PRINCIPLES AND RULES OF THE GOSPEL, OFFER'D For the Help of all who de­sire to live Disciples of Jesus Christ.

Printed in the Year 1700.

THE PREFACE.

I Offer not the following Collection, as any thing new; it has a much better commendation from the Prin­pal Contents, which being a part of the Sacred Text, stands in need of no other Title, from which to raise its va­lue. It is the word of God; that is enough. And as far as it contains this. I can boldly recommend it, I press, I importune all, who have a true Faith in Christ, to the Reading and Study of it; because it is that, which the Spirit of God speaks to Man, and Man can have no hopes of Life Eternal, but by hearing and following this Word of Life. But are not all provided with this, in a more Authentic Form in their Bibles, which they have by them? It [Page] is true; but while all are thus provi­ded, and generally well-read in this Sacred volume; yet when I look upon the Method of the Christian World, and consider the common Practice of Be­lievers, I see such a Ʋniversal Depar­ting from what the Word of God teach­es, that I cannot but fear, they either are not serious in what they profess, or do not take it for their Rule, or ob­serve not what it enjoyns, or at least do not remember what belongs to them.

This fear (which I could wish, it were not so reasonable as it seems to me) has prevailed on me to lay this short Collection before them, wherein I not only put them in mind of the Gos­pel being their Rule, and of the ne­cessity of observing it; but likewise, by reducing the Texts under particular Heads, have provided against all the Objections of Giddy Ʋnthinking Tempers, of Sloth and Ill Memory, in the opportunity of seeing at one glance, the Principal Directions which the Gos­pel gives them, according to their se­veral Duties and different Circumstan­ces [Page] of Life. And tho' something of this has been already done by another hand; yet observing still such a gene­ral corruption among Christians, that they as boldly live on in the practice of what the Gospel condemns, as if they knew of no such Rule, I cannot but think there's Reason enough for this Repetition, in again laying their Rule before them, and putting them in mind of the necessity of their making it a Practical Rule to them.

It is a reveal'd Truth, That there is no Salvation but thro' Christ; and it is another Truth upon the same Foun­dation, That there can be no Hope thro' Christ, but by keeping his Words and observing his Law. His Words and his Law are the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the Gospel then must be the Rule to all those who hope in Christ; and such as follow it not, observe not the condition he has propos'd for having a part in his Promises. Is this true? Then what an unhappy World, what a wretched Age are we in, where the Gospel is so far from being the Rule, even to those that believe it; that it is [Page] as generally transgressed or neglected, as if there was no dependance on it: Where what it strictly commands, is no more regarded, and what it con­demns, no more avoided, than if its Doctrine was fabulous, its Heaven was a Fiction, and its Hell no more than a Dream? Is not this true in all the ways of Pride, Intemperance, Pro­digality, Covetousness, Love of the World and our selves? Is not this true in all kinds of Frauds, Over­reaching, Injustice, Animosities, De­traction, Dissention, Malice? &c. Is not this too generally true in all that belongs to Eating, Drinking, Cloath­ing and Conversing? Have not all, in these Particulars, departed from their Rule? Are not these Evils as industriously promoted and encouraged among Christians, as by any unbeliev­ing Nation whatever? What People in the World are more Vain, Proud, Fraudulent, Malicious, and greater Lovers of themselves than they? Where do's it appear, that Humility, Chari­ty, Meekness, Self-denial, Moderation and Forsaking the World, are the Chri­stian [Page] Law, and the conditions for ob­taining everlasting Hapiness? Who can say in these and infinite other Points, that Christian Practice has any regard to the Gospel? And yet at the same time our common Profession is, That the Gospel is our Rule, it teaches the way of Life, and we can have no hopes of Life, but by doing what it teaches.

And have not Christians then great reason, with their most serious applica­tion, to study this Rule, and see what it recommends as necessary, and what it disapproves, that so they may no lon­ger be false to their Profession, in de­parting from the Gospel, which they acknowledge to be the Guide to Bliss; that they may walk in all the ways of the Lord, keep his Ordinances and ob­serve his Statutes, that they may have no confidence or peace, but in such Pra­ctices only as are approved by the Word, and therefore most agreeable to the Will of God? This is certainly, as a general▪ so the greatest interest of all, and ought therefore to be their prin­cipal business. For clearness and ex­pedition [Page] I offer this summary of Gos­pel Rules; which being ranked under several Heads, may be easily consulted by all Capacities, and will possitive­ly declare to them, what is the Will of God, and in all circumstances of Life discover how far the Gospel approves or disapproves. This can be the only sure way of standing against ill Cu­stoms, and not being carried away by the authority and number of offenders, nor letting the World take place, where God only ought to be heard. If there appears any thing difficult in the fol­lowing Rules, I am not to answer for that; I propose the Gospel, as I find it; and having put all Christians in mind, that this is the Rule which they profess, I here with all Charity con­jure them not to despise it, but to take their Directions from thence of all that is Lawful, Just, Holy, and Well-plea­sing to God; for if the Gospel be Life to those, that follow it, it must be their Condemnation, who observe it not.

PRINCIPLES AND RULES OF THE GOSPEL.

CHAP. I. Of the Christian's Rule.

Q. WHAT is a Christian?

A. A Christian is one, that believes in Christ, and professes to live according to the Doctrin of the Gospel.

Q. What then is the general Duty of a Christian?

A. To do what he professes; that is, to consider in every thing that the Gospel is his Rule; to exa­min diligently, what it teaches, and make it the general Endeavor of his whole Life, to do in all things, as this directs.

Q. Is this a strict Obligation upon all, or may it be omitted without a Fault?

A. It is such an Obligation, that it cannot be omitted wilfully, with­out Sin; and to live in the general Neglect of it, is to be out of the way of Salvation.

Q. Why so?

A. Because the Gospel is the new Law, which Christ has left for all to keep, that believe in him; and to neglect this, is to neglect Christ; to despise it, is to despise him.

Q. And is there not Salvation for such, as do thus?

A. They are certainly out of the way of Salvation.

Q. How so?

A. Because Christ is the only Me­diator of the new Testament, thro' whom alone we can hope for Mer­cy; and how then can they be in the way of Salvation, who live in the Neglect and Contempt of him? 2dly, Christ is the Light of the World, and by his Gospel he communicates his Light to Men; they then, who neglect and despise this Light, walk in Darkness, and this Darkness can­not lead to Life everlasting. 3dly, Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life; and in his Gospel is manifest­ed this Way, this Truth and this Life; they then, who neglect and despise the Doctrin of the Gospel, cannot be in the way; they follow a Lie, instead of Truth, and must meet with Death, instead of Life. 4thly, It is by the Spirit of Christ every one must live, that belongs to Christ, and expects everlast­ing Happiness; and without this Spirit, all Hopes are vain; If any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, Rom. 8. 9. [Page 12] He that saith, he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk, even as he walk­ed, 1 Joh. 2. 6. Now if this Spirit of Christ be necessary; how can they be suppos'd to have it, who walk not by the Gospel, in which this Spirit is taught; but by despising or neglecting it, give Demonstration of the Spirit of Christ being not in them?

Q. What does this prove?

A. It proves, that no Salvation can be expected, but thro' Christ; that none can have a part in Christ, but such only, as observe his Law; that his Law being deliver'd in the Gospel, there can be no Salva­tion, but for those, who sincerely make it their Endeavor to live, as Christ has prescrib'd in the Gospel.

Q. Then the Gospel must be observ'd; but what is it to observe or follow the Gospel?

A. It is to make the Gospel our Rule, for discerning the Will of God, and knowing what is pleasing or dis­pleasing to him. It is to take Dire­ction from that, What we are to [Page 13] desire, and what to fear; what we are to value, and what to despise. It is to consult that, in all we pro­pose or do. It is to take from thence the Determination, of Right and Wrong; of what we are carefully to perform, or with Solicitude to avoid.

Q. Then they, who do not thus, do not follow the Gospel?

A. No, they do not: They may have a Faith in what the Gospel teaches; but if they do not the Works of the Gospel, their Faith is dead, Jam. 2. 26. It is such Faith as is in Hell, and even the Devils have, Ib. v. 19. These may know the Will of God; but they do it not; these may honor God with their Lips; but their Heart is far from him: And what will this avail; or how is this following the Gospel, when the Gospel teaches, That the Servant who knows his Lord's Will, and does it not, shall be beaten with many Stripes, Luke 12. 47. And not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into [Page 14] the Kingdom of Heaven; but he, that doth the Will of my Father, who is in Heaven, Mat. 7. 21?

Q. Then there is to be no Confidence of Salvation, upon a Faith in Christ only, or in being a Member of his Church?

A. Faith is necessary to Salvation; for without Faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. 11. 6. But a Faith in what God teaches, without do­ing the Will of God, can never bring any to the Possession of God. Bliss is promis'd to such only, as Hear the Word of God, and keep it, Luke 11. 28. It is not enough therefore to be call'd by Faith; for many are call'd, but few chosen, Matth. 20. 16. It is not enough to be planted in Christ's Vineyard: For every Tree, that brings not forth good Fruit, is cut down, and cast into the Fire, Mat. 7. 19.

Q. Then you think, many of those, who have a Faith in Christ, and be­lieve all that he teaches, are lost eter­nally?

A. As many of these, as do not the Will of God, in following the [Page 15] Gospel, but depart from it, and live in a general Disobedience to his Law. Such as these must expect no Favor in Consideration of their Faith; but rather a deeper Damnation for their Ingratitude and Abuse of God's Blessings, for knowing (thro' Mer­cy) the Will of God, and not do­ing it.

Q. What now is this Chapter in short?

A. That the only Means of Sal­vation, is to Believe and Do, as Christ teaches in his holy Gospel. All his Disciples are to hear him, Ipsum au­dite, Hear ye him; as the Voice from Heaven publish'd it on the Mount, Mat. 17. 5. All of his Flock hear his Voice; My sheep hear my Voice, and follow me, Jo. 10. 27. As many, as do thus, are in the way to Salvation, having Christ their Teacher, and the Shepherd of their Souls. And they, who do not thus, cannot have their hopes in him.

CHAP. II. Of our own Inclinations.

Q. MAY we not follow our own Inclinations?

A. Christ is to be the Christian's Rule; if then our Inclinations are according to what Christ teaches, we may safely follow them; but if they are contrary to what Christ teaches, then to follow them, is to forsake our Rule, who is Christ.

Q. And what are our natural In­clinations?

A. They arise from a corrupt Na­ture, and therefore are generally cor­rupt; they are the Effect of Sin, and therefore are generally either sinful, or leading to Sin.

Q. Then a Christian is not to follow them?

A. No; he is to be so far from following, that it must be his daily Care to stand against them.

Q. Why so?

A. Because being corrupt and sin­ful, if they are not resisted, they draw Persons from Christ, and that is to forsake their Rule.

Q. Is it the evident Duty of a Chri­stian to stand against these Inclinati­ons?

A. It is; for so Christ himself teaches, in requiring Self-denial, as a necessary Condition for becoming his Disciple: If any Man will come after me, let him deny himself, Luk. 9. 23.

Q. Is not this press'd more particu­larly in holy Scripture?

A. Yes; by St. Paul, who stiling these Inclinations, the Old Man, Concupiscence, the Carnal Man, the Desires of the Flesh, &c. positively declares the necessity of resisting them, and that, otherwise, it is not possible to please God.

Q. As where?

A. Put off the old man, which is corrupt, Eph. 4. 22. We are debtors, not to the Flesh, to live after the Flesh; for if ye live after the Flesh, ye shall die: But if you, thro' the Spirit, do mortifie the deeds of the Body, ye shall [Page 18] live, Rom. 8. 12, 13. To be carnal­ly minded is Death; because the car­nal Man is Enmity against God, ib. v. 6, 7. The Flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the Flesh; and these are contrary to one another.—They that are Christ's, have crucified the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts, Gal. 5. 17, 24. With the mind, I my self serve the Law of God; but with the Flesh, the Law of Sin. But I keep under my Body, and bring it into Subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I my self should be a cast-away, 1 Cor. 9. 27.

Q. What does all this shew?

A. It shews, that thro' the Cor­ruption of our Nature, we have ma­ny Inclinations, which are contrary to the Law of God; that if we fol­low them, they lead to Death; that therefore every one, who professes himself a Follower of Christ and his Gospel, is absolutely oblig'd to stand against them; to mortifie, crucifie, and bring them into Subjection; for that otherwise he cannot be a Disci­ple [Page 19] of Christ. Christians then, whose Profession it is, to make Christ their Rule, must not indulge their natural Inclinations, much less, make them their Rule.

CHAP III. Of the World.

Q. MAY it be allow'd a Christian to follow the World?

A. The Ways of the World are so generally contrary to the Gospel, that a Christian must forget his Pro­fession, if he follows the World; if taking that for his Rule, he walks in the Ways of the World.

Q. What do you mean here by the World?

A. I mean the Lovers of the World, and their general Practice of seeking to please themselves and the World.

Q. Why does this lye under such an ill name with you?

A. Because in this Practice there is no regard had to the Gospel; but the great business is to comply with that Corruption, which Man brings with him into the World; it is all in Favour of Vanity, Ambition, Sloth, Idleness, Intemperance, Sen­suality, Concupiscence, Covetousness, Envy, Passion, Revenge, &c. And these being the very Evils, which the Christian is strictly oblig'd, by the Gospel, to overcome, how can the World have a better Name with him, which by many arguments re­commends these, as the only things, that are to be valued, as the only Satisfactions and Comforts of Hu­man Life.

Q. If this be so, it must be confes­sed, that it is not a Christian's Part to Follow the World. But what if some are not willing to believe so ill of the World, as this?

A. If they are not willing to be­lieve it; let them but open their Eyes, and they cannot help seeing it. The World indeed endeavors to conceal some scandalous Extrava­gancies; [Page 21] but as for all these, it Pub­lickly owns them.

Q. But the Gospel being the Christi­an's Rule, would it not make a more convincing Impression, if this would give him the Character of the World? And then too, those would be left with­out excuse, whose Passion makes them unwilling to believe it.

A. Nothing is more fully deliver­ed in Scripture than this. Hear what Christs says of the World; Me it ha­teth, because I testifie of it, that the works thereof are evil, Joh. 7. 7. The Spirit of Truth, whom the World can­not receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, Jo. 14. 17. I have manifested thy Name unto the Men, which thou gavest me out of the World.—I pray not for the World, but for them, which thou hast given me, for they are thine, Joh. 17. 6, 9. I have given them (the Apostles) thy word; and the World hath hated them, be­cause they are not of the World, even as I am not of the World, Ib. v. 14. If the World hate you, ye know that it hated me, before it hated you. If ye [Page 22] were of the World, the World would love his own: But because ye are not of the World, but I have chosen you out of the World, therefore the World hateth you, Joh. 15. 18, 19. Here you see Christ declares the works of the World to be evil; that the World knows not the Spirit of Truth: That those, whom Christ has cho­sen, are not the World; that He himself is not of the World; that the World hates both them and him; and is not this enough to convince any one, who believes in Je­sus Christ, that the World is not to be followed; since he here shews, that such as God has chosen, and those who are of the World, are like Two extreams contrary to one another; so that they, who are of the One, do not belong to the Other?

Q. Does the Scripture speak farther upon this Subject.

A. Yes, the Apostles preach the same Doctrin with their Master: Hear what they say: Be not conform­ed to this World; but be ye trans­formed by the renewing of your mind, [Page 23] Rom. 12. 2. Christ, who gave himself for our Sins, that he might deliver us from this present Evil world, accor­ding to the Will of God, Gal. 1. 4. Know ye not, that the friendship of the World is enmity with God? Whosoe­ver therefore will be a Friend of the World, is the Enemy of God, Jam. 4. 4. The whole World lyeth in Wicked­ness, 1 Joh. 5. 19. Love not the World, neither the things, that are in the World. If any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the World, the lust of the Flesh, and the lust of the Eyes, and the pride of Life, is not of the Fa­ther, but is of the World, 1 Jo. 2. 15, 16. Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the World, 1 Jo. 5. 4.

Q. Add no more; for this must be own'd Evident from Scripture, that the World is contrary to God, and that whoever loves the World and its ways, in this gives demonstration of the Love of God being not in him. But tell me now; how must all this be applied, that has been hitherto said in this and the foregoing Chapters?

CHAP. IV. Application of the Foregoing Chapters.

A. THE Application of what has been hitherto said, is very Plain. For if it be the Essential or Necessary part of a Christian, to Believe in and Follow Christ; then he must not Follow that which is contrary to Christ. And it being e­vident from the Gospel it self, that both our Natural Inclinations and the World are contrary to Christ; hence it becomes certain, that who­ever designs in earnest to be a Chri­stian, as he Professes, must neither follow his own Natural Inclinati­ons, nor the World; and whoever follows them, is so far false to his Profession.

Q. I see the necessity of owning this; but what a strange Christian World then is ours, which Professing Christ and a zeal for the Truth of his Gospel, so as even to devour one another, upon [Page 25] the account of its Speculative Doctrines; do yet all so generally agree in forsaking the Practice of it, as if they had no Faith in Christ or his Gospel.

A. There is too much ground for your surprize: For certainly, whoe­ver looks upon the general Practice of Christians, will have much ado to distinguish them from Heathens; since they are as strongly bent upon following their own Inclinations and the World, as if they had no cauti­on against them, nor any Law to forbid them.

Q. Instead of enlarging Complaints, rather tell me, what a Christian is to do, that desires in earnest to satisfie the Duties of his Profession, and have no part in this general Corruption?

A. I have already told you: He must follow the Gospel, which is the Rule, Christ has given him; he must study what the Spirit of the Gospel is, and with all solicitude en­deavour to live according to this Spirit. Whatever is there com­manded, he must observe: Whate­ver is there forbid, he must avoid: [Page 26] Whatever is there approv'd, he must approve: Whatever is there declar'd the Character of things, whether as Good or Evil, as Honourable or Dis­honourable, as Edifying or Scanda­lous, as Profitable or Dangerous, ac­cordingly he must esteem them, and hence taking the true Measures of all things, by these Measures he must govern his Life.

Q. But if Inclination or the World put in their Plea, and give very diffe­rent notions of things, from what is de­livered in the Gospel?

A. As often as they do so, they are not to be Regarded, [...]nd much less Followed. The Christian is to be True to his Profession; and all such Suggestions are to be look'd up­on as Trials of his Fidelity, and as Temptations, which he is bound to resist. And this he must do with re­solution.

Q. But if Custom and Example be pleaded?

A. If they be; What Authority can there be in these against the ma­nifest Will of God? These cannot [Page 27] make void what God has said, or e­vacuate his Law. Let the Gospel then be consulted, and as this deter­mines, so it must stand good, what­ever it be, that appears against it. If we could suppose it to be an Angel from Heaven, yet in this case, he is not to be regarded; how much less therefore the Custom or Example of Weak and Sinful Men?

Q. If Company undertakes to Per­swade?

A. Whatever Power there be in this; yet no Christian can think it reasonable, to hearken to Man, ra­ther than God. In a Case, where God has spoke, there can be no Ap­peal to Man. All such Perswasions therefore, as far as they are disagree­able to the Gospel, are to be look'd upon as Snares, such as the Christi­an is bound with all Diligence to a­void.

Q. Then you will allow of nothing to prevail in this Case?

A. No, of nothing: There is no Authority here in Number; the Re­putation of Learning, Exemplarity [Page 28] or Piety can authorize nothing, which the Gospel condemns or re­proves. All must stand, as it is there delivered, and to set up for other Notions, is to attempt against God.

Q. And now for the Practice of this Doctrine, how must this be?

A. For Practice, a Christian must seriously examin all the General Concerns of Human Life, and having discover'd how far the Gospel en­courages or allows in each, and how far it disapproves, he must take this for his Standard, and endeavour to come as near it, as he can, without taking notice of whatever is plead­ed by the World or Inclination to the contrary. A Life thus regulated will certainly be a Christian Life, such as I heartily recommend, and will cer­tainly at our Dying hour be the greatest of all Comforts. But now to offer some help in it, I must make an Essay of bringing all things to the Ballance, and seeing how they weigh by the Weights of the Sanctuary; so to discover, how far the Christian walks by this Rule, and in what Par­ticulars departs from it.

CHAP. V. Of Cloaths.

Q. WHAT direction do's the Gospel (the Christian's Rule) give concerning Cloathing?

A. Several Particulars are there mention'd, which give sufficient light in this Point, for all such, as truly desire to walk by its Spirit.

Q. What are these?

A. First, in the Commendation of S. John Baptist, who being set a­bove all, that are born of Women, has this particularly remark'd of him, That he had his raiment of ca­mels hair, and a leathern Girdle a­bout his loins, Mat. 3. 4. And this very thing is taken notice of by Christ himself, who in his Praises of him to the multitude, observes, that he was not cloath'd in soft raiment, Mat. 11. 8.

2dly, In the Particular of the Disorders found in the Rich Glut­ton, [Page 30] who was tormented in Hell: Amongst which this is distinctly observ'd; That he was cloath'd in Purple and Fine linen, Luk. 16. 19.

3dly, In S. Paul's Epistle: Where he gives in this Advice; We brought nothing with us into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out: Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content, 1 Tim. 6. 7, 8. I will therefore—that women adorn themselves in Modest Apparel, with shamefac'dness and sobriety: Not with broider'd hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly Array; but (which becometh women professing Godliness) with good works, 1 Tim. 2. 9, 10.

4thly, In the charge given by S. Pe­ter to Wives; Whose adorning, says he, let it not be that outward adorn­ing, of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of Gold, or of putting on of Apparel: but let it the hidden man of the heart, in that, which is not corruptible, even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spi­rit, 1 Pet. 3. 3, 4.

Here you see, in a few words, what the Gospel approves, and what [Page 31] it disapproves in this Point; so that whatever constructions are put upon the Words, yet still it is evident, what method they are to follow, who resolve, that, not the World, but the Gospel shall be their Rule.

Q. This must be confess'd even by the World and Vanity it self, tho' they cannot follow it. But is there any thing more upon this Subject?

A. The same may be still farther press'd from other Heads; as,

First, Vanity, Pride, Ambition and Envy, are contrary to the Gos­pel; therefore such Christians, as desire to live by the Gospel, must not permit these to have any part in buying their Cloaths, or putting them on; but, instead of Following, must not Follow what these suggest; and such as do otherwise, have not the Gospel for their Rule.

Secondly, All, that falls under the Heads of Excess, Immoderateness, Prodigality or Wasting what should be the Provision of Family, is repro­ved by the Gospel: Therefore all such expensive Cloathing, as falls [Page 32] under any of these Heads, is depart­ing from the Spirit of the Gospel.

Thirdly, The Gospel prescribes seeking First the Kingdom of God, Re­deeming the time, Giving alms, not Seeking to please the World: Therefore all that must be condemn'd as disa­greeable to the Gospel, where the solicitude is greater for complying with a vain World, or a vain Humor, than for seeking Heaven; where the Time and Money, which are Bles­sings given for better uses, are wa­sted in setting forth a rotten and sin­ful Carcass.

Lastly, Justice is absolutely requi­red by the Gospel; therefore all that Care, Solicitude and Expence, must be contrary to the Gospel, which is in the service of Injustice. And is not all that so, which is applied to the Gratifying, Flattering and Ex­alting the Body, which for its Un­worthiness and manifold Sins a­gainst God, deserves nothing but Contempt and Punishment?

Here now having Consider'd all, that belongs to Cloathing, by the [Page 33] Gospel, you see, what is approv'd, and what is disapprov'd. Cloath­ing for necessity is approv'd; coarse Apparel is commended in the Bap­tist; a Modest Dress is recommen­ded to Women, accompanied with Shamefacedness, Sobriety, and a Meek Spirit: Outward Adorning with Gold, Pearls or Costly Appa­rel is reprov'd; Inward Adorning with Virtue is requir'd. All that is suggested, in Dressing, by Vanity, Pride, Envy, or for pleasing the World, is forbid. All that is Im­moderate, whether as to the Ex­pence of Time or Money, is not al­low'd. In this, it is very easie to discern, what is the Spirit of the Gospel: And if it be discern'd, then all those, who desire in Truth to be the Followers of Christ, know what they are to do. They must approve only that, which their Rule ap­proves; and as for all, whatever In­clination or the World recommends beyond that, they must shut their hearts against it, and say; the Gos­pel is our Rule, and this only we must follow.

CHAP. VI. Of Eating and Drinking.

Q. WHAT direction do's the Gospel give as to Eating and Drinking?

A. There is enough mention'd, to serve for a Christian's Rule.

First, Gluttony and Drunkenness are positively Forbid; Take heed to your selves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with Surfeiting and Drunkenness, Luk. 21. 34. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in Riot­ing and Drunkenness, Rom. 13. 13. Wo unto you, that are full; for ye shall hunger, Luk. 6. 25. Drunkards shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 10. The Works of the Flesh are manifest—Drunkenness—Revel­lings—of the which I tell you, that they, which do such things, shall not inherit the kingdom of God, Gal. 5. 19, 21. Be not Drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be fill'd with the Spirit, Eph. 5. 18.

