Sermon on Acts 28:22, Sermon

Sermon on Acts 28:22 · Sermon

A SERMON On Acts xxviij. 22. Shewing, That the CHRISTIAN RELIGION Is not a SECT, And yet that it is Every where Spoken againſt.

By MATTHEW HENRY, Miniſter of the Goſpel.

LONDON: Printed for, and Sold by, Thomas Parkhurſt, at the Bible and Three Crowns, in Cheapſide, MDCXCIX.

p. 1Chriſtianity no Sect to be ſpoken againſt.

ACTS 28.22.

—For as concerning this Sect, we know that every where it is ſpoken againſt.

WOULD you think that ſuch a ſpiteful ſcornful Word as this ſhould ever be ſaid of the Chriſtian Religion? That pure Religion and undefiled, Jam. 1.27.Jas 1:27which came into the World ſupported by the ſtrongeſt Evidences of Truth, and recommended by the moſt endearing Allurements of Grace and Goodneſs: The ſayings whereof are ſo faithful, 1 Tim. 1.15.1 Tim 1:15and ſo well worthy of all acceptation: That Sacred Inſtitution which ſcatters the brighteſt Rays of Divine Light and Love that ever were darted from Heaven to Earth: That's it which is here ſo invidiouſly call'd a Sect, and is ſaid to be every where ſpoken againſt.

It will be worth while to obſerve,

1. Who they were that ſaid this, they were p. 2the chief of the Jews that were at Rome, ver. 17. The Jews were look'd upon (at leaſt they look'd upon themſelves) as a very knowing People; The Jews at Rome; a place of Learning and Enquiry, thought themſelves more knowing than the other Jews; St. Paul in his Epiſtle to the Romans, chap. 17.2.—20. takes notice of it: Thou art called a Jew, and makeſt thy boaſt of God, and knoweſt his Will, —and art confident that thou thy ſelf art a Guide of the Blind, a Light of them which are in Darkneſs, &c. And we have reaſon to ſuppoſe that the Chief of the Jews there who had the greateſt Advantages of Education and Correſpondence, were the moſt intelligent: It might alſo be juſtly expected that upon the firſt notices of the Goſpel, the Jews ſhould have been of all People moſt ready to acquaint themſelves with a Religion which was ſo much the Honour and Perfection of their own: And yet it ſeems, the Jews, the chief of the Jews at Rome knew no more of Chriſtianity but this, that it was a Sect every where ſpoken againſt. This we know, (ſaid they) and it was all they knew concerning it.

1 Theſ. 2.15, 16.1 Thess 2:151 Thess 2:16The Jews were of all other the moſt bitter and inveterate Enemies to the Chriſtians; while the Roman Emperors tolerated them, (as they did till Nero's time ††Tertullian confidently aſſerts Primum Neronem in hanc Sectam tum maxime Romae orientem, Caeſariano gladio terociſſe. Apol. cap. 5) the Jews with an unwearied Malice perſecuted them from City to City, and were the firſt Wheel in moſt of the Oppoſition that the Goſpel met with, when it was firſt Preached: Now one would think they would not have been ſo vigorous and induſtrious to ſuppreſs Chriſtianity if they had not very well acquainted themſelves with it, and known it to deſerve ſuch oppoſition; But it ſeems by this, they knew little or nothing of the Religion p. 3they ſo much maligned, had never ſearch'd into the Merits of its Cauſe, nor weigh'd the Proofs of its Divine Authority, but againſt all Law and Reaſon condemn'd it (foreign,Inquiſitione & agnitione neglecta Nomen detinetur Nomen expugnatur — Vox ſola praedamnat Tert. Ap. c. 3. as Juſtin Martyr complains) purely upon common Fame, and follow the cry to run it down, becauſe it was every where ſpoken againſt.

2. Upon what occaſion they ſaid this. They were now appointing a time to diſcourſe with St. Paul upon the grand Queſtion in debate, whether Jeſus of Nazareth was the true Meſſiah or no. And they ſeem'd willing to hear what that great Man had to ſay in defence of the Religion he preach'd, We deſire (ſay they) to hear of thee what thou thinkeſt, — Now one would expect that ſo good a Cauſe, managed by ſuch a skilful Advocate, would not but carry the day, and be Victorious, and that they would all have been brought over to the belief of Chriſtianity; But we find v. 24. that it prov'd otherwiſe; after all, there were thoſe that believed not, and the Text intimates the reaſon of their Infidelity, they came to hear the word under a Prejudice; They had already imbib'd an ill opinion of the way, which right or wrong they reſolved to hold faſt; And tho' ſome of them by the help of Divine Grace got over this ſtumbling Block,Acts 17.11.Acts 17:11 that like the Bereans were more Noble than the reſt, and of freer thought: yet many of them continued under the power of thoſe Prejudices, and were ſeal'd up under Unbelief, v. 26.27. Thus is the Power of the Word in many, baffled by the Power of Prejudice. They do not believe, becauſe they are reſolved they will not: John 1.46.John 1:46They conclude that no good thing can come out of Nazareth, and will not be perſwaded to come and p. 4ſee: Prov. 18.13. John 7.51.Prov 18:13John 7:51Thus do they prejudge the Cauſe, anſwering the matter before they hear it, and it will prove folly and ſhame to them.

Now in the Account they here give of their Knowledge of the Chriſtian Religion, we may obſerve,

1. That they look'd upon it to be a Sect, and we'll prove that to be falſe.

2. —A Sect every where ſpoken againſt, and we will grant that to be true, that it is generally ſpoken againſt, tho' 'tis moſt unreaſonable and unjuſt it ſhould be ſo.

Firſt, The Chriſtian Religion is here called (but miſcalled) a Sect, foreign, Electio optio, An Opinion not forced upon us by the Evidences of Truth, but choſen by us with ſome forreign Deſign.foreign, a Hereſy. After the way which they call Hereſy, (ſaith St. Paul, Acts 24.14.) ſo worſhip I the God of my Fathers, —The Sect of the Nazarenes, ſo Tertullus calls it in his opening of the Indictment againſt Paul, Acts 24.5. it's call'd this way, Acts 9.2. and that way, Acts 19.9. as if it were a By-path out of the common Road. The Practice of ſerious Godlineſs is ſtill look'd upon by many as a Sect that is a Party-buſineſs, and a piece of affected ſingularity in Opinion and Practice tending to promote ſome carnal Deſign, by creating and ſupporting invidious Diſtinctions among Men. This is the proper notion of a Sect, and therefore the Maſters and Maintainers of Sects are juſtly in an ill Name, as Enemies to the great Corporation of Mankind; but there is not the leaſt colour of Reaſon to put this invidious and ſcandalous Character upon the Chriſtian Religion. However, it may be miſtaken and miſrepreſented, it is very far from being really a Sect. There were Sects of Religion among the p. 5Jews; we read of the Sect of the Sadducees, Acts 5.17. which was built upon peculiar notions, ſuch as overturn'd the foundation of Natural Religion, by denying a future ſtate of Rewards and Puniſhments: There was alſo the Sect of the Phariſees, Acts 15.5. the ſtraiteſt Sect of their Religion, Acts 26.5. which was founded in the obſervance and impoſition of ſingular Rites and Cuſtoms, with an affected ſeparation from, and contempt of all Mankind: Theſe were Sects: But there is nothing of the Spirit and Genius of theſe in the Chriſtian Religion, as it was inſtituted by its great Author.

1. True Chriſtianity eſtabliſheth that which is of common concernment to all Mankind, and therefore is not a Sect. The Truths and Precepts of the everlaſting Goſpel are perfective of and no way repugnant to the Light and Law of Natural Religion. Is that a Sect which gives ſuch mighty Encouragements and Aſſiſtances to thoſe that in every Nation fear God and work Righteouſneſs? Acts 10.34. Is that a Sect which tends to nothing elſe but to reduce the revolted Race of Mankind to their Ancient Allegiance to the great Creator, and to renew that Image of God upon Man which was his Primitive Rectitude and Felicity? Is that a Sect which proclaims God in Chriſt reconciling the World unto himſelf, 2 Cor. 5.19.2 Cor 5:19and recovering it from that degenerate and deplorable State into which it was ſunk? Is that a Sect which publiſheth Good-will towards Men,Luke 2.14. Joh. 1.29.3.16. 1 John 2.2.Luke 2:14John 1:29John 1:3John 1:161 John 2:2 and Chriſt the Lamb of God taking away the Sins of the World? Surely that which concurs ſo much with the uncorrupted and unprejudiced Sentiments, and conduceth much more to the true and real Happineſs of all Mankind cannot be thought to p. 6take its riſe from ſuch narrow Opinions, and private Intereſts, as Sects ow their Original to.

2. True Chriſtianity hath a direct tendency to the Ʋniting of the Children of Men, and the gathering of them together in one, and therefore is far from being a Sect, Secta dicitur à Secando.which is ſuppos'd to lead to Diviſion, and to ſow Diſcord among Brethren. The Preaching of the Goſpel did indeed prove the occaſion of Contention. Our Saviour foreſaw and foretold it would be ſo, Luke 12.51, 52, 53. that his Diſciples and Followers would be Men of ſtrife, in the ſame ſenſe that the Prophet was, Jer. 15.10. not Men ſtriving, but Men ſtriven with; but the Goſpel was by no means the Cauſe of this Contention, for it was intended to be the Cure of all Contention. If there be any who under the Cloak and Colour of the Chriſtian Name cauſe Diviſions, and propagate Feuds and Quarrels among Men, let them bear their own Burthen; but it is certain that the Chriſtian Religion as far as it obtains its juſt Power and Influence upon the minds of Men will make them Meek and Quiet, Humble and Peaceable, Loving and Uſeful, Condeſcending and Forgiving, and every way Eaſy, and Acceptable and Profitable one to another. Is that a Sect which was introduced with a Proclamation of Peace on Earth? That which beats Swords into Plow-ſhares, and Spears into Pruning-hooks? Or, was he the Author of a Sect who is the Great Creator of Ʋnity, and who Died to break down partition Walls, Eph. 2.14, 15, 16. John 11.52.Eph 2:14Eph 2:15Eph 2:16John 11:52and to ſlay all Enmities, that he might gather together in one the Children of God that were ſcattered abroad? Was he the Author of a Sect who came into the World not to destroy Mens Lives, Luk, 9.56.but to ſave them, and who taught p. 7his Followers not only to love one another, but to love their Enemies, and to count every one their Neighbour, Luke 10.36, 37.Luke 10:36Luke 10:37that they could be any way ſerviceable to?

3. True Chriſtianity aims at no Worldly. Benefit or Advantage, and therefore muſt by he means be call'd a Sect. Thoſe that eſpouſe a Sect are ſuppos'd to be govern'd in it by their ſecular Intereſt, and to aim at Wealth, or Honour, or the gratification of ſome baſe Luſt: The Phariſees proved themſelves, to be a Sect by their Thirſt after the praiſe of Men, and their greedy devouring of Widows Houſes: But the Profeſſors of Chriſtianity have not only been taught by the Law of their Religion, to live above this World, and to look upon it with a Holy Contempt, but have been expos'd by their Profeſſion to the Loſs and Ruine of all their ſecular Comforts and Enjoyments. Are thoſe to be accounted politick and deſigning Sectaries that have for Chriſt chearfully ſuffered the loſs of all things? Phil. 2.8.Phil 2:8Is that a Sect which inſtead of prefering a Man to Honour, or raiſing him an Eſtate, lays him open to Diſgrace and Poverty, renders him obnoxious to Fines and Forfeitures, Baniſhments and Impriſonments, Racks and Tortures, Flames and Gibbets, which were the common Lot of the Primitive Chriſtians? Caeſar Vaninus a ſworn Enemy to the Chriſtian Religion, and one who was induſtrious in ſearching out Objections againſt it, own'd he could find nothing in it that ſavour'd of a Carnal and Worldly Deſign; No, it hath always approv'd it ſelf a Heavenly Calling, Heb. 3.1.Heb 3:1and the ſtricteſt Profeſſors of it (even their Enemies themſelves being Judges) have had their Converſation in the World in Simplicity, 2 Cor. 1.12.2 Cor 1:12and Godly p. 8Sincerity, not with Fleſhly Wiſdom: Very unjuſtly therefore it is called a Sect.

