Three Decades of Sermons, Decade 3 · Sermon 7
THE REALL PROFESSOR OF CHRISTIANITY, DISTINGUISED FROM THE NOMINALL.
2 Tim: 2. verſ. 19. And let every one that nameth the name of Chriſt depart from Iniquity.
THE Apoſtle in the precedent words, gives advertiſement Sermon 7. Preached at St. Marye's Oxon. July 24. 1659.concerning ſome notorious Hereticks, ſuch whoſe words eat as a canker or Gangren. Their names are upon record to their eternall infamy, V. 17. Their words will eat as doth a canker, of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus. And their Hereſy likewiſe hath a brand upon it, V. 18. Who concerning the truth have erred, ſaying that the reſurrection is paſt already, and overthrow the faith of ſome. *Allegoricam neſcio quam reſurrectionem fingendo. Calv. in loc.Calvin underſtands, that they feigned an Allegoricall reſurrection. Eſtius and Gorr…n concurre in the ſame judgment; and †Non ſuo tempore defuiſſe, qu… …eſurrectionem …ortuorum manifeſte ann…tiatam in imag…ariam reſurrectionem diſtorquerent. Tertull. de Reſurrectione carnis cap. 19.Tertullian is cited in his Book de reſurrectione carnis, cap. 19. In whoſe time there were not wanting ſome, who did openly ſay that the Reſurrection of the dead was imaginary. The names of the men are Hymeneus and Philetus. aAnuptiarum …eo.Hymeneus from the God of marriage. bNomen quaſi Optatum Deſideratum. Hugo. Grot.Philetus, that is a name as it were deſirable: (as ſome of the Learned obſerve.) Their doctrine and their miſchievous conſequences follow.
Firſt, For their doctrine; an erroneous and hereticall tenet is there laid downe: viz. That the reſurrection is paſt already, (i. e.) as Gorran, and Eſtius produce the opinions of thoſe times, that the reſurrection was compleated by Regeneration. And *Completam ex mente iſtorum interpretantur reſurrectionem in quotidiana animarum renovatione. Aug Ep. 119 ad Januarium.Auguſtine himſelfe in Epiſt. 119. unto Januarius, faſtens the ſame opinion upon them. Or elſe they might incline to the opinion of Marcion, that Notorious Heretick: That there was no reſurrection of the body, but of the ſoule only.
2. Secondly, Let's conſider the great miſchiefe of this opinion. The Apoſtle t…ll… us that their words eate as doth a Gangren. The Gangren ſome aſſimilate to a Canker, or a wolfe, which ſpreadeth further, and further, to the conſumption of the whole body. The Originall (as Heſichius obſerves) is foreign depaſcor. †Gangraenam medici de carnoſa parte inflammationis & emortuâ intelligunt. Scultet.Scultetus ſaith, that by Gangren, Phiſitians underſtand a fleſhy, and dead part of inflammation. What further I ſhall ſay is this, that as a Gangren frets the fleſh, runs thorough the blood, and creepeth further and further, till it infect the whole body: ſo Hereſies infect the whole man ſpeedily, mortally, and uncurably. Wherefore let not any make a ſlight matter of Error and Hereſy, and plead that every one ſhould have liberty of judgment, and that a Toleration of all ſorts of opinions is very convenient, and not hurtfull. Let us obſerve the Apoſtles cenſure: They are Gangrens, deſtructive to many pretious ſoules and therefore may not be tolerated, and connived at. Obſerve how the Apoſtle brands them for erring from the truth. The Originall is more emphaticall foreign. In ‖Significat Apoſtolus eos à ſcopo Chriſtianae veritatis ad quam collimare debebant, aberraſſe. Eſtius.Eſtius his commentaries on the place, I find he followeth both Ambroſe and Auſtine, and renders his own ſence accordingly. The Apoſtle doth ſignify that they erred from that mark of Chriſtian truth, at which they ought to aime. And *Qui à veritatis ſcopo aberrarunt. Gerrh.Gerrhard concurres in his judgment, (i. e.) they have ſwerved, or miſſed the mark. It's †Non quodvis Erratum ſignificatur, ſed quod eſt ejuſmodi ut fundamentum non retineatur. Reza.Beza's obſervation on the place, that the Apoſtle uſed this word foreign, thrice in this Epiſtle, which is mentioned to ſhew, That not every errour in Religion is ſignified, but an errour of that Kind that deſtroyeth the foundation.