Secondly, It is particularly observ'd in the Rich Glutton, that he Fared sumptuously every day, Luk. 16. 19. It is a good thing, that the heart be establish'd with Grace, not with Meats, which have not profitted them, that have been occupied therein, Heb. 13. 9. The Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace, Rom. 14. 17. Many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the Cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their Belly, and whose Glory is their Shame, Phil. 3. 18, 19.

Thirdly, Temperance and Sobrie­ty are recommended; Teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righte­ously, and godly in this present world, Tit. 2. 12. Wherefore gird up your loins, be sober, and hope to the end, 1 Pet. 1. 13. Be sober, be vigilant, 1 Pet. 5. 8. Let your Moderation be known to all men, Phil. 4. 5. He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong [Page 36] drink, Luk. 1. 15. His Meat was Locusts and wild Honey, Mat. 3. 4. Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch, and be sober. Let us, who are of the day, be sober, 1 Thess. 5. 6, 8. Whether ye eat or drink, or what­soever ye do, do all to the Glory of God, 1 Cor. 10. 31. Having Food and Raiment, let us be therewith content, 1 Tim. 6. 8.

Fourthly, Fasting is commanded: Jesus Fasted Forty Days and Forty Nights, Mat. 4. 2. Anna departed not from the Temple, but served God with Fastings and Prayer, Night and Day, Luk. 2. 37. This kind (of Devil) can come forth by nothing but by Pray­er and Fasting, Mar. 19. 29. The Days will come, when the Bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those Days, Luk. [...]. 35. They administred to the Lord, and fasted. And when they had fast­ed, and pray'd, and laid their Hands on them, they sent them away, Acts 13. 2, 3. When they had ordain'd them Elders in every Church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, Act. 14. 23.

In this may be discern'd the Spi­rit of the Gospel in this Point; that while it approves Eating and Drink­ing for the Support of Nature, it re­quires, that this be done Soberly, and with Moderation, and to the Glory of God. It commends Abstinence and Fasting. It reproves Faring Sumptuously. It condemns the So­licitude of pleasing the Appetite, and making the Belly a God. It de­clares Surfeiting, Rioting, Revelling and Drunkenness, to be such Crimes, that their Guilt excludes from Hea­ven.

If these be the Dictates of the Christian's Rule, then it is very easie to observe, how far the Gospel al­lows, as to Eating and Drinking, and how far it disapproves. And hence it is obvious, what they are to do, who follow the Gospel. They are to think nothing allowable, but as it is here approv'd; and must not, by deceitful Constructions, pretend to justifie that, which is here con­demn'd. Especially where the Sen­tence is so positive, and the Guilt [...] [Page 48] shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God, Rom. 8. 13, 14. Put off con­cerning the former Conversation, the old Man, which is corrupt, according to the deceitful Lusts, Eph. 4. 22. I beseech you, as Strangers and Pilgrims; abstain from fleshly Lusts, which war against the Soul, 1 Pet. 2. 11. If any Man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his Life, shall lose it; and whoso­ever will lose his Life, for my sake, shall find it. For what is a Man profitted, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own Soul? Or what shall a Man give in Exchange for his Soul? Mat. 16. 24, 25, 26. He that loveth his Life, shall lose it: and he, that hateth his Life in this World, shall keep it unto Life eternal. If any Man serve me, let him follow me, Jo. 12. 25, 26.

By this shall all Men know, that ye are my Disciples, if ye have love one to another, Jo. 13. 35. I say unto you, love your Enemies, bless them, [Page 49] that curse you, do good to them, that hate you, and pray for them, which despitely use you, and persecute you, Mat. 5. 44. Love not the world, nei­ther the things, that are in the world, 1 Jo. 2. 15. Put on (as the elect of God holy and beloved) Bowels of mer­cies, Kindnesses, Humbleness of mind, Meekness, Long-suffering; Forbearing one another, and Forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all things put on Cha­rity, which is the bond of perfectness; and let the peace of God rule in your hearts: And be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all Wisdom; and whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, Col. 3. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ: Yea doubtless, and I do count all things but loss, for the excellency of the know­ledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: For whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found [Page 50] in him, not having mine own righte­ousness, which is of the law, but that, which is thro' the Faith of Christ, the righteousness, which is of God by Faith; that I may know him, and the power of his Resurrection, and the fel­lowship of his Sufferings, being made conformable unto his death, Phil. 3. 7. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or di­stress—? I am perswaded, that nei­ther death, nor life,—nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Rom. 8. 35, 38. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, Phil. 1. 21. I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content, Phil. 4. 11. Seek those things, which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth: For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3. 1, 2, 3.

These are some, amongst infinite other Directions, which the Gos­pel gives for regulating of the In­ward [Page 51] Man. Were they prescribed to the Apostles only, or to some Parti­cular Persons or States, there might be a just excuse for such as observe them not; but being writ to the Faithful of all States and Conditi­ons, they are to be observ'd by all, that believe in Christ: And in this may Christians make the truest Judg­ment of the state of their Souls. For if this be prescrib'd to all, all are bound to labor, in bringing their Souls to this happy disposition; and they, who are not solicitous in this, whatever their Faith be, have not the Spirit of a true Disciple.

CHAP. IX. Of loving our Neighbor.

Q. WHAT directions do's the Gospel give, as to the Love of our Neighbor?

A. Such as are very particular and strict in the Charge. Hear some of them.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart—Thou shalt love thy Neighbor, as thy self. On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets, Mat. 22. 37, 39, 40. A new Commandment, I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know, that ye are my Disciples, if ye have love one to another, Jo. 13. 34, 35. These things I command you, that ye love one another, Jo. 15. 17. This is my commandment; that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Ye are my Friends, if ye do whatsoever I com­mand you, Jo. 15. 12, 14. Let love be without dissimulation. Be kindly af­fectioned one to another, with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another, Rom. 12. 9, 10. By love serve one a­nother; for all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy Neighbor as thy self. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed, that ye be not consum'd one of a­nother, Gal. 5. 13, 14, 15. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: For he that loveth another hath fulfil­led [Page 53] the Law. For this, thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shall not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other Com­mandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy Neighbor as thy self. Love work­eth no ill to his Neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law, Rom. 13. 8, 9, 10. As touching brotherly love, ye need not that I write unto you; for ye your selves are taught of God, to love one another. And indeed ye do it towards all the brethren, which are in Macedonia: But we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, 1 Thes. 4. 9, 10, 11. Above all things have fervent Charity among your selves: For Charity shall cover the multitude of sins, 1 Pet. 4. 8. He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother, is in dark­ness, and walketh in darkness, 1 Jo. 2. 10. Whosoever doth not righteous­ness, is not of God, neither he, that [Page 54] loveth not his brother, 1 Jo. 3. 10. We know, that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren; he that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his bro­ther, is a murtherer; and ye know, that no murtherer hath eternal life a­biding in him, 1 Jo. 3. 14, 15. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar. This Com­mandment have we from him, that he, who loveth God, love his brother also, 1 Jo. 4. 12, 20, 21. Tho' I have the gift of Prophecy, and understand all Mysteries, and all Knowledge; and tho' I have all Faith, so that I could remove Mountains, and have no Chari­ty, I am nothing. And tho' I bestow all my goods to feed the Poor, and tho' I give my Body to be burned, and have not Charity, it profitteth me no­thing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; Charity envieth not; Charity vaunteth not it self, is not puffed up, doth not behave it self unseemly, seek­eth not her own, is not easily provoked, [Page 55] thinketh no evil, rejoyceth not in ini­quity, but rejoyceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, 1 Cor. 13. 2, 3, 4, &c.

Thus the Christian's Rule directs as to this Point. Whoever expects Salvation thro' Christ, must hear his Word, and make it his daily business to observe it. Christ him­self has said it: Ye are my Friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you, Jo. 15. 14.

CHAP. X. Of loving our Enemies.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give, as to the love of our Enemies?

A. It speaks positively, in this Point.

I say unto you, Love your Enemies, bless them, that curse you, do good to them, that hate you, and pray for them, which despitefully use you, and perse­cute [Page 56] you: That ye may be the Chil­dren of your Father, which is in Hea­ven; for he maketh the Sun to rise on the Evil, and on the Good, and sendeth Rain on the Just, and on the Ʋnjust. For if ye love them, which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the Publicans the same? And if ye salute your Brethren only, what do you more than others? Do not even the Publicaus so? Be ye therefore Per­fect, even as your Father, which is in Heaven, is Perfect, Mat. 5. 44, &c. I say unto you, which hear, love your Enemies, do good to them, which hate you: Bless them, that curse you, and pray for them, which despitefully use you. And unto him, that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also. As you would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them, which love you, what thank have ye? For Sinners also love those, that love them. And if ye do good to them, which do good to you, what thank have ye? For Sinners also do even the same. [Page 57] And if ye lend to them, of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For Sinners lend to Sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your ene­mies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the Chil­dren of the Highest; for he is kind unto the Ʋnthankful, and to the Evil. Be ye therefore Merciful, as your Father also is Merciful, Luk. 6. 27, 28, &c. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, Luk. 23. 34. Stephen kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice; Lord, lay not this sin to their charge, Act. 7. 60. Dearly beloved, avenge not your selves, but ra­ther give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will re­pay it, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine Enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink: For in so do­ing, thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good, Rom. 12. 19, 20, 21. Bless them, which persecute you; bless, and curse not. Recompence no Man evil for evil, Rom. 12. 14, [Page 58] 17. See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but ever follow that, which is good, both among your selves, and to all men, 1 Thes. 5. 15. Be Pitiful, be Courteous; not rendring evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise, blessing; knowing, that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing, 1 Pet. 3. 8, 9.

Here is the Rule, and it must be follow'd: To dispence with it, is to break it; to hearken to Inclina­tion, is to forsake it. The Difficulty of its Practice must be own'd, and this more particularly in some Tem­pers; but Difficulties must not car­ry us against the Commands of God; in our undertaking to serve him, there was no Proviso made for our Ease or Inclination; but our Pro­fession was Absolute; how then can we pretend to follow Nature, when God's Will is known to us? If the Lord be our God, it is mockery, if we do not follow him.

CHAP. XI. Of Forgiving Injuries.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give, as to Forgiving Injuries?

A. It speaks plainly to the Point: Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our Debtors, Mat. 6. 12. Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my Brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus said unto him; I say not unto thee, until seven times: But until seventy times seven, Mat. 18. 21, 22. Then his Lord said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desired'st me: Should'st not thou also have had compassion on thy Fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and deliver'd him to the tormenters, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye, from your hearts, forgive [Page 60] not every one his brother their trespasses, Mat. 18. 32, &c. If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him; Luk. 17. 3, 4. Let all Bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to ano­ther, tender-hearted, forgiving one a­nother, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you, Eph. 4. 31, 32. Put on therefore (as the Elect of God, holy and beloved) bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meek­ness, long-suffering; forbearing one a­nother, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye, Colos. 3. 12, 13. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heaven­ly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their tres­passes, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses, Mat. 6. 14. 15. And when ye stand praying, Forgive, if ye [Page 61] have ought against any; that your Father also, which is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father, which is in heaven, forgive your trespas­ses Mar. 11. 25, 26. Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:—for with the same mea­sure, that ye mete withal, it shall be measur'd to you again, Luk. 6. 37. He shall have Judgment without mer­cy, that hath shewed no mercy, Jam. 2. 13. Charity suffereth long,—is not easily provok'd, thinketh no evil,—beareth all things,—endureth all things, 1 Cor. 13. 4, &c.

Thus says the Christian's Rule, and there are no Promises, but what requireth the Observance of it. Let then all degrees of Malice, Revenge, Hatred, Ill-will, Animosities, Re­sentments, Provocations, Grudgings, Want of Neighborly Correspondence, with all the train of such like Inte­rior Disorders, be examined by the Gospel; and, upon the evidence of their being not allow'd upon any account, but absolutely condemn'd, the Christian must conclude, that ei­ther [Page 62] he must make this his Rule, or else have no part in the Promises of the Gospel. What then, O God, must I fear of my self, who am so easie in admitting, and so careless in overcoming, what is thus contrary to my Profession! I profess the Gos­pel, but follow Inclination; and is this to be a Christian?

CHAP. XII. Of making and keeping Peace.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give, as to avoiding Contention and keeping Peace?

A. It speaks so plain in this Point, that no Christian can be ignorant of his Obligation.

Blessed are the Peace-makers; for they shall be called the Children of God, Mat. 5. 9. If thou bring thy Gift to the Altar, and there remem­brest, that thy Brother hath ought a­gainst thee; leave there thy Gift be­fore the Altar, and go thy way, first be [Page 63] reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy Gift, Mat. 5. 23, 24. A new Commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another. By this shall all men know, that ye are my Disciples, if ye have love one to another, Jo. 13. 34, 35. Have salt in your selves, and have Peace one with another, Mar. 9. 50. Be of the same mind one towards another. If it be possible, as much as lyeth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not your selves, but give place unto wrath, Rom. 12. 16, 18. I beseech to walk worthy of the vocation, wherewith ye are called: With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbear­ing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the Ʋnity of the Spirit, in the Bond of Peace, Eph. 4. 1, 2, 3. For God is not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace, 1 Cor. 14. 33. He that will love life and see good days, let him re­frain his tongue from evil,—let him seek Peace, and ensue it: Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of a­nother; love, as Brethren, be Pitiful, be Courteous; not rendring Evil for [Page 64] Evil, or Railing for Railing, but con­trariwise, Blessing, knowing, that ye are thereunto called, that ye should in­herit a blessing, 1 Pet. 3. 10, 11, 8, 9. Follow Peace with all men, and Holi­ness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the Grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled, Heb. 12. 14, 15. Let us walk honestly as in the day,—not in strife and envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 13. 13. Let nothing be done thro' strife.—Do all things without mur­murings and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the Sons of God in the midst of a crooked and per­verse nation, Phil. 2. 3, 14. By love serve one another; for all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt thy Neighbor, as thy self: But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed, that ye be not consum'd one of another. The Flesh lusteth against the Spirit: Now the Works of the Flesh are manifest, which are these;—Ha­tred, Variance, Emulations, Wrath, [Page 65] Strife, Seditions, Heresies, Envyings, Murthers—and such like, of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they, which do such things, shall not inherit the King­dom of God. But the Fruit of the Spirit, is, Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Meek­ness:—against such there is no Law. And they, that are Christ's, have cru­cified the Flesh.—Let us not be desi­rous of Vain-glory, provoking one ano­ther, envying one another, Gal. 5. 13, &c. Bear ye one another's Burthens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ, Gal. 6. 2. If ye have bitter Envying and Strife in your Hearts, glory not, and lie not against the Truth: This Wis­dom descendeth not from above, but is Earthly, Sensual, Devilish: For where Envying and Strife is, there is Confu­sion, and every evil Work. But the Wisdom, that is from above, is first, Pure, then Peaceable, Gentle, and easie to be Entreated, full of Mercy, and good Fruits, without Partiality, and with­out Hypocrisie: And the Fruit of Righ­teousness is sown in Peace of them, that [Page 66] make Peace, Jam. 3. 14, &c. Be y [...] also patient, stablish your Hearts;—Grudge not one against another, Bre­thren, lest ye be condemned, Jam. 5. 8, 9. The Kingdom of God is not Meat and Drink, but Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost, For he, that in these things, serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and appro­ved of Men. Let us therefore follow after the things, which make for Peace, and things, wherewith one may edifie another, Rom. 14. 17, &c. Where­fore laying aside all Malice, and all Guile, and Hypocrisies, and Envies, and all evil Speakings; as new-born Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word, 1 Pet. 2. 1. If any Man seem to be contentious, we have no such Cu­stom, neither the Churches of God, 1 Cor. 11. 16.

Thus the Rule, and this, Christi­ans say, they follow; and if so, then who would not expect to find Chri­stians all living in a free Correspon­dence of Charity and Peace, exempt from the Confusions of Passion, Pro­vocation, Contention and Revenge; [Page 67] all mutually bearing with one ano­ther, and forgiving one another, ac­cording to the Example Christ has given them, and for the securing their Eternal Peace? Thus certain­ly it ought to be; and those, who live not according to this Method, it is certain, they transgress their Rule. See then what thy Practice is, and learn to follow Christ. Re­member, that the Gospel forbids all Contentions, Quarrelling, Uncha­ritable Debates, Reproaching, Grudg­ing, and all the other Effects of Pas­sion, Malice, Ill-will, or Dislike: It commands thee to study Peace, and keep it with all Men, as much as is possible; and that for this end, thou art to be Gentle, Patient, Com­passionate, forbearing all Provocati­ons, and receiving all that are given thee, with Mildness, without re­turning Evil for Evil, or Railing for Railing; but overcoming Evil with Good. Thus thou art commanded; labor daily to bring thy self to this Temper of the Gospel, and then [Page 68] thou mayest hope for the Rewards of the Gospel.

CHAP. XIII. Of Anger and Mildness.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Go­spel give, as to these Points?

A. These have been already men­tion'd in the foregoing Chapters. But hear again how expresly they are spoke to.

I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his Brother without a Cause, shall be in danger of the Judgment: and whosoever shall say to his Brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the Coun­cil: But whosoever shall say, Thou Fool, shall be in danger of Hell-fire, Mat. 5. 22. Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the Sun go down upon your Wrath, neither give place to the Devil, Eph. 4. 26. But now you also put off all these, Anger, Wrath, Malice, Blasphemy, Filthy Communication, out of your Mouth: Lie not to one another; [Page 69] seeing that ye have put off the Old Man with his Deeds, Col. 3. 8. Let all Bitterness, and Wrath, and Anger, and Clamor, and evil Speaking, be put away from you, with all Malice: And be ye kind to one another, tender-hear­ted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you, Eph. 4. 31, 32. My beloved Brethren, let every Man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to Wrath; for the Wrath of Man worketh not the Righteousness of God, Jam. 1. 19, 20. I say unto you, that ye resist not Evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right Cheek, turn to him the other also, Matth. 5. 39. Beloved, avenge not your selves, but rather give place unto Wrath: For it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay it, saith the Lord. Be not overcome of Evil, but overcome Evil with Good, Rom. 12. 19, 21. See that none render Evil for Evil unto any Man; but ever follow that, which is good, 1 Thess. 5. 15. Be at Peace among your selves,—warn them, that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, sup­port the weak, be patient toward all [Page 70] Men, Ib. 14. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness,—Meekness; against such there is no Law, Gal. 5. 22. I be­seech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation, wherewith ye are called; with all Lowliness and Meekness, with Long-suffering, forbearing one another in Love, Eph. 4. 1, 2. Thou, O Man of God, flee these things, and follow after Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Patience, Meekness, 1 Tim. 6. 11. Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the Earth, Mat. 5. 5. Take my Yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in Heart; and ye shall find rest unto your Souls: for my Yoke is easie, and my Burthen light, Mat. 11. 29, 30. Put on there­fore (as the Elect of God, holy and be­loved) Bowels of Mercies, Kindness, Humbleness of Mind, Meekness, Long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any Man have a Quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye, Col. 3. 12, 13. Put them in mind—to speak evil of no Man, to be no Brawler, but Gen­tle, [Page 71] shewing all Meekness unto all Men, Tit. 3. 2. And the Servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all Men, apt to teach, patient, in Meekness instructing those, that oppose themselves, 2 Tim. 2. 24.

Thus speaks the Rule, and by it are commended to us Gentleness, Meekness, Moderation, Patience; and by the same are forbid all Pas­sion, undue Anger, Roughness, Quar­relling, Impatience with our Neigh­bor, &c. These are Evils; the for­mer are to be our Ornaments. What then must be judg'd of all such, as take Exceptions at every accident, who easily Fret, fall into Passion, use re­proachful Language, will bear nothing, excuse nothing, but let every trifling Occasion be enough to disturb their own Peace and their Neighbors? Do these follow the Gospel? It is too evi­dent, they do not, and therefore are under a strict Obligation of daily laboring to bring themselves to a more Christian Temper. If Nature be difficult, yet Grace is more pow­erful, and by this all Difficulties [Page 72] may be overcome; and those, who strive not to gain this Victory, are without Excuse.

CHAP. XIV. Of Humility and Pride.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Go­spel give, as to Humility and Pride?

A. It declares the great Value of the one, and the Mischiefs of the other; so that whatever be the Judg­ment of the World, yet 'tis plain, what is the Judgment of the Go­spel; and there can be no Excuse for those, who do not follow it.

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 5. 3. Take my Yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in Heart; and ye shall find Rest unto your Souls, Mat. 11. 29. Whosoever shall humble himself as this little Child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 18. 4. [Page 73] They, which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles, exercise Lordship over them; and their great Ones exercise Authority upon them: But so it shall not be among you: But whosoever will be great among you, shall be your Mi­nister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be Servant of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be minister'd unto, but to minister, and to give his Life a Ransom for many, Mar. 10. 42, &c. All their Works they (the Pharisees) do, for to be seen of Men: They make broad their Phylacte­ries, and enlarge the Borders of their Garments; and love the uppermost Rooms at Feasts, and the chief Seats in the Synagogues; and Greetings in the Markets; and to be called of Men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are Brethren. Nei­ther be ye called Masters; for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you, shall be your Ser­vant. And whosoever shall exalt himself, shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself, shall be exalted, [Page 74] Mat. 23. 5, &c. He hath re­garded the low Estate of his Hand­maiden: for behold, from henceforth all Generations shall call me blessed.—He hath scatter'd the Proud, in the Ima­gination of their Hearts; he hath put down the Mighty from their Seats, and exalted them of low Degree, Luk. 1. 48, 51. The Pharisee stood, and pray­ed thus with himself; God, I thank thee, that I am not as other Men are, Extortioners, Ʋnjust, Adulterers, or even as this Publican: I fast twice in the Week, I give Tythes of all that I possess. And the Publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his Eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his Breast, saying, God be merci­ful to me a Sinner. I tell you, This Man went down to his House justified, rather than the other; for every one, that exalteth himself, shall be abased; and he, that humbleth himself, shall be exalted, Luk. 18. 11. And thou Capernaum, which art exalted to Heaven, shalt be thrust down to Hell, Luk. 10. 15. Be not high minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natu­ral [Page 75] Branches, take heed, lest he also spare not thee, Rom. 11. 20. Mind not high things, but condescend to Men of low Estate: be not wise in your own Conceits, Rom. 12. 16. That ye might learn in us not to think of Men, above that, which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to dif­fer from another? And what hast thou, that thou didst not receive? Now, if thou didst receive it, why do'st thou glo­ry, as if thou hadst not receiv'd it?—We are made a Spectacle unto the World, and to Angels, and to Men. We are Fools for Christ's sake; but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised:—We are made as the Filth of the World, and are the Off­scouring of all things unto this Day, 1 Cor. 4. 6, &c. Let nothing be done thro' Strife, or Vain-Glory, but in Lowliness of Mind let each esteem o­ther better than themselves.—Let this Mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it no Robbery to be equal [Page 76] with God; but made himself of no Reputation, and took upon him the form of a Servant, and was made in the likeness of Men; and being found in fashion as a Man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto Death, even the Death of the Cross; wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and gi­ven him a Name, which is above every Name, Phil. 2. 3, 5, &c. Now, that he ascended, what is it, but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the Earth? Eph. 4. 9. Put on therefore (as the elect of God, holy and beloved) Bowels of Mercies, Kind­ness, Humbleness of Mind, Meekness, Long-suffering, Col. 3. 12. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with Humility: for God re­sisteth the Proud, and giveth Grace to the Humble. Humble your selves therefore under the mighty Hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 1 Pet. 5. 5, 6. Humble your selves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up, Jam. 4. 10. In the last Days perillous times shall come; for Men shall be Lovers of their own [Page 77] selves—Boasters, Proud,—Ʋnthank­ful,—Fierce, Despisers of those, that are Good,—Heady, High-minded, 2 Tim. 3. 1, &c. I beseech you to walk worthy of the Vocation, wherewith ye are cal­led: with all Lowliness and Meekness, with Long-suffering, Eph. 4. 1, 2. God hath chosen the foolish things of the World, to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the World, to confound the things, which are mighty; and base things of the World, and things, which are despised, hath God chosen—that no Flesh should glory in his Presence:—He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord, 1 Cor. 1. 27. For not he, that commendeth himself, is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth, 2 Cor. 10. 18. Ye are they, which justifie your selves before Men; but God knoweth your Hearts: for that, which is highly esteemed amongst Men, is Abomination in the Sight of God, Luk. 16. 15. How can ye be­lieve, which receive Honor one of ano­ther, and seek not the Honor, that cometh [Page 78] from God only? Joh. 5. 44. For they loved the Praise of Men, more than the Praise of God, Jo. 12. 43. Let us not be desirous of vain Glory, provoking one another, envying one another, Gal. 5. 26. Tho' I give my Body to be burned, and have not Charity, it profitteth me nothing;—Charity envieth not, Charity vaunteth not it self, is not puffed up, doth not behave it self unseemly, seek­eth not her own, 1 Cor. 13. 3, &c.

