The Cure of Misprision, Section 86 – Section 95
Sect. 86.
Again, I know theſe civill men paſſe for as good Chriſtians as the beſt, with men of the world: Yea, with the reverend Prelats, and their creatures; for they count men religious, as they are conformable to their Canons: And all the Congregation is alike holy, and holy enough to naturall men: as Korah, and his prophane conſorts told Moſes and Aaron; when they roſe up againſt them. Numb. …6. 1. 2, 3.
But as Iſaac, if he had not been blind, would not have bleſſed Jacob, for Eſau: nor Jacob taken Leah for Rachel, if it had not been in the dark: ſo theſe, if they were not ignorant of the Scriptures, would not take meer civil men for true Chriſtians: but as empty pots, and boxes, in Apothecaries ſhops, having written upon them fair titles, of the beſt drugges and electuaries, do deceive ignorant commers in: ſo theſe though their hearts be baſe and vile empty pots, yet as they are overlayed with the ſilver droſſe of glozing words, and glorious ſhews, do deceive ſimple Chriſtians: who onelyonly judge according to the outward appearance. Yea, perhaps they may deceive wiſe and able Chriſtians, for a while: ſince the lamps of theſe fooliſh virgins▪ blaze no leſſe, then the wiſe ones. Matth. 25. And tree…, that have onelyonly leaves: may make as great a flouriſh, as others that bear abundance of fruit.
True, wiſe men having heard them ſpeak, and obſerved their practice, will ſoon ſee what chriſtians they are: at leaſt Chriſt (that knows their hearts, and cannot be deceived with ſhews) will one day cull them out, and let them know, what it is to come into his preſence, and ſit at his table without the wedding garment of faith and love. Matth. 22. 11. At which time, it will be too late to expoſtulate. Or if ſo, their own conſciences ſhall ſtop their mouths; much after this manner: Thou thankeſt God with that Phariſee, Luk. 18. 11. That thou haſt been no extortione… thou haſt paid thy tythes, given every man his own, &c. but what will ſatan and conſcience ſay: is this enough to make thee a true chriſtian? no, thou payedſt men their dues, but didſt thou pay God his dues, the due of praying, hearing, beleeving, reading, confaring, & meditating in his word, of ſanctifying his ſabbaths, loving his children, promoting his glory, & gaining of other… to imbrace the Goſpel: didſt thou repent and beleeve the goſpel, precepts, and menaces, aſwell as promiſes? didſt thou declare thy faith by thy works? didſt thou fear an oath? hate a lye: &c. no, not one of theſe things ever troubled thy mind: yea, thou didſt ever hate zeale and devotion ſo inveterately, that thou couldſt in no caſe away with it in others. What difference then between thee, and an honeſt Infidel? Is not unhoneſt religion, as good as irreligious honeſty? Alas, honeſty without piety, is but as a body without a head: yea, without a ſoul, even a rotten and ſtinking carrion; and not a ſweet ſmelling ſacrifice in Gods noſtrils.
Divers will ſay of morall men, if they go not to heaven; Lord have mercy upon us: yet Chriſt ſaith, except your righteouſ…eſſe exceed the righteouſneſſe of the Scribes and Phariſees: you ſhall not come there: Matth. 5. 20. Yea, he plainly affirms, that publicanes and harlots, ſhall get into heaven ſooner: becauſe the other beleeved not: neither are they ſo apt to juſtifie themſelves, as the civilly righteous. Matth. 21. 31.
Many arguments might be brought to aggravate the wickedneſſe of a negative chriſtian; but nothing can be ſpoken to his comfort; for the beſt of ſuch chriſtians, ſhall without ſound repentance, and true ſaith in Chriſt, go to hell, as the Scripture every where ſhewes. It is not onelyonly the robbing of Chriſt, or impriſoning him: but the not giving to him, the not viſiting of him, ſhall condemn us, Matth. 25. 42. 43. The ſervant that increaſeth not his talent, (though he does not diminiſh it) ſhall be bound hand and foot, and caſt into utter darkneſſe Matth. …5. 30. And what ſaith our Saviour? Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, ſhall be hewen down, and caſt into the fire. Matth. 3. 10. Neither was it ſufficient that the Fig-tree which he ſaw Matth. 11. made as great a ſhew w…th leaves, as any other: but he curſed it, for being fruitleſſe. Muc… more does that earth deſerve rather a curſe, then a bleſſing: which having been watered with the dew of heaven brings forth nothing but thornes and bryars, to ſcratch and teare the husband man that manures it. Heb. 6. 7. 8.
