Against Idolatry and Superstition, Sermon 1

Against Idolatry and Superstition · Sermon 1

p. 1TESTIMONY From Scripture against Idolatry, & Superstition

The First Sermon witnessing in General against all the Idols, and Inventions of m…n in the Worship of God.

2 Kings 18. 4, 5, 6, 7.

Ver. 4. He removed the high places, a…d brake the Images, & cut down the …roves, and brake in pieces the brazen Serpent that Moses …ad made; for unto those dayes the Children of Israel did burn Incense to …: …nd …e called it Nehushtan.

Ver. 5. He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him amongst all the Kings of Iu…ah, nor any … …t were before him.

Ver. 6. For he clave to the Lord, and departed not from following him, but kept his Commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses.

Ver. 7. And the Lord was with him, and he prospered whithers… ever he went forth.

THis Chapter Contains the Beginning of the History of Hezekiah, that great Reforming Prince. The parts of the Chapter are these three; (1) There be some Gen… ral circumstances of his Reign, the time when, and how long, his Parentage &c. ver. 1, 2. (2) His eminent piety in matters of Religion, ver. 3 to 7. (3) His great prosperity in the Political, or Civil affairs of his Kingdome, ver. 7. to the end.

His Piety is set forth two wayes, (1) By a general Testimony of him, ver. 3. He did that that was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his Father David did: (2) By a more particular enumeration p. 2and induction of particu… the words read unto you, in these five things; (1) his destroying …atry, ver. 4 (2) his Trusting in God, ver. 5. (3) his prehemin…nce in piety above all the Kings of … Io…. Ibid. (4) his faithful cleavi… to God in his Word ver. 6. (5) … prospering presence of God with him in all his affairs. ver. 7. From which five particulars, we may accordingly observe five points of Doctrine.

1. From the d…struction of Idolatry, ver. 4. Observe. That it is a thing very right and pleasing in the sight of God, when the sin of Idolatry and all the m…numents of it, all the remembrances, and remainders of it are quit… destr…yed, and ro…ted up from amongst his people. For thus Hezekiah did, and it is said in the third ve…se, he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.

2. Whereas it is noted of him, that he trusted in the Lord God of Israel, ver. 5. Observe from hence. That nothing will carry a man through in the work of R…formation, but trusting▪ and r…lying upon God by Faith. For so did this good King: A man may begin, reforme a little, and doe something in the work of God as Jehu did, for his own ends, but he never went through with it, because he▪ trusted not in the Lord God of Israel, but in his own carnal policy; therefor… he left the calves at Dan and Bethol, removing some Idols, but leaving others: but to goe through with the work, requires a Spirit plainly Heroical, a Spirit of Faith, and firm relyance▪ and dependance upon God. There be so many, and to the eye of carnal reason, such insuperable difficulties and impediments in the work of Reformation, That a man shall never be able to surmount and g…t above them without an Almighty assistance from the Lord: H…ze…iah could not but see what reproach and danger he did incurr, and expose hi…self unto by it; The cla…ours of the people for their old Religion, the Religion of their Fathers, the Scandal it would give to many: Rabshakeh tell… him he had d…stroyed the worship of God, and calls him in effect an Heretick, and a Schismatick. ver. 2… If you say we trust in the Lord our God, is not that he who… High plac…s, and whose Altars. Hezekiah hath tak…n away? and he upbraids him al…o with trusting upon that bruised reed, even upon Egypt. ver. 21. Here were sad reproaches, and discouragements from men, but hi… hope was in the Lord, he trusted in the Lord God of Israel.

3 From his pr…heminence in Piety …bove all his Predecessors and Successors; Obs…r…e. That a reformi…g Spirit in Magistrates▪ as it is v…y …x…ent▪ so it is very rare. ver. 5. After him there was none h…e hi… amo…gst … t…e Kings o… Judah, nor any that were before hi…▪ p. 3By which expre…ons we are to understand, that there were but very few, for there was one or two, for he is parallel'd with David, ver. 3. And the same expression is afterwards used concerning J…siah, a Kin. …. 25. So that these three, David, Hezekiah, Iosiah, were the three great Reformers, and therefore when it is said, there was …one like Hezekiah, the expression is a little Hyperbolical, and but a little, for there was but two more amongst all the Kings of Judah: The meaning therefore is not pror us nemo, but fere nemo, as Piscat…r well expounds it. For it is the Hebrew phras… of Sp…ch to use a Negative, when it intends a Superlative. There is a parallel expression in Prov. …. 15. None that goe to her return again, that is, very, very few, not one of a thousand, but some there are; as Mary Magdalent out of whom Christ did cast seven unclean Devils, but where will you finde such another? So when Paul saith of Timothy, I finde no man like minded to seek the Churches good, Phil. 2. 20. There was Titus, and one, or two more, who had the same Spirit, but alas how few …how few▪

It is true, there were som… other reforming Kings in Lidah; but none like these who were the first three, fot the rest had great blemishes. Asa was a reforming King, but there is one black mark upon him, for he persecuted the Prophet Hanani, for reproving him; and he oppressed some of the people at the same time, whereby his S…n did set under such a Cloud that some have questioned whether he was a godly man; 2 Chron. 1…. 10. Ich…saphat did Reforme Religion, but he …ntred into a sinfull League with that great Idol…ter Ahab, and though the Prophet Iehu reproved him for it, 2 Chron. 19. …. and though we do not f…nde that he was so exceeding vile as to persecute the Prophet for it, yet he fell into the same sin again with Ahazia…, for which God d…stroyed his N…vy, and broke his Fleet of Ships that should have gone to Tarshish, 2 Chron. 20. ult. King Ʋzziah likewise was true to Gods worship in the beginning of his Reign, but afterwards, his prosperity pust him up, and he invaded the Priests Office to his own destruction, 2 Chr. 2… 4, 16. And if you look into our own Historics of England, how few shall you finde! It was prophefied of them, that they should give▪ bot… … both their force of Arms▪ and their Power of Laws to the …east, to serve the Popes Interest. R…v. 17. 13. And a…co…d…ngly they have fully accomplished it till the time of Herry the eigth, who began the Reformati…n.

4. Here is H…z…iah his cl…ving to the Lord, and to his Word, ver. 6 For he clave to the Lord, and dep…rt…s… not from after him, but kept his Commandments, which the Lord commanded Mose…. Hence p. 4th… fourth Doctrine is this. That the Rule of Reformation in Religion, is the will and Word of God: He that will reform aright, must reduce, and bring all things back to that Rule: when Io…a was to measure the Temple, and to reform the C…urch, there was a R…ed given unto him like a Rod, Rev. 11. 1. and Rev 21. 15. The new Ierusalem is measured with a golden Reed. It is spoken with allusion to Ezekiels Vision, Chap. 40. ver. 3. which meas…ring Reed, can be no other but the Word of God. Hence we call the Scriptures C…nonical, because they are the Rule of all Religion. It is not the wills and lusts of men, but what the Lord hath Commanded us by Moses, and the Prophets, and by Christ and his Apostles.

5. The last particular is, The prospering presence of God with this reforming Magistrate, ver. 7. And the Lord was with him, and he prospered whithersoever he went forth. Hence observe, 5. That a through Reformation of Religion according to th… Word of G…d, to the rooting up of all Idolatry, is the wa… to obtain the prospering presence of God with us in whatsoever we take in hand. Let H…z…kiah turn himself which way he will, the Lord went with him▪ It is promised, Psal. 1. 3. He that delights in the Law of the Lord, whatsoever he doth shall prosper, and the same thing is noted concerning other reforming Kings, as King Ʋzziah, 2 Chron. 26. 5. As long as he sought the Lord, God ma…e him to prosper, and be did great things. Men are apt to think it will cause trouble, disturb all things, and bring Heaven and …arth together, but it is indeed the way to prosper.

Thus you see the principal Truths, and points of Doctrine, that are contained in the words. I shall resume and prosecute a little more fully the first of them, viz.

Observ. That it is a thing very pleasing in the sight of God, when the sin of Idolatry, and all the monuments, all the remembrances & remainders of i… are quite destroyed, and rooted out from amongst his people. For Hezekiah here made through work of it, he removed the High places, and brake the Images, and cut down the Groves, a…d brake in pieces the brazen Serp…nt, he spared nothing that had the Devils stamp upon it; If he had spared any thing, it would have been the braz…n Serpent▪ for the hon…ur of the first Founder, for it was Mo…es that made it, and that by Gods appointment, but yet being now abused to Idolatry he brake it in piec…s, and calls it N…hushtan, which is a name of Contempt; as indeed when men are speaking of Idolatry, there ought to be a sting of holy indig…ation in the very expr…ssing of it. In Num. 21. 9. it is called foreign nehash nehoshe, but here only foreign Nebushtan p. 5bushtan. There it was denominated both from the Fo…m and matter, but here from the matter only. There it was called … Serpent of brass, but now he calls it a meer piece of brass, the stamp of Institution being taken off, and the thing having been horribly abused to Idolatry, or as some have not unfitly rendered it, that base piece of brass. For the prosecution of this Doctrine, four things are necessary to be spoken to; (1) what is meant by Idolatry? (2) what by the monuments of it? (3) How it may appear that the Lord will have them to be rooted up. (4) The reasons of this Severity of God against this Sin?