Thus plainly speaks the Rule: And now, if upon a serious weigh­ing of these Particulars, it does ap­pear, that a Universal Humility is most pressingly recommended, and Pride is condemn'd in all its Branch­es; then it must be own'd, that in whatever way we seek Glory with Men, and desire to be rais'd in the Opinion of the World; in whatever way we labor to magnifie this un­worthy Clay, give our selves the Preference to others, and, in our Hearts, despise our Neighbor; so often we forsake our Rule, and by a just Judgment upon Pride, are ren­dring our selves eternally contempti­ble [Page 79] by the very ways, in which we unduly seek Esteem.

If this be so, then, I think, Chri­stians have Reason to consider, and reform the general Method of their Lives. For, if looking upon them­selves, they see the great Business of their Thoughts, their Study, their Contrivance, their Expences, is in the Service of Pride; that in this they place their Happiness, for this they deny themselves, suffer many Inconveniencies, hazard their Health, exhaust their Estates, &c. must not they, in this, see, they make Idols of themselves, and for this self-wor­ship, despise all the Instructions Christ has given them, and forsake his Gospel? And can this way, this Martyrdom of Self-love ever bring them to Heaven? What then do they do? Believe in Christ and his Promises, and yet live in Contradi­ction to both! This is, in Fact, to renounce both our Reason and Faith; Heaven can never be the Reward of such insolent and wilful Madness: They must either follow the Ways [Page 80] of the Gospel, or lay by the Hopes of its Promises. Christians are a People, that make Profession of fol­lowing the Law of Christ: And yet in this Point, all are striving to out­do one another in departing from it; in forsaking the Ways of Humi­lity, and following those of Pride.

CHAP. XV. Of Detraction, Reviling, or Speak­ing Evil of our Neighbor.

Q. WHAT Directions does the Go­spel give, as to these Points?

A. They are all forbid: For since the Gospel commands us to love our Neighbors as our selves, and to do to all Men, as we would, that Men should do to us; it is evident, what Judg­ment we are to make of Detraction or speaking Evil of our Neighbors, which is so contrary to these Two great Precepts of the new Law. De­traction then is the Transgression of [Page 81] all, that it is so positively commanded us in the Love of our Neighbor, above­mention'd, c. 9. and is yet more ex­presly forbid.

God gave them over to a reprobate Mind, to do those things, which are not convenient; being filled with—Maliciousness; full of Envy,—Debate, Deceit, Malignity; Whisperers, Back­biters,—Despiteful, Proud, Boasters, Inventers of evil things,—Covenant-Breakers:—Who knowing the Judg­ment of God, (that they, which com­mit such things, are worthy of Death) not only do the same, but have Pleasure in them, that do them, Rom. 1. 28, &c. I fear, lest when I come, I shall not find you such, as I would;—lest there be Debates, Envyings, Wraths, Strifes, Backbitings, Whisperings, Swellings, Tumults, 2 Cor. 12. 20. Wherefore laying aside all Malice, and all Guile, and Hypocrisies, and Envyings, and all Evil-speakings, 1 Pet. 2. 1. Speak not Evil one of another, Brethren. He that speaketh Evil of his Brother, and judgeth his Brother, speaketh Evil of the Law, and judgeth the Law: But, [Page 82] if thou judge the Law, thou art not a Doer of the Law, but a Judge. There is one Law-giver, who is able to save and to destroy; who art thou, that judgest another? Jam. 4. 11. Nor Thieves, nor Covetous, nor Drunkards, nor Revilers, nor Extortioners shall in­herit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 10. Not to keep Company; if any Man, that is called a Brother, be—a Railer,—with such an one, no, not to eat, 1 Cor. 5. 11. Put them in mind—to speak Evil of no Man, to be no Brawler, but Gentle, shewing all Meekness unto all Men, Tit. 3. 2.

Thus speaks the Rule; and while it sets Detraction, or Backbiting, and Reviling, and Whispering, among those Sins, which exclude from the Possession of God; what must be said, but that they, who do these things, either know not their Rule, or think that by Custom 'tis made void? If something of this were not, how should those, who profess to believe and follow the Gospel, live on in the open Breach of it, and make that their general Entertain­ment, [Page 83] which is here declar'd a For­feiture of Happiness? This seems a strange Blindness or Delusion; and so much the greater, that it is not the Practice only of such, who, by their Wickedness, live at Defiance with Heaven; but even of those, who by their pious Endeavors, and stricter Disciplin, seem in earnest in what they profess. Here's the Sur­prize. And to these I make it my Petition, that they would take more Pains in knowing, what their Rule teaches; and since this de­clares Backbiting and Whispering to be so criminal, that they would re­member it, and no more make these their Sport. For that Piety cannot be true, which has not this Regard to the Will of God, and the Observance of his Law.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Watchfulness and Industry of a Christian Life, in Reproof of a slothful and idle Life.

Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give as to the Points of Watchfulness and Idleness?

A. It speaks plain enough.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into Temptation, Matth. 26. 41. Let your Loins be girded about, and your Lights burning; and ye your selves like unto Men, that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the Wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him imme­diately. Blessed are those Servants, whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching.—And if he shall come in the second Watch, or come in the third Watch, and find them so, blessed are those Servants. And this know, that if the good Man of the House had known what Hour the Thief would [Page 85] come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his House to be bro­ken through. Be ye therefore ready al­so; for the Son of Man cometh at an Hour, when ye think not.—Blessed is that Servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing: of a Truth I say unto you, that he will make him Ruler over all that he hath. But, and if that Servant say in his Heart, my Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the Men-servants and Maidens, and to eat, and drink, and to be drunken: the Lord of that Ser­vant will come in a Day, when he looketh not for him, and at an Hour, when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his Portion with the Ʋnbelievers, Luk. 12. 35, &c. Take heed to your selves, lest at any time your Hearts be overcharg­ed with Surfeiting, and Drunkenness, and Cares of this Life, and so that Day come upon you unawares. For as a Snare shall it come on all them, that dwell on the Face of the whole Earth: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to [Page 86] escape all these things, that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man, Luk. 21. 34. Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a Man taking a far Journey, who left his House, and gave Authority to his Servants, and to every Man his Work, and commanded the Porter to watch. Watch ye therefore (for ye know not, when the Master of the House cometh; at Even, or at Midnight, or at the Cock-crowing, or in the Morning) lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping: and what I say unto you, I say unto all, watch, Mar. 13. 33, &c. Watch therefore, for ye know, neither the Day nor the Hour, wherein the Son of Man cometh. For the Kingdom of Heaven is as a Man travelling into a far Country, who called his own Servants, and delivered unto them his Goods.—Then he, that had received the Five Talents, went and traded with the same, and made them other Five Ta­lents.—But he, that had received one, went and digged in the Earth, and hid his Lord's Money. After a long time, [Page 87] the Lord of those Servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received Five Talents, came and brought other five Talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me Five Talents; behold I have gained besides them Five Talents more. His Lord said unto him; Well done, thou good and faith­ful Servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee Ruler over many things; enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord.—Then he, which had received the one Talent, came.—His Lord said unto him; Thou wicked and slothful Servant;—Take therefore the Talent from him, and give it unto him, which hath Ten Talents,—and cast ye the unprofitable Servant into outer Darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth, Mat. 25. 13. And now also the Ax is laid unto the Root of the Trees: therefore every Tree, which bringeth not forth good Fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the Fire, Mat. 3. 10. A certain Man had a Fig-tree planted in his Vineyard, and he came and sought Fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the Dresser of his [Page 88] Vineyard; Behold, these Three Years I come seeking Fruit on this Fig-tree, and find none; Cut it down, why cumbreth it the Ground? And he answering, said unto him, Lord, let it alone this Year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it; and if it bear Fruit, well; and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down, Luk. 13. 6. Not every one, that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doth the Will of my Father, which is in Hea­ven, Mat. 7. 21. Strive to enter in at the strait Gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able, Luk. 13. 24. En­ter ye in at the strait Gate; for wide is the Gate, and broad is the Way, that leadeth to Destruction, and many there be, which go in thereat: because strait is the Gate, and narrow is the Way, which leadeth unto Life, and few there are, that find it, Mat. 7. 13. Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you, Mat. 7. 7. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, Mat. 6. 33. The [Page 89] Kingdom af Heaven suffereth Violence, and the violent take it by force, Mat. 11. 12. If any Man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his Life, shall lose it, but whosoever will lose his Life, for my sake, the same shall save it, Luk. 9. 23. If any Man come to me, and hate not his Father, and Mother, and Wife, and Children, and Brethren, and Sisters, yea, and his own Life al­so, he cannot be my Disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his Cross, and come after me, cannot be my Dis­ciple.—Whosoever he be of you, that forsaketh not all, that he hath, he can­not be my Disciple, Luk. 14. 26, 33. A certain Man made a great Supper, and bade many; and sent his Servant at Supper-time, to say to them, that were bidden, Come, for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. Then the Master of the House being angry, said;—I say unto you, that none of those Men, that were bidden, shall taste of my Supper, Luk. 13. 16, &c.

Watch ye, stand fast in the Faith, quit you like Men, be strong, 1 Cor. 16. 13. Let him, that thinketh he standeth, take heed, lest he fall, 1 Cor. 10. 12. Awake to Righteous­ness, and sin not, 1 Cor. 15. 34. Be Sober, be Vigilant; because your Ad­versary the Devil, as a roaring Lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may de­vour: Whom resist, stedfast in Faith, 1 Pet. 5. 8. My Brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the Power of his Might; put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand a­gainst the Wills of the Devil: For we wrestle not against Flesh and Blood; but against Principalities, against Pow­ers, against the Rulers of the darkness of this World.—Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil Day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your Loins girt about with Truth, and having on the Breast-plate of Righteousness; and your Feet shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace; above all, taking the Shield of Faith, wherewith ye shall [Page 91] be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the Wicked. And take the Hel­met of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all Perseverance, Eph. 6. 10. Let us not sleep, as do o­thers; but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thess. 5. 6. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee, as a Thief; and thou shalt not know, what Hour I will come upon thee, Rev. 3. 3. Therefore, my beloved Brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abound­ing in the Work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know, that your labour is not in vain in the Lord, 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: For whatsoever a Man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his Flesh, shall of the Flesh reap Cor­ruption, but he that soweth to the Spi­rit, shall of the Spirit reap Life Ever­lasting: And let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due Season we shall reap, if we faint not, Gal. 6. 7. Brethren, be not weary in well-doing, [Page 92] 2 Thess. 3. 13. God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of Love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have minister'd to the Saints, and do minister. And we desire, that every one of you do shew the same Dili­gence, to the full Assurance of Hope unto the end: That ye be not Slothful, but Followers of them, who thro' Faith and Patience inherit the Promises, Heb. 6. 10. Work out your own Sal­vation with Fear and Trembling, Phil. 2. 12. Know ye not, that they, which run in a Race, run all, but one receiveth the Prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every Man, that striveth for the Mastery, is temperate in all things: Now they do it, to ob­tain a corruptible Crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly: So fight I, not as one, that beateth the Air: But I keep under my Body, and bring it into Subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I my self should be a Cast-away, 1 Cor. 9. 24, &c. Many are called, but few are chosen, Mat. 22. 14. Wherefore the [Page 93] rather, Brethren, give Diligence to make your Calling and Election sure, 2 Pet. 1. 19. See, that ye walk circum­spectly, not as Fools, but as Wise, redeeming the time, because the Days are Evil, Eph. 5. 15. She, that liveth in Pleasure (or delicately) is dead while she liveth, 1 Tim. 5. 6. The time past of our Life may suffice us to have wrought the Will of the Gen­tiles, when we walked in Lacivious­ness, Lusts, Excess, of Wine, Revel­lings, Banquetings, and abominable Idolatries: Wherein they think it strange, that you run not with them to the same Excess of Riot, speaking evil of you, 1 Pet. 4. 3. They shall receive the Reward of Ʋnrighteousness, as they, that count it Pleasure to riot in the Day­time: Spots they are, and blemishes, sport­ing themselves with their own deceiv­ings, while they feast with you, 2 Pet. 13. How much she hath glorified her self; and lived deliciously, so much Torment and Sorrow give her, Rev. 18. 7.

Thus speaks the Rule, and so Posi­tive and Large it is, in pressing all [Page 94] to be Watchful, and to take Pains in working out their Salvation, that there must be own'd a Necessity of a Christian Life being an Industrious and Laborious Life. Let but these Heads be duly reflected on; First, The Life of Christ and the Example he has given us, both in what he did and what he suffer'd. 2dly, The Great Perfection of those Vertues, which God demands of us. 3dly, The Corruption of our Nature, which renders us averse to all these, and strongly inclines us to Evil. 4thly, The Variety of Temptations, which draw us out of the way. 5thly, The great Encouragement to Evil from Authority and Custom. 6thly, The industrious Subtilty of the De­vil. 7thly, The Uncertainty of the time granted us for doing this great Work. 8thly, The irrecoverable Ruin, attending a Miscarriage. Last­ly, The variety of Delusions, to which we are expos'd, thro' the Violence and Contrivance of our Passions. Let but these Heads, I say, be duly reflected on, and it must [Page 95] be confess'd, that Salvation is a Work of Difficulty, such as requires a constant Watchfulness, persevering Endeavors, and the best of our Care; and that, as for those, who live on, as if they had nothing to do, but to contrive, how to drink, sleep and play away their Time, and leave Salvation to the Chance, follow not the Directions so often press'd to them in the Gospel; and there­fore, whatever their suppos'd Inno­cence may be, are not in a way of of doing the Work of the Gospel. What hopes then can they have from hence, where they see unpro­fitable Servants, not rewarded, but condemn'd: Where they see great Crimes charg'd upon them, and eter­nal Wo's prepar'd in Punishment of their reputed Innocence? It must then be remember'd, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ requires of all his Fol­lowers a Watchful Life, and that Idleness, Sloth, and a constant Dis­sipation of Mind are contrary to it, and therefore to be avoided.

CHAP. XVII. Of Immodesty.

Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to this point.

A. It shews it to be very displea­sing to God, and strictly cautions all against it.

Ye have heard, that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit Adultery: But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a Woman, to lust after her, hath committed Adultery with her already in his Heart. And if thy right Eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy Members should perish, and not thy whole Body should be cast into Hell, Mat. 5. 27. Let not Sin therefore Reign in your mortal Body, that ye should o­bey it in the Lusts thereof, Rom. 6. 12. When they knew God, they glo­rified him not as God;—wherefore God also gave them up to Ʋncleanness, [Page 97] thro' the Lusts of their own Hearts, to dishonor their own Bodies.—For this Cause God gave them up unto vile Affections, Rom. 1. 21, 24, 26. I be­seech you, Brethren, by the Mercies of God, that ye present your Bodies a living Sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable Service; and be not conformed to this World, Rom. 12. 1. To be carnally minded, is Death;—because the carnal Man is Enmity against God.—We are Debters, not to the Flesh, to live after the Flesh; for if ye live after the Flesh, ye shall die: But if ye, thro' the Spirit, do mortifie the deeds of the Body, ye shall live, Rom. 8. 6, 7, &c. They that are Christ's, have crucified the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts, Gal. 5. 24. This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not, as other Gentiles walk, in the Vanity of their Mind, having the Ʋn­derstanding darkned, being alienated from the Life of God;—who being past feeling have given themselves over unto Lasciviousness, to work all Ʋncleanness with greediness: But ye have not so [Page 98] learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him;—that ye put off, concerning the former Conversation, the Old Man, which is Corrupt, according to the de­ceitful Lusts.—Let no corrupt Commu­nication proceed out of your Mouth, Eph. 4. 17, &c. But Fornication and all Ʋncleanness, or Covetousness, let it not be once named amongst you, as be­cometh Saints; neither Filthiness nor foolish Talking, nor Jesting, which are not convenient, but rather giving of Thanks: For this ye know, that no Whoremonger, nor unclean Person, nor Co­vetous Man, who is an Idolater, hath any Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ, and of God.—Have no Fellowship with the unfruitful Works of Darkness, but rather reprove them; for it is a shame even to speak of those things, which are done of them in Secret, Eph. 5. 3, &c. Mortifie therefore your Members, which are upon the Earth, Fornication, Ʋncleanness, inordinate Affection, evil Concupiscence, and Covetousness, which is Idolatry: For which things sake, the Wrath of God cometh on the Chil­dren of Disobedience:—But now you [Page 99] also put off all these; Anger, Wrath, Malice, Blasphemy, Filthy Communica­tion out of your Mouth, Col. 3. 5, &c. For this is the Will of God, even your Sanctification, that ye should abstain from Fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honor; not in the Lust of Concupiscence, even as the Gentiles, which know not God.—For God hath not called us unto Ʋnclean­ness, but unto Holiness, 1 Thes. 4. 3, &c. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the Lust of the Flesh.—Now the Works of the Flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, Fornication, Ʋnclean­ness, Laciviousness—and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have al­so told you in time past, that they, which do such things, shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, Gal. 5. 16, 19. Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as Stran­gers and Pilgrims, abstain from fleshly Lusts, which War against the Soul: Having your Conversation honest among the Gentiles, 1 Pet. 2. 11. Let us live honestly, as in the Day; not in Rioting and Drunkenness, not in Cham­bering [Page 100] and Wantonness, not in Strife and Envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not Provision for the Flesh, to fulfil the Lusts there­of, Rom. 13. 13. Dearly Beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all Filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7. 1. If any Man love the World, the Love of the Father is not in him. For all, that is in the World, the Lust of the Flesh, and the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life, is not of the Father, but is of the World: And the World pas­seth away, and the Lust thereof, but he, that doeth the Will of God, abideth for ever, 1 Joh. 2. 15, &c. Every Man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own Lust, and enticed: Then, when Lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth Sin; and Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth Death, Jam. 1. 14. Now I have written unto you, not to keep Company, if any Man, that is called a Brother, be a Fornicator, or Covetous, or an Idolater, or a Railer, or a Drunkard, or an Extortioner, with such an one, no not to eat, 1 Cor. 5. 11. Be not deceived, [Page 101] neither Fornicators, nor Idolaters, nor Adulterers, nor Effeminate, nor A­busers of themselves with Mankind,—shall inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 9. Marriage is honorable in all, and the Bed undefiled: But Whore­mongers and Adulterers God will judge, Heb. 13. 4. As you have yielded your Members Servants to Ʋn­cleanness and to Iniquity, unto Iniquity; even so now yield your Members Ser­vants to Righteousness, unto Holiness.—What Fruit had ye then in those things, whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is Death, Rom. 6. 19, 21.

Thus speaks the Rule: And is not here expresly declar'd, how cri­minal all kind of Impurity is in the sight of God, whether it be in the Heart only or Desire, or by Inordi­nate Affections, or in the Eyes, or in the Tongue, or in Actions? All kind of Sensuality and Uncleanness, both of Mind and Body, are here forbid, and mark'd with the Infa­mous Character, of being the Sins of the Gentiles or Heathens, who [Page 102] knew not God, who for their un­worthiness were given up to a Re­probate Sense. It is evident then, that all such Offences are an Abso­lute transgression of the Christian's Rule; and that to live in the Pra­ctice of them, is to live as a Hea­then. What then must be done? The Christian must remember, that the Promise of seeing God, is made to the Pure and Clean of heart; that without this, he can have no part in this Promise: That therefore he must dailyl labor to bring his Heart to this happy disposition: He must resist evil, avoid Ill company, keep a watch upon his Eyes, upon his Tongue, and upon his Heart; he must put a re­straint upon himself as to all kind of dangerous liberties; and avoid all, that can defile, if he truly desires, that his Heart should be Clean. And is this the Gospel? How few then are Chosen? Exa­min thy self by what the Apo­stle has said; The Lust of the flesh, the Lust of the eyes, the Pride of life, [Page 103] are not of the Father, 1 Jo. 2. 15. Do'st thou belong to him?

CHAP. XVIII. Of Self-denial.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give, as in this Point?

A. The Gospel declares it to be absolutely necessary for all Christi­ans.

Jesus said to his Disciples; if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross and fol­low me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it: And whosoever will lose his life, for my sake, shall find it, Mat. 16. 24. Whosoever will come af­ter me, let him deny himself, Mar. 8. 34. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross daily, and follow me, Luk. 9. 23. If any man come to me, and hate not his Father, and Mother, and Wife, and Children, and Brethren, and Si­sters, yea, and his own Life also, he [Page 104] cannot be my Disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his Cross, and come af­ter me, cannot be my Disciple. For which of you intending to build a Tow­er, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?—So likewise, whosoever he be of you, that forsaketh not all, that he hath, he cannot be my Disciple, Luk. 14. 26, 33. If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Hell, Mat. 5. 30. He, that loveth his life, shall lose it; and he, that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal, Jo. 12. 25. Reckon ye also your selves to be dead indeed unto Sin; but alive unto God, thro' Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrigh­teousness, unto sin, Rom. 6. 11. I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bring­ing me into captivity to the law of sin, [Page 105] which is in my members. O wretched man, that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death! Rom. 7. 23. Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: But if ye, thro' the Spirit, do mortifie the deeds of the body, ye shall live: For as many, as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God, Rom. 8. 12. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution?—Nay, in all these things we are more than conque­rors, thro' him that loved us, Rom. 8. 35. If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our Old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.—Now, if we be dead with Christ, we believe, that we shall also live with him, Rom. 6. 5, 8. I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bo­dies a living Sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable ser­vice: [Page 106] and be not conformed to this world: But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove, what is that good, and accepta­ble, and perfect will of God, Rom. 12. 1. Every man, that striveth for the ma­stery, is temperate in all things: Now they do it, to obtain a corruptible Crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one, that beateth the air: But I keep unto my body, and bring it under subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I my self should be a cast-away, 1 Cor. 9. 25. Always bearing about in the bo­dy, the dying of the Lord Jesus Christ, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body, 2 Cor. 4. 10. He died for all, that they, which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him, which died for them, and rose again.—Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are past away, behold, all things are become new, 2 Cor. 5. 15, 17. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not [Page 107] I, but Christ liveth in me: And the life, which I now live in the Flesh, I live by the Faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me, Gal. 2. 20. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; and the Spirit against the flesh.—If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. They that are Christ's, have crucified the flesh, with the af­fections and lusts, Gal. 5. 16, 24. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus, Gal. 6. 17. I do count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ:—That I may know him, and the power of his resur­rection, and the fellowship of his suffer­ings, being made conformable unto his death, if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead, Phil. 3. 8. Put off, concerning the former conver­sation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be [Page 108] renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness, Eph. 4. 22. The Grace of God, that bringeth Salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righte­ously and godly in this present world, Tit. 2. 12. Mortifie therefore your members, which are upon the earth; Fornication, Ʋncleanness, inordinate Af­fection,—in the which ye also walk­ed some time, when ye lived in them: But now you also put off all these—and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him, that created him, Col. 3. 5. Flee also youthful lusts: But follow righteousness, Faith, Charity, Peace, 2 Tim. 2. 22.

Thus speaks the Rule; whence it is plain above all dispute, that those, who follow their Inclinations, do not follow this Rule. We have all an inheritance of Corruption, which bends us to sin; this is entail'd on us from Adam▪ and is call'd the Old [Page 109] Man; this the Gospel commands us to put off; all such then, as strict­ly examin their Inclinations, Af­fections and Desires, and resolutely stand against those, which they per­ceive to be sinful, or can suspect as leading to sin, are the Persons, who live by the Rule, which they pro­fess; and if they study to improve those better Impressions, which are the effects of Grace, it cannot be question'd, but they will be cloath'd with the New Man, and, while in the Flesh, even live by the Spirit. But this cannot be their Character, who being subject to great variety of Worldly and Sensual Inclinations, who finding no Relish in their Souls, but of what is in favor of their Pride, Va­nity, Idleness and of Self-love in all its Shapes, are so far from using due means for suppressing them, that their whole Life is an Obedience to their demands; for certainly these have no regard to what the Gospel prescribes; their Life is a Contra­diction to its Rules; they indulge [Page 110] their Corruption, which God com­mands them to resist; and there­fore being found under the Subjecti- of the old Man, can never expect, while under this Slavery, to come to the Liberty of the Children of God. Either do what the Gospel requires, or else look for no other Portion, but with Unbelievers.

CHAP. XIX. Of Suffering, Affliction or Perse­cution.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give, as to these Points?

