The False Teacher Tried and Cast, Text

The False Teacher Tried and Cast · Text

p. 1THE FALSE-TEACHER Tryed and Caſt.

Revel. 2.2.

And thou hast tryed them which ſay they are Apoſtles, and are not, and haſt found them lyars.

IN this, Diviſion of the Context.and the following verſe, we have the commendation which the Son of man, the Lord Jeſus, giveth of and to the Angel (the Miniſter or Miniſters) of the Church of Epheſus: which commendation we have here firſt propounded, then expounded. Propounded in the former part of this verſe: 1. In a general way, [I know thy works,] then in particular, p. 2inſtancing in ſome of thoſe works which he took ſuch ſpecial notice of; which were three, his Labor, his Patience, his Zeal; ſhewed in not bearing with thoſe that were evil. Then expounded in the ſequel: Explanat ſinguli, quaſi retro v…ſtigia legens, Pare. in Text.where he again toucheth upon each of theſe three particulars; OnelyOnly in a reirograde way, inverting the order, according to the cuſtom of the Hebrews, (which we often meet with in Scripture) beginning firſt with the laſt; 1. Shewing how and wherein this Angel had expreſſed his zeal in not bearing with thoſe which were evil, viz. in his proceeding againſt falſe Apostles, falſe teachers, whom upon the Tryal he had found to be lyars. [And thou haſt tryed them, &c.] Secondly, What his patience was, and wherein he had ſhewed it, viz. In bearing much from thoſe whom he could not bear with, [And haſt born, and haſt patience, verſe 3.] Thirdly, What his labour was, even an unwearied indeavour of doing ſervice to God and his Church, [And for my name ſake haſt laboured, and haſt not fainted,] It is the firſt of theſe I have now to deal with.

p. 3And haſt tryed.] Wherein we have two things declared,

1. Parts of the Text. whom and what.What evil ones thoſe were which this Angel was ſo zealous againſt, could not bear, And

2. What he did to them. What evil ones; the falſe Apoſtles [Them which ſay they are Apoſtles, and are not] What he did to them. He tryed and convicted them. [Thou haſt tryed them and found them lyars.] Upon theſe look we ſeverally by way of Explication.

1. Part 1 The perſons dealt with.The Perſons whom this Angel could not bear. [Them which ſay they are Apoſtles, but are not.] Such there were ſome, and thoſe not a few, in thoſe proto-primitive and Apoſtolical times. Strange that there ſhould be ſo, yet ſo there were. As in the times of the Prophets there were falſe Prophets, foreign, ſo in the times of the Apoſtles there were falſe Apoſtes, foreign, it is the Apoſtles word. 2 Cor. 11.13. For ſuch are falſe Apoſtles.]

Queſ. And what were theſe falſe Apoſtles?

Anſw. What true Apoſtles were, Falſe Apoſtle what.we know; ſuch as were immediately ſent p. 4by Chriſt to preach the Goſpel to the whole world. Of this ſort were the twelve, who received their Commiſſion from their Lord & Maſter Chriſt, whil'ſt he was with them upon earth; to whom afterwards was added Matthias, who was ſubſtituted in the room of Judas. And ſuch was Paul, who received the like immediate Commiſſion from Chriſt himſelf being in heaven. Theſe were true Apoſtles, who being thus called, anſwered their calling by preaching of the true Goſpel. And from hence we may learn what thoſe falſe Apoſtles were: Which were of two ſorts (as the falſe prophets alſo were, and as Tyrants are ſaid to be, Falſe apoſtles of two ſorts.Titulo & Exercitio,) Some in reſpect of their calling onelyonly, others in reſpect of their Doctrine alſo.

Firſt, 1. In reſpect of their Calling.Some in reſpect of their calling, ſuch as ſaid they were Apoſtles, but were not. Such as pretended to an immediate Commiſſion from Chriſt, that they were immediately called and ſent by him as the true Apoſtles were, when as they were not ſo in truth. Such were thoſe whom p. 5Saint Paul there ſpeaketh of in that Text laſt cited, Pſeudoapoſtolos iſtos voc at non, ut ego quidem opinor, quod ſalſam aliquam doctrinam ſparſiſſent, &c. Bez. Gr. Annot. in Loc.2 Cor. 11.13. Falſe Apoſtles: ſo called (as Beza and others conceive of it) not in regard of any falſe Doctrine which as yet they had preached, but in regard of their falſe-Title, the falſe claim which they made to that Office. They pretended themſelves to be Apoſtles. And the more to win upon the belief of the people, they carried themſelves like Apoſtles, transforming themſelves into the Apoſtles of Chriſt (as it there followeth;) imitating them both in Doctrine and life, which they did as foreign (as they are there deſcribed) deceitful workers, out of a by and ſiniſter reſpect, not ſeeking Chriſt, but themſelves; not his glory, or the ſalvation of his people, but their own temporal advantage. Even as Satan the prince of darkneſs, is ſometimes transformed into an angel of light, (as the Apoſtle there goeth on verſ. 14.) ſuggeſting things vvhichwhich ſeem to ſavour of piety and zeal and holineſſe, as if the motion proceeded from a holy and bleſſed angel, whereas he intendeth nothing leſs, but under that p. 6pretence to deceive poor ſimple ſouls. So did thoſe falſe apoſtles. They pretended themſelves to be the Apoſtles of Chriſt, and they held forth his Doctrine, ſo imitating and perſonating the true apoſtles (as the Devil did Samuel, 1 Sam. 28.) but as they were falſe in the former, ſo in the later; Not being what they would bee thought, they did not intend what they pretended to. And upon this account were they called falſe Apoſtles.

2. Others there were who, 2 In reſpect of their Doctrineas falſly pretending to the like calling, under the name of Apoſtles they were broachers of Lyes, Errours, Hereſies, dangerous and pernitious Doctrines. Such falſe teachers there were many in the Apoſtles times Such were thoſe whom they in their Synodall Letter written from Jeruſalem gave warning to the Churches of, Act. 15.24. We have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, ſubverting your ſouls, &c. Some who pretended themſelves to be Apoſtles, or at leaſt to have been ſent forth by the Apoſtles, with a Commiſſion to p. 7preach, they brought doctrine contrary to theirs, doctrines deſtroying the very foundation of the Goſpel, and ſo tending to ſubvert the faith of believers, crying up the Law; (the ceremonial law) as being ſtill in force. And ſuch falſe Teachers there were ſome in this Church of Epheſus. Such falſe teachers in Pauls time in the Church of Epheſus.So much wee may collect from that which Paul writeth to Timothy, 1 Epiſtle 1.3. where he deſireth him to abide at Epheſus, to the end that he might charge ſome that they preach no other Doctrine. No doctrine contrary to, or diverſe from that which Paul himſelf, and other of the Apoſtles had preached, which it ſeemeth there were ſome that then did.

And as there were ſome ſuch falſe teachers then in that Church, More foretold to followſo the ſame Apoſtle foretelleth it that there ſhould come more, and thoſe more dangerous after his departure. So he telleth the Elders of that Church, whom he wiſheth to be ſo much the more cautelous and circumſpect upon that account, Acts 20.28. &c. Take heed to your ſelves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghoſt hath p. 8made you Overſeers, &c. For I know, this, that after my departure ſhall grievous wolves enter in among you, not ſparing the flock; (as bloody perſecutors, ſo Heretical Teachers, who by their falſe doctrines ſhould make a prey of the ſouls of men;) alſo of your own ſelves ſhall men ariſe ſpeaking perverſe things to draw away diſciples after them, ſuch as ſhould be broachers of falſe and heretical doctrines, out of an ambition to make themſelves ſingular and popular.

And what he foretold, Which accordingly came to paſſe.afterwards came accordingly to paſſe. In the dayes of this our Apoſtle and Evangeliſt Saint John (who ſurvived the reſt of the Apoſtles) there were divers ſuch falſe teachers who troubled theſe Churches of Aſia with their heretical doctrines. So much we may take notice of from what he ſaith, 1 Epiſtle 4.1. Many falſe prophets are gone out into the world. And again, Epiſt. 2. verſe 7. Many deceivers have entred into the world. Such were thoſe famous (infamous) Hereticks, Ebion and Corinthus, and ſome others, who whileſt they cried up themſelves the p. 9Apoſtles of Chriſt, they were ſworn enemies to him, crying down his Divinitie, his Godhead (as the Socinians (their off-ſpring) at this day do.) Againſt whom Saint John purpoſely ſet himſelf as in the beginning of his Goſpel, ſo in the firſt and ſecond Epiſtles. And moſt probably ſome ſuch were theſe whom our Text ſpeaketh of. They ſaid they were Apoſtles, pretending themſelves to be ſent by Chriſt; But ſuch they were not, no true Apoſtles, whether for their Calling or Doctrine. In both upon due tryal they were found Lyars.

And were there ſuch in thoſe times whilſt the true Apostles themſelves were yet living, No wonder that there are ſuch in after ages. Quòd ſi haec cùm fuit Ecc eſiae Chriſtianae conditio, ſuperſtitibus adhuc ipſis veris Apoſtolis, quis miretur noſtri temporis ſucceſſionem Apoſto icam jactantes, qui nè Chriſtiani quidem ſint? Bez. Gr. Anno. in Text.what wonder then that there ſhould be ſuch in after ages? what wonder that there ſhould be one pretending to Apoſtolical authoritie, to be Peters ſucceſſor, which the Pope doth? what wonder that there ſhould be ſome others who pretend to an immediate call from God, to be ſent by him, and to have received Revelations from him, who thereupon take upon them to broach new Doctrines, diverſe from, p. 10nay contrarie to that which is held forth in the word? which let it not trouble thoſe who behold it. If there were ſuch in the Apostles times, who were able to look through ſuch pretenders, to ſee their inſide (as Peter did by Simon Magus, when he told him, I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterneſs and bond of iniquitie, Acts 8.23.) who were able of their own knowledge to convince them, how much more now? But I paſs on.

Having ſeen who, Part. 2 What this Angel did to them; where His undertaking, the iſſue of it.and what theſe falſe Apoſtles were, come we now in the next place to ſee what this Angel did to them. He Tryed them, and found them Lyars: wherein we have two things. His undertaking and the Iſſue of it. His undertaking [Thou hast tried them.] The Iſſue of that Tryal [And hast found them Lyars.] of theſe ſeverally, beginning with the firſt, the undertaking of this Angel.