Sect. 87.
And ſo much to prove, that all naturall men (viz. Prelatical and ſcandalous Miniſters, prophane, and looſe libertines; Cunning Polititians, ignorant perſons, and civil honeſt men. Who profeſſe the ſame religion with us, and who unanimouſly call the religious Puritans, and hypocrites) are really and indeed moſt groſſe hypocrites and puritans. I might likewiſe ſhew, that our open Antagoniſts the Papiſts; even while they curſe, and raile ſo; upon the truly religious for Puritans, and hypocrites: are of all others the moſt notorious ones: for beſides their works of merit and congruity: how contrary, yea how diametrially oppoſite, is their profeſſion and practice? but to ſpeake to them, were to knock at a deafe, or dead mans dore. Only let the ingenuous ſtander by, heare what Mr. Fox, in the beginning o… Luthers ſtory: ſpeakes of the Church of Rome in generall. His words are theſe, under pretence ſaith hee, of Peters Chair; they exerciſe a Majeſty above Emperours and Kings: under the Vizard of vowed Chaſtity, raigns adultery: under the Cloake of profeſſed Poverty, they poſſeſſe the goods of the temporality: under the title of being dead to the world, they not only raigne in the world, but alſo rule the world: under the colour of the keys of heaven, to hang under their girdle: they bring all the Eſtates of the world under their girdle; and creep not only into the purſes of men, but into their conſciences alſo: they hea… their confeſſions, they know all their ſecrets, they diſpence as they are diſpoſed, and looſe whom, and what, and where they liſt.
And wherein did our Lordly Prelats, (who have alwaies made Gods people under the colour of puritans, the onelyonly object of their cr uelty) come ſhort of the Papiſts? Did they not under a colour & pretence of being fathers of the Church, by their uſurped government, dethrone Chriſt the head of the church, and under the colour of Religion, take away the vigour and power of Religion. And while they calld themſelves the chiefe prieſts, were they not Chriſt… chief enemies? certainly none will now (when they are ſo well diſcovered) deny it, that have eyes in their heads, and open. But I haſten to acquit the innocent, whom all theſe guilty perſons do moſt unjuſtly and maliciouſly accuſe and ſtigmatize, for the ſole and only puritans and hypocrites. In whoſe tryall, two things are principally to be examined and enquired of.
Firſt, What profeſſion they make, and how agreable that is to the rule of Gods word.
Secondly, What their practice is, and how agreeable that is to their profeſſion.
Sect. 88.
Ob. Now as touching the firſt, they are much found fault withall: as what needs ſo much profeſſion? faith the ſenſualiſt (when his ſpight is at Religion) cannot men ſerve God in ſecret? but they muſt blow a trumpet, and hang out a flag for others to take notice of it.
Anſw. To the which, that I may make a full and ſatisfactory anſwer, pardon the prolixety of it.
Firſt, Such are to know, that profeſſion can no more be ſeparated from the truth of Religion, then light from the Sun. If thou ſhalt confeſſe with thy mouth the Lord Jeſus, and ſhalt beleeve with thine heart: thou ſhalt be ſaved: for with the heart man beleeveth unto righteouſneſſe, and with the mouth confeſſion is made unto ſalvation. And whoſoever beleeveth on him ſhall not be aſhamed. Rom. 10. 9. 10. 11.
True▪ fire (not painted) cannot but heat, breake forth, and aſcend: We cannot carry musk in our boſome but the ſent will diſperſe it ſelf. There cannot be a candle in the houſe, but it will appear at the window: every fountain hath it ſtreams, by which it may be known. Three things (ſaith the Spaniſh proverb) cannot be kept in: Fire, love, and the cough, it may as truly be ſaid of grace. If Chriſt the Paſchall Lamb, be in the Houſe of the ſoul, the ſprinkling of his blood will be ſeen without, by ſanctification, and holines of life.
Whoſever is indeed good, ſhall, and muſt alſo ſeem good: for firſt, his works will praiſe him, whether he will or no: his fruits will ſhew what tree he is.
Indeed, profeſſion may be without grace, as leaves may be without fruit: but grace cannot be without profeſſion; as fruit cannot be without leaves. That which is not gold, may gliſter; but that which is gold, cannot chuſe but gliſter. We read of Wolves that come in ſheeps cloathing; but never of ſheep that come in wolves cloathing. Many harlots will put on the ſemblances of chaſtity; never the contrary. It is no truſting thoſe, who wiſh not to appeare good.