As to this therefore, ſuffer a Word of Caution and Exhortation.

1. Let us take heed leſt our Profeſſion of Religion degenerate into any thing which may make it look like a Sect. Chriſtianity as it was inſtituted by Chriſt is not a Sect, let not Chriſtians then be Sectaries. We make our Profeſſion of Religion a Sect when we monopolize the Church and its Miniſtry and Sacraments, and ſpend that zeal in matters of doubtful Diſputation which ſhould be reſerved for the weightier matters of the Law. When we place our Religion in Meats and Drinks, Rom. 14.17, 18.Rom 14:17Rom 14:18which ſhould be placed in Righteouſneſs, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. When we profeſs Religion with a Conceit of our ſelves, and a Contempt of others, and with any Worldly ſecular Deſign; when we ſacrifice the common Intereſts of Chriſt's Kingdom to the particular Intereſts of a Party, and in a word, when our Profeſſion is tainted with the Leaven of the Phariſees, Luke 12.1.Luke 12:1which is both ſowring and ſwelling, then it degenerates into a Sect. Let us therefore adhere to the ſure and large Foundations, and be acted by a Principle of Love to, and ſo maintain Communion with all that in every place, 1 Cor. 1.21 Cor 1:2and under every Denomination, call on the Name of Jeſus Chriſt our Lord, both theirs and ours. Let us be Modeſt in our Opinions, Charitable and Candid in our Cenſures, Self-denying in all our Converſe, Acting always under the Influence of that Wiſdom that is from above, which is firſt Pure, Jam. 3.17.Jas 3:17then Peaceable, gentle and eaſy to be intreated, full of Mercy and good Fruits, without Partiality and Hypocriſy, that by this well-doing p. 9we may put to ſilence the Ignorance of thoſe who call Religion a Sect.1 Pet. 2.15.1 Pet 2:15

2. Let us not be deterr'd from ſerious Godlineſs, or any of the Inſtances of it, by the invidious Name of a Sect, which is put upon it. If a ſtrict and ſober and circumſpect Converſation, a conſcientious Government of our Tongue, Praying and ſinging Pſalms in our Families, a religious Obſervation of the Lord's Day, a diligent Attendance upon the Means of Grace, joyning in religious Societies for Prayer and Chriſtian Conference, and endeavouring in our places the Suppreſſion of Profaneſs and Immorality, if theſe and the like be call'd and counted the Marks and Badges of a Sect, let us not be moved at it, but ſay as David did, 2 Sam. 6.22. If this be to be vile, I will be yet more vile. If the Practice of Piety be branded as a Sect, it is better for us to come under the reproaches of Men for following it, than under the Curſe of God for neglecting it. It is a very ſmall thing to be judged of Man's Day, but he that judgeth us is the Lord: 1 Cor. 4.3, 4.1 Cor 4:31 Cor 4:4Let us therefore be more afraid of being Sectaries, than of being call'd ſo.

Secondly, The Chriſtian Religion is here ſaid to be every where ſpoken againſt. That it was ſpoken againſt was evident enough, but that it was every where ſpoken againſt, was more than they could be ſure of: They did not know all Places, nor had they correſpondence with, or intelligence from every Country; but we muſt not wonder if thoſe that oppoſe the Truth as it is in Jeſus, make no conſcience of tranſgreſſing the Laws of Truth in common Converſation. But we will ſuppoſe that the Acquaintance and Converſe p. 10of thoſe Jews at Rome lay moſtly with thoſe that were Enemies to Chriſtianity, and ſpoke againſt it, and they therefore concluded it every where ſpoken againſt becauſe they found it ſpoken againſt in all places that they came to, or had advice from. Thus apt are we to embrace that as a general Sentiment and Obſervation which we find received by thoſe that we uſually aſſociate with, and ſo we run our ſelves into miſtakes, which larger and more impartial Enquiries would ſoon rectify.

But we will take it for granted, however, that what they ſaid was true, not becauſe they ſaid it, but becauſe the experience of all Ages doth confirm it, and concur with it: So that a little Acquaintance with Books and the World will prove the Obſervation which we ground upon this Text;

Doct.That it is, and always hath been, the Lot of Chriſt's Holy Religion, to be every where ſpoken againſt. Or thus:

That true Chriſtianity hath all along met with a great deal of Oppoſition and Contradiction in this World.

I purpoſe not to enter into a particular Diſquiſition of that which has been, and is ſpoken againſt Religion, nor do I undertake at preſent to ſhew how falſe and unreaſonable it is, That hath been done many a time by the beſt Hands, and ſo effectually that every impartial eye muſt needs look upon the cauſe of the Adverſaries of Religion to be a baffled Cauſe: But I ſhall only make ſome improvement of this general Obſervation, which cannot be unſeaſonable in an Age wherein the Gates of Hell ſeem to be making their utmoſt efforts againſt the Church; and the Devil, as the Calumniator and Falſe Accuſer p. 11to be more wroth than ever with the Woman the Church,Rev. 12.17,Rev 12:17 and to puſh on the War with an unuſual vigor againſt the remnant of her Seed, which keep the Commandments of God, and have the Teſtimony of Jeſus Chriſt.

I ſhall therefore (1.) enquire what it is in Chriſtianity that is ſpoken againſt. And (2.) ſhew you why ſo Holy and Excellent a Religion is ſpoken againſt, and then draw ſome Inferences from this Obſervation.

For the firſt, Who and What it is that is ſpoken againſt.

1. Jeſus Chriſt, the Author of our Religion, is every where ſpoken againſt. When the Firſt-begotten was brought into the World, old Simeon, among other great things, pronounced this concerning him, that he was a ſign which ſhould be ſpoken againſt, and by that means was ſet for the fall of many, Luke 2.34. when he was here upon Earth he was ſpoken againſt. The Stone, Pſal. 118.22.Ps 118:22which was deſign'd to be the Head of the Corner, was rejected, and ſet at naught by the Builders. It was not the leaſt of his Sufferings in the days of his fleſh, that he endured the contradiction of Sinners againſt himſelf, Heb. 12.3. They ſpoke againſt his Perſon as mean and contemptible,Iſa. 53.2, 3.Isa 53:2Isa 53:3 and one that had no form, nor comlineſs: They ſpoke againſt his Preaching as falſe and deceiving, John 7.12. as factious and ſeditious, Luke 23.2. as ſenſeleſs and ridiculous, for the Phariſees derided him for it, Luke 16.14. They ſpake againſt his Miracles as done in Confederacy with Belzebub the Prince of the Devils, Mat. 12.24. They ſpoke againſt his Morals, charging him with Blaſphemy againſt God, Profanation of the Sabbath-day; and all the inſtances of Debauchery which were p. 12uſually met with in a Gluttonous Man, a Winebibber, and a Friend of Publicans and Sinners, Mat. 11.19. They ſpoke againſt his Followers as a company of ignorant deſpicable People, John 7.48.49. When he was in his Sufferings, paſs through all the ſteps and ſtages of them, and you will find him every where ſpoken againſt, They reproched him in all his Offices, In his Office of Teaching, when they challenged him to tell who ſmote him: In his Office of Saving, when they challenged him to ſave himſelf as he had ſaved others. In his Office of Ruling, when they challenged him to prove himſelf the King of the Jews by coming down from the Croſs. The common People ſpoke againſt him,Mat, 27.39. even they that paſſed by reviled him. The Phariſees & chief Prieſts, the Grandees of the Church were as ſevere as any in their Reflections upon him,Luke 23.11. foreign.Luke 23:11 Princes alſo did ſit and ſpake againſt him, Herod and his Men of War ſet him at nought, made nothing of him that made all things.

Nay, even now he is ſet down at the right-hand of the Majeſty on high,Eph. 1.20.21.Eph 1:20Eph 1:21 far above all Principalities and Powers, i. e. both good and evil Angels, ſo as to be no more hurt by the contradictions of the one, than he is benefitted by the Adorations of the other, yet ſtill he is ſpoken againſt. Beſides the Contempt caſt upon him by the Jews and Mahometans, are there not with us, even with us, thoſe that daringly ſpeak againſt him? Arians and Socinians are daily ſpeaking againſt him as a meer Man, thinking that a Robbery in him,Phil. 2.6.Phil 2:6 which He thought none, to be equal with God; Quakers and Enthuſiaſts ſpeak againſt Him as a meer Name, ſetting up I know not what Chriſt within them, while they explode that Jeſus that was Crucified at Jeruſalem. p. 13Atheiſts and Deiſts ſpeak againſt Him as a meer Cheat, accounting the Religion he eſtabliſhed a great Impoſture, and His Goſpel a Jeſt. Profane and Ignorant People ſpeak ſlightly of Him, as if our Beloved were no more than another Beloved; and ſome ſpeak ſcornfully of Him,Cant. 5.9.Song 5:9 as Julian the Apoſtate did, that call'd Him in diſdain the Galilean, and the Carpenter's Son. Such as theſe are the hard ſpeeches, Jude 15.Jude 1:15which ungodly Sinners have ſpoken againſt Him, the Lord rebuke them, even the Lord that hath choſen Jeruſalem rebuke them.

2. God himſelf the great Object of our Religious Regards, is every where ſpoken againſt. It is not only the Chriſtian Revelation that is thus attack'd by virulent and blaſphemous Tongues, but even Natural Religion alſo. The Glorious and Bleſſed God the great Creator and Benefactor of the Univerſe, that doth Good to all, and whoſe tender Mercies are over all His Works, even He is every where ſpoken againſt. Some deny His Being: Tho' His Exiſtence be ſo neceſſary, ſo evident, that if He be not, tis impoſſible any thing elſe ſhould be, yet there are Fools who ſay in their hearts, what they dare not ſpeak out, that there is no God, Pſal. 14.1. And he that ſaith there is no God wiſheth there were none, and if he could help it there ſhould be none. Others Blaſpheme the Attributes of God, that charge the All-ſeeing Eye with Blindneſs, ſaying, The Lord ſhall not ſee, Pſal. 94.7. that charge the Eternal Mind with Forgetfulneſs, ſaying, God hath forgotten, Pſal. 10.11. that charge the Almighty Arm with Impotency, ſaying, Can God furniſh a Table in the Wilderneſs, which is there call'd ſpeaking againſt God, Pſal. 78.19, p. 1420. Thoſe ſpeak againſt God that promiſe themſelves Impunity in Sin, ſaying, They ſhall not ſurely die, Gen. 3.4. Pſ. 10.13.Gen 3:4Ps 10:13and God will not require it. And thoſe that boldly allow their Impiety and Irreligion, ſaying unto the Almighty Depart from us— Job. 21.14, 15. Some ſpeak meanly of God, tho' He is infinitely Great and Glorious, others ſpeak hardly of Him, tho' he is infinitely Juſt and Good. The Name of God is ſpoken againſt by the profane uſing of it; ſo it is conſtrued Pſal. 139.20. They ſpeak againſt thee wickedly, thine Enemies take thy Name in vain. Can there be a greater ſlight put upon the Eternal God than for Men to uſe his Sacred and Bleſſed Name as a By-word, with which they give vent to their exorbitant Paſſions, or fill up the vacancies of their other Idle-words? The Name of God is thus abus'd not only by thoſe that belch out bloody Oaths and Curſes which make the Ears of every good Man to tingle, but by thoſe that mention the Name of God ſlightly and irreverently, in their common Converſation;Jer. 12.2.Jer 12:2 in whoſe mouths he is near when he is far from their reins. To uſe thoſe forms of ſpeech which properly ſignify an Acknowledgment and Adoration of God's Being, as O God, or O Lord, or an Appeal to his Omniſcience, as God knows, or an Invocation of his Favour, as God bleſs me, or God be merciful to me; I ſay, to uſe theſe or the like expreſſions impertinently, and intending thereby to expreſs only our wonder, our ſurprize, or our paſſionate reſentments, or any thing than that which is their proper and awful ſignification, is an evidence of a vain mind, that wants a due regard to that glorious and fearful Name, Deut. 28.58.Deut 28:58The Lord our God. I ſee not that the Profanation of the Ordinance p. 15of Praying, is any better than the Profanation of the Ordinance of Swearing. The ſerious conſideration of this, I hope, might prevent much of that Diſhonour which is done to God, and to his Holy Name, by ſome that run not with others to an exceſs of Riot.