Thou haſt tryed them.] 1foreign, (ſaith the Original) which word coming firſtly from foreign transfodio, His undertaking, he Tryed them.tranſadigo, to pierce through, it properly ſignifieth an exact ſcrutin and tryal p. 11of a thing. Like as when a thing is pierced through, it is tryed what is within, whether it be ſound or no. And ſuch a tryal it was that this Angel made of theſe Teachers. Not taking their word, not truſting their outſide, he made a thorow tryal of them. Exploraris (ſaith Beza;) thou haſt proved them, by making a diligent ſearch concerning them.

Doct. And thus are all ſuch Teachers to be tryed; Teachers to be Tryed.mark it this is the Doctrine I am now to proſecute. Such as pretending to a Call from God, ſhall bring any new Doctrines, contrary to, or diverſe from that which the word holdeth forth, and the Church hath received, they are to undergo an exact ſcrutinie, to be throughly tryed. For this we ſhall need no other warrant then that known Text of Saint John, which is expreſs and full, 1 John 4.1. Believe not every ſpirit, but try the ſpirits, whether they be of God, or no.] Every ſpirit, that is, every Doctor, or Doctrine. Every Teacher that ſhall pretend to the Spirit; or every Doctrine which ſhall be held forth under the name of a Revelation, p. 12as received by inſpiration from Gods Spirit. Theſe are not preſently to be received, believed, but to be tryed, proved. This is that which the Apoſtle requires concerning thoſe who pretending to a gift of Propheſie ſhould ſtand up to ſpeak in the Church, 1 Cor. 14.29. Let the Prophets ſpeak two or three, and let the other judge. Such as pretended to a gift of Propheſie (which in thoſe times was not rare) they were to be heard by the Church, but not preſently believed, but they muſt be tried by thoſe who had the gift of diſcerning ſpirits, the other true Prophets, whether they had ſuch a gift as they pretended to, and whether that which was ſpoken by them were by the motion of the ſpirit of God, or whether it were a fancie of their own brain, a humane or Diabolical deluſion.

Yea, Generally, all Teachers.thus are all Teachers, and all Doctrines to be tryed. That Rule and direction of the Apoſtle is general, 1 Theſ. 5.21. Proving all things. foreign, All things, All Teachers, all Doctrines and opinions, by whomſoever held forth. This is p. 13one of the things for which thoſe Beraeans are commended, being called foreign more noble then ſome other Chriſtians, Acts 17.11. for that, when they heard the Apoſtle Saint Paul, the great Doctor of the Gentiles, the chief teacher of his time, Preach, they brought his Doctrine to the Teſt, trying and examining whether thoſe things which were ſpoken and delivered by him were ſo, whether they were conſonant and agreeable to the Doctrine of Moſes and the Prophets, that Doctrine which they had already received. Now if true Apostles were thus to be tryed, how much more falſe ones, thoſe who have nothing to prove them ſo, but their word. This Paul had. He had the ſignes of an Apostle (as he tels his Corinthians,) 2 Cor. 12.12. Among other, thoſe wonders and mighty deeds which he there ſpeaketh of, his miraculous works, ſome of which are recorded in that Chapter foregoing Acts 16. for which (no queſtion) he was then famous through the Churches, and yet they try his Doctrine, and for ſo doing p. 14are commended. Eſpecially ſuſpitious ones.How much more then are they to be tryed, who have nothing but their word, to gain credit to their calling and Doctrine? As for their works, it may be they are ſuch as juſtly render them ſuſpicious. And being ſuch, great Reaſon that the Churches of Chriſt ſhould be jealous of them, and ſo, try them before they truſt them.

Great Reaſon for it (I ſay,) conſidering the Danger firſt of, then In being deceived.

1. Reaſon 1 The danger of being deceived by falſe Teachers, which areThe danger of being deceived, which credulous and ſimple ſouls are very ſubject to by ſuch Teachers Falſe Teachers which

1. 1Many for their Number.Are many. This is the Reaſon which Saint John giveth why he would have thoſe to whom he writeth to make this Tryal, 1 Joh. 4.1. (a Text forecited,) Try the ſpirits, &c. why? Becauſe many falſe Prophets are gone out into the world. Where there are many deceivers, many cheaters, many Trepanners (as now they call ſome of that crue) walking abroad, men had need to try before they truſt. And ſuch is the condition p. 15of the world in reſpect of falſe Teachers, (ſpiritual Trepanners.) However ſome ages are fuller of them then other, yet in all ages there are many.

2. 2Subtile for their nature.And (ſecondly) as they are many for their number, ſo they are very crafty and ſubtile for their nature: It was Satans practiſe at the firſt, when he went about to deceive the woman, he made uſe of the Serpent, ſpeaking in and by that creature which (as the Text ſaith,) was more ſubtile then any beaſt of the field, Gen. 3.1. Such was and is that Creature, being naturally ſmooth and gliding, winding and inſinuating, and craftie, &c. And hereupon Satan, who himſelf is called the old Serpent, Revel. 12.9. he maketh choice of that creature to convey his firſt Temptation and poiſonous ſuggeſtion by. And in a like way doth he deceive her poſteritie, ſtill making uſe of Serpents, ſubtile heads, ſharp wits, ſmooth tongues, inſinuating ſpirits, for the conveying of the poiſon of heretical and damnable doctrines by them. So as ſimple ſouls, being over-credulous p. 16(as that their mother was) they are apt to be deceived by them, by their ſubtiltie, (of which the Apoſtle (making uſe alſo of this alluſion) ſpeaketh, 2 Cor. 11.3.)

3As alſo by their Innocencie. Deceiving by their Lives, which ſometimes are ſeemingly pious.Such was the Serpent at the firſt, (as all the other creatures were) innocent and harmleſs. And ſuch falſe teachers oftimes ſeem to be; very innocent in their lives, exemplarie for their ſtrictneſs. Such were the Scribes and Phariſees, in our Saviours time, whited Sepulchres, (as he cals them Mat. 23.27.) And ſuch were thoſe falſe prophets whom he deſcribeth Mat. 7.15. they were ſuch as came in ſheepes cloathing, ſeemingly moſt innocent creatures. And ſuch were thoſe falſe Apoſtles whom Saint Paul giveth warning to his Coloſſians of, very ſtrict (no queſtion) themſelves in thoſe obſervances which they taught and preſſed upon others, of which the Apoſtle ſaith that they had in them a ſhew of humilitie, and neglecting of the bodie, not in any honour to the ſatisfying of the fleſh, Col. 2.23. They were very temperate, very abſtemious. p. 17And ſuch were divers of the ſame ſtamp in after ages. Among whom one Sect was known and diſtinguiſhed by the name of Encratitae; foreign. vide Danaeum in Auguſt. de Haereſibus cap. 15.ſo called from their extraordinarie continence and abſtinence, which was ſuch as that they abſteined not onelyonly from unlawful luſts, but alſo from Marriage, and from eating any kinde of fleſh, as alſo wine, not ſo much as allowing it in the Lords Supper, (in regard of the great abuſe of the creature) but uſing water inſtead of it; yet holding forth foul and heretical Doctrines. And ſuch falſe Teachers often are, (as many Monkes and Fryars at this day,) eminent for ſtrictneſs in their lives, and converſations.

And as their Lives, 4 By their doctrins, ſome of which are ſound, and uſeful and their errours plauſible.ſo their Doctrines, many of them (it may be) are true and Orthodox, yea pious and very uſeful, which they Preach and preſs, making uſe of them as Coy-Ducks, to bring in their Errors after them. And for their Errors, happily they are very plauſible and taking, ſpecious at the firſt hearing; having (as the Apoſtle there ſaith, Col. 2.) foreign a ſhew of wiſdom, p. 18yea of Pietie, and Holineſs. Thus did theſe falſe Apoſtles ſpoken of by Saint Paul, transform themſelves into the Apoſtles of Chriſt; the miniſters of Satan transform themſelves into the Miniſters of righteouſneſs, 2 Col. 11.13, 15. And thus do falſe Teachers ſometimes transform themſelves into true; acting their parts, putting on the habits, and ſpeaking with the tongues of the true ſervants, the faithful Miniſters of Chriſt. Being (as I ſaid) Innocent, (if not Exemplarie) in their lives, holding forth plauſible Errors, and thoſe mixed with many ſweet and precious truths; which are like wine, or ſome other pleaſant liquor, wherewith poiſon being mixed, it is taken and ſwallowed down without ſuſpicion: upon this Account then Teachers are to be tryed. There being ſo many falſe Teachers, and many of them ſo ſubtile, great is the danger of being deceived.

2. Reaſ. 2 And (ſecondly,) as great danger in being deceived. The danger in being deceived by them.As it is in drinking of poiſon, there is great danger to the Body, ſo there is in receiving and drinking in heretical doctrines, which p. 19are no other but poiſon to the ſoul: what the Pſalmiſt, Hereſie the Poyſon of Aſpes.(and from him the Apoſtle) ſaith of wicked men in general, Pſal. 140.3. Rom. 3.13. It may well be applied to Heretical Teachers in particular, The poiſon of aſpes is under their lips. The poiſon of the Aſpe (or viper) is ſecretly inſtilled, without any great ſenſe or pain, yet deſperately mortal to the perſon that is bitten, or ſtung by it, who being thereby caſt into a dead ſleep, he never waketh more: And truely ſuch is the nature of falſe and heretical doctrine, it is ſecretly and inſenſibly inſtilled into the ſoul; but oftentimes proves mortal to it, caſting the ſoul into a dead ſleep from which it never wakes, till it come in hell. So deſperate oftimes is the conditions of poor deluded ſouls. Like as the Apoſtle ſaith of the Seducers, 2 Tim. 3.13. ſo it proves often true in the ſeduced, They wax worſe and worſe, going on from one error to another, from a leſſer to a greater, from Schiſme to Hereſie. A truth ſadly experimented in many inſtances in this Nation of late times. How p. 20many ſeemingly, and hopefully well meaning ſouls have there been, who by hearkening to ſuch Teachers, falſe Teachers, have been ſo impoiſoned with their Doctrines, as that now they are ſwollen thereby, ſo ſwollen with ſpiritual pride (the worſt of prides) as that they refuſe and ſcorn the advice of whatſoever ſoul-Phyſians, the true Miniſters of Chriſt, ſo as unleſs God undertake them in a more then ordinary way, there is little hope of their recovery? Such, and ſo great is the danger in being deceived by ſuch Teachers.