A. It speaks very largely of them, and shews, with what Spirit a Chri­stian ought to submit.

Blessed are they, which are persecu­ted for Righteousness sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye, when Men shall revile you, and per­secute you, and shall say all manner of [Page 111] evil against you falsly, for my sake: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your Reward in Heaven: For so persecuted they the Prophets, which were before you, Mat. 5. 10. Ye have heard, that it hath been said; an Eye for an Eye, and a Tooth for a Tooth; but I say unto you, that ye resist not Evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right Cheek, turn him the other also, Mat. 5. 38. He, that taketh not his Cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He, that findeth his Life, shall lose it; and he, that loseth his Life for my sake, shall find it. Fear not them, which kill the Body, but are not able to kill the Soul; but rather fear him, which is able to destroy both Soul and Body in Hell. Are not two Sparrows Sold for a Far­thing? And one of them shall not fall on the Ground, without your Father: But the very Hairs of your Head are all number'd: Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more Value, than many Spar­rows. Whosoever therefore shall con­fess me before Men, him will I confess al­so before my Father, which is in Hea­ven.—Think [Page 112] not, that I am come to send Peace on Earth, I came not to send Peace, but a Sword, Mat. 10. 38, 28. Behold, I send you forth as Sheep in the midst of Wolves.—But beware of Men, for they will deliver you up to the Coun­sels, and they will Scourge you in their Synagogues; and ye shall be brought before Governors and Kings, for my sake.—And the Brother shall deliver up the Brother to Death, and the Father the Child: And the Children shall rise up against their Parents, and cause them to be put to Death. And ye shall be hated of all Men, for my names sake: But he, that endureth to the end shall be saved. The Disciple is not above his Master, nor the Servant above his Lord. It is enough for the Disciple, that be be, as his Master, and the Servant, as his Lord: If they have called the Master of the House Beelze­bub; how much more shall they call them of his Houshold, Mat. 10. 16. Then shall they deliver you up to be af­flicted, and shall kill you; and ye shall be hated of all Nations, for my names sake, Mat. 24. 9. They shall put you [Page 113] out of the Synagogues; yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think, that he doeth God Ser­vice.—Verily, verily I say unto you, that ye shall Weep and Lament; but the World shall rejoice and ye shall be sorrowful; but your Sorrow shall be turned into Joy.—And ye now there­fore have Sorrow; but I will see you again; and your Heart shall rejoice, and your Joy no Man taketh from you, Jo. 16. 2, 20. If the World hate you, ye know, that it hated me, before it ha­ted you, Jo. 15. 18.

Every Branch, that beareth Fruit, he (my Father) purgeth it, that it may bring forth more Fruit, Jo. 15. 2. Master, who did sin, this Man, or his Parents, that he was born Blind? Jesus answered; neither hath this Man sinned, nor his Parents: But that the Works of God should be made manifest in him. Jo. 9. 2. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his Glory? Luk. 24. 26. And when they had called the Apostles, and beaten them, they commanded, that they should not speak in the Name of [Page 114] Jesus, and let them go: And they de­parted from the presence of the Counsel, rejoicing, that they were counted worthy to suffer Shame for his Name, Act. 5. 40. We rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God; and not only so; but we Glory in Tribulations also, knowing that Tribula­tion worketh Patience, Rom. 5. 2. Heirs God, and Joint-heirs with Christ; if so be, that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon, that the Sufferings of this present Time, are not worthy to be com­pared with the Glory, which shall be revealed in us, Rom. 8. 17. For we know, that the whole Creation groaneth, and travelleth in Pain together, until now.—What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?—Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? Shall Tri­bulation, or Distress, or Persecution, or Famine, or Nakedness, or Peril, or Sword? (As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as Sheep for the Slaughter:) Nay, in all these things, we are more than Conquerors, thro' [Page 115] him, that loved us. For I am per­swaded, that neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor Height, nor Depth, nor any other Creature, shall be able to se­parate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Rom. 8. 22, 31, 35.

I think that God hath set forth us the Apostles last, as it were appointed to Death: For we are made a Spectacle unto the World, and to Angels, and to Men. We are Fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ: We are weak, but ye are strong: Ye are honorable, but we are despised. Even unto this present Hour, we both Hunger and Thirst, and are Naked, and are Buffeted, and have no certain Dwelling-place; and labour, working with our own Hands: Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: We are made as the Filth of the World, and are the off-scouring of all things un­to this Day, 1 Cor. 4. 9. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord [Page 116] Jesus Christ, the Father of Mercies, and the God of all Comfort; who comforteth us in all our Tribulations;—for as the Sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our Consolation also aboundeth by Christ.—For we would not, Bre­thren, have you ignorant of our Trou­ble, which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of Measure, above Strength, insomuch that we despaired even of Life: But we had the Sentence of Death in our selves, that we should not trust in our selves, but in God, which raiseth the Dead, who delivered us from so great a Death, and doth de­liver; in whom we trust, that he will yet deliver us, 2 Cor. 1. 3, 8. And our Hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as you are Partakers of the Suffer­ings; so shall ye be also of the Conso­lation, Ib. v. 7. We have this Trea­sure in earthen Vessels, that the Ex­cellency of the Power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on e­very side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; perse­cuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing a­bout [Page 117] in the Body, the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the Life also of Je­sus might be made manifest in our Body. For we, which live, are always delivered unto Death for Jesus sake, that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal Flesh. So then Death worketh in us, but Life in you.—For which cause we faint not; but tho' our outward Man perish, yet the inward Man is renewed day by day. For our light Affliction, which is but for a Moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal Weight of Glory; while we look not at the things, which are seen, but at the things, which are not seen: for the things, which are seen, are Temporal; but the things, which are not seen, are Eternal, 2 Cor. 4. 7, 16.

I am filled with Comfort, I am ex­ceeding joyful in all our Tribulation. For when we were come into Macedo­nia, our Flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were Fightings, within were Fears. Nevertheless, God that comforteth those, that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 2 Cor. 7. 4. Ye [Page 118] suffer, if a Man bring you into Bon­dage, if a Man devour you, if a Man take of you, if a Man exalt himself, if a Man simite you on the Face.—Are they Ministers of Christ? I am more: In Labours more abundant, in Stripes above measure, in Prisons more frequent, in Deaths oft. Of the Jews, five times received I forty Stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with Rods, once was I Stoned, thrice I suffered Ship­wrack; a Night and a Day I have been in the Deep: In Journeying often, in Perils of Waters▪ in Perils of Robbers, in Perils by my own Countrymen, in Perils by the Heathen, in Perils in the City, in Perils in the Wilderness, in Perils in the Sea, in Perils among false Brethren.—In Damascus the Governor under Aretas the King, kept the City of the Damascens with a Garison, desirous to apprehend me; and thro' a Window in a Basket was I let down by the Wall, and es­caped his Hands, 2 Cor. 11. 20, 23. Lest I should be exalted above Measure thro' the abundance of the Revelations, there was given to me a Thorn in the Flesh, the Messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above Mea­sure. [Page 119] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, my Grace is sufficient for thee: For my Strength is made perfect in Weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my Infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take Pleasure in Infirmities, in Reproaches, in Necessities, in Persecutions, in Di­stresses for Christ's sake: For when I am weak, then am I strong, 2 Cor. 12. 7. What things were Gain to me, those I counted Loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I do count all things but Loss, for the Excellency of the Know­ledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: For whom I have suffered the Loss of all things, and do count them but Dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, Phil. 3. 7. I have learned, in whatever State I am, therewith to be content: I know both how to be aba­sed, and I know how to abound: E­verywhere and in all things I am in­structed, both to be full, and to be hun­gry, both to abound, and to suffer need. I can do all things thro' Christ, which strengtheneth me, Phil. 4. 11. [Page 120] Whereof (of the Gospel) I Paul am made a Minister; who now rejoice in my Sufferings for you, and fill up that, which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh, for his Body's sake, which is the Church, Col. 1. 23.

We our selves glory in you in the Churches of God, for your Patience and Faith in all your Persecutions and Tri­bulations, that ye endure: which is a manifest Token of the Righteous Judg­ment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer; seeing it is a righteous thing with God, to recom­pence Tribulation to them, that trouble you; and to you, who are troubled, rest with us, 2 Thess. 1. 4. I suffer Trouble, as an evil Doer, even unto Bonds; but the Word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things, for the Elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the Salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with Eternal Glory. It is a faithful Saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will de­ny [Page 121] us, 2 Tim. 2. 9. Thou hast fully known my Doctrine, manner of Life, Purpose, Faith, Long-suffering, Cha­rity, Patience, Persecutions, Afflicti­ons, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what Perse­cutions I endured; but out of them all the Lord delivered me: yea, and all, that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer Persecution, 2 Tim. 3. 10. We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the Angels, for the suffer­ing of Death, crowned with Glory and Honour; that he, by the Grace of God, should taste Death for every Man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bring­ing many Sons unto Glory, to make the Captain of their Salvation perfect thro' Sufferings, Heb. 2. 9. Tho' he were a Son, yet learned he Obedience, by the things which he suffered: and being made perfect, he became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them, that obey him, Heb. 5. 8. It is a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the liv­ing God, but call to Remembrance the former Days, in which, after ye were [Page 122] illuminated, ye endured a great fight of Afflictions: partly, whilst ye were made a gazing-stock, both by Reproaches and Afflictions; and partly, whilst ye be­came Companions of them, that were so used. For ye had Compassion of me in my Bonds, and took joyfully the spoil­ing of your Goods, knowing in your selves, that ye have in Heaven a bet­ter, and an enduring Substance. Cast not away therefore your Confidence, which hath great Recompence of Re­ward. For ye have need of Patience; that after ye have done the Will of God, ye might receive the Promise. For yet a little while, and he, that shall come, will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by Faith: but if any Man draw back, my Soul shall have no Pleasure in him. But we are not of them, who draw back unto Perdition; but of them, that believe, to the sa­ving of the Soul, Heb. 10. 31. By Faith, Moses, when he was come to Years, refused to be called the Son of Pharoah's Daughter; chusing rather to suffer Affliction with the People of God, than to enjoy the Pleasures of Sin [Page 123] for a season; esteeming the Reproach of Christ, greater Riches, than the Trea­sures of Egypt; for he had Respect unto the Recompence of the Reward—What shall I more say—of the Pro­phets, who, thro' Faith subdued King­doms, wrought Righteousness, obtain'd Promises, stopped the Mouths of Lions, quenched the Violence of Fire?—O­thers were tortured, not accepting De­liverance; that they might obtain a better Resurrection. And others had Trial of cruel Mockings and Scourg­ings, yea, moreover of Bonds and Im­prisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the Sword; they wander'd about in Sheep-skins and Goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented: (of whom the World was not worthy) they wander'd in Desarts, and in Mountains, and in Dens and Caves of the Earth, Heb. 11. 23, 32. Where­fore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a Cloud of Witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the Sin, which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with Patience the Race, that is [Page 124] set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith; who, for the Joy that was set before him, endured tbe Cross, despising the Shame, and is set down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God. For con­sider him, that endured such Contra­diction of Sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your Minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto Blood, stri­ving against Sin. And ye have forgot­ten the Exhortation, which speaketh un­to you, as unto Children; My Son, de­spise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint, when thou art rebu­ked of him: for whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every Son, whom he receiveth. If ye endure cha­stening, God dealeth with you, as with Sons: for what Son is he, whom the Father chasteneth not? But if ye be without Chastisement, whereof all are Partakers, then are ye Bastards, and not Sons. Furthermore, we have had Fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them Reverence: shall we not much rather be in Subjection unto the Father of Spirits and live? [Page 125] For they verily for a few Days chasten­ed us, after their own Pleasure; but he for our Profit, that we might be Par­takers of his Holiness. Now, no cha­stening for the present seemeth to be joy­ous, but grievous: nevertheless, after­ward it yieldeth the peaceable Fruit of Righteousness unto them, which are ex­ercised thereby. Wherefore, lift up the Hands, which hang down, and the feeble Knees, and make straight Paths for your Feet, lest that, which is lame, be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed, Heb. 12. 1.

Paul and Barnabas preached the Gospel—confirming the Souls of the Disciples, and exhorting them to conti­nue in the Faith, and that we must, thro' much Tribulation, enter into the Kingdom of God, Act. 14. 22. And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befal me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every Ci­ty, saying, that Bonds and Afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my Life dear unto my self, so that I might finish my [Page 126] Course with Joy, and the Ministry, which I have received of the Lord Je­sus, Act. 20. 22. Then Paul answer­ed; What mean ye to weep, and to break my Heart? For I am ready, not to be bound only, but also to die at Je­rusalem, for the Name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 21. 13. My Brethren, count it all Joy, when ye fall into di­vers Temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your Faith worketh Pa­tience. But let Patience have her per­fect Work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.—Blessed is the Man, that endureth Temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them, that love him, Jam. 1. 2, 12. Take, my Brethren, the Prophets, who have spoken in the Name of the Lord, for an Example of suffering Affliction, and of Patience. Behold, we count them happy, which endure. Ye have heard of the Patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord: that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy, Jam. 5. 10. This is thank-worthy, if a Man, for [Page 127] Conscience toward God, endure Grief, suffering wrongfully. For what Glory is it, if when ye be buffetted for your Faults, ye shall take it patiently? But, if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently; this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no Sin, neither was Guile found in his Mouth: who, when he was revi­led, reviled not again; when he suf­fered, he threatned not; but commit­ted himself to him, that judgeth righ­teously: who his own self bare our Sins in his own Body on the Tree, that we being dead to Sin, should live un­to Righteousness; by whose Stripes ye were healed, 1 Pet. 2. 19.

Who is he, that will harm you, if ye be followers of that, which is good? But, and if ye suffer for Righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their Terror, neither be troubled; but sanctifie the Lord God in your Hearts:—for it is better, if the Will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing, [Page 128] than for evil-doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for Sins, the just for the unjust, (that he might bring us to God) being put to death in the Flesh, but quickned by the Spi­rit, 1 Pet. 3. 13, 17. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as tho' same strange thing happen'd unto you: but rejoice, in as much as ye are Par­takers of Christ's Sufferings; that when his Glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with ex­ceeding Joy. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of Glory, and of God, rest­eth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glori­fied. But let none of you suffer as a Murtherer, or as a Thief, or as an evil Doer, or as a Busie-body in other Men's Matters. Yet if any Man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorifie God on this behalf. For the time is come, that Judgment must begin at the House of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them, that obey not the Gos­pel [Page 129] of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved; where shall the Ʋn­godly and the Sinner appear? Where­fore, let them, that suffer according to the Will of God, commit the keeping of their Souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator, 1 Pet. 4. 12. What are these, which are arrayed in white Robes? And whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou know­est. And he said to me; These are they, which came out of great Tribula­tion, and have washed their Robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the Throne of God, and serve him Day and Night in his Temple:—and God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes, Rev. 7. 13.

Thus speaks the Rule; so full and plain, that a Christian must hence see, what Judgment he is to frame of all the Afflictions of this Life, and what use he is to make of them. He is to consider them as the Effect of the Divine Will, as the Trial and Improvement of Vir­tue, as the Exercise of Patience, as [Page 130] the Portion, which Christ chose for himself, and for his best Servants; and hence, that by a due Submissi­on to them, they may be very ser­viceable in the gaining an eternal Crown. Therefore in practice, he is neither to murmur, nor sink in Spirit under them, as under Mis­fortunes; but first endeavor to sub­mit with Resolution, as to the cer­tain Ordinance of the Divine Will, and then even to receive with Comfort, what God knows to be best for him, and may be very advantageous to him for obtaining Mercy and Glory. Thus the Gos­pel directs. Such then, as sincerely desire to be Followers of it, must la­bour to compose their Spirits in this manner, under all kind of Af­flictions; that is, with Meekness, Patience, Humility, Submission and Comfort, for this is the Spirit of the Gospel; and they, who take no Pains, or very little, to come into this Method, but yield to the Inclinations of Nature, in grieving, fretting, murmuring, &c. it is plain, [Page 131] as far, as they wilfully or affected­ly follow Nature in this Point, so far they depart from the Gospel.

CHAP. XX. Of Temptations.

Q. DO's the Gospel give any Directi­ons in this Point?

A. It do's; and such, as ought to be observ'd.

The Devil taketh him up into an ex­ceeding high Mountain, and sheweth him all the Kingdoms of the World, and the Glory of them; and saith unto him; All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the Devil leaveth him, and behold, Angels came and minister'd unto him, Mat. 4. 8. Be sober, be vigilant; because your Adversary the Devil, as a roaring Lion, walketh [Page 132] about, seeking, whom he may devour: Whom resist, stedfast in Faith, know­ing that the same Afflictions are accom­plished in your Brethren, that are in the World. But the God of all Grace, who hath called us unto his eternal Glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you, 1 Pet. [...] Devil, and he will flee from you▪ Draw nigh to God; and he will draw nigh to you.—Humble your selves in the Sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up, Jam. 4. 7, 10. Peter said; Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine Heart, to lie to the Holy Ghost, and keep back part of the Price of the Land? Act. 5. 3. Let him, that thinketh he standeth, take heed, lest he fall. There hath no Temp­tation taken you, but such, as is common to Man: But God is Faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will, with the Temptation also make a Way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it, 1 Cor. 10. 12. Lest I should be exalted above Measure, thro' the abundance of the [Page 133] Revelations, there was given to me a Thorn in the Flesh, the Messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be ex­alted above Measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me; my Grace is sufficient for thee: For my Strength is made perfect in Weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my Infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me.—For when I am weak, then am I strong, 2 Cor. 12. 7. We glory in Tri­bulations also, knowing that Tribula­tion worketh Patience, and Patience, Experience; and Experience, Hope, Rom. 5. 3. My Brethren, count all Joy, when ye fall into divers Tempta­tions; knowing this, that the trying of your Faith work th [...] Patience; but let Patience have her perfect Work, that ye may be Perfect and Entire, wanting nothing.—Blessed is the Man, that en­dureth Temptation; for▪ when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them, that love him. Let no Man say, when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: [Page 134] For God cannot be tempted with E­vil, neither tempteth he any Man. But every Man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own Lust, and enticed. Then when Lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth Sin: And Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth Death, Jam. 1. 2, 12. Wherein ye greatly re­joice, tho' now for a Season (if need be) ye are in Heaviness, thro' mani­fold Temptations: That the Trial of your Faith, being much more precious than of Gold that perisheth, tho' it be tried with Fire, might be found unto Praise, and Honor, and Glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ; whom ha­ving not seen ye love, 1 Pet. 1. 6. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of Temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the Day of Judgment to be punished, 2 Pet. 2. 9.

Fear none of those things, which thou shalt suffer: Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into Prison, that ye may be tried: And ye shall have Tri­bulation Ten Days: Be thou Faithful unto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life, Rev. 2. 10.

Thus speaks the Rule: Whence many Particulars are made evident: First, That Good and Holy Persons are not exempt from Temptations; but that even these may be assaulted by the worst and most abominable of all Temptations, as appears in the Person of Christ and his Apostle. 2dly, That God tries his best Ser­vants with many and great Difficul­ties, which Trials are often call'd Temptations; not Temptations to Sin, but for the Trial of Fidelity and greater Improvement in Virtue. 3dly, That a Christian ought not to grieve, when under such Temptati­ons or Trials, but rather rejoice, be­cause he knows this is the Effect of God's Love, and that an eternal Crown is promis'd the Reward of his Patience. 4thly, That therefore, under all such Trials he ought to have his Hope fix'd on God with an entire Confidence of being ever sup­ported by his Grace, that he will give him Strength proportion'd to his Trials, and either continue or take them away, as he knows to be [Page 136] best for him. 5thly, That the De­vil, taking the Advantage of his na­tural Corruption, lays many Temp­tations before him, and by these pro­vokes him to Sin; and in this Way. God tempts no Man, it being whol­ly Inconsistent with his Goodness. Lastly, That with great Watchful­ness he is to observe these Designs of his Enemy, and with Resolution stand against them; and that upon so doing he cannot fail of being Con­queror thro' God's assisting Grace.

These being Truths deliver'd in the Christian's Rule, he must care­fully observe them. He must re­ceive all Trials, which come from the Hand of God, with great Pati­ence, Courage and Fidelity, and dai­ly endeavor in Spirit to rejoice un­der them. He must not be dejected at the most malicious Assaults of the Devil, but either despise or resist them. He must bear such Tempta­tions as are common to our Nature, with Humility; and never Wilful­ly, Carlesly or Presumptuously put himself into Temptation. They, [Page 137] who do thus, may confide in the Grace of God, which will be suffici­ent for them. And they who do otherwise, forsake their Rule, and there can be no Surprize, if they are forsaken by him, who has given it them, for their Direction and Secu­rity.

CHAP. XXI. Of Virgins.

Q. HAving seen, what the Gospel di­rects in these General Duties, which belong to all, that profess the Name of Christ; let me now hear, what it says to the Particular States of Christians; that so, having this drawn under several Heads, every one may have the Opportunity of seeing, what is the Will of God in regard of them, and what Instructions Christ has laid upon them. And First, What do's the Gospel say of Virgins?

A. It speaks very particularly of them.

There are some Eunuchs, which were so born from their Mothers Womb: And there are some Eunuchs, which were made Eunuchs of Men: And there be Eunuchs which have made themselves Eunuchs, for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. He that is able to re­ceive it, let him receive it, Mat. 19. 12. The Kingdom of Heaven shall be likened unto Ten Virgins, which took their Lamps, and went forth to meet the Bridegroom. And Five of them were Wise, and Five were Foolish. They, that were Foolish, took their Lamps, and took no Oyl with them: But the Wise took Oyl in their Vessels, with their Lamps.—The Bride­groom came, and they that were ready, went in with him to the Mar­riage, and the Door was shut. After­ward came also the other Virgins▪ saying, Lord, Lord, open to us: But he answer­ed and said; Verily, I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the Day nor the Hour, Mat. 25. 1. It is good for a Man not to touch a Woman. Nevertheless, to avoid For­nication, let every Man have his own [Page 139] Wife, and let every Woman have her own Husband.—But I speak this by Permission, and not of Commandment. For I would that all Men were even as I my self: But every Man hath his proper Gift of God, one after this man­ner, and another after that. I say therefore to the Ʋnmarried and Widows, it is good for them, if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them Marry: For it is better to Mar­ry than to Burn.—But, as God hath di­stributed to every Man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk; and so ordain I in all the Churches.—Now concerning Virgins, I have no Commandment of the Lord: Yet I give my Judgment, as one, that hath obtained Mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I suppose therefore, that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a Man so to be. Art thou bound unto a Wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a Wife? Seek not a Wife.—But I would have you without Carefulness. He, that is Ʋnmarried careth for the things, that belong to the Lord, how he may [Page 140] please the Lord: But he, that is Mar­ried, careth for the things that are of the World, how he may please his Wife. Thee is difference also between a Wife and a Virgin: The unmarried Woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy, both in Body and Spirit: But she, that is Mar­ried, careth for the things of the World, how she may please her Hus­band. And this I speak for your own profit, not that I may cast a Snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that you may attend upon the Lord without Distraction. But if any Man think, that he behaveth himself un­comely toward his Virgin, if she pass the Flower of her Age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sin­neth not: Let them Marry. Neverthe­less, he that standeth stedfast in his Heart, having no Necessity, but hath Power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his Heart, that he will keep his Virgin, doth well. So then, he that giveth her in Marriage, doth well: but he, that giveth her not in Marriage, doth better, 1 Cor 7. 1, 6, [Page 141] 17, 25. I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, ha­ving his Father's Name written in their Foreheads.—And they sung as it were a new Song before the Throne, and be­fore the four Beasts, and the Elders: And no Man could learn that Song, but the hundred and forty and four thou­sand, which were redeemed from the Earth. These are they, which were not defiled with Women; for they are Vir­gins: These are they, which follow the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth: These were redeemed from among Men, being the First-fruits unto God, and to the Lamb. And in their Mouth was found no Guile: For they are without Fault before the Throne of God, Rev. 14. 1, 3.

Thus the Rule: In which these Particulars are declar'd: First, That it is lawful and good to Marry; but that it is better to remain Unmarried: 2dly, That the Unmarried State has much the Advantage of the other, for tending upon the Lord with less Distraction. 3dly, That there are Persons, which remain Unmarried [Page 142] for gaining the Kingdom of Heaven. Lastly, That if such are not duly watchful in preparing for the com­ing of the Spouse, they are not Wise, and will be shut out with Unbelie­vers.

CHAP. XXII. Of Married Persons, Husband and Wife.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give, as to the State of Marriage, and to those, which are engag'd in it?

A. It speaks very particularly upon this Subject, and what ought to be well consider'd by all concern'd. First, That it is not to be dissolv'd.

