of him, though he himself had told them,Iohn 15. 24.John 15:24 that if he did not works that none else could do,Rom. 9. 32, 33.Rom 9:32Rom 9:33 they should not believe on him: They trusted for Salvation by keeping Moses his Law, and so stumbled at him: And as then, so now also both they, the Turks and Pagans stumble at him, they will not believe in a crucified God.

So the Papists, The Papists stumble at himFor though they give him a Name, and in word acknowledge him, yet indeed hoping to be saved, partly by their own Merits and Satisfactions, and partly by Him, they overturn the Gospel, make void the grace of God, and deny Christ altogether; for he is either a whole Savior,Gal. 5. 2.Gal 5:2 or none at all: If ye be circumcised (saith the Apostle) Christ profiteth you nothing.

And are there not many also among our selves that stumble at Christ?

1. All ignorant persons,So Ignorant persons. that take no knowledge of the misery or danger they are in, but if they see any thing amiss, yet they trust by crying God mercy, to do well, and so know no need of Christ, nor seek after him.

2. Civil persons,Civil persons. that like the Pharisee trust to their just and true dealing, and honest living above a great many others; These cannot think that they are so wretched, as the word saith we all are, namely, children of wrath, servants of sin and Satan, and that there is no good thing in us, and we unable to think even a good thought: This they cannot away with, nor do believe; but like the yong man think they have kept the Law (though in the mean time, they understand not the Spiritual meaning thereof) who therefore hearing the judgements of God denounced, put them off from themselves to Whoremongers, Drunkards, Blasphemers, &c. and so when Christ is Preached with his benefits (which glad the hearts of some, more then all the world) they take no comfort therein. These stumble at Christ, for he came to save the wretched, miserable, poor, blinde, naked, lost, laden mourners, wounded ones, and the like; and as long as a man hath any thing of his own, Christ will not meddle with him.

3. Prophane persons,Prophane persons. who hearing that all that will have part in Christ must be truly humbled, & must be throughly changed, renouncing all sin, and embracing the contrary good, think this very harsh: Some like the Gaderens will not leave their excessive covetousness, and gainful sins, as that which they get in their shops, by lying, cozening and deceiving, who cannot finde any time for the Word, their Farms and Oxen carrying them away; others like Esau for their unlawful pleasures and filthy lusts reject Christ: How often is Christ offered to them, who yet will not renounce their sins, and turn to God with all their hearts? Is not this fearful? But were it not an happy change, to lay down and abandon their sins which will bane them, and take up Christ, who would save them? Is it not monstrous that sin should be preferred before Christ? Is not this to spare Barabbas and crucifie Christ?Such as will not part with some beloved sin.

4. Such as go yet further, and have been professors and hearers of the word long, and done some commendable things, who yet have p. 227some one lust or sin, that they will not part with: Thus some stand cheapning many years together; They would fain do well and be saved, but have something that they cannot finde in their hearts to do away, and so at last come to nothing, perish as unbelievers; for whosoever shall have part in Christ, must be like the wise Merchant, who will part with all that he hath, to get the Pearl: He will part with any, with all his sins whatsoever, that he may have pardon in Christ: He will take up his yoke not in what he list, shaking off some part at his pleasure, but in every part thereof: O poor fools, that will lose Heaven for some one lust! Are not such worthy to perish?

1. This is an exceeding comfort to those that are holpen against all lets that hinder most,Use 1. and do not stumble at Christ, but acknowledge themselves utterly lost without Christ, that earnestly long after him, prize him above the world, and are content to part with any thing for him: O you are blessed! Why should so many stumble at Christ, and not you? O its Gods unspeakable mercy! Flesh and Blood hath not so taught you; well may you rejoyce for him, the joy and rejoycing of your souls: He will be a sure Foundation of happiness to you, that will never fail you in this Life, in Death, or at the day of Judgement.

2. Terror to all that stumble at Christ,Use 2. upon what occasion soever, that will not see their need of him, nor part with any thing for him; To these he will turn to their destruction: For they hurt not him thereby, but themselves; as one stumbling at a great stone, hurts not it, but himself; or one running a Ship against a great Rock, hurts not it, but splits the Ship in pieces: so wil it be to all that embrace not Christ, for missing him, Who shall save them? There is no other to be saved by, but they must bear their own burthen, and shall undoubtedy perish: They shall not escape destruction; and no marvel, For if they that despised Moses Law, escaped not unpunished, What shall become of them that despise Jesus Christ himself? O how happy might we be that have the Lord Jesus, the blessed Savior of the world Preached to us so graciously, when as few have that favor, but most sit in darkness and blindeness!

3. Whatsoever hath made any of us stumble at Christ,Use 3. endeavor we to remove the same, that so we may embrace him with both arms as our Savior, and stoop to him as our Lord and King, who will be to us a sure Foundation of Salvation that will not fail us: If any will yet go on obstinately and carelesly, he shall surely bring destruction upon himself eternally: And is it not a grievous thing that Christ should be a cause of mens Damnation? and yet he is to all that receive him not, as they that come unworthily to the Sacrament, eat and drink Damnation to themselves: We say its pity fair weather should ever do hurt; but is it not wonderful pity that ever Christ should do hurt?Observ.

Even to such as stumble at the Word, Such as stumble at the Word, stumble at Christ.] Some will say, they stumble not at Christ; If they stumble at the Word, that brings news of Christ, and will not embrace it, or be obedient thereto, its all one. And p. 228For the Word,] Most men take occasion to be offended at it, that either they will not profess it at all, or at least no more then they must needs; but to love it, delight in it, attend on it with diligence, and be obedient to it in all things, O this few do! Why, doth the Word give any just occasion to men to stumble? O no! Its the the Word of Life, and Gospel of the Kingdom, able to make us wise unto Salvation to save our Souls; Its our Light to guide, Food to nourish, Armor to defend us, Pearl to enrich us, all in all: Yet will men through their own default and forwardness, take one occasion or other not to embrace it, being herein stark fools; for if they take any occasion to quarrel with this, or to shake it off, or be strange to it, they must needs perish, yet there are too too many such.

The occasions that men take, are either from the Word it self, or from the Preaching of it, or the Preachers and Professors thereof, or from themselves.

Against the Word it self, Offences taken against the Word removed See Downhams Christ. war. pag. 329.Be these, 1. Some say, if they knew indeed it were Gods Word they would (as good reason they should) believe, and be ruled by it, but that they cannot tell. But he that hath not a prophane heart, and willing to doubt, but is any thing humble and teachable, may see enough, even by the Scripture it self to satisfie him fully, and such arguments as hell it self is not able to gainsay. 2. Some finde fault with the Translation of the Scriptures, for whose satisfaction Dr. Fulk and others have written largely. 3. Some curious Heads and nimble Wits, no less prophane then proud, stumble at the plainness of the Scriptures, the homely and low stile of the same: But this is one great argument to prove it to be of God, because there is such fulness of Majesty in simplicity of words, which is not to be found in any other writing: It savors of a man, and of weakness, whatsoever else is written; or if any thing work admiration, it is that which is strained out into some lofty and eloquent Stile.

Unto the Prophet Gods Testimonies were wonderful,Psal. 119. 129, 130.Ps 119:129Ps 119:130 a giving light and understanding (even) to the simple; yet in some parts of Scripture is not only admirable Eloquence, able to set down the proudest and ripest Wit (so also we could have spoke it all) but some be dark and obscure, as may take up the deepest and greatest Learned; which the Lord hath done, that there might be taken away offence from the wise, as the rest is plain, to take away offence from the simple. 4 Some stumble at some points of Doctrine which they cannot conceive of, as of the Trinity, the worlds making of nothing, the Resurrection, that Christ being Man should save us, that being dead he should rise again, &c. This comes of Pride, when men will reject that which they cannot conceive: But we must be fools in our selves, that is, captivate wit, reason, and all to God, adoring that we cannot understand, and knowing that Gods mysteries are no more fit to be comprehended in our shallow reason, then a man can span the whole Earth with his hand; for Christ as he was p. 229Man and mortal, so also is God immortal: He that was God dyed, but not in his Godhead (that had been impossible) but in his Humanity; and by his Godhead raised up himself being dead, and in both natures saved us. 5. Again, some points be too harsh for some, as that of Predestination, that God should appoint most men to damnation, and that then its in vain to strive, or do any thing, for that we cannot alter; But of this we shall have occasion to speak in the end of the Verse: We allow a man to kill a Worm or Flie at his pleasure; Why, may not the Lord do so by man, who is much less to him, then a Worm to a man? God ordained to pass by some men, but condemns none but for his willing sin. 6. Again, that we are the children of wrath, wholly sold under sin, slaves of Satan, having no good thing, but altogether filled with all evil, have no right to a bit of bread, that the childe in the cradle is the enemy of God, and hath deserved Hell; this mans proud nature cannot brook, but its too true, the whose Scripture tells it, and we shall finde it: And we are worthy to be in this case, that were so happy in our Creation, and could not hold it; and now we may willingly acknowledge we be thus vile, which will be the better for us, seeing all that is wanting in us, is to be had in Christ: We must swallow this pill, that we may have such a piece of Sugar follow it. 7. Again, that we must renounce all our sins, and be crucified to the World, and take so strait a course; this carnal people count bondage, which is indeed true liberty, and that which they are in (as sweet as it is) is most slavish bondage to Satan: They think they may not so much as laugh, and that this course tyes them so short that they may do nothing; but it tyes us from nothing but evil, and gives us liberty enough in that use of Gods benefits, so it be without sin. 8. Again, that they that will be Religious and Christs Disciples, must suffer persecution; this they cannot away with, even because they are wholly carnal, and savor of the flesh, and are so given to their ease, profit, pleasures, and honors of the world: If they knew what the end of suffering for well doing were, they would not be so addicted to the world;Mat. 5. 11.Matt 5:11 for our Savior himself affirmeth, that such shall have a great reward in Heaven;Heb. 11. 26.Heb 11:26 hereat Moses aymed, when he entred into this course: This must we undergo; by troubles we must go to Heaven, for they humble us, make us pray more, exercise our Faith and Patience, weary us hence, and make us shine brighter, drive us to God, and that end will be happy. 9. Some again take occasion from the Scriptures to be licentious, as from the falls of Gods servants, and that promise in Ezekiel, Ezek. 18. 27.Ezek 18:27When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness, &c. and the example of the Thief upon the Cross; thereupon delaying their repentance, and living in sin boldly, through ignorance partly and prophaneness, especially they abuse the Scriptures (not a letter therein countenancing sin) and wresting them to their own condemnation: These Examples and Reasons (among others) are onelyonly set down to comfort and uphold them that being oppressed with their sins, are ready to sink under the burthen thereof: If thou p. 230beest not in this case, wo unto thee if thou thus medlest with the Scriptures.

Here I will adde also some of the scandals of the Papists against the Word;Scandals of the Papists against it. for though they will lay it upon our interpreting and preaching the same, yet seeing we know we preach it according to the true meaning thereof, therefore they indeed blame the Scripture it self.

They cry out of our Doctrine, that its a Doctrine of Liberty; and that under the colour of Christian Liberty, we establish carnal Liberty, and let every man do what he list: This is as if the most infamous Strumpet should charge a modest grave Matron with unchastity; for to be sure theirs is a Doctrine of all ease and liberty to the flesh, yea those very things wherein they seem most harsh, feed the flesh, and give liberty to sin; It enjoyns outward duties, which an Hypocrite may perform as well as the best; It appoints bodily punishments and penances as satisfaction for sin, and that by such and such works (which an Hypocrite may do) they merit Heaven; and for their Service, what can be said of it, but that it pleaseth well the eye and the ear? yet we cannot be rid of their fooleries.

