Seven Godly and Fruitful Sermons, Sermon 6
THE SIXTH SERMON.
ISAIAN 30. Verſ. 9.10.
Verſ. 9. And children that would not heare the law of the Lord.
10. Which ſay vntounto the Seers, ſee not: and to the Prophets, prophecie not vntounto vsus right things: but ſpeake flattering things vntounto vsus, prophecie errours.
WE hauehave heard in the former words, that notwithſtanding the Iewes did profeſſe themſelues to bee the onelyonly people that ſtood for God, and for his worſhip, yet the Lord doth proclaime them wicked rebels againſt his Maieſty.
Now in theſe words the Prophet goeth forward to proue them to be ſuch, and that hee doth by two maine reaſons, viz.
Firſt, from their ill affection that they had, both to the word of God (which appeared in this, that howſoeuer they did by occaſion heare it, yet they [would not] hauehave heard it, Verſ. 9.if they could hauehave done otherwiſe for ſhame) and alſo to the Prophets of God, which brought his meſſage vntounto them: Verſ. 10.They ſaid vntounto the Seers, ſee not, and to the Prophets, prophecie not vntounto vsus right things: they could not endure that they ſhould take notice of eueryevery thing that was amiſſe in them, and that they ſhould preſſe eueryevery part of Gods will vponupon their conſciences: this they thought to bee too much ſtrictneſſe and preciſeneſſe.
2. Secondly, he proueth them to be rebels by their great affection that they carried vntounto that which would doo them moſt hurt, …. flatteric and errours. Thus much to d…ing the … and order of theſe words the meaning whereof ſhal by Gods aſſiſtance) be … fully laid open in the handling of the ſeuerall doctrines.11, 18, …
Verſ. 9. And children that world not heare the l… of the Lord.] In that the Prophet do the … ment proue them to bee traito…s againſt th… moſt high. This is the doctrine …, Doct. 2 viz. that, It is a marke of an impious perſon to reiect the word.it is an infallible note of an impious and rebellious perſon, to be vnwilling to heare the holy word of God.
Although men doe ordinarily reſort vntounto the aſſemblies where the Goſpell is pursely preached; yet, if they wiſh in their hearts that they were from vnderunder thoſe droppings, and if they might hauehave their owne choice, they would bee from vnderunder them, they are carnall and vngodly men, what appearances ſoeuer there bee to the contrary.
The ſame marke of wicked ſinners is giuen by Iob, Iob 21.14.where he ſaith, They ſay vntounto God, Depart from vsus: for wee deſire not the knowledge of thy waies: not that there is any ſuch wicked monſter that will directly vſe thoſe tearmes vntounto the Lord: but his meaning is, that their liues and practiſes doe prone ſo much, viz. that they would not willingly hauehave any thing to doe with God: which appeareth by this, that they deſire not the knowledge of his maies. Let them ſay what they will, thoſe that care not to bee acquainted with Gods will, nor to learne from thence what is their dutie, doe in effect bid the Lord depart from them, and therefore muſt needs bee very impious and irreligious perſons. To the ſame purpoſe it is ſaid in the Pſal. Pſal. 81.11.My people would not heare my voice: and what of that? Iſrael would none of me. If one ſhould hauehave ſaid to them, You are Apoſtaes, and hate God in your hearts, they would hauehave thought it the greateſt wrong that could be: but wee ſee what the Lords teſtimonie is concerning them; they would not attend to my voice, therefore they would none of me: they reiected my word, therefore they reiected mee. Beſides theſe places, and many moc that might bee alleaged, the cauſes and effects of this vnwillingneſſe to heare the Lords meſſage, will euidently proue thoſe to be ſinfull perſons that are poſſeſſed therewith.
Firſt then for the cauſes thereof, Reaſon. The cauſes.there ſhall two onelyonly bee named, though many other might bee brought.
One of them the Prophet Ieremy maketh mention of, ſaying: VntoUnto whom ſhall I ſpeake, Ier. 6.10.and admoniſh that they may heare? behold their eares are vncircumciſed, and they cannot hearken.
In the words going before hee had denounced heauie plagues againſt them in regard of their horrible and fearefull tranſgreſſions, which did continually flow from them, euen as waters from a fountaine, verſ. 7. Now hereupon ſome man might ſay, If their offences be ſo grieuous, wherefore doe not you tell them thereof? Why, (faies the Prophet) vntounto whom ſhall I ſpeake, whom ſhall I admoniſh? their eares are vncircumciſed, that is, fleſhly and carnall: ſo that albeit good inſtructions be brought vntounto them, yet they … hearken thereunto; but will bee gazing hither and thither, and hauehave their minds taken vp with other matters. Let a debter of theirs come vntounto them to pay thē money, and they will not be looking on this thing and on that, when they ſhould receiue it at his hands: but when the true treaſure is offered vntounto them freely, they are either idle, or ill imployed, ſo that they hauehave no mind to accept of that. Tell them a tale of lucre, which they may get; or of ſome iniurie done vntounto them; whereof they may take aduantage, and their eares are wide open for ſuch matters: but let there bee any ſpeech vſed tending to the glory of God, or the ſaluation of their ſoules, they are altogether deafe, and cannot with any life or cheerfulnes liſten to ſuch things. Now how comes their eares to be thus vncircumciſed? becauſe their hearts are vncircumciſed: (which is the ſecond cauſe of their vnwillingneſſe to attend to the words of wiſedome:) And this appeareth in two things: the firſt is, that (as Ieremy ſpeaketh) they delight not in Gods voice. Ier. 6.10.The ſecond, that they doe take pleaſure in vnrighteouſneſſe, as the Apoſtle witneſſeth. 2. Theſ. 2.12.And looke how much delight any one taketh in ſin, ſo much hatred will hee beare againſt the word that checketh him for his ſin: and in what meaſure any man diſlikes the word, in the ſame meaſure will he take pleaſure in all manner of iniquity, which is condemned by the word. And thus much for the cauſes of this vnwillingneſſe.