3. Thirdly, The Apoſtle declares the iſſue, and miſchievous ſucceſſe of theſe Seducers, that they gaine Proſelites, and followers, in the verſe preceding my Text: They overthrew the faith of ſome. Some hereby conceive that they deſtroyed not the grace, but the profeſſion of their faith: For by this hereſy in denying of the reſurrection, making it imaginary or ſpirituall, they ſubvert the Orthodox faith.
However heres our ſtrong hold, that Gods foundation is firme: Mens wickedneſſe cannot ſhake that firme foundation which God hath laid. Heres a nevertheleſſe to ſupport us againſt the Apoſtacies of men of corrupt minds. Although they relinquiſh their old Principles and turne Hereticks: yet we have a firme Ground of Incouragement, for the foundation of God ſtandeth ſure, againſt all the underminings of Apoſtates, and Heretickes. The decree of Gods election ſtands ſure, notwithſtanding the malice of the vileſt men, who have a ſpirit of contradiction.
In this Propoſition of eternall truth, That Gods foundation ſtands ſure. Here are five things remarkable, and they carry a great deale of weight in them, requiring our moſt deliberate conſideration.
1. Here is a foundation.
2. A firme and ſure foundation.
3. It is the foundation of the great God unchangeable.
4. It hath a ſeale put to it. Things ſealed are more ſure and authentique.
5. Here is the omniſcience of God ingaged, He knowes who are his. All true believers have their names wrote in the book of life. They are all known unto God: But as in ſealing there uſeth to be a Counterpart when both parties ſeale: ſo God ſealeth, and man ſealeth. Gods eternall decree is his ſeale, ſure and unalterable. Man's ſeale is his holy life and converſation. Becauſe God knoweth who are his, and his foundation is ſure and certaine: therefore a ſtronger ingagement lyeth upon us all, to look to our lives and converſations. From the doctrine of the unchangeable decree of God, my Text inferres this practicall Uſe, And (which hath a connexion with what went before) Let every one that nameth the name of Chriſt depart from iniquity. Wherein you have conſiderable Diviſ.the Name, and the Thing, or the Profeſſion and Practice of Chriſtianity.
1. You have the name or Profeſſion ſpecified in theſe words, 1. The nameforeign, every one that nameth, (i. e.) whoever would be reputed a Chriſtian, who takes upon him the name of Chriſt, and calls Qui invocat Chriſti n…men in eo ſeſe Chriſtianum …ppellat. Beza. Iſa…. 4. 1. Gen. 48. 18.himſelf after the name of Chriſt, Chriſtian. So we read In that day ſeven women ſhall take hold of one man, ſaying we will eate our owne bread, and weare our own apparell, only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. And Jacob gave in chargeth this name ſhould be named upon Ephraim and Manaſſeth, (i. e.) that they ſhould be called the Children of Iſrael. Such then as take upon them the Profeſſion of Chriſtianity, are ſaid to name the name of Chriſt.
2. Heres the thing it ſelfe, or practice required, for an evidence 2. Here is the thing it ſelfe. Jewells Apology.of the truth of the profeſſion: foreign, let him depart from iniquity. This is a well-grounded Apoſtacy, to be an Apoſtate from …inne and Satan. Learned Jewell tells us in his Apology, that Papiſts accuſe the Proteſtants of Apo…tacy: and ſaith he, It's true, we are Apoſtates: but ſuch Apoſtates, who are godly Apoſtates even from Rome, from Errours, Hereſies, and Idolatries. And this Apoſtacy and Seceſſion from them, is our glory, and honour. And although this is mentioned Negatively only: yet the Poſitive acts are neceſſarily included. We muſt abhorre that which is evill, and cleave to that which is good. We muſt caſt off the workes of darkneſſe, and put on the armour of light: So *Non ſolum nomine crederet quoque ab iniquitate, de clinat à malo & faciat bonum. Arias Montanus.Arias Montanus expounds the place. And judicious †Quiſquis ergo Deum invocat, hoc eſt, ſe ex populo Dei eſſe profitetur, ac cenſeri vult, ab omni impietate procul abſit. Calv. Doct.Mr Calvin thus interprets the place, Whoſoever therefore calls upon God, (i. e.) profeſſeth himſelfe to be of the people of God, and would be ſo thought to be, let him depart from all Iniquity. The ſumme and ſubſtance of the Words amount to this iſſue: It is not ſufficient to be Chriſtians in name, unleſſe we be ſo in deed, and in truth. Notwithſtanding the foundation is firme; Gods eternall decree, like himſelfe is ununchangeable: yet upon preſumption of our intereſt in the Decree of God, we may not let looſe the reynes to licentiouſneſſe: but we muſt walke in all holy Converſation and Godlineſſe: we muſt (as we are exhorted) depart from iniquity.