But why and wherein is our Doctrine to be charged?Why and wherein they charge our Doctrine. 1. Because we teach free Justification by Faith onelyonly, without works of our own: But is this a foolish slander, we establish works as well as they, & teach the necessity of them, as inseperable companions, and necessary fruits of Faith, and that there is no Salvation without them; onelyonly their blasphemous assertion, That we are justified by them, we dare not affirm, do not believe. 2. That we take away Auricular Confession (that notable mean to kill sin, and to keep the people in awe) and Fasting days, and give liberty to all sorts to marry. To answer them severally:

For Auricular Confession, About Auricular Confession.We know no such thing out of Scripture, its but a carnal device, and its so far from killing sin, that it gives life to it; for having once discharged themselves of all their sins into the Priests care, and he enjoyned them what pennance he lists, thereupon having received Absolution for them, they are ready to sin afresh, and so do: As a drunken man goes out and vomits, not that he may be sober, but that he may go to drinking again, even so do they in their confessing.

For fasting days, Fasting days.and difference of meat for Conscience sake, We know no such thing in the New Testament; The Apostle calls them a Doctrine of Devils: They fast indeed from the Butchers Shambles, not the Apothecaries Shop.

For Marriage, Marriage.Its the Ordinance of God that he hath appointed for all, that they may keep themselves undefiled members of Christs body; and since God hath appointed to give the gift of continency but to few, therefore he hath appointed the remedy to be enjoyed of all: And for the Papists, which do herein fight against God, and against Nature, yet they do most filthily defile all their places with most abominable Whoredoms: Therefore they are wicked slanderers. Our Religion is too strict for such Libertines as they be; p. 231All theirs is meerly in shew and bodily exercises (which the veriest Hypocrite may do) not in mortifying the lusts of the heart; They meddle not so far. True it is, we have too many licentious persons of our Religion, but so doth not our Religion teach them, which theirs doth: And that Original sin is done away in Baptism, that some sins be Venial, that man hath some good in himself, and that he can take away by penance the temporal punishment of sins, and can merit, &c. Its impossible therefore for their Religion to humble a man aright, and make him fit to receive Christ.

At preaching the Word, Offence at preaching the Word.There be, that either cast it off, or at least hear negligently, and for fashion, without any serious care to be guided thereby.

1. Some say, they did well enough before there was such preaching, 1and if there be such need of it, what is become of our Forefathers, they were honest people, and had no such stir about hearing of Sermons? I Answer, They were in woful danger, lying in ignorance and unbelief, which because they saw not, they thought not thereof; but some whose eyes God hath opened, bless him who hath brought them out of that state, and wonder that ever they could be so careless in such deadly danger; and plainly see, that if they had so dyed, they had gone to Hell, who yet then thought their case as good as you, wherein they would not now be for all the world. As if one in a dark night, or asleep on his horse, should come over a narrow Bridge, standing on a deep River, or a steep dangerous place, then he fears nothing, for he sees no danger; but when he views it in the day, his heart is ready to fail him, and he would not so go again for the whole Town: And for our Fathers, we know not what their state was; but know, that God let in light to sundry of them by small means, as by reading some small parts of Scripture, some small Books, Primmers and the like, so by conferring with others, &c. which (how small soever) God was pleased to bless; but if they had no light and true knowledge of Christ, we know that they could not be saved: We cannot say this or that, we may not belye the Scriptures for their sakes; but whatsoever became of them, it behoves us now, to whom God offers greater grace, and such blessed means as preaching, that we take hold and embrace it, that we may come out of ignorance, to the true knowledge of our Savior Christ Jesus, who is indeed the way to Heaven: The time of that ignorance God regarded not, but now he admonisheth every man every where to repent.

2. Others say, This preaching brings stirs where it goes, and unquietness; 2the Towns and places that were very loving before it came there, after fell into divisions: Its wonder that the Gospel of Peace should breed Dissention, and that that which makes Peace between God and man, should break Peace between man and man; Indeed its an occasion through mans corruption: no marvel though it breed stirs, considering what maner persons we are to be wrought on to good; how hard to convince our judgements and consciences of the things p. 232of Gods Word, and the Truths therein contained; how hard to work upon our crooked wills and rebellious affections; no marvel though men startle when they be put out of their byas: But its good when the Devil stirs, for then there is some hope and likelihood that he will be cast out. And for Divisions, its true our Savior said, He came not to bring peace (namely in evil) but a sword and debate; Ioh. 10. 20, 21.John 10:20John 10:21but the fault is not in the Gospel, but in them that embrace it not; for they that do not,See S. H. on Mat. 3. 10. pag. 11, 12, 13.Matt 3:10 but are obstinate, they fall out and contend with them that do, because they by word and deed reprove their ill works; whereas if all would obey,Acts 4. 32.Acts 4:32 it would make a blessed peace, as it doth between good Christians, that were as Lyons and Tygers; but better this Division yet, then that all should go hand in hand to Hell, as those do that consent easily in evil; better two Souls of five saved, though they have much unquietness withal, then all five perish. Where the Gospel is embraced, it breeds not such a carnal love as was in Popery, to consent in Superstition, in Vanity, Pastime, Good-fellowship, Belly-chear, and the like, but a Christian and godly love in the Spirit, furthering one another to Heaven, and in the setting forth of Gods glory; howsoever, a just War is better then an unjust Peace. Hereto this Objection may be added, That if a man be never so well beloved before, if he become a Professor, and goer to Sermons, he shall be hated of most men; therefore I would be none of those, will some say, I would have the goodwill of my Neighbors: But let such know, that that is a wicked love and a woful, which a man gets by living in sin;Iohn 7 7. & 15. 19.John 7:7John 15:19 better be hated of men for good, then of God for ill-doing, yea to be thus hated is a good sign.

33. I cannot tell, say some, but since there hath been such preaching, and such a stir for preaching, and running after Sermons, I see people never a whit the better, but there is more sin now then was before; now such Pride, Covetousness, Craft, &c. whereas before there was Love, Good-neighborhood, Plain Dealing, &c. A. 1. The Devil had them who lived in Popery and Blindness so fast in the main, as he did not greatly strive to bring them to gross sins, because he was sure enough of them otherwise; now he fears he shal lose them, therefore labors this way, & the rather, because he would discredit the Gospel: He knew their civility could do their Souls no pleasure, and that being void of Faith it pleased not God, therefore he let them alone, and the rather, that that Religion might be the better thought of; now to disgrace the true Religion, he perswades many to rest in hearing, yet drawing them to all evils. 2. There is not more, nor so much as seems, but because the Gospel and Light hath discovered sin more; for a number of things that were counted vertues, now the Word findes to be vices, and rebukes; as Carnal good-fellowship, idle and vain spending of time, Idolatty, and blinde Superstition: None were counted bad then, but those that were notoriously so; now the Word descryeth many smaller things, so that the Gospel is no more in the fault, though it discover faults, then a Looking-glass is to be blamed, for shewing any the spots in his face; the fault p. 233is not in the glass that there be spots, they were there before: If in a dark night we come into a house, we see nothing out of order, though there be never so many things amiss, which in the light we do, yet is not the light in the fault, as only discovering that which before was unseen. 3. No marvel though there seem more evil, because when men are forbidden evil, and call'd upon for good, they are more eager on sin then before; as a melancholly man hath most minde to those meats that his Physician forbids him. 4. No marvel also though some prove as bad or worse then ever before, through Gods judgement on them for the contempt of the Gospel: For if God gave up men to a reprobate minde,Rom. 1. 21.Rom 1:21 for despising the light they had, though but the light of nature, and that which they had by the works of God, what will he do for the contempt of the light of the Gospel? 5. Yet theres no cause of offence at this, though there should be more sin now: for there be many infinitely amended, who before were ignorant, superstitious, & prophane, but now zealous Christians, True and Religious worshippers of God, and such as live justly and righteously with their Neighbors, and are merciful and ready to every good work, and do more true good by many degrees, then was done in the time of Popery: Then they fed the bellies of all comers, and nourisht the people in idleness, and now in many places the poor that can work, follow their calling, and either eat their own bread, which is best of all, or else are relieved by the contribution of their neighbors, their souls also, and the souls of their Families being lookt to: where it is otherwise, the people be all for themselves; which the word teacheth not, and so is not to be blamed, but their evil hearts that will not be ruled thereby: So its no marvel that some be worse since the Preaching of the Gospel, but its a wonder indeed, and a great work of God, that any be better, and yet through Gods goodness many thousands are converted by the Word, that were wretched persons, to become good christians, worthy servants of God; who do more good, and better please God, one of them, yea in a day, then many of the best of the Papists in all their lives: Take heed you be not worse by Preaching, but labor to be converted thereby.

4. Some see not why there should be such regard had of Preaching; 4They can profit as well by reading, and they can read the Sermons of Christ, the Prophets, and Apostles, & I hope wil such a one say, These be better Sermons then any body else can make, and if Sermons be so needful, will we condemn all that have had none, or now have none? A. 1. Private reading of the Scriptures and other godly Writings, is commendable and of great use, whereof one branch may be to make men fitter to profit by Preaching. 2. For publike Ministerial Preaching, its ancient and profitable: But let men take heed how they cast aside Gods Ordinance, to set up any other in the stead; such pride he will not indure, Gods Ordinance is that which carries blessing, and from which we must look for good: Men shall thrive by it, and not otherwise;Exod. 16. 24.Exod 16:24 when Israel kept Manna all night, it stank, if on the Sabbath even, it did not, Why? because of Gods Ordinance: so why doth some mens knowledge rot as it were and come to nothing that p. 234they get by reading,See Neh. 8. 8.Neh 8:8 and others that they get by reading and hearing comes to good?Mat. 2. 7.Matt 2:7 even because the one attend upon Gods Ordinance, the other not:Luke 4. 16.Luke 4:16 This is the way he hath sanctified in all ages to save his people.Acts 19. 15.Acts 19:15 We see how little and slowly people conceive of Religion, notwithstanding our Catechizing and Preaching never so plainly, What would be without it? and what though they be the Prophets or Christs Sermons? usually there is but a small sum which must be opened and applied:Acts 8. 31.Acts 8:31 The Eunuch could not understand without a Guide and Interpreter; Reading is like a fair Carpet folded up, Preaching is the same opened; Reading like whole loaves, Preaching as bread cut in pieces for to be eaten: Paul bids that his Epistles be read in other Churches, and without doubt Ministers did Preach out of the same, opening and applying the same by Confutation, Consolation, Exhortation, Admonition, that every one might have their due: And for that which they say, what became of them that had no Preaching, and yet were godly? God is not tied to means, and can work in extraordinary times as he pleaseth, but in ordinary times he will work by ordinary means: The Israelites in the Wilderness where they could not Plow, had Manna, but if they had looked for it when they came to Canaan, they might have starved: Therefore we shall see that God curseth the reading of those that do it with contempt of Preaching, that either it turns to vain jangling, or if there be any soundness in it for truth, yet it swims only in the brain, and soaks not into the heart to reform. Again, if reading in the Church were enough in a Minister, then it were not so great a work, and so weighty an office to be a Minister as the Scripture makes it, so might Universities, and a great deal of cost and labor be spared.

55. Some will pray, and they think that as good as Preaching. A. Its monstrous wickedness for any to put down any Ordinance that God hath set up,Neh 8. 6, 9, 3.Neh 8:6Neh 8:9Neh 8:3 under colour of setting up another: These two, Preaching and Prayer, be inseparable companions, and must go together, & none pray more, then they that make most conscience, and have profited most by Preaching; and how can any pray without Faith? and how comes Faith, but by Preaching? The Word Preached shews men their wants, without which they cannot Pray, but babble: Therefore its said,Prov. 28. 9.Prov 28:9 He that turns away his ear from hearing of the law, even his prayer is abomination: and what Prayer is it that they talk so much of, but Book-prayer to serve a turn? which though it be not amiss, as a staff till a man can go of himself, yet its not as conceived Prayer, much less to be set up with the casting down of Preaching,See Mr. Hierous Preach. Plea. 220. whether it be done privately, yea, or reading of Prayer publikely, which is lawful in it self, but to thrust out Preaching, that were abominable; Pray as much as you will, but neglect not Preaching.