The ill effects follow, 2. The effects.which (to mention but a few of a great many) are three. The two former in reſpect of men them felues, the laſt in reſpect of God.
Concerning themſelues, firſt, they are neuer able to meditate on the word. For whatſoeuer a man comes vnwillingly to hearken vntounto, that will quickly ſlip out of his minde, neither can he poſſibly get it to take any deepe roote in his heart. Hence is it that when couetous, or malicious, or vnchaſt perſons repaire vntounto Sermons to pleaſe their maſters, or to ſatisfie the law, or for ſome ſuch by reſpect, they neuer ſeriouſly thinke of that which they hauehave heard, to make any application thereof vntounto themſelues; they cannot bring their hearts vntounto it: for a ſinfull conſcience will not endure to be tied to the word of the Lord. The Prophet Dauid ſaith, Lord how louelove I thy law? Pſal. 119.97.my meditation is in it continually. What will follow then if a man doe not louelove Gods law? Surely, he will not at any time meditate theron: which he that doth not, muſt needs be a very ſinfull creature.
Secondly, as hee will neuer ponder vponupon it, ſo neither will he practiſe it. Hee that is vnwilling to heare his dutie, will bee much more vnwilling to doe it. If wee ſee a ſeruant that cannot endure to be informed what is his maſters will and pleaſure, we preſently conclude that ſuch an one will not proue a faithfull and truſty ſeruant: and ſo may we do without any breach of charity, when wee perceiue a man to be altogether careleſſe, or contemptuous in liſtening to the charge of his heauenly maſter: he that cannot abide to heare of the duties of the Sabbath, nor of the exerciſes of religion that he is to performe in his familie, and the like, we may boldly ſay, except the Lord conuert this mans heart, certainly he will neuer make conſcience of performing theſe duties.
Now for the effect which they ſhall find from the Lord, it is this that he will deale with them, as with wicked and vngodly ones, both in this life, and afterwards: 2. Theſ. 2.10.11.12.for becauſe they receiue not the louelove of the truth, that they might be ſaued, therefore God wil ſend them ſtrong deluſions, that they ſhould beleeue lies. That all they may be damned that beleeue not the truth, but take pleaſure in vnrighteouſneſſe.
This doctrine maketh
Firſt, for the terror of Papiſts, Vſe 1 and all ſuch as are popiſhly affected, as being liable to this iudgement and heauie ſtroake of God, becauſe they refuſe to heare the word of the Lord, and will rather hearken to erroneous and heretical doctrine, then to the truth of God contained in the holy Scriptures; and rather lie in priſon amongſt malefactors, then bee in the Church amongſt true Chriſtians.
But though they doe not heare the word preached, Obiect. 1 yet (will ſome ſay) they pray very much. What of that? Anſw. doe they imagine to hauehave any beneſit by their prayers? if they doe, they will bee much deceiued: Prou. 28.9.for Salomon ſaith, He that turneth away his eare from hearing the law, euen his prayer ſhall be abominable. Let them pretend what they will for their wilfull abſenting of themſelues from our aſſemblies, as namely, that wee corrupt the word, and miſinterprete and miſapply the ſame, yet they ſhall finde, that they hauehave refuſed to embrace the louelove of the truth, 2. Theſ. 2.and hauehave beleeued lies; and that therefore the Lord hath iuſtly giuen them vp to bee deluded by Satan, and ſo to bee damned with him euerlaſtingly.
Secondly, for the iuſt reproofe of many among vsus, who will come vntounto the Church, and ſit before the Preacher, as men and women deſiring to obtaine the knowledge of Gods waies, whereas in truth the Lord and their owne conſciences can witneſſe, that they are altogether vnwilling to receiue any wholeſome admonition and inſtruction: and that no charge is, or can bee more vnpleaſant, and diſtaſtfull vntounto them, then that of the God of heauen, when he ſtraitly enioyneth them with all ſpeed to get out of their ſins, and to turne their feet into the way of his teſtimonies. And becauſe they will bee very loath to acknowledge thus much, but are ready to harbour too good an opinion of themſelues, as if none were more forward hearers then they are, let their owne hearts bee iudges, what preparation they make before hand for the fitting of themſelues for ſuch a great worke; what attention they vſe when they are preſent, and what meditation and conference they hauehave concerning it when they are departed. Of which points if they would without partiality examine themſelues, they ſhould eaſily diſcerne a great deale of backwardneſſe in their nature, and in their practiſe. If a man ſhould proteſt that hee goes to the market with a great deſire to buy food for himſelfe and his family, yet if he alwaies played the vnthrift with his money, and neuer brought home any prouiſion, we would not giuegive credit to his words, but account him a meere diſſembler: and the like cenſure may wee paſſe on ſuch, as pretend they are willing to reape benefit by the word, to the intent they may bee able to helpe both themſelues and their families, and yet neuer carrie away any thing to the purpoſe, but if they aske them what points were handled, they can ſay nothing but this, ſurely wee heard a very good Sermon, God be thanked, but my memory is very ſhort, or, I cannot vtter all that I hauehave in my mind: my heart, I hope, is as good as the beſt, though I cannot talke of the Sermon as others doe: what is this but to deceiue their owne ſoules with vaine words? for certainely hee that hath a heart willing to heare, will hauehave a tongue readie to vtter, in ſome tolerable ſort, that which hee hath heard, though not all of it, yet a good part of it, as God hath giuen to eueryevery one the meaſure of grace.