So our firſt parent, The ſerpents deceiving our firſt parent how dangerous to her, and her poſterity.our great Grandmother Eve found it by ſad experience. Being deceived by Satan ſpeaking in the Serpent, ſhe was in the tranſgreſſion (as the Apoſtle hath it) 1 Tim. 2.14. Thereby ſhe became guiltie of that firſt tranſgreſſion, which, had not infinite mercy ſtept in, had brought everlaſting ruine upon her, and all her Poſteritie. And how fatal hath this proved to many others, their hearkning to Satan ſpeaking in and by unſuſpected inſtruments? we know what happened to p. 21King Ahab, whileſt he hearkned to his falſe prophets, following the Counſel which they gave him, bidding him to go up to Ramoth Gilead and proſper, an arrow ſtrikes him between the joynts of his harneſs, giving him a mortal wound (as you have the ſtorie, 1 King. 22.32.) And what happened to his Body, how often hath it happened unto the ſouls of many? who by hearkening unto falſe teachers have met with, ſome Errors, ſome Hereſie, ſome dangerous and damnable Doctrine; which hath been as an Arrow, piercing their hearts, giving them a deadly wound, and upon this account again great Reaſon that Teachers ſhould be tryed, before they be truſted.

To theſe ſome other might be added. Reaſ. 3 Chriſtians beleeving without trying make themſelves the ſervants of men.To receive and believe teachers upon their word; to receive their Perſons and believe their Doctrine without examination and tryal, is to make men the ſervants of men; which Chriſtians ought not to be, ye are bought with a price (ſaith the Apoſtle,) be not ye the ſervants of men, 1 Cor. 7.23. Chriſtians being bought with a price, redeemed p. 22with the precious blood of Jeſus Chriſt (as Saint Peter explaines it, 1 Pet. 1.18, 19.) and ſo made his ſervants, his freemen, they are not to mancipate and inſlave themſelves to any other what ever; ſpecially to inſlave their ſouls and conſciences, ſo as to ſuffer any man whatever to have the command over them. This is that which Saint Paul ſo ſmartly reproves his Corinthians for, 2 Cor. 11.20. Ye ſuffer if a man bring you into bondage. This did the falſe Apoſtles, their new teachers, tyrannizing over their conſciences, by impoſing upon them their Ceremonial obſervances. And this they ſuffered, ſubmitted to, though contrary to their Goſpel libertie. Such was their eſteem of thoſe new Teachers, that they readily received their Doctrines, and conformed to their injunctions, though diverſe from, and contrarie to that which they had received. But this Chriſtians ought not to do; Being Chriſts freemen, they are not to inſlave themſelves to any, ſo as to yield an abſolute credence to their Doctrines, and dictates. This is an honour which is peculiar onelyonly unto p. 23Jeſus Chriſt, who being an abſolute Lord over his people, juſtly challengeth their abſolute dependance upon him, and obedience to him; ſo as to receive his word without Tryal. Not ſo any other; who, (be what they will, yet are ſubject to miſcarry. Let God be true, and every man a Lyar (ſaith the Apoſtle) Rom. 3.4. A Lyar, and that both paſſively and actively; ſubject to be deceived himſelf, and ſo to deceive others. Such are the beſt of men being left to themſelves, farther then as they are aſſiſted and directed by the ſpirit of truth. OnelyOnly Jefus Chriſt he is the truth (as he ſaith of himſelf John 14.6.) And being ſo, he is foreign to be believed on his word. Not ſo any other whether Man or Angel. Not that we have dominion over your Faith (ſaith the Apoſtle) 2 Cor. 1.24. They are not to be received but upon tryal. They who ſaid they were apoſtles, were yet tryed by this angel of the Church, who is here commended by his Lord and maſter for ſo doing. [I know thy works, &c. Thou haſt tryed them which ſay they are apoſtles, &c.] Thus have you p. 24the doctrinal confirmation & Illuſtration: That which remains is Application.

1. Applic. Too great credulty taxed.Where (in the firſt place by way of reprehenſion) I might take a juſt occaſion to tax and cenſure the too great credulitie that is to be found among many Chriſtians in this Nation at this day; who if any come unto them, pretending to gifts and calling, they preſently receive him, hearken to him, believe him, giving intertainment to his perſon and doctrine, not trying, not examining the one, or the other; By which means they become guiltie of that, which the Apoſtle cautions his Epheſians againſt, Eph. 4.14. Children-like, they are toſſed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine: yea ſome of them carried (like as thoſe ſwine were, into which the devils entred, of which the ſtorie tels us that they ran violently down a ſteep place into the ſea, Mat. 8.32.) into moſt pernicious, dangerous and damnable errors. And how ſhould it be otherwiſe? They who will truſt without trial muſt make account at one time or other to be deceived. p. 25Which that none of you may be.

2. Uſe, 2 Chriſtians exhorted to try Teachers.By way of exhortation (in the ſecond place) let me deſire you to propound this Angel as a pattern for your imitation. See that you try before you truſt. This will you do in matters of civil concernment. How much more then in ſpirituals, in things which concern the welfare of your ſouls, your eternal ſalvation? Herein you cannot be too wary. And therefore take heed what Teachers you hearken to: Yea, though haply they be of great name and note, much cryed up by many, what ever their parts and gifts be; yea, what ever their life and converſation be, yet do not ſo far make your ſelves ſervants to any of them, as to pinne your faith upon their ſleeve; be not over credulous, eſpecially if they be ſuch as theſe in the Text, ſuch as pretending to an extraordinary calling, ſhall hold forth new doctrines, ſuch as the Church of God hath not been acquainted with. Now bee jealous of them, fearing (what you have juſt cauſe to do) that they are not what they pretend to be. They ſay they are Apoſtles, but are p. 26not, Therefore bring them to the trial.

A thing which Chriſt himſelf commendeth. Argument. 1 A thing commended.So he doth in this angel here, among whoſe good works hee reckons up this for one, his trial of ſuch; Thou haſt tried them which ſay they are apoſtles and are not.] This tended to his praiſe. Now this is one of the things which the Apoſtle willeth Chriſtians to have an eye unto, Phil. 4.8. If there be any vertue, any praiſe, (any thing truly praiſeworthy from men, much more if commended by God) think on theſe things, ſo think of them as to do them. Now were there no other Argument, this alone ſhould be ſufficient to induce Chriſtians to this practice, doing this in a conſcientious way, with a reſpect to the honour of Jeſus Chriſt (which queſtionleſſe this Angel here did) for the aſſerting and vindicating of his name and truth, whatever they meet with from men, they ſhall have his approbation and commendation.

But (ſecondly, Argument. 2 Commanded.) this is not onelyonly commended but alſo commanded. Thoſe forenamed Texts are expreſſe, p. 27being not onelyonly counſels but precepts. Try the ſpirits, whether they be of God; Prove all things. So as this is not onelyonly a Liberty, but a duty, a thing not onelyonly expedient but requiſite, not onelyonly what may be done, but muſt be done. Teachers, eſpecially if ſuſpitious, they muſt be tryed.

Queſt. But who ſhall try them? and How ſhall they try them? Two uſeful queſtions; Take the reſolution of each.

1. Queſt. 1 Who ſhall be the tryers of theſe teachers?Who are to try them.

Anſw. 1 Anſw. 1 To this I anſwer, Firſt, Generally all Chriſtians. Generally all Chriſtians.To them are thoſe forenamed exhortations directed of trying of ſpirits, and proving all things. General Leſſons for all Chriſtians, who, being ſpiritual, are made judges of all things. So 1 Cor. 2.15. He that is ſpiritual judgeth all things,] foreign, the ſpiritual man; not the Pope, to whom ſome of his Paraſites apply that Text. Nor yet onelyonly the Clergy, (as they have been called) the Miniſters of the Goſpel, to whom cuſtom in former ages hath appropriated that Title, calling them ſpiritual p. 28perſons in way of diſtinction from the (ſo called) Laity. But every Chriſtian, who is enlightened and regenerated by the ſpirit of God. He is this ſpiritual man, who judgeth all things, underſtanding and diſcerning the truth of God, ſo much as concerneth his own ſalvation. And being thus qualified, he not onelyonly may, but ought to exerciſe this his judgement upon thoſe (whoever they are) that bring doctrines contrary to, or diverſe from that truth, trying them. This are private Chriſtians to do according to thoſe abilities, that meaſure of the ſpirit of diſcerning which God hath given them. But,

Secondly, Anſ. 2 This are the Miniſters of Chriſt after a more ſpecial manner to do. Specially the Angels of the Churches, the miniſters of Chriſt.As it is in trying of gold, if any pieces be ſuſpicious, every one, before hee receiveth them, will try them for himſelf, having his ſcales for that purpoſe; but the Gold-ſmith doth this after a more exact manner, having not onelyonly his ſcales for the weight, but his touch-ſtone for the mettal. Thus though all Chriſtians are to try ſuſpicious teachers & doctrines, p. 29yet the Miniſters of Chriſt are to do it after a ſpecial manner, Miniſters Tryers by office.they being tyrers by Office. Such were the Apoſtles in their times, Such were the Apoſtles and Evangeliſts.who exerciſed this power upon divers, trying and diſcovering them to bee what in truth they were, nothing leſſe then what they pretended. So did Simon Peter, upon Simon Magus, the father of Hereticks (as he is called) a broacher and maintainer of divers blaſphemous and damnable Hereſies; Peter tryeth and diſcovereth him to be what in truth he was, not what he gave out himſelf to be, and was by many taken for, as you have the ſtory, Acts 8.21.23. And the like did Paul to Hymeneus and Alexander, whom (as he ſaith) he delivered to Satan, that they might learn not to blaſpheme, 1 Tim. 1. laſt: proceeding againſt them by Eccleſiaſtical cenſures for the Hereſie which they held forth, in denying the Reſurrection of the dead; to whom Philetus alſo (as it ſeemeth) was joined, whom upon the ſame account he taketh notice of, 2 Tim. 2.18, 19. And what himſelf did, he willeth his Evangeliſt Timothy alſo to doe the p. 30like. If a man teach otherwiſe (ſaith he to him, 1 Tim. 6.3.) foreign preaching other doctrine then that which the Church had already received from Chriſt and his Apoſtles) and conſent not to wholeſom words, even the words of our Lord Jeſus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godlineſs, from ſuch (ſaith he) withdraw thy ſelf; have no communion with them, whether Eccleſiaſtical or Fraternal, but look upon them, (as they are) as contagious perſons, not fit for Chriſtian ſocietie. And the like he requires from Titus, A man that is an Heretick, after the firſt and ſecond admonition reject, Tit. 3.10. Thus did Paul ſet himſelf againſt the whole generation of falſe teachers, willing all the Miniſters of Chriſt in a ſpecial manner to do the like.