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him: Is it lawful for a Man to put away his Wife for every Cause? And he an­swered and said unto them; have you not read, that he which made them at the beginning, made them Male and [Page 143] Female? And said, for this Cause shall a Man leave Father and Mother, and shall cleave to his Wife, and they twain shall be one Flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one Flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not Man put asunder. —Moses, because of the Hardness of your Hearts, suf­fered you to put away your Wives; but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you; whosoever shall put away his Wife, except it be for Fornication, and shall Marry another, committeth Adultery; and whoso marrieth her, which is put away, doth commit Adultery, Mat. 19. 3. Ʋnto the Married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the Wife depart from her Husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her Husband: And let not the Husband put away his Wife, 1 Cor. 7. 10. The Woman, which hath an Husband, is bound by the Law to her Husband, so long as he liveth: But if the Husband be dead, she is loosed from the Law of her Hus­band. So then, if while her Husband [Page 144] liveth, she be Married to another Man, she shall be called an Adulte­ress: But if her Husband be dead, she is free from that Law; so that, she is no Adulteress, tho' she be Married to another Man, Rom. 7. 2. The Wife is bound by the Law, as long as her Husband liveth: But if her Hus­band he dead, she is at Liberty to be Married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier, if she so abide, after my Judgment: And I think also, that I have the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. 7. 39.

2dly, As to difference of Religion in Man and Wife, S. Paul thus gives his Judgment. To the rest speak I, not the Lord, if any Brother hath a Wife, that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the Woman, which hath an Husband, that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving Husband is sanctified by the Wife, and the unbelieving Wife is sanctified by the Husband: Else were your Children unclean; but now they are holy. But [Page 145] if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A Brother or a Sister is not under Bon­dage in such Cases: But God hath cal­led us to Peace. For what knowest thou, O Wife, whether thou shalt save thy Husband? Or how knowest thou, O Man, whether thou shalt save thy Wife? But as God hath distributed to every Man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk: And so or­dain I in all the Churches, 1 Cor. 7. 12.

3dly, As to one part of their mu­tual Obligation: Let the Husband render unto the Wife due Benevolence: And likewise also the Wife unto the Husband. The Wife hath not Power of her own Body, but the Husband: And likewise also the Husband hath not Power of his own Body, but the Wife. Defraud you not one the other, ex­cept it be with consent for a Time, that ye may give your selves to Fasting and Prayer; and come together again, that Sa­tan tempt you not for your Incontinency. But I speak this by Permission, and not of Commandment, 1 Cor. 7. 3.

4thly, That they may and ought [Page 146] to live holily: There was in the Days of Herod the King of Judea, a certain Priest, named Zacharias, of the Course of Abia: And his Wife was of the Daughters of Aaron, and her Name was Elizabeth. And they were both righte­ous before God, walking in all the Com­mandments and Ordinances of the Lord, blameless, and they had no Child, be­cause that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years, Luk. 1. 5. This I say, Bre­thren, the time is short. It remaineth, that both they, that have Wives, be as tho' they had none; and they that weep, as tho' they wept not; and they that rejoice, as tho' they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as tho' they possessed not; and they that use this World, as not a­busing it: For the fashion of this World passeth away, 1 Cor. 7. 29. We beseech you, Brethren, and exhort you, by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us, how ye ought to walk, and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know, what Commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the Will [Page 147] of God, even your Sanctification, that ye should abstain from Fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honor; not in the Lust of Concupis­cence, even as the Gentiles, which know not God, 1 Thess. 4. 1. Mar­riage is honorable in all, and the Bed undefiled: But Whoremongers and A­dulterers God will judge. Let your Conversation be without Covetousness: and be content with such things, as ye have: For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, Heb. 13. 4.

5thly, That there are great Du­ties of mutual Love and Support be­longing to them; and that Order is to be observ'd, which God has ap­pointed between them. I would have you know, that the Head of every Man is Christ; and the Head of the Woman is the Man; and the Head of Christ is God.—A Man indeed ought not to cover his Head, (praying) for as much as he is the Image and Glo­ry of God: But the Woman is the Glory of the Man. For the Man is not of the [Page 148] Woman; but the Woman of the Man. Neither was the Man created for the Woman; but the Woman for the Man. For this Cause ought the Woman to have Power on her Head, because of the Angels. Nevertheless, neither is the Man without the Woman, neither the Woman without the Man in the Lord. For as the Woman is of the Man, even so is the Man also by the Woman; but all things of God, 1 Cor. 11. 3, 7. Submitting your selves one to another in the Fear of God.

Wives, submit your selves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord. For the Husband is the Head of the Wife, even as Christ is Head of the Church: And he is the Saviour of the Body. Therefore as the Church is sub­ject unto Christ, so let the Wives be to their own Husbands in every thing.

Husbands love your Wives even as Christ loved the Church, and also gave himself for it: That he might sanctifie and cleanse it.—So ought Men to love their Wives, as their own Bodies: He that loveth his Wife, loveth himself. For no Man ever yet hated his own Flesh; [Page 149] but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church: For we are Members of his Body, of his Flesh, and of his Bones. For this Cause shall a Man leave his Father and Mother, and shall be joined unto his Wife, and they two shall be one Flesh. This is a great Mystery: But I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless,

Let every one of you in particular, so love his Wife, even as himself; and the Wife see, that she reverence her Husband, Eph. 5. 21, 28.

Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Husbands, love your Wives, and be not bitter against them, Col. 3. 18.

Ye Wives, be in Subjection to your own Husbands; that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the Conversation of the Wives, while they behold your chaste Conversation coupled with Fear. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the Hair, and of wearing of Gold, or of putting on of Apparel: but let it be the hidden Man of the Heart, in that, which is not [Page 150] corruptible, even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit, which is in the Sight of God of great Price. For after this manner in the Old Time, the holy Women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in Subjection unto their own Husbands, even as Sara obeyed A­braham, calling him Lord: Whose Daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not affraid with any A­mazement, 1 Pet. 3. 1.

Likewise ye Husbands, dwell with them according to Knowledge, giving Honor unto the Wife, as unto the weaker Vessel, and as being Heirs toge­ther of the Grace of Life; that your Prayers be not hinder'd, 1 Pet. 3. 7.

Teach the young Women to be sober, to love their Husbands, to love their Children, to be Discreet, Chaste, keep­ers at Home, good, obedient to their own Husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed, Tit. 2. 4.

Young Men likewise exhort to be So­ber-minded, Tit. 2. 6.

That the aged Men be Sober, Grave, Temperate, Sound in Faith, in Cha­rity, in Patience, Tit. 2. 2.

The aged Women likewise, that they be in Behavior, as becometh Holiness, not false Accusers, not given to much Wine, Teachers of good things, Tit. 2. 3.

I will that Men pray every where, lifting up holy Hands, without Wrath and Doubting, 1 Tim. 2. 8.

In like manner also, that Women a­dorn themselves in modest Apparel, with Shamefacedness and Sobriety: Not broider'd Hair, or Gold, or Pearls, or costly Array; but (which becometh Women professing Godliness) with good Works. Let the Women learn in silence with all Subjection. But I suffer not a Woman to teach, nor to usurp Authority over the Man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the Woman being de­ceived, was in the Transgression. Not­withstanding she shall be saved in Child-bearing, if they continue in Faith, and Charity, and Holiness with Sobriety, 1 Tim. 2. 9.

Let your Women keep silence in the Churches: For it is not permitted un­to them to speak; but they are com­manded [Page 152] to be under Obedience, as also saith the Law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their Husbands at Home: For it is a Shame for Women to speak in the Church, 1 Cor. 14. 34.

Thus speaks the Rule, and so particularly, that there can be no need of repeating it. Let all then, who engage in this State, remember the Charge here given, and distin­guish themselves from Heathens, by endeavoring to be punctual in it. The State is what God has or­dain'd for the Propagation of Man­kind, and filling up the Number of the Elect. Thus it becomes sancti­fied to the Faithful, and ought to be undertaken, not in the Spirit of Brutes, or of the World, but in the Fear of God, and the Spirit of true Holiness; so as to hope for the Bles­sing of a manifold Grace, such as may be necessary for satisfying all the Obligations belonging to their State. For a help in this, I wish they would often read, what the Word of God here speaks to them, that so being [Page 153] frequently reminded of their Duty, they may be solicitous, in comply­ing with it. In undertaking this State, they have undertaken these Obligations; and if they are not careful in satisfying them, they are faithless and unjust; and what then will it avail them to be just in other Duties, if they are unjust in these, which are annext to their State? Custom may seem to lessen the Guilt; but this is a Snare for such, as are willing to be deceiv'd; for certainly it cannot be a Lessen­ing, but an Aggravation of Sin, to live always in it.

CHAP. XXIII. Of Widows.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give, as to this State?

A. It speaks very particularly of it.

There was one Anna a Prophetess, the Daughter of Phanuel, of the Tribe [Page 154] of Aser; she was of a great age, and had lived with an Husband seven Years from her Virginity. And she was a Widow of about fourscore and four Years; which departed not from the Temple, but served God with Fastings and Prayer Night and Day, Luke 2. 36.

I say to the Ʋnmarried and Widows, [...] for them, if they abide, even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry, than to burn.—But, as God hath di­stributed to every Man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk: and so ordain I in all the Churches, 1 Cor. 7. 8, 17.

The unmarried Woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in Body and in Spirit: but she, that is married, careth for the things of the World, how she may please her Husband. And this I speak for your own Profit, not that I may cast a Snare upon you; but for that, which is comely, and that you may attend up­on the Lord without Distraction.—The Wife is bound by the Law, as long as [Page 155] her Husband liveth: but if her Hus­band be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier, if she so a­bide, after my Judgment: and I think also, that I have the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. 7. 34, 39.

Honor Widows, that are Widows indeed. But if any Widow have Chil­dren or Nephews, let them learn first to shew Piety at home, and to requite their Parents: for that is good and accep­table before God. Now she, that is a Widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in Supplications and Prayers night and day. But she, that liveth in pleasure, is dead, while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own House, he hath denied the Faith, and is worse than an Infidel. Let not a Widow be taken into the number, under Three­score Years old, having been the Wife of one Man, well reported of for good Works; if she have brought up Chil­dren, if she have lodged Strangers, if [Page 156] she have washed the Saints Feet, if she have relieved the Afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good Work. But the younger Widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry, having Damnation, because they have cast off their first Faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from House to House; and not only idle, but Tattlers also, and Busie-bodies, speak­ing things, which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger Women marry, bear Children, guide the House, give none Occasion to the Adversary to speak reproachfully, for some are alrea­dy turned aside after Satan. If any Man or Woman, that believeth, have Widows, let them relieve them, and let not the Church be charged; that it may relieve them, that are Widows indeed, 1 Tim. 5. 3.

Thus speaks the Rule to Persons of this State, plainly shewing, what are the Advantages to be made of it, and what the Exercises, by which they may recommend themselves to the Favor of Heaven. Such then, as [Page 157] desire the Comforts of his Protecti­on, who reckons Widows a parti­cular part of his Care, may here see how they may be of this number, since they have him for their Infor­mer, who offers his Help. Thus then they may be Happy, and even Gainers by their Loss, in the tender Offers of a Heavenly Father. But if they look not for this Privilege; but still have their Hearts full of the World, and still follow its Ways, they have the Name of Widows, but are not Widows indeed; they seek Earthly Comforts, and such they may have.

CHAP. XXIV. Of Parents.

Q. WHAT Direction do's the Gospel give to Parents?

A. He that loveth Son or Daughter more than me, is not worthy of me, Matth. 10. 37. Their Love then ought to be prudent and moderate.

Then came to him the Mother of Ze­bedee's Children, with her Sons, wor­shipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him; Grant that th [...]se my two Sons may sit, the one on thy Right Hand, and the o­ther on the Left, in thy Kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the Cup, that I shall drink of? Mat. 20. 20. Ambition is to be avoided in the disposing of Children, and in seeking Preferment for them: Due Care is to be us'd, in teaching them to do the Will of God, and embrace his Appointments.

When the Days of her Purification, according to the Law of Moses, were accomplished, they brought him (the Infant Jesus) to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord, Luke 1. 22. A good Practice of Parents to offer their Children daily to God, for obtain­ing his Grace and Protection upon them.

And they sought him among their Kinsfolk and Acquaintance. And when [Page 159] they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him, Luke 2. 44. It is the Parents Care, to seek their Children, and to omit no In­dustry in regaining them, when they are lost. How often is it necessary to follow them amongst their Rela­tions and Acquaintance, and to ob­serve their ways!

He arose, and came to his Father. But when he was yet a great way off, his Father saw him, and had Compassi­on, and ran, and fell on his Neck, and kissed him. And the Son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and in thy Sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy Son. But the Father said to his Servants, Bring forth the best Robe, and put it on him, and put a Ring on his Hand, and Shooes on his Feet; and bring hither the fat­ted Calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry: For this my Son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found, Luk. 15. 20. Parents are to receive their Children with Tenderness and Love, when they return from their ill Ways.

Ye Fathers, provoke not your Chil­dren to Wrath: but bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6. 4. Fathers, provoke not your Children to Anger, lest they be discouraged, Col. 3. 21. Parents are to treat their Children with Mildness, avoiding all that causes Dejection and Discouragement, and yet bringing them up in the Know­ledge and Fear of God.

These are some principal Duties belonging to Parents; which, if duly observ'd, will bring Peace of Conscience, and cannot fail of good Effects. But however, in this im­portant Concern, it cannot be amiss to add something out of the Old-Testament.

Abraham said unto his eldest Ser­vant of his House, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy Hand under my Thigh, and I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of Heaven, and the God of the Earth, that thou shalt not take a Wife unto my Son of the Daughters of the Canaanites, amongst whom I dwell: but thou [Page 161] shalt go to my Country, and to my Kin­dred, and take a Wife unto my Son Isaac, Gen. 24. 2. It ought to be the Solicitude of Parents, to see that their Children be well married; the Choice of the Person is of great Con­cern.

And they (the Parents of Rebekah) said, we will call the Damsel, and enquire at her mouth. And they cal­led Rebekah, and they said unto her, wilt thou go with this Man? And she said, I will go, Gen. 24. 57. Chil­dren ought not to be dispos'd of in Marriage by their Parents, but with their own free consent.

Isaac called Jacob, and Blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a Wife of the Daughters of Canaan, Gen. 28. 1. And Joseph said to his Father, they are my Sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.—And he blessed Joseph, Gen. 48. 9, 15. It belongs to Parents to be very careful in the choice of Per­sons for the Marriage of their Chil­dren; [Page 162] and likewise to give them their Blessing.

These Words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine Heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children, and thou shalt talk of them, when thou sittest in thine House, and when thou walkest by the VVay, and when thou lyest down, and when thou risest up, Deut. 6. 6. Good Instructions to be given by Parents, and to be often repeated to their Children.

In that Day I will perform against Eli, all things, which I have spoken concerning his House: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him, that I will judge his House for ever, for the Iniquity, which he knoweth: because his Sons have made themselves vile, and he restrain'd them not, 1 Sam. 3. 12. Children are to be corrected for the Evil they do. If Reproofs are not regarded, some other Expedients must be resolv'd upon; for an Indulgence in case of Crimes is the Provocation of Judg­ments.

And the King commanded Joab, and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, Deal gent­ly, for my sake, with the young Man, even with Absalom, 2 Sam. 18. 5. Parents ought to retain the Bowels of Parents towards their Children, even when they are wicked.

And his Sons went and feasted in their Houses, every one his Day, and sent and called for their three Sisters, to eat▪ and to drink with them. And it was so, when the Days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent, and sanctified them, and rose up early in the Morning, and offered Burnt-Offerings, according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be, that my Sons have sinned, and cursed God in their Hearts. Thus did Job continually, Job 1. 4. An excellent Example of Parents, to be watchful over the Conduct of their Children, and to be solicitous in preventing their falling under God's Displea­sure, and daily praying for them.

My Son, hear the Instruction of thy Father, and forsake not the Law of thy Mother.—My Son, if Sinners entice [Page 164] thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us;—My Son, walk not thou in the way with them; re­frain thy Foot from their Path, for their Feet run to Evil, Prov. 1. 8, 15. Pa­rents are to be very careful in pre­venting their Childrens falling into ill Company, and industrious i [...] withdrawing them from it, if once engag'd.

He that spareth his Rod, hateth hi [...] Son: but he that loveth him, chasten­eth him betimes, Prov. 13. 24.

Chasten thy Son, while there is hope, and let not thy Soul spare for his cry­ing, Prov. 19. 18.

The just Man walketh in his Integri­ty: his Children are blessed after him, Prov. 20. 7.

Train up a Child in the way he should go, and when he is old he wil [...] not depart from it, Prov. 22. 6.

Foolishness is bound in the Heart o [...] a Child; but the Rod of Correction shall drive it far from him, Prov. 22. 15.

Withhold not Correction from the Child: For if thou beatest him with the Rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the Rod, and shalt deliver his Soul from Hell, Prov. 23. 13, 14.

The Rod and Reproof give Wisdom; but a Child left to himself bringeth his Mother to Shame.—Correct thy Son, and he shall give thee rest: Yea, he shall give delight unto thy Soul, Prov. 29. 15, 17.

From these Instructions may Chri­stian Parents know, what is the Will of God, and how to satisfie those Duties, which God has im­pos'd on them, in regard of their Children. These Duties are great, and on the due discharge of them depends no less, than (as Solomon says) delivering their Childrens Souls from Hell. Nature therefore is not to be a Rule to those, who have undertaken to be directed by the Will of God. To consult Na­ture then, either in the Indulging or Punishing of Children, is to for­sake [Page 166] the Rule. Both are to be re­gulated as God has prescrib'd.

CHAP. XXV. Of Children to Parents.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give in this Point?

A. I am come to set a Man at Va­riance against his Father, and the Daughter against her Mother, and the Daughter-in-law against her Mother-in-law. And a Man's Foes shall be they of his own Houshold. He that loveth Father or Mother more than me, is not worthy of me, Mat. 10. 35. Pa­rents are to be loved, honor'd, and obey'd in all that is lawful; but not in things contrary to the known Will of God.

He answered and said unto them; why do ye also transgress the Command­ment of God by your Tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor thy Fa­ther and Mother: And he that curseth [Page 167] Father or Mother, let him die the Death. But ye say, whosoever shall say to his Father or his Mother, it is a Gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me, and honor not his Father or his Mother, he shall be free: Thus have ye made the Commandment of God of none Effect by your Tradition, Mat. 15. 3. The Precept of God com­manding all to Honor Father and Mother is not to be transgressed un­der the Cover of pretended Piety. Such Glosses are a Violence to the Law of God.

His Mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold thy Father and I have sought thee sor­rowing. And he said unto them, how is it, that ye sought me? Wist ye not, that I must be about my Father's Busi­ness? Luk. 2. 48. God is the first Father, and to be obey'd in the first place. All that is created must give place to his Will; whatever is not consistent with this, must yield. He said unto another, follow me: But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my Father. Jesus said [Page 168] unto him, Let the Dead bury their Dead; but go thou and preach the Kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee: But let me first go bid them farewel, which are at Home at my House. And Je­sus said unto him, no Man having put his Hand to the Plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God, Luk. 9. 59. Domestic Duties are to give place to greater.

And he (Jesus) went down with them (his Parents) and came to Na­zareth, and was subject unto them, Luk. 2. A good Example of Obedience.

And when he came to himself, he said,—I will arise and go to my Fa­ther, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and be­fore thee, Luk. 15. 17. Children sen­sible of their undue Ways ought to have recourse to their Parents, with Confidence and Humility, accord­ing to the Example of the Prodi­gal Son.

When therefore Jesus saw his Mo­ther, and the Disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his Mo­ther, [Page 169] Woman, behold thy Son. Then saith he to the Disciple, behold thy Mo­ther. And from that Hour, that Disciple took her unto his own Home, Jo. 19. 26. Children ought to be mindful of their Parents, especially at the Hour of Death, with a Re­commendation to their best Friends.

Children, obey your Parents in the Lord: For this is right. Honor thy Father and Mother, (which is the first Commandment with Promise) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the Earth, Eph. 6. 1. A general Duty of Children to obey and honor their Parents in all that is not Sin: With a Blessing an­next to it.

Children, obey your Parents in all things: For this is well-pleasing unto the Lord, Col. 3. 20.

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you, as with Sons: For what Son is he, whom the Father chasteneth not?—We have had Fathers of our Flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them Reverence: Shall we not much rather be in Subjection unto the [Page 170] Father of Spirits, and live? For they verily for a few Days chastened us af­ter their own Pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be Partakers of his Holiness, Heb. 12. 7, 9. Children, even when Chastized by Parents af­ter their own Pleasure, ought not to lose the Reverence due to them, but submit with respect.

If any Widow have Children, or Ne­phews, let them learn first to shew Piety at Home, and to requite their Parents: For that is good and acceptable be­fore God, 1 Tim. 5. 4. An express Duty of Children to be Respectful and Dutiful at Home, and by such Arguments of Gratitude to make some acknowledgment of the great Obligation to their Parents. This cannot be expected from little Ones, who are not capable of these Senti­ments, and therefore this must be spoke to Children, when now grown up and at an Age of giving this Com­fort to their Parents.

Here it cannot be unseasonable to make some Additions out of the Old Testament.

Honor thy Father and thy Mother: That thy Days may be long upon the Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, Exod. 20. 12.

He that smiteth his Father or his Mother, shall be surely put to Death, Exod. 21. 15.

Ye shall fear every Man his Mother, and his Father, and keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God, Levit. 19. 3.

Every one, that curseth his Father, or his Mother, shall be surely put to Death: He hath cursed his Father or his Mother; his Blood shall be upon him, Levit. 20. 9.

Honor thy Father and thy Mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy Days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee in the Land which the Lord thy God giv­eth thee, Deut. 5. 16.

And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the Men of Israel with a loud Voice;—cursed be he, that setteth Light by his Father or his Mother: And all the People shall say Amen, Deut. 27. 14, 16.

Notwithstanding, they, (the Sons of Eli) hearkened not unto the Voice of their Father, because the Lord would slay them, 1 Sam. 2. 25.

Bathsheba therefore went unto King Solomon, to speak unto him for Ado­nijah? And the King rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his Throne, and caused a Seat to be set for the King's Mother; and she sat on his right Hand, 1 Kin. 2. 19.

Esther had not yet shewed her Kin­dred, nor her People, as Modecai had charged her: For Esther did the Com­mandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him, Esth. 2. 20.

A wise Son maketh a glad Father; but a foolish Son is the Heaviness of his Mother, Prov. 10. 1.

A Fool despiseth his Father's Instru­ction: But he, that regardeth Reproof, is Prudent, Prov. 15. 5.

A foolish Son is a Grief to his Father, and Bitterness to her, that bare him, Prov. 17. 25.

He, that wasteth his Father, and chaseth away his Mother, is a Son, that causeth Shame, and bringeth Reproach. Cease, my Son, to hear the Instruction, that causeth to err from the Words of Knowledge, Prov. 19. 26.

Hearken unto thy Father, that begat thee, and despise not thy Mother, when she is old, Prov. 23. 22.

Whoso robbeth his Father or his Mo­ther, and saith, it is no Transgression; the same is the Companion of a De­stroyer, Prov. 28. 24.

The Eye, that mocketh at his Father, and despiseth to obey his Mother, the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out, and the young Eagle shall eat it, Prov. 30. 17.

Jeremiah said unto the House of the Rechabites, thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, because ye have obeyed the Commandment of Jonadab your Father, and kept all his Precepts, and done according unto all, that he hath commanded you: There­fore, thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, Jonadab the Son of [Page 174] Rechab shall not want a Man to stand before me for ever, Jer. 35. 18.

Thus speaks the Rule; the Will of God is manifest in it, and the do­ing his Will, being the only Secure Way, wherein a Christian is to walk; Children have no other Means of coming to their Heavenly Father, but by doing his Will here on Earth, and with a particular Care obser­ving whatever charge he has given them in Relation to their Parents. The Precept is repeated so often, that there can be no dispute of it. And yet to see with how little Re­spect some Parents are treated; how much others are slighted and neglect­ed; and that many have no greater affliction in the World, than what is given them by the Children of their own Bowels; and this at an Age, when Parents stand most in need of Comfort, and Children be­ing at years of Discretion, cannot be Ignorant of their Duty: To see this, I say one would think, God had never spoke in the Case, or not manifested his Will. What then must be said [Page 175] but that Christians have a Rule, but have little concern in following it, and that, upon this account, they cannot rationally expect the Blessings God has promis'd to the Observers of it? This is the First Commandment, as the Apostle says, with Promise, and it cannot be question'd, but as the Observance of it is so particular­ly enforced with a Promise of God's Favor; so the Contempt of it must be the Forfeiture of all such Expecta­tion, must provoke God's Displea­sure, and be follow'd with Judgment.

CHAP. XXVI. Of Youth.

Q. HAving now spoken of the Duties of Children to their Parents: Pray tell me, are there not some Instru­ctions particularly directed to Persons while yet in their Youth; for such seem very much to want them?