1. What is meant by Idolatry?

Answ. Idolatry in general, is the worshiping of Images or Idols. Now there be two sorts of Images, and therefore two sorts of Idolatry. First, against the Object of worship, in the first Commandment. Secondly, against the means of worship in the Second. The Idolatry forbidden in the first Commandment is, when the worship is terminated upon a false Object, and not upon the True God that made Heaven and Earth. But the Idolatry forbidden in the second Commandment is, when the worship is directed to the True God, but by false wayes and means, which he had never appointed, and which never came into his h…art: we commonly call it for distinction sake, Superstition, which is as much as to say, Cultus supra statutum, a worship beside, and beyond the Rule. The Scripture calls it Idolatry, or the worshipping of Idols, and Superstition, and will worship, Col. 2. ult. Acts 7 41. and Acts 17. 16, 22.

The Idolatry against which the Prophets are so frequently, and almost continually thundring forth the wrath of God throughout the Old Testament, and which is so much condemned also in the New, and which the People were chi…fly guilty of. It is for the most part this latter. For when they made the Calf, Exod▪ 32. They said, These he thy Gods, O Israel, whi…h brought thee up out of the Land of Egypt. ver 4. and they proclaimed a Holy day, not to the Calf, but to Jehovah, ver. 5. Of whom the Calf was but an Image, in which they lock…d at Iehovah, as near unto them & as going with them, & before them. ver. 1 Their intention therefore was to worship the True God, but in a way of their own. And in like manner Micah's mother, she dedicated the Silver to zhovah to make a graven Image, Iudg…es 17. 3. & Micah concludes, v…r. last, that now Iehovah would do him good. Yea, Ieroboam himself, when he set up his Calves at Dan and Bethel, he proclaims, behold thy Gods O Israel, which brought thee up out of the Land of Egypt, 1 King. 12. 28, which is a description of t… True God, so that it was not Ierobo…ms intention to introduce another Obj…ct of worship, but only another manner of worship, but p. 6yet seeing he worshipped God in a false way, The Scripture charge him for worshipping the Devil, 2 Chron. 11. 15. He ordained Priests for the Devils, which he had mad…. Yea, I finde that our Divines Calvin Ins…it. li. 1. Ca. 1. Sec… 9. Ranolds de Idol. Roman. …ccles, lib. 2. Ca. 3. Cartwright 2 Reply pag. 185, 186, 187. do observe against the Papists, that the very Heathens, and Pagans were not so sottish, as to terminate their worship upon a dead pi…ce of Wood, and Stone; though perhaps some of the blindest of them might look no further, yet the more knowing ones amongst them did look upon their Idols as the Images and representations of some higher Deity, from whence they called them simulachra Deorum, the representations of the Gods. …or they knew that God was a Spirit, as in that Verse of Cato. Si Deus est animus, sit purâ mente colendus: and that Heaven is his dwelling place: Hence they said, Acts 14. 11. The Gods are come down unto us in the likeness of men. And when reproved for their Idolatry, aaAu…in in Psal 113 C…n…ion…Ps 113Austine saith, the common people themselves were wont to Answer, se nos visibile illud colere, sed numen, quod illic invisibilitér habitabit, that they did not worship the visible Image, but that which dwelt invisibly in it. But yet they were Idolaters in the sight of God, and are charged with this guilt every where throughout the Scripture. For they did herein grossly break the second co…man…ment. For the further ope…ing whereof, because it will give light unto all that followeth to be spoken; the second Commandment with the Scriptures apperteining thereto, (being that spiritual A… mory out of which whosoever will fight against Superstistion must fetch their Weapons;) you may observe bri…fly these four things concerning it.

1. That it is not meant of Images for Civil use, but for worship; the… shalt not bow down to them, nor serve them. For the Civil use of Images is lawful for the representation and remembrance of a p…rson absent, for honour and Civil worship to a…y worthy person, as al…o for ornament, but the scope of the Command is against Images in State and use religious.

2. Neither yet is it meant of all Images for religious use, but only Images of their own devising, for God doth not forbid his own Institutions, but only our inventions, and therefore one saith both wittily and wisely, N…n Imago, non s…mulachrum prchibetur, sed non facies tibi. The Emphasi… lies here, Thou shalt not make to thy sel…; For there were Im… ges by Gods Appointm…nt in the Church of the Jews, for the making whereof the Lord fitted Bezaleel and Aholiab with his Spirit, and …ith skill in all manner of workmanship, …xod. 31. 3, 4, 5. and it is the Churches …omplaint against the En…my. Ps…l. 74. 6. But now they br…ke down p. 7the Carved work thereof, at onc… with Axes and Hammers; now it is a duty to worship God by the graven Images, which he himself hath appointed, which under the Law was the Tabernacle, and Temple, with the rest of the worship thereto belonging, the A…k, Altar, Cherubims, Sacrifices, Feasts, Passover, &c. And in these Gospel times Baptism, & the Lords Supper are external Forms or Images, but they are o… God; appointing; but such as God hath not appointed are forbidden in this Commandment. For it is not enough, to worship the True God, but we must worship him in the right way, and seek him in the right order, as 1 Chron. 15. 13. For the neglect whereof, he made that Breach upon Ʋzziah. It is not enough to e…schew false Objects of worship, but we must also take heed of false means of wor…hip. H…nce the people are blamed for Sacrificing in the High places, though to the Lord their God OnelyOnly. 2 Chron. 33. 17.

3. Although none but the grossest kinde of Idolatry, viz graren Images are expressly mentioned, yet, under this one Instance is c…mprehe…d…d all other sins of the same kinde, all other inventions of men are includ…d and comprehended under this. For it is a general rule observed by all Judicious Expositors upon the Ten Commandments, that they must be opened by Synecdoche… and M…tonymie…; Syne…doche… to comprehend all sins of the like kinde, and all the Deg…tes thereof; and Metonymies to comprehend all the Causes and means, and occasions thereof. And Christ himself teacheth us so to Interpr…t them▪ As in the sixth Commandment, Thou shalt not kill, this forbids all rash anger, even passionate words, and thoughts. Mat. 5. 21, 22. and in the Seventh Commandment, though Adultery only is named, yet by the like Synecdo…he all other kinds, and Degrees of uncleanness a…e inc…uded, and intended under that, even filthy thoughts. Mat. 5. 28. Therefore, so are all H… m…ne Inventions under graven Images. For there is the same reason of Carved, painted, molten Im…ges, yea, the most refined spiritual Devises and Inventions of men. For we are often charged neither t… a…d n…r diminish from Gods appointments whats…ever thing I Command you, observe an… do…, thou shalt neither add th…r… to nor dimin…sh from i…. D…t. 12. last. And in many other places. The Lord gave it strict…y in Ch…g: t… Moses, Ex…d. 25. last. Lock to it that thou mak… hem after their Pa… tern w…ic… w…s sh…ae… th…e in the Mount. And accordingly it is observed and no less then ei…hteen Times repeated in the 39. and 40 Chap…ers of Ex…dus, that eve…y thing was …one as the Lord Com…ande… M…es. H…n…e the Na… A…gument is s… frequ…nt in the Scrip…u…es, … …nde… not, a…d which never c…▪ heart, and … req…ired ….

p. 84. Hence that distinction of bbBellar de …ct …a…r Li…. … C 33Bellarmine, which some of our Formalists have borrowed from him, between Corruptive & perfective additions to the worship of God is a …ost Corrupt a…d blind distinction. For all Additions are Corruptive, being so directly contrary to this Command. If thou lift up thy t…ol upon the Altar, th…u hast polluted it, Exod. 20. 25. To polish, is to pollute. What ever solemn worship men per…orm to God either it ariseth …rom the very nature of God in the first Commandment: or else there is a stamp of I…stitution upon it, and then it is an Ordinance of God, r…quired in the Affirmative part of the second Commandment; or else it is an H…mane Invention, and so so… b…dden in the Negative part thereof.

Quest. 2. What is m…nt by the M…n… ments of Idolatry?

A. Such things as being i…diff…ent in their own Natu…e, have been abused, and pol…ut…d with I…olat…y. This is evident from the Instance of the Brazen Serpent in the Text, of which you may observe a threefold state. 1. Religious. 2. Indifferent. 3. Sinsul.

1. Religious, and necessary. For the first Original of it was not Humane, but Divine. It was once a Type of Christ, and spiritual Healing through him, as Christ himself expounds it, Joh. 3. 14, 15. and therefore it was then a spiritual and a blessed Ordinance of God. But this necessary, and commanded use of the Serpent, was (as Mr. Cartwright observs) ccMr. Cart. rest of ad reply pag 261but for the time, wherein it was a means to heal those that were bitten. This use therefore Ceased, and the Stamp of Institution was taken off, when the fiery Serpents Ceased, when they came out of the Wilderness.