Another ſort are here to be reproued, who doe in a more palpable and groſſe manner manifeſt their vnwillingneſſe to heare, in that they wil take eueryevery ſleight occaſion to abſent themſelues, and that not onelyonly on the weeke daies, but on the Lords day alſo: ſo that when the Lord commeth euen to their dores, and offereth to powre downe his graces abundantly vponupon them, they refuſe his gracious offer, Act. 13.46.and ſo iudge themſelues vnworthie of eternall life.
Thirdly, this is for our inſtruction: if we would be freed from the accuſation, and condemnation of impious and prophane perſons, then let vsus labour to be willing and well affected hearers; and come with a better appetite to the food of our ſoules, then wee doe to the food of our bodies, and be more deſirous to get an encreaſe of ſpirituall graces by the one, Remedies againſt vnwillingneſſe to heare the word.then of naturell ſtrength by the other.
Now to the intent that we may do ſo, we muſt vſe theſe remedies following.
Firſt, purge our hearts by true and vnfained repentance from the venome of all groſſe and preſumptuous ſinnes, yea from the allowance and liking of the leaſt infirmities: for otherwiſe if our ſoules bee clogged with poyſoned humours of ſinne, wee ſhall find no manner of appetite, or affection to our ſpirituall food. Wherefore the Apoſtle Iames exhorting the twelue tribes to receiue the word with meekeneſſe, preſcribeth them what courſe to take for the preparing of their hearts thereunto, Iam. 1.20.21.viz. to put away wrathfull and violent affections, & to lay apart al filthineſſe and ſuperfluity of malitiouſnes. And the like direction the Apoſtle Peter giueth in his firſt Epiſtle, and ſecond chapter, verſ. 1.2. thereby implying, that it is in vaine for men to imagine that they can bee profitable hearers and receiuers of the doctrine of Chriſt, till they hauehave done their beſt endeauour to cleanſe their hearts and their hands from all manner of iniquitie.
Secondly, let vsus conſider of the excellency of the word, and meditate on the ſtrange and admirable effects that it worketh: as namely, how pure, and holy and perfect it is eueryevery way: Pſal. 19.7. &c.how it enlighteneth the mind, and giueth wiſedome to the ſimple: how it conuerteth the ſoule, and frameth the affections vntounto obedience: 2. Cor. 10. Act. 26.18.how it caſteth downe the ſtrong holds of the diuell, ſetteth men at libertie from the power of darkeneſſe, Iam. 1.21.and tranſlateth them into the glorious kingdome of Ieſus Chriſt: and in a word, is able to ſaue their ſoules that doe in a conſcionable manner attend thereunto, and treaſure it vp in the ſecret of their hearts. Which things being well conſidered, will ſet an edge on our affections, Pſal. 119.and cauſe vsus to hauehave as great delight in Gods ſtatutes, as in all manner of riches.
Thirdly and laſtly, when wee feele within vsus a great vnwillingneſſe to hearken to the word (as the fleſh will alwaies bee vnwilling to that which will mortifie and kill the ſinfull luſts thereof) let vsus ſay with the Prophet Dauid, Pſal. 119. part. 5.Lord encline my heart vntounto thy teſtimonies. Neuer diſcourage our ſelues, by thinking, ſurely I ſhall neuer bee able to maſter my affections, and to bring my heart with cheerefulneſſe to liſten vntounto holy things, but goe vntounto the Lord that is greater then our hearts, and ſtronger then our ſinnes, and beſeech him to giuegive vsus a good affection to his teſtimonies, and if wee aske in faith and humility, wee ſhall bee ſure to obtaine our hearts deſire: Pſal. 25.for the Lord hath promiſed to teach the humble his way: and if hee vndertake it, it is neither our ſinfull nature, nor Satans malice that can hinder his worke, but he will by degrees accompliſh the ſame in vsus, a… …ee hath done in all his elect from the beginning of the world euen vntounto this preſent time. And thus much for the helpes that wee muſt vſe, that wee may become willing and cheerefull hearers of the word of the Lord.
Verſ. 10. Which ſay vntounto the Seers, ſee not, &c.
THe Prophet had charged them that they were vnwilling to heare Gods word: but they might obiect: Wee are as forward to heare as any other; yea (ſaith he) you heare indeed: but what doctrine are you moſt deſirous of? would you not be flattered, rather then reproued? would you not hauehave falſhood preached vntounto you, rather then the truth? Doe you not ſay vntounto the Seers, ſee not, and to the Prophets, prophecie not vntounto vsus right things, but ſpeake flattering things vntounto vsus: prophecie errours? not that they were ſo brutiſh as in words to ſay thus much vntounto the Seers; that is, to their faithfull teachers, which had an inſight into Gods will; but their actions teſtified ſo much: for they would vilifie and perſecute ſuch as dealt faithfully with them. Whence obſerue, Doct. 3 that the more wholeſome and holy any doctrine is, The moſt holy doctrine is moſt diſtaſtfull vntounto vnholy perſons.the more grieuous is it vntounto the wicked ſinners.