A. Yes, there are such.

Behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal Life? And he said unto him, why callest thou me Good? There is none Good, but one, that is, God: But if thou wilt enter into Life, keep the Commandments. He saith unto him, which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no Murther, Thou shalt not commit Adultery, Thou shalt not Steal, Thou shalt not bear false Witness, Honor thy Father and thy Mother; and, thou shalt love thy Neighbor as thy self. The young Man saith unto him, all these things have I kept from my Youth up: What lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect, go and Sell what thou hast, and give to the Poor, and thou shalt have Treasure in Heaven; and come and follow me. But when the Young Man heard that Saying, he went away Sorrowful; for he had great Possessions, Mat. 19. 16. The Commandments are to be kept by all Persons in their Youth; and e­ven then they are to consider which [Page 177] is the Way to eternal Life, and whether they walk in it, and what is yet wanting to them. It is said of this Young Man, that Jesus, be­holding him, loved him, Mar. 10. 21. And thus only can Youth expect the Love of Jesus. If this be true; then what is the unhappy State of those great Numbers, who have their Thoughts, Desires, Affections, so confin'd to Self-love, and the Love of the World, that they scarce think of another Life! Grant them, O God, a better Spirit.

And the Child grew, and waxed strong in Spirit, filled with Wisdom; and the Grace of God was upon him.—And when he was twelve years Old, they went up to Jerusalem—after three Days they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the Doctors, both bearing them, and asking them questi­ons, Luk. 2. 40, 42, 46. And Jesus increased in Wisdom and Stature, and in favor with God and Man, v. 52. Youth ought to seek the best Company, by whose Conversation, they may be advanced in Virtue [Page 178] and all true Wisdom. How wretch­edly then do they go out of the Way, who avoiding these, seek and love none but those, from whom they can learn nothing, but Folly or Vice!

Young Men likewise exhort to be Sober-minded, Tit. 2. 6.

Likewise ye Younger, submit your selves unto the Elder, 1 Pet. 5. 5.

I here add something out of the Old Testament.

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary Head, and honor the Face of the old Man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord, Levit. 19. 32.

My Son, forget not my Law; but let thine Heart keep my Commandments, Prov. 3. 1. Let not Mercy and Truth forsake thee, 3. Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart, and lean not on own thine own Ʋnderstanding, 5. Be not wise in thine own Eyes; fear the Lord and depart from Evil, 7. Get Wisdom, get Ʋnderstanding: Forget it not, neither decline from the Woods of my Mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee; love her, [Page 179] and she shall keep thee, VVisdom is the principal thing, therefore get VVisdom: And with all thy getting get Ʋnder­standing, Pro. 4. 5. Take fast hold of In­struction, let her not go; keep her, for she is thy Life. Enter not into the Path of the VVicked, and go not in­to the VVay of evil Men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away, v. 13.

He is in the VVay of Life, that keepeth Instruction: But he, that re­fuseth Reproof, erreth, Prov. 10. 17.

VVhoso loveth Instruction, loveth Knowledge, but he, that hateth Re­proof, is brutish, Prov. 12. 1.

A Man shall be commended acording to his VVisdom, but he, that is of a perverse Heart, shall be despised, Prov. 12. 8. The way of a Fool is right in his own Eyes; but he, that hearken­eth unto Counsel, is wise, v. 15. Ly­ing Lips are Abomination to the Lord; but they, that deal truly, are his de­light, v. 22.

A wise Son heareth his Father's In­struction: But a Scorner heareth not Rebuke, Prov. 13. 1. He that keepeth [Page 180] his Mouth, keepeth his Life: But he that openeth wide his Lips, shall have Destruction, v. 3. Poverty and Shame shall be to him, that refuseth Instructi­on: But he, that regardeth Reproof, shall be honored, v. 18. He, that walketh with wise Men, shall be Wise: But a Companion of Fools shall be de­stroyed, v. 20.

He that walketh in his Ʋprightness, feareth the Lord; but he, that is perverse in his Ways, despiseth him, Prov. 14. 2. Go from the Presence of a foolish Man, when thou perceivest not in him the Lips of Knowledge, v. 7. Fools Mock at Sin, v. 9. There is a Way, which seemeth right unto a Man, but the end thereof are the Ways of Death, v. 12. He that is slow to Wrath, is of great Ʋnderstanding; but he that is hasty of Spirit, exal­teth Folly, v. 29.

The Way of the Wicked is an Abo­mination unto the Lord, but he loveth him, that followeth after Righteous­ness, Prov. 15. 9. A Scorner loveth not one, that reproveth him; neither will he go unto the Wise, v. 12. The [Page 181] Lord will destroy the House of the Proud, v. 25. The Thoughts of the Wicked are an Abomination to the Lord, v. 26. He that refuseth Instru­ction hateth his own Soul; but he, that heareth Reproof, getteth Ʋnder­standing, 32. The Fear of the Lord is the Instruction of Wisdom; and before Honor is Humility, 33.

Every one, that is Proud in Heart, is an Abomination to the Lord, Prov. 16. 5. The High-way of the Ʋpright is to depart from Evil: He that keep­eth his Way, preserveth his Soul, v. 17. Pride goeth before Destruction: And a haughty Spirit before a fall, v. 18. A froward Man soweth Strife, and a Whisperer separateth chief Friends, 28.

A Reproof entereth more into a wise Man, than an hundred Stripes into a Fool, Prov. 17. 10. The beginning of Strife is as when one letteth out Wa­ter: Therefore leave off Contention be­fore it be medled with, 14. He, that hath Knowledge spareth his Words:—Even a Fool, when he holdeth his Peace, is counted Wise, 27, 28.

A Fool's Lips enter into Contenti­on.—The words of a Tale-bearer are as wounds, Prov. 18. 6, 8. Before Destruction the Heart of Man is haughty, 12. Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue, 21.

The Discretion of a Man differeth his Anger, and it is his Glory to pass over a Transgression, Prov. 19. 11. Slothfulness casteth into a deep Sleep; and an Idle Soul shall suffer Hunger, 15. He, that hath pity upon the Poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that, which he hath given, will he pay him again, 17. Hear Counsel, and receive Instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter End, 20. Reprove one, that hath Ʋnderstanding, and he will understand Knowledge, 25.

VVine is a Mocker, strong Drink is Raging: And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise, Prov. 20. 1. It is an Honor for a Man to cease from Strife: But every Fool will be medling, 3. Love not Sleep, lest thou come to Poverty, 13. He, that goeth about as a Tale-bearer, revealeth Secrets, 19.

An high Look, and a proud Heart, and the plowing of the Wicked is Sin, Prov. 21. 4. He, that loveth Plea­sure, shall be a poor Man, 17.

The Mouth of a strange Women is a deep Pit; he, that is abhorred of the Lord, shall fall therein, Prov. 22. 14.

Hear thou my Son, and be wise, and guide thine Heart in the Way. Be not amongst Wine-bibbers; amongst Rioters, Eaters of Flesh: For the Drunkard and the Glutton shall come to Poverty: and Drowsiness shall Cloath a Man with Rags, Prov. 23. 19. Who hath Wo? Who hath Sor­row? Who hath Contentions? Who hath Babling? Who hath Wounds with­out Cause? Who hath Redness of Eyes? They that tarry long at the Wine;—at the last it biteth like a Serpent, and stingeth like an Adder. Thine Eyes shall behold strange Women, and thine Heart shall utter perverse Things. Yea, thou shalt be as he, that lyeth down in the midst of the Sea, or as he, that lyeth upon the top of a Mast, 23, 29.

Rejoice, O young Man, in thy Youth, and let thy Heart cheer thee in the Days of thy Youth, and walk in the Ways of thy Heart, and in the Sight of thine Eyes: But know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee unto Judgment.—Child­hood and Youth are Vanity, Eccl. 11. 9.

Remember now thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth, while the evil Days come not, nor the Years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no Plea­sure in them, Eccl. 12. 1.

It is good for a Man, that he bear the Yoke in his Youth, Lam. 3. 27.

These are Instructions given by the Spirit of God, and particularly directed to Youth; which, if fol­lowed, will lead to true Wisdom; but, if neglected, the Fruit must be Destruction. The Difficulties of youthful Years are generally very great; for when the Strength of Passions carries them on, and there is neither Experience or Apprehen­sion to Stem the Violence of them, they run as naturally into Mischief, as a Boat adrift down the Stream. [Page 185] Upon this Consideration is here of­ten press'd, the Necessity of their heark'ning to Instruction, taking Counsel, admitting of Reproof, as the most effectual Means for their Security. This Advice is given them by the Spirit of God himself, who best knows what is necessary for them. Here they have his own Words, and such particular Directi­ons, as their State requires; if they read them often, and are Solicitous to make them their Rule, they will with them find Life; but if they despise them, they despise their own Souls, and the Effects of his Goodness, who has thus mercifully taken Care of them.

CHAP. XXVII. Of Masters and Mistresses of Families.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to these?

A. Such, as they ought carefully to observe, and are as follows.

Behold the Angel of the Lord ap­peared to Joseph in a Dream, saying, Arise, and take the young Child and his Mother, and flee into Egypt, Mat. 2. 13. They are to be watchful a­gainst all Dangers, that threaten their Families.

The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a Man, which sowed good Seed in his Field: But while Men slept, his Enemy came and sowed Tares a­mong the VVheat.—The Servants said unto him, wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, nay, lest while ye gather up the Tares, ye root up also the VVheat with them, Mat. 13. 24, 28. If they are not ve­ry Watchful, variety of Disorders will insensibly creep into their Fa­milies, both as to themselves, their Children and Servants: And it is their Sloth, Sleeping and Neglect is the general Occasion of it. For reforming such, great Discretion is necessary, and this they must ear­nestly beg of him, who is the Fa­ther [Page 187] of Light, and Fountain of all Wisdom.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Man that is an Housholder, which went out early in the Morning to hire Labour­ers into his Vineyard. And when he had agreed with the Labourers;—when E­ven was come, the Lord of the Vine­yard saith unto his Steward, Call the Labourers, and give them their Hire, Mat. 20. 1, 1. Three Points proper for this State. 1. To be Watchful and Early. 2. To consider and look into the Business they have to do, and prudently prepare for the effecting it. 3. To make just Pay­ments, according to Agreement, and without delay. This last is often of so great Concern, that the Neg­lect of it is attended with so many Inconveniencies, as to deserve no better Name than of Injustice and Oppression.

If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own House, he hath denied the Faith, and is worse than an Infidel, 1 Tim. 5. 8. How great the Obligation is of providing [Page 188] for Family, may be understood from the frightful Character, here given; of those, who neglect to do it. O God, how unhappy is their Conditi­on, who lye under this Guilt! I wish all Heads of Families would seriously consider it; that, terrifi­ed with it, they might be affraid [...] what should be the Com­fort and Provision of their Family. Do's not this want considering, when it is scarce look'd upon as a Fault, to throw away Summs upon Humor and Sport, and to let Idle­ness and Intemperance eat out E­states? This is no less, in the Apo­stle's account, than renouncing Christianity and turning Heathen; and yet how common is this among those, who esteem themselves Chri­stians?

The Book of Proverbs describing the vertuous and industrious Wo­man in her Family, I here and some part of it:

Who can find a vertuous Woman? For her Price is far above Rubies. The Heart of her Husband doth safely [Page 189] trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil, she will do him good, and not evil, all the Days of her Life. She seeketh Wooll and Flax, and worketh willingly with her Hands. She is like the Merchant's Ship, she bring­eth her Food from afar, she riseth al­so while it is yet Night, and giveth Meat to her Houshold, and a Portion to her Maidens.—She layeth her Hands to the Spindle, and her Hands hold the Distaff. She stretcheth out her Hand to the Poor, yea, she reacheth forth her Hands to the Needy.—She maketh fine Linnen, and selleth it, and delivereth Girdles unto the Mer­chant. Strength and Honor are her cloathing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her Mouth with Wisdom, and in her Tongue is the Law of Kindness. She looketh well to the Ways of her Houshold, and eat­eth not the Bread of Idleness. Her Children arise up and call her Blessed, her Husband also, and he praiseth her—Favor is deceitful, and Beauty is vain: But a Woman, that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised, Prov. [Page 190] 31. 10. An excellent Copy! I wish all would set it before them, and endeavor to come as near it, as their Circumstances will allow. Resolution and Virtue will make many things very Practicable, which Sloth and Niceness will not allow to be Possible.

As to Servants.

When Jesus was entered into Ca­pernaum, there came unto him a Cen­turion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my Servant lyeth at Home Sick of the Palsie, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him, Mat. 8. 5. It is a very commendable Charity in them, to be careful of their Servants, especial­ly in time of Sickness.

Servants, be Obedient to your Ma­sters,—with good Will doing Service, as to the Lord, and not to Men; knowing, that whatsoever good thing any Man doeth, the same shall be receive of the Lord, whether he be Bond or Free. And ye Masters, do [Page 191] the same things unto them, forbearing threatning, knowing, that your Ma­ster also is in Heaven; neither is there respect of Persons with him, Eph. 6. 5, 7.

Masters, give unto your Servants that, which is just and equal; know­ing, that ye also have a Master in Hea­ven, Col. 4. 1.

I beseech thee for my Son Onesi­mus,—which in time past was to thee unprofitable; but now profitable to thee and to me; whom I have sent again: Thou therefore receive him, that is mine own Bowels.—For perhaps he therefore departed for a Season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; not now as a Servant, but above a Ser­vant, a Brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the Flesh, and in the Lord. If thou count me therefore a Partner, receive him, as my self. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee Ought, put that on mine Account. I Paul have writ­ten it with mine own Hand, I will repay it, Phil. 10. See, how S. Paul shews favor to a poor Servant, and pleads for him.

Behold the Hire of the Labourers, which have reaped down your Fields, which is of you kept back by Fraud, crieth; and the Cries of them, which have reaped, are entred into the Ears of the Lord of Sabbath, Jam. 5. 4.

I add something from the Old Testament.

The Hebrew Servant, which thou hast brought unto us, come in unto me, to mock me, Gen. 39. 17. This was a false Accusation of Potipher 's Wife, and ought to be a Caution against laying Faults upon Servants which are not theirs.

They did set over them Task-ma­sters, to afflict them with their Bur­thens.—And the Egyptians made the Children of Israel to serve with Rigor. And they made their Lives bitter, with hard Bondage, Exod. 1. 11, 13. To insult over Servants, to over­charge them with Labor, to give them a perpetual Uneasiness, is not a Christian, but the Egyptian Me­thod.

Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, let my People go, that they may hold a [Page 193] Feast unto me in the Wilderness, Exod. 5. 1. To hinder Servants from the Worship of God, and to think all that time lost, which, for this end, is taken from their Work, is to follow Pharaoh 's Copy.

The Wages of him, that is hired, shall not abide with thee all Night until the Morning, Lev. 19. 13.

Six Days shalt thou Labour, and do all thy Work: But the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: In it thou shalt not do any Work, thou, nor thy Son, nor thy Daughter, nor thy Man-servant, nor thy Maid-servant, nor thine Ox, nor thine Ass, nor any of thy Cattle, nor thy Stranger, that is within thy Gates, that thy Man-servant and thy Maid-servant may rest, as well thou, Deut. 5. 13. To keep the Sabbath is the Duty of Servants, as well as Masters.

Thou shalt not oppress an hired Ser­vant, that is Poor and Needy, whe­ther he be of thy Brethren, or of thy Strangers, that are in thy Land within thy Gates. At this Day, thou shalt [Page 194] give him his Hire, neither shall the Sun go down upon it, for he is Poor, and setteth his Heart upon it; lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be Sin unto thee, Deut. 24. 14.

If I did despise the Cause of my Man-servant, or of my Maid-servant, when they contended with me; what then shall I do, when God riseth up; and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? Did not he, that made me in the Womb, make him? And did not one fashion us in the Womb? Job 31. 13. The just Complaints of Servants to be heard with Patience, and Justice to be done them.

Here are Instructions for all, that have the Care of Families and Ser­vants, enough to let them see, what God expects from them. Those, who are Solicitous to please God, will endeavor to make these their Rule; and this is the Duty of all, who profess themselves Christians: But to follow the Inclinations of Nature, and to govern by Passion, in cases, where God has manifested his Will, is not the part of a Disci­ple of Christ.

CHAP. XXVIII. Of Servants.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to Christians of this State?

A. It speaks directly to them, and in such a manner, that it is their great Concern to know and remember it.

Who then is a faithful and wise Servant, whom his Lord hath made Ruler over his Houshold, to give them Meat in due Season? Blessed is that Servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. Verily, I say unto you, that he shall make him Ruler over all his Goods. But and if that evil Servant shall say in his Heart, My Lord delayeth his Coming, and shall begin to smite his Fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the Drun­ken: The Lord of that Servant shall come in a Day, when he looketh not for him, and in an Hour, that he is not ware of; and shall cut him asun­der, and appoint him his Portion with [Page 196] the Hypocrites: There shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth, Mat. 24. 45. Fidelity, Prudence and Moderation, is here commended to Servants; and their Guilt is here declar'd, who are Imperious over their Fellow-servants, deal harshly with them, or wast what belongs to those, whom they serve.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.—And cast ye the un­profitable servant into outer darkness: There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, Mat. 25. 21, 30. A Reward is here promis'd to the faithful and industri­ous Servant, who is truly Zealous in his Master's Interest: And Punish­ment declar'd against the Slothful and Faithless, who are not Solicitous for their Master's Advantage.

Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching, Luk. 12. 37. Their Fidelity is rewarded, who, in the Master's Absence, are Solicitous to discharge their Duty well.

That servant, which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much requi­red; and to whom Men have committed much, of him they will ask the more, Luk. 12. 47. The Servant's Rule is the Will of the Master in all, that is not Sin. He is the best Servant, who not only do's according to his Master's Orders, but also according to his Desires. But he, that knows his Master's Will, and yet do's it not, is not true to what he has un­dertaken.

I am resolv'd what to do, that when I am put out of the Stewardship, they may receive me into their houses, Luke 16. 4. So said this Steward, and accordingly, rais'd himself Friends at his Master's Cost: But this being the unjust Steward, it is a thing, which Servants are not to imitate, but avoid as an Injustice.

He, that is faithful in that, which is least, is faithful also in much: And he, that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much, Luk. 16. 10. To be Faithful in little things is an Argument of true Fidelity.

Servants, be obedient to them, that are your Masters according to the flesh, with Fear and Trembling, in single­ness of your heart; as unto Christ: Not with eye-service, as Men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to Men: Knowing, that whatsoever good thing, any Man do­eth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be Bond or Free, Eph. 6. 5. Servants, obey in all things your Masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as Men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto Men; knowing, that of the Lord ye shall re­ceive the reward of the inheritance: For ye serve the Lord Christ. But he, that doeth wrong, shall receive for [Page 199] the wrong, which he hath done: And there is no respect of Persons, Col. 3. 22. This Lesson thus repeated by S. Paul, ought to be considered Word by Word; if it were read every Day by Servants, this would not be too often.

Let as many servants, as are under the yoke, count their own Masters wor­thy of all honor, that the Name of God and his Doctrin be not blasphemed. And they, that have believing Ma­sters, let them not despise them, be­cause they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit, 1 Tim. 6. 1.

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own Masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrin of God our Saviour in all things, Tit. 2. 9.

Servants, be subject to your Ma­sters with all Fear, not only to the Good and Gentle, but also to the Fro­ward. For this is thank-worthy, if a [Page 200] Man for Conscience toward God endure grief; suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if when ye be buffet­ted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But, if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Ex­ample, that ye should follow his steps; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatned not; but committed himself to him, that judgeth righteously, 1 Pet. 2. 18.

Thus speaks the Rule, both to the Instruction and Comfort of Ser­vants: It requires them to be Care­ful and Faithful in their Duty, not with Eye-service, but as serving God, is always Present, and Witness whether of their Fidelity or Sloth. It requires them to give Respect and be Obedient to their Masters, and this not only if they are Gentle and Mild, but even if they are Froward and Uneasie. It requires them to [Page 201] suffer with Patience, not only the Labor of their State, but likewise all Trials, as are frequent in their Cir­cumstances, such as are Reproofs, Reproaches, or even Blows; and these, not only, when they are de­served, by their Faults, but even when they have done well, and therefore deserv'd them not. For their Encouragement, the Apostle lays before them the Example of Christ; and lets them know, that God is not a Respecter of Persons, and therefore, that if they serve faithfully, as to the Lord, and suf­fer patiently, according to the Ex­ample of Christ, they may confide in God, as their faithful Rewarder. Such, as do thus, are Christian Ser­vants, and in as good a Way of be­ing Great in the Kingdom of Hea­ven, as those, whom they serve. But then, if they follow not this Advice, are Eye-servants, are nei­ther Careful in what they are to do, nor Patient in what they suffer, how unhappy are they! A kind of [Page 202] Slaves here, and little Hopes of be­ing better hereafter.

CHAP. XXIX. Of Merchants, Shopkeepers, and all Dealers.

WHAT Directions do's the Go­spel give to Persons of this Pro­fession?

A. It lays down some Principles, which it is their Duty to observe.

As ye would, that Men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise, Luk. 6. 31.

All things, whatsoever ye would, that Men should do to you, do ye even so to them: For this is the Law and the Prophets, Mat. 7. 12.

This is the Will of God,—that no Man go beyond and defraud his Bro­ther in any matter; because that the Lord is the Avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you, and te­stified, 1 Thess. 4. 3, 6.

He, that doeth wrong, shall receive for the wrong, which he hath done; and there is no Respect of Persons, Col. 3. 25.

Thou knowest the Commandments, do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, defraud not, honor thy Father and Mother, Mar. 10. 19.

Nay, you do wrong and defraud, and that your brethren: Know ye not, that the Ʋnrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither Fornicators, nor Idolaters,—nor Thieves—shall inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 8.

God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things, which are not convenient: Being filled with all Ʋnrighteousness, Fornication,—Cove­tousness, Maliciousness; full of Envy,—Debate, Deceit, Malignity,—De­spiteful, Proud, Boasters,—Covenant-breakers, Rom. 1. 28, 29.

Wherefore putting away Lying, speak every Man Truth with his Neigh­bor; for we are members one of ano­ther.—Neither give place to the Devil; [Page 204] let him, that stole, steal no more; but rather let him labour, working with the hands the thing, which is good, Eph. 4. 25, 27.

Behold the hire of the Labourers which have reaped down your Fields, which is of you kept back by Fraud, crieth: And the Cries of them, which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the Lord, Jam. 5. 4.

Neither is he, that planteth, any thing, neither he, that watereth; but God, that giveth the encrease, 1 Cor. 3. 7.

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, Mat. 6. 33. No Man can serve two Ma­sters:—Ye cannot serve God and Ma­mon, v. 24.

VVhat shall it profit a Man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a Man give in exchange for his soul? Mar. 8. 36.

Take heed and beware of Covetousness: For a Man's Life consisteth not in the abundance of the things, which he pos­sesseth, Luk. 12. 15.

They, that will be rich, fall into Temptation, and a Snare, and into many foolish and hurtful Lusts, which drown Men in Destruction and Perdi­tion. For the Love of Money is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6. 9.

This I say, Brethren, the time is short. It remaineth, that—they that buy (be) as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it; for the fashion of this world passeth away, 1 Cor. 7. 29, 30.

With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again, Mat. 7. 2.

I here add something out of the Old Testament.

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judg­ment, in Mete-yard, in VVeight or in Measure. Just Ballances, just VVeights, a just Ephah, and a just Hin shall ye have, I am the Lord your God.—There­fore shall ye observe all my Statutes, and all my Judgments, and do them; I am the Lord, Levit. 19. 35.

Thou shalt not have in thy Bag divers VVeights, a great and a small. Thou [Page 206] shalt not have in thine House divers Measures, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: That thy Days may be lengthened in the Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. For all, that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an Abomination unto the Lord thy God, Deut. 25. 13.

A false Ballance is Abomination to the Lord: But a just VVeight is his Delight, Prov. 11. 1. He, that with­holdeth Corn, the People shall Curse him: But Blessing shall be upon the Head of him, that selleth it, v. 26.

Divers weights, and divers mea­sures, both of them are alike Abomina­tion to the Lord, Prov. 20. 10.

Hear this, O ye, that swallow up the Needy, even to make the Poor of the Land to fail; saying, when will the new Moon be gone, that we may sell Corn, and the Sabbath, that we may set forth VVheat, making the Ephah small, and the Sheckel great, and falsifying the Ballances by Deceit? That we may buy the Poor for Silver, [Page 207] and the Needy for a pair of Shoes, yea, and sell the Refuse of the VVheat? The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, surely I will never forget any of their works. Shall not the Land tremble for this, and every one mourn, that dwelleth therein? Amos 8. 4.

The Lord's Voice crieth unto the City, and the Men of VVisdom shall see thy Name; hear ye the Rod, and who hath appointed it. Are there yet the Treasures of Wickedness in the House of the Wick­ed, and the scant measure, that is abo­minable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked Ballances, and with the Bag of deceitful VVeights? For the rich Men thereof are full of Violence, and the Inhabitants thereof have spoken Lies, and their Tongue is deceitful in their Mouth. Therefore also will I make thee Sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate, because of thy Sins, Mic. 6. 9.