This did our Apoſtle and Evangeliſt Saint John, whoſe zeal againſt that infamous Heretick Cerinthus is famous, with whom he would not ſo much as enter into the Bath, leaſt the houſes ſhould fall on his head; Vide Danaeum in Auguſt: de Hereſ. Chap. 8.and at whom he is conceived to ſtrike (as elſewhere, in his Goſpel, in his firſt p. 31chapter ſo) in thoſe two places of his firſt Epiſtle, 1 John. 2.22. and 4.3. And the like did this angel here in the Text, the miniſter or miniſters of this Church of Epheſus. To him (or them) it is that this commendation is here given, for dealing with theſe falſe apoſtles. Not but that the Church alſo might concur herein, but he was the leader, having (as the firſt, ſo) the chief hand in it. And therefore is it that it is here attributed to him, to the angel of the Church of Epheſus write, I know thy works, thou haſt tryed them, &c.

And the like did the faithful miniſters of Chriſt in after ages, The Ancient fathers Zealous in this way.many of which are famous for their zeal and activity in this way. As Juſtine Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian, Auguſtine; all tryers of falſe Apoſtles, ſtrenuouſly & zealouſly oppoſing themſelves againſt the falſe Teachers of their times. And the like work is incumbent upon all the Miniſters of Chriſt, A work incumbent upon all true miniſters; whowho being by their Office ſhepherds, they are to take, and give notice of ſuch wolves as come in ſheeps cloathing, plucking off their diſguiſes, p. 32unmaſking, and diſcovering them to the ſheep, making them known to the people, that ſo they may not be deceived by them. Should be tryers of falſe Teachers.Being miniſters their place requires that they ſhould bee tryers.

1. 1 Able to do it.Such as are in meaſure able to do this, to try Teachers, and their doctrines. Men endued with knowledge, and that in a more then ordinary manner, ſo as they may be able not onelyonly to exhort, but to convince. So the Apoſtle expreſſely requires it in a Biſhop, a Goſpel Miniſter, a Preſbyter (who in ſcripture language is ever meant by that name) a Biſhop (ſaith he) muſt be one that is able by ſound doctrine both to exhort, and to convince the gain-ſayers, Tit. 1.9. both to hold forth true doctrine himſelf, and to diſcover errours in others, to try them. Such ones the Miniſters of Chriſt ſhould be; which where in meaſure they are not (as it is the lot of too many places in this Nation at this day) their flocks, the people committed to their charge, muſt needs bee expoſed to the greater hazzard.

p. 332. 2And as they are to be pares operi, in meaſure able to do this, Active in it.ſo they are to do it, laying forth their abilities in making this trial as occaſion is offered; looking out, as the watchman doth diſcover the enemie; from what quarter, or under what diſguiſe ſoever he cometh, ſo giving due and ſeaſonable notice thereof to the people. This (moſt probably) did this angel here in the Text, and for ſo doing he is commended. And herein let him be a patern to all the apoſtles of the Churches, the Miniſters of Chriſt, whom he hath ſet as watchmen over his Church for this end. Son of man I have made thee a watchman to the houſe of Iſrael (ſaith the Lord to the Prophet Ezekiel) Ezech. 3.17. Now the watchman, as he is to take notice of thoſe which come into the Citie, ſo, (if ſuſpicious perſons,) he is to examine them. And ſo are the Miniſters of Chriſt to take notice in a ſpecial manner what teachers they are that thruſt themſelves in upon the people committed to their charge, and being ſuſpicious (which all they are, who as the Apoſtle ſaith p. 34of the ſeducers of his time 2 Tim. 3.6.) creep into houſes, making it their firſt deſign to work upon the weaker ſex, to lead captive ſilly women, foreign mulierculas, ſimple women which are apt to be miſled, inſtilling their new doctrines firſt into them, as the old Serpent did his, firſt into the woman, hoping afterwards to have the like ſucceſs that he had, to draw their husbands after them: they are to try them, to trie their Calling and doctrine, that ſo they may be known to the people. Thus have you the former of theſe queries reſolved: who they are that are to make this tryal. All Chriſtians in general, the Miniſters of Chriſt in ſpecial. The ſecond followeth.

Queſtion. 1 How is this Tryal to be made?

A point of large diſcourſe, How falſe Teachers are to be Tryed.opening a wide field to him that would follow it. But this task I find happily taken off of my hands, this work being already largely and fully done in a Sermon Preached not long ſince, The falſe Apoſtle tryed and diſcovered by Wid. Bridge.though not in this very place, yet not far from it, even under the ſame roof, and upon this very Text, by a p. 35Reverend Brother, who hath alſo given an account of it to the world. So as I might wholly ſpare that labour. But it being a point of concernment, and which needeth inculcating in regard of the times whereinto we are fallen, (and I wiſh I might not ſay the place wherein we live,) I ſhall for this once (in a good ſenſe) actum agere, ſpend a little time in putting of you in remembrance of what happily you may be too apt to forget.

Anſwer. For anſwer then (to tread in thoſe obvious ſteps wherein he went before me, By their Calling, Doctrine, Life.The Tryal of falſe Teachers is to be made principally in, and by three things, their Calling, Doctrine, Life. By theſe three the true miniſters of Chriſt are known, when their Calling is warrantable, their Doctrine Orthodox, their lives approveable. Now rectum eſt index ſui & obliqui; that which declares a true Miniſter diſcovers a falſe. And ſo do theſe three, where they are not to be found.

Tryal 1 1. Try them by their Calling. Their Calling.If that be falſe, they cannot be true. This p. 36is the Character which is given of falſe Prophets Jer. 23.21. I have not ſent theſe prophets, yet they ran. True Prophets, and ſo true Miniſters, have a miſſion and commiſſion from God, being ſent, and authorized by him: which they who are not, cannot perform what too many pretend to do; Preach the word. How ſhall they preach except they be ſent? Rom. 10.15.

Q. Queſtion. How Tryed.But how ſhall it be known whether they be rightly called, or no? A queſtion of great concernment, ſpecially in theſe times, wherein the calling of the true Miniſters of Chriſt is ſo much ſcrupled and queſtioned.

A. Anſwer. Calling of Teachery, Ex. traordinary, Ordinarie.For anſwer hereunto take we notice of a twofold calling: Extraornarie and Ordinary. Extraordinarie and Immediate, ordinary and Mediate. In the former way the prophets and Apoſtles were ſo called. So Paul deſcribes and aſſerts his Apoſtolical calling, Gal. 1.1. Paul an Apoſtle, not of men, neither by men,] not by any humane anthoritie or ſuffrage, not having any man for either Author, or p. 37Inſtrument in that his calling, but he received it immediatly from Chriſt, as the twelve Apoſtles did. In the latter way the ordinarie Miniſters of Chriſt are called. Being, though not of, yet by men; receiving their Authotie from Chriſt, but conveyed to them through the hands of men (ordinarily) impoſed and layed upon them. So it was in the Apoſtles time, as that charge given by Paul to Timothie doth clearly evidence it, 1 Tim. 5.22. Lay hands ſuddainly on no man; that is, admit no man into the miniſterie without due conſideration of his fitneſs for that work, that one Ceremonie (Impoſition of hands) being, by a Synecdoche, put for the whole action of Ordination. And ſo it hath been continued generally through the Churches of Chriſt unto this day.

Now then would we try a falſe teacher? make trial of the calling which he pretends unto, whether Extraordinarie or ordinarie.Extraordinary Calling attended with Extraordinary Gifts,

11. Extraordinarie. Such a calling many ſince the Apoſtles times have layed claim to, pretending an immediate p. 38call from God, the like to that which the Apoſtles had; of which kind: there are not a few creeping abroad in the world at this day. Now how ſhall they be tried? why, by their Gifts. An Extraordinarie calling is attended with extraordinarie gifts. So was the Apoſtles calling, it was attended with the gift of tongues, Illiterate men ſpeaking the moſt learned Languages: And with the gift of working miracles. Thus Paul aſſerts & vindicates the truth of his Apoſtleſhip 2 Cor. 12.12. Truely (ſaith he, ſpeaking to his Corinthians, among whom (happily) there were ſome that queſtioned his calling) the ſignes of an Apoſtle were wrought among you in all patience, in ſignes and wonders and mighty deeds] miraculous works, by which he might be certainly known to be no leſs an Apoſtle then any of the twelve. So then, ſhall any pretend to ſuch a call, an immediate and extraordinary calling? make enquirie for their Gifts, their Works. This was the Jews enquirie concerning Chriſt when they ſaw him take upon him that authoritie which he did, to alter cuſtoms p. 39of long continuance, to reform and rectifie what the Sanhedrim, the great Counſel, and the reſt of the Prieſts tolerated, What ſigne ſheweſt thou unto us (ſay they) ſeeing thou doeſt theſe things? John 2.18. Hence they conclude, ſurely he held himſelf to be a Prophet, and thereupon they require him to give ſome ſigne of it, to evidence that his extraordinary calling by ſome extraordinary works. Thus were the Prophets of God ordinarily wont to evidence the truth of their calling. The caſe of John Baptiſt ex traordinary.Ordinarily (I ſay) though not alwayes: For we read of John the Baptiſt, to whom our Saviour giveth Teſtimonie, that he was a Prophet, yea more then a prophet, Mat. 11.9. that is, an excellent and extraordinary Prophet, being the Herald of Chriſt (as the next verſe ſetteth him forth) yet he wrought no miracles: So ſaith that Text, John 10.41. John did no miracle. But thus ordinarily it was. That John being a Prophet, ſhould not work miracles, the Jewes looked upon it as an unwonted thing. This the other prophets before him uſually had done; p. 40Yea, and John himſelf, however hee wrought no ſuch miraculous works, as caſting out of devils, raiſing the dead, reſtoring ſight to the blinde; Yet he did that which was equivalent; he foretold many things, all which accordingly came to paſſe. So the Jewes there take notice of it in the words following, All things that John ſpake of this man (of Chriſt) were true; the event verified all his predictions. Now let thoſe who pretend to the like vocation, to an extraordinary calling, to be the Meſſengers of God, of Chriſt, ſent by him in an immediate way, let them ſhew ſome ſuch evidences, extraordinary gifts. Otherwiſe without any breach of charitie, they may bee ſuſpected, nay concluded to be, what theſe pretended Apostles, here were found to be, no other but Lyars. This for the extraordinary calling.