As any man of God preacheth more ſoundly, and commeth nearer the conſcience, ſo is hee more abhorred of vngodly men.
This we may ſee euidently in ſundry examples of Scripture, as firſt of all in thoſe of whom mention is made in the Reuelation, where it is ſaid, Reuel. 11.that there were two witneſſes, that is, a competent and ſufficient number of faithfull Preachers, which were like Oliue trees, Verſ 4.to diſtill the oyle of grace into mens hearts, and like Candelſtickes to hold forth the light vntounto thoſe that liued in darkneſſe and ignorance: but what was the effect of their preaching? Verſ. 10.It is ſaid that theſe two Prophets vexed them that dwealt on the earth: that is, all earthly minded men: all ſuch as were ignorant and proud, vnchaſt and couetous: ſo that they could neuer be well, till they had killed them, and caſt out their corpſes into the ſtreets of the city: but then they were glad and reioyced, and ſent preſents one to another in token of their ioy, hoping that now theſe two witneſſes were diſpatched out of the way, they ſhould go on merrily in their leaud courſes, and liue at hearts eaſe.
So Ahab profeſſeth that hee hated the Prophet Micaiah, and could not abide him: how came that to paſſe? he could like well enough of thoſe foure hundred falſe Prophets that were entertained at Iezabels table: this was the very true cauſe; Micaiah neuer prophecied good vntounto him, 1. King. 21.20.but euill. Hee would deale faithfully in deliuering Gods meſſage, and not flatter him either for feare or fauor, but when God proclaimed warre againſt him, (as hee muſt needs being an impious Idolater) hee would let him heare of it, and giuegive him no allowance in his wicked enterpriſes: whereas thoſe foure hundred diſſembling hypocrites had learned to frame themſelues to the Kings humour, and to ſpeake not true but pleaſing things vntounto him, and by that meanes they inſinuated themſelues into his fauour. And as he was affected towards Micaiah, ſo was hee alſo towards Elij…h: Haſt thou found me, O mine enemy? (ſaith he.) 1. King. 21.20.Now what was the reaſon he ſhould profeſſe ſuch emnity againſt him? euen this, that the holy Prophet of God came euer furniſhed with ſharpe rebukes, and terrible threatnings from heauen, which hee was to denounce againſt him for his monſtrous impiety againſt the Lord, and cruelty againſt his ſeruants.
The like may be ſeene in Paul, who for deliuering the holy and powerfull doctrine of the Goſpell, was counted a peſtilent fellow, Act. 24.and a troubler of the whole world: not of the Saints that were in the world, but of ſuch as were men of the world, who could not endure to hauehave their ignorance, their Idolatry, their hypocriſie, the ill gouernment of their tongues, of their affections and of their families, laid open and diſgraced, and the reformation of theſe corruptions vrged and preſſed vponupon their conſciences. To this ſame purpoſe we may obſerue further how mad and outragious they were againſt Steuen, Acts 7. when hee came with ſound doctrine to their vnſound hearts: Act 7.54. &c.it is ſaid when they heard the things that hee deliuered, their hearts braſt for anger, and they gnaſhed at him with their teeth, and ſo giuing a ſhout with a loud voice, and ſtopping their eares, that they might not heare him any longer, they ranne vponupon him with great violence, and carrying him out of the city, ſtoned him to death.
Reaſons. The reaſons why pure and holy doctrine is ſo vnpleaſant and vnwelcome vntounto impure and vnholy perſons, are theſe:
Firſt, becauſe it doth maruellouſly croſſe their wretched luſts, and goes againſt thoſe euill affections and actions which they are determined to follow: they would bee proud; but the word tels them, Iam. 4.that then the Lord will reſiſt them, and at length confound them bodies and ſoules: they would bee alwaies rooting in the earth, and ſcraping together the pelfe of this world; Reuel. 22.but the word tels them, that ſuch ſwine ſhall be without, that is, excluded from the heauenly Ieruſalem, and hauehave their portion in the lake that burneth with fire and brimſtone for euer. Now when they are reſolued to bee proud ſtill, and to bee rooters ſtill, and the Miniſters of God are euer and anon grating vponupon their conſciences for the ſame, they are much imbittered and incenſed againſt them, and their doctrine, and if they can worke them any miſchiefe, they ſhall be ſure not to miſſe of it.
Secondly, ſuch kinde of doctrine doth much diſgrace both their courſes and perſons: for it is the ſquare, whereby ſuch crooked peeces are diſcerned, and the touchſtone wherby wicked mens vnſoundnes is diſcouered. Hence is it that when our Sauiour had inueighed againſt the hypocriſie of the Scribes and Phariſies, an expounder of the law anſwered, Luk 9 45.46.and ſaid vntounto him, Maſter, thus ſaying, thou putteſt vsus to rebuke alſo: as if hee ſhould hauehave ſaid, Be aduiſed what you ſpeak: for this doctrine of yours tendeth to our diſgrace, as wel as vntounto theirs. But what? doth our Sauiour forbeare them hereupon? nay, hee commeth nearer vntounto them, and driueth the naile to the head, ſaying, Woe be vntounto you alſo ye Interpretors of the law: as if he ſhould ſay, Will you play the diſſemblers, and muſt not a man ſpeake againſt your ſin for feare of diſgracing you? Yes ſurely, ſin muſt hauehave ſhame whereſoeuer it is; and therefore woe vntounto you alſo yee Lawyers, for without repentance your caſe is very dangerous.