Good men in Scripture, are compared to good and fruitfull trees: the heart is the root, grace the ſapp, good works the fruit profeſſion the leaves and bloſſomes: Now if there be ſap in the root of a tree, and fruit grow on the branches; its impoſſible but ſome bloſſoms and leaves will ſhew themſelves, Nor can it be expected, that eveiy ſuch tree; like the mulbery: ſhould firſt bring forth fruit, and then bloſſoms: For even repentance and good works, are but the fruites of faith; and the uſuall method is, Firſt the roote, then the tree, then the leaves and bloſſoms, and laſt of all the fruit.
Sect▪ 89.
Indeed there is a dead faith, ſpoken of Iam. 2. 17. 20▪ 26. which cannot be ſeen: which reſembles the Ebone tree: that bears neither leaves nor fruit. But a true and lively faith, is operative, and works by love. Gal. 5. 6 Yea, it conſtrains thereunto: for the heart and mind having begot holy thoughts, the lips will not fail to bring them forth, witneſſe the thiefe upon the croſſe: If the law of God ſaith David, be in a mans heart: his mouth will ſpeak of wiſdom, and his tongue will talk of judgement. Pſal. 37. 30. 31. The ſoul that hath received fu…l confirmation from God, in the aſſurance of its ſalvation: cannot but bow the knee, and by all geſtures of body tel how it is raviſhed: whence it is, that many at their firſt converſion are held (by their carnal friends) to be mad, or beſide themſelves: as our Saviour was by his kinſfolk. Mark 3. 21. Ioh. 10. 20.
Secondly, Vnleſſe he keep▪ his lips alwaies ſealed up; he muſt either diſſemble, which is cowardly and baſe; Or elſe his language will bewray what countryman be is. For if he ſpeak (like the vertuous woman in the Proverbs) he opens his mouth with wiſdome, and the law of grace is in his tongue. And while the door of his mouth is open: the ſtanders by may behold, as it were in a temple, the goodly ſimilitudes, and images of the ſoul.
Neither can he avoid ſpeaking, for admit he be in adverſe company: they will ſo beſet a man with queſtions, and draw him on, and pick it out of him: that without an abſu…d ſilence, he muſt ſhew an inclination one way: even as a ballance cannot ſtand ſtill: but falleth to one ſide or other: or if he do not, they will gather as much by his ſilence, as by his ſpeech.
For in this caſe carnall men are very apprehenſive, for as the paynter Protogenes knew Apelles by the draught of one line: though he had never ſeen him before: ſo will they a gracious ſoul, by his very ſilence.
Or laſtly, a man cannot diſſent from their wicked cuſtoms, he cannot refuſe to run with them to the ſame exceſſe of ryot: in drinking, ſwearing, prophaning the Lords day, and the like: much leſſe can he admoniſh them, and ſo diſcharge his conſcience (as who having but a ſpark of the ſpirit of God in him; can chooſe) but he makes too great a ſhew, and his profeſſion troubles them.
Sect. 90.
Indeed they name profeſſion, but their ſpight is againſt your religion: for be but as prophane as they, their quarrel is at an end: yea, it is only your holy & religious converſation, that raiſeth their ſpleen: in that it …oth plainly, though ſilently▪ reproove, and condemn, t…eir ſinfull and ungodly courſes. 1 Pet. 4. 3. 4. Nor can they be ſo ſottiſh, as to think Religion, and the ſervice of God to be all lyning, no outſide: There is a power of Godlineſſe, and a form there muſt be: He that hath but a form of Religion is an hypocrite but he that hath not a forme, is an at heiſt.
Again, they will call upon us to hear leſſe, and pra, ctiſe more; but it is not ſo much out not practizing of what we hear, that troubles them; as our much hearing, which ſhames them for hearing ſo little: they cry up practice, to cry down preaching: as the Papists extoll St. Iames, that they may diſparage Saint Paul.
But for reſolution herein, It is not to be expected, that religion ſhould be ſpoken againſt under the name of Religion: or holineſſe under its own name, for the divel is no dunce: but under the name of profeſſion, puritaniſme, hypocriſie, &c. But when any uſe theſe tearms, and know alſo that they will be taken in an evil ſence: it is a manifeſt ſigne, that they hate and ſpeak againſt Religion, under theſe names, and notions, and ſo againſt holines it ſelf▪ under the name of profeſſion: for otherwiſe, they would not perſecute honeſt and orthodox chriſtians; and ſay, they mean baſe and diſſembling hypocrites: ſo imitating the Romans, who in deteſtation of proud T…rquine, that had tyrannized over them: baniſhed a good Citizen, onelyonly becauſe he bare that name.