The Words thus explained containe this obvious and fundamentall Doctrine.
That whereſoever there is the profeſſion of Chriſtianity, there ought to be a Godly life, and Converſation every way ſutable and correſpondent therewith. Or, Whoever profeſſeth thename of Chriſt, ought by a thorough practice to anſwer his profeſſion, and prove the ſincerity thereof by an anſwerable walking thereunto.
For the unfolding of this needfull and great Point, I ſhall ſelect Method propounded.ſome choice Teſtimonies of Scripture, and then confirme the Aſſertion by ſtrength of reaſon, and hope ſo to conclude in a practicall Application, as (through the grace of God) I may leave ſuch deepe impreſſions upon your hearts, as to ingage you to reduce the Doctrine of the Text into practice throughout your whole lives and converſations. To reſume the Inlargement of theſe 1 Scripture Teſtimonies. Phil. 1. 27. foreign. Tit. 2. 11, 12. 1 Joh. 3. 3. Gal. 5. 24. Jam. 3. 13. Col. 2. 6.Heads of diſcourſe according to the Method propounded.
1. For Scripture Teſtimony we have many parrellel places: Let your converſation be, a…ecometh the Goſpell of Chriſt. The grace of God that bringeth Salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodlineſs and worldly luſts, we ſhould be ſoberly, righteouſly, and godly in this preſent world. There are three choyce Adverbs, foreign. He that hath this hope in him purifieth himſelfe as God is pure. They that are Chriſts have crucified the fleſh with the affections and luſts. Who is a wiſe man, and endued with knowledge amongſt you? Let him ſhew out of a good Converſation his workes with meekneſs of wiſdome. As ye have therefore received Chriſt Jeſus the Lord, ſo walk ye in him. Two things ſaith learned *Ambulare in Chriſto duo de notat. perſeverare & progredi in doctrinâ & fide Chriſti, vitam agere, ju…ta hanc fidem. Davenant. in Col. 2. R. 1. A holy Converſation is an Evidence of election. 2 Pet. 1. 10. Rom. 12. 9.Davenant, are imployed in that Exhortation, viz: Perſeverance in the doctrine of faith, and a life regulated accordingly.
2. In the ſecond place, for confirmation: amongſt many Reaſons that might be mentioned, I ſhall inſiſt only on foure.
1. A holy Converſation is an Evidence of election. Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election ſure. There's great care and diligence required in the work. We need not aſcend into heaven, and curiouſly enquire after the Decree of God: but our duty is to deſcend and make ſtrict Inquiſition into our own hearts, whether we be ſanctified, and renewed in the ſpirits of our minds; whether we depart from iniquity, whether as the Apoſtle exhorts, We abhor that which is evill, and cleave to that which is good. We muſt be aſſured in this grand Truth, That God, who 2 Theſ. 2. 13.hath ordained to the end, hath ordained unto the means. We are bound (ſaith the Apoſtle) to give thanks alwaies to God for you, becauſe he hath from the beginning choſen you to Salvation, through Sanctification of the ſpirit and beliefe of the truth.