Thirdly, the diuell is much diſquieted with right and powerfull doctrine. If a man come with the ſword of the Spirit to ſtrike down right vponupon the ſinnes of mens ſoules, and to ſummon their drowſie conſciences before the iudgement ſeate of Ieſus Chriſt, that is the next way to thruſt the diuell out of poſſeſſion, Luk. 10.18.and to caſt him violently out of their harts, euen as the lightening fals from the cloud. And this we muſt make full reckoning of, that whatſoeuer diſlikes the diuell, Iohn 8.the ſame will diſlike the children of the diuell. And therefore we may obſerue, Act. 16.17. &c.that when Paul at Philippi had caſt out the diuell of the maid that had a ſpirit of diuination, Satan himſelfe being enraged thereby, all the city was in an vprore againſt him and Silas, and commanded them to be grieuouſly ſcourged with roddes, and after to bee laid faſt as cloſe priſoners, with their feet in the ſtocks.
This point ſerueth, Vſe.
1. For inſtruction to Miniſters, that, if they be faithfull vntounto the Lord in teaching right things in a right manner, they muſt make full account that euill men will be grieued, and tired, and quite wearied out therewith: they will be vnwilling to come to the Church, and think eueryevery houre two, while they are there. Chriſt himſelfe could not pleaſe carnall men; nay he diſpleaſed them moſt, becauſe his teaching was beſt. But what ſaith hee for his owne and others comfort? Luk. 7.35.Wiſedome is iuſtified of her children: ſo that albeit fleſhly minded men diſlike and reiect pure and plaine doctrine, yet thoſe that are wiſdomes children, that is, truly and ſpiritually wife, will approue it, and embrace it.
Secondly, this is for inſtruction to all Gods people, that they ſhould labour to bring their hearts to bee willing to heare and receiue ſound doctrine, that they may from a plaine and faithful deſire ſay vntounto the Prophets, Iſa. 30.10.prophecie vntounto vsus right things: tell vsus plainely of our faults; make vsus to ſee them, and to be aſhamed of them: if you perceiue vsus to be couetous, or voluptuous, or riotous, &c. let vsus heare of theſe our corruptions, and of the iudgements of God due vntounto them, that ſo we may be terrified and reclaimed from them. And when we feele in the duties of piety, or mercy, or of our callings, let vsus bee admoniſhed and exhorted; let vsus hauehave forcible and vnanſwerable reaſons, for the conuincing of our iudgements, and the winning of our affection to the louelove and liking of thoſe good duties, which wee hauehave been formerly negligent to performe. If wee can come thus prepared to the preaching of the word, wee ſhall receiue abundant fruit and profit thereby: and hence bee aſſured to our comfort, that we are not rebels and traitors againſt the great King of heauen, but his true and faithfull ſubiects and ſeruants, in that we are glad to know his ſtatutes, and willing and deſirous to yeeld all loyall and dutifull obedience thereunto; and howſoeuer our owne miſinformed conſciences, or Satan, our ſubtill enemie, may perſwade vsus that we doe not louelove and feare the Lord, but that we hauehave vnſound and vnſanctified hearts, yet let vsus ſtand vponupon the contrary: for if wee hauehave no other argument of our true and ſincere louelove towards God, yet this may bee ſufficient, viz. that wee doe vnfainedly louelove and embrace his ſacred word: it is an vndoubted teſtimonie of a good ſtomacke, to bee delighted and refreſhed with wholeſome food: neither is there a ſurer and better ſigne of a ſound heart, thē to be wel affected towards a ſound miniſtery.
Verſ. 10. But ſpeake flattering things vntounto vsus, prophecie errours.]
IN that they deſire ſuch kind of preaching, wee might note this doctrine, that, Our ſinfull nature loues nothing ſo much as that which will do vsus moſt hurt. But of this point, See verſ. 6. Doct. 1. before.