Sect. 91.
And ſo much to prove the neceſſity of profeſſion: That true beleevers cannot but ſhew the power of grace, both in their words and actions: not to have them ſeen, and heard by men; as did the hypocriticall phariſes. Matth. 6. 2. and 23. 5. no… thereby to merit from God, as do the Phariſaicall papiſts. They do good works, not becauſe they ſhould be ſeen, yet ſuch as may be ſeen.
Wherein they obſerve this rule: good actions they will not forbear, let the malignant world be plea…ed or diſpleaſed; but if they can conceal themſelves (ſo neither God nor others looſe thereby) they will: like one that ſent a letter, and a box with 500. pounds in it to Sir Edwine Sands: to be beſtowed for the education of Children in Virginia, and for the propagating of the Goſpel there. And concluded with, Your brother in Chriſt, duſt and aſhess
But hear their reaſons and why they do it, for all Gods people walk by rule.
Indeed men of the world think, we can alleadge no other ground for our pro…eſſion, but humor: but we have no leſſe then ſix ſolid reaſons for it, for
1. Firſt, God as ſtrict y commands us to profeſſe him with our mouths, as to beleeve in him with our hearts. Theſe words which I command thee this day, ſh…ll be in thine heart. Deut. 6 6 and what follows? thou ſhalt teach them diligently, and talk of them when thou ſi… teſt in thine houſe, and when thou walkeſt by the way, when thou lieſt down, and when thou riſest up. Thou ſhalt bind them for a ſigne upon thine hand, and they ſhall be as frontli…s between thine eyes: yea, thou ſhalt write them upon the poſts of thine houſe; and on thy gates▪ verſ. 7. 8. 9▪ Yea, our Saviour commands it▪ upon pain of damnation. Matth▪ 10. v. 32. 33▪ whichis a terrible place for cowards and ſcoffers.
And as the word of God commands it, ſo the holy Ghoſt commends it. Mark. 15. 43. And highly condemns the contrary, in thoſe chief rulers, John 12, 42. who durſtnot confeſſe Chriſt, though they did beleeve in him.
Sect. 92.
2. Secondly, they do it, that God may have glory by it: Let your light ſo ſhine before men, that they may ſee your good workes and gloriſie your Father which is in heaven. Matth. 5. 16. A father gains much honour by the vertuous and good demeanour of his children. And the glory of a King doth much conſiſt, in the multitude of his known, and loyall ſubjects. Yea, Chriſt hath therefore made us a choſen generation, a royall prieſthood, a peculiar people &c. that we ſhould ſhew forth the prayſes of him: who hath called us out of darkneſſe, into his marvelous light. 1 Pet. 2. 9.
So that to be good, and not to appear: or to appear good, and not to be: is not the way to glorifie God, or for him to glorifie us.
Sect. 93.
3. Thirdly, We profeſſe Chriſt openly, that we may win others to the ſame truth. St. Paul wiſheth the Philippians; to ſhine as lights in the midſt of a naughty and crooked Nation: by a blameleſſe and pure life: thereby to winne others, amongſt whom they lived. Phil. 2. 15. And St. Peter the like to his converts. 1 Pet. 2. 12, A holy life is like a precious and ſweet perſume; whoſe ſavour ſpreads it ſelfe, and is pleaſant to all that come near. A godly man by his vertuous example: though he otherwiſe be ſilent, yet by that dumb Oratory: he preacheth to the world, and doth not ſeldom win others to imitate the ſame. We read that many infidels were won to the Chriſtian faith: by ſeeing the vertous lives of the Chriſtians. Yea Zozomen reports, that the devout life; of a poor Captive, Chriſtian maid: made a King, and all his Family imbrace the faith of Chriſt. And the like memorable preſident, we have in St. Alborn: who receiving a poore perſecuted Chriſtian into his houſe; and ſeeing his holy devotion, and unblameable life: was ſo much affected therewith; that hee became both an earneſt profeſſor of the faith, and in the end a glorious martyr for the Faith.
And what ſaith our Saviour? No man lighteth a Candle, and putteth it in a privy place; neither under a buſhell; but on a Candle ſtick: that they which come in, may ſee the light. Luke 11 33. Yea a Candle in the houſe▪ gives light not only to them that are within; but alſo to paſſengers in the ſtreet.