Thus speaks the Rule, and in such plain and positive Terms has God here manifested his Will, that there can be no doubt in such, as desire to follow it. He expresly forbids all [Page 208] kind of Fraud, or Over-reaching, or doing any Wrong to our Neighbor in buying or selling. He expresly forbids all kinds of false Weights and Measures. He expresly forbids all such Monopoly, as raises the price of Necessaries, and oppresses the Poor. He expresly forbids all kinds of Lying and Covetousness. Those, who in earnest hope for Sal­vation of God, must be Solicitous to do his Will; and since he him­self has declar'd, that those, who do otherwise in these Particulars, do what is an Abomination to him, they cannot doubt of their being in an ill Way, even in the displea­sure of God. Now examin the ge­neral Practice of Christians in all manner of Dealing with one another, and thence guess, whether God has Forbid all Fraud and Over-reaching amongst them: And if he has, whether they believe him, or have any regard to his Precepts.

CHAP. XXX. Of Magistrates and Officers of Ju­stice.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to Persons in this Station?

A. There are several Particulars proper for their Instruction.

Now the chief Priests and Elders, and all the Counsel sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to Death, Mat. 26. 59. Then the High-priest rent his Cloaths, saying, He hath spoken Blasphemy, what farther need have we of witnesses? Behold, now ye have heard his Blasphemy, What think ye? v. 65. Innocence is not to be oppress'd by Calumny or false Wit­nesses; neither is Caiphas to be imi­tated, who, being Judge, made him­self a Party.

The chief Priests and Elders per­swaded the Multitude, that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus, [Page 210] Mat. 27. 20. When Pilate saw, that he could prevail nothing, but that ra­ther a tumult was made, he took Wa­ter and washed his Hands before the Multitude, saying, I am Innocent of the Blood of this just Person: See ye to it.—Then released he Barabbas unto them: And when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified, v. 24, 26. No Party to be made against the Innocent. Passion and Violence car­ry away the Multitude to Injustice. The Innocent is not to be con­demn'd in compliance with them.

Then cried they all again, saying, not this Man, but Barabbas. Now Ba­rabbas was a Robber. Jo. 18. 40. The Multitude blinded with Passion. Their Affection or Judgment is no direction for doing Justice.

Jesus answered, thou couldest have no Power at all against me, except it were given thee from above, Jo. 19. 11. The Power of Judges is from God.

From thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: But the Jews cried out, saying, if thou let this Man go, thou art not Cesar's Friend: Whosoever [Page 211] maketh himself a King, speaketh against Cesar. When Pilate therefore heard that Saying, he brought Jesus forth.—Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified, Jo. 19. 12. To condemn the Innocent for fear of displeasing the Prince, is not Just, but a Weakness.

There was in a City a Judge, which feared not God, neither regarded Men. And there was a Widow in that City, and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine Adversary; and he would not for a while, Luk. 18. 2. To neg­lect the Cause of the Widow, is part of his Character, who fear'd not God, nor regarded Man.

One of the Company said unto him, Master, speak to my Brother, that he divide the Inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a Judge or a Divider over you? Luk. 12. 13. The Commission or Power is not to be exceeded.

Paul said unto him (the High-priest) God shall smite thee, thou whited Wall: For sittest thou to judge me after the Law, and commandest me [Page 212] to be smitten contrary to the Law? And they, that stood by, said, revi­lest thou God's High-priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, Brethren, that he was the High-priest: For it is written, thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy People, Acts 23. 3. Magistrates not to be revil'd, even when they act contrary to Justice. No Punish­ment just before Sentence.

We have found this Man a pestilent Fellow, and a mover of Sedition among all the Jews throughout the World, and a ring-leader of the Sect of the Naza­renes: Who also hath gone about to profane the Temple: Whom we took, and would have judged according to Law.—And the Jews also assented, saying, that these things were so. Then Paul, after that the Governor had beckened unto him to speak, an­swered, Acts 24. 5. A severe Charge is drawn up against Innocence, when Malice or false Zeal influence the In­formers. But a just Judge is not made a Party, but hears with Pa­tience, and judges according to Equi­ty.

Felix trembled and answered, Go thy Way for this time, when I have a con­venient Season, I will call for thee. He hoped also, that Money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: Wherefore he sent for him the oftner, and communed with him. But after two years, Porcius Festus came into Felix room: And Felix wil­ling to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound, Acts 24. 25. To prolong a Cause for Interest, is not just; to wait for Money, where Inno­cence pleads for a Discharge, is not just: To gratifie a People by the Oppression of Innocence, is not just.

When Felix heard these things (the Plea made by the Apostle) ha­ving more perfect Knowledge of that Way, he deferred them, Acts 24. 22. The Clamor and Violence of Accu­sers prevail nothing with a Judge, who has a true Knowledge of the Cause: He will not let an ill Name be enough for punishing the Inno­cent.

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous Judgment, Jo. 7. 24.

Do ye not know, that the Saints shall judge the World? And if the World shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 1 Cor. 6. 2. Holiness an excellent Prepara­tion for judging according to Justice.

When Gallio was Deputy of Achaia, the Jews made Insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the Judgment-seat, saying, This Fellow perswadeth Men to worship God contrary to the Law. And when Paul was now about to open his Mouth, Gal­lio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of Wrong, or wicked Lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would, that I should bear with you: But if it be a question of Words and Names, and of your Law, look ye to it, for I will be no Judge of such Matters. And he drove them from the Judgment-seat, Acts 18. 12. Violence brings some to the Barr, who are no Criminals; the Justice of the Bench is to distinguish. A­gainst Law, is in some Cases to be in the right. The Bench judges not of Causes, which belong to ano­ther Court.

Something may be here inserted out of the Old Testament.

When Moses Father in-law, saw all that he did to the People, he said, what is this thing, that thou doest to the Peo­ple? Why sittest thou thy self alone, and all the People stand by thee from Morning unto Even? Exod. 18. 14. To make the People wait one Day is here reproved; what would have been the Censure of Causes delay'd, with endless Expence?

Thou shalt provide out of all the People, able Men, such as fear God, Men of Truth, hating Covetousness, and place such over them, Exod. 18. 21. Good Directions for the Choice of Magistrates.

Thou shalt not raise (or receive) a false Report: Put not thine Hand with the Wicked to be an unrighteous Witness. Thou shalt not follow a Mul­titude, to do Evil: Neither shalt thou speak in a Cause, to incline after many, to wrest Judgment. Neither shalt thou countenance a poor Man in his Cause.—Thou shalt not wrest the Judgment of thy Poor in his Cause. Keep thee far from [Page 216] a false Matter; and the Innocent and Righteous slay thou not: For I will not justifie the Wicked. And thou shalt take no Gift; for the Gift blind­eth the Wise, and perverteth the Words of the Righteous. Also thou shalt not oppress a Stranger, Exod. 23. 1, 6.

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in Judgment; thou shalt not respect the Person of the Poor, nor honor the Person of the Mighty: But in Righteousness shalt thou judge thy Neighbor, Levit. 19. 15.

I charged your Judges at that time, saying, hear the Causes between your Brethren, and judge righteously between every Man and his Brother, and the Stranger, that is with him. Ye shall not respect Persons in Judgment, but you shall hear the Small, as well as the Great; you shall not be affraid of the Face of Man, for the Judgment is God's, Deut. 1. 16.

Judges and Officers shalt thou make thee in all thy Gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout the Tribes; and they shall judge the Peo­ple with just Judgment. Thou shalt [Page 217] not wrest Judgment, thou shalt respect Persons, neither take a Gift: For a Gift doth blind the Eyes of the Wise, and pervert the Words of the Righteous. That which is altogether Just, shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live and inherit the Land, Deut. 16. 18.

One VVitness shall not rise up a­gainst a Man, for any Iniquity, or for any Sin, in any Sin, that he sinneth: At the mouth of two VVitnesses, or at the mouth of three VVitnesses shall the matter be established, Deut. 19. 15.

If there be a Controversie between Men, and they come unto Judgment, that the Judges may judge them, then they shall justifie the Righteous, and condemn the VVicked, Deut. 25. 1.

Cursed be he, that perverteth the Judgment of the Stranger, Fatherless and VVidow: And all the People shall say, Amen. Cursed be he, that taketh reward, to slay an innocent Per­son, Deut. 27. 19, 25.

And it came to pass, when Samuel was Old, that he made his Sons Judges over Israel.—And his Sons walked not in his VVays, but turned [Page 218] aside after Lucre, and took Bribes, and perswaded Judgment, 1 Sam. 8. 1, 3.

And Samuel said unto all Israel,—Behold, here I am, VVitness against me before the Lord, and before his A­nointed: VVhose Ox have I taken? Or whose Ass have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? VVhom have I op­pressed? Or of whose Hand have I re­ceived any Bribe to blind mine Eyes therewith? And I will restore it. And they said, thou hast not defraud­ed us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any Man's Hand, 1 Sam. 12. 1, 3.

And he (Jehoshaphat) set Judges in the Land, throughout all the fenced Cities of Judah, City by City; and he said to the Judges, take heed what ye do; for ye judge not for Man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the Judgment. VVherefore now let the Fear of the Lord be upon you, take heed and do it: For there is no Ini­quity with the Lord our God, nor re­spect of Persons, nor taking of Gifts.—And he charged them, saying, thus [Page 219] shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faith­fully and with a perfect Heart.—Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the Good, 2 Chron. 19. 5, 9, 11.

VVhoso rewardeth Evil for Good, Evil shall not depart from his House, Prov. 17. 13. He, that justifieth the Wicked, and he, that condemneth the Just; even they both are Abomination to the Lord, v. 15. A wicked Man ta­keth a Gift out of the Bosom, to per­vert the Ways of Judgment, v. 23.

Rob not the poor, because he is poor: Neither oppress the afflicted in the Gate. For the Lord will plead their Cause, and spoil the Soul of those, that spoiled them, Prov. 22. 22.

To have respect of Persons, is not good: For, for a piece of Bread, that Man will transgress, Prov. 28. 21.

Learn to do Well, seek Judgment, relieve the Oppressed, judge the Father­less, plead for the Widow, Isa. 1. 17.

How is the faithful City become an Harlot! It was full of Judgment, Righteousness lodged in it; but now Murtherers.—Thy Princes are Rebelli­ous, and Companions of Thieves: Eve­ry [Page 220] one loveth Gifts, and followeth af­ter Rewards: They judge not the Fa­therless, neither doth the Cause of the Widow come unto them. Therefore saith the Lord—I will turn my Hand upon thee, Isa. 1. 21.

Wo unto them, that call evil good, and good evil:—VVhich justifie the VVicked for Reward, and take away the Righteousness of the Righteous from him:—Because they have cast away the Law of the Lord of Hosts,—there­fore is the Anger of the Lord kin­dled against his People, Isa. 5. 20, 23.

VVo unto them, that decree unrighte­ous Decrees, and that write Grievousness, which they have prescribed: To turn aside the Needy from Judgment, and to take away the Right from the Poor of my People, that Widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the Fa­therless. And what will you do in the Day of Visitation, and in the Deso­lation, which shall come? Isa. 10. 1.

I know your manifold Transgressions, and your mighty Sins: They afflict the Just, they take a Bribe, and they turn aside tbe Poor in the Gate from their [Page 221] Right.—Hate the Evil, and love the Good, and establish Judgment in the Gate: It may be, that the Lord of Hosts will be gracious unto the Rem­nant of Joseph, Amos 5. 12.

The Good Man is perished out of the Earth: And there is none Ʋpright a­mong Men: They all lye in wait for Blood: They hunt every Man his Bro­ther with a Net. That they may do Evil with both Hands earnestly; the Prince asketh, and the Judge asketh for a Reward: And the great Man he ut­tereth his mischievous Desire, Mic. 7. 2.

Why dost thou shew me Iniquity, and cause me to behold Grievance: For Spoiling and Violence are before me, and there are, that raise up Strife and Contention. Therefore the Law is slacked, and Judgment doth never go forth: For the Wicked doth compass a­bout the Righteous: Therefore wrong Judgment proceedeth. Behold ye among the Heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously; for I will work a Work in your Days, which ye will not believe, tho' it be told you, Hab. 1. 3.

These are the things, that ye shall do; speak ye every Man the Truth to his Neighbor: Execute the Judgment of Truth and Peace in your Gates. And let none of you imagin evil in your Hearts against his Neighbor, and love no false Oath, for all these are things, that I hate, saith the Lord, Zech. 8. 16.

CHAP. XXXI. Of Subjects.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to Persons in this Station?

A. It expresly mentions several Du­ties belonging to them, and gives the Charge with great Strictness.

When they were come to Capernaum, they that received Tribute-money, came to Peter, and said, doth not your Master pay Tribute? He saith, Yes, Mat. 17. 24.

Render therefore unto Cesar, the things, which are Cesar's; and unto God, the things, that are God's, Mat. 22. 21.

And they called them, and com­manded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the Name of Jesus. But Pe­ter and John answered and said unto them; whether it be right in the Sight of God, to hearken unto you, more than unto God, judge ye, Acts 4. 18.

They, that stood by, said, revilest thou God's High-priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, Brethren, that he was the High-priest; for it is written, thou shalt not speak Evil of the Ruler of thy People, Acts 23. 4.

Let every Soul be subject unto the higher Powers; for there is no Power, but of God: The Powers, that be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the Power, resisteth the Ordi­nance of God: And they, that re­sist, shall receive to themselves Damna­tion. For Rulers are not a Terror to good Works, but to the Evil. Wilt thou then not he affraid of the Power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the Minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that, which is evil, be af­fraid, for he beareth not the Sword in [Page 224] vain; for he is the Minister of God, a Revenger to execute Wrath upon him, that doeth Evil. Wherefore, ye must needs be subject, not only for Wrath, but also for Conscience sake. For, for this Cause pay you Tribute also: For they are God's Ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Ren­der therefore to all their Dues: Tri­bute to whom Tribute is due, Custom to whom Custom, Fear to whom Fear, Honor to whom Honor, Rom. 13. 1.

I exhort therefore, that first of all, Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and giving of Thanks be made for all Men: For Kings, and for all, that are in Authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable Life, in all Godli­ness and Honesty; for this is good and acceptable in the Sight of God our Savi­our, 1 Tim. 2. 1.

Put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers, to obey Ma­gistrates, to be ready to every good Work, to speak evil of no Man, to be no Brawlers, but Gentle, shewing all Meekness unto all Men, Tit. 3. 1.

Submit your selves to every Ordinance of Man for the Lord's sake: Whether it be to the King, as Supreme, or un­to Governours, as unto them, that are sent by him, for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them, that do well. For so is the Will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the Ignorance of Foolish Men: As free, and not using your Liberty for a Cloak of Maliciousness, but as the Servants of God. Honor all Men. Love the Brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King, 1 Pet. 2. 13.

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the Godly out of Temptations, and to re­serve the unjust unto the Day of Judg­ment to be punished: But chiefly them, that walk after the Flesh, in the Lust of Ʋncleanness, and despise Govern­ment: Presumptuous are they, self-wil­led, they are not affraid to speak Evil of Dignities; whereas Angels, which are greater in Power and Might, bring not railing Accusation against them be­fore the Lord, 2 Pet. 2. 9.

Likewise also these filthy Dreamers defile the Flesh, despise Dominion, and speak evil of Dignities, Jude 8.

Something may be here not unsea­sonably added out of the Old Testa­ment.

They answered Joshua, saying, All, that thou commandest us, we will do; and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. According as we hear­kened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: Only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Mo­ses. Whosoever he be, that doth rebel against thy Commandment, and will not hearken unto thy Words, in all, that thou commandest him, he shall be put to Death, Josh. 1. 16.

Then Samuel told the People the manner of the Kingdom, and wrote it in a Book, and laid it up before the Lord: And Samuel sent all the Peo­ple away every Man to his House. And Saul also, went Home to Gibeah, and there went with him a Band of Men, whose Hearts God had touched. But the Children of Belial said, how shall this Man save us? And they despised [Page 227] him, and brought him no Presents: But he held his peace, 1 Sam. 10. 25.

The Men of David said unto him, behold, the Day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine Enemy into thine Hand, that thou mayest do to him, as it shall seem good unto thee.—And he said unto his Men, the Lord forbid, that I should do this thing unto my Master, the Lord's A­nointed, to stretch forth mine Hand a­gainst him, seeing he is the Anointed of the Lord. So David stayed his Servants with these Words, and suf­fered them not to rise against Saul, 1 Sam. 24. 4, 6.

Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine Enemy into thine Hand this Day: Now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the Spear, even to the Earth at once,—and David said to Abishai, destroy him not: For who can stretch forth his Hand against the Lord's Anointed, and be guiltless? David said furthermore, as the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him, or his Day shall come to Die, or he shall descend into Battle and pe­rish. [Page 228] The Lord forbid, that I should stretch forth mine Hand against the Lord's Anointed, 1 Sam. 26. 8.

David said unto him, (the Amale­kite) How wast thou not affraid to stretch forth thine Hand, to destroy the Lord's Anointed? And David called one of the young Men and said, go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him, that he died, 2 Sam. 1. 14.

In those Days (while Mordecai sat in the King's Gate) two of the King's Chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those, which kept the Door, were wroth, and sought to lay Hand on the King Ahasuerus: And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the Queen, and Esther certified the King thereof, in Mordecai's Name, Esth. 2. 21.

The fear of a King is as the roaring of a Lion, whoso provoketh him to Anger, sin­neth against his own Soul, Prov. 20. 2.

My Son, fear thou the Lord, and the King; and meddle not with them, that are given to change. For their Calamity shall rise suddenly, and who [Page 229] knoweth the Ruin of them both? Prov. 24. 21.

Curse not the King, no not in thy Thought, Eccl. 10. 20.

The Nation and Kingdom, which will not serve the same Nebechadnez­zar the King of Babylon, and that will not put their Neck under the Yoke of the King of Babylon, that Nation will I punish, saith the Lord, with the Sword, and with the Famine, and with the Pestilence, until I have consumed them by his Hand. There­fore hearken not ye to your Prophets, nor to your Diviners, nor to your Dreamers, nor to your Enchanters, nor to your Sor­cerers, which speak unto you, saying, ye shall not serve the King of Babylon. For they prophesie a Lie unto you, to re­move you far from your Land, and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.—I spake also to Zede­kiah King of Judah according to all these Words, saying, bring your Necks under the Yoke of the King of Babylon, and serve him and his People, and live; why will ye die, thou and thy People, by the Sword, by the Famine, [Page 230] and by the Pestilence, as the Lord hath spoken against the Nation, that will not serve the King of Babylon? Jer. 27. 8, 12.

The Duty of Subjects is publish'd by the Spirit of God: First, That they are to acknowledge the Power, that is over them, to be of God. 2dly, That they, who are vested with Soveraign Power, acting by the Au­thority of God, and being therefore his Ministers, Honor, Obedience, and Tribute is due to them. 3dly, That there may be an Exception in the Obedience; that is, when they enjoin what is contrary to the known Will of God; since it can­not be reasonable to obey in such things, when they command contrary to his Orders, whose Ministers they are. 4thly, That as the Orders of those in Power are to be receiv'd with Obedience, so their Punish­ment with a peaceable Submission: And this so far, that, whether they prosecute justly or unjustly, yet no Resistance can be made against them; all that Subjects can do in this case, [Page 231] is either to suffer with patience, or peaceably to withdraw; but as for lifting up hand against Power, it is resisting the Ordinance of God, and the fruit of this, as the Apostle has declar'd, is Damnation.

CHAP. XXXII. Of Persons of Quality.

Q. ARE there any Directions in the Gospel for Persons of this Rank?

A. Some Instructions there are, which it may not be improper for these to consider, which I will set down here; but they being likewise concern'd in the next Chapter, I must recommend that to their perusal.

Ye see your Calling, Brethren, how that not many wise men after the Flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are cal­led. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the World, to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the World, to confound the things, which are mighty; and base things of the [Page 232] World, and things, which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things, which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no Flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us Wisdom, and Righteousness, and Sanctification, and Redemption: That, according as it is written, he that glo­rieth, let him glory in the Lord, 1 Cor. 1. 26. God makes not choice of Per­sons from their Greatness, Wisdom or Nobility; he chose the contemp­tible things of this World, to con­found all Confidence and Glory, except that, which is in God alone.

My Brethren, have not the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, with respect of Persons. For if there come unto your Assembly a Man with a gold Ring, in goodly Ap­parel, and there come in also a poor Man in vile Raiment; and ye have re­spect to him, that weareth the gay Cloath­ing, and say unto him, sit thou here in a good place; and say to the Poor, stand thou there, or sit here under my Footstool: Are ye not then Partial in [Page 233] your selves, and are become Judges of evil Thoughts? Hearken, my beloved Brethren, hath not God chosen the Poor of this World rich in Faith, and Heirs of the Kingdom, which he hath promi­sed to them, that love him? But ye have despised the Poor. Do not rich Men oppress you, and draw you before the Judgment-seats? Do not they blas­pheme the worthy Name, by the which ye are called? Jam. 2. 1. To be Partial in the Respect of Persons, the Spirit of God disapproves. Humane Great­ness has no Preference with God. To be Honorable, in the Gospel-scheme, is to do that, which the Gospel most recommends, and for which a Soul shall find Honor with God. They, who do this, are truly Honorable.

Some additions may be here made out of the Old Testament.

David went out, whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely, 1 Sam. 18. 5. A vertuous and pru­dent Conduct is a sure Step to Ho­nor; this cannot fail of being va­lued. But great Titles, Retinue and Riches join'd with a light Head and [Page 234] Indiscretion, help to make a Person more remarkably Contemptible.

The King (David) said; and where is thy Master's Son? And Ziba said unto the King, behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: For he said, to Day shall the House of Israel restore me the Kingdom of my Father. Then said the King to Ziba, behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibo­sheth, 2 Sam. 16. 3. A Servant thus made his Court to the King, by falsly accusing his Master, and dis­gracing him with his Prince. Such a Step to Honor is base, only fit for a treacherous Servant; and cannot be attempted without Infamy.

And Barzillai said unto the King, how long have I to live, that I should go up with the King unto Jerusalem? 2 Sam. 19. 34. To retire from Court and public Business, for making a Prepa­ration for Death, is Christian Dis­cretion. Solicitude of Business and Variety of Engagements are not a Help for dying well. Persons so ta­ken up do not leave the World, but are torn from it.

Why boastest thou thy self, in Mis­chief, O mighty Man? The Goodness of God endureth continually. Thy Tongue deviseth Mischiefs; like a sharp Razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest Evil more than Good; and Lying, rather than to speak Righteous­ness. Thou lovest all devouring, O thou deceitful Tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, Psal. 52. 1. There is Meanness in Boasting, in Malice, in Detraction and Lying, which is not consistent with true Honor. Where there is Quality, there ought to be an Abhorrence of all that is thus Base; and nothing can be more degrading, than to be familiar with it. What are then Titles, State and Birth, where there is a Familiarity with Lying, Detraction, Malice and Vanity? Such may make a Shew at a Distance, but more nearly exa­min'd, they are certainly Contemp­tible. Without Repentance, their Fate must be to be despis'd and tram­pled on by Devils.

Seest thou a Man diligent in his Busi­ness? He shall stand before Kings, he [Page 236] shall not stand before mean Men, Prov. 22. 29. Sloth is unbecoming all States; and where is the Honor of being a Drone? Industry with a low Birth, is more Honorable than use­less Quality. Is he Idle and Lazy? Say no more; whatever his Blood be, he is Infamous.

Daniel purposed in his Heart, that he would not defile himself with the Portion of the King's Meat, nor with the Wine which he drank: Therefore he requested of the Prince of the Eunuchs, that he might not defile himself, Dan. 1. 8. True Greatness of Mind; not to transgress the Law of God, in Compliance with the King! Such Fidelity, proof against Interest and Flattery, is truly Honorable. But what degree then of contemptible Meanness is in all those, who know­ing their Duty to God, and the Ho­nor of their Nature, have not Strength of Mind to withstand ordinary At­tempts, but surrender upon every Breath of Flattery or Reproach!

They make the King glad with their Wickedness, and the Princes with their [Page 237] Lies: They are all Adulterers, Hos. 7. 3. This was the Provocation of Israel.

Hear this word, ye Kine of Bashan, that are in the Mountain of Samaria, which oppress the Poor, which crush the Needy, which say to their Masters, bring and let us drink, Amos 4. 1. This was the Crime of the great Ones of Israel, Oppression and Ex­cess.