2. 2. Ordinary calling tryal.For the Ordinary, ſuch as pretend to it, let them be examined and tried by their qualification and ſeparation.1 By due qualification.

1. For their qualification, whether they be indued with Miniſterial abilities p. 41and gifts. Thus it is, thoſe whom God calleth to an Office, he furniſheth them with ſutable abilities for the diſcharge of it. Thus calling Saul to be King, it is ſaid, He gave him another heart, 1 Sam. 10.9. endowing him with heroical gifts and parts fit for the Government of his Kingdom: And thus ſending Moſes to Pharaoh, he promiſeth to be with his mouth, and to teach him what he ſhould ſay, to make him fluent and eloquent, who naturally was ſlow and ſtammering (as he there ſaith of himſelf) Exod. 4.10, 11. And Iſay, being called to be a Prophet, hath his lips touched with a living coal from the Altar, a figure of the gift of the Holy Ghoſt fitting him for that ſervice, Iſay 6.7. And thus the Apoſtles, though before (as I ſaid) illiterate fiſhermen, yet being called to that Office, they were endued with gifts ſutable thereunto. And ſo is it with all ordinary Miniſters and Teachers. If called of God, they are alſo gifted by him: Though not all alike. There being diverſities of gifts (as the Apoſtle tels us) 1 Cor. 12.4. Diverſities both for kinde and meaſure; and p. 42that of Miniſterial Gifts. To one is given by the ſpirit the word of wiſdom, to another the word of knowledge by the ſame ſpirit (as the eighth verſe there hath it) ſo as one excelleth in Doctrine, another in Application; the former more properly the Doctors, the latter the Paſtors work (as Diodate there expounds it) Yet ſo as every one hath a miniſterial gift fitting him for the work to which he is called. The manifeſtation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withall (ſaith the verſe there foregoing (verſe. 7.). To every one that is called to any publick ſervice in the Church there is ſome gift given, whereby the Holy-Ghoſt ſheweth it ſelf in him, rendring him in ſome kind uſeful and ſerviceble for the good and benefit of the comunity: where there is no ſuch gift to be found, let not ſuch a one be looked upon as a Miniſter of Chriſt, ſent by him. Here is the firſt thing to be enquired for in a Teacher, a Miniſterial Qualification.

2. 2 A warrantable ſeparation.The 2d. is a warrantable ſeparation, a ſeting a part to the work. Thus was Paul ſeparated, foreign p. 43(as he ſaith of himſelf) Rom. 1.1. Paul a ſervant of Jeſus Chriſt called to be an Apoſtle, ſeparated unto the goſpel of God. So he was Intentionally in Gods deſtination and appointment from his mothers womb, (as he tells his Galatians, chap. 1.15.), yea from Eternity in Godseverlaſting Predeſtination, deſigning him for the ſervice; but actually ſet a part thereunto by the command of the Holy-Ghoſt, at what time he was ſent to preach the goſpel unto the Gentiles, of which we read, Act. 13.2. As they miniſtered unto the Lord, and faſted, the Holy Ghoſt ſaid; ſeparate mee Barnabas and Saul unto the work whereunto I have called them. Which in what way it was done the next verſe declareth [And when they had faſted and prayed, Ordinarily done by Impoſition of handsand layd their hands on them, they ſent them away. Such was the manner of Primitive Ordination, which the Church of God in after ages hath obſerved: by faſting, and prayer, and Impoſition of hands, to ſet a part the Miniſters of Chriſt unto the ſervice of the Church, the work of the Goſpel, which office being thus conferred upon p. 44on them they were thenceforth to attend to it, Setting them apart to the work of the Miniſtery.to make it their, foreign their work; Having a miniſtery, they were to wait on their miniſtring. Rom. 12.7. thus it hath been, and thus it ſhould bee.

Not but that extraordinary caſes admit of extraordinary courſes. In ſome caſes how diſpenſed with.Where there want fitting (I mean Miniſterial) hands to be impoſed, that Ceremony may be omitted. And, neceſitie requiring it, ſome other ſervice may be joyned with this. Thus Paul ſaith that he upon ſuch an account ſometime laboured with his own hands, exerciſed a Handicraft, as he tells his Corinthians, 1 Cor. 4.12. But in an ordinary courſe thus it ſhould not bee. The Miniſters of Chriſt are to be ſet a part to the work of their Miniſterie in a ſolemn manner; And being thus ſet apart, they are (as I ſaid) to make it their worke: which who ſo are not, or doe not, they give too juſt occaſion for others to ſcruple and queſtion the truth of their calling.Services pro. to Miniſters not to be undertaken by others.

Specially when any being not ſo called ſhall take upon them in an p. 45ordinary to way to intermeddle with ſuch ſervices as are properly and peculiarly Miniſteral, to diſpence ſuch Ordinances as are committed onelyonly to them, as viz. not onelyonly to preach the Word, but to adminiſter the Sacraments, (which it ſeemeth ſome, & too many in theſe deſolate times that I ſay not in this place) adventure upon) this too plainly ſheweth and declareth them to be what they are, ſuch as ſay they are Apoſtles, but are not, pretenders to a calling which they have not. And thus I have done with the firſt of theſe three heads, wherein the Probation and Tryal of falſe teachers conſiſteth; the firſt thing wherein, and whereby they may, and are to be tried, their calling; paſs we to the ſecond.

Tryal 2 The ſecond thing is their Doctrine. Their Doctrine.This is the way which Saint John propoundeth for the trial of thoſe falſe Teachers of his time, 1 John. 4.1, 2. Trye the ſpirits ſaith he whether they be of God, for many falſe prophets are gone out into the world. But how ſhould they try them? why, by their Doctrine. So it followeth. Hereby know p. 30ye the ſpirit of God, every ſpirit that confeſſeth that Jeſus Chriſt is come in the fleſh, is of God; and every ſpirit that confeſſeth not that Jeſus Chriſt is come in the fleſh, is not of God. If their Doctrine be falſe they cannot be true. Falſe as to fundamentals, the principles of Chriſtian Religion, denying, perverting them. This is that which St. Peter ſaith of thoſe falſe teachers which he fortelleth ſhould come into the Church 2 Pet. 2.1. There ſhall be falſe teachers among you, who privilie ſhall bring in damnable Hereſies. foreign, Hereſies of deſtruction, wicked opinions and Doctrines, deſtructive to the ſouls of men, Such Teachers, who broach or hold forth ſuch opinions are moſt properly called falſe-teachers; who are to be tried by their Doctrine.

Quest. Q. How tried?But the Queſtion here runs on. How ſhall their doctrine be tryed?

Anſw. A. By the ſcriptures, the Churches touch-ſtone.To this the Anſwer is obvious (it is ſo among Proteſtants) Only by the word, the written word, the Scriptures. This is the foreign Lydius Papis, the Churches touch-ſtone, whereby ſhe is to try Doctrines, and conſequently p. 47teachers, for this expreſſe is that known Text of the Prophet Iſai, Chap. 8. verſ. 20. to the law and to the teſtimony, that is, to Gods word, the Scriptures, which is his teſtimony, teſtifying of him, declaring his mind and will. Hereunto muſt they repair who would not be deceived by falſe teachers, bringing their Doctrines to this tonch-ſtone, trying them by this. If they ſpeak not according to this word (ſo it followeth) it is becauſe there is no light in them] If they; if any, be they who they will, never ſuch pretenders to Illumination, yet ſhall they ſpeak otherwiſe then according to the word, holding forth any doctrine that is not conſonant and agreeable thereunto, they are no other but Impostors; this is an evident ſigne that their pretended light is no other but darkneſs. This is that which Chriſtians are to give heed to above what enter pretended Inſpirations, or Revelation. When Dives in the parable begged it of father Abraham, that he would ſend Lazarus to his fathers houſe, that he might teſtifie unto his breethren, what the ſtate of p. 48the damned was, what the torments of Hell were, which were prepared for ſuch as they were, what ſaith he to him? you have it Luk. 16.29. Abraham ſaith unto him, they have Moſes and the Prophets, let them hear them] intimating that the teſtimony of the word is to be preferred before all other teſtimonies. They may be falſe, but this is undoubtedly true. Thy word is truth, Joh. 17.17. And therefore to this let Chriſtians repair, bringing the Doctrines of their teachers to this teſt. This was the Touchſtone which thoſe Noble Bereans made uſe of in trying of Pauls doctrine. How ever, looking upon him as a man ſent of God, they received the word from his mouth with readineſs of minde, yet they ſearched the Scriptures dayly, whether thoſe things were ſo, Act. 17.11. whether conſonant and agreeable to the written word. Like courſe are Chriſtians to take, ſpecially when they meet with new doctrines, new to them, they are now to lay them to this rule. Thus doe tradeſmen in trying of weights and meaſures, they bring them to the ſtandard. If p. 49they finde them either more or leſſe then that, they look upon them as not warrantable. And ſo is it with doctrines, if not exactly conſonant and agreeable to the written word, which God hath left as a ſtandard for his Church to try them by, if either more or leſſe, if any addition to the word, or ſubſtraction from it, if contrary to it, or diverſe from it, they are to bee looked upon as falſe, and he that teacheth them as a falſe teacher.

Objection. Object. But it may be ſaid, Scriptures obſcure to pri vate, and unlearned Chriſtians.How ſhall private Chriſtians thus try them? It may be they are unlearned, weak and ſimple, and not ſo able to judge the ſcriptures; about the ſenſe whereof it is not alwayes agreed among learned men, the greateſt Clerks ſometimes differing in the expoſition of them. And how then ſhall they bee able to judge of them, ſo as to try doctrines by them?