The Providence of God is likewiſe every where ſpoken againſt by Murmurers and Complainers that quarrel with it,Jude 16.Jude 1:16 and find fault with the diſpoſals of it,Iſa. 8.21.Isa 8:21 and when they are hardly beſtead curſe their King and their God. Thus is the mouth of the ungodly ſet againſt the Heavens, Pſal. 73.9.Ps 73:9and their Tongue walketh through the Earth.

3. The Word of God the great Rule of our Religion is every where ſpoken againſt, ſo it was when it was firſt preached, wherever the Apoſtles went preaching the Doctrine of Chriſt they met with thoſe that ſpake againſt it, contradicting and blaſpheming, Acts 13.45. So it is, now it is written, Atheiſts ſpeak againſt the Scriptures as not of Authority, Papiſts ſpeak againſt it as dark and uncertain further than it is expounded, and ſupported by the Authority of their Church, which **Trident Concil. Seſſ. 4th.receives unwritten Traditions pari pietatis affectu ac reverentiâ, with the ſame pious affection and reverence that they receive the Scripture, nay, and if we may judge by their practice, with much more. Thus is the Word of God blaſphemed by them who call themſelves the Temple of the Lord. But if we take away Revelation (as the Deiſts do) all Religion will ſoon be loſt, and if we derogate from the Scriptures (as the Papiſts do) all Revelation is much endangered.

Thoſe alſo ſpeak againſt the Scriptures, who profanely Jeſt with them, and that they may p. 16the more ſecurely Rebel againſt Scripture Laws, make themſelves and their idle Companions merry with the Scripture Language. The Word of the Lord is unto them a reproach, as the Prophet complains, Jer. 6.10. And another Prophet found it ſo, whoſe ſerious word of the neceſſity of Precept upon Precept was turned into an idle Song, (as Grotius underſtands it) Iſa. 28.13. The word of the Lord was unto them Precept upon Precept— Very likely it was done by the Drunkards of Ephraim, ſpoken of v. 1. and it gave occaſion to that Caution, v. 22. Be ye not mockers leſt your Bands be made ſtrong. Profligate and Debauched Minds reliſh no wit like that which ridicules the Sacred Text, and expoſeth that to Contempt:Pſ. 137.3.Ps 137:3 As of old the inſulting Babilonians muſt be humour'd with the Songs of Sion; and no Cups can pleaſe Belſhazzar in his drunken Frollick but the Sacred Veſſels of the Temple. Dan. 5.2, 3.Dan 5:2Dan 5:3Thus induſtrious are the Powers of Darkneſs to Vilify the Scriptures, and to make them contemptible; but he that ſits in Heaven ſhall laugh at them, for in ſpite of all the little efforts of their impotent Malice, He will magnifie the Law and make it honourable, according to the word which he hath ſpoken, Iſa. 42.21.

4. The People of God, the Profeſſors of this Religion are every where ſpoken againſt. Not only thoſe of ſome particular Perſwaſion or Denomination, but (without regard to that) ſuch as have been zealous in fearing God, and working Righteouſneſs have been, in many places, very much ſpoken againſt. Our Bleſſed Saviour hath told his Diſciples what Treatment of this kind they muſt expect, that they ſhould be revil'd and have all manner of evil ſaid againſt them falſly, p. 17Mat. 5.11, 12. that they and their Names ſhould be caſt out as evil, Luke 6.22. And if they called our Maſter, Belzebub, no nick-names faſtned upon his Followers can ſeem ſtrange. Mat. 5.25. Mocking was an old way of perſecuting the Covenant-Seed, for thus, He that was after the Fleſh, betimes perſecuted them that were after the Spirit. Compare Gen. 21.9. with Gal. 4.29. God's Heritage hath always been as a ſpeckled Bird, that all the Birds are againſt, Jer. 12.9.Zach. 3.8.Zech 3:8 And his Children for ſigns and for wonders in Iſrael, that every one hath a ſaying to. Iſa. 8.18. Even Wiſdoms Children have been call'd and counted Fools, and their life Madneſs; The Quiet in the Land repreſented as Enemies to the Publick Peace; And thoſe who are the greateſt Bleſſings of the Age branded as the Troublers of Iſrael. See this at large, repreſented by Caecilius in Minucius Felix.The Primitive Chriſtians were painted out to the World under the blackeſt and moſt odious Characters that could be, as Men of the moſt profligate Lives and Conſciences, and that even placed their Religion in the groſſeſt Impieties and Immoralities imaginable. Their Enemies found it neceſſary for the ſupport of the Kingdom of the Devil, the Father of Lies and Slanders, (fortiter Calumniari) to Characterize them as the worſt of Men, to whom they were reſolv'd to give the worſt and moſt barbarous Treatment. It had not been poſſible to have baited them, if they had not firſt dreſs'd them up in the skins of wild Beaſts. And as then, ſo ever ſince, more or leſs in all Ages of the Church, Reproach hath been entail'd upon the moſt ſerious and zealous Profeſſors of Religion and Godlineſs.

p. 185. The Miniſters of Chriſt, the Preachers of this Religion, are with a diſtinguiſhing Enmity every where ſpoken againſt. Under the Old Teſtament God's Meſſengers and his Prophets were generally mocked and miſuſed, and it was Jeruſalem's meaſure-filling Sin. 2 Chron. 36.16. 'Twas one of the Devices they devis'd againſt Jeremiah to ſmite him with the tongue, becauſe they would not, and they deſired tha… others might not give heed to any of his words, Jer. 18.18. Thoſe to whom the Prophet Ezekiel was a very lovely Song, and with their mouths ſhowed much love to him, yet were ſtill talking againſt him by the Walls, and in the Doors of their Houſes, and God lets him know it. Ezek. 33.30, 31, 32. And then it is not ſtrange if the Miniſters of the New Teſtament (in which Truth ſhines with a ſtronger Light) be with no leſs Enmity ſpoken againſt by thoſe that love Darkneſs rather than Light. The Apoſtles, thoſe prime Miniſters of State in Chriſt's Kingdom were ſo loaded with Reproach, that they were made a ſpectacle to the World, foreign — the Theatre they plaid upon.a ſpectacle of Pity to thoſe that have either Grace or good Nature, but a ſpectacle of ſcorn to thoſe that had neither. They were trampled upon as the Filth of the World; and whereas the Off-ſcouring of any thing is bad enough, they were look'd upon as the off-ſcouring of all things; even unto this day; after they had in ſo many inſtances approv'd themſelves well, and could not but be made manifeſt in the Conſciences of their worſt Enemies, 1 Cor. 4.9, 13. And it hath all along been the Policy of the Churches Enemies by all marks poſſible to bring the Miniſtry into contempt, and to repreſent the Churches Nazarites, even thoſe that were purer than Snow, whiter than p. 19Milk, and more ruddy than Rubies, with a viſage blacker than a Coal, ſo that they have not been known in the ſtreets. I allude to that complaint, Lam. 4.7, 8. Marvel not, if the Standard-bearers be moſt ſtruck at.

6. The Chriſtian Religion it ſelf hath been and ſtill is every where ſpoken againſt. The Truths of it contradicted as falſe and groundleſs, the great Doctrines of the Mediation of Chriſt, and the Reſurrection of the Dead were ridicul'd by the Athenian Philoſophers, Acts 19.18, 32. The Laws of it faulted as grievous and unreaſonable, as hard ſayings, which could not be born, by thoſe who bid open defiance to the Obligation of them, and ſay, Let us break their bands aſunder, and caſt away their Cords from us, Pſ. 2.3. The Ordinances of it deſpis'd as mean, and having no form nor comelineſs. Sabbaths mock'd at, as of old,—cui ſeptima quaeque fuit lux Ignava— Juvenal. ſat. 5. Dicimur ſceleratiſſimi de Sacramento infanticidij, & pabulo inde. & poſt convivium inceſto, &c. Tertull. Apol. cap. 7. Lam. 1.7. and the ſanctification of them repreſented as only a Cloak for Idleneſs. Sacraments reproach'd, and the Sacred Memorial of Chriſt's Death and Sufferings, by the Perſecutors of the Primitive Chriſtians repreſented to the World as the bloody and inhumane Killing and Eating of a Child, and their Love Feaſts and Holy Kiſs (which were then in uſe) as only introductions to the moſt abominable uncleanneſs. Primitive Chriſtianity was induſtriouſly put into an ill-name: it was call'd emphatically The Atheiſm, becauſe it overthrew Idolatry, and undermin'd the falſe Gods, and worſhips that had ſo long obtain'd. This was the Out-cry at Epheſus, that if Paul's Doctrine took place, the Temple of the great Goddeſs would be deſpis'd, Acts 19.26, 27. It was alſo branded as a Novelty, and an up-ſtart Doctrine, becauſe it took p. 20people off from that vain Converſation which they had received by Tradition from their Fathers. 1 Pet. 1.18. Acts 17.18, 19. See Dr. Cave's Primitive Chriſtianity, lib. 1. ch. 1.1 Pet 1:18Acts 17:18Acts 17:19It was call'd at Athens a New Doctrine, and induſtriouſly repreſented in all places as a Muſhrome Sect, that was but of yeſterday. It was look'd upon as nearly allied to Judaiſm, becauſe it was ſo much ſupported by the Scriptures of the Old Teſtament, and nothing was more deſpicable among the Romans than the Jews, and their Religion. The Profeſſors of Chriſtianity were look'd upon as unlearned and ignorant Men, Acts 4.12. the very Dregs and Refuſe of the People.Greg. Nazian. Invectiv. in Julian. Orat. 1. p. (mihi) 42. Julian forbad the calling of them Chriſtians, and would have them called nothing but Galileans, thereby to expoſe them to the contempt of thoſe who are (as indeed moſt people are) govern'd more by a ſound of Words than by the reaſon of Things. Thus when the Devil was ſilenced in his Oracles (as it is well known he was upon the ſetting up of Chriſtianity in the World) his mouth was opened in Lies and Slanders; and being forced to quit his pretentions to a Deity, he appears bare-faced, as a Devil, (foreign) a Falſe Accuſer.

The Reformed Religion in theſe latter ages, hath been in like manner ſpoken againſt: Though it maintains all that, [and only that] Doctrine, which Chriſt and his Apoſtles preach'd, and was before Luther there, where Popery, as ſuch, never was before or ſince, that is, in the Holy Scriptures, yet the Profeſſors and Preachers of it have been call'd and counted Hereticks, Lollards from Lolium, Tares ſo my Ld. Cook from Mr. Fox. Rev. 13.17Rev 13:17and Schiſmaticks, and by all poſſible Artifices expos'd to the odium of the People, that none might Buy or Sell, i. e. have the benefit and comfort of civil Society and Commerce, that had not the Mark, p. 21or the Name of the Beaſt, Rev. 13.17.Rev 13:17or the Number of his Name.