66. Some stumble at often Preaching; They see no such need of Sermons, they be not so bad, that they should need so much, one in a monethmonth were enough: They could be content to hear now & then, but every Sunday, especially in the afternoon is too much; but for weekday Sermons, they utterly mislike, that people leaving their work should frequent them, and think that they which Preach so oft, cannot Preach p. 235soundly.Prov. 10. 4. and 11. 14.Prov 10:4Prov 11:14 A. 1. Soundness and diligence in Preaching may wel stand together; Disuse makes men less willing, yea, less able to Preach; If a man conscionably give himself to the service of the Church, he shall be fitted indeed to it: Its not rare Preaching that makes men Preach well, no more then seldom milking of a Cow makes her give more or better milk; If men be given to profits, pleasures, &c. they wil not much trouble themselves this way. 2. Men have need often to hear, as being careless to attend, slow to conceive, having bad memories that had need be helped continually, as also rebellious and untoward hearts to obey; Therefore we are bid to Preach instantly, in season and out of season; If any should be weary of often Preaching, it should be we that Preach, but wo unto us if we do the work of the Lord negligently.

7. Some say the Ministers Preach so harshly, and such fearful things as they cannot abide; They have come sometimes, but cannot away with such things; They cannot be content though people be civil, and quiet, keeping their Church, following their calling, and doing no body hurt, but require them to live so strictly, and telling them that if they live but in one sin they shall be Damned; and they call for such duties, and they must be done in a Spiritual maner; They cannot tell what they would have. A. Alas poor people, they would fain hear all is well and peace, that they might make an easie matter of being a Christian, and go to Heaven with ease: Therefore they cannot endure to be put out of their Byas, especially being Ancient, and having all this while thought their case good; and withal having been somewhat civil, now to be told all is out of the way, and nothing as it should be, and to hear such duties required, and to be done in such a Spiritual maner, and that it will not serve to huddle them over as they have been wont: O this is such a disquieting that they cannot away therewith, therefore they count Preaching harsh. But better begin again, then still go wrong and perish: If any hath gone out of his way half the day for want of asking, and at Noon one tell him he is out of the way, will he say, Nay, seeing I have gone so far, I will not go back now, but go on? Or though it be more grief, will he not rather return then go further out, and so never come to his Journeys end? he were else mad: Our case is such, and it is best to be told of it, and herein Ministers should deal faithfully, laying this as the Foundation of all their Doctrine,See Deut. 27. 15, 16, 17-26.Deut 27:15Deut 27:16Deut 27:17–26 that in themselves men be utterly lost;Psal. 9. 17, & 11, 6.Ps 9:17Ps 11:6 thereupon denouncing Judgement, whereby they may be brought to seek mercy; They must herein follow those which have gone before them,Mark 16. 16.Mark 16:16 the Prophets, our Savior himself,Iohn 3. 36.John 3:36 and his Apostles: As they must take heed they break not the bruised Reed,Acts 2. 37, 38.Acts 2:37Acts 2:38 nor quench the smoaking Flax, so they must not give Childrens bread to Dogs; We must not give Pearls to Swine, and lavish out the mercies of God to Proud, Prophane, Impenitent persons. First, the Law must Arrest mens Consciences, and they must be rowsed up by it, else they will never seek unto Christ for pardon: It is necessary we should p. 236thus Preach, that we may be free from mens blood; and that their ignorance or slackness in repenting be not imputed to our coldness in reproving, such as more like or approve others, wil one day curse the day that ever they heard such sweet-tongued flatterers, or unskilful dawbers, and they shall finde most favor at the last that deal most plainly: Howsoever, thus we shall please God, and keep a good conscience. Neither must thou stumble at those many marks and signs that they lay down whereby to try Faith, Love, Repentance, Sincerity, and the like, for Gold fears not the Touchstone: And they that hear grievous things in the Word, if they would tarry by it, should hear as comfortable and joyful, whereof in time they might have their part, but they must taste of the bitter, ere they come to the sweet; Such as are otherwise, would be as it were lulled asleep, even to their final destruction: If any shun, and say we would bring them to desperation, they nor we shall not need fear that, people be not so easily moved; if Preaching humble them, we fear not, but it will also comfort them: Holy desperation I would we could help men to, but there's more fear of desperation and horror for not believing and regarding the threatnings of Gods Word.

88. Some stumble at plain Preaching; If there were any witty conceits, or Eloquence of words, or plenty of Quotations of Writers, and that in divers Tongues, or ancient Stories, &c. I could like it well, will some such say, which now I do not. A. They that have itching ears to hear the painted words of mans wisdom, rather then the plain evidence of the Word of God, and seek to delight their mindes, rather then edifie their conscience, if ever they receive any good, its of Gods exceeding mercy, not the course they take: These be commonly such, as get something into their heads to talk of, but yet live licentiously and at large; and hence it is that they love such Preaching as is fair and far off, rather then that which comes home to search their Conscience, and sift them like a sieve: But whatsoever they would have, Gods Ministers must learn to distribute the Word as becometh the Word, and to give that which is most wholesom and profitable for the peoples Souls: They must Preach Christ Crucified in a Crucified Phrase: The foolishness of Preaching God hath Sanctified; Its better to speak five words with understanding, which may convince the Judgement and Conscience as it may search the heart, and so edifie the Soul in true godliness, then Five thousand, to no edifying, but to fill the brain onelyonly: Its the true learned Preaching that open the Scriptures soundly, and gather Doctrines naturally, to confirm them strongly, and apply them wisely,2 Cor. 4. 2.2 Cor 4:2 and in all this to be so plain, as that which is in the Teacher, may be conveyed into the Hearer; Its true Learning to make another Learn, that's Preaching which may pierce the Heart; we may not deal Huckster-like with the Word, as men do with their Wares, rather to beguile, then profit the buyer: How little do most conceive when we speak the plainest? Assuredly for the plainest Preaching, people ought to be most thankful.

p. 2379. Some take offence at us and our assemblies, and refuse to joyn 9with us publikely and privately, because they say our Church is not rightly governed, our Ministers be not true Ministers, and that there be many foul abuses among us, and that we are no Church of God, but an Antichristian company,Eccles. 7. 16.Eccl 7:16 &c. A. These are they that be too wise, and over just, that either would imagine a company more pure then is to be looked for on earth, or condemn the Church of God to be none, because of some wants and blemishes. But

That company that hath the Doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles soundly preached in all substantial Points,Which the true Church. and the Sacraments for substance according to Christs institution, is a true Church of God, though there be blemishes therein: If it overturn the foundation it is none; as if one want a head, heart, liver, he is no man, but a carkase; who though he have scars and moles in his face, yet having the other parts, nay, though he should want a leg or an arm, yet he is a man. Christ never forsook the Synagogues of the Jews, though they were greatly corrupted, and both Doctrine and life was foully faulty: Sometimes two High Priests in one year, sometimes others of other Tribes then of Levi came to the place by corruption, yet seeing they held the foundation, Christ forsook them not. Again, That Ministry which God hath used to convert many thousand souls, is not Antichristian. Ye are the seals of mine Apostleship: We think a great deal more charitably of them, then they do of us, as that holding the foundation of Religion, they may be saved: And though we know that numbers of them be proud and idle persons, and such as look not much to govern their hearts and lives, and are more cunning in points of Church Government, then in points of Sanctification; yet we doubt not but some true servants of God have been misled, and their tender consciences have stumbled, whom God hath enlightened, and brought from among them, and who have had more peace in a day, in coming to the Word from them, and joyning with the Church again, then they had before in a whole year.

10. Some say, There be so many Religions in the world, that 10they cannot tell which to take; There be Jews, Turks, Anabaptists, Familists, Papists, Protestants, Lutherans, Calvinists, Brownists, &c. every of which say they have the truth, and what should such plain men as I do? for my part, I think it the wisest course to meddle with none of them all, but follow my own business, till they all agree which is the Truth, not troubling my self at all with any thing they say; I may come to Church because of the Law, but I will never greatly regard what is said or spoken there. A. A bad excuse is better then none at all, but this will not serve mens turn: Though there be many that say, They have the Truth, yet there is but one Truth,1 Cor. 11. 28.1 Cor 11:28 and this is to be found out of such as are not willing to be ignorant (as these Objectors commonly be) Its no marvel that there hath been ever, and will be that envious one, that soweth Tares where the good husbandman soweth Wheat; There have ever been p. 238Hereticks and false Teachers in the Church, that they which are approved may be known; but by the light of the Word, which is able to shew men the Truth, the servants of God willing to learn the same, have found it out: Zachary, Elizabeth, Mary, Nathaniel, and thousands of others found it out, though the Jews at that time were rent into many Sects, Scribes, Pharisees, Sadduces, Essenes, &c. They did the will of God,Iohn 7. 17. & 10. 27.John 7:17John 10:27 and were Christ sheep, therefore heard his voyce, and were instructed in the Truth. And it is extream madness in any to neglect the finding out of the Truth, because there is some difficulty, seeing without the knowledge hereof they perish eternally: The more falshood there is, the more it stands them in hand to search for the Truth, or else they shall perish in their ignorance,Prov. 23. 23.Prov 23:23 as others do in their error: We must buy the Truth, we must strive both to finde it and maintain it; The Truth must be had, else we dye: In worldly things men be wiser. As if one dwell some distance from the Market, and in the way to it, he must go over a great Common, where lie a great number of by-paths, some to one place, some to another; will he for this stay at home, and want necessaries, and say, I will never go, lest mistaking my way, I lose my Market? No, but he will rather get one that knows the way to conduct him therein, whereto he will take good heed, that he may not mistake at any other time; Or will he neglect to buy necessary provision, because there be so many deceitful people in the world, and so starve at home? No, but he will say, There be false wares and deceitful men, but Ile learn skill to know the one from the other, to discern the good from the bad; so that some difficulty taketh not away mens care, but rather whetteth and increaseth it: This worldly wisdom will condemn mens folly and madness in heavenly things; We must therefore get skill in Gods Word, whereby to try Doctrine, and that by earnest prayer unto God; there be plain places of Scripture that will confute the errors that shall be broached, by them we must be judge. These things I speak, because I would have all get over these logs, if they have hitherto stumbled; and if we have got over, we may be able by good Arguments to help over others, our weak brethren, that are willing to learn, that they may be able to confute any caviller, or answer any that shall kick at these things: And I pray and beseech you look to it, let there be none here so ill minded toward himself, that having stuck at any of these, he be willing and still content so to do, concealing the same, neither desiring to be rid out of the fetters thereof: This is dangerous indeed, especially take heed that there be not such an ill minde, and vile disposition in any, as not to be content alone to cast off Religion upon these occasions and pretences, but labor to lay them in the way of others to draw them from God: O fearful thing! Cannot you your selves be content to cast off God, but will you labor to bring others also to destruction? O these enemies to God and his kingdom! what will be their end? and where shall they appear? For if they that win souls shall shine as the stars,Mat. 21. 3.Matt 21:3 what shall they do that destroy souls? p. 239As the ten Spies that went with Caleb and Joshua, bringing up an ill name and slander upon the Land of Canaan, whereby they discouraged their Brethren from going toward it, were shut out and perished; so they that bring up an ill name upon the zealous Profession of Gods true Religion, and discourage their Neighbors from it, will assured perish in endless confusion.