Anſw. 1 Anſw. 1. To this it is anſwered, 1. Fundamentals clearly held forth.That as for fundamental truths, neceſſary to be known and believed, they are plainly held forth, written as with a ſun-beam; So plainly ſet forth as that a weak eye may ſee them.

p. 50Obj. Object. 1 How is it that all doe not ſee them.But if ſo, how then is it that ſome who are quick ſighted doe not? How is it that ſome who are learned conceived diverſly of them? They cannot ſee what others ſuppoſe they doe. As Papiſts, and Socinians, they cannot ſee thoſe doctrines which others conceive to bee clearly heldforth in the word,

Anſ. Anſ. Not through any obſcurity in the word, ButTo this it may be anſwered, this is not through any obſcurity or darkneſs in the word. But

11 It may be there is a beam in the eye, There may be a beam in the eye.which will not let it ſee what otherwiſe in it ſelf is clear. Such a beam there is in the Papiſts eye, who being prejudiced againſt ſuch & ſuch truths of God, as their great Apoſtle the Pope will not give his allowance to, to whom they have inſlaved their judgements, they cannot (or rather will not) ſee them, though never ſo clearly held forth in the Word. And ſo may it bee with ſome others, who having the beam of ſome ſinful luſt or other in their eye, which they are willing to part with, they cannot ſee that which others doe, becauſe they are loath, not willing to ſee it.

p. 5122 Or (ſecondly) in looking upon the ſcriptures they make uſe of falſe lights; Falſe lights made uſe of.not judging of it by its own light (which they ought to do) but by their own light. Either by the light of fancy which is the Quakers light, which he calls the Light within him. Or by the light of Reaſon, which is the Socinians light, which whileſt he is wholly guided by, no wonder he cannot ſee what is above reaſon; myſterious doctrines, to be apprehended by faith, not comprehended by reaſon. Now they who ſhall make uſe of no other light but this dim one, no wonder if they cannot ſee what otherwiſe is clearly and plainly heldforth in the word.

33 To which I might adde, God in his juſt judgement blinding the eye.God in his juſt judgement ſometimes hideth that from the eyes of ſome, which through an ordinary work of that ſpirit he revealeth unto others. To you it is given to know the myſteries of the kingdome, but to them it is not given, Mat. 13.11. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, that they ſhould not ſee with their eyes, nor underſtand with their heart, John. 12.40. p. 52This for fundamentals.

Anſwer 2 For other truths of God which are not ſo clear, Private Chriſtians to crave the help of others ſpecially their Miniſters.here private Chriſtians are to crave the help of others, ſuch as have more diſcerning ſpirits then themſelves. In ſpecial of the Miniſters of Chriſt, who are (as I ſaid) Tryers by office; ſpecially their own Miniſters. To them in dubious caſes they are to repair, receiving the law from the mouthes.

Not that I would have them ſee with their eyes; The people not to ſee with with their Miniſters eyes.So Romaniſts (Some of them) would have it, who cry up their implicit faith, willing and requiring private Chriſtians to beleeve what the Pope and his Miniſters beleeve, allowing them no other judgment concerning the doctrines of their teachers. Ad hoc quidem reſpondent, ex mente D. Joha nis Omnes fideles probare ſpiritus num ex Deo ſint, dìun illis credunt qui ſpirituum havent diſcretionem. Eſtius Com in loc.So Eſtius tels us that ſome of them expound that forecited text of Saint John, 1 Ep. 4.1. where he giveth that general direction to all, to, Try the ſpirits; This (ſay they) are private perſons to doe, not by themſelves, but by others, by thoſe who have the ſpirit of diſcerning, whom in this caſe they are to beleeve. For as it is in the natural body, the eye p. 53onelyonly ſeeth, though not onelyonly for it ſelf, but for the whole Body. So is it in the Church (ſay they.) Here thoſe that have the ſpirit of diſcerning, the Pope and his Miniſters, they are to judge of Doctrines, which they doe, not onelyonly for themſelves, but for others, who by ſubmitting to their judgements, may be ſaid to try the ſpirits, viz. in, and by them. This Doctrine (as Eſtius dares not avouch it) wee renounce. Not onelyonly allowing but requiring (what the Scripture doth) that every one ſhould ſee for himſelf, with his own eyes. The juſt ſhall live by his faith, Hab. 2.4. not by the faith of his Miniſter, or yet of the Church.

But though they may not ſee with their eyes, Yet may make uſe of their light.yet they may make uſe of their light; As the wiſe men did of the Star to bring them to the place where Chriſt was. Such uſe both may and ought private Chriſtians to make of their Miniſters, who are as ſtars in the right hand of Chriſt, Rev. 1. make uſe of their light, their guidance, their direction. That ſo by the help thereof they may come to ſee that in the p. 54word, which otherwiſe may be dark and obſcure to them. Thus then let Chriſtians ſet upon the Tryal of Doctrines, and ſo of their Teachers by them.Directions in this Tryal. 1 Seek humble and meek ſpirits.

OnelyOnly here, that they may not miſcarry, let them (firſt) ſeek humble and meek ſpirits: not thinking of themſelves above that which they ought to think, but thinking ſoberly (as the Apoſtle requires them) Rom. 12.3. Nor yet being of captious and quarrelling ſpirits, ſeeking advantages againſt their Miniſters. So did the Prophet Jeremies familiars to him, they watched for his haltings, Ier. 20.10. And ſo dealt the Scribes and Thariſees by our Saviour, as St. Luke tells us, Luke 11. laſt, They laid wait for him, ſeeking to catch ſomething out of his mouth, that they might accuſe him. This is a thing which doth not become Chriſtians, who ought to be like unto their pattern; Chriſt himſelf, who bids them, Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, Mat. 11.29. And being ſuch, they may now expect that God will reveal himſelf, and his truth to them. I will dwell with him that is of an humble ſpirit p. 55ſaith the Lord) Iſa. 57.15. being ready, as to ſupport and comfort, ſo to teach and inſtruct them. The meek will he guide in judgement, and the meek will he teach his way, Pſal. 25.9.

2. Dir. 2 And being humble and meek, Beware of miſtakes.let them alſo be tender and warie; warie leſt they miſtake the Doctrines which they hear, miſtake either words or ſenſe. Both theſe wayes we finde our Saviour miſtaken. In his words by Peter, and other his diſciples, John 21.22. where when Peter had propounded that curious enquirie concerning John, And what ſhall this man do? what ſhould become of him? our Saviour anſwereth him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Here they miſtake him, conceiving him to have ſpoken poſitively, that John ſhould not die, which went for currant among the Brethren; Yet (as the Text hath it) Jeſus ſaid not not unto him, He ſhall not die, but if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? And ſo in his ſence and meaning by the Jewes, who hearing what he ſaid to them, Deſtroy this Temple, and in three dares I will raiſe it up p. 56again, they underſtood him in a literal ſenſe, as ſpeaking of the material Temple, whereas he ſpake figuratively, meaning that myſtical Temple, the Temple of his Body, as we have it, John 2.19, 20, 21. Thus are the Miniſters of Christ, though ſpeaking never ſo warily, ſubject to be miſtaken by their unwary auditours, which therefore they who will make a true tryal of them muſt be warie of.Specially of willing ones.

Much more of willing and wilful miſtakes, of perverting their words, or meaning. A thing which the Prophet Jeremiah chargeth upon ſome of his hearers, Jer. 23.36. Ye have perverted the words of the living God. This they had done by miſconſtruing, and making an ill uſe of what he, and other of the Prophets ſaid unto them from the Lord. This let Chriſtians beware of. As alſo of ignorant and raſh cenſures, of ſpeaking evil of the things they underſtand not, which Saint Peter chargeth upon ſome in his time, 2 Pet. … from God.2.12. And being thus prepared, and diſtoſed, then in the laſt place,

Dir. 2 Let them ſeek a true underſtanding and ſound judgement from God; begging p. 57that for themſelves which Paul doth for his Epheſians, Epheſ. 1.7. that God would give unto them the ſpirit of wiſdom and Revelation. A thing which he is ready to beſtow upon them who with honeſt and humble hearts ſeek it. Ask and it ſhall be given you (ſaith our Saviour) Luke 11.9. And what ſhall bee given them? why the holy Spirit. So the thirteenth verſe explains it; If ye being evil know how to give good things to your children, how much more ſhall your heavenly Father give his ſpirit to them that ask him? Even that ſpirit of wiſdom. If any man lack wiſdom (ſaith Saint James chap. 1. verſe 5.) ſpiritual wiſdom, Let him ask of God, which giveth to all men liberally, ſuch a portion as he ſeeth fitting and convenient for them. This for the ſecond Head; The Tryal of Teachers by their Doctrine.

Tryal. 3 The third and laſt is, their lives. Their lives.As they are to be tryed by their Tongues, ſo by their hands, as by their words, ſo by their works. So it is with true Teachers, their works teſtifie of them. So ſaith our Saviour of himſelf, John 10.25. The works that I do p. 58in my Fathers Name they bear witneſſe of me, ſhewing him to be what he was, one ſent of God. And ſo they did of his Apoſtles. Truely the ſignes of an Apoſtle have been wrought among you in all patience (ſaith Paul to his Corinthians, 2 Cor. 10.12.) meaning his patience and conſtancy in his ſufferings for Chriſt. Hee demeaned himſelf like an Apoſtle. So on the other hand falſe Teachers may bee tryed by their works, their practices. Ye ſhall know them by their fruits (ſaith our Saviour ſpeaking of falſe prophets) Mat. 7.16. their works, their practiſes, which being exactly ſcanned, and narrowly pried into, will for the moſt part bee found unſuitable to their profeſſion. The Wolfe will be found under the ſheeps-skin; Which in falſteachers often are not approveable.under fair pretences a foul diſpoſition, ſhewing it ſelf in ſome unwarrantable practiſe, or other. So was it with the falſe Apoſtles, and other falfe Teachers in the Apoſtles times. So Saint Paul deſcribeth them in his Epiſtle to Timothy. Thus ſpeaking of that pair of Blaſphemous Hereticks, Hymeneus and Alexander, 1 Tim. 1.19. he ſaith that p. 59having put away a good conſcience they made ſhipwrack of faith. Firſt they let looſe the reins to licentiouſneſſe, and then they made ſhipwrack of the doctrine of faith, being drowned in Errours and Hereſies. And truly ſo is it, where the latter of theſe is let go, the former is ſeldom retained. Falſe Teachers (pretend what they will) are ſeldom truly conſcientious. And ſo again, chap. 4. verſe 2. ſpeaking of ſeducing ſpirits, that ſhould come in the latter times, falſe Teachers ſpreading their Errours under a pretence of being inſpired by the ſpirit of God, he deſcribeth them to be ſuch as ſhould ſpeak lies in hypocriſie, having their conſciences ſeared with a hot iron. Conſcientiam habentes inuſtam notis criminum quibus quibus ſibi ſunt conſcii,Putting on a vail of ſeeming ſanctity to cover their blaſphemous Hereſies with, but having branded conſciences (as Grotius expounds it) being ſtigmatized with the marks of ſome foul and enormous crimes, which they indulge and allow themſelves in; like Rogues who are burnt in the hand or ſhoulder, or ſome other part of the body, whereby they may be known for ſuch as they are; p. 60Or conſciences cauterized (which word exactly anſwereth the word in the Original, being derived from it, foreign, ſeared, made inſenſible of their own dangerous condition, and of the righteous judgements of God, and ſo going on in ſome wicked courſe or other. And ſo fareth it oft-times with ſuch Teachers; They are no leſſe erroneous in their lives then Doctrines. Some particulars inſtanced in.To inſtance in ſome particulars.