Nay, even among ſome that profeſs the Chriſtian and Reformed Religion, yet the Practice of ſerious Godlineſs is very much ſpoken againſt. The Power of Religion is not only diſliked and deny'd, but contradicted and condemned by thoſe that reſt in the Form. They that call the Evil, Iſa. 5.20.Isa 5:20Good, will call the Good, Evil; and it is not ſtrange if they, who abandon themſelves to work all uncleanneſs with greedineſs, 1 Pet. 4.3, 4,1 Pet 4:31 Pet 4:4ſpeak ill of ſuch as run not with them to the ſame exceſs of Riot, where the Wicked walk on every ſide, he that departeth from evil maketh himſelf a prey. Pſal. 12.8. Iſa. 59.15.Ps 12:8Isa 59:15The old Enmity between the Seed of the Woman and the Seed of the Serpent is ſtill working, and the old Game every day plaid over again. The Truth as it is in Jeſus, Eph. 4.21. compar'd with Tit. 1.1.Eph 4:21Titus 1:1and the Truth which is according to Godlineſs will be contradicted by thoſe that lye in wait to deceive. Bigots on all ſides will have ſomething to ſay againſt Catholick Charity and Moderation: They that are fervent in ſpirit, ſerving the Lord, and forward to every good Work, muſt expect to be evil ſpoken of by ſuch as affect a Lukewarmneſs, and Indifferency in Religion: Nor can thoſe who walk circumſpectly, not as Fools but as Wiſe, eſcape the laſh of their Tongues who live at large, and walk looſly, and at all adventures, as the Fools in Iſrael.

I come now in the Second Place to enquire what's the Reaſon that ſo Holy and Excellent a Religion as Chriſtianity is, meets with ſuch hard uſage, and is thus ſpoken againſt, every where ſpoken againſt: When we hear ſuch an Out-cry as this made againſt Chriſtianity, it is natural p. 22to us to enquire, as Pilate did when ſuch a Clamour was raiſed againſt its Author, Why, what evil hath it done? Truly we may ſay concerning it as Pilate did concerning him, We find no fault in it. Which of all its Oppoſers convinceth it of Sin or Error? It invades no Man's Right, breaks in upon no Man's Property, is no Diſturbance of the Peace, no Enemy to the Welfare of Families and Societies, is no Prejudice at all to the Intereſts of States aad Princes, but to all theſe highly Beneficial and Advantageous: Why then is it thus accuſed, condemned and ſpoken againſt? We will endeavour to find out the true Reaſon of it, though it is impoſſible to aſſign a juſtifiable Reaſon of that which is moſt unreaſonable.

1. The Adverſaries of Religion ſpeak againſt it becauſe they do not know it. Sound Knowledge hath not a greater Enemy in the World than Ignorance. Our Lord Jeſus was therefore deſpiſed and hated by the World, becauſe the World knew him not, John 1.10. If they had known the Dignity of his Perſon, the Excellency of his Doctrine, and the gracious Deſign and Purpoſe of his coming into the World, certainly they would not have Crucified the Lord of Glory, 1 Cor. 2.8. They that did it,Acts 3.15, 17. Luke 23.34.Acts 3:15Acts 3:17Luke 23:34 did it through Ignorance, and knew not what they did. Thus they who ſay to the Almighty, Depart from us, could not ſay ſo if they did not at the ſame time ſtudiouſly decline the knowledge of his ways. Job 21.14.Job 21:14No Man will ſpeak againſt Religion and the Power of it, that hath either ſeriouſly weighed the Proofs and Evidences of it, or impartially tried the Comfort and Benefit of it.John 4.10.John 4:10 If they knew this Gift, this ineſtimable Gift of God, inſtead of ſpeaking againſt it, p. 23they would covet it earneſtly as the beſt Gift. He that looks at a diſtance upon Men Dancing, would think them to be mad: (It was Peter Martyr's Compariſon, in a Sermon which had ſo good an influence upon the Converſion of the Marqueſs of Vico) But let him come nearer them, and obſerve the Regularity and Harmony of all their Motions and Poſtures, and he will not only admire their Order, but find in himſelf an inclination to join with them: So he that contents himſelf with a diſtant and tranſient view of the Practice of Piety will perhaps take up hard thoughts of it, but a better Acquaintance will rectify the Miſtake. When the Spouſe in the Canticles had given a Deſcription of her Beloved to the Daughters of Jeruſalem, the ſame who before had ſcornfully ask'd,Cant. 5.9.6.1.Song 5:9Song 5:6Song 5:1 What is thy Beloved more than another Beloved? Now as ſeriouſly enquire, Whither is thy Beloved gone, that we may ſeek him with thee? The People of God are called his Hidden Ones, and their Life is a Hidden Life, Pſal. 83.3. Col. 3.3. Prov. 15.24. Pſa. 105.Ps 83:3Col 3:3Prov 15:24Ps 105their way above, and therefore it is that the World ſpeaks evil of them, becauſe it knows them not. 1 Joh. 3.1. They who ſpeak evil of theſe Dignities, ſpeak evil of thoſe things which they know not, Quid iniquiusquàm ut oderin… homines quod ignorant. Tunc enim meretur, quando cognoſcitur an mereatur Tert. Apol. cap. 1.as the Apoſtle ſpeaks Jude 8.10. How unjuſt then, and unreaſonable is the Enmity and Malice of the Adverſaries of Religion, to condemn that which they never enquired into, and to load that with the vileſt Reproaches which for ought they know, merits the higheſt Encomiums! And how excellent then are the ways of God, which none ſpeak ill of but thoſe that are unacquainted with them! while thoſe that know them witneſs to the goodneſs of them, and Wiſdom is juſtified of all her Children, Mat. 11.19.

p. 242. They ſpeak againſt it becauſe they do not like it, and we know Ill-will never ſpeaks well. Tho' they have little acquaintance with Religion, yet they know this concerning it in general, that it is not agreeable with the way of their hearts which they are reſolved to walk in,Antè nos incipiunt odiſſe quam noſſe, ne cognitos aut imitari poſſint, aut damnare non poſſint Min. Fel. p. (mihi) 30. Rom. 8.7. 1 Joh. 3.13.Rom 8:71 John 3:13 nor with the courſe of this World, which is the Card and Compaſs they ſteer by, and from which they take their meaſures; they know this, that it lays a reſtraint upon their Appetites and Paſſions, and conſiſts much in the mortifying of their beloved Luſts and Corruptions, and therefore they have a ſecret Antipathy to it: The Carnal Mind, which is enmity againſt God, is ſo againſt all that bear the Image of God. Chriſt hath bidden his Diſciples to expect the Hatred of the World, and not to marvel at it, Joh. 15.18, &c. They who hate to be themſelves reform'd will never love thoſe that are reform'd: Out of the abundance therefore of the Heart, and the Malignity that is there, it is no marvel if the mouth ſpeak; where the Root of Bitterneſs is,Job 15.25.Job 15:25 it will bear Gall and Wormwood. The Daring Sinner that ſtretcheth out his hand againſt God finds his hand too ſhort to reach him; but ſay they, Pſa. 12.4.Ps 12:4with our Tongue will we prevail, our Lips are our own. The Beaſt that made War with Heaven in the Apocalyptick Viſion, though he had ten Horns, and thoſe crown'd, yet is not deſcribed doing miſchief with them, but opening his Mouth in Blaſphemy againſt God, to blaſpheme his Name, and his Tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven, Rev. 13.5, 6. The Poiſon of the Serpents Seed is under their Tongue, Rom. 3.13.

p. 253. They ſpeak againſt Religion becauſe it ſpeaks againſt them. They who have fellowſhip with the unfruitful Works of Darkneſs, hate the Light which diſcovers them, Joh. 3.19. Nor do any curſe the Riſing Sun but thoſe that are ſcorch'd by it. Why were the Phariſees ſo exaſperated againſt our Saviour but becauſe he ſpake his Parables againſt them, Mat. 21.45.Matt 21:45and laid them open in their own colours? Why did the World hate him who ſo loved the World,John 7.7.John 7:7 but becauſe he teſtified of it that its Works are evil? Why had Joſeph's Brethren ſuch a ſpleen againſt him, but becauſe he was a Witneſs againſt them, and brought to his Father their evil Report? Why did Ahab hate Micajah, Gen. 37.2. 1 Ki. 22.8.21.20.Gen 37:2Gen 37:1and call Elijah his Enemy but becauſe they were the faithful Reprovers of his Wickedneſs, and never propheſied Good concerning him, but Evil? Why did the Inhabitants of the Earth rejoyce when the Witneſſes were ſlain, but becauſe thoſe two Prophets by their plain and powerful Preaching tormented them that dwelt upon the Earth? Rev. 11.10. Mat. 24.14. Naturale eſt & odiſſe quem times, & quem metueris, infeſtare ſi poſſis. Min. Felix. Iſa. 29.21. Iſa. 58.1.Rev 11:10Matt 24:14Isa 29:21Isa 58:1The everlaſting Goſpel is a Teſtimony, either to us to convince us, or againſt us to condemn us, and then no wonder if thoſe ſpeak againſt it who hate to be convinced by it, and dread to be condemned by it. The Prophet complains of thoſe that laid Snares for him that reproveth in the gate; and why is it faithful Miniſters are ſo much hated, but becauſe their Buſineſs is to ſhew people their Tranſgreſſions? If they would flatter Sinners that flatter themſelves in a ſinful way, and cry Peace to them, to whom the God of Heaven doth not ſpeak Peace, they might avoid a great deal of Reproach and Cenſure; but they dare not do it.Gal. 1.8, 9.Gal 1:8Gal 1:9 They are not to make a new Law and Goſpel, but to preach that which is made: they p. 26have their Rule in that Caution given to the Prophet, Jer. 15.19. Let them return unto thee, but return not thou unto them. The Hearts and Lives of Men muſt be brought to comply with the Word of God, for the Word of God can never be made to comply with the Humours and Fancies of Men. Miniſters as they would not for the World make the way to Heaven any ſtraiter or narrower than Chriſt hath made it, ſo they dare not make it any broader or eaſier, nor offer Life and Salvation upon any other Terms than the Goſpel hath already ſettled. If they aim at pleaſing Men, they cannot approve themſelves the Servants of Chriſt, Gal. 1.10.Gal 1:10and therefore are they ſo much ſpoken againſt. And the ſame is the Reaſon why the moſt ſtrict and ſerious Chriſtians are ſo much ſpoken againſt, becauſe their Piety and Devotion, their Juſtice and Sobriety, their Zeal and Charity, is a ſtanding Reproof to the wicked World, and condemns it,Heb. 11.7.Heb 11:7 as the Faith and holy Fear of Noah condemned the Infidelity and Security of the Old World. The Sodomites were vexed at Lot's Converſation as much as he was at their filthy Converſation. Wherefore doth the Blood-Thirſty hate and revile the Ʋpright, while the Juſt ſeek his Soul, Prov. 29.10.Prov 29:10but for the ſame Reaſon for which Cain hated Abel, becauſe his own Works were Evil and his Brothers Righteous.1 John 3.12.1 John 3:12

p. 27Now for the APPLICATION of this DOCTRINE.

Let us ſee what good Uſe we may make of this Obſervation concerning the Wickedneſs of the Wicked in ſpeaking ſo much againſt Religion and Godlineſs, and what is our Duty in reference hereunto.