Against the Preachers of the Word Offences also are taken; Offences against the Preachers of the Word.as

1. Some say, There is a deal of preaching indeed, and crying out against sin, and calling men to this and that strictness of life, and that it is such an hard matter to be saved; but you must give us leave 1to regard none of this that is said, for we see none worse then the Ministers themselves; they must say somewhat when they be in the place, but they are as proud and covetous, and as bad as any other; and were there any such matter as they teach, would they dare to go clean contrary? A. It cannot be denied but that some in the Ministery, both of them that do not, and of them that preach, that yet live so grosly and dissolutely, contrary to their teaching, that they give a grievous offence to those that wait for such things; yea, and make many ignorant (with Elies sons) loath the sacrifice of the Lord, 1 Sam. 2. 17.1 Sam 2:17and think that Religion is no such matter as we tell them of, because they observe the contrary in their Teachers: But what though they do thus? yet notwithstanding is the Word of God holy and good. Is Physick nought, because the Physician is a bad man? or the meat, because the Cook is a swearing hasty fellow? There is no calling wherein there are not some bad: But there be many Ministers that make conscience to live according to that they teach, and as well to be examples to the Flock in holy conversation, as to preach (which is but one part of a Ministers duty) and who (setting humane frailties aside) may bid their adversaries write a book against them. For common frailties, who can say his heart is clean? even between Paul and Barnaba… arose dissention; and Paul complaineth, That when he would do good, Rom. 7. 19.Rom 7:19evil was present: But for gross things that are reported of godly Ministers, usually upon tryal they have proved lyes, raised of Malice, and not deserved by them; And shall the whole calling of Ministers be blemished, because some be bad? And though it were as they say, that Ministers were like Cooks, that prepare good meat for others, and taste not of it themselves; yet the Word is good, and it may be profitable to others, as Gods Ordinance, which is appointed for the Salvation of his people, the blessing whereof dependeth not upon the Ministers good life, but Gods blessing. Noah was saved in the Ark, whereof the makers were (in likelihood) drowned:Mat. 23. 3▪Matt 23:3 It was our Saviors direction, that the people should be ruled by the Doctrine of the Scribes and Pharisees, sitting in Moses chair, that is, preaching his Doctrine, though they were not to do after their works: And though Ministers know the will of God, yet let it offend none, that they straight do it not, for knowledge is one thing, and sanctification another, which two are often severed.

p. 24022. Some say, There be contentions among the Ministers themselves, and they cannot agree in points; What then shall we do? Ile see them agreed, ere Ile regard any of them. A. Its not to be wondred at, if there be differences in some things, for here the best know but in part, and there still remains scales to be rub'd off, and God doth not reveal all his will in all points at once, but by degrees, and in time; and if any would tarry to be Religious, till all men jumped in all Points, they should never be Religious, but perish; and will this serve mens turns? But what contentions and differences are there between the Ministers of the Church of England? True, its pity there should be any; and we should desire God, to cause his truth to break out, and to remove the occasions of strife, and till they can agree about those few things, to proceed by one rule in peace: But what differences are they? not about the Essential points of Religion, or matters of necessity to Salvation, but of matters besides the main, namely, The Government of the Ch…rch, or rather the persons by whom, and the maner how the same is to be govern'd, about which indeed there's diversity of opinions; So about Ceremonies, which are not of the Essence of Salvation, neither doth the Kingdom of God stand in them: So that as the Church is a true Church that is governed either way, so may they of each and both opinions, yet be the servants of God, and be saved, both holding the foundation, though differently building thereon: If therefore they shall agree in all Fundamental Points, and all things necessary to Salvation, as in the Doctrine of their own Misery, Christ, Faith, Repentance, and the like, though they leave the other till God shall further reveal, they shall do well enough; and its more seemly for Christians to minde the Doctrine of Faith, Sanctification, Love, &c. then to busie themselves about the Government of the Church. The Devil calls them from things most needful, to other things less needful, more uncertain and dangerous: If because of some smaller points of difference, they shall shake off all Religion, what answer shall they make? What if Clothiers should all agree in the main points of Cloth-making, till they came to the maner of making up, and to the Tillers, and herein they should differ, should any need stumble hereat, and say, Ile be no Clothier, they cannot agree among themselves? Why, they may be good Clothiers, though they differ in this and that of both fashions: Let a yong man then go and practice as far as they agree, and when they come to the winding up, do as he is perswaded best, and he shall be Clothier good enough.

33. Others say, The Minister speaks too fast or too slow, or stands too long, &c. A. Most is his own pains: They have thought longer time but short at Cards, Tables, Feasts, Plays, and do still; Two or three hours at a Feast for the body, and as much at play, yea an whole day from one sport to another, as a Fly from one box to another, is usual with most.

44. He is rich, and then he must needs be covetous, or else poor, p. 241and then contemptible. A. Men will finde a very poor excuse rather then none at all;Mark 6. 2. 3.Mark 6:2Mark 6:3 so was Christ contemned of his Countrey men: But can any Minister so walk, but that some which have no love to Religion, and to be reformed, will cavil against him, to colour over their contempt; Could John Baptist? But he had a Devil; Could our Savior Christ? No, he was a Winebibber, a companion of Publicans and Sinners.

Against Professors of the Word,Offences against professors of the Word. and their Profession of Religion, there be that take offence:

1. Some say, There's but a small number of these Professors that be so precise, most be not so; and such as are usually, are of the meanest, 1not of the greatest and wisest men, of whom but a few are carried after these Preachers, to run after Sermons, or be so precise in themselves and their families, and a contemptible company they be,Rev. 7. 4.Rev 7:4 hated of all for the most part. A. 1. For their number, its small if they be compared with the multitude, but by themselves a worthy company; and being such a small number, its an Argument that they are approved of God, and walk in that way which leadeth to Heaven: And hath not this been always told, That the way to Heaven is strait, and few finde it; and so on the contrary? The greatest number have ever been deceived, and joyned in evil; most cryed against Christ, Crucifie him; for one Elias, one Micaiah, there were Four hundred Priests of Baal. 2. For their baseness, that's not always true, though the Church consisteth most of them that are mean, yet God hath had and will have of all sorts, not excepting the greatest, as David, Solomon, Asa, Jehosaphat, Hezekiah, Ahikam; and before them, the Patriarchs, Job, and others: So hath not our own Land wanted worthy men of the greatest place, as there are at this hour many right godly Noblemen, Knights, and others of great state and place:1 Cor. 1. 26.1 Cor 1:26 If this will draw them to the love of Religion, there be not such wanting, though their number be not the greatest, For not many mighty are called; Mark 10. 24.Mark 10:24And its hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God, from whom for the most part heavenly things are hid, and by whom God will not uphold his Kingdom, but by mean ones,Iames 2. 5.Jas 2:5 that the glory may be his: The poor he hath chosen. 3. For their contemptibleness, they are not the worse, but the better to be liked, for the Devil and wicked men will ever hate that which is good: They did so by the Prophets, our Savior, and his Apostles, and will do so by their followers; let this therefore be a mean rather to draw men on to Religion, then set them off from it.

2. Some say, They make a great shew, and be very hot for a 2while, and after they fall off, and become as others, as bad as who is worst, which we think is, because having begun, they see nothing in it, and so they return to their old courses, as that which is better. A. You might have guessed many truer Reasons: Its not that a true Christian is fallen away, or one that hath truly tasted of the goodness of the Lord, and finding no sweetness p. 242in it, returns to his old byas as the better state; but it is, that he that was but an hypocrite, though he made a shew, is discovered now, he hung to the bark, but was never ingrafted, went out from us, but was not of us; and Christ coming (as is foretold) shal make the thoughts of many hearts to be opened: Its the easiest thing in the world to be deceived, and few build sure; and God will have some such Revolters, both for the good of his servants (which are thereby made the more wary to build sure, and look to themselves better then otherwise they would) and for the just falling of the wicked, that they which will take no benefit by any thing, as by Preaching, and by the godly lives of the servants of God, but rather seek for lets, may meet with such blocks falling in their way to their Destruction: If some fall away, what then? The Word hath foretold there shall be hypocrites in the Church; yet there be some have held out constantly,Heb. 11. 35.Heb 11:35 yea to the death, in Prison, and flames, and loved not their lives so well as the Truth, who have found indeed the sweetness of that Christian life, from which they would never part: Let us therefore begin in Truth, and we shall never fall from it, as the hypocrites do; lets look to our selves, there may be times of tryal, wherein many will fall away.

33. Some stumble at the falls of Professors: We see not, say they, but they be as bad as other folks, and seeing they make a shew of forwardness more then others, I would have them shew it by their lives; but they are as Covetous as others, as Froward, Hasty and Furious, if they be stirred. A. I see you can tell how others should live, though you have no minde to it your selves: True, they should lead their life answerable to their Profession; and do not a great many so, even their Neighbors that live by them with Eagles eyes, yea, even their Adversaries being Judges? Why doth not this provoke them and you? and what if some having boisterous natures, and strong corruptions, which for want of heedfulness and care, prevail over them for a time, and so they fall to do something uncomely, yea, and for a long time walk not so watchfully as they ought, is this matter enough for you to mislike Religion? The Gospel teacheth not this, but the contrary, therefore is it not in fault that you should fall out with it. Doth any man dislike a Trade, because some of the Trade be bad persons, and are at sometimes overshot therein? Christianity and the denying of our selves is not so easie a matter, as that it should be expected a man should straightway, as soon as he hath entred upon the profession of Religion, be perfect, although we ought to look and labor thereto diligently.

44. Some stumble at the great humiliation of some Professors, who by going to Sermons have been even at their wits end, and so troubled, as that all their friends could not comfort them, yea some have been in such dispair, as they have been almost besides themseves, and some have made away themselves by drowning, hanging or otherwise; p. 243and they that have not been so, yet though they were as merry before they went to Sermons as one would wish, after have been so dumpish and heavy, as that they would never be merry; and I would be loth (will some such say) to come to this pass, therefore I do not mean to trouble my head about such matters. A. Many through Gods goodness be truly humbled, and yet in short time finde comfort; others more deeply cast down, and longer held without comfort, whom (though they walk heavily as they have cause, yet) God sustains, and in due time they get comfort; who if they should be held under all their life, and yet obtain it at last, were much bound to God, and their estate infinitely more happy, then to live as before in security: Yea, if any should be so deeply cast down, and for want of means of comfort, living in desert places, wanting publique and private helps, or having them, be troubled also with the humor of melancholy, and the Devil subtilly watching his advantage when both these meer, should draw them into some temptation, to lay violent hands upon themselves, yet I had rather a thousand times be in the case of such a one, that being lost, hath sought after mercy and salvation, and had it in chase, and yet were held off by unbelief, Satans temptations, and their own distemper: Being in seeking of it, their state could not but be good, what ever became of the body, For, Blessed are they that hunger and thirst, &c. Better, I say, is the case of such a one (though it be somewhat grievous) then either of prophane ones, or civil persons, that never make question about their salvation; but (God be thanked) such examples are few, and very rare: Many indeed there be that make away themselves by hanging, drowning, cutting their throats, &c. (of whom we hear ever and anon) but not one of a thousand of those upon any such cause, but upon Covetousness, Pride, Discontent, Worldly grief, meeting with such Afflictions and Persons as cross their Wills; and having no Grace nor Faith to bear them up in them, they sink under them, and yield to the Devils temptations, as Achitophel: So that you need not keep away from Sermons, lest you should be troubled in your wits, and make away your selves, but rather hear the Word, and labor for Faith, or else you may be more likely a thousand times for want of Faith, when Afflictions come, to hang your selves, then otherwise: And is it not strange, that if one of an hundred upon trouble of Conscience come to such an end, that should be a stone to stumble at, and all the other should be leapt over, and be no means to provoke people to the Word, and to Faith? a sign they are willing to stumble: And whereas there are some that are upon some occasion, or naturally distracted in their Wits, and craized in their brains, and so miscarry, people must be so wise as to know, that this is no trouble of Conscience; yet a number are so foolish, that they put no difference: Therefore never fear, being troubled at the Word, for if thou beest not troubled in this World for thy sins, thou shalt howl in Hell for them eternally. And where you say, They that go to Sermons be so heavy, whiles p. 244they are seeking, and have not yet found, pardon them if they be heavy, having obtained, they have warrant to rejoyce in the Lord, and so both may and do; though they dare not giggle, and be merry in folly and lewdness, which is accounted the onelyonly mirth with the world: So that preaching is the means indeed to make men first heavy, but after truly merry for ever.