2. When the profeſſion and practice of Chriſtianity meet together, R. 2. This ſheweth the ſincerity of our Profeſſion: 2 Cor. 1. 12.here's an infallible evidence of the truth, and ſincerity of our profeſſion: For our rejoycing is this, the teſtimony for our Conſcience that in ſimplicity and godly …incerity, not with fleſhly wiſdome, but by the grace of God, we have had our converſation in the world. Multitudes plead an intereſt in Chriſts redemption: But here's the Criticall note, To be redeemed from their vaine converſation, 1 Pet. 1. 18. To be new creatures, 2 Cor. 5. 17. To be renewed in the ſpirit of their minds, Eph. 4. 23. To be made partakers the of divine Nature, 2 Pe. 1. 4. Theſe are the foreign, the Markes and Characters of thoſe, that have intereſt in Chriſt. And whoever make a profeſſion, and practiceth not what they profeffe, they are ſtrangers from the life of Chriſt, and no otherwiſe to be accounted of, then ſuch who by Mapps, and reading of Authors, diſcourſe of farre countreys, where they have never beene themſelves, but only they receive things by an implicite faith upon others reports, and not by an experimentall knowledge. But hereby we have evidence of the truth of our profeſſion, when Words and Actions, Profeſſion and Converſation concurre together in a ſweet harmony and mutuall equipage.R. 3. Here the Goſpell is adorned.
3. When Profeſſion and Converſation meet togeather, there the Goſpell is adorned. The Goſpell gives not a Writ to licentiouſneſſe, it opens no gapp to carnall liberty. It ought to be our ſtudy, and endeavour to adorne a holy Profeſſion, by a holy Converſation Tit. 2. 10.Exhort ſervants (ſaith the Apoſtle) to be obedient &c. not purloyning, but ſhewing all fidelity, that they may adorne the doctrine of our Saviour in all things. The great deſigne of Chriſtians ought to be, to keep up the reputation of the Goſpel. It is adorned, when people walk according to the Apoſtles charge: See that yee Eph. 5. 15. foreign, &c.walk circumſpectly: not as fooles, but as wiſe. The Word foreign in the Originall: we ſhould be likewiſe foreign without ſpot and blameleſſe. Holineſſe only adornes our profeſſion; and they are moſt beautifull, who are adorned with the graces of Gods ſpirit. 2 Pet. 3. 14.The Kings daughter is all glorious within, her cloathing is of wrought Pſal. 45. 13.Gold. And we read of broidered workes, badgers, skins, brac…lets, chaines, jewells, gold, ear-rings, Ezek. 16. Hence it eminently appeares, that only the graces of the ſpirit can adorne a ſoule. Now when what we profeſſe in our mouths, we make good by our practice, When we name the name of Chriſt, and depart from iniquity: When we profeſſe holineſſe and live accordingly, then we adorne the Goſpell. For the Goſpell requires holineſſe, righteouſneſſe, circumſpect walking, and the more holy, righteous, and circumſpect a man is, the more he adornes the Goſpell.
4. And laſtly, Hereby we bring the greater glory to God. For R. 4. Here we bring the greater glory to God. Joh. 15. 8.God is g…orified by the fruitfulneſſe of his ſervants: Herein is my Father glorified, that yee bring forth much fruit. What is this fruit, but ſuch as is meet for Repentance? Mat. 3. 8. Fruit unto holineſſe, Rom. 6. 22. Fruits of Righteouſneſſe, Jam. 3. 18. And this is the fruit the Apoſtle prayeth might abound in the Philippians, chap. 4. 17. That fruit might abound to their account.
Now put all theſe Reaſons together, I conceive there is ſtrength of Argument to perſuade us to the duty of the Text, viz. To depart from iniquity, (i. e.) to make our Profeſſion, and Practiſe meet in one as lines in their proper center: conſidering that hereby we prove our election ſure, and our profeſſion to be ſincere, and that we adorne our profeſſion, and bring greater glory to God.
To theſe foure Reaſons, Il'e adde only foure Uſes, which are to be handled in the particular application (as I promiſed) and ſo I ſhall put a Period to my diſcourſe.