Firſt, Let us admire the Patience and Forbearance of the God of Heaven, in that he bears ſo much, and ſo long, with thoſe that thus ſpeak againſt Him and his Holy Religion. The Affront hereby given Him is very great, and (we would think) intollerable, even Hard Speeches that reflect upon an Infinite Majeſty, have in them a kind of Infinite Malignity. He hears and knows all that which is ſaid againſt Him, and againſt his Truth and VVays, and as a Jealous God reſents it. He hath always Power in his Hands to puniſh the proudeſt of his Enemies, nor would their immediate Ruine be any Loſs to him, and yet Sentence againſt theſe Evil Words and Works is not executed ſpeedily: Be aſtoniſhed O Heavens,Eccl. 8.11.Eccl 8:11 at this, and wonder O Earth! that thoſe wretches which rebel againſt the Beams of ſuch Light and Glory, which ſpurn at the Bowels of ſuch Love and Grace, are not immediately made the viſible Monuments of Divine VVrath and Vengeance, and like Sodom and Gomorrah, ſet forth for an Example! That the Blaſphemers and Scoffers of theſe laſt Days p. 28are not inſtantly ſtruck Dumb, ſtruck Dead. That He who hath ſo much ſaid againſt him, yet doth himſelf keep ſilence, Pſ. 50.12.Ps 50:12and doth not anſwer all theſe Reproaches and Contradictions (as he eaſily could) in Thunder and Lightning. Though his Silence and Forbearance is turn'd to his Reproch even by thoſe that have the Benefit of it, who therefore think him altogether ſuch an one as themſelves, 2 Pet. 3.3, 4.2 Pet 3:32 Pet 3:4and take occaſion from his Patience to queſtion his Faithfulneſs, and challenge his Juſtice, ſaying, Where is the Promiſe of his Coming? Yet he bears, and his Patience is ſtretched out even to Long-ſuffering, becauſe he is not willing that any ſhould periſh, 2 Pet. 3.9.2 Pet 3:9nor that any means ſhould be left untried to prevent their periſhing. Therefore he bears with Sinners, becauſe this is the Day of his Patience, and of their Probation. The Wrath of God is reveal'd from Heaven in the Word of God,Rom. 1.18.Rom 1:18 that we might be aw'd by Faith, more than in preſent Providences, which would be an aw to Senſe. But there is a Day coming, a dreadful Day,Pſal. 50.3.Ps 50:3 when our God ſhall come, and ſhall no longer keep ſilence, a Day foretold in the early Ages of the VVorld,Jude 14.15. by Enoch the ſeventh from Adam, when Judgment ſhall be executed upon ungodly Sinners for all their hard Speeches, which Day he will not anticipate, for he knows it is coming, Pſal. 37.13. It is agreeable to the regular courſe of Juſtice, that all Judgments be adjourn'd till the Judgment-Day, and all Executions defer'd till Execution-Day: And therefore now he condeſcends to reaſon with thoſe that ſpeak againſt him, for their Convicttion, as he doth by the Prophet Ezek. 18.25, &c. where he fairly debates the Caſe with thoſe who ſaid, The way of the Lord is not equal, That every Mouth p. 29may be ſtopped with an unanſwerable Argument before it be ſtopt with an irreverſible Sentence, and thoſe who have ſpoken againſt him may be ſent ſpeechleſs to Hell. He keeps ſilence now,Mat. 22.12.Matt 22:12 becauſe when he doth ſpeak he will be juſtified. When our Lord Jeſus was here upon Earth, with what an invincible Patience did he endure the contradiction of Sinners; when ſo many ill things were witneſſed againſt him he was ſilent,Mat. 26.63. Joh. 19.9.Matt 26:63John 19:9 to admiration, anſwered not a word to all their unjuſt Calumnies and Accuſations, but at the ſame time he bound them over to the Judgment of the great Day by that awful word, Mat. 26.64. Hereafter ye ſhall ſee the Son of Man ſitting on the right hand of the Power, — and ſtill he bears in expectation of that ſame Day.Heb. 10.13.Heb 10:13 He doth not take Vengeance preſently becauſe he hath an Eternity before him for the doing of it.

And by the way, we may infer from hence, That thoſe who would be like their Heavenly Father, muſt bear Reproach and Contradiction patiently. When any thing is ſaid againſt us, reflecting never ſo little Diſparagement upon us, or our Families, our Reſentments of it are very ſenſible, and we are apt to take it hainouſly; nay, and to ſay we do well to be angry, for it is not a thing to be endur'd; not to be endur'd! O think how much God bears with the Contempt and Reproach caſt upon his great Name, and that will ſurely qualify our Reſentments of any indignity done to our little Names! Who are we that we muſt not be ſpoken againſt? Or what are our Sayings that they muſt not be contradicted?2 Sam. 16.10.4. 1 Pet. 2.23.2 Sam 16:102 Sam 16:41 Pet 2:23 Such Affronts as theſe we ſhould learn to bear as David did when Sbimei curſed him, So let him Curſe; and as the Son of David p. 30did when his Enemies reviled him, Bleſſing them that Curſe us, and Praying for them that thus Perſecute us, that we may be the Children of our Father which is in Heaven. God adjourns his Vindication to the great Day, and then ſurely we may adjourn ours to that day as St. Paul doth his, 1 Cor. 4.5.

Secondly, Let us acknowledge the Power of Divine Grace, in keeping up the Chriſtian Religion in the World, notwithſtanding the univerſal Contradiction, and Oppoſition it hath met with. One would think that a way thus ſpoken againſt every where ſhould have been long ere this loſt and ruin'd, and the Chriſtian Name cut off, to be no more in remembrance;Pſ. 83 3, 4.Ps 83:3Ps 83:4 which its Adverſaries have ſo induſtriouſly endeavoured; if it had been of Men, it had certainly come to naught quickly,Acts 5.38.Acts 5:38 though they had let it alone, but being of God, it was to admiration Victorious over all oppoſition. A Sect, a Cheat could never have ſupported it ſelf againſt ſo much Contradiction; no Human Power or Policy could have kept it up, nor any thing leſs than an Almighty Arm.See this excellently enlarged upon by the learned Grotius de v. R. C. l. 2. The continuance of the Chriſtian Religion in the world to this day is a ſtanding Miracle for the Conviction of its Adverſaries, and the Confirmation of the Faith of thoſe that adhere to it. VVhen we conſider what a mighty Force was raiſed by the Powers of Darkneſs againſt Chriſtianity when it was in its Infancy, how many they were that ſpoke againſt it, learned Men, great Men, Books were written, Laws were made againſt it; thoſe that ſpoke for it, how few were they? and how mean and deſpicable! the fooliſh things of the VVorld, and the Weak, and yet we ſee the p. 31Word of God mightily growing and prevailing.Acts 19.20.Acts 19:20 Muſt we not needs ſay, this is the Lord's doing, & it is marvellous in our eyes? The ſeveral falſe Religions of the Heathen with their various Superſtitions and Idolatries, though they gave very little Oppoſition one to another, but agreed together well enough, yet having no foundation in Truth they all wither'd away, and dwindled to nothing, and after the mighty ſway they had born, and all means poſſible us'd to ſupport 'em, at length their Day came to fall, their Oracles ſilenced, their Altars deſerted, and the Gods themſelves were famiſhed, (Zeph. 2.11.) and periſhed from the Earth, according to that Prediction, Jer. 10.11. which is put into the mouths of the Captiv'd Jews, to retort upon their inſulting Enemies, and for that purpoſe is originally in the Caldee Dialect: VVe may ask triumphantly, not only where are the Gods of Humath and of Arpad? Where are the Gods of Sepharvaim Hena, and Ivah,2 Kin. 18.34.2 Kgs 18:34 thoſe obſcure and petty Deities? But where are the Gods of Babylon and Aegypt, Greece and Rome, the illuſtrious names of Saturn and Jupiter, Juno and Diana? where are the Gods which our Britiſh and Saxon Auceſtors worſhipped bofore they received the Light of the glorious Goſpel? Are they not all forgotten as dead Men out of mind, and their names written in the duſt? But Chriſt's Holy Religion, though for ſome Ages it was utterly deſtitute of all Secular Supports and Advantages, and was aſſaulted on all hands by the moſt vigorous Attacks of its daring and moſt implacable Enemies, yet it hath ſtrangely weather'd its point, and is in being, and, thanks be to God, in ſome places in a flouriſhing ſtate to this day: Its p. 32cauſe an oppoſed, Exod. 3.3, 4.Exod 3:3Exod 3:4but never a baffled cauſe: Let us turn aſide now, and ſee this great ſight, a Buſh burning and yet not conſum'd, and ſay, The Lord is in it of a Truth: Come and ſee the Captain of our Salvation riding forth in the Chariot of the everlaſting Goſpel,Rev. 6.2.Rev 6:2 with his Crown upon his Head, and his Bow in his Hand, conquering and to conquer — That which was every where ſpoken againſt Chriſtianity,Acts 28.3.Acts 28:3 was like the Viper which faſten'd upon St. Paul's Hand, it gave people occaſion to think very ill concerning it, and to look for its ſpeedy fall, as the barbarous people concerning him whom they concluded to be a Murtherer, and expected that he ſhould have ſwollen, or fallen down Dead. But it hath in all Ages ſhaken thoſe venomous Beaſts into the Fire, and taken no harm, and ſo hath prov'd its own Divine Original. Let us herein acknowledge the Wiſdom and Power of our Lord Jeſus,Mat. 16.18.Matt 16:18 who hath ſo firmly built his Church upon a Rock that the Gates of Hell, i. e. all its Powers, and Policies, and Numbers could never prevail againſt it. Mahomet, though he induſtriouſly adapted his Religion, to the Senſual Appetites of Men, whoſe Reaſon only, and not their Luſts, could object againſt it,See the learned Dr. Humfrey Prideaux's excellent Hiſtory of the Life of Mahomet lately publiſhed. yet he obtain'd no ſtrength, nor intereſt at all, till by a thouſand Artifices he had got the Power of the Sword, and with it forbad any upon pain of Death to ſpeak againſt him or his Doctrine; charging his firſt Followers, who were to propagate his Religion, if they met with any that objected againſt it, not to diſpute with them, but to kill them immediately: By which means that grand Impoſture in a little time got ſome footing in the world; and by the ſame Barbarous and Inhumane Methods, it hath p. 33been ſupported now above a Thouſand Years. And in like manner that great Enemy of the Church, repreſented in St. John's Viſion, maintains his Intereſt by cauſing that as many as would not worſhip the Image of the Beaſt ſhould be killed, Rev. 13.15. Thus are Errors and falſe Religions propagated; ſtrip them of theſe ſupports, & they fall to the ground of courſe; but on the contrary, the Chriſtian Religion was planted and preſerv'd not only without, but againſt ſecular Force, recommended and upheld by its own intrinſick Truth and Excellency, and that Divine Power which accompanied it. The Preachers and Profeſſers of it every where ſpoken againſt, and yet every where getting ground, and ſtrangely victorious, purely by the word of their Teſtimony, Rev. 12.10, 11.Rev 12:10Rev 12:11and by not loving their Lives unto the Death. Thus is come Salvation and Strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the Power of his Chriſt.

Thirdly, Let us greatly lament the Folly and Wickedneſs of thoſe who ſpeak againſt Chriſt and his Holy Religion, and if we can do any thin…, have compaſſion upon them, and help to undeceive them, and rectify their Miſtakes. Surely this is one of the Abominations committed among us, for which we ſhould be found among thoſe that ſigh and cry. Ezek. 9.4. one of thoſe Inſtances of the Pride of Sinners for which our Souls ſhould weep in ſecret, Jer. 13.17. This is that Reproach of the ſolemn Aſſembly which is ſuch a Burthen to all good Men. Zeph. 3.18. Our Ears ſhould tingle, and our Hearts tremble to hear the Reproach and Contempt caſt upon Chriſt and his Religion, or to hear of it, and looking upon our ſelves as nearly concern'd in Sacred Things, we ſhould be ſenſibly touch'd with the Profanation of them.

p. 34To affect us herewith, let us conſider,

1. The great Diſhonour hereby done to our God in the World. They that reflect upon his Truths and Ways, his Word and Ordinances, reflect upon him, He that toucheth theſe toucheth the apple of his eye; If therefore we have any love to God, or concern for his Honour, and have cordially eſpous'd the Intereſts of his Kingdom, what is an Affront to him, will ſurely be a Grief to us. It cannot but be a very melancholly Thought to every ſenſible Soul, That the God that made the World is made ſo light of in the World, That he who doth ſo much Good to the Children of Men, hath ſo little Honour from them, nay, and hath ſo much Diſhonour done him by them every day,Iſa. 52.5.Isa 52:5 and his Name continually blaſphemed. That the Lord Jeſus, who ſo loved the World, is ſo much hated and deſpiſed by the World. The Reproaches of them who thus reproach our Maſter, if we be his faithful Servants we ſhould feel as falling upon us. Pſa. 69 10. Mat. 25.45.Ps 69:10Matt 25:45And if he take what is ſaid and done againſt his People, as ſaid and done againſt himſelf, much more reaſon have they to find themſelves aggrieved in that which is ſaid and done againſt him. If we pray heartily that God's Name may be hallowed, as we ſhould do every day, we ſhould grieve heartily that his Name is diſhonoured, as we ſee it is every day. And our reſentments of the Reproach caſt upon God and Religion, we ſhould make a humble and pious Remonſtrance of before God in Prayer, as King Hezekiah ſpread Rabſhakeh's blaſphemous Letter before the Lord, with that tender and affectionate Requeſt, Lord bow down thine ear and hear: Open, Lord, thine eyes and ſee, 2 Kin. 19.16. How pathetically doth Joſhua p. 35plead, chap. 7.9. What wilt thou do unto thy great Name? And with what a concern doth the Pſalmiſt in the name of the Church inſiſt upon this, Pſal. 74.10. O God, how long ſhall the Adverſary reproach? Shall the Enemy blaſpheme thy Name for ever? And v. 18. Remember this that the Enemy hath reproached, O Lord, and that the fooliſh People have blaſphemed thy Name. And how earneſtly doth he beg, v. 22. Ariſe, O God, plead thine own Cauſe. Thus ſhould the Honour of God and Religion lie nearer our Hearts than any other concern whatſoever.