Our wretched nature is neuer ſo forward vntounto any thing, Doct. 4 All men are naturall moſt prone vntounto cuill.as vntounto that which is ſinfull and vtterly vnlawful. All men are naturally exceeding ſlacke in attempting and executing that which is good: but very ſwift in ſetting vponupon, and going through with that which is euill. Therefore is it ſaid of all the ſonnes of Adam without exception, Rom. 3.15.that their feet are ſwift to ſhed blood. Many there are, who if they ſhould be preſt io fight in lawfull warre for God and their countrie, would be fearfull and daſtardly, and if they could with any credit or ſafety, they would betake them to their heeles: and yet the ſame men in a priuate quarrell, or in robbing by the high waies ſide, or in ſtealing ſomewhat out of their neighbours grounds, will bee very forward and ſwift to ſhed blood. Againe, there are diuers that are exceeding ſlow in going to a Sermon, or to any ſuch holy exerciſe, or ſeruice: but to runne to a Bulbaiting, or a Beare baiting, or to a Whitſon-ale, none ſhal riſe more early, nor haſten more ſpeedily then they. Examples will make this point yet more cleare. When Nebuchadnezzar was minded to paſſe an vniuſt ſentence of death vponupon the Caldeans and Aſtrologians, Dan. 2.14.for that they could not bring to his minde his dreame, which he himſelfe had forgotten, he made great ſpeed in the matter, in ſo much that he adiudged all to die, not onelyonly thoſe that had bin examined, but all ſuch as were of that profeſſion, yea not onelyonly thoſe that were Sorcerers and Coniurers indeed, but Daniel and his companions, that were but onelyonly ſuppoſed to be ſuch, whereas they did in truth abhor all thoſe vnlawfull and diuelliſh Arts. If it had been ſome matter tending to Gods glory, or the good of his Church, hee would not hauehave been ſo ready to yeeld vntounto it, and if ſuch a ſentence had been paſt, there would hauehave been many obiections and oppoſitions, ſo that the execution thereof would hardly hauehave followed ſo ſpeedily, as this heere did; in which regard Daniel taketh exception againſt it, ſaying, Why is the ſentence ſo haſtie from the King? The like forwardneſſe was there in the vnbeleeuing Iſraelites vntounto the foule and abominable ſinne of Idolatrie: Exod. 32.3.Moſes had laboured much to perſwade them to make a couenant with God, and to cleaue vntounto him in faithfull and conſtant obedience; yet when hee had been a while out of the way, they would needs hauehave a golden Calfe in ſtead of Moſes, to goe before them, and therefore all of a ſudden they came with great violence vntounto Aaron, vrging him to make them one: hee being afraid to croſſe them and to diſpleaſe them, goeth about by carnall policie to ſtay them from their wickedneſſe, and therefore calleth for their golden care rings, thinking that they would at no hand hauehave parted with them: but when it was for the erecting of Idolatry, hee could no ſooner aske for them, but they preſently brouget them. So alſo in the daies of Hoſeah, Hoſ. 2.8.the people were exceeding bountifull in beſtowing their corne and wine, and oyle, together with their gold and ſiluer vponupon Baal: they thought nothing too deare or pretious, that was to goe that way; ſo that they were content to part not onelyonly with their goods, but alſo with their ſonnes and daughters, whom they ſacrificed vntounto diuels.
And as for euill deeds, Pſal. 106.ſo for ſinfull ſpeeches, there is in our nature a very great aptneſſe and proneneſſe thereunto, which vnregenerate men doe helpe forward by their continuall practiſe: in which regard Ieremy ſaith concerning them of his time, Ier. 9.3.that they did bend their tongues like bowes for lies, but they had no courage for the truth. If they were to ſpeake of hurtfull and wicked things, they had words at will, and boldneſſe ſutable thereunto: but if it were concerning good and profitable matters, they had no heart vntounto them; their bow and their ſtring were both broken.
The reaſons of this doctrine are theſe: Reaſons.
Firſt, our fleſh is wholly bent vntounto that which is ſinfull. Gen. 6.5.All the imaginations of the thoughts of our harts are only euil, and that continually. So that when wee are about any wicked practiſe, wee hauehave the whole force and ſtrength of nature to helpe vsus forward: as on the contrary, when wee are about any goodneſſe, wee hauehave the whole current and ſtreame of the fleſh againſt vsus, ſtill readie to ſtop and hinder vsus. Wee are neuer exerciſed in that which is naturall vntounto vsus, vntill we be plotting, or practiſing ſome wickednes againſt God, or ſome vnrighteouſneſſe againſt men.
Secondly, the diuell is ready to driue the fleſh onward vntounto that which is euill. In which reſpect it is ſaid, that the wiſedome which is not from aboue, Iam. 3.17.as it is earthly and ſenſuall, ſo it is alſo diuelliſh. The wiſedome of the fleſh is enmity againſt God, Rom. 8.and ſo of it owne accord too to prone vntounto all kindes of miſchiefe: and therefore being ſet forward by Satan, it muſt needs be very violent in the purſuit thereof.
Thirdly, the world is ready to ioyne with vsus in any vnwarrantable and bad courſes, ſo that if wee be addicted to couetouſneſſe, or vainglory, or voluptuouſneſſe, wee ſhall hauehave commendation and incouragement from carnal people: Ioh. 15.19.for the world loues, as it owne perſons, ſo likewiſe it own works; ſuch as are thoſe before mentioned: and whatſoeuer it loues, that it commends: now praiſe is it which earthly minded men doe much hunt for, and that makes them ſo eager and ſwift of foot in following after thoſe things which the men of this world do affect and like of. They would faine hauehave preſent paiment, and are loath to looke after thoſe things which are not ſeene: they would rather hauehave their fenſe ſatisfied, then their hope exerciſed, (that which they hauehave, not being a ſound hope) and therefore they chuſe rather the practiſe of thoſe euils, whereby they imagine to obtaine ſome preſent contentment, then the performance of ſuch good duties, as would hereafter procure them an eternall weight of glory, beſides the preſent peace and comfort which from the ſame would ariſe vntounto them.
Hereby then (in the firſt place) is diſcouered their follie and ſimplicitie, Vſe 1 that hauehave a great opinion of the religion of Papiſts, and of their liberality, both which (as may euidently appeare by this Doctrine) are altogether vaine, and of no value at all. Firſt, concerning their religion, many doe eſteeme of it in regard of the vniuerſality thereof, and that there are ſuch multitudes that doe embrace it: but what better argument can we deſire againſt it then this, which they would hauehave to make for it? For all (as hath been formerly proued) are naturally moſt enclinable vntounto that which is euill: and therefore moſt men being ſo prone vntounto Poperie, what can bee concluded but this, Luk. 10.that it is an euill and damnable religion? Chriſt his flocke is a little flocke, and he hath but a few ſheepe that will hearken vntounto his voice, and bee ordered and guided by his Spirit: what doctrine then can we imagine that to be, but the doctrine of diuels, vntounto which ſuch multitudes are ready to giuegive eare, and to conforme themſelues without any great contradiction?