1. Heres matter of Information, that a name or forme of a Profeſſion, Ʋſe 1. For Information.an outward title or claime to Chriſt are altogether inſufficient to Salvation. What's the forme without the power of Godlineſſe? what's the name without the thing? No better then the body without the ſpirit, or the carcaſſe without the ſoule to animate it. Concerning Formaliſts we have a Caution, Having a 2 Tim. 3, 5.forme of Godlineſſe: but denying the power thereof; from ſuch turne aſide. I know thy workes, (ſaith Chriſt unto the Angells of the Rev. 3. 1.Church of Sardis) that thou haſt a name that thou liveſt: yet art dead. How many are there that reſt contented, with an externall profeſſion; becauſe they are baptized Chriſtians, borne in the boſome of the Church, where Chriſt is knowne, deſcended of Chriſtian Par…nts: and yet notwithſtanding are ignorant of the life of Chriſt, of the Laver of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghoſt? Some crye up their Baptiſme too much (though Infant-Baptiſme in my judgment, without queſtion is Gods Ordinance) as the Jewes did the Temple, Templum Domini, Templum Domini: And yet were altogether unacquainted with the God of the Temple. Let ſuch remember, He is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; Rom. 2. 28, 29.neither is that circumciſion which is outward in the fleſh: But he is a Jew, who is inwardly, and circumciſion is that of the heart, in the ſpirit and not in the letter. But there are others who go yet higher in their own conceits, and becauſe they are admitted into Church-fellowſhip and called Saints: and reputed Church Members, therefore they think alls well with them, and their condition is very ſafe. But who knoweth not that there are many Nominall Saints, which are farre from being Reall Saints. Many there are that think it religion enough to joyne in ſuch or ſuch a Society, under ſuch or ſuch a Teacher, who is a leading Popular man: and yet many of them are acted by no other Principle but ſelfe-intereſt, Compliance with men, for carnall advantages. Many Matth. 7. 20.ſhall ſay (ſaith Chriſt) in that day, Lord, we have prophecied in thy name, and in thy name caſt out Devills, and in thy name done Luk. 13. 26.wonderfull workes. We have eate and drunke in thy preſence, and thou haſt taught in our ſtreets: but he ſhall ſay, I tell you I know not whence you are. How many Proteſtants have we at large, who are contented with the bare name of Chriſtians, yet in their lives are Antichriſtians? To bid ſuch deny their Baptiſme, renounce Chriſt, they will tell you, they would ſpit in your faces: and yet their lives declare them no better then Turkes, Jewes, Atheiſts, without God in the world. It's a ſad thing to conſider that the Profeſſion of religion, hath amongſt many Ti…ular Profeſſors juſtled out the practice; and a bare forme, and an outſide profeſſion many think ſufficient: juſt like one of Machivells principles, Take the profeſſion, that will do no harme: but not the practice of Religion. Pſal. 51. 6.But be not deceived God, is not, God will not be mocked. The Lord requireth truth in the inward parts, God will be worſhipped in ſpirit Joh. 4. 24.and in truth. All the painted gloſſes, faire outſides, formall pretences will be accounted no better than chaffe, ſtraw, or ſtubble, at the great day of account. I am fully perſwaded that ſince Adams Creation, there were never ſo many falſe converſions as now a daies. Many think they are converted, when only they are of ſuch or ſuch an opinion. Some are turned from Browniſts to Semi-Browniſts, and from Browniſts to Anabaptiſts, from them to Familiſts, and afterwards to Quakers, Ranters, &c. And all theſe boaſt themſelves to be Saints, and to be of the Church of Chriſt; though many (I cenſure not all) are of the Synagogue of Satan. Some poore ſoules are ſeduced by falſe teachers, and run like Abſoloms followers in their ſimplicity, knowing nothing. Such God may in mercy bring home by a thorough change, and reformation: and make them ſenſible of their evill waies, and back-ſlidings, and in due time deliver them out of Satans ſnare. But multitudes there are which call themſelves Saints and Chriſtians, and have nothing but the bare name, witneſſe their lives, farre from Saintſhip and Chriſtianity. How greedy are ſome of filthy lucre, ambitious, proud, boaſters, idle drones, ſleepy ſluggards, eating the bread of idleneſſe: when they were in a poorer condition, they were induſtrious and laboured abundantly in their callings, now being advanced, they grow lazie. Some in their younger yeares preached often: but now they are elder, they are more lazie, neither preaching frequently themſelves, nor hearing frequently others that doe: and yet none of theſe, but will take it ill, if you call them not Chriſtians and Saints too. But where's any thing of the life of Chriſt? Chriſt watched, prayed, went about doing good. Can they count themſelves Diſciples, who are ſo unſutable to their Maſter? Is it lawfull to take a Writ of eaſe, and to reſt from our labours before we be dead?
But leaving them, hopeing better things of you, I proceed to a ſecond Uſe viz. Examination.
2. For Examination. The queſtion is, wherein conſiſts that Ʋſe 2. For Examination.converſa…ion which is anſwerable unto our profeſſion? I ſhall give an Anſwer in theſe diſtinguiſhing Characters.