2. Conſider the miſerable Condition of thoſe that preſumptuouſly ſpeak againſt God and Religion. Tho' they may do it with an Air of Aſſurance, as if they run no hazard, yet he that rolleth this Stone, it will certainly return upon him ſooner or later. They that ſpeak againſt Religion ſpeak againſt their own Heads, Pſa. 64.8.Ps 64:8and their own Tongues will at laſt fall upon them. We have reaſon to bewail their Madneſs, and to pity, and pray for them, for they know not what they do. Miſerable Souls! How will they be deceived at laſt, when they ſhall find that God is not mocked! Gal. 6.7.Gal 6:7And that while they were ſtudying to put contempt on Religion, they were but preparing eternal Shame and Confuſion for themſelves! The Lord is a jealous God, and will not hold them guiltleſs that thus profane his Name: Their Wit, and Learning, and Figure in the World, may embolden them in their Sin, and bear them up a while in an open Defiance of all that's Sacred, but nothing can prevent their utter Ruine beſides a ſerious and ſincere Repentance, which is an unſaying, with Shame and Self-lothing, of all that which they have proudly ſpoken againſt God p. 36and Godlineſs. They that pervert the right ways of the Lord will certainly fall therein, Hoſ. 14.9. 2 Pet. 3.16.Hos 14:92 Pet 3:16and they that wreſt the Scriptures do it, to their own Deſtruction. Religion's Motto is, Nemo me impune laceſſit. 'Tis ill jeſting with edg-tools. Jeruſalem will certainly be a burthenſome Stone to all People, Zach. 12.3.Zech 12:3that burthen themſelves with it. They that ſpurn at the Rock of Salvation, will not only be unable to remove it, but will find it a Stone of Stumbling, 1 Pet. 2.8. Iſa. 28.13.1 Pet 2:8Isa 28:13and a Rock of Offence. And we find thoſe who ridicul'd the Word of the Lord, broken, and ſnared, and taken. Let all thoſe therefore that mourn in Sion, weep over thoſe that will not weep for themſelves; and look with pity and compaſſion upon thoſe that look upon them with ſcorn and contempt.

3. Conſider the Miſchief that is hereby done to the Souls of others. They who thus err, their error remaineth not with themſelves, but this poiſonous and malignant Breath infects others. Words ſpoken againſt Religion eat as doth a Canker, 2 Tim. 2.17.2 Tim 2:17and they who ſpeak them, ſeldom periſh alone in their iniquity, for many follow their pernicious ways. 2 Pet. 2.2.2 Pet 2:2Unwary Souls are eaſily beguil'd, and brought to conceive rooted Prejudices againſt that which they hear every where ſpoken againſt, and few have Conſideration and Reſolution enough to maintain a good opinion of that which they that ſet up for Wits, make it their buſineſs to cry down. Act. 13.7.8, 9, 10.Acts 13:7Acts 13:8Acts 13:9Acts 13:10Sergius Paulus was a prudent Man, and yet St. Paul ſaw him in danger of being turned away from the Faith, by the ſubtle Suggeſtions of Elymas the Sorcerer, which therefore the Apoſtle reſented with a more than ordinary keenneſs. It is ſad to think how many Young People, who perhaps were well Educated and Hopeful, p. 37when they go abroad into the World, by converſing with thoſe who lie in wait to deceive, have their minds inſenſibly vitiated and debauch'd, and perhaps they are made ſeven times more the Children of Hell than thoſe that firſt ſeduced them. Under a pretence of free Thought, and faſhionable Converſation, and a generous Diſdain of Preciſeneſs and Singularity; Atheiſtical Principles are imbib'd, the Reſtraints of Conſcience ſhaken off, Brutiſh Luſts not only indulg'd but pleaded for, and ſerious Godlineſs and Devotion look'd upon with Contempt, and thus the Heart is impregnably fortify'd for Satan againſt Chriſt and his Goſpel, Wrath is treaſur'd up againſt the Day of Wrath, and thoſe who might have been the Bleſſing prove the Plague of their Age, which is a Lamentation, and ſhall be for a Lamentation to all that wiſh well for the ſouls of Men, and to thoſe eſpecially that are deſirous of the welfare of the riſing Generation.

Fourthly, Let us take heed that none of us do at at any time, directly or indirectly, ſpeak againſt the ways of Religion and Godlineſs, or ſay a Confederacy, with thoſe that do ſo. Iſa. 8.11, 12.Isa 8:11Isa 8:12Submit to Divine Inſtructions given with a ſtrong hand not to walk in the way of thoſe People that ſpeak ill of Religion. Take heed of embracing any Notions which ſecretly tend to derogate from the Authority of the Holy Scriptures, or to diminiſh the Honour of Religion in the Soul, or of accuſtoming your ſelves to ſuch Expreſſions as treat not Sacred Things with that awful Regard which is due to them. Thoſe were never reckon'd Wiſe Men that would rather loſe a Friend than a Jeſt, much leſs are they to be accounted ſo that will rather p. 38loſe the Favour of their God. Thoſe that in their common Converſe make themſelves merry with ſerious things, how can it be expected they ſhould at any time be ſerious in them, or experience the influence and comfort of them? It is not likely that thoſe who make the Word of God the ſubject of their Jeſts, ſhould ever make it the Guide of their way, or find it the ſpring of their Joys. Let us not chuſe to aſſociate with thoſe that have light thoughts of Religion, and are ready upon all occaſions to ſpeak againſt it. It is not without good reaſon that among the many words with which St. Peter exhorted his New Converts, this only is recorded, Save your ſelves from this untoward Generation, Acts 2.40. Thoſe that liſten to the Counſel of the Ʋngodly, Pſal. 1.1.Ps 1:1and Stand in the way of Sinners, as willing to walk with them, will come at length (if Almighty Grace prevent not) to ſet in the ſeat of the Scornful. Let us therefore abide by that which Job and Eliphaz, even in the heat of Diſpute, were agreed in, that the Counſel of the Wicked ſhall be far from us, which Proteſtation we have, Job 21.16. and 22.18. It's dangerous making Friendſhip with thoſe that have an enmity to ſerious Godlineſs, leſt we learn their way, and get a Snare to our Souls.

There are two common Pretences, and ſeemingly plauſible ones, under which thoſe that ſpeak againſt Religion ſhelter themſelves, but they are neither of them juſtifiable.

1. They pretend, that it is only for Argument ſake, that they object againſt Religion, and pick quarrels with it, and (ſo little eſteem they have of the thing call'd Sincerity) they will not be thought to mean as they ſay. And are the great p. 39Principles of Religion become ſuch Moot-points, ſuch Matters of doubtful Diſputation, that it is indifferent which ſide of the Queſtion a Man takes, and upon which he may argue, pro or con, at his pleaſure?Cic. de Nat. Deor. lib. 2. ad Fin. That grave and weighty ſaying of a Learned Heathen is enough to ſilence this pretence, Mala enim & impia conſuetudo eſt, contra Deos diſputandi, ſive ex animo id fit, ſive ſimulate. It's an ill thing to talk againſt Religion, whether a Man means as he ſaith or no, or (in the Language of our Age) whether he ſpeak ſeriouſly, or only banter. Julian, the Apoſtate, when, before he threw off his Diſguiſe, he frequently argued againſt Chriſtianity, pretended it was only for Diſputation ſake. But out of the abundance of the Heart the Mouth ſpeaks, and whence can ſuch evil things come but from an evil Treaſure there?

2. They pretend that it is not Religion that they ridicule and expoſe to Contempt, but ſome particular Forms and Modes of religious Worſhip which they do not like. And this is one ill effect of the unhappy Diviſions among Chriſtians, that while one ſide hath labour'd to make the other contemptible; Religion in general hath ſuffer'd on all ſides. To reprove what we think amiſs, with Prudence and Meekneſs is well, but to reproach and make a Jeſt of that which our Fellow-Chriſtians look upon as Sacred, and make a part of their Religion, cannot be to any good purpoſe at all. To ſcoff at the Miſtakes and Weakneſſes of our Brethren, is the way to provoke and harden them, but not to convince and reform them. They who think to juſtify this way of ridiculing thoſe that differ from them, by the Inſtance of Elijah's jeering the Prieſts of p. 40Baal, perhaps Know not what manner of Spirit they are of, Luk. 9.55.Luke 9:55no more than thoſe Diſciples did who would have their intemperate Heats countenanced by the Example of that great Prophet.

Fifthly, Let us that profeſs the Chriſtian Religion, be very cautious that we do not give occaſion to any to ſpeak againſt it. If there are thoſe in all places that are induſtrious to caſt reproach upon Religion, then we have need to walk circumſpectly, and to look well to our goings, that thoſe who watch for our halting may have no occaſion given them to Blaſpheme. It is certain that tho' in Religion there is nothing which may be juſtly ſpoken againſt, yet among thoſe that profeſs it there is too often found that which deſerves to be tax'd, and which cannot paſs without juſt and ſevere Reflections— Pudet haec opprobria nobis — Are there not thoſe within the Pale of the Church,Ro. 2.24. 2 Pet. 2 2.Rom 2:242 Pet 2:2 through whom, the Name of God and his Doctrine are blaſphemed, Jude 12. The fouleſt Reproaches of the Primitive Chriſtians took riſe from the vile practiſes of the Gnoſticks, and other Pſeudochriſtians. Of which Vid. Euſeb. Eccl. Hiſt. l. 4. c. 7.Jude 1:12and by reaſon of whom the way of Truth is evil ſpoken of. Are there not thoſe who wear Chriſt's Livery, but are a Scandal to his Family, Spots in the Love-Feaſts, and a ſtanding Reproach to that worthy Name, by which they are call'd? Now though it is certainly very unjuſt and unfair to impute the faults of Profeſſors to the Religion they profeſs, and to reproach Chriſtianity, becauſe there are thoſe that are call'd Chriſtians who expoſe themſelves to Reproach; yet it is, without queſtion, the Sin of thoſe who give Men occaſion to do ſo. This was the Condemnation in David's Caſe, and entail'd the Sword upon his Houſe, though the Sin was pardon'd, that by it he had given great occaſion to the Enemies of the Lord to blaſpheme, p. 412 Sam. 12.14. Let us therefore double our diligence and care, to give no offence either to Jew or Gentile, that Religion which hath ſo often been wounded in the Houſe of her Friends, may never be wounded through our ſides.