2. After this, it was retained, and set up as it seemeth upon the Walls of the T…mple, as a Monument of that mira…ulous mercy and healing, which they ha… formerly r…ceived by it in the Wilderness▪ and this use of it was not Instituted, but only ind…ff…rent, and it seems to be of the same nature with the laying up of Go…i…hs Sword at Nob behind the Ephod: Dr. Fulke against Saunders of Images, pag. 64. Ames …sh …, … 2. pag. 322. 327. Calv. in Josh. 22. Pa…ker of the Cros…, part 1. pag 52. 53.Josh 221 Sam. 21. 9. and with the Altar of Witness, Iosh 22. Of which our Divines observe, that though it was not every way commendable, yet it was in s…me sort excusable, as being not intended, nor set up for worship, but for another end, only as a publick Record and Testimony, for which it was usual to er…ct heapes of Stones in those ancient Times, and t…erefore th…ugh it was R…ligi…us in a Sen…e Common, or mix…y as all thi…gs are, …hich are done to an holy end; yet it was not religious in Sense …pecial, or in State, as those things are which have order, obligation, p. 9and a kind of Immobility in Gods Service; The like may be said concerning the brasen Serpent. And in this use it had continued amongst them, as some have computed, no less then seven hundred years, so …p. Bilson against the Iesuits, which Example (…aith he) ddBilso… of obed. part 4 pag 335, 340we would have you advisedly to mark; From hence we …o …lude, that the painted and carved Images of Christ himself may not be adored, and if they be, they may be removed, though they were delivered even by the Apostles, as yours were not. For when the people went a step further to burn incense to this brasen Serpent, then Hezekiah throws it away as a d…filed menument, it was no longer indifferent, but sinful, and this was the third state of it.

Now this explication cuts off those Objections, If all the monuments of Idolatry must be destroyed, then so must Baptism, and the Lords Supper, say some; because th…y have been abused by the Papists. An…w. It followeth not, for the brasen Serpent was not an Ordinance at this time, when Hezekiah brake it in pieces, it was only an indifferent thing abused. But the Sacraments are standing Or…inances, and the Ordinances of Christ cannot be looked upon as monuments of Idolatry, for they are not indifferent things abused, but duties Commanded an… appointed by the Lord Jesus. Therefore the abuse of them must be reformed and rectified, but the right use retained and continued. As when the Vessels of the Temple had been polluted and abused in Babylon, where they became Belshazzars quassing bowl…, they were not therefore laid aside by the people of God in their return out of Babylon, but restored and brought back to their former right use in the Temple: So when it is Objected, that then publick meeting places for worship must be pulled down, and the use of Cups and Vessels in the Sacrament laid aside, because the Papists have abused them. I Answer still as before, that these things are not monuments of Idolatry, for though they be not Ordinances, yet they are nec…ssary appu…tenances to them. For when God appoints any Ordinance, the Institution thereof implies and carries with it an Implicite Warrant for the use of all such things as are necessary to the celebration of it. As when Christ appoints us to drink wine in the Lords Supper, he doth thereby warrant the use of Cups and Vessels to hold the wine; The very nature of the thing implies it. So the Lord commands publick Assemblies, and therefore publick meeting places, we hold them eeA…es fresh … part … pag 3…9commanded in general, though not for their particular places and Forms, saith Dr. Ames in answer to this Objection. But it is easy to d…sting…sh between such necessary things, and things indifferent; whe…eof there is no necessity neithe… from Gods Institution, no… from the nature of the things themselves. …o clear it, by p. 10by …we plain Instances. Those love feasts in the Church of Cori…th were indifferent things, hence when abused, they were abolished out of the Church. But the Sun is ofine …essary use, and therefore we need not go above to pluek it out of the Fi…mament, but may freely make use of it, though it hath been abused and worshipped by Idolaters.

Q. 3. But how may it be proved, that the monuments of Idolatry must be destroyed and rooted up?

Answ. The proofs for it are fitly referred to these four heads. 1. Commands to warrant it. 2. Promises to encourage to it. 3. Reproofs for the neglect of it. 4. Commended Examples.

1. Command… Thus shall ye deale with them, thou shalt destroy their Al…ars, break down th…ir Images, and cut …w… their G…ove…, and burn their graven Images with fire, Deut. 7. 5. and again ver. 25. the graven Images of their gods, shall ye burn with fire, thou shalt not …sire the silver. or gold that is on them, nor take it u…to thee, l…st thou be …nsnared therein; For it is an abomination to the Lord thy God. So likewise, Is…i. 30. 21. ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven Images of silver, the very coverings, t…ose costly g…rments which Idolaters were wont to put upon their Idols, and the ornament of their molten Images of gold, thou shalt cast them aray as a men struo… Cl…th, thou shalt say unto it, get thee hence. … …1 …: There be pracious promises also annex…d to these Commands, for further encouragement, Numb. 33. 52, 53. ye shall destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their Images, and quite plu…k down all their High places, so as to leave no… memorial, no remembrance at all of the Canaanitish Superstition; now mark what follows in the next words, and ye shall aiss o… the Inhabitants of the Land, and dwell therein. It is observed by some Interpreters, ffjua: Anal ex …li…n I …eroruwthat the words are indeed, & in the true sense of them a Connex Axiome, so Junius, Cui mandato subjic itur su… promisses. Yea, there is a promise of taking away their sins, when the Lord shall take away their Idols. Isai. 27. 9. By thī therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit, to take away his sin: when he maketh all the Stones of the Altar as chalk Stones that are beaten in sin, der, the groves and Images shall not stand up

3. The e be many threatnings and Reproofs for this sin, both in the old Testament, and the New. Yea, the Lord himself threatens to take the work into his own hand, and to do it himsel… if none else would, Zen. 14. I will …ut off the Remnant of Baal from this pl…ce, and the very names of Chem arims, those bla… Priests. It is observed, as the blemish of su…dry refo…ing Kings, that the High places were not removed. And those proud Idolaters, Isai. 65. 4. are reproved not only for eating Swines p. 11fl…sh, but because the broth of such abominable things was in their Vessels. And Christ from Heaven reproves those two Churches of Pergamus and Thyatira for eating meat sacr. f…d to Idob, Rev. 2. 14. 20.

4. The Commended example, are very many. Jacob, Gen. 3… 4. destroys not only the Idols of his Family, but their Earings also. Moses, Exod. 32. 20. took the Ca…f which they had made and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water. The Prophe … lijah would not so much a…ffer Sacrifice to the God of Heaven upon Baals Al…a…, many without question thought he was more prec… then wise, to keep the people in suspence so long; Could he not offer upon the Altar that w… …ady at hand no. It was a polluted thing, & therefore he would not use it, but repay…s the Altar of the Lord that was broken down, … Kin. 18. 30. Jebu likewise though a bad man yet thus sarrt, he wrought with God, he destroyed the Images, & the house of Baal, and for the more Con…mpt turned it into an House of Office. 2 Kin. 10. 27. and slew the Priests in all their pontifical Robes, ver. 22. that there might not be so much as a Surplice, nor a rag of Baal le…t, Iosiah likewise, destroyed every thing of Baal, 2 Kin. 23. the Vessels, the Groves, the Images, the High places, the Priests, the Altars. the chariots of the Sun, he burns them with fi…e, …lamps them to powder, throws the dust of them down the R…ver, that there might be no remembrance, nor memorial of Ba…i le…t. And this Example of Heze…ah in the …ext is as prognant as any, and therefore usually alledged by all our Divines against the Papists; This brasen Serpent though … an (… new an Idol, …he spares it not, but breaks it in pieces, and Calls it … bose piece of brass.

So that the Case is clear beyond dispute, if we will stand to the Verdict of the Scripture, that all the monuments of Idolatry ought to be …estroyed, and le…t thy should think it is a new notion, lately …ound ou… by some prrc…o P…tan… and …ot Spurs in Religion, it was o… of Queen … an …ions above an hundred years agoe ggFlir …; They … with utterly … … … all Sh…ines, covering of S…rines, a…t Tables, Gard…si…ks, Tir…ndal… and rolls of Wax, pictures, paintings, and all of … …ments … …ned … d…les… pilgrimages, Idolat… and S…per … …, … that short … no memory of the same in Walls, glass wi… dows, orle… where, within … Churches or H…uses. But could they see … Cart… first …. …ag. …6. & Rest of ar…l.so farre in the very dawning of the day, and cannot we see i… … not … th…t it may be lawfull to employ such things to private, common uses, where it can be done with … d…ing…r of Super…ition, us is also granted by those that wrate against their, as Cr…sses of Wood for firing … poo… people, Su…plices to make Shirts … of, the … p. 12of the Altar for grave Stones or the like, but they must be utterly destroyedPag. 258. didoclav. pag. …97. Ames fresh Suit, par… 2. pag. 513. out of Gods worship, and so they are when put to such uses as these. The Reasons of the point are these.