1. This Converſation muſt be a holy Converſation. As he that Char. 1. This Converſation muſt be holy. 1 Pet. 1. 15. Mat. 5. 8. Heb. 12. 14. Char. 2. This Converſation muſt be ſ…n…ere. 2 Cor. 1. 12.hath called you is holy: So be yee holy in all manner of Converſation. Gods people are an holy people: Heaven is an holy place. The Society there an holy Society, the imployment an holy imployment, and only holy perſons ſhall ſee the bleſſed viſion. Bleſſ…d are the pure in heart: for they ſhall ſee God. Follow peace and …olineſſe without the which no man ſhall ſee God.
2. This Converſation muſt be ſincere. This is our rejoycing, even the teſtimony of a good Conſcience, that in ſimplicity and godly ſincerity we have had our Converſation in the world. It's called there foreign. I ſhall not overcuriouſly ſtand upon Criticiſmes, whether ſincerus, ſine cerâ, or foreign. But yet I cannot let paſſe the word foreign from foreign ſol & foreign judicio, an Alluſion to the cuſtome of Eagles, who held their young ones before the Sun, if they could not look up unto the Sun, then were they accompted ſpurious. Surely if our actions cannot endure the teſt, and triall of the Sun of righteouſneſſe, they are to be accompted ſpurious and illegitimate altogether. Sincerity is the conſtitutive difference of a Child of God, and a diviſive difference which diſtingui…eth one that feareth God, from him that feareth him not. This is that which will comfort a man in life and in death. So it did Enoch, whoſe commendation it was that he walked with God, and Gen. 5. 24. Gen. 6. 9.was not for God took him. It was Noahs comfort, that he was a juſt man and perfect in his generation. And it will comfort us in death, if we can ſincerely profeſſe with Hezekiah, Remember, O Lord, 2 King. 20. 3.how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart. Wherefore it eſpecially concernes us all to labour after ſincerity, even truth in the inward parts, that ſo we may approve our hearts unto God: and make it our daily exerciſe to keep Conſciences void of offence, both towards God and towards men.
3. This Converſation muſt be pruden…: For every wiſe man Char. 3. this Converſation muſt be prudent.muſt order his affaires with diſcretion. We uſually ſay Ignis in foco is good: but not in tecto. Many have a good cauſe, but through indiſcretion ſpoile it in the carriage. There is required as well the wiſdome of the Serpent, as the innocency of the Dove. Every wiſe woman, (ſaith Solomon) buildeth her houſe; but the fooliſh pulleth Prov. 14. 1.it downe with her hands. Now by wiſdome. I meane not the wiſdome of the times, (we ſee too much of that) Machiavilian wiſdome, which is a turning and returning, and complying with all times and humours be they never ſo bad, for perſonall intereſt. This wiſdome hath no portion in this buſineſſe: But I underſtand ſpirituall wiſdome, that which cometh from above, ſuch as the Apoſtle mentioneth with diſtinguiſhing qualifications, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, eaſy to be intreated, full of mercy and good Jam. 3. 17.fruits, without partiality and without hypocriſy. Neither would I be miſtaken: I count not that wiſdome which alwaies joynes with the winning ſide at a venture, nor that which ſuites with the faſhion of ancient Perſians now adaies revived, to worſhip the riſing ſun. Too many we have of that temper in theſe times, whom we account wiſe, though indeed they be errand fooles: and their wiſdome like Achitophels may in time be turned into fooliſhneſſe. But that I account wiſdome which hath a ſpirit of diſcerning, to underſtand the things that differ, to underſtand what is the right rule and to walk accordingly. And to adde no more il'e reſt in the determination of Job, The feare of the Lord that is wiſdome, and to Job 28. 28.depart from evill is underſtanding.
4. And laſtly. This Converſation that conſiſts in the departing Char 4 this Converſation conſi…ts in departing from iniquity.from iniquity, and accords with a holy profeſſion, is Univerſall, thorough-paced and every way compleat. There's a threefold Univerſality: of Subject, Object, and Time.
1. For the Subject. The whole man is ingaged to Obedience, all the members of the body and faculties of the ſoule, With my whole heart have I ſought thee (ſaith David) O let me not wander Pſal. 119. 10.from thy Commandments.
2. There muſt be Univerſality of the Object. Then ſhall I not Pſal. 119. 6.be aſhamed, when I have reſpect unto all thy Commandments.