If we enquire (as we are commanded to do) what it is that gives occaſion of Reflection upon Religion, we ſhall find that the Imprudences of thoſe that profeſs it, give ſome occaſion, but their Immoralities much more.

1. The Imprudences of Chriſtians often turn to the Reproach of Chriſtianity. There may be ſuch over-doing even in Well-doing, as may prove Undoing. When more ſtreſs is laid than ought to be upon ſome inſtances of Religion, to the juſtling out of others, and the Exerciſes of Devotion are either miſ-timed, or miſ-placed, or miſ-proportion'd, Religion is hereby miſ-repreſented, or look'd upon to diſadvantage. Raſh and indiſcreet Zeal may give occaſion to thoſe who ſeek occaſion to ſpeak againſt all religious Zeal.Col. 4.5.Col 4:5 Therefore walk in Wiſdom towards them that are without. Religion is a moſt ſweet and pleaſant and amiable thing: Let not us by our Indiſcretion make it a Task to our ſelves, and a Terror to others. The more the Children of God are Children of Wiſdom, Luk. 7.35.Luke 7:35the more they juſtify it, and its ways. Chriſtian Prudence is very much the beauty and ſtrength of Chriſtian Piety. Though it will ſecure the welfare of our own Souls if we walk in our Integrity, yet it is neceſſary for the preſerving of the Credit of our Profeſſion, that we walk in Wiſdom, Prov. 14.8.Prov 14:8that Wiſdom of the Prudent which is to underſtand his way, Ec. 10.10.that Wiſdom which is profitable to direct. And if any Man lack this Wiſdom, let him p. 42ask it of God, Jam. 1.5.Jas 1:5who gives liberally, and upbraids us not with our Folly. Pray with David, Pſal. 27.11. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain Path becauſe of mine Enemies. (Hebr. becauſe of mine Obſervers.) Our Enemies are our Obſervers, and will be ready to reproach our Way, for the ſake of the falſe ſteps we take in it, and therefore we have need to ponder the Path of our Feet, and let Diſcretion guide and govern our Zeal.

2. The Immoralites of thoſe who profeſs Chriſtianity turn much more to the reproach of that Holy Religion; when thoſe that are called Chriſtians, are griping and covetous, and greedy of the World, when they are falſe and deceitful, and unjuſt in their Dealings, ſowre and moroſe, and unnatural to their Relations, turbulent and unquiet in Societies, when they are froward and paſſionate, proud and haughty, hard-hearted and oppreſſive, looſe and intemperate. When they are found guilty of Lying and Cheating, Drunkenneſs or Uncleanneſs. When it appears that they keep up ſome ſecret Haunts of Sin, under the cloke and covert of a ſpecious Profeſſion, when they that profeſs the Chriſtian Faith lick up the vomit of Heathen, and allow themſelves in thoſe things that are contrary to the Light and Law even of Natural Religion. This is that which opens the mouths of the Adverſaries to ſpeak reproachfully of that Religion, the Profeſſion of which is made to conſiſt with ſuch vile Practiſes, which cannot poſſibly conſiſt with the Power of it. This makes People ready to ſay as that Mahometan Prince did, when the Chriſtians had broke their League with him, O Jeſus, are theſe thy Chriſtians? Or as the complaint was upon p. 43another occaſion, Aut hoc non Evangelium, aut hi non Evangelici, Either this is not Goſpel, or theſe are not to be call'd Profeſſors of the Goſpel. If Miniſters give offence in any thing, not they only, but their Miniſtry will be blamed. Nay,2 Cor. 6.32 Cor 6:3 if Servants, Chriſtians of the loweſt rank and figure, if they be unfaithful, and diſobedient to the Government they are under,1 Tim. 6.1.1 Tim 6:1 the Name of God, and his Doctrine, is likely to be blaſphemed. Let us therefore who profeſs Relation to the Eternal God, and Dependance upon the Bleſſed Jeſus, and a Regard to the Holy Scriptures, as we tender the Reputation of our Religion,Col. 1.10.Col 1:10 walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleaſing. Let us Order our Converſation ſo in every thing, as that we may adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour. Tit. 2.10.Titus 2:10While we are call'd by ſo good a Name, let us not dare to do an ill thing. The Diſciples of Chriſt are as a City upon a Hill, Mat. 5.14.Matt 5:14and have many eyes upon them, and therefore have need to behave themſelves with a great deal of Caution, and to abſtain from all appearance of evil. 2 Theſ. 5.12.Let us not do any thing that is unjuſt, or unbecoming us, nor allow our ſelves in that which we know the Goſpel we profeſs doth by no means allow of, leſt we be to anſwer another day, for all the Reproach of Religion which we have occaſion'd: How light ſoever we may make of this now, we ſhall find that it will greatly enflame the Reckoning ſhortly, when God will affect the Honour of his own Name, and will be glorified upon thoſe by whom he was not glorified. In conſideration of this, let us ſee to it that we have our Converſation honeſt among the Adverſaries of our Religion, that they who ſpeak againſt us as Evil-doers, p. 44may, 1 Pet. 2.12.1 Pet 2:12by our Good Works which they ſhall behold, be brought to glorify God, and to entertain good thoughts of Religion,v. 15. or at leaſt, that we may with well-doing put to ſilence the ignorance of fooliſh Men. Our Religion, I am ſure, is an Honour to us; let not us then be a Diſhonour to it.

Sixthly, If there be thoſe every where that ſpeak againſt Religion and Godlineſs, let us then as we have opportunity be ready to ſpeak for it. Every Chriſtian ſhould be both a Witneſs and an Advocate for his Religion, and the rather becauſe it is ſo much oppos'd and contradicted. Next to our Care not to be a Shame to the Goſpel, ſhould be our Reſolution not to be aſham'd of the Goſpel. You are Subpaena'd by the King of Kings to appear for him in the World: Ye are my Witneſſes ſaith the Lord, Iſa. 43.10. Do not betray this Cauſe then by declining your Teſtimony, how much ſoever you may be brow-beaten and confronted. Say with a holy boldneſs as Elihu, Job 36.2. Suffer me a little and I will ſhew you, that I have yet to ſpeak on God's behalf. You hear what is daringly ſaid againſt God, how his holy Name is trampled upon and abus'd, his Truths contradicted, his Word and Ordinances vilified, and have you never a word to ſay for him? Is our Lord Jeſus appearing for us in Heaven, pleading our Cauſe there, pleading it with his own blood, and ſhall not we be ready to appear for him on Earth, and plead his Cauſe though it were with the hazzard of our blood? As it is then a time to keep ſilence, when we our ſelves are ſpoken againſt, I as a Deaf Man heard not, ſo it is then a time to ſpeak, when God is ſpoken againſt, p. 45and the Honour of our Religion lies at ſtake, and at ſuch a time we muſt take heed,Pſal. 38.33. Eccl. 3.7.Ps 38:33Eccl 3:7 Jeſt by a cowardly ſilence we wrong ſo Jſt a Cauſe, as if we were either aſham'd or afraid to own it. Wiſdom's Children ſhould take all occaſions to juſtify Wiſdom, and vindicate it from the aſperſions that are caſt upon it. Read the doom of him that is aſham'd of Chriſt and of his Words in this adulterous generation. Mark 8.38. Of him ſhall the Son of Man be aſham'd, when he comes in the Glory of his Father. Not confeſſing Chriſt when we are call'd to it, is in effect denying him, and diſowning Relation to him, and they who do ſo, except they repent as Peter did,Luk. 12.9. 2 Tim. 2.12.Luke 12:92 Tim 2:12 will ſhortly be denied and diſowned by him. If we ſhould, with an angry countenance at leaſt,Prov. 25.23.Prov 25:23 drive away a backbiting Tongue that reproacheth our Brother, much more a Blaſphemous Tongue that reproacheth our Maker. Should we hear a near Relation or a dear Friend (in whoſe Reputation it is natural to us to reckon our ſelves ſharers) ſpoken againſt and ſlander'd, we would readily appear in his Vindication; and have we no reſentments of the Contempt and Contumely caſt upon Religion? Can we ſit by contentedly to hear God and Chriſt, and the Scripture and ſerious Godlineſs reflected upon, and have we nothing to ſay in their behalf? Common equity obligeth us to be the Patrons of a juſt, but wronged Cauſe. And that we may not think our ſelves diſcharged from this Duty by our inability to defend the Truths and Ways of God, and ſo make our Ignorance and unskilfulneſs in the word of Righteouſneſs, an excuſe for our Cowardiſe and want of Zeal, we ought to take pains to furniſh our ſelves with a clear and diſtinct knowledge of p. 46the certainty of thoſe things wherein we have heen inſtructed. Luke 1.4.Luke 1:4We muſt labour to underſtand not only the Truths and Principles, but the Grounds and Evidences of our Religion, that we may be able to give an Anſwer (foreign, an Apology) to every Man that asks us a Reaſon of the Hope that is in us. 1 Pet. 3.15.1 Pet 3:15How induſtrious are the prophane Wits of the Age to find out ſomething to ſay againſt Religion, and ſhould not that quicken us to provide our ſelves with the Armor of Righteouſneſs, 2 Cor. 6.7.2 Cor 6:7both on the right hand and on the left, aiming at the Riches of the full aſſurance of Ʋnderſtanding? Col. 2.2.Col 2:2And if we do (as there is occaſion) with Humility and Sincerity, and from a principle of Zeal for God, and his Honour, appear in Defence of Religion, and its injur'd Cauſe, we may doubtleſs take encouragement from that promiſe, Mat. 10.19. It ſhall be given you in that ſame hour what ye ſhall ſpeak. God will own thoſe that own him, and will not fail to furniſh his faithful Advocates with needful Inſtructions, Pſal. 8.2.Ps 8:2and many a time ordains ſuch ſtrength out of the mouth of Babes and Sucklings as ſtrangely ſtills the Enemy and the Avenger.

Laſtly, Let none of us ever think the worſe of the way of Religion and Godlineſs for its being every where ſpoken againſt, nor be frighten'd hereby from walking in that way. The Contempt caſt upon the Practiſe of Piety is with many, an invincible Objection againſt it; their good Impreſſions, good purpoſes and good overtures are hereby cruſh'd and brought to nothing: They have that within 'em which tells 'em that the way of Sobriety and ſerious Godlineſs is a very good way, and p. 47they ſometimes hear that Word behind them, ſaying, This is the walk ye in it, Iſa. 30.21.Isa 30:21But they have thoſe about 'em that tell them otherwiſe, and thus the convictions of Conſcience are over-rul'd and baffled by the Cenſures and Reproaches of Men, whoſe Praiſe they covet more than the Praiſe of God.

But to take off the force of this Objection, let us conſider theſe four Things.

1. Conſider who they are that ſpeak againſt Religion and Godlineſs, not only that they are Mortal Men,Iſa. 51.7.8, 12.Isa 51:7Isa 51:8Isa 51:12 whom the Moth ſhall eat up like a Garment, Men that ſhall die, and the Sons of Men which ſhall be made as Graſs, all whoſe thoughts will ſhortly periſh with them, and therefore why ſhould we fear their Reproach, or be afraid of their revilings? Nor only they that are fallible Men who may be miſtaken, and whoſe Judgment is by no means deciſive, nor ſuch as will bear us out: Shall we put what Men ſay in the Scale againſt what God ſaith? Let God be true and every Man a Liar. We muſt not be judg'd hereafter, and therefore ſhould not be rul'd now by the Sentiments and Opinions of Men: But thoſe that ſpeak againſt Religion are alſo for the moſt part ill Men; Men of unſettled Heads, debauch'd Conſciences, and profligate Lives. 'Tis the Fool and none but he, that ſaith in his heart, there is no God. The Scoffers of the laſt daies are Men that walk after their own Luſts, whoſe carnal, fleſhly Intereſt retains them on that ſide. David was abus'd by the abjects, Pſal. 35.15. and the Chriſtians at Theſſalonica by certain lewd Fellows of the baſer ſort, Acts 17.5. Such as thoſe are the p. 48Men that make a mock at Religion, and ſhall we be ſway'd and influenced in the greateſt Concerns of our immortal Souls by ſuch Men as theſe? Shall thoſe have the Government of us that have ſo little Government of themſelves? Shall the Cavils and vain Scoffs of thoſe, who know not what it is to be ſerious, carry the day againſt the deliberate Sentiments of all Wiſe and Good Men, who have with one conſent ſubſcrib'd to the Equity and Goodneſs of Religion's Ways? If we chuſe ſuch as theſe for our Leaders, ſurely the Blind lead the Blind, and we know the conſequence.