Then further, as touching their liberality which they ſo much ſtand vponupon, and boaſt of, what matter of commendation can wee finde therein, ſeeing it tendeth onelyonly and wholly to the maintenance of Idolatry? to the furtherance of ſuperſtition? and to the ſetting vp of themſelues in the roome and ſtead of Chriſt Ieſus? Were not the idolatrous Iſraelites, before ſpoken of, eueryevery whit as bountifull, Hoſ. 1.8.yea more bountiful then they? What will they ſay to thoſe that offered their ſons and their daughters vntounto Moloch, and ſuch like abominable Idols? will that proue there was any foundneſſe and vprightneſſe in them? Indeed this much may bee gathered from thence, that they had a great meaſure of louelove, which made them ſo bountifull. But what kind of louelove was it? a Chriſtian and well-grounded louelove? nothing leſſe, but a fleſhly and diuelliſh louelove, as is very apparant in this, that it made them ſo forward in performing the workes of the fleſh and of the diuell. And the like may be ſaid of Papiſts long and tedious pilgrimages, and their cruell and vnnatuturall whipping of themſelues, and other ſuch bodily exerciſes; it is no maruell to ſee them vndertake and vndergoe the ſame with all readineſſe and willingneſſe, becauſe they are things vnwarrantable by the word, and conſequently ſeruices of the fleſh and not of God: And it is an eaſie matter for a man to ſpend his riches, his ſtrength, yea and his blood alſo vponupon his wicked luſts, and vngodly affections.
Secondly, ſeeing our nature is ſo inclinable vntounto wickedneſſe, let vsus be humbled for the corruption thereof, and teſtifie the truth of our humiliation by auoiding all occaſions of euill. Are wee ſuch drie wood as will eaſily be kindled? then let vsus take heed how we come too neare the fire: are wee ſuch light ſtuffe, as will ſoone bee toſſed and carried hither and thither with eueryevery puffe? then let vsus beware how wee aduenture vponupon ſuch places and ſuch companie, where the winde of falſe doctrine, or of diuelliſh counſell and perſwaſion may blow vponupon vsus. Men will yeeld that the fleſh is fraile: but why then will they ruſh vponupon the occaſions of falling? if the fleſh bee ſo ſubiect to euill, why doe they not crucifie it by prayer, by applying the threatnings of the word to their owne ſoules, by keeping good companie, and the like?
This is it that maketh a number to fall into Poperie, into Browniſme, into ſome ſuch dangerous ſects, or other, that when they giuegive themſelues to the profeſſion of the Goſpell, they finde it to bee croſſe and contrary to their corrupt and finfull nature, and therefore they are full of contradiction and gainſaying, and at length fall to reading of the bookes of Papiſts, or Browniſts, or the like: and then they are carried vntounto their opinions with ſuch eagerneſſe and violence, as a ſhip on the ſea that goes with winde and ſale. Now what is the reaſon hereof? becauſe the fleſh is neuer ſtrongly bent, vntill it meet with an ill obiect, but then it paſſeth on amaine without any ſtop or let.
Therefore let vsus bee carefull that wee doe not ruſh vponupon any ſuch inducements vntounto Idolatrie, or ſchiſme, or any manner of impiety; for otherwiſe wee ſhall be ſure to bee intrapped and inſnared.
Oh but this is too much niceneſſe and ſcrupuloſitie, Obiect. (will ſome ſay) I hope we are not ſo weake nor ſo ſimple, but we can chuſe the beſt, and leaue the worſt: be preſent at any popiſh worſhip, and yet keepe our hearts to God: conuerſe with any company, and yet continue honeſt men ſtill.
HaueHave you ſo good a perſwaſion of your fleſh? Anſw. certainly you doe thereby giuegive mee iuſt occaſion to hauehave an ill perſwaſion of you, and to ſuſpect that in truth you doe not much care of what religion or of what conuerſation you be. Others hauehave bin as well conceited of themſelues as you, and thereupon hauehave been bold without any calling or warrant to trauell into ſtrange countries, and being there, to ſee Images, and to heare Maſſes, and to vſe familiarity with men of all ſorts. But what hath been the euent thereof? they hauehave returned home, either of no religion, or of a falſe religion. This lamentable experience doth ſhew to be moſt true, in many young Gentlemen of the greateſt houſes in this our land, whoſe atheiſticall and prophane carriage ſhould bee a warning vntounto others, not to preſume vponupon their owne ſtrength, nor to tempt the Lord by caſting themſelues vponupon the occaſions of euill.