Reas. 1. Because the smallest reliques of Idola…ry pr…served and Continued amongst a People, are dange…ous habits and Snares to allure, and in tice, and bring them back again unto Idolatry. Take heed to thy self that thou be not snared by following them, saying, how did these nations serve their God,? Deut. 12. 30, It is Calvins observation in his Letter to the Protector of England bbCalv Epit & R…spons edit genes 16 17 pag 92 & 136quid enim illa Ceremonia aliud fuerunt, quam totidem lenocinia, that the Ceremonies are whorish enticements to spiritual filthiness, and he writes to Cranmer that they had so desectively reformed and removed Superstition, ut resid ui maneant innum…ri surculi qui assidui pullulent. For the reliques of Idolatry, etiam sopitae solent recales…ere; and therefore as Zanchy speaks, pietas in deum, et charitas in prox mum postulan…, ut tollantur, both piety towards God, and love towards men requires the ex…irpation of them. When Constantine had only shut up the Temples of the H…athenish Idols, Julian the Apostate did easily unlock and open them again. But Theo…osius did utterly demolish and rase them down to the ground, and after this Popery indeed came up, but the old pagan Idolatry in that way, and profession of Paganism rose up again no more. Upon this account, Mr. Fox approves iiFox Acts and Mon vol 2 pag. 501, 503.and Commends that great and worthy act of Cromwel, by whom the Monasteries and abbeys were utterly overthrown, and pluckt up by the roots in the time of Henry the eight. For seeing the Nobility were scarce able to retein the Lands and Possessions of the Abbeys, which were distributed to them by King Henry, from the devotion of Queen Mary, seeking to build again the Walls of …ericho. If the buildings had not been P…lled down, but only converted to another use, and if the Lands had been otherwise disposed of, then they were, it had been casie for Queen Mary, or any Popish prince to have restored them again, whereby we might have had such swar…s of F…iars and Monks possessed in their nests again, before this day in England, in so great a number that ten Cromwels afterward Ʋnneth. should have been suffered to h…e unhoused them. It is no sufficient help against Idolatry to preach against it, when such things are retained, as I shall shew, when I come to answerIn the 2d. … …on Object. 6 Objections.

Reas. 2. Prom the Lords exceeding hatred and detestation of this so of Idolat…y. There is no sin which the Lord in Scripture doth express … greater detestation and abhorrence of, hence he will have the least remainders of it to be rooted up.

p. 13Q. But what may be the Reason of this severe and fierce displeasure of God against this sin?

This had need be spoken to, for men are apt to make light of these sins, to think that Ministers a…e more zealous then wise, to preach against them, and that the Lord himself will not be so severe to punish them, nay, which is some what strange, they hope to please God by them, and are apt to alledge their Idolatry as an excuse, and to hold it up as a Shield of defence, when reproved for other sins. But therefore the Scripture lays load upon it. Hos 8. 11. Ephraim hath made many Altars to sin: they thought to worship God, but the Text saith, it was to sin against him. and Chap. 9 15. all their wickednes… is in Gilgal, that is their greatest wickedness, for there were many other sins amongst them, sed hic nomen foreign accipitur pr ô summo vel pracipuo saith Calvin, as if the Prophet should say, all their Whoredoms, Robberies, and Oppressions, and other Crying sins, which did abound amongst them, were not so bad as their Idolatries and Superstitions there committed. No sin like this. The greatness of it will appear, if you Consider, 1. The nature of it, 2. The Causes from whence it comes, 3. The effects that flow from it.

1. In the nature of this sin, there be four things that make it very odious in the sight of God.

1. Because it is a sin of high. Rebellion against the will of God. The worship required in the First Commandment. is called Natural worship, because it ariseth from the very nature of God, and the Creature. Hence to withdraw that inward Homage and worship of Faith, Hope, and Love, and the actings thereof, in Conf…ssing his name, hearing his Word, praying, and returning the praise of all to him, or to bestow and employ these chief affections and actings of the Soul upon other Objects, it strikes directly and immediately at the very nature of God, and denyes his natural dominion, and that Relation that we have to Him as his Creatures. But the second Commandment which Contains the Instituted worship of God, floweth from the will of God, and therefore for men to resist this, is to set up their own wills, above, and against Gods, as it is excellently set forth by the Proph…t Ieremy, The Lord saith by his Prophets, oh, do not this ab…minable …hing which I have, but the People say, we will not hearken unto th…e, b…t we will certainly d… whatsoever goeth out of our own mouth, to burn I…nse unto the Queen of Heaven. Jer 44. 4, 16, 17. They say in b…ief, our own will sh…l stand. Hence it is, that the second Commandment hath met with so much opposition from the Sons of men, because the…e is …o much of the will of God in it, and men cannot bear the will of God, but they are resolved p. 14to have their own wills, which must needs provoke the Lord exceedingly▪ Men account it happiness to have their wills, and misery to be cr… of their wills, and were they subdued to the will of God, it would be …o indeed. But for a poor sinful Creature to se… up his own too…, froward will, against the holy, blessed will of God, How, Can the Lo…d be… this?

2. It is a sin of much reproach to the wisdome of God, for men to worship God in th…ir own …ayes. It is as charging God with folly, as if the Infinite bless…d God were not wise enough to find out the best and fittest way for his own worship and glory: Hence the Lord, whose judgements are suitable to the sins of men, such as delight in this sin, he wounds their heads, and smites their understandings, that their foolish Hearts are darkned, and profe…sing themselves wise, they become fools▪ Rom. 1. 22. Because they will be wiser then God, he ma…s them more foolish then men.

3. It is a sin of Whoredome against that spiritual Chastity that the Lord requires of his people: There is nothing more frequent in the Scripture then to express Idolatry under the name of Whoredome and Adultery; for it is a breach of the Marriage Covenant, and a yielding that honour to another, to a Creature, to an Idol, which is due to non…, but God. Lev. 17. 7. They shall no more offer their Sacrifices▪ unto De…ils, after …hom they have gone a whoring; Gideons Ephod, Judges 8. 27. they went a whoring after it. With their Idols have they Committed Adultery, …zek. …3. 37. and throughout that Chapter. The two Idolatrous Cities, Samar…d and Ierusalem are compared to two adulterous Women, Ah…lah, and Aholihah. They have Committed A…ul…ery wi… Stocks and Stones. Jer. 3. 9. that is, because they made them media Cu… tus. Hence Rome is called the Mother of Harlots, Rev 17. 5▪ And pure Worshippers, who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, are called Virgins▪ Rev. 14. 4. Hence the Lord professeth in the Sanction of the second Commandment, I am a …ea…o…s God; now t…ie Object o… jealousie i… Conjugal Chasti…, and …s jealousie is the …age of a man, so the jealousie of God is the highest wrath of God.

4. All the wors…ip and honour men do, or think they do to … by th…se Inventions of their own, it doth red▪ und indeed and in truth, to the honour of the Devil. For although Superstition is a sin directly against the means of worship, yet it is ultimately against the Object of worthi… Strange worship sets up a strange God; kkAmer medull. li▪ 2. Cap. 13. Thes 14, … 15, 42for it neces…ar…ly supp… seth and …eigneth to it self, …uch an Object of worship as is delighted, a…d well pleased with that kind of worship which the Lord abhor…s▪ b… p. 15Satan is well pleased with. We do advance and set up him as God, to whose will we do subject our selves, as the rule of our religious worship. Therefore the Lord so Interprets false worship, that a new God is devised for the Object of it. The things which the Gentiles Sacrifice, they Sacrifice to Devils, an… not to God. 1 Cor. 10. 20. and the Jewish Idolatry was no better, they shal… no more offer their Sacrific…s unto Devils, after whom they have gone a whoring, Lev. 17. 7. Ierob…am ordained Priests for the Devils which he had made. 2 Chron. 11. 15. and so the Papists in like manner, it is said, they repented not of worshipping Devils, Rev. 9. 2…. Hence Rome is called an habitation of Devils, and foul Spirits. Rev. 18. 2. and their Factours, and Emmisaries are called the Spirits of Devils, Rev. 16 4. they think, they worship Saint Peter and the Virgin Mary▪ yea, God himself, and Jesus Christ, but it is indeed, and in Gods account, the Devil whom they worship. Hence, that Objection vanishes, what? Can we honour G…d too much? no, I confess you cannot, His name is above and beyond all praise. But you may mistake, and honour the Devil, when you think you honour God. Hence, Superstition is called in Greek foreign q. d. fearing the Devil. For it doth not elevate and raise up the mind towards▪ God, but presseth it down from him, and deba…eth it as low as Hell. Thus you see from the nature of this sin, how evil it is in the eyes o… God.