2. Conſider how trifling and frivolous that is which is commonly ſaid againſt Religion and Godlineſs. The Devil made his firſt fatal aſſault upon Mankind by Lies and Slanders, ſuggeſting hard thoughts of God, and promiſing Impunity in Sin; and by the ſame wretched methods he ſtill ſupports and carries on his Intereſt in the World. They that ſpeak againſt Religion, make Lies their Refuge, and under falſhood they hide themſelves. All thoſe bold and daring things which are ſpoken againſt Religion, are either groundleſs and unproved Calumnies, or very unjuſt and unfair Repreſentations.2 Theſ. 3.2.2 Thess 3:2 Hence the Enemies of Religion are ſaid to be abſurd and unreaſonable Men. Men that while they cry up the Oracles of Reaſon, rebel againſt all the Light and Laws of it. Put all that together which is ſpoken againſt Godlineſs, and weigh it in the Balances of right Reaſon, and you will write Tekel upon it, weigh'd in the Ballances and p. 49found wanting. And, as if an over-ruling Providence had forced the Scoffers of theſe laſt days to confeſs their own Infatuation. Some of thoſe that have been moſt ſharp in their Invectives againſt Religion, have been no leſs free in their Satyrs againſt Reaſon it ſelf, as if they were reſolv'd to anſwer the Character of Solomon's Fool, whoſe Wiſdom fails him ſo far,Eccl. 10.3.Eccl 10:3 that he ſaith to every one that he is a Fool.

3. Conſider how much is to be ſaid for Religion notwithſtanding it is every where ſpoken against. Religion hath Reaſon on its ſide, its Cauſe is a Good Cauſe; and it is the right way whoever ſpeaks againſt it.Arch Bp. Tillotſon's Serm. on 2 Pet. 2, 3.2 Pet 2:3 It is no diſparagement (as that excellent Pen expreſſeth it) to be laughed at, but to deſerve to be ſo; you have heard Religion reproach'd, but did you ever find that it deſerv'd to be ſo? Nay; on the contrary, have you not found that it very well deſerves your beſt Affections and Services? Enquire of thoſe that have made trial of it, conſult the Experiences of others: Call now, if there be any that will anſwer thee, and to which of the Saints wilt thou turn? Job. 5.1.Job 5:1Ask thy Father and he will ſhew thee, Deut. 32.7.Deut 32:7thine Elders and they will tell thee, that the Fear of the Lord that is Wiſdom, and to depart from Evil, Job. 28.28Job 28:28that is Ʋnderstanding. They will tell thee, That Religion's Ways are Ways of Pleaſantneſs, Prov. 3.17Prov 3:17and all her Paths are Peace, and that all the Wealth and Pleaſure in this World is not worth one Hours Communion with God in Jeſus Chriſt. They will tell thee, That there is no Truths ſo certain and weighty as Divine Truths, and that no Statutes and Judgments are ſo righteous as the Divine Law, which is Holy, Just, and Good. They will tell thee, That real Holineſs and Sanctification p. 50is the Perfection of the Human Nature, as well as the Participation of a Divine Nature, That a firm Belief of the Principles of Religion is the greateſt improvement of our intellectual Powers, a ſtrict Adherence to its Rules our ſureſt Guide in all our Ways, and a chearful Dependance upon its Promiſes, the Fountain of better Joys, and the Foundation of better Hopes than any we can be furniſh'd with in the things of Senſe and Time. They will tell thee that a Life of ſerious Godlineſs is incomparably the moſt Sublime and Honourable, the moſt Sweet and Comfortable Life a Man can live in this World; and that nothing doth more anſwer the end of our Creation, better befriend Societies, nor conduce more to our true intereſt in both Worlds than that Holy Religion which is every where ſpoken against.

4. Conſider that the cauſe of Religion and Godlineſs, however it be ſpoken againſt and oppos'd, will infallibly be the prevailing Cauſe at laſt. We are ſenſible of a mighty ſtruggle in the World betwixt the ſeed of the Woman and the ſeed of the Serpent; Michael and his Angels on the one ſide, and the Dragon and his Angels on the other. Many there are that ſpeak against Religion, and are very vigorous in oppoſing it, and ſome, tho' but a few, that are ſpeaking for it, contending for the Faith, and ſtriving againſt Sin, now it is deſirable to know which of theſe conteſting Intereſts will be victorious; and we may be aſſur'd that the cauſe of God and Religion will certainly carry the day. Contradicted Truths will be effectually clear'd and vindicated; Deſpiſed Holineſs will be honour'd; Miſtakes rectify'd; Reproaches roll'd away; and every thing ſet in a true Light.Mal. 3.18.Mal 3:18 Then you ſhall return and diſcern between p. 51Truth and Falſhood, Right and Wrong, which now it is not always eaſie to do. The Day of the Lord is ſaid to be in the Valley of Deciſion, Joel 3.14. Becauſe then and there will this great Cauſe be decided, which has been ſo long depending, and a definitive Sentence given from which there will ly no Appeal, and againſt which there will be no Exception. Pſal. 50.3.Ps 50:3Our God will then come and will not Keep Silence; whoever now Speak againſt Religion he will then ſpeak for it, and will undoubtedly be juſtified when he ſpeaks, Pſal. 51.4.Ps 51:4and clear when he judgeth. Particular Parties and Intereſts, as ſuch, will wither and come to nothing, But Catholick Chriſtianity, that is Denying Ʋngodlineſs and Worldly Luſts, and living Soberly, Righteouſly, and Godly in this preſent World, in expectation of the Bleſſed Hope: This is Good, and the Goodneſs of it being founded on the unchangeable Will of the Eternal Mind, it is Eternally Good, and no doubt will be Eternally Glorious, whatever is ſaid againſt it. This, this is that Gold and Silver, and thoſe Precious Stones, which will ſtand the Teſt of the Fire that ſhall try every Mans Work, 1 Cor. 3.12, 13. and will be found unto Praiſe, and Honour, and Glory at the Appearing of Jeſus Chriſt.1 Pet. 1.7.1 Pet 1:7

Aſſure your ſelves (Chriſtians) there is a Day of Recompences for the Controverſy of Sion coming,Iſa. 34.8:Isa 34:8 and it is at Hand;Jam. 5.9.Jas 5:9 Behold the Judge ſtandeth before the Door. Then Vice and Wickedneſs which now appear ſo daring, ſo threatning, will be effectually and irrecoverable cruſh'd, and ſuch a fatal and incurable Blow given to the Serpents Head that he ſhall never hiſs, ſhall never ſpit his Venom any more: Then ſhall the Ʋpright have the Dominion, Pſal. 49.14. and all the faithful p. 52Souldiers of the Lord Jeſus ſhall be call'd to ſet their Feet upon the Necks of Principalities and Powers.Joſ. 10.24.Josh 10:24 Then Atheiſts and Blaſphemers, the Debauchees and prophane Scoffers of the Age, will have their Mouths ſtopt with an irreſiſtable Conviction; will have all their vile Calumnies viſibly confuted; their Hearts fill'd with unſpeakable Horror, and their Faces with everlaſting Shame: Their Refuge of Lies will then be ſwept away, Iſa. 28.17.Isa 28:17and Rocks and Mountains call'd upon in vain to ſhelter them:Rev. 6.16.Rev 6:16 Then ſhall the Righteous who are now trampled upon and deſpiſed, ſhine as the Sun in the Firmament of their Father. Ma. 13.43.Wiſdom and her Children ſhall be firſt juſtified, and then glorified before all the World: And they that through Grace have gotten the Victory over the Beast, Rev. 15.2.Rev 15:2and over his Image, ſhall ſolace themſelves, and praiſe their Redeemer with everlaſting Songs of Triumph. The Dirt that is now unjuſtly thrown upon them, will not only be wiped off, but will add to their Glory,Mat. 5.11, 12.Matt 5:11Matt 5:12 and every Reproach for the Teſtimony of Jeſus will be a Pearl in their Crown. The Righteous Judge of Heaven and Earth will ſhortly render to every Man according to his Work: Rom. 2.6, 7, 8, 9.Rom 2:6Rom 2:7Rom 2:8Rom 2:9To them who by patient continuance in Well-doing ſeek for Glory, and Honour, and Immortality in the other World, and (in purſuit of that) patiently bear Diſgrace and Contempt in this, to them he will render Eternal Life, which will make them as Happy as they can deſire, far more Happy than they can now conceive. But to them that are Contentious, and do not obey the Truth, but contradict it, and rebel againſt the Light and Laws of it, being reſolv'd to obey Ʋnrighteouſneſs, to them he will render, with a juſt and Almighty Hand, Indignation and Wrath, the effect of which p. 53will be ſuch Tribulation and Anguiſh to the Soul, as will make them feel eternally, what now they will not be perſwaded to believe,Heb. 10.31.Heb 10:31 that it is a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the living God; for never any hardned their Hearts againſt him and proſper'd. Brethren, Theſe are the true Sayings of God, on the certainty of which,Rev. 19.9.Rev 19:9 we may venture our Immortal Souls.

They who ſpeak and act ſo much againſt Religion, deſign to run it down, and extirpate it, that the Name of it may be no more in remembrance, Pſa. 83.4.Ps 83:4and perhaps you hear them ſometimes boaſt of their ſucceſs herein: If they can but handſomly (as they think) ridicule the ſacred Text, or Banter any of the Divine Myſteries, or Hector over a good Man, they are ready to triumph, as if they had run down Religion: Run down Religion? In the Name of my great Maſter, I defy all the Powers of Hell and Earth to run it down:Magna eſt Veritas & praevalebit. They may ſooner run down the flowing Tide, or the Sun when he goes forth in his ſtrength, than run down the leaſt of the Dictates of Eternal Truth,Mat. 5.18.Matt 5:18 not one iota or tittle of which ſhall fall to the Ground. Dagon will certainly fall before the Ark of the Lord; and the Rod of Aaron will Swallow up the Rods of the Magicians. Ex. 7.12.Exod 7:12Do they talk of running down Religion, and the Scriptures, and the Ordinances of Chriſt?Iſa. 37.22.Isa 37:22 The Virgin the Daughter of Sion hath deſpiſed them, and laughed them to ſcorn, the Daughter of Jeruſalem hath ſhaken her Head at them; and hath therefore put them to ſhame becauſe God hath deſpiſed them, as it is ſaid,Pſal. 2.4.Ps 2:4 Pſal. 53.5. He that ſets in the Heavens enjoying himſelf, and rides upon the Heavens, Deut. 33.26.Deut 33:26for the Help of his People, derides their Attempts againſt the Kingdom of his Son, as vain and fruitleſs. The p. 54Lord ſhall laugh at them, Pſa. 37.13.Ps 37:13for he ſees that his Day is coming. They have their Day now, it is their Hour and the Power of Darkneſs: But God will have his Day ſhortly, and a Glorious Day it will be, when our Lord Jeſus ſhall appear in all the Power and Grandeur of the Ʋpper World, to the everlaſting Terror and Confuſion of all his Adverſaries, and the everlaſting Joy and Honour of all his faithful Servants and Soldiers; With the believing Hopes and Proſpects of which Day, let all thoſe who heartily eſpouſe and plead Religion's righteous Cauſe, Comfort themſelves and one another.

FINIS.

End of the text · Matthew Henry, Sermon on Acts 28:22 (1699)