From themselves also arise lets,Offences arising from mens selves hindring their zealous profession of Religion. why they do not profess Religion zealously; as

1. Some from a supposed sufficiency in themselves, say, They know as much already as the Preacher can tell them, namely, That they must love God above all, and their Neighbor as themselves, 1and so they do, and they can tell them no more. A. O poor blinde creatures that can be so deluded: If they were not willing withal, it could not be; For is it enough to know these general things, and no particular belonging thereto? But alas, in their wilful blindeness they think they know and do all, when indeed they know and do just nothing. Would not he be accounted a wilful fellow, that being perswaded to learn the Trade of Cloathing, should say, Why, I know that well enough already, its but to buy Wooll, and make Cloth and sell it? But are there not so many particulars and turn-agains belonging hereto, as they that be Apprentices thereto seven or eight years, if they give not the more heed, they are yet at the end but bunglers? So of a Carpenter, Its nothing to build a house, its but to lay the groundsels, raise up the sides, and set on the roof, &c. There's more then so required, as skill in contriving, skill in chusing materials, and the like; so to the love of God and our Neighbors belong innumerable things: When we have attained the knowledge of our duties to each, we have not then done, we must also know our misery; and to help us thereto, know the Law, and then know Christ, and what he hath done; and then know Faith, and have it wrought in us: These must we have, ere ever we can truly love either God or our Neighbor; therefore they that content themselves without these, abide in ignorance, and will perish in Hell, as those that are wilfully guilty of their own destruction. Thus in these days, do not many say, They know they be sinners, and hope to saved by Christ, and saith not the Scripture, Whoso believeth in Christ shall be saved, &c. If this would serve the turn, God then might have spared all the rest of his pains in leaving us the Word (onelyonly those two Precepts would have been enough) and his labor in fitting Ministers to it, which he calls such a worthy work: No man alive can say, that he loves God above all, and his Neighbor as himself, onelyonly that he endeavoreth thereto, which endeavors also hath and will cost much pains.

22. Some say, They mean as well as any of those that go to Sermons, and though they do not shew it by that or any such things, yet they have as good a heart to God-ward as the best of them all, though they cannot talk so well. A. These bewray themselves to be naught at the first dash, for whereas they say, they have good hearts, even p. 245the best complain of the badness of their hearts: Thus Hypocrites desire to hide themselves out of mens sight, and having nothing to say for themselves, they flie to the heart, which they think men know not; but alas herein they play the fools, for if men do not approve of them, do they think God will? and that they can stand before him? They think also men cannot judge of the heart, but the Lord hath taught us ways to judge of it by the outward behavior, as the Tree by the Fruit.Mat. 5. 16.Matt 5:16 Besides, grant their heart were good, Is that enough? doth not God require a good outside?Rom. 10. 10.Rom 10:10 Let such as wanting this, boast of a good heart while they will, its a rotten and stinking heart they have; for without knowledge the heart is not good: Hypocrites boast of a fair outside, when as the heart is naught, as others having no good parts of obedience, say, that all's within, they have a good heart; but the ones outside, and the others inside (both being indeed stark naught) will carry them to Hell, not to Heaven: Learn we to submit our selves to the Ordinances of God, and by the Word Preached to get Faith, that thereby our hearts may be purged, and made clean.

3. Some say, The world is hard, and they pay a dear Rent, and they 3cannot live and pay their Landlords and every body with Praying and running to Sermons,See Dr. Prest. Saints daily exercise, pag. 32. and (to put them both together being near of kin) some be very poor, and say they have a charge of children, and its enough for them to labor for their living, and all little enough they think and finde; they cannot spare time to read a chapter, and pray Morning and Evening, much less let their work to go to Church on the week-day; Nay, I promise you they can scant spare the time on the Sundays; They must be at home (without it be now and then) to bake, wash, and mend their things, or go on this or that errand, or see their Friends, lest they should let their work on the week-day, and therefore they must be held excused.Mat. 23. 23.Matt 23:23 A. These things ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone: Its needful for you to follow your callings, but there is a time for all things, and do you think that Religion and serving God is such an Enemy to thriving? What a fearful crossing of God is this,Mat. 6. 33.Matt 6:33 when as unto them that first seek his Kingdom, all these things shall be added? Is it not the blessing of the Lord that makes men rich? and whether will he bless, them that serve him, or that cast off his service? Do we not see a number who trust all to their toil, whom the Lord so crosseth, as all will not do? and others that serve him carefully are blessed, who yet toil not so much?Psal. 127. 2.Ps 127:2 And if they that cast off Gods service do prosper, yet what profiteth it them? That one thing is needful which they have neglected,Mat. 16. 26.Matt 16:26 and our Savior saith, What shall it profit a man to win the whole world, and lose his own soul? They have spun a fair thred: But what if the outward state be somewhat hindred, yet if the soul be a gainer its a good bargain; though you have less riches then some others, yet if you have more grace, is not your state better? And would you offer a Sacrifice that costs you nothing?2 Sam. 24. 24.2 Sam 24:24 or cannot God, who knows what your serving him stands you in, sufficiently requite it? And for p. 246the poor, let them know, their great charge will not excuse them: Have they not souls? That's the greatest charge, and to seek the Salvation of these; and one would think their poverty should be a spur hereunto: Is there not the same way of Salvation to them that is unto others? They had need hear the Word to get knowledge and faith, that they may go through their Temptations comfortably. And first for the Sabbath, let them and all others take heed they meddle not with it to their worldly uses, God hath sanctified it to himself, and the matters of Salvation: This ought every one to spend conscionably, which if we would do, we might get a competency of saving knowledge; wo be to them that dare prophane this: God hath said, we shall do all our works on the six days, that which we cannot, God will supply without breach of his Sabbath; and for the poor that live in the same Town, or near a Sermon on the week-day, I make no doubt its their duty, without some great let to attend on it,See Hag. 2. 19.Hag 2:19 and God will recompence it, if they do it conscionably; let them thus do, and thereupon return to their work, and follow their calling with diligence, and see what they shall miss by the weeks end. Neglect of Religion indeed hath brought want, but I never knew any that heard conscionably and thirstily, that were put to the more want by their hearing, or any such so miserably poor, as careless persons: If any shall under colour of hearing neglect their business whole days, and so bring poverty on themselves, they are exceedingly faulty.

44. Others plead no want, for they are troubled with nothing but too much, and they have so much business, and so many servants to look after, and so many occasions, as for their part they cannot spare the time. A. Have they so much to do for themselves, as God can have nothing done of them? and so much for the body and this world, as that they have no leisure for the soul, or the world to come? Remember the end of them who being invited to the great Supper,Luke 14. 24.Luke 14:24 came not, but preferred their Oxen and Farms thereto, they were shut out, and had no part in that blessed Feast: Others might also pretend it as well, if they knew not that one thing to be needful: What? are all they idle persons, and have nothing to do that attend on the word diligently? No, but such as both have business, and in like maner a Christian care thereof, yea, and those that dispatch it well enough, and finde Gods blessing thereon, no less, nay, much more then they, that have care of nothing else: If they wanted something of that they get, yet it shall be better with them in the winding up, when they shal have that which will stand by them, whereas all that the others have got shall be taken away; else as they had no leisure, and could finde no time to serve God, so God will finde no time to save them.

55. Others be not Book-learned, therefore they hope they shall be held excused, though they have no great knowledge. A. You had need take the more pains in hearing, as also learn and labor to be book-learned: Its possible, if you will give your minde and endeavor p. 247thereto; If not, yet many that never knew letter in the Book have attained to good knowledge, and been most excellent Christians, and laid down their lives for the Truth, and others to competent saving knowledge, and lived well as the servants of God: But this may be a warning for Parents to bring up their Children in Reading, as in many other respects, so that they may not have this block to hinder them from goodness: and rich men should do well to bestow Learning upon poor mens children, its a mercy indeed to their Souls.

6. Others say, They be so dull, and its such an hard thing to learn 6Religion, as they shall never attain it. A. The slothful man saith, There's a Lyon in the way, but its as easie to learn, as many other things are:See Psal 119. 130.Ps 119:130 You can learn to play at Cards, you can conceive your own business,Prov. 1. 4. and 14. 6.Prov 1:4Prov 14:6 and are wise enough to save your selves from being beguiled, if you would willingly in humility come to learn, knowledge is easie to him that will understand: And though you get no great measure, yet if you get knowledge of the main points and Faith, and desire more, and be willing to be ruled by that which you know, God will accept of the will.

7. Others say, If they should follow Sermons, &c. they should 7be so hated, mockt, and nick-named, as they should not be able to endure it, their Land-lords would fall out with them, and turn them out of doors,Mat. 5. 11.Matt 5:11 &c. A. 1. Blessed are ye when ye shall thus suffer, you may exceedingly rejoyce thereat.Prov. 16. 7.Prov 16:7 2. When a mans ways please God, even his foes shall become his friends.

8. The yonger sort say, Its too soon; and wealthy ones, That they 8think they have more liberty then others. A. 1. For the yonger sort, they must remember their Creator in the days of their youth. 2. For the rich and wealthy, they are no more exempted from serving God, then the meanest, nay, are more bound and tyed thereto, by reason of the means afforded them to do good.

9. Others think they do well, and please God, though they be 9not so precise as some be; for they thrive, they thank God, and have as few crosses as the best of them all, and if God did not love them, he would not so bless and prosper them as he doth. A. This is an ill argument,Heb. 12. 6.Heb 12:6 seeing God afflicts those whom he loves, and suffers his sun to shine, and his rain to fall even on the unjust; This is but the wicked mans portion: Ishmael had the fat of the Earth, Esau the dew of Heaven; Our Savior suffered Judas to carry the bag, but Peter and the rest carried away the grace; Jacob had many crosses, Esau many blessings, yet was Jacob loved of God, Esau hated: There can be no worse sign,See Psal. 50. 21. and 55. 19.Ps 50:21Ps 55:19 then to live in a careless prophane course, and yet to meet with no crosses, but to have all prosperity: the forgiveness of sins, and a little Faith, and Sanctification, is more worth then all the world,Iob 21. 30.Job 21:30 But the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction, &c.

10. Some say, They have a Minister of their own, though he 10cannot Preach, yet he is an honest man, and quiet, and means well, p. 248and doth his good will, and what can one desire more of a man? A. These be notable persons, If Salvation were put in their mouthes, they could be content to take it, but to seek after it, they see no such cause: It will serve no mans turn to excuse himself by another mans fault, If the Minister do not his duty to Preach, people must seek after the light (being its come into the world) compassing even sea and land to obtain it: Neither would they be so simple in other things, as to put their Suit for Goods and Lands into ones hands that hath no skill at all in Law, and being so told, make answer. Ile look after no other, he will do his good will, and I can desire no more of a man: The like might be instanced in a Physitian for our body, nay, a Shepherd or a Keeper for our Cattel; Nay, will men take it well, if such as through want of skill have spoiled their work, should say, Why, we did our good will, and you can have no more? But will you not say, You should not have taken it in hand, except you could have done it; If I had known it, I would have sent it five miles, or sent five miles for a Workman, rather then had my Stuff spoiled.

Thus there is no end of devices that the Devil hath to put in mens heads,No end of the Devils devices. to keep them from regarding the word and matters of Salvation, nay, that people will seek out for themselves, even to wrong their own souls.

And this is one main cause why so few people be saved,Why so few be saved. because none so simple but he can finde a shift, nor none so worldly wise, but he can suffer himself to be held back by one of these or the like hinderances. In our earthly journeys, we love smooth and plain way, and finde fault with the contrary; but as if the way to Heaven were too plain, men seek out blocks to lay in their own way; but all these things will no more serve their turn when God shall come to judge them, then a Breast plate of brown Paper against a Musket-shot: For alas, they be but devices, and false causes in stead of the true.