… Look at the Causes of it, from whence it comes. and here we must not give heed to what men pretend, nor yet to what they think. For men do not know their own hearts, nor the springs and principles of their own actions, but the Lord he knows, and the Scripture di…covers, and searcheth the d…epest corners and Secrets of the Heart. Therefore let us see what the Scripture saith to it. We must be very circumspect herein to spe…k nothing, but what the Scripture saith. For to speak with…t the Scripture is Censoriousness, but to speak plainly according to it, is …aithfulness. Isai. 58. 1. Cry aloud & spare not, saith the Lord, but list up thy voice like a Trumpet▪ shew my People their Transgress…ons, & the House of …i…b their sins. It was Ierusalems Calamity and ruine, that her Prophets did see vain and f…olish things for her, and did not discover her iniquit…, to turn aw…y …er Captivity: Lam. 2. 14. Now the Scripture takes notice of many distempers and Corruptions in the hearts of men, whereby they are incl…ed to this sin of Idolatry and Superstition, and in s…me respect… more propense and prone to it, then to open profaneness. I shall Instance in six particulars, whereby you will see that it must needs be evil and bitter …, that hath such bitter Root… and Causer▪

1▪ Forgetfulness of God, Hos▪ 8. 14. Israel bath forg…t…n his Maker, p. 16and buildeth Temples, and when they made the molt…n Calf, though they did proclaim an holy day to Iehorah, yet it is said, they forgat God their Saviour, Psal. 106. 19, 20, 21. This will seem very strange to carnal reason, for men are apt to think, they do it out of very good devotion, because they do, or would remember, and put themselves in mind of their duty towards God, as when men bow to a Crucifix, or to the name of Jesus, or the like, surely they remember Christ one would think, but let them pretend what they will, the Text is clear, they forget God their Saviour, it is because they forget the Lord Jesus, they do not remember him with any true and right affection. Hence we see it in daily experience, that the same persons who are most prophane, are usually most Superstitious, they …hat forget God most in moral duties, are most devout in wayes of Superstition, so that prophaneness is one Cause of Superstition.

2. It comes from pride, Col. 2. 18. Let no man beguile you by voluntary humility, being rainly pu…t up in his fleshly mind. And this accompanied with deep hypocrisie, for neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the Law, but desire to have you Circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. …al. 6. 13. that they may b…ast amongst the Jews, how many followers and Proselytes they have gained, it was their ambition and desire of applause that acted them. Profaneness is a discredit amongst men, and therefore though many are, and will be prophane, yet there be few that would seem so; now the best and likeliest way to hide this nakedness, is to cover it with the fig leaves of Superstition. Iezabel, therefore, when she intended murther, proclaims a Fast. The …harisees derour Widows Houses, but for a pretence they made long prayers. So that here was pride mixt with Hypocrisie, but God loves Truth in the inward parts, and he delights to abase the Sons of Pride▪

3. Fleshly wisdom, or carnal Policy, is another ground and principle of Superstition. Almost all the sin and misery that hath filled the World, hath broke in at this door, hearkning to reason against Institution. Hence, Idolaters and Superstitious persons, have never wanted pretence of Reason for it: they think first, to please God by it. 2. To secure themselves. 3. To Circumvent and over-reach others. 1. To please God. Having run into great arrea…es by gross neglects in moral obedience, they think to make it up with Ceremonials, either of Gods appointing, or of their own devising. Wherewith shall I come before God? will the Lord be pleased with thousands of Rams, or with ten thousands of Rivers of Oyl? shall I give my first born for my Transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my Soul. Mic. 6. 6, 7, 8. So the Pharisee, I fast p. 17twice… week; but who requires this at his hands? and in Is…i. 1. Their hands are full of blood, but yet fu…l of Ob…ation… and Sacrif…c…s, and Mat. 23 23. Wo unto you Scrib…s and Pharisees, Hypocrites, for you pay Tith of M…nt, Ann…, and Cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the Law, judgement, mercy, and faith. Such is the natural Popery of mens hearts, that they have a secret thought by such things to supererogate with God, or at least to compensate and make amends for their neglects in greater things, and so to purchase Gods favour, and go to Heaven in an ea…y way, and at a cheap Rate. For it is an easy thing to walk in their own wayes, and to follow their own devises. What an ea…y thing is it to nod and bow to an Altar? but it is hard to mortify a lust. It was an easy …hing to the Pharisees to Tyth Mint and Cummin, and to wash their Cups and Platters, but it is a great and difficult work to cleanse and wash the heart from filthiness. So that Superstition though it seems to be overbusy, yet it is indeed but a lazy thing, and suits that distemper of spiritual Sloth; A mans Conscience would torment and tear him in pieces, Hell from beneath would rise up for him, if he should have no Religion at all: but the power and life of godliness is difficult, Hence men rest in shadows, and sit down with Superstitious empty Forms and shews of Devotion, by which Conscience being cha…med, they think God is pacified, and all is clear above head. 2. They hope to secure themselves by …t, as to this World. This made Jeroboam to set up the Idolatry at Dan and Beth…l, and Jehu to continue it, for he said in his heart, if this people go up to Ierusalem to do Sacrifice in the House of the Lord at Ierusalem, the Kingdom will return to the House of David. 1 Kin. 12. 26, 27, And upon the like account Ahaz made su…dry changes to the prejudice of Gods worship, because of the King of Assyria, that is for fear of him, and that he might please him. And he Sacrificed to the Go…s▪ of Dama…cus, which smote him, saying in his foolish, carnal wisdom, because the Go…s of the Kings of Syria help them, therefore will I Sacrifice to them, that they may help me, but they were the ruine of Him, and of all Israel. Isai. 59. 5, 6.Isa 59:5Isa 59:62 Chron. 28. 23. For it is usual with God to Curse and blast the carnal policies of men, when they hatch such cockatrice eggs, and wea… the Spiders web, he that catcth of their eggs dyeth, and that which is Crushed breaketh out into a Viper, their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works, being works of Iniquity.

3. The third design of Superstition is to Circumvent and go beyond others. hence some have llDr. Jackson orig o… unbelief. … Se…t. 4. Cap 23observed▪ that to out-strip our Adversaries in their own policies, or to use means abused by others to a better end, is a resolution p. 18so plausible to worldly wisdom, which of all other Fruits of the Flesh, is for the most part the hardliest and last renounced; that even Christians have mightily overreached and entangled themselves by too much seeking to Circumvent, or go beyond others. mmAmes fre…h S…it part 2 pag 83 5000.Hence in the declining times of the Christian Churches, perceiving that the Pagans were very tenacious of their old Customs and Superstitions, they thought it was good policy to borrow sundry things from them to win them, and to bring them over to the Christian Religion. Hence as Peter Lombard observs, because the Heathens had their Flami…s, Antiflamins, princiflamins, &c. In nnLombard S…ntent lib 4 distinct 24. m.imitation of this, the Christians made Bishops, Arch Bishops, P…imates, and the like. But what was the issue and effect of this Carnal policy? Instead of making Pagans turn Christians by it, they did transform Christian Churches into Anti-Christian, It was this fleshly wisdom that was the means to conjure up those two …enemous Beasts, the Church, and Pope of Rome, Rev. 13.

4▪ It proceeds from a Spirit of f…lly and delusion. For a mans own wisdom is folly, such things indeed have a shew of wisdom, Col. 2. last. But that's all, for professing themselves to be wise, they become fools. Rom. 1. …▪ They have not known nor understood, for he hath shut their eyes that they cannot see, and their hearts that they cannot understand, and none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burnt part of it▪ in the fire, yea, also I have baked bread upon the Coals thereof, I have roasted flesh and eaten it, and shall I make the residue▪ thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the Stock of a Tree? He feedeth on ashes, a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his Soul, nor say, I… there not a lye in my right hand? Isai. 44. 18, 19, 20. So that all the Zeal and affection men have in a Superstitious way is but blind Devotion, and zeal without knowledge. Thou blind Pharisee, every man is br…itish in his knowledge, every Fou…der is confounded by the graven Image, For his molten Image …s falshood, and there is no breath in them, they are vanity, and the work of …rors, in the time of their visitation they shall perish. Ier. 10. 14, 15. and you have the same words again repeated, Ier. …1. 17, 18. Hence darkness and a sad e…lspse, and decay of light and knowledge in the Church, was the Immediate foreru…ner of Anti-Christ, with all his Idolatryes and Superstitions. For the thi…d part of the Sun, Moo…, …d …tars were sm… ten a…d d…rkned under the fourth Trumpet, and then Anti-Christ appears with open face in the fi…th, Rev … 12. with 9. 1.

5. A Fearful Cow…r…ly …pirit is another cause, they Constrain you to be Circumcised, only l…st they should suffer Persecution for the Cros▪ …f p. 19Christ, Gal. 6. 12. It was by this means as some have observed, that the Pope got up, and kept all his Idolatryes, because the Ministry that should have stood in the gap were for the most, though indeed not all, for God was pleased even then to raise up some faithful▪ Witnesses▪ but the Generality of the Clergy, during the reign of Anti-Christ, were as one saith of them, a Generation of spiritual Cowards, so tha… the Pope did what he l…sted, in laying loads and yokes upon the Conscience, and they like Issachar were content to Couch under every burthen, yea, which …s worse, forward and active to serve the Popes lusts, and to impose burdens and lay snares for the Consciences of men, as th… Prophet Hos…a complain… of the …uperstitious Clergy in his time, Hos 9. 8. The Prophet is as the Snare of a Fowler in all his wayes. I remember a Story in the Book of Martyrs of one that had been a Protestant, but when persecution arose, he fell back to Popery, and when one of his Friends told him of his former profession, oh (saith he,) that was the right way, but I cannot burn, I cannot burn. But his House happe…ing to be on fire, and going in to fetch out some of his Goods, he was burnt in his own House. He that could not burn at a Stake for the Truth, was burnt to death in his own House; but it had been better to burn in the Cause of God, then in the way of his judgements. Now if this be one Cause of Idolatry and Superstition, It must needs be a very great sin. When men shall fear men more then God, and those that can but kill the body, m…re then▪ him that is able to destroy both Soul and body in Hell. Who art thou, that tho… shouldest▪ be af…raid of a man that shall dye, and of the Son of man that shall be made as grass, and forgettest the Lord thy Maker, that hath stretched forth the Heavens, and laid the Foundations of the Earth, and best scared continually every day because of the fury of the Oppressor, as if …e were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the Oppressor, Isai. 51. 12. 13.