No matter how cloſe evils bee, nor how publique good is, Yea to conceale goodneſſe is a vice, and vertue is better by being imparted. Yea ſo much the better, by how much the more it is communicated: and to keep it private is the only way to be deprived of it.
Sect. 94.
4. Fourthly, Becauſe when ever we receive mercy; or are delivered out of trouble: it is to this very end. Pſal. 50. 15. Luke 8. 38. 39. And to praiſe God, and profeſſe his name in the preſence of others: is all we can returne to him in way of thankfullneſſe. Yea if I may ſo ſpeak, how can we requite the Lord better? Then in bringing him more cuſtomers; to buy wine & milk without mony, & without price? Iſaey. 55. 1. Whence holy David, ſo often inculcates theſe, aud the like vowes: O God thou haſt taught me from my youth, even until now: Therefore will I tell of thy wondrous▪ workes, Thy righteouſneſſe O God, will I exalt on high: for thou haſt done great things for mee. Pſal. 71. 17. 18. 19. and again, Pſal. 51. Deliver me from blood O Lord, the God of my ſalvation: and my tongue ſhall ſing faithfully, of thy righteouſneſſe. verſ. 14. And againe, Pſal. 119. My lips ſhall ſpeak of thy praiſe; when thou haſt taught me thy ſtatutes. verſ. 171. as if he knew not how to do a more acceptable ſervice.
And leaſt you ſhould think this was in private, betweene God and his owne ſoule: he uſeth theſe and the like expreſſions, almoſt in every Pſálme: I will pay my vowes unto the Lord; even now in the preſence of all his people: I will give thanks unto the Lord greatly, with my mouth, and praiſe him among the multitude: my mouth ſhall dayly rehearſe thy righteouſneſſe, and thy ſalvation: Yea I have declared thy righteouſneſſe, in t…e great Congregation. Loe I will not refraine my lips; O Lord thou knoweſt: I have not hid thy righteouſneſſe within my heart; but J have declared it. I have not concealed thy mercy, and thy truth from the great Congregation. Pſal. 22. 22. and 35. 18. and 71. 18. and 109 and 111. and many the like places. Nor was this only in his proſperity, and before his owne people: but in the midſt of reproaches, and before Kings he had the face; to profeſſe the name of God: without ever being blankt, or aſhamed at their preſence. Pſal. 119. 46. which as I conceive was one reaſon: why hee was called a man after Gods own heart. And that this hath beene, the conſtant practice of Gods people in all ages: both afore the Law, under the Law, and after the Law: I could eaſily ſhew; but I have already exceeded.
And certainly, if he muſt be praiſed in all his creatures, much more in his new creatures: if in the witleſſe wormes, and ſenceleſſe vapours Pſal. 148. much more doubtleſſe in men, in holy men, in ſaints: upon whom he hath beſtowed the bleſſings of the life preſent; and of that which is to come. And what an unthankfull ſilence is it, To ſmother the workes of God in an affected ſecrecy? Yea to make God a looſer, by his bounty to us; were a ſhamefull injuſtice: even we our ſelves, abide not thoſe ſpunges, that ſuck up good turnes unknown. O God! we are unworthy our ſpirituall eye ſight: if we do not publiſh thy mercies, on the houſe top; and praiſe thee, in the great Congregation.
Sect. 95.
5. Fifthly, Another reaſon is hope of reward: which is ſo anexed to the profeſſion of Chriſts name: that only to beleeve in him, is not ſufficient. Matth. 10. 32. 33. Yea except we confeſſe him here, he will not owne us hereafter. Luke 12. 8. If thou ſhalt confeſſe with thy mouth the Lord Jeſus (ſaith St. Paul) and ſhalt beleeve in thine heart; that God raiſed him from the dead: thou ſhalt be ſaved, Rom. 10. 9. 10. where hee putteth confeſ…ing, before beleeving: for that many do the latter, which never attaine unto the former. And againe, 2 Tim. 1. The Lord ſhew mercy unto the houſe of Oneſiphorus (why? marke the reaſon) for he oft refreſhed me, and was not aſhamed of my bands, verſ. 16. What is the Hart the better for his horns and ſtrength, ſince he wants courage to uſe them? So what is any man the better for hidden grace, if it bee not exerciſed, in the practice of good duties? Eſpecially conſidering, hee looſeth the reward, which is promiſed to faith; if that be wanting. For as Joſeph ſaid to his Brethren: ſee my face no more, except your Brother Benjamin be with you. So Chriſt ſaith in the fore mentioned places: You ſhall never ſee my face, except you aſwell confeſſe my Name, as beleeve in mee.