For the very reason indeed that people have no minde to Religion,Why people have no minde to Religion. is, because it crosseth their humor. 1. Discovering their sins which they would have still hid, and rebuking them. 2. Striving to pluck them from their sins, wherewith being in love, they are unwilling to part. 3. Laying duties upon them which they have no minde to stoop to, but count it a being tyed, and shortened to yield obedience to the same, which is indeed the main reason, and true cause: If it were not for such and such things, will they say, we would you should know, we would be as forward as the best: Well, let us, as many as have been thus foolish, learn to be wiser, and devise no blocks: No, though we meet with some things otherwise then ought to be, let not that make us fall out with Religion. In worldly things people be so eager, as if they have a minde to a thing, its no small matter shall beat them off, as from a Lease, Farm, Purchase, or Bargain; but in Heavenly things, not a cause, but a shadow of a cause will keep men back: O how happy might we be here in England and in these p. 249parts, if we were wise, that have the Gospel so graciously Preached unto us: Many Nations have it not, and they cannot be happy; and we have it, and yet through our own froward hearts, deprive our selves of the benefit thereof: If we have been weak, lets labor to be strengthened against these, and lift up our feet over these logs that the World layeth in our way, neither rest we content therewith, as too many are. In our ordinary ways, if any Lewd and Drunken Companions in the Night should tumble Logs, or lay stumbling Blocks to stop our passage by horse or foot, we finde great fault, and that justly; but we are content to have Logs laid in our Spiritual way, lest we should be happy: And lets labor to strengthen others, and help them over, and let none of us be any longer hindred hereby, much less let there be a mischievous heart in any of us, to lay them in others way to hinder them, but go on our selves roundly in the way to Salvation, and help as many others forward as possibly we can: Notwithstanding these lets, we must not be loth to enter this way, but labor to bring our hearts to this, to see and confess, and forsake our sins, and be content in every thing to be ruled by the Word: And what thankfulness owe we God, that have passed over these Blocks, and are in our way to Heaven, whereas so few scape them? It was of him alone. O pray we him to help us also against all those that yet remain.

Being disobedient,] Here he proceeds to shew the bad estate of unbelievers: They are disobedient to the Word of God, which is given them for a rule and light to guide them to Salvation: And this is indeed the very Reason of their much stumbling at the Word, because men have no minde to be ruled by it; They think it tyes them too short, therefore they have no minde to stoop to it, therefore they are willing to take any occasion against it: for if men had a minde, its not those idle pretences should keep them from it, as in worldly things we see. The lesson we learn from hence is, That

God hath therefore left his Word amongst us,Doctr. not that we should onelyonly hear it,Gods Word is therefore bestowed on us, that we may be guided thereby. or make an outward profession thereof, but that we should take it as our Rule and Law to guide us, and in all things make Conscience to yield obedience thereto; what it forbids to count as a cursed thing; what it commands, to esteem as holy and good, and necessary to be obeyed: This is that which God evermore requireth in his charges. This keeping is not a Legal Observation, which no flesh can attain (Christ hath fulfilled that perfectly for us) but an Evangelical,How we are to obey the same. which is, when believing in him that hath done it perfectly,Psal. 119. 6.Ps 119:6 we do our unfeined endeavor constantly to be obedient thereto; and that 1. In one thing as in another,Luke 1. 6.Luke 1:6 having with David, Zechary and Elizabeth, respect to all. 2. Freely, and not by constraint; not as Pharaoh let Israel go. 3. Not outwardly, but inwardly with the heart and minde, ayming at Gods glory. 4. Constantly, and to the end: Yet more particularly, 1. We must not give good words p. 250onelyonly, but follow Christ, as the Apostles, who forthwith at his call left all to wait on him. 2. Our obedience must be shaped after Christs, willing in all things to do Gods will, as do also the Saints and Angels in Heaven. 3. It must be like Abrahams; as he left his Country and all when God called, contrary to all temptations, and that readily and simply, without reasoning or indenting; so must we forsake our sins, though never so natural, and never excuse it thus, Its my nature, my Predecessers have done so, I have been long accustomed hereto; He left his Countrey so natural to him, and that in his age: We must obey against all temptations of Profit, Pleasure, Ease, Father, Mother, Wife, Children, though all these hang about our necks, we must yet readily obey. 4. Throughly, not as the Devils, who if they must needs out of the man, yet would tarry in the coast: The obedience of the wicked, is like their Fathers the Devil, its but in part; as the Devil entred into the Swine, so they will tarry in some sin: They say (as the Olive and Fig Tree in Jothams Parable) Shall I leave my Fatness? Iudg. 9. 9, 11.Judg 9:9Judg 9:11Shall I forsake my Sweetness? Usury,Iam. 1. 22.Jas 1:22 Deceit, Lying, Fornication, Adultery, and the like? so must not we,Deut. 6. 1.Deut 6:1 we must be doers of the Word; All other duties do but tend to practise, which is the end and perfection of all.

1. God is our Soveraign Lord and King,Reas. 1. and we be his Subjects, and these his Laws, and by these means doth he speak to us, gives every body leave to read his Laws and Statutes, yea, requires it,2 Pet. 1. 21.2 Pet 1:21 and besides, sets Expounders thereof: This is the Word of GOD, This is the minde of GOD, He that despiseth this, despiseth GOD himself; This Bible shall save or condemn the World, and by this we shall all be judged: He being our Soveraign, and we such poor Worms, we should count it our happiness to obey.

2. He is exceeding bountiful towards us,Reas. 2. he who both gave us life, and continues to maintain it by so many mercies, which all ought to binde us; neither doth he thus for us, to strenghthen us to rebel and fight against him, but to the contrary.

3. His will is a perfect rule of Righteousness,Reas. 3. and he doth not first see a thing good, and then wills it and commands it, but first commands it and wills it, and so it becomes good: Whatsoever is agreeable to this, is holy and good; whatsoever is contrary to this, is wicked, and to be abandoned.

4. All creatures in heaven and earth obey:Reas. 1. The Sun runs his course ordinarily that God set it at first, and slacketh not; and not so onelyonly, but if it be put out of course, it resisteth not: If he bid it stand still, it doth;Ios. 10. 12.Josh 10:12 if he bid it come back, it doth: He appoints the Sea to flow,Isa. 38. 8.Isa 38:8 and it doth; but if he bid it stand up, and let his people pass, it obeyeth, and stands as two Brazen Walls; so when he sets it on work, it rageth to toss Jonah, and whom God will; and when he bids it and the winds be still, they obey, as to our p. 251Savior:Exod. 10. 13.Exod 10:13 He commanded the east wind to bring in the Locusts, and another wind to carry them out; how much more then should we obey, that ought to be best of all, being Lords of the rest, and all they to serve us? Summer and Winter obey the Lords Word, and why not we? These may rise up against us.

5. Obedience exceedingly pleaseth,Reas. 5. all else is to no purpose, Sacrifices,1 Sam. 15. 22.1 Sam 15:22 burning of Incense, observation of Feasts or Fasts, &c. Unto the wicked, Isa. 58. 3.Isa 58:3saith God, What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes, or that thou shouldest take my Covenant in thy mouth, Psalm 50. 16.Ps 50:16seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behinde thee? Nay, its so far from pleasing him, as it incenseth and provoketh him, He that turns away his ear from the cry of the poor, shall himself cry unto the Lord, but not be heard; They are blessed that hear the Word and keep it; If ye know these things, saith our Savior, happy are ye if ye do them; yea, such as do the will of God, he accounts as his Mother, Brethren and Sisters; by this we may know that we are the Lords:Deut. 28. 1.Deut 28:1 This also opens the storehouses of all Gods blessings, and musles the mouthes of all the Creatures, that they can do us no hurt.

6. Disobedience is that which hath ever troubled the world:Reas. 6. At first in Adam and Eve it put all out of course, and so hath done ever since: This is the cause of all Evils, Plague, Pestilence, Famine, and the like,Lev. 26. 16.Lev 26:16 yea, of the increase and continuance of those and others more grievous;Deut. 28. 15.Deut 28:15 yea, this is that which brought all Judgements, not onelyonly upon Israel, Hos. 4. 3.Hos 4:3but upon all the world, and that which sends men to eternal confusion.

1. This is an exceeding comfort to all those whose hearts the Lord hath inclined,Use 1. bowed, and humbled, to be obedient to his will in all things, and that have no greater grief, then that they can obey no better,Iohn 14. 25.John 14:25 but glad when they can obey, and most, when best; let these know, its a brand of Christs sheep, and mark that they love God, that they are of the blessed ones, that hearing, also obey, that they shall never fall,Mat. 7. 24.Matt 7:24 as being built on the rock: This is a certain band to tye the Lord to you,Ier. 7. 23.Jer 7:23 he can fail you of no good thing; Obey my voyce (saith he) and I will be your God; yea, and a certain assurance of eternal life, is gained by obeying: Herein continue and encrease your care, its perfect freedom it brings, sound and true comfort here and hereafter; when they that disobey, have a corrasive and gnawing Conscience.

2. This condemns all sorts of disobedient persons,Use 2. which are many; and this is the reason that Hell is fuller then Heaven, because so many are disobedient to the Word,Four sorts of disobedient persons. and so few will be held within compass; as

1. Those notorious monsters,The prophane. that live in open prophaneness, that are set to cross God; what he commands, they will none of it, and what he forbids, they are mad on; which shake off all care, and live as they list,Iob 21. 15.Job 21:15 as if they were masterless, and no body had to do with them,Exod. 5. 2.Exod 5:2 or to call them to any account, as if they ought no duty to any; who will not learn Gods ways, but with Pharaoh, say, Who p. 252is the Lord, &c. Do these poor woful creatures know what they do? alas no; Knowest thou with whom thou hast to do, and against whom thou rebellest? against the Lord of Heaven and earth, that made the world, that toucheth the mountains, and they smoke, that thundereth with his voyce: But who art thou that strivest with thy maker, that darest rebel against thy Soveraign, who is able to cast thee into the Jail of Hell for ever and ever? O consider this you that forget God,Psal. 50. 22. & 9. 17. & 11. 6.Ps 50:22Ps 9:17Ps 11:6 The wicked shall be turned into Hell, upon the wicked God will rain snares and fire, &c. Dost thou think to speed better then thy Predecessors? Adam was cast out of Paradise, the old world drowned, Sodom burnt, &c. If Pharaoh that proud hearted Tyrant could not hold it out, nor Nebuchadnezzar, nor Belshazzar, nor Herod, dost thou think to get any thing by wrestling with thy maker, by casting out thy gantler, and as it were bidding battel to the Lord? O therefore humble thy self on thy face, fall flat at his footstool, and crave pardon, send out messengers of Peace, and submit thy self, saying, Lord, what wilt thou that I shall do? obey and that gladly, or else he will lay thee where thou shalt have small joy, yea, he will make thee obey in spight of thine heart: There will come a voyce that thou shalt nor resist, Go ye cursed of my Father; and if thou wouldst bring thy minde to obey, thou shouldst finde it every way thy safest course, thou shouldest save not onelyonly thy soul which is the greatest, but even thy body, thy good name, thy goods; for how have many by yielding to the Word, saved hundreds and thousands this way, that they began to waste, and others do? How do many bring untimely death upon themselves by wretched courses? How many do the gallows catch in a year? how many stab'd, and dye fearfully, which might have lived long, if they would have been ruled? Innumerable sorrows do men bring upon themselves, for want of obedience to God and his Word, which that would save them from: At least if thou wilt not obey throughly, and in all things, yet come into some civil order and course, so shalt thou at least if thou beest not saved, yet have the less torment in Hell.

2. Civil persons,The meerly civil. which disobey both commandments of the Gospel, do neither believe nor repent; and for the Law, they do some duties to men, but of the first Table make small Conscience, nay they have no skill, neither savor of the spiritual maner of performing duties: What talk they of giving every man his due, when they give God no part of his as they should? or of keeping promise with men, if they shall break their vow with God?

3. Ignorant persons of all kindes,The ignorant. as the Heathens, that worship they know not what; and Papists, that toil themselves about their will-worship, how good soever their meaning may be, yet they do not that which God commands; yea, numbers among ourselves, that either have or might have the means, but neglecting them pull in their heads.