6. Lastly, It proceeds from …s…r…t▪ enmity and …tred of the blessed God. For as it is a sign of love to God, to love his Ordinances, so on the contrary, for men …o cas… the second Commandment, behind their b…ks, it is a sign they hate Him. Hence the Lord there threatens I will visit the sin of them that▪ Hate mee, and shew mercy to thousands …f them that l…e mee. So in H…s. 9. 7. He threatens to visit them for the multitude of t… iniquity and the great ha…. It is true, in times of Ignorance and darkness good men may …e car…ied away in many things with the stream of the times for want of better light But to be zealous for the grossest Superstitions in time… of light, is a…ill sig… that the heart is …f poyson, full o… Hatred, and Enmity against the Lord, & …gainst his bl…s…ed p. 20wayes And it is the worse, because that Superstitious persons pretend much love and devotion, as though they thought nothing too dear, no… too much for God, when there is the poyson of Asps underneath. No wonder therefore, if the Lord abhorrs them. For there is nothing more odious both to God and men, then hatred masked over with pretences of love. And thus you see from the Causes of this sin, how great a sin it is.

3. Consider also the Cursed …ffests and Fruits of it, the bitter▪ Fruits that grow upon this root of bitt…rness, These will yet further discover the evil of it. Men are apt to think their own Inventions are of much use in the worship of God, though they call the… sometimes Indifferent things, yet they think them very good and necessary. But the Lord hath said the graven Image is profitable, or good for nothing. Isai. 44. 10. no good comes of it, but much hurt and mischief every way. It is a sin that hath many woeful effects.

1. It deceivs and deludes, it is a very deceiving and infatuateing sin. It is the Lords direction to Joshua to keep close to the Rule, and to the Law of Mos…s, that thou mayest prosper, or as it may be rendred, that thou mayest deal understandingly wherever thou shalt goe: Josh. 1. 7, 8. but on the contrary, when men worship God according to their own Inventions, see that dreadful threatning, Isai. 29. 13, 14. because their fear, that is, their worship towards me is taught by the precepts of men, therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a ma…vellous work amongst this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their pruden… men shall be hid; they shall be befooled and infatuated even to admiration, they are altogether bruitish and foolish; the stock is a doct…ine of vanityes. Jer. 10 8. And the molten Image a teacher of lyes,▪ H…b 2. 18. for their Ido…s have spoken vanity, and their Diviners have seen a lye, Zech. 10. 2. The Scripture is very frequent and copious in this Argument, because men are very apt to value their own Inventions and Additions to the worship of God at a high rate, and to admire and applaud themselves therein; as if they had contributed not a little to the Majesty, and to the Splendour of it, by their Great wisdom and prudential power, as they call it; when it is indeed prudential folly, their glory is their shame, they are mad upon their Idols, Jer. 50. 38. Superstitio est res insana, as he said, Superstition is a mad thing, folly is the Cause of it, and folly the Effect.

2. It is a very desiling sin, thou hast defiled thy self in thine Idols which thou hast made, Ezek. 22. 4. It is a sin of spiritual filthiness and uncleanness, I have seen thine Adulte…ies, and thy n…ighings, and the lewdness of thy whoredoms, the meaning is, thine Idolatryes, as appears by the next p. 21words, …in… abominations on the Hills, and in the fields, wilt tho… not be made clean, when shall it once be? Jer. 13. ult. Superstitious persons are apt to think themselves more devout, and more holy then others, as the Papists call their several wayes of Superstition, religious orders. But the Lord accounts them more vile, more filthy, they say to others, stand by thy self, come not nea… to me, for I am holier then thou. Isai. 65 4 5. fo… that Text is clearly meant concerning Superstitious people, that Sacrifice in Gardens, remain among the Graves, &c. who did look with disdain upon others, and trusted in themselves that they were righteous, when indeed it was but Superstition, and therefore the Lord saith of them, these are a Smoak in my nose, and a fire that burneth all the day.

3. It makes all their worship vain, as it makes their Spirits vain, by deluding and defiling them, so it spoyls and frustrates their religiou… worship. In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the Commandments of men, Mat. 15. 9 they Sacrifice flesh, the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it, but the Lord accepteth them not: Hos. 8. 13. because they did it contrary to the Institution. For the Lords appointment and promise was, that in mine holy Mountain, in the Mountain of the heig…t of Israel, there shall all the house of Israel serve, or worship me, there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the first Fruits of your oblations, with all your holy things, Ezek. 20 40. Deut. 12. 5, 6. now this is a sad Effect; when a man offers many Sacrifices, sayes many pa…er nosters, performs many religious dutyes, heares, and prayes much, that all should be in vain, and all his prayers and labour l…st. And though there be a whole Sea of worship▪ and Ordinances, that all should be but like the blood of a dead man; as Rev 8▪ …. and 16. 3. There is no acceptance but in Christ. But Christ hath said concerning Idolatrous worship, I will not pour out their Oblations, that is, (ooSee Answorth in Psal 16. 4.Ps 16:4 I will not be a Mediator to …heir Services. Psal. 16. 4.

4. It will in time justle out Gods true worship, His I…stitutions will be laid aside, that there may be elbow room for their own Inventions, Full well ye rejest the Commandment… of God, that you may keep your own Traditions, Mark. 7 8, 9. I might give many Examples and I…nstances of this. Those Superstitious persons in Isai. 6 5. 3, 4. who did Sacrifice in Gardens, remain among the Graves, and lodge in the Monum…nts, which the Lord never requi…ed at their hands, ye… they made no Conscience of eating Swines fl…sh, which the Lord had forb…dden to that people in those Times, Jeroboam ma…e Priests of his own, after the ma… ner of the Nations of other Lands, but therefore he casts out the Priests of the Lo…d the So…s …f Aaron, and the Levites, to mak… way for his own, p. 222 Chron. 13. 9. Ahaz gives order that the Priest… should offer their Sacrifices upon his own Altar, but then what should they do with the braz… Altar, the Altar of the Lord; That, saith he, shall be for me to enquire by, S…quando plac…bit (as Iunius well observs) if at any time such a good sit shall come upon him, or as others render it, I will inquire and Consider what use to put it to, so Piscator upon the place, but thus Gods Altar was laid aside, and turned out of Office, 2 Kin. 16. 15. we have seen sad examples of this in former times, a Surplice, and a few Superstitious Ceremonies have justled out the preaching of the Gospel, and stopt the mouth of many a godly Minister.

5. It provokes the Lord to jealousie against his people, and pulls down, and hastens the desolating judgements, and wrath of God upon them. This was hinted in general before, as a Reason why the reliques of Idolatry must be destroyed, but I mention it here again, to shew the greatness of this sin, Exod. 20. 5. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor serve them, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the sins of the Fathers upon the Children, to the third and fourth Generation of them that hate me. Thou hast defiled thy self with thine Idols, and hast caused thy dayes to draw near, and art come even to thy years, Ezek. 22. 4. that is, the dayes and years of wrath and vengeance, as the like expression is explained, Cap. 7. 7. the Time is come, the day of Trouble is near, and Cap. 12. 23. the dayes are at hand, and the Effect of every Vision, that is, the accomplishment of every Threatning. There is no sin that makes men sooner ripe for Ruine. The Jews were carried away Captive …nto Babylon. S…on was plowed as a Field, and Ierusalem became an heap of Stones for this sin. The Apostle bids the Col…ffians take heed they do not miss of Heaven by it, Col. 2. 1…. let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary Humility.

Yea though they be good men that are guilty of it, as sometimes they hauehave been, especially in former darker times, yet this will not protect them, nor stave off the judgements of God. Gideon was a good man and a great Reformer, and therefore called Ierubbaal, but yet for all that, he did but make a Superstitious g…rment, a kind of a Surp…è, a small matter one would think; but it became a Snare to Gideon, and his House, Judg. 8. 27. Solomon was a good man, and it was he that built the Temple of the God of Heaven, but yet …e sell to the publique countenancing of Idolatry, and for this, God rent away the Ten Trib…s, the greatest part of his Kingdome from him, and had it not been for his Father Davids sake, he had lost them all, Yea, so provoking to the Lord is this sin, especially, if aggravated by Persecution, as for the most p. 23part it is, that sometimes the Lord will not pardon it, and turn away his wrath, though men do repent; as in Manasseh▪ Case. Though as to personal forgiveness, the Lord will pardon every repenting Sinner, yet not alwayes as to National Forgiveness, so as to avert and turn away his righteous judgements. For Manasseh did …epent and reform, Iosiah comes and makes a thorough Reformation, but yet ruine and desolation comes for the old▪ Idolatryes and Superstitions of Manasseh, and for the Innocent blood he shed, which the Text saith, the Lord would not pardon, 2 King. 24. 4 and 2 King. 23, 25, 26.