1. 1Falſe-teachers ordinarily proud.Ordinarily they are proud: So the ſame Apoſtle deſcribeth thoſe ſame falſe teachers, chap. 6. verſe 3. of the ſame Epiſtle, If any man teach otherwiſe (ſaith he) &c. He is proud, foreign, puffed up, ſwollen with a tympanie of ſpiritual pride. And truly ſo is it; ſeldom ſhall we meet with a falſe Teacher but is ſick of this diſeaſe, ſwollen up with a high conceit of himſelf, of his own parts and gifts, which maketh him decline the common road, finding out ſome new way, broaching ſome new Doctrine, that he may have the honour of the invention; and ſo be thought to be ſomebody (as Gamaliel ſaith of Theudas, Act. 5.36.)

p. 612. 2Often covetous.And as Proud ſo alſo oft-times Covetous. So it there followeth in the next verſe of that chapter, ver. 5. Suppoſing that gain is godlineſs. This do falſe teachers oft-times, they make this their laſt end, making their teaching an Art of lucre, and making the Goſpel which is the doctrine of godlineſs, ſubſervient to thoſe baſe ends. So the ſame Apoſtle in his other Epiſtle ſets them forth, 2 Tim. 3.1, 2. Where in the four or five firſt verſes, we have a large deſcription of them, many of their qualities pointed at, and this among the reſt, this know, (ſaith he to Timothy) that in the laſt dayes perillous times ſhall come, (foreign hard, troubleſom, difficult and dangerous times, and that in regard of the ſpiritual ſtate of the Church,) for men ſhal be lovers of their own ſelves, covetous, boaſters, proud, blaſphemers, and ſo he goeth on, inſtancing in diverſe particulars, But who are they whom the Apoſtle thus brandeth? why the ſixth verſe will tell us; Of this ſort are they which creep into houſes, and lead captive ſilly women; Falſe teachers, who oftimes are juſtly chargeable p. 62with both theſe, of being proud and covetous.

3. 3Not ſeldome Luxurious.Yea, and (in the third place) Luxurious. So Saint Peter deſcribeth them, 2 Pet. 2. where foretelling the ſame that Paul there did, that there ſhould be falſe teachers in the Church which ſhould privily bring in damnable Hereſies, verſe 1. he ſheweth what ones they ſhould be; And many (ſaith hee) ſhall follow their pernitious wayes, verſe 2. foreign, Exitia, their perditions, Vid. Beza Gr. Annot ad loc.or deſtructions, or (as divers other copies read it) foreign, Luxurias, (as the vulgar Latine renders it) their luxuries, their laſcivious wayes and courſes, which were pernitious ways. To which alſo in the next words hee joyns their covetouſneſs; And through covetouſneſs ſhall they with feigned words make merchandize of you, verſe 3. Under a feigned kinde of ſpeech, framed to a ſhew of more then ordinary Piety, and Charity, and Meekneſſe, they ſhall endeavour to lay hold of your eſtates with the ruine of your ſouls, (as Diodate explains it.) Such may falſe Teachers oft-times bee found, proud, covetous, luxurious. So they are p. 63there ſet forth more fully, verſe 10. where he giveth this further Character of thoſe whom he ſpake of; They are ſuch (ſaith he) as walked after the fleſh in the luſts of uncleanneſs, and deſpiſe government, preſumtuous are they, ſelf-willed, &c. And again, verſe 14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot ceaſe from ſin, beguiling unſtable ſouls; an heart they have exerciſed with covetous practiſes, &c. Thus Saint Peter, with whom Saint Jude alſo concurs, deſcribing them after the very ſelf ſame manner, by the ſame Characters, as we ſhall finde it, verſe 4. and 10. of his Epiſtle.

And ſuch as they deſcribed them, Vtrumque, ambitioſum hominem, & prorſus corporis uoluptatibus deditum fuiſſe, demonſtrant ipſius errores. Danaeus in Auguſt de Haereſ. cap. 8.ſuch the after ages found them. Such was that forenamed Cerinthus, a moſt ambitious and voluptuous perſon, as (beſides the Records which are left of him) is juſtly collected from ſome of his Errours; in ſpecial that Millenarie opinion of his, the thouſand years reign of the Saints after the Reſurrection, wherein they ſhould (as he apprehended) enjoy all kinde of carnal and ſenſual pleaſures, whereof hee was the firſt broacher. And p. 64ſuch were thoſe Nicolaitanes, whom the Greek Scholiaſt conceiveth Saint Peter to have an eye at in that Text forecited, 2 Pet. 2.2. and whom our Evangeliſt Saint John maketh mention of by name, verſe 6. of this chap. Rev. 2. they were an impure generation, whoſe deeds were deſervedly hated both of God and men. And of the ſame kinde were the Gnoſticks, whom ſome look upon as a branch of the ſame ſtock, the of-ſpring of thoſe Nicolaitanes (if not the ſame) A proud generation. Gnoſtici propter excellentiam ſcientiae ſic ſe appellatos eſſe, vel appellari debuiſſe gloriantur eum ſint ſuperiobus omnibus vaniores atque turpiores. Aug. de Haeres.So much their very name which they gave to themſelves imports, Gnoſtici, Gnoſticks, ſo called propter excellentiam ſcientiae (as Augustin giveth the reaſon of it) for the eminency of their knowledge, wherein they thought themſelves to excel all others; But not more proud then vile, being given up to all kinde of filthineſſe; from whence they had another name given them, which far better agreed to thē then the former, being called Borboritae, quaſi coenoſi (as the ſame father interprets it) ſc. propter nimiam turpitudinem, for their wallowing like ſwine in the mire of p. 65all kinde of filthineſſe, (as Saint Peter alſo deſcribeth ſome of the Apoſtates of his time, 2 Pet. 2. laſt, where wee have that word foreign.) And ſuch were divers others of thoſe ancient Hereticks in, and near unto thoſe primitive times, as the writings of the Fathers ſet them forth; ſuch as whoſe lives did ſufficiently proclaim them to be what in truth they were, nothing leſſe then what they gave out themſelves to be. And I might ſhew the like in ſome of the ring-leaders of Sects and Hereſies of latter times. But I ſuppoſe even your own obſervation and experience may furniſh you with but too many inſtances in this kinde, of men pretending to more light then others, who thereupon have taken upon them to mint new doctrines, and to lay out new wayes, yet their practiſes have plainly ſhewn that they were out of Gods way, walking in darkneſſe.

I ſhall proceed no further. You ſee how, and in what way ſuch teachers as theſe in the Text are to be tryed. What then remains but that, as p. 66occaſion is offered, meeting with ſuch teachers, you put them upon the tryal, trying them by their Calling, Doctrine, Life; which doing, queſtionleſſe you ſhall finde what the angel of this Church is here ſaid to have done, you ſhall find them Lyars.

Part. 2 And ſo I am fallen upon the ſecond part of the Text, The iſſue of this trial.wherein wee have the Iſſue and ſucceſſe of this undertaking. The angel of this Church making tryal of theſe pretended Apoſtles, he found them lyars. Of which very briefly.

Lyars] foreign, Falſe apoſtles called lyars. Perkins Expoſition in Text.a broad and a foul word, yet not found fault with, but approved by Chriſt, being here given to theſe Falſe Apoſtles. From whence Mr. Perkins obſerves not amiſſe; that

Though Railing and taunting cannot beſeem any, Obſ. Broad Language warantably given by Magiſtrates and miniſters to ſome offenders.yet Magiſtrates and Miniſters in their places may give out ſevere ſpeeches againſt offenders, in token of deteſtation of their ſins, and not offend. For this he inſtanceth in John the Baptiſt, who called the Scribes and Phariſees, a Generation of Vipers, Mat. 3.6. And ſo in our Saviour, p. 67who called Herod a Fox, Luke 13.32. And in Paul, who writing to his back-ſliding Galathians, puts the Fool upon them, Gal. 3.1. And ſo the ſame Apoſtle, having to deal with Elimas the ſorcerer, a great and dangerous ſeducer, he being filled with the Holy Ghoſt (ſaith the Text) ſet his eyes upon him, and ſaid, O full of all ſubtilty and miſchief, thou childe of the Devil, thou enemy of all righteouſneſſe, &c. Act. 3.9, 10. And thus it is here ſaid of this Angel, (the Miniſter, or Miniſters of this Church of Epheſus) having tryed theſe falſe Apoſtles, he found them Lyars.Found lyars, how.

Found them] Even as an Inqueſt or Iury that paſſeth upon a Malefactor, is ſaid to find him guilty, judging and declaring him ſo. So did this Angel here finde theſe Falſe Apostles; having brought them to the tryall, upon good evidence he found them Lyars, judging and pronouncing them ſo to be. So the Prophets both Iſay and Jeremie call thoſe Wizards and Diviners, who in their predictions promiſed a long continuance, and flouriſhing p. 68ſtate to the Babylonian Monarchy. That frustrateth the tokens of the Lyars, (ſaith Iſay chapter 44.25.) A ſword is upon the Lyars (ſaith Jeremy, chapter 50.36.) And ſuch this Angel here found theſe falſe Apoſtles, Lyars; ſuch as not onelyonly ſpake that which was falſe in it ſelf, but ſpake it knowingly with a minde to deceive.