4. Hypocrites,Hypocrites. that obey in some things, yea some in many, and go far, yet either never digged deep, and laid a foundation sure, or retain the love of some sin.

p. 2533. This may be for instruction to us all,Use 3. especially that profess the fear of God, that throughout our whole course, and in all our conversation we cast this with our selves, not what our profit, or our pleasure, or our minde saith, but what the Word of God saith: This becometh Christians, and will bring comfort, and will prove the surest way at long run: we must not (following our own reason and conceits) cast off and disobey the Word; we think it may be better thus and thus, or hope its no great matter, or that its but once: O take heed! This cost Saul dear;1 Sam. 15. 26.1 Sam 15:26 He would go offer Sacrifice, He said he was bold, so he was indeed, as we many times; But take heed of being bold with the Word, and taking leave of sin, though but for once: Thou knowest not what that once may cost thee: To Travel on the Lords day hath many fair pretences, but what evils hath ensued thereby? So Usury is a hasty way to get gain, but fair and soft goes far, What if we get much, and put it in a bottomless purse, and God blow on it and melt it? One man gets slowly in his Office and Trade, because he dares not lye, Dissemble, break the Sabbath: Others care for nothing, and they grow rich apace; with the one it holds, and his Children enjoy it, and he dyeth with Peace and Credit, but the other dyeth with disgrace and a guilty Conscience, and God scatters that he hath; for God will take pity of the honest labors of men, and give of the fruit thereof to their Posterity, but no pity of that which was got with the price of his glory: Hereby many a man loseth soul and all. So many a man seeth not into some one thing (who is otherwise good) and so haply is too hard to his workfolks, will make bold now and then with the Sabbath, &c. though his soul be faved, yet God sets the print of his hand on him in some outward affliction, Body, Goods, Children, and the like.

Whereunto also they were appointed] The Reason how it comes about,Why Christ proves a rock of offence unto most. that seeing Christ is the way of Salvation, and the Word the means to bring men to Faith in Christ, that yet to some they prove a rock of offence, and turn to their destruction; its because God in his unchangeable and eternal purpose hath so decreed: This (to let pass other interpretations) by the consent of the soundest, is the plain meaning of the words; and I come not to tell you what men say, but what I am perswaded God saith; As he hath ordained some to Salvation, so hath he some to stumble and come to destruction, which are the two parts of Predestination: This is that most holy and just decree of God, whereby he hath in himself eternally and unchangeably determined of the final estate of all mankinde, and every particular in the same;Eph. 1. 5.Eph 1:5 whatsoever falls out is by his decree, and not a… adventure,Acts 4. 8.Acts 4:8 He doth all according to the counsel of his own will: The means of effecting this are, the creation of man in innocency, and the fall of Adam, which was also of him decreed: It hath these two parts, Election and Reprobation; for though it be put sometimes for the one onelyonly,Rom. 8. 31.Rom 8:31 as for Election, yet is it common to both.

This Doctrine will appear both lawful and meet, to be taught p. 254upon these grounds;Whether it be lawful and meet to handle the Doctrine of Gods decree. 1. Whatsoever is written, is written for our learning, and the whole Scripture is profitable to teach, &c. whereof this is a part. 2. This is a part of Gods counsel, the whole whereof ought to be taught. 3. Its of very great use to the people of God, their strong Bulwark to flie unto, and strengthen them against all Satans assaults,Acts 20. 27.Acts 20:27 even the unchangeableness of Gods counsel.Rom. 9. 11, 12, &c.Rom 9:11Rom 9:12 4. The holy Apostles have Preached the same plainly to mixt Churches in most of their Epistles.Eph. 1. 4.Eph 1:4 5. Many Errors have been broached about this Doctrine,Iude, verse 4. by Satan and men of corrupt judgement, whereof the Translator of Mr. Perkins his Treatise speaketh in his Epistle.

But its offensive,Object. and many take hurt hereby, casting off all care, and saying, If I be elect, I shall be saved, let me do as I list; and if I be appointed to damnation, I cannot be saved do what I can.

What if some take hurt by this Doctrine,Sol. shall it not therefore be Preached? What Doctrine almost can be taught, but mans vile nature and heart will take occasion by it of ill? as of Gods mercy, whereupon men wax bold and secure, shall not the Doctrine of Gods mercy be taught?Rom. 6. 1.Rom 6:1 so of Christian liberty, (which was the reason of those preventions which the Apostles used) so of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith onelyonly;Gal. 5. 13.Gal 5:13 yea, Christ himself is a stumbling stone and rock of offence, Shall he therefore not be Preached? Its not the fault of the Doctrine, but their own wicked corruption, and Satans malice, that turn holy and wholesom things to hurt; as a cholerick stomack doth good meat into ill juyce; and the Spiders gather poyson from the same flowers from which the Bees gather honey, Do we therefore wish there were no flowers? Shall the Childrens bread be kept from them, because some unruly Servants will riot and abuse it? Shall the use of a Knife or a Sword be denyed to all sober men, because a mad man will hurt himself and others therewith? The wicked do abuse the Word and Sacraments and all to their hurt, Shall therefore the people of God be deprived of them? as the Papists do most wretchedly keep away the Scriptures from the people, lest they should read them: The like may be said of the Preaching of this Doctrine, But who are they that take hurt? even such as would take hurt, and perish though this were not: But one of Gods people is more to be respected, then ninety and nine that care for no goodness: And this is of great use to the people of God; It stays them well when they see great professors fall away, else they should ever be in a slavish fear, and so it makes the true servants of God go on comfortably, and strengthens them in all persecutions and troubles, that they shall never fall finally.

It makes men bold and secure,Obj. because they know they can never fall away.

Not at all,Sol. but the more careful to please God; for they know they may fall dangerously, and that holds them in awe with the conscience of Gods love together: It further stirs up men to labor to get marks of Election to themselves: Its also a matter of great thanksgiving to God, that having passed by so many, he hath had mercy on p. 255us; so that its profitable to more then its hurtful to: It comforts many, What if some stumble when they have no cause? Yea, its matter of Humiliation, that Gods grace, not our goodness is the first cause of our Salvation.

It will make men shake off the use of all means,Obj. and say, What need is there of Sermons and Exhortations, if the number be appointed who shall be saved, and who damned?

What are they but desperate and wilful persons that will so do?Sol. that will neglect the means, because they know the end is certain and unchangeable? we fear not to teach men Gods Ordination in other things, as that he hath set the period of mans life, which he cannot pass; yet this doth not make men neglect their meat, nor desperately make them cast themselves from the tops of houses, or run upon a naked Sword, because their time is appointed; therefore we may teach it, provided it be taught modestly, and according to the Scriptures: But its Sacriligious modesty to keep back this or any part of Gods counsel; this were to be wise above God and the Scriptures: the Papists have a number of such carnal conceits, which shew they be not led by God. If a King should give unto any of his subjects a goodly Mannor, and appoint by what way he should go to it, would not he be willing to learn the way? accordingly should we in this particular.

For the Doctrine it self, consider we briefly four things, which are most material for the edifying of the Consciences of them that are desirous to learn the minde of God herein, wherein I will rather endeavor to shew the truth and some uses thereof, then by entring into curious questions to please itching ears, or to stand long in confuting the contrary errors; The first is this, That

God hath ordained some to destruction:Doctr. This appears by plain places of Scripture which cannot be avoided,God hath ordained some to destruction. as Rom. 9. 17. For this same purpose have I raised thee up, &c. Jude, verse 4. Who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, &c. So for Election, we have Eph. 1. 4. 1 Thess. 5. 9. 2 Thess. 2. 13. 2 Pet. 2. 12. Now there is the contrary reason of contraries; If he chose some, then he refused others; If he had taken all, then no Election; If not all, then some refused: And if the Lord ordained those whom he Elected to eternal Salvation, Did he not then ordain the other to destruction whom he refused, or left he them at uncertainty? Things fall not out at adventure, but according to Gods Decree and Eternal counsel, What wise Workman doth not propound an end to himself,Acts 4. 28.Acts 4:28 ere he begin his work? and think we the Lord did not determine the final state of all men?See Willet on Rom 9. 11. pag. 4. 16.Rom 9:11 Yes; ere he went about the making of a world he decreed the least matters, therefore much more this.

1. This confuteth that erroneous platform of the Papists and others,Use 1. which defend universal grace:See Perkins 3, on the Creed and Pred. This makes the will of God (which is the high and soveraign cause of all) to be subject to mans will; whereas its said,Psal. 115. 3.Ps 115:3 Whatsoever he will, he doth.

But is not the Lord slow to anger and of great kindeness,Object. and how can this be,Exod. 34. 6.Exod 34:6 having ordained most men to damnation?

p. 256That's true,Sol. yet makes it nothing against this. 1. Its true of the godly, but he is severe towards the wicked; Both Saul and David sinned, yet was the former punisht severely, the latter pardoned: Neither is he so slow to wrath, but that he is also just (many examples of either might be instanced) and is as much honored in the one as in the other.See Nah. 1. …7.Nah 1:7 2. Its true also in part of the wicked, for its of his patience towards them, that they live and enjoy so many of his benefits in such abundance, with the Gospel, and that he doth not confound them at once, who yet provoke him highly every day.

Its said in Ezekiel,Obj. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked,Ezek. 33. 11.Ezek 33:11 &c.

He doth not delight thereat,Sol. as its the destruction of the creature, but as its a mean to set forth his glory; For he aimed not at the undoing and ruine of his creature in his Decree, but at a far more excellent end, even his own glory. Besides, God wills many things which yet he delights not in, as the afflictions of his servants at the hands of ungodly men.See Mr. Harsnels Sermon of this point. As good and merciful Judges, they delight not in the blood and pains of them that are Executed and by them condemned, which yet must be for the defence of the good, the cutting off and terror of the bad.

God will have all men to be saved.Obj.

Its to be understood of all kindes of men in this last age of the world,1 Tim. 2. 4.1 Tim 2:4 by the means of Christ Jesus.Sol.

The Lord is not willing that any should perish,Obj. &c.

The wicked mocked at Gods promises,2 Per. 3. 9. and the godly began to think long;Sol. therefore the Apostle sets himself (and that's the scope of the place) to comfort the faithful: So this place of all men to come to repentance, See Rev. 6. 11.Rev 6:11is meant of the Elect only. Is patient towards us, saith the Text, shewing that God defers not of forgetfulness, but because he waits till the rest of the Elect uncalled and unborn be added, and then it shall come at the just appointed time: Its not deferred that all men should be saved, for then it should never come, for all men shall not be saved, but for the Elect onelyonly.

If God hath ordained most men to destruction,Object. then is his justice greater then his mercy.

We must not measure his justice and mercy by the number of the one or of the other;Sol. for if there had been but one onelyonly saved, it had been as great mercy, as his justice in condemning the rest: for if but one had been saved, it must have cost the death of the Lord Jesus, such was our misery. Now what a mercy it was, that the eternal Son of God, equal with the Father, and in whom he was well pleased, should not onelyonly abase himself to our nature, but to our infirmities; yea, to sorrows, and great indignities, nay, to death, yea, a cursed death: O who can express this love! It was a wonder he did not rather suffer us all to perish, then his Son to endure the least of these!

Then he hath ordained the means of their condemnation,Object. namely, sin, and so is the Author of sin.

p. 257True, he ordained and decreed that there should be sin in the world, as he did of the fall of Adam; but not as is sin and evil, but as whereby and out of which God draws glory to himself: and it was necessary that there should he evil in the world, as well as good, that a way might be made for setting out Gods mercy in pardoning some, and his justice in punishing it in others, but so as the Lord is no way faulty: He ordained willingly to permit it, as it hath respect of good in it, but as no actor of it: He put no evil in Adam, nor any man, but onelyonly willingly permitted his fall, &c.