6. There is yet a further Effect of this Sin which is worse then all the rest, if worse can be. It is this, It d…es so harden the hearts of men, that it is a very rare and difficult thing to got true repentance for it: you may see this in those great I…olaters the …apists, as they are described in the Book of the Revelation, when under the execution of Gods righteous judgements, under the sixth Trumpet, The Lord looses the four Angels about the River Euphrates, that is, the Turks, who were at first four Nations, to plague the Anti Christian World for their Idolatry, and to d…stroy, and to kill up the third part of men, but what was the Effect of this, did they repent? no; no such matter, the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues, yet they repe…ed not of their worshipping of Devils, and Idols of wood and stone, Rev. 9… 20▪ well let us go a little further, when the Seventh Trumpet sounds and pours down all the seven Vials of the last plague, and the wrath of God upon the Anti-Christian party, surely, that will convince them, they will repent then, when the third woe is come upon them, which hath seven Vial… of wrath …n the womb of it: no, for all this, they repent not, but they are described to be like men in Hell, Rev. 16. 10, 11. the fifth Angel pours out his Vial upon the throne of the Beast, which is generally understood concerning the City of Rome it self, and his Kingdom was full of darkness, and they gnawed their tongues for pain; but they blasphemed the God of Heaven, because of their pains, and their Sores, and they repented …ot of their …eeds: They roar under their plagues, but repent not of their Sins. So likewise under the Seventh Vial, which is poured forth into the Aire, which is cenceived by Interpreters to be meant of the whole expansum of the Anti-Christian Interest, and party that are acted by the Prince of Power in the Air, whoever, and wheresoever they be, over all the world every where, ppM…le i… locum.omnium ubicunq, terrarum Christi Domini nostri…h st…m: what Eff…ct will that have? see ver. 2…. where …hey are found again blaspheming God, because of their plagues, but not repenting▪ Oh, what a dreadful sin is this! that makes men so incapable of repentance. The Reasons o… this st…ange Impenitency, are

p. 241. Beca…s… it is usual with God when men love their sins, and hate to be reformed, be give… them up judicially to their Sins, that their Sins m…y be their P…agues. Hence it is threatned as a pun…shment of Idolatry, Deut 4. …5, …. Because they have corrupted themselves with graven Images, therefore they should serve Gods of wood and Stone, which neither hear, nor see▪ nor …at, nor s…ell: when they had made the molten Calf, then God turned, and gave them up to worship the Hoast of Heaven, Acts 7. 42. He gave them up for that sin, to more sin: Ephraim is joyned to Idols let him alone, Hos. 4. 17. Because Ephraim hath made many Altars to sin, Altars shall be unto him to sin, Hos. 8. 11. They will have their sins to live in them, therefore saith the Lord, they shall have them to be plagued by them.

2. And as this sin is the punishment of it self, so it is often punished with other sins also, sometimes he g…es them up to bodily uncleanness for their spiritual Whered…ms, Hos. 4. 13. they Sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn Incense upon the Hills, under O…ks and Poplars, and …lms, because the shadow thereof is good, therefore your Daughters shall commit Wheredom, and your Spouses shall commit Adultery, Hos. 4. 13. The Apostle Paul fitly joyns Lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, ba…quettings, and abominable Idolatryes together, 1 Pet. 4. 3. Superstition and prophaneness usually go together, they look to other Gods, and love flagons of wine, Hos. 3. 1. and where there is such prophaneness it is sel…ome without Persecution also, for the evil Servant, Mat. 24. 49. is said to smite his fellow Servants, and to …at, and drink with the drunken, pictos agnos adorante, vi…os devorant, as he saith of the Papists. And when sinners are bou…d in so many black Fetters and Chains of darkness, how hard a thing is it to break them off, by true repentance?

3. When men are given up to Idolatry, or to any other sin, by such a judcial act of God, it so deludes the mind, and darkens the understanding, that it is impossible to fast…n a Conviction upon them, they will never believe, nor be perswaded that this is the sin for which God Smites, and if no Conviction, no repentance. The Jews thought, Ier. 44. 18. Since we left off to bu… Incense to the Que…n of Heaven, and to pour …ut …rink offerings to her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the Sword, and by the Fami…e, whereas the Prophet tells them, because you have burnt Incense, therefore this evil is happened unto you, but they would not be lieve him: And just so the Papists, o…, say they, It was never good world since the old Religion was put down, and since we left the holy Catholick Church of Rome. And I have heard of some Lutheran Ministers p. 25after the late Wars and desolations of Germany, who have concluded and thought that the Reason of Gods wrath against them was the pulling down of Images. And there be some in like manner at this day, that ascribe all the Warrs and Troubles, and evils of the late times that have passed over these Nations, to the pulling down of Bishops, and Ceremonies; whereas it was indeed the old Sins of the Bishops and that party, their adulterating and corrupting the worship of God with Popish Innovations, Their violence and Persecutions of Gods faithful Witne…sse and Servants; that was the chief procuring cause of all the plagues and judgements that have come upon the Land.

4. A mans Repentance is never true till it be proportionable to the nature of his Sins. It is not enough for men to leave these Sins, but they must also loath themselves in their own sight for all their abominations, because that I am broken with their whorish hearts, which go a whoring after their Idols, as the Lord there speaks, but how hard is it to get suchEzek. 6. 9.Ezek 6:9 a self-loathing, self-abhorring frame of Spirit, not only to see that it is a Sin, but to see the exceeding vileness of it, and to loath it as God loaths it, to hate it as God hates it. I have Insisted the longer upon the Reasons of the point, that you may see the hainous nature of this Sin, that it is no light thing to break the second Commandment. These are the Reasons of the point, I conclude with a few words of Use.

Use I. This Doctrine Condemns and cashieres at once all the Ceremonies, and whatever other Inventions of men have been introduced into the worship of God by the Spirit of Anti▪ Christ, and reteined, and continued by some reforming Magistrates, who have made but incompleat and imperfect Reformations. As who knows not, that almost all the Ordinances of Christ have been polluted and corrupted by them. The Gospel mightSee the second Sermon▪ not be preached without a Surplice, nor Baptisme administred without the sign of the Cross, So likewise kneeling at the Sacrament, bowing to the Altar, and to the name Jesus, Popish holy dayes, holiness of places, Organs and Cathedral Musick, The Books of Common prayer, Prelacy or Church Government by Bishops. These things are no better then this brazen Serpent was. And therefore if this was a Nehushtan, so are all th…se. They are nothing else but reliques of Popery and remnants of Baal, and therefore when the Kingdome of Christ is come, they shall perish from off the Earth, and from under these Heavens.

Vse II. Direction to Rulers and Magistrates, and to you all in your prayers for them, Let Magistrates imitate this Example of Hezekia…. It should awaken them to their Du…y. Be wise now therefore, O ye Rulers, be instructed O ye judges of the Farth, and know, that it is your duty to p. 26promote the purity of Gods worship, and to protect his people and Messengers, It is a thing impossible to keep in with both sides, both with Persecutors and Sufferers, but therefore it will be your wisdom, and the best and safest way to be on Gods side, and let Baal plead for himself. But because I see but few of them here, I shall direct my speech only to the people of God here presen…, you may see from hence, what Prayers to make, and what Requests to put up for those whom God by his Providence hath set in Authority over you, pray that God would give them reforming Spirits; and for the King, that God would make Him another Hezekiah to remove the High places, and to cut off the remnants of Baal, that he may trust in the Lord, and keep close to his Word; and that the Lord would be with him, and prosper him whithersoever he goeth, as he will certainly do in this way of Integrity to Religion, and to the work of Reformation.

Use III. I Conclude with that word of Exhortation wherewith the Apostle John concludes his first Epistle, Little Children keep your selves from Idols, Amen▪ 1 Joh. 5. ult. And it is Pauls Exhortation also, 1 Cor. 10 14. wherefore my dearly Beloved, flee from Idolatry. Remember what you heard in the Reasons of the point concerning the greatness of this Sin, and how jealous, and severe the Lord is against these violations of the Second Commandment, and Consider also these four words.

1 It hath been the great design of Satan in all times, and Ages, to destroy and to corrupt the worship of God. And if he cannot perswade men to be down right Athiests, he labours then to drive them into the other extream of Superstition, if he cannot prevail with them to cast of all the worship of God altogether, then he tempts them to worship him in a wrong way, to worship the true God Superstitiously. What was the great sin amongst the Jews? was it not this? so likewise amongst the old Heathens and Pagans, and amongst the Papists at this day. And what is the great design and work of Christ at this day? but to bring forth his worship into purity, that the new Ierusalem may come down from Heaven; This therefore Satan is most industrious to countermine and fight against, Therefore be sober, be vigilant against this Sin, because your Adversary the Devil is so watchful to insnare you.