Such properly are Lyars. Lyars properly who.Not every one that ſpeaketh an untruth, which true and honeſt men may doe unawares, unwittingly, againſt their wills, who thereupon do not deſerve this brand, to bee called Lyars. But when any ſhall do it knowingly and willingly, animo fallendi, with a purpoſe to deceive. So did theſe falſe Apoſtles here in the Text, They ſaid they were Apoſtles, which they were not, and which they knew they were not; and they did it purpoſely to deceive the people, thereby to inſinuate themſelves into their affections, to gain reſpect to their perſons, and entertainment to their falſe doctrines, which they held forth.Lying a foul crime.

Obſ. A foul crime; Such is Lying. So p. 69the ſpirit of God looked upon it, whilſt it reckoneth thoſe who are habitually and cuſtomarily ſuch, among that curſed crew, thoſe abominable ones; Murtherers, Whoremongers, Sorcerers, Idolaters, and all Lyars, ſo you have them put together, Rev. 21.8. and 22.15. and the ſame doom paſſed upon them as upon the other, viz. that they ſhall have their part in the Lake that burneth with fire and brimſtone, which is the ſecond death.

Which (not to dwell upon it) let it make all who hear it wary; Aplication. Take heed of it.leſt upon the tryal they ſhould be found in this number, Lyars in any kinde. Diverſe kindes of Lyars, and Lying we meet with … Scripture. Three kinds of Lyes. and Lying.Three moſt obſervable.

11. There is a Civil Lye; ſuch as is uſed too often in bargaining, A civil Lye.in Contracts; and other affairs of this life; which ſome diſtinguiſh into a Jocoſe, and a ſerious Lye, a merry, and a very Lye, a Lye in Jeſt, and a Lye in earneſt; The latter of which they ſub-divide into a Noxious and Officious Lye; which laſt they give allowance to. p. 70An officious Lye; which is made in favour of others, for their help or benefit. But even this Lye, however it hath a mask put upon the face of it, carrying a ſhew of honeſty and Charity, An officious Lye not to be allowed.becauſe it is beneficiall to our neighbour, without any wrong or detriment (it may be) to any, yet indeed and in truth it is no more allowable then the former: Being againſt the Commandment of God, which forbiddeth a lie to be told in what cafe ſoever. Surely if a man may not tell a lye, or talk deceitfully for God (which Job ſharply reproves in his friends, Job 13.7.) much leſs then may he tell a Lye for his neighbour. Truth is a precious this … weighing down what ever can … in the ballance againſt it. Whereupon the Wiſe man forbiddeth to part with it, upon any termes. Buy the truth, but ſell it not, Prov. 23.23. O take heed Chriſtians! that none of you who profeſſe your ſelves to be of the truth, (as Saint John ſpeaketh of ſincere Chriſtians, 1 John 3.19.) the true children of that God who is the God of p. 71truth, the true diſciples of Chriſt, who ſtiles himſelf the Truth, John 14.6. be found lyars in this kinde. Knowing that you muſt be tryed; though happily not by man here, whom you may deceive, yet by God hereafter, who cannot be deceived. Whoſe judgement being according to truth (as the Apoſtle ſpeaketh, Rom. 2.2.) he will certainly then find out thoſe that are Lyars.

22. There is an Hypocritical lye. An hypocritical lye.A counrerfeit profeſſion of Religion; when men have onelyonly that foreign, that outward form of godlineſs (as the Apoſtle calleth it, 2 Tim. 3.5.) When faith and repentance and other Graces are diſſembled. Of this lying ſpeaketh Saint John, 1 Epiſt. 1.6. If we ſay that we have fellowſhip with him, and walk in darkneſſe, (profeſſe union and communion with God and Jeſus Chriſt, and yet go on in ſinfull wayes and courſes) we lye. Such lyars were Judas and Demas, Ananias and Saphira. Such were the Scribes and Phariſees, whom our Saviour fitly compares to painted Tombs, upon this p. 72account denouncing a woe againſt them, Mat. 23.27, 28. Woe unto you Scribes and Phariſees Hypocrites, for ye are like unto whited ſepulchres, which indeed are beautiful outwardly, but within are full of dead mens bones, and all uncleanneſſe. Even ſo ye outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocriſie and iniquity. And ſuch are all Hypocrites, who profeſſe and appear to be what they are not, having fair faces, but foul hearts, lyars all. Now take heed again that none of you be found in this number, knowing and remembring that there will come a day of Tryal. Such ſhall that laſt day be; when all muſt appear before the judgement ſeat of Chriſt, to receive according to that which they have done in the body, whether it bee good or evil, (as the Apoſtle tells us in the ſecond Epiſtle to the Corinthians, the fifth chapter, verſe 10.) Now that day will bee a day of Revelation, the Revelation of the righteous judgement of God (as the ſame Apoſtle calls it in his Epiſtle to the Romanes, chapter 2. verſe 5.) Then ſhall all maſkes p. 73and diſguizes bee pulled off, and all ſhall appear to bee what in truth they were; All ſtanding naked before the Tribunal of Jeſus Chriſt. O take heed that none of you then bee found Lyars! Which if you ſhall bee, O what ſhame and confuſion will then cover your faces? Then muſt you look for no other but the Lyars portion, to bee ſhut out with Dogs (as the Text hath it in the Revelations chapter 22. verſe 15.) to have your part in that Lake that burneth with fire and brimſtone.

3Thirdly, There is an Heretical Lye, An heretical Lye.a falſhood in matter of Chriſtian Doctrine; when ſome Doctrine is held forth contrary to the Word. Of this lye ſpeaketh Saint John in his firſt Epiſtle, chapter 2. verſe 21. No lye is of the Truth; calling the Teachers or maintainers thereof, Lyars. Who is a lyar, but he that denieth that Jeſus is the Chriſt (ſo it followeth in verſe 22.) Now take heed alſo that none of you be found amongſt theſe lyars.Theſe Lyars to bee avoided.

To which end avoid thoſe that are p. 74ſo, and found to bee ſo. This will men do by thoſe who are found to be Cheaters, ſetting forth falſe wares to ſale, or minting of falſe and counterfeit Coyn, not of the right ſtamp or mettal, all will take heed of them, no man will truſt them. And ſo deal you by Falſe Teachers. Many of which of late times have been Tryed by the Angels of the Churches, the true and faithfull Miniſters of Chriſt in this Nation, (whom (as I ſaid) Chriſt hath made Tryers by Office) and they have been found by them lyars, (ſo declared and proved by their Preaching and Writing) no better then Cheaters, holding forth falſe, dangerous and pernitious Doctrines. As you love your ſouls, take heed of them, truſt them not, Avoid them. That is Pauls earneſt obteſtation to his Romanes (as before you heard) in that his Epiſtle, Rom. 16. verſe 17. And let it now be mine to you, ſerving as a cloſure to what I ſhall ſay upon this Text and this ſubject. Now I beſeech you Brethren, mark them which p. 75cauſe diviſions and offences contrary to (or beſides, for that ſenſe the word will well bear; foreign, praeter doctrinam (as the vulgar Latine renders it) beſides) the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them: foreign, ſhun all voluntary and intimate ſociety with them. Hoc argumentum facitut credam non fuiſſe tunc conventus communes aut Presbyterium Romae Alioqui voluiſſet tales excommunicari. Grot. Annot. in loc.This (as Grotius conceives of it) was all that thoſe beleeving Romanes were then in a capacity of doing, not being as yet formed into an Original Church, ſo as to have any Presbytery, or any Church Government among them; which had they had, ſurely (ſaith hee) Paul would have given them ſome other directions, willed them to have dealt otherwiſe by them: viz. to have Excommunicated them, according as they deſerved. But however it was with them, ſure wee are (what we have juſt cauſe to lament and complain of to God and man) ſo it is generally with the Churches of Chriſt in this Nation at this day, The onelyonly remedy in theſe looſe times.which have no Government ſet up among them, no authorized Presbyteries, onelyonly acting, what any p. 76of them do, in a precarious way; by reaſon whereof thoſe Falſe Teachers which abound every where, cannot bee proceeded againſt, as otherwiſe they ſhould bee, in a publick way, ſtruck with the thunder-bolt of Excommunication, and delivered to Satan (as Paul ſaith hee dealt by Hymeneus and Alexander, in his firſt Epiſtle to Timothy, chapter 1. and the laſt verſe) that they might learn not to blaſpheme: What then remaines, but that in a private way they bee ſhunned and avoided? Ʋbiſine tali reregimine eſt eccleſia nihil a iud poſſunt ſinguli quam declinare familiarem convictum cum iis qui non ex regulâ Chriſti vivunt Grot. ubi ſupra.And this let me leave with you; Shall ſuch come amongſt you? own them not, receive them not, not into your houſes. For this, that of this our Evangeliſt Saint Iohu is expreſſe in that forecited Text, in his ſecond Epiſtle, chapter 10. If there come any unto you, and bring not this Doctrine, receive him not into your houſe, neither bid him God ſpeed. To which hee ſubjoyneth an Argument or Reaſon in the next words; For he that biddeth him God ſpeed, is partaker of his evil deeds, verſe 11. And if you may not receive them into your p. 77houſes; ſurely by a Parity of Reaſon, you may not go to theirs, not repair to their meetings, which how pernicious it hath proved to ſome, and not a few, of late times, I ſhall not need to tell you.

Object. But it will be ſaid, What? Chriſtians not to frequent the meetings of falſe teachers, nor to be familiar with them.have nothing to do with them? how then ſhall wee try them? If wee may not go to their houſes, to their meeting▪ … ſhall we try their Doctrines? And if wee may not receive them into our houſes, ſo as to converſe and be familiar with them, how ſhall we try their Practiſe, their Life and Converſation?

Anſw. Vertigo, or The turning ſicknes of ſoul unſetledneſſe. Printed 1655. The falſe Apoſtle tryed and diſcovered, Printed 1656.To this I ſuppoſe you now expect that I ſhould return an Anſwer; but having my ſelf heretofore done it in this place, treating upon that Text in the thirteenth chapter of the Epiſtle to the Hebrews, verſe 9. and finding it again ſince done by that Reverend Brother fore-mentioned in his Treatiſe upon this Text which I have now handled; both which I preſume are, or may bee in your hands, I ſhall now forbear that labour, p. 78commending what hath been ſpoken to your practiſe; and your ſelves to him who is of power to eſtabliſh you; to whom be Honour and glory now and for ever. Amen.

FINIS.

End of the text · John Brinsley, The False Teacher Tried and Cast (1658)