3. Univerſality of Time. Being delivered out of the hands of Luk. 1. 74.our enemies We muſt ſerve him without feare, in holineſſe und righteouſneſſe before him all the daies of our lives.
3. I proceed to a third Uſe for Exhortation, to preſſe home Ʋſe 2. For Exhortation.unto us all the duty of the Text: To depart from Iniquity. If we be Chriſtians let's evidence it by our Converſations, let's walke as becometh Chriſtians. What will Heathens, Turkes, and Jewes ſay when Chriſtians walke looſely and careleſly? they will bleſſe themſelves in their owne erroneous waies, and thus by our looſe walking we give advantage unto the enemies of the Lord to blaſpheme. Amongſt others take two or three motives to perſwade you to your duty.
1. Conſider the eye of God, his omniſcience and omnipreſence. Mot. 1. Conſider Gods Omniſcience. Job. 10. 14, 15.His eye-lids try the Children of men. The eyes of the Lord are every where beholding the evill, and the good. This was a monitor to Joſeph, to David, to Job: If I ſinne, then thou markeſt me, &c. The Lord knoweth all hearts, ſeeth the inmoſt receſſe and diverticles of thy ſpirit. All things are naked unto him with whom thou haſt to deale.
2. Conſider the eyes of men. Good men obſerve our carriages, Mot. 2. Conſider the eyes of men.profeſſours are much obſerved how they walke. They are Beacons ſet upon a hill top, multitudes behold them. Good men obſerve that they may gaine ſome ſpirituall advantage. They expect the performance of our duty foreign, to ſtirre up and exuſcitate graces, to quicken or inliven them; and foreign is expected, to edify and build them up in their holy faith. Now if we are not what we pretend, if we be no more but formall profeſſours, if our practice accord not with our profeſſion, we ſadden the hearts of the righteous. And likewiſe bad mens eyes are upon us, they watch for our haltings as Benhadads ſervants, they lye at the catch. Now if we do not foreign walk with a ſtraight foot, if we are looſe in our lives, and careleſſe in ordering our footſteps, notwithſtanding our profeſſion be never▪ ſo ſtrict, we ſtrengthen the hands of the wicked. A bad life is a confutation of a good profeſſion. Although the Profeſſion it ſelfe is not the worſe, becauſe there are ſome hypocriticall profeſſours: yet ignorant and malicious men endeavour to wound the profeſſion it ſelfe, and aſperſe it by reaſon of ſcandalous profeſſours.
3. Integrity and uprightneſſe of heart and life will comfort us, Mot. 3. Integrity of life will comfort u…, when pretences cannot help us. 2 Cor. 1. 12.when all pretences, formes, outſide profeſſions will no whit availe us. This was the ground of the Saints rejoycing, O…r rejoycing is this, the Te…timony of a good Conſcience. This was the Apoſtles exerciſe foreign. Duties of both Tables muſt be regarded reſpectively. To pretend to the duties of the firſt, and neglect righteouſneſſe and equity to thy Brother, (as the ſecond table injoynes,) this diſcovers thee to be an hypocrite. To pretend juſt dealing according to the ſecond table, and neglect keeping the ſabbath Act. 24. 12.and other duties of the firſt, this ſheweth thee to be only a Formaliſt.
But in the laſt place. The fourth Uſe is for direction in two Ʋſe 4. For Direction.particulars.
1. How we ought to depart from iniquity.Q. 1. How we muſt depart from iniquity? 1. We muſt depart ſpeedily. Ezek. 47. 3, 4, 5.
2. What meanes may be of ſpeciall Uſe conducing thereunto.
1. For the firſt particular, how we ought to depart from iniquity.
1. We muſt depart ſpeedily. We muſt not excuſe ſinne and ſay, at ſuch a time I hope to leave it. Give not quarter to Benhadad: ſinne reprived reſembles Ezekie'ls waters, firſt up to the ankles, then to the knees, then up to the loines, and afterward a River not to be paſſed over. If thou delayeſt to depart from ſinne to day, it gaines ground; and gets more and more advantage againſt thee, to morrow.