2. It will be varnisht over with fair colours, and plausible pretences. The whore of Babylon gives the wine of the filthiness of her Fornication in a golden cup, Rev. 17 4. The Devil in his actings against the Church in the Times of the new Testament, He did appear at first almost like himself in the shape of a great red Dragon, in the Roman Pagan Em…e…s. But when Michael and his Angels overcame, and overthr…w p. 27…im in this appearance Rev. 12. Then he puts on a new Vizard, and appears in another shape, Chap. 13. but still pursues the same design though under new pretences, and by other Instruments, viz▪ by the Church and Pope of Rome. For he hath made it his buisiness, ever since the time of Constantine to revive the old Heathenish Idola…ry under other names, that whereas before they worshipped the Devil under the names of Jupiter and Apollo, now they commit the same Idolatry, & worship the same Devil still, but under the names of Popish Saints; now it is not …upite… and Apollo any more, but Saint Peter, and the Virgin Mary, and the Vicar of Christ, & the holy Catholick Church of Rome. Thus doth that Harlot paint her face: So the Prelati…k Superstitions at this day are painted over with those glozing pretences of Antiquity, Fathers, Councils, Order, Decency, Edification, the peace of the Church, and such like.

3. If once you begin in a way of Superstition, you will never know where to stop or stay, nor where to make an end, but you will multiply your Idols, and increase your Altars, and grow worse and worse. For evil men and Seducers▪ shall wax worse and worse. It is the nature of all sin,2 Tim. 3. 13.2 Tim 3:13 but of this in a especial manner, as it is in bodily uncleanness, when men are given up to that lust, they are insatiable, and work all uncleanness with greediness, so it is in this sin of spiritual Whoredome, it is an endless sin. If you do but wear a Surplice for peace sake, why not as well admit the sign of the Cross in Baptism, or bow to an Altar, and in a little time you will find that the same Reason is as strong for bowing to … Image, to a Crucifix, and why not as well say Mass too, for the peace of the Church, and then at last swallow down every thing, Submit to the Pope, worship the Beast, and so be damned and go to Hell, and all …or the peace of the Church. Oh! there is no …nd here, when a man is once going down the Hill in a way of Carnal Complyance and Superstitio…, he will never cease; but like a man that is …umbling down a steep Hill, cannot stop, till he come to the bottom, to the very bottom of the pit of… Popery. All the abominations▪ of Anti-Christ came in by degrees, tho▪ four▪ first trumpets were so many steps or degrees of the rise of Anti-Christ, and then in the fifth, he appears upon his Throne with op…n face, as the Angel of the bottomless pit, and as an Aba…don, as a destroyer and Son of perdition, with all his F…ogs and …ocusts abou… him▪ with all that Anti-Christian Popish Clergy, acting under him and … him, Rev. Chap▪ 8. Chap. 9. It is observed in the Histories of the Idolatrous Kings of Israel, that those in succeeding Times were worse th…n their wicked Predecessours: Ier…boam he that made Israel to sin, He did but set up the two Calves at Dan and B…th…l, but Omri went beyond him, p. 28for it is said, He did worse then all that went before him, 1 King. 16. 25▪ we read of the Statutes of Omri, Mica. 6. 16. so that Omri did enact, and establish Iniquity and Idolatry by a Law; But his Son Ahab was worse then He, for as if it had been a light thing for Him to walk in the Sins of Jeroboam, he did set up all the worship of Baal, 1 King. 16 30, 31, 32, 33. Hence the faithful Servants of the Lord have been exceeding wary and watchful against the least appearances and beginnings of Idolatry. One of the Ancients (Basil as I remember) when the Heathen Idolaters had put Incense into his Hand, and offered to spare his life, if he would but throw it in, or let it fall into the Censer, he chose rather to burn▪ his Hand and loose his life, then to Commit that seeming little sin; which brings me to a fourth Consideration.

4. Remember this for ever, that it is better to suffer then to sin. A man had better suffer, better dye, then sin. And therefore if Superstition be a Sin, be wise for your selves, and choose the greatest affliction, rather then the least Sin. Thou that sayest in thy heart, life is sweet, and thou art loth to suffer, loth to dye; I tell thee, It were better for thee to be cast into prison, into the deepest-darkest-Dungeon. It were better for thee to be burnt at a Stake, or to be hanged upon a Tree, then to sin against thy Conscience. Hooper that blessed Martyr qqFo… vol. 3. p, 23.when one assaulted him with this Temptation, death is bitter, life is sweet, He replied, but death eternal is more bitttr, and life Eternal is more sweet.

5. Suppose the worst that can be supposed, Suppose that sad time of staying the witnesses be not yet accomplished, as indeed it is a great Controversy, one of the greatest in this Book, whe…her it be, or no; it is the judgement of very great Interpreters, that it is past, but Suppose there be some further accomplishment of it yet behind, as it may be hopefully conceived that it shall not be so great a slaughter as the first▪ and that the rage of the Anti-Christian party shall not be able to prevail and proceed so farre as then it did, for the Kingdom of Anti-Christ is decaying, and the Kingdom of Christ is rising; So it is certain, that the time will not be long, for it shall be but three dayes and an half, Rev. 11. 11. Let the Prelates and Prelatick Persecutours, take notice of it, suppose you should prevail for a time, and suppose Prelacy should get up again, yet it will not be able to stand, but after three dayes and an half, that is to say, after a little short time, it will fall and perish. The Lord will then cast you forth again, and that for ever, so as to make a full end of you! And therefore let the people of God bear up, and be encouraged in the …ord, for the Lord will s…eedily …rise, and have mercy upon Si…n; the King…m of Christ is coming, and the wheels of his Chariots hasten, he will speedily appear to your joy, but they shall be ashamed.

Quest. But what shall we do to prevent that In-undation of Idolatry and Superstition that seems to be flowing in upon us?

Answ. If any thing will do it, those Ancient weapons of the Church, praces et la…hrima, prayers and tears will do it, or at least you shall thereby deliver your own Souls.

1. Be much in prayer, ye that are the Lords Remembrancers, keep not silence, give him no rest, till he arise and make Jerusalem a praise in the Isai 62▪ 6, 7.Isa 62:6Isa 62:7Earth. Pray against these things, and that God would put his bridl… in the jaws of Persecutours, and his Hook in their nostrils, that the Lord would look upon all the Hoast of them thorough the Cloud, and knock off their Chariot wheels, that they may drive heavily in all their designs against the Lord Jesus, and that Prelacy, which is the Image of that Beast the Papacy, may never be restored again in these Nations, but that God would keep it down for ever in that grave in which it hath been buryed for these twenty years together; and if such things begin to reappear, pray them down again into the bottomless pit from whence they came, and be earnest with God for those in Authority, that he would give them reforming Spirits, and for your Ministers, that Christ would hold the Stars in his right hand, and give them both wisdom and Courage, that the Truth may have no disadvantage by us in any thing, as also for your selves and your posterityes after you, that the Truth of the Gospel, and the purity of Gods worship may conti…ue with you; It concerns you at such Time as this, to be much in prayer, and when the Lord shall build up Sion, he will regard the Prayers of the destitute, Psal. 102. 16, 17.

2. Be much also in mourning and humiliation, that Gods bottle may be filled with tears. Is there not cause of mourning for the sins of the Times? the deluge of prophaneness, as if Hell were b…k▪ loose, the abominations Ezek. 9. 4. Rev. 7. 3. and 9. 4.Ezek 9:4Rev 7:3Rev 9:4in the midst of Jerusalem, which they that mourn for, shall be Sealed with the mark of God upon their Fore heads, that they may be preserved at least with spiritual Preservations in Times of common Calamity, when publick sins are visited with publick judgements; and hast thou not also Sins of thine own to mourn for?

Is there none of you that may say with Paul, I w…s a Persecutour a blasphemer, I was an Idolater, and a desperate Superstitious wretch, Crossing and Cring…ng, and bowing down to the sto…k of a Tree? but now you have obteined mercy; or if kept from those gross abominations, yet have you not been careless and bold with lesser evils? Have you been solicitou… to know the mind of Christ in these points? tell me where thou Cant. 1. 7.Song 1:7feedest? have you made inqu…ies for the way to Sion? they shall ask the p. 30way to Sion, going and weeping as they go, Jer. 50 5. Is there no guilt upon thee, as to barrennels of Spirit, and unprofitableness under pure Ordinances which you have long enjoyed in this City? you have had the Gospel preached, and the Ordinances of Christ disp…nsed amongst you in power and purity, without the mixtures of mens Inventions; but now the Lord threateneth to remove the Candlestick, to deprive you of former mercies, and so to enter into judgement with you for your unfruitfulness under them. Oh! Consider of it.

You have had pure worship, holy Ordinances, but Carnal Common hearts it may be, or if there be a change of state, as I know through grace there is in many of you, yet they that are pl…nted in the house of the Lord, should grow in grace, and be very fruitful, and flourishing, Psal. 92. 13, 14. but hath your growth been proportionable to the dispensations of light and life that you have had, if not, go home, and mourn before the Lord for this Sin, who knows, but he may yet repent and return, and continue his wo…ted gracious presence with you?

The End of the first Sermon.