2. This should and may stay our mindes,Use 2. when we see any great Professors, and men of excellent parts fall away: Its no other, then that an Hypocrite, and one that never was sound nor elect of God, is now discovered; and let none that can prove their election be overmuch troubled, onelyonly walk reverently, but never be dismaid with deadly fear: They fell, because they were not elect, and you being elect, shall be therefore sure to stand: and thus our Savior comforts his Disciples,See 1 Ioh. 2. 19.1 John 2:19 That none was lost but Judas, who was the son of perdition; so did Paul the Christians, notwithstanding the revolting of Hymeneus, Philetus, Alexander, &c. If it were not for this, what a deadly fear might this breed in weak Christians, to see those so far their superiors in knowledge and gifts to fall away. Thus of the first.

The second is this,Doctr. That

This was of his own will▪ This was of his own will, and for no cause out of himself.and for no cause out of himself; for the Lord infinite in wisdom and holiness, needs not as man to fetch the reason of his purposes forth of himself: He will have mercy on whom he will have mercy, Rom. 9. 15.Rom 9:15and whom he will he hardneth; He doth all things according to the counsel of his own will.Eph. 1. 5.Eph 1:5

Is it not said,Obj. O Israel, thy destruction is of thy self; and, He that beliveth not is condemned; and, Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Cursed be the mouth that saith not so,Sol. even that every mans destruction is of himself, and his own just desert; but we must put a difference between the decree of God, and the execution of it; God condemneth no man upon his bare will, but his own just desert: Sin comes in between the decree of God, and the execution of his Decree, as the cause of Damnation.

If then it be asked,Quest. Why is any man condemned?

For his sin.Answ.

But why did God decree to condemn any?Quest.

Because he would.Answ. As no man is saved but by Faith in Christ, and Sanctification of life (which yet is not the cause why God appointed him to Salvation, but because he would) so there's none condemned but for his sin; yet God ordained him not thereto because of sin, but because of his own will.

If any ask further,Quest. and why would he?

That a note too high for man or angel to sing,Answ. but there in humility we must rest, and not put the Lord to render a reason of all his decrees or doings, which even princes will not do to their subjects: he raised p. 258up Pharaoh, &c. even because he would get glory out of him, and by his means.

This condemneth the Opinion of foreseen works,Use. good or bad, as of this, because he foresaw some would be bad, and refuse grace, he therefore Reprobated them, &c. but God loved Jacob and hated Esau, not onelyonly before the had done good or evil, but before there was any thinking of good or ill: If foreseen sin be the cause of Reprobation, then on the contrary, foreseen grace of Election; but the Epistle to the Ephesians sheweth the contrary hereof:See Eph. 1. 4. & 2. 11.Eph 1:4Eph 2:11 Faith and Sanctification followeth upon Election, as fruits thereof, therefore go not before as any causes; so do Infidelity and impenitency follow after Reprobation: If foreseen sin had been the cause of Reprobation,Iohn 9. 3.John 9:3 then we should all have been refused, for he could not see us, but all sinners: But as the blinde man was not so born for his own or Parents sin, but that the work of God in curing him by a Word might be seen, so was it in this business. Thus of the second.

The third is this,Doctr. That

The Lord hath done this most justly:The Lord hath done this most justly. His will is a rule of Righteousness, and he can do nothing but most holily and justly; Is there unrighteousness with God? Rom. 9.Rom 9God forbid; Though we cannot see into the justness of it, yet we ought to acknowledge it: The Sun may shine, and that brightly too, though a blinde man see it not: Man was made holy, and having free-will, by his willing sin lost his state, and still sins willingly.

It seems cruelty in the Lord to appoint most part of mankinde to Destruction.Object.

He did it not,Sol. as ayming at their Damnation, but at his own glory, which is more to be regarded then all the World: And shall the Clay say against the Potter, Why hast thou made me thus, and thus? may not he do as he list? So may not the Lord get glory by his own creatures which way he will? And do men for their pleasure hunt the Hare and Partridge, or kill, not onelyonly Flyes, and baser creatures, but also Fowls with their grins, in like maner appointing Sheep, Oxen, &c. for the slaughter, and shall not the Lord have as much Soveraignty over men, the work of his hands? we cannot make a Fly or Flea; yea, its more reason that the Lord should be glorified, if he would, with the Damnation of all mankinde, then that the killing of a Hare, nay a Fly, should serve to the honor or pleasure of the greatest Potentate of the world: What if he had ordained none to Salvation, who had had cause to complain? Besides, with what patience bears he with them, and their blaspheming of him every day? What marvellous benefits, and comfortable good things, bestows he upon them, houses, lands, wealth, health, peace, who might destroy and send them to hell at the first?Rom. 9. 22.Rom 9:22 He suffers the Vessels of wrath with patience. Thus though there had been no sin in the World, God might justly have appointed most men to Damnation, and cast them away also for his glory; but now God doth not cast any p. 259man away, but for his own willing falling away, and sin, for he made man Righteous, but now sin comes in, and for this is every one condemned, that is condemned. Besides, is God cruel to them? He never makes their finger ake, till they have deserved Hell, never condmns man or woman, till they have deserved it a thousand times, and in the mean time ceaseth not to bestow manifold blessings on them.

But as it were tyranny in a King to appoint many of his Subjects to punishment upon his will,Object. so were it in God, said a Papist.

Its a most unequal comparison;Solut. they be not the Kings creatures, though his Subjects committed to him to rule, not as he will, but as God commands; but God hath power, because they be his creatures. As if a Potter having made many pots, commits them to a servant to be looked to, if he burst any of them, at his peril he doth it, because they be not his own, but if the owner should break any, who shall blame him?

But its partiality in God,Object. and respect of persons, to take some, and refuse others, being all equally guilty, and in estate without difference.

Not so;Solut. respect of persons is, when many being in one case, one is preferr'd: For what? for something in their own person; as a Judge having two Malefactors equally guilty, executes the one, and spares the other, because he is his Kinsman, Countreyman, &c. But a Prince hath two Traytors equally deserving death, and he without respect, but because he will, pardons one, and cuts off the other, as it may be Pharaoh did by his Butler and Baker; or a man hath two Debtors, and without respect he requires it all of the one, and forgives all to the other, Who shall let a man so to do? This is no respect of persons: But if a man be to adopt a Childe out of five or six, and chooseth one, because he is Witty, Fair, Proper, &c. this is respect of persons; but so it is not in the Lord, for he respects nothing in them that he elected, nor in the other, but because he would. Thus of the third.

The fourth is this,Doctr. That

The Lord hath done this unchangeably.The Lord hath done this unchangeably. Those that are ordained to destruction, cannot possibly be saved, as it is not possible for the elect to be deceived:Mat. 24. 24.Matt 24:24 The foundation of the Lord remaineth sure, His decrees are as himself,2 Tim. 2. 19.2 Tim 2:19 without alteration; for if it should be otherwise, it must needs be, either that he seeth further now, and so wanted wisdom, or that he is inconstant, whereof to think but a thought were blasphemous, or else that he were over-ruled by some power which he could not resist, which were as horrible. Balaam could say, That God was not like man, that he should lye or repent: It seemeth to us sometimes as though God did change, as in Nineveh and Hezekiah, but its not so, for though he concealed it, the threatnings were conditional: His secret will is ever the same, firm and fast, and no contradiction between it and his revealed will, though there may seem so to be; yet not so, as if Gods decree put a necessity upon man of offending: for as Adam, so every man sins willingly without constraint, and yet necessarily: p. 260Gods decree bindes to a necessity of condemnation, but mans sin comes in of his own will: O the infinite and unsearchable wisdom and righteousness of God!

Seeing they whom God hath ordained to destruction can never be saved (who yet may be enlightened,Use. go far, and have many gifts and outward benefits) we should never be quiet nor sleep good sleep till we can prove we are no Reprobates: O its a most fearful state, able to make the heart ake, yea, the thought of it to torment a man; therefore we must labor to know we are not such: Hence is that of the Apostle,2 Cor. 13. 5.2 Cor 13:5 Examine your selves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Know ye not, if you have not Christ in you by Faith, ye are Reprobates? and would be content to be so or so counted? Nay, can you be content till you know you are otherwise? Therefore shake off, and be sure to be rid of all the marks of Reprobates;Marks of such as are Reprobates. Namely, 1. Ignorance, whether enforced (for want of means) or affected, for knowledge is the ground of faith and other graces;Iohn 3. 19.John 3:19 Therefore its condemnation▪ that light is come into the world, See 2 Thess. 1. 8.2 Thess 1:8and men love darkness: Iohn 10. 4.John 10:4Christ is known of his, and knoweth them again.1 Iohn 5. 20.1 John 5:20 2. Unbelief, Whosoever believeth not, is condemned already: Through this were the Israelites excluded out of Canaan, Iohn 3. 18.John 3:18and perished;Heb. 3. 19.Heb 3:19 and through this were they broke off:Rom. 11. 20.Rom 11:20 As many as are ordained to eternal life believe. Mat. 7. 23.Matt 7:233. Disobedience to the Word,See Rom. 1.Rom 1 to such shall Christ say one day,2 Tim. 3.2 Tim 3 Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity. 4. To stumble at Christ and at the Word, upon occasion pickt, as we see in this Text. So Apostacy, impenitent living in any known sin, especially after much warning and means, hatred of Gods servants, hardness of heart, security, and the like. Now is it not fearful that men can go on, and are not troubled about this? that they can carry their black marks about them, and yet be merry? O fearful and desperate mirth! If one should be condemned to be hang'd drawn and quartered, and had an iron hang'd on him as a mark of it, and were let go up and down for a few days, if he were merry and jocund, what would we say? yet thus doth the world: O awaken your selves! Doth not this concern you? O come out of your ignorane and unbelief, and never give over till you get something that a Reprobate never had, cannot have!See Mat. 7. 22.Matt 7:22 I tell you they may go far, and have so gone, therefore look well about you: A number have not gone so far as a number of Reprobates (in Knowledge, Utterance, Profession, hearing the Word with joy, reverence to the Preachers thereof, Reformation in many things, &c.) who yet think well of themselves: O fearful, that men can be so wretchless in so weighty a matter! Awaken your selves, I beseech you,Rom. 13. 3…Rom 13:3 and know one thing is needful; as the Apostle, Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good: So if thou wouldest not be afraid of reprobation, live godly, for such cannot be Reprobates. Faith, true and particular, and Sanctification throughout, make a man a Christian; this an Hyprocrite hath not: So an humble and contrite heart, a vehement longing after Christ, an high prizing of him, a p. 261vehement desire to turn to God in all things; these an Hypocrite hath not.

But if it be unchangeable,Object. then what shall I do? Ile never stir and trouble my self, but take my pleasure, &c. for if I shall be damned, I shall so be whatsoever I do; Ile never hear Sermon more while I live, for all the Sermons of the world will not help me, if I be ordained to Damnation.

O the folly and falshood of this blinde and desperate rage!Solut. Its not possible for him that is ordained to life to live as he list: If thou give thy self so to do, thou hast then indeed a mark to thy self of thy Damnation; yea, what a desperate wretch is he to resolve himself to live like a reprobate, before he know whether he be one or no? as if one should run to the gallows, and put the rope about his neck, before he know whether the Judge hath any purpose to condemn him. Again, know you not that whom God ordains to the end, he ordains also to the means? Therefore these must be used. As for Gods decree towards you, the Preacher knoweth not, therefore he must preach and call all to Repentance; neither do you know, therefore must you hear and follow the revealed will of God, and by obeying that, you shall in time come to know his secret will: We must not live by the secret, but by the revealed will of God; and we must not stand upon that desperately and blindely at first, If I be ordained, &c. but meekly hear the will of God in his Word, which being followed of us, it will be in time an Argument that we not are onelyonly no Reprobates,See a Sermon of Mr. New-house, on 1 Thess. 5. the Epistle to the Reader.1 Thess 5 but such as are ordained to Salvation: But if thou wilt desperately shake off the revealed will, and onelyonly run upon the secret, and cast off all means that should do thee good, and run into sin and means of destruction, then thou hast a bad sign of Reprobation: Whoso stumbleth at Christ, and at the Word, and live in disobedience, and so continue to the end, its certain they are Reprobate; and so long as any continueth in that state, they can have no other knowledge of themselves. Thus of the fourth.