2. Depart willingly. Do not leave a ſinne as Phaltiel was forced 2. We muſt depart willingly.to leave Michal, and afterwards followed her weeping that he could not injoy her. Some are reſtrained againſt their wills, who for feare of the law dare not ſweare, in ſome companies neither dare be drunk: and yet their hearts are as bad as ever.3. We muſt depart from ſinne thoroughly. Pſ. 119. 110. 4. We muſt depart conſtantly. 2 Pet. 2. 22.
3. We muſt depart from ſin thoroughly, & impartially. I have (ſaith David) refrained my feet from every evill way: Do not chop and change. Some exchange their ſins, having been young Prodigalls, they now are become old covetous muck-wormes.
4. Depart conſtantly. Do not returne unto thy old courſes: That's a doggiſh and ſwiniſh quality. The Dog returneth to his own vomit, and the Sow that is waſhed to her wallowing in the mire.
Then ſecondly for meanes to be uſed.Q 2. What meanes muſt be uſed.
1. Pray much, that the Lord would ſubdue thy corruptions. Who is a God (ſaith the Prophet) like unto thee, who pardoneth iniquity, and paſſeth by the tranſgreſſion of the remnant of thy heritage? 1. Pray. Mica. 7. 18, 19.He will turne againe, he will have compaſſion on us, he will ſubdue our iniquities. Pray not only for mercy to pardon, but for grace to purge and renew thee. This is a petition ſutable to Gods will, to pray for a new heart. This God promiſeth: I will ſprinkle cleane Ezek. 36. 25, 26.water upon you, and yee ſhall be cleane: A new heart alſo will I give you, and a new ſpirit will I put within you: And I will take away the ſtony heart out of your fleſh, and will give you an heart of fleſh. Verſ. 37.But he expects our prayers: I will yet for this be enquired of by the houſe of Iſrael.
2. Keep a ſtrict watch over thine heart. Above all keeping we 2. Keep a ſtrict watch over thine heart.had need keep our hearts. The Devill lyeth in ambuſh: wherefore we ought to be ſober and vigilant. The fleſh inticeth, as Deliah did Sampſon, and afterwards betrayes us to deſtruction. The world is a Patterne of all wickedneſſe: It offers pleaſures, honours, promotion and riches. We had need look to our hearts: That's the fort Royall in a Chriſtian; If that be conquered, all's loſt.
3. Reſiſt the firſt motions and temptations to ſinne. Be they 3. Reſiſt the firſt motion to ſinne.motus primo primi, (as the School-men ſpeak:) yet they are polluted and ought to be reſiſted. Take heed of the leaſt ſinne: A little leake may ſinke a ſhip; A little pen-knife may deſtroy thee. A little theife let in at a window, may open the dores to a multitude of Robbers. I remember what Hanno in Livy ſaid of Hannibal, * Parvus hic ignis incendium ingens exuſcitat. Liv. Dec. 2. Jer. 4. 14.This little ſparke may cauſe a great flame. The embers of an evill thought, may ſet the whole man in combuſtion. Wherefore let us look to our thoughts: O Jeruſalem, waſh thine heart from wickedn…ſſe, that thou maiſt be ſaved: how long ſhall vaine thoughts lodge within thee?
4. Frequently and ſeriouſly exerciſe thy ſelfe in the examination 4. Examine thy heart. Jer. 8. 6.of thy heart, and life. It's an excellent duty to commune with our own hearts. I hearkned and heard, (ſaith the Lord) but they ſpake not a right, no man repented of his wickedneſſe: ſaying, what have I done? Now therefore thus ſaith the Lord of hoaſts, conſider Hag. 1. 5. 5. Behold thy face in the glaſs of Gods Law.your wayes.
5. Behold thy face in the glaſſe of the Law of God, how odious and abominable ſinne is in God's accompt, and how the law of God denounceth vengeance upon ungodly perſons.
6. Sixtly and laſtly: Make it thy buſineſſe to mortify and crucify 6. Mortify thy Corruptions.thy corruptions. This is the grand employment here on earth to be fighting againſt ſinne, reſiſting to blood. And in all we do we muſt act in the ſtrength of Jeſus Chriſt: Help is laid upon him, who is mighty. He is the Redeemer, who turneth away iniquity from Jacob. It's the voice of Chriſt that ſaith, Be of Good Comfort, thy ſinnes are forgiven thee. Such a Word, if the Lord Chriſt ſhould ſpeak to any one of us this day, it would be the joyfulleſt word that ever we heard, and the happieſt day that ever our eyes beheld.