Thirdly, this may ſerue for a caueat vntounto vsus, that when we finde our ſelues very eager and forward vntounto any thing, wee make a ſtay, and a pauſe, examining whether the thing be lawfull & good, yea or no: and if it be ſo, yet let vsus ſearch whether our fleſh be not ſet a worke in that ſpiritual action which we are about: whether there bee not in it ſome mixture of corruption, and ſome caruall reſpect or other, that maketh vsus ſo nimble and ready in the performance of it: let vsus (I ſay) looke well vntounto our hearts in this behalfe; for all is not fire from the altar, that ſeemes to bee ſuch: it is a rare thing for vsus to bee truly zealous of good workes; and much of our heate proceedeth rather from our owne fleſh, then from Gods ſpirit; and therefore when wee perceiue our violence and eagerneſſe to ariſe rather from ſome inordinate luſt, then from any good and holy affection, let vsus curbe and reſtraine the ſame, and beſeech the Lord to moderate our deſires, that wee may doe all our workes in meckeneſſe and modeſtie, and with that good temper which beſeemeth Chriſtians.
Fourthly, ſithence there is in eueryevery mans nature ſuch proneneſſe vntounto ſin and iniquitie, this ſhould be a ſingular comfort vntounto Gods childrē, when they finde many motions vntounto euill, and much dulnes and backwardnes vntounto that which is good, they need not be diſmaied hereat, if ſo bee they ſee their corruption and bee grieued for it; Rom. 7.and ſtriue againſt it.
But why ſhould Heretikes bee able to cleaue more earneſtly, Obiect. and firmely to ſuperſtition and idolatrie, then wee can to true religion and pietie?
There is good reaſon for that: Anſw. becauſe they hauehave all helpes that Satan, the fleſh or the world can affoord them, and we hauehave all the hindrances that may bee from them all: for it pleaſeth the Lord, that while we hauehave a natural life, we ſhould hauehave alſo naturall corruption: and albeit the fleſh bee in part crucified, yet will it ſtill rebell againſt the Spirit, and the diuell and the world will take part with it.
But what then is the difference between Gods ſeruants, and the ſeruants of the diuel, Obiect. ſeeing there is in them both an vnwillingnes vntounto that which the Lord commandeth, and a pronenes vntounto that which he forbiddeth?
Herein ſtandeth the difference, Anſw. that the godly take notice of the corruptions of their nature, bewaile them, and labour to ſuppreſſe them, not fulfilling the luſts of their fleſh, either for the omiſſion of holy duties, or the practiſe of any manner of euill: Galath. 5.for they hauehave the ſpirit in them which doth alwaies reſiſt the ſinfull motions of the fleſh, ſo that as they cannot doe the good which they would, becauſe the fleſh luſteth againſt the ſpirit, that is, againſt the regenerate part in them: ſo neither can they doe the euill that ſometimes they would, becauſe the ſpirit ſtrugleth and fighteth againſt the luſts of the fleſh. Now concerning wicked men, they are altogether fleſhly, and therefore when they hauehave vile motions from nature, or bad ſuggeſtions from Satan, they like of them, and nouriſh and cheriſh them, and if meanes and opportunity be offered, proceed to the execution of them.
Herein then may Gods children reioyce that they are farre vnlike the limmes of the diuell, in that they mortifie the deeds of the fleſh by the ſpirit, Rom. 8.13.and therefore ſhall liue: whereas others walke after the fleſh, and ſatisfie it in the luſts thereof, and therefore ſhall die. In the meditation whereof they ſhould raiſe vp their diſcouraged hearts, and fainting ſpirits to ſound ioy, and due thankfulnes, for that the Lord hath by his good ſpirit, and powerfull word, wrought a change in their hearts, and made them that were naturally ſet on miſchiefe, and did drinke in iniquitie with delight, euen as beaſts drink water; to be in any meaſure tractable vntounto holy duties, and to carrie a perfect hatred againſt all impiety and vnrighteouſneſſe, albeit they cannot get that maſterie of their ſinfull luſts as they ſhould, and as they would. This is a wonderfull worke of God, for which we cannot ſufficiently praiſe his name: and therefore we ſhould doe as the Prophet Dauid did when the Lord had put it into his heart, and into the hearts of his ſubiects to bee liberall towards the building of the Temple: 1. Chro. 26.13.14.18.Now therefore, our God, (ſaith he) we thank thee, and praiſe thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people that we ſhould be able to offer willingly after this ſort? &c. O Lord God of Abraham, Iſaac, and Iſrael our fathers, keepe this for euer in the purpoſe, and thoughts of the hearts of thy people, and prepare their hearts vntounto thee.
From which words it is apparant, that it is an admirable and ſupernaturall worke to hauehave a well diſpoſed minde, and a well affected heart vntounto any thing that concernes the worſhip of God, and his glory: to bee franke and free-hearted in beſtowing ones ſubſtance vponupon ſumptuous buildings, coſtly apparell, great houſe-keeping, ſetting vp Lords of miſrule, and the like, is a thing not worth the ſpeaking of, becauſe a meere carnall man in arrogancie and vaine-glory may bee very lauiſh and prodigall to ſuch ends and purpoſes. But to hauehave a liberal heart for good vſes, either for the furtherance of Gods ſeruice, or for the reliefe of the diſtreſſed Saints, is a matter that we ſhould take ſpeciall notice of, and be carefull to magnifie the name of the Lord for it, and earneſtly to entreate the continuance of it, as Dauid doth in this place.
And though we be not alwaies alike, but now and then dull, and heauie, and lumpiſh, and drowſie, when it pleaſeth the Lord for our humbling to let the fleſh play it part; yet if wee ſometimes, and for the moſt part finde ſpirituall motions and affections, and from thence proceed to holy ſpeeches and actions, as occaſion and ability is offered, wee hauehave great cauſe to bleſſe the name of God for his ſingular fauour and goodneſſe towards vsus in that behalfe.