Wo to them, that are at ease in Zi­on, and trust in the Mountain of Sa­maria,—ye that put far away the evil Day, and cause the Seat of Violence to come near, that lye upon Beds of Ivory, and stretch themselves upon their Couch­es, and eat the Lambs out of the Flock, and the Calves out of the midst of the Stall; that chant to the Sound of the Viol, and invent to themselves Instru­ments of Music, like David, that drink Wine in Bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief Ointments, but they are not grieved for the Affliction of Joseph: Therefore now shall they go Captive, with the first, that go Captive, and the Ban­quet of them, that stretched themselves, [Page 238] shall be removed: The Lord God hath sworn by himself, saith the Lord the God of Hosts, I abhorr the Excellency of Jacob, and hate his Palaces: Therefore will I deliver up the City, with all that is therein, Amos 6. 1, 3. The Prophet reckons up the Provocations of Israel; their Life of Ease, of Oppression, of ex­pensive Ambition, Gluttony, Wan­tonness, Divertisements, Intempe­rance, effeminate Nicety and Softness. And was it thus, O Israel, thou didst draw upon thy self the hatred of God and Desolation? Then un­happy all they, who walk on in these Steps.

Quality is Honorable, and has many Advantages both as to this World and the next, in the Plenty of Blessings annext to it. But then, must not this be receiv'd, as a Chri­stian Maxim, that nothing is truly Honorable, which God despises? And what is the Consequence of this, but, that if Persons of Quality, by their Irregularities and Sins, for­sake God, they forfeit their Dignity, [Page 239] and tho' still saluted with Honor by Men, are not really Honorable? For tho' Man may be so unjust, as to despise what is truly Valuable; yet, not so in God; what he de­spises, is most certainly despicable. By this Rule, may Persons of this Degree, see the only Expedient of maintaining the Dignity of their Rank, that is, by the Practice of solid Virtue, and being Faithful in the service of that soveraign and infinite Majesty, which we con­fess and adore: If they forsake this Way, there is so much of Falseness, Baseness and Treachery Inseparable from a Life of Folly and Vice, that there can be no claim to Honor, where there is nothing but what deserves Contempt.

CHAP. XXXIII. Of the Rich.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the the Gospel give to these?

A. It speaks directly to them; shewing the Danger and Abuse of Riches, as likewise the good Use, that may be made of them in order to eternal Life.

§ I. Of the Danger and Abuse of Riches, and of Covetousness.

Then said Jesus unto his Disciples, Verily, I say unto you, that a rich Man shall hardly enter into the King­dom of God. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a Camel to go thro' the Eye of a Needle, than for a rich Man to enter into the Kingdom of God. When his Disciples heard it, they were exceed­ingly amazed, saying, who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with Men this is impossible, [Page 241] but with God all things are possible, Mat. 19. 23.

Wo unto you, that are rich; for ye have received your consolation. Wo unto you, that are full: For ye shall hunger. Wo unto you, that laugh now, for ye shall mourn and weep, Luk. 6. 24.

And he said unto them, take heed and beware of Covetousness; for a Man's Life consisteth not in the Abun­dance of the things, which he pos­sesseth. And he spake a Parable unto them, saying, the Ground of a certain rich Man brought forth plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room, where to bestow my Fruits? And he said, this will I do, I will pull down my Barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my Fruits and my Goods. And I will say to my Soul, Soul, thou hast much Goods laid up for many Years; take thine Ease, eat, drink and be merry. But God said unto him, thou Fool, this night thy Soul shall be required of thee. Then, whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he, that [Page 242] layeth up Treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God, Luk. 12. 15.

There was a certain rich Man, which was cloathed in Purple, and fine Lin­nen, and fared sumptuously every Day. And there was a certain Beggar, na­med Lazarus, which was laid at his Gate full of Sores. And desiring to be fed with the Crumbs, which fell from the rich Man's Table: Moreover the Dogs came and licked his Sores. And it came to pass, that the Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels into Abra­ham's Bosom: The rich Man also di­ed, and was buried. And in Hell he lift up his Eyes, being in Torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his Bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the Tip of his Finger in Water and cool my Tongue; for I am tormented in this Flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember, that thou in thy Life-time receivedst thy good things, and like­wise Lazarus evil things: But now he is comforted, and thou art tormented, Luk. 16. 19.

Go to now ye rich Men, weep and howl for your Miseries, that shall come upon you. Your Riches are corrupted, and your Garments are moth-eaten. Your Gold and Silver is cankered; and the Rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your Flesh, as it were Fire: Ye have heaped Trea­sure together for the last Days. Behold, the Hire of the Labourers, which have reaped down your Fields, which is of you kept back by Fraud, crieth, and the Cries of them, which have reaped, are entred into the Ears of the Lord of Sabbath. Ye have lived in Pleasure on the Earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your Hearts, as in a Day of Slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the Just; and he doth not resist you, Jam. 5. 1.

Thou sayest, I am Rich, and en­creased with Goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not, that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me Gold tried in the Fire, that thou mayest be Rich; and white Raiment, that thou mayest be cloathed, [Page 244] and that the Shame of thy Nakedness do not appear, and anoint thine Eyes with Eye-salve, that thou mayest see, Revel. 3. 17.

Nor Thieves, nor Covetous, nor Drunkards, nor Revilers, nor Extor­tioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 10.

They, that will be rich, fall into Temptation and a Snare, and into ma­ny hurtful Lusts, which drown Men in Destruction and Perdition. For the Love of Money is the Root of all E­vil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the Faith, and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows, 1 Tim. 6. 9.

Let your Conversation be without Covetousness; and be content with such things, as ye have: For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, Heb. 13. 5.

Mortifie therefore your Members, which are upon the Earth, evil Concu­piscence, and Covetousness, which is Idolatry: For which things sake, the Wrath of God cometh on the Children of Disobedience, Col. 3. 5.

Some additions out of the Old Testament.

He hath swallowed down Riches, and he shall vomit them again: God shall cast them out of his Belly.—That which he laboured for, shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: Ac­cording to his Substance shall the Re­stitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein. Because he hath oppressed, and hath forsaken the Poor; because he hath violently taken away an House, which he builded not.—In the fulness of his Sufficiency, he shall be in Straits: Every Hand of the Wicked shall come upon him, Job 20. 15.

Is not thy Wickedness great, and thine Iniquities infinite? For thou hast taken a Pledge from thy Brother for nought, and stripped the Naked of their Cloathing. Thou hast not given Wa­ter to the Weary to drink, and thou hast withholden Bread from the Hun­gry.—Thou hast sent Widows away empty, and the Arms of the Father­less have been broken. Therefore Snares are round about thee, and sudden Fear troubleth thee, Job 22. 5.

Some remove the Land-marks: They violently take away Flocks, and feed thereof. They drive away the Ass of the Fatherless, they take the Widows Ox for a Pledge.—They turn the Needy out of the Way: The Poor of the Earth hide themselves together.—They pluck the Fatherless from the Breast, and take a Pledge of the Poor.—They are of those, that rebel against the Light; they know not the Paths thereof, Job 24. 2.

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the Glory of his House is en­creased. For when he dieth, he shall carry nothing away: His Glory shall not descend after him. Tho' whilst he lived, he blessed his Soul: And Men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thy self. He shall go to the Genera­tion of his Fathers; they shall never see Light. Man, that is in Honor, and understandeth not, is like the Beast that perish, Psal. 49. 16.

God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling-place, and root thee out of the Land of the Living. [Page 247] The Righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him. Lo this is the Man, that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his Riches, and strengthened himself in his Wickedness, Psal. 52. 5.

Trust not in Oppression, and become not vain in Robbery: If Riches increase, set not your Heart upon them, Psal. 62. 10.

Wealth gottten by Vanity shall be diminished; but he, that gathereth by Labor, shall encrease, Prov. 13. 11.

He, that oppresseth the Poor, reproach­eth his Maker: But he, that honoreth him, hath Mercy on the Poor, Prov. 14. 31.

Whoso stoppeth his Ears at the Cry of the Poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard, Prov. 31. 13.

Remove not the Old Land-mark; and enter not into the Fields of the Fa­therless: For their Redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their Cause with thee, Prov. 23. 10.

He, that by Ʋsury and unjust Gain encreaseth his Substance, he shall ga­ther it for him, that will pity the Poor, [Page 248] Prov. 28. 8. He, that hasteth to be rich, hath an evil Eye, and considereth not, that Poverty shall come upon him, v. 22.

Wo unto them, that join House to House, that lay Field to Field, till there be no place, that they may be pla­ced alone in the midst of the Earth, Isa. 5. 8.

I the Lord love Judgment; I hate Robbery for Burnt-offering, Isa. 61. 8.

They abhor him, that speaketh up­rightly. Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him Burthens of Wheat; ye have built Houses of hewn Stones; but ye shall not dwell in them.—For I know your manifold Transgressions, and your mighty Sins: they afflict the just, they take a Bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their Right, Amos 5. 10.

Wo to them, that devise Iniquity, and work Evil upon their Beds: when the Morning is light they practice it, because it is the Power of their Hand. And they covet Fields, and take them by Violence; and Houses, and take them [Page 249] away; so they oppress a Man and his House, even a Man and his Heritage: Therefore thus saith the Lord, Behold, against this Family do I devise an E­vil, from which ye shall not remove your Necks, Mic. 2. 1.

Whoever gives ear to what the Spi­rit of God here speaks, must be convin­ced: First, That the Love of Rich­es is a great Obstacle to Salvation. 2dly, That 'tis an Abuse of Plenty, to prostitute it in the Service of our own Corruption, in gratifying Pride, Inclination and Appetite. 3dly, That the desire of growing rich is a great Snare, attended with many violent and deceitful Temptations. 4thly, That to get Riches by Fraud, Oppression, or any kind of Injustice, highly provokes the Anger of God. Lastly, That to take the Advantage of Riches, for doing wrong to the Poor, or to any Neighbor, is a Crime, which obliges God to be the just Revenger of it. If these Truths be evident, then the Rich must see, what they are to be afraid of and a­void. And those, who follow not [Page 250] this Rule, let them put their Hands upon their Consciences, and exa­min, Whether they in earnest be­lieve God, and fear him.

§. II. Of the good use of Riches, or of Alms-giving.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain Mercy, Mat. 5. 7.

When thou doest Alms, let not thy left Hand know, what thy right Hand doeth: that thine Alms may be in se­cret, and thy Father, which seeth in secret, himself shall reward thee openly, Mat. 6. 3.

Lay not up for your selves Treasures upon Earth, where Moth and Rust doth corrupt, and where Thieves break through and steal. But lay up for your selves Treasures in Heaven, where neither Moth nor Rust doth corrupt, and where Thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your Treasure is, there will your Heart be also, Mat. 6. 19.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right Hand, Come ye blessed of [Page 251] my Father, inherit the Kingdom pre­pared for you from the Foundation of the World. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me Meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me Drink: I was a Stran­ger, and ye took me in.—Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my Bre­thren, ye have done it unto me, Mat. 25. 34.

Whosoever shall give you a Cup of Water to drink, in my Name, because ye belong to Christ; verily, I say unto you, he shall not lose his Reward, Mar. 9. 41.

Sell that you have, and give Alms: provide your selves Bags, which wax not old, a Treasure in the Heavens, that faileth not, where no Thief approach­eth, neither Moth corrupteth. For where your Treasure is, there will your Heart be also, Luke 12. 33.

When thou makest a Dinner or a Sup­per, call not thy Friends, nor thy Bre­thren, neither thy Kinsmen, nor thy rich Neighbors, lest they also bid thee again, and a Recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a Feast, call the [Page 252] Poor, the Maimed, the Lame, the Blind, and thou shalt be blessed; for they can­not recompence thee: for thou shalt be recompenced at the Resurrection of the Just, Luke 14. 12.

Verily I say unto you, there is no Man, that hath left House, or Pa­rents, or Brethren, or Wife, or Chil­dren, for the Kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the World to come, Life everlasting, Luk. 18. 29.

Give Alms of such things, as you have; and behold, all things are clean unto you, Luke 11. 41.

Make to your selves Friends of the Mammon of Ʋnrighteousness; that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting Habitations. He, that is faithful in that, which is least, is faithful also in much: and he, that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous Mammon, who will commit to your Trust the true Riches? Luk. 16. 9.

Zacheus stood and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my Goods I give to the Poor; and if I have taken [Page 253] any thing from any Man by false Accu­sation, I restore him four-fold. And Jesus said unto him, This Day is Sal­vation come to this House, Luke 19. 8.

There was a certain Man in Cesa­rea, called Cornelius, a Centurion of the Band, called the Italian Band; a devout Man, and one, that feared God, with all his House, which gave much Alms to the People, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a Vision—an An­gel of God,—and he said unto him, Thy Prayers and thine Alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send Men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose Sirname is Peter;—He shall tell thee, what thou oughtest to do, Act. 10. 1.

There was at Joppa a certain Disci­ple named Tabitha, which by Inter­pretation is called Dorcas: This Wo­man was full of good Works and Almsdeeds, which she did. And it came to pass in those Days, that she was sick and died.—Then Peter arose, and went with them. When he was come, they brought him unto the upper Chamber: and all the Widows stood by him, weeping, and shewing [Page 254] the Coats and Garments, which Dor­cas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed, and turning him to the Body, said, Tabitha, a­rise. And she opened her Eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up, Act. 9. 36.

Neither was there any among them, that lacked: for as many, as were Pos­sessors of Lands or Houses, sold them, and brought the Prices of the things, that were sold, and laid them down at the Apostle's Feet; and distribution was made unto every Man, according as he had need, Act. 4. 34.

Now concerning the Collection for the Saints, as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Ʋpon the first Day of the Week, let eve­ry one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come, 1 Cor. 16. 1.

To their power (I bear record) yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; praying us with much Entreaty, that we would receive [Page 255] the Gift, and take upon us the Fellow­ship of the ministring to the Saints.—Therefore as ye abound in every thing,—see that ye abound in this Grace also. I speak not by Commandment, but by the Occasion of the Forwardness of others, and to prove the Sincerity of your Love, 2 Cor. 8. 3.

I thought it necessary to exhort the Brethren, that they would go before un­to you, and make up before-hand your bounty, and not as of Covetousness. But this I say, he, which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly, and he, which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every Man, according as he purposeth in his Heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: For God loveth a cheerful Giver, 2 Cor. 9. 5.

Charge them, that are rich in this World, that they be not High-minded, nor trust in uncertain Riches, but in the Living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good Works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in Scorn for themselves a good [Page 256] Foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal Life, 1 Tim. 6. 17.

To do good, and to communicate, for­get not; for with such Sacrifices God is well-pleased, Heb. 13. 16.

Let the Brother of low Degree, rejoice in that he is exalted; but the rich, in that he is made low: Because as the Flower of the Grass he shall pass away. For the Sun is no sooner risen with a burning Heat, but it withereth the Grass, and the Flower thereof falleth, and the Grace of the fashion of it perish­eth: So also shall the rich Man fade away in his Ways, Jam. 1. 9.

Whoso hath this World's good, and seeth his Brother have need, and shut­teth up his Bowels of Compassion from him, how dwelleth the Love of God in him? My little Children, let us not love in Word, neither in Tongue, but in Deed and in Truth: And hereby we know, that we are of the Truth, 1 Jo. 3. 17.

Tho' nothing can be said more fully; yet it cannot be amiss to in­sert something out of the Old Testa­ment, that the Will of God may be [Page 257] yet more manifest in this point, which is subject to so many Abuses.

When ye reap the Harvest of your Land, thou shalt not wholly reap the Corners of thy Field, neither shalt thou gather the Gleanings of thy Harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy Vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every Grape of thy Vineyard, thou shalt leave them for the Poor and Stranger: I am the Lord your God, Levit. 19. 9.

If thy Brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him; yea, tho' he be a Stran­ger, or a Sojourner, that he may live with thee. Take thou no Ʋsury of him, or Encrease; but fear thy God; that thy Brother may live with thee. Thou shalt not give him thy Money upon Ʋ ­sury, nor lend him thy Victuals for En­crease, Lev. 25. 35.

If there be among you a poor Man of one of thy Brethren, within any of thy Gates, in thy Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not har­den thy Heart, nor shut thine Hand from thy poor Brother. But thou shalt o­pen thine Hand wide unto him, and [Page 258] shalt surely lend him Sufficient for his Need, in that which he wanteth.—Thou shalt surely give him, and thine Heart shall not be grieved, when thou givest unto him: Because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy Works, and in all that thou put­test thine Hand unto. For the Poor shall never cease out of the Land: Therefore I command thee, saying, thou shalt open thine Hand wide unto thy Brother, to thy Poor, and to thy Needy in thy Land, Deut. 15. 7.

When thou cuttest down thine Harvest in thy Field, and hast forgot a Sheaf in the Field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it; it shall be for the Stranger, for the Fatherless, and for the Widow; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the Work of thine Hands, Deut. 24. 19.

When the Ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the Eye saw me, it gave witness to me: Because I deli­vered the Poor, that cried, and the Fatherless, and him, that had none to help him. The Blessing of him, that was ready to perish, came upon me, and [Page 259] I caused the Widow's Heart to sing for Joy.—I was Eyes to the Blind, and Feet was I to the Lame. I was a Fa­ther to the Poor, and the Cause, which I knew not, I searched out, Job 29. 11.

If I have withheld the Poor from their desire, or have caused the Eyes of the Widow to fail; or have eaten my Morsel my self alone, and the Fatherless hath not eaten thereof:—If I have seen any perish for want of Cloathing, or any Poor without Covering: If his Loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the Fleece of my Sheep: If I have lift up my Hand against the Fatherless, when I saw my help in the Gate: Then let mine Arm fall from my Shoulder-blade, and mine Arm be bro­ken from the Bone, Job 31. 16.

Blessed is he, that considereth the Poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of Trouble. The Lord will pre­serve him and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the Earth; and thou wilt not deliver him unto the Will of his Enemies: The Lord will streng­then him upon the Bed of Languishing; thou wilt make all his Bed in his Sick­ness, Psal. 41. 1.

Is not this the Fast, that I have chosen? To loose the Bonds of Wicked­ness, to undo the heavy Burthens, and to let the Oppressed go free, and that ye break every Yoke? Is it not to deal thy Bread to the Hungry, and that thou bring the Poor, that are cast out, to thy House? When thou seest the Naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thy self from thine own Flesh? Then shall thy Light break forth, as the Morning, and thine Health shall spring forth speedily; and thy Righteousness shall go before thee, the Glory of the Lord shall be thy Reward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall an­swer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, here I am: If thou take away from the midst of thee the Yoke, the putting forth of the Finger, and speaking Vani­ty: And if thou draw out thy Soul to the Hungry, and satisfie the afflicted Soul; then shall thy Light rise in Obscurity, and thy Darkness be as the Noon-day. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfie thy Soul in drought, and make fat thy Bones: And thou shalt be like a watered Gar­den, [Page 261] and like a Spring of Water, whose Waters fail not, Isa. 58. 6.

God having spoke so at large to those, who possess the Riches of this World; having made so many Pro­mises to them of everlasting Blessings, if they let the Plenty, he has given them, be the Relief of the Poor: It must be here acknowledg'd, that such as have Wealth, have in this a great Opportunity put into their Hands, of engaging God to them, by making that good use of it, as he has directed. 2dly, That such, as, instead of this good Use, Hoard up their Money, either for the Love of it, or for the unreasonable Appre­hensions of Want, are more Solici­tous for this World, than the next, and chuse to take their Chance for Hell, rather then venture the Imagi­nary Dangers, suggested by their immoderate Love of the Earth and themselves. 3dly, That such, as turn their Plenty to the Service of Vanity, Self-love, and seeking human Greatness, abuse the Gifts of God, and give Demonstration of their Con­cern [Page 262] being more for this World, than the next, and that Salvation is not the thing they seek. Lastly, That such, as prostitute their Plenty to vi­cious Extravagancies, have in Fact renounc'd their Faith, since they have no regard either to the Promises of God's Mercy, or to the Threats of his Justice, and hence have too much Reason to apprehend the Lot, of being cast out with Unbelievers. Riches in the right Use of them, are a certain Blessing, but abus'd, are a Curse.

CHAP. XXXIV. Of the Poor.

Q. DO's the Gospel take notice of these?

A. It do's, and instructs them for their Comfort.

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 5. 3.

Take no Thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or wherewithal shall we be cloathed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth, that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, Mat. 6. 31.

Jesus answered and said unto them, go and shew John again those things, which ye do hear and see: The Blind receive their Sight, and the Lame Walk, the Lepers are Cleansed, and the Deaf Hear, the Dead are raised up, and the Poor have the Gospel preached to them, Mat. 11. 4.

A certain Scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee, whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, the Foxes have Holes, and the Birds of the Air have Nests: But the Son of Man hath not where to lay his Head, Mat. 8. 19.

Peter began to say unto him, lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, verily, [Page 264] I say unto you, there is no Man, that hath left House, or Brethren, or Si­sters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands for my sake and the Gospel's, but he shall receive an hundred-fold now in this time,—and in the World to come, eternal Life. But many, that are first, shall be last: And and the last, first, Mar. 10. 28.

And there came a certain poor Wi­dow, and she threw in two Mites, which make a Farthing. And he cal­led unto him his Disciples, and saith unto them, Verily, I say unto you, that this poor Widow hath cast more in, than all they, which have cast into the Treasury. For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want, did cast in all, that she had, even all her Living, Mar. 12. 42.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the Poor, he hath sent me to heal the Broken-hearted, to preach Deliverance to the Captives, and re­covering of Sight to the Blind, to set at Liberty them, that are bruised, to preach [Page 265] the acceptable Year of the Lord.—And he began to say unto them, this Day is this Scripture fulfilled in your Ears, Luk. 4. 18, 21.

He lifted up his Eyes on his Disci­ples, and said, Blessed be ye Poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Bles­sed are ye, that hunger now; for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye, that weep now; for ye shall laugh, Luk. 6. 20.

Then the Master of the House being Angry, said to his Servant, Go out quickly into the Streets and Lanes of the City, and bring in hither the Poor, and the Maimed, and the Halt, and the Blind. And the Servant said, Lord, it is done, as thou hast command­ed, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the Servant, Go out in­to the High-ways and Hedges, and compel them to come in, that my House may be filled. For I say unto you, that none of those Men, which were bid­den, shall taste of my Supper, Luk. 14. 21.

There was a certain Beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his Gate [Page 266] full of Sores; and desiring to be fed with the Crumbs, which fell from the rich Man's Table; moreover the Dogs came and licked his Sores. And it came to pass, that the Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels into A­braham's Bosom, Luk. 16. 20.

Ye see your Calling, Brethren, how that not many wise Men after the Flesh, not many Mighty, not many Noble are called. But God hath chosen the foo­lish things of the World, to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the World, to confound the things, which are mighty: and base things of the World, and things, which are despised, hath God chosen, 1 Cor. 1. 26.

Moreover Brethren, we do you to wit of the Grace of God bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia: How that in a great Trial of Affliction, the Abun­dance of their Joy, and their deep Po­verty abounded unto the riches of their Liberality. For to their Power (I bear record) yea, and beyond their Power, they were willing of them­selves, praying us with much entreaty, [Page 267] that we would receive the Gift.—Ye know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that tho' he was Rich, yet for your sakes he became Poor, that ye, thro' his Poverty, might be Rich, 2 Cor. 8. 1, 9.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Jesus Christ; who being in the form of God, thought it not Robbery, to be equal with God: But made him­self of no Reputation, and took upon him the form of a Servant, and was made in the likeness of Men: And being found in fashion as a Man, he Humbled him­self and became Obedient unto Death, e­ven the Death of the Cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, Phil. 2. 5.

Godliness with Contentment is great Gain: For we brought nothing into this World, and it is certain, we can carry nothing out. And having Food and Raiment, let us be therewith content. But they that will be Rich fall into Temptation, 1 Tim. 6. 6.

Let your Conversation be without Covetousness; and be content with such things, as ye have: For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake [Page 268] thee. So that, we may boldly say, the Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear, what Man shall do unto me, Heb. 13. 5.

Humble your selves therefore under the mighty Hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your Care upon him, for he careth for you, 1 Pet. 5. 6.

Let the Brother of low Degree rejoice in that he is exalted:—Blessed is the Man, that endureth Temptation: For when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him, Jam. 1. 9, 12.

Hearken, my beloved Brethren, hath not God chosen the Poor of this World, Rich in Faith, and Heirs of the King­dom, which he hath promised to them, that love him? Jam. 2. 5.

Not that I speak in respect of Want; for I have learned, in whatsoever State I am, therewith to be content. I know, both how to be abased; and I know how to abound: Every-where and in all things I am instructed, both to be full, and to be hungry; both to abound, and [Page 269] to suffer need. I can do all things thro' Christ, which strengtheneth me. Not­withstanding, ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my Affliction, Phil. 4. 11.

These things saith the First and the Last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy Works, and Tribulation, and Poverty, but thou art Rich.—Fear none of these things, which thou shalt suffer: Behold, the Devil shall cast some of you into Prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have Tribulation ten Days: Be thou Faithful unto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life, Rev. 2. 8.

Some additions out of the Old Testament.

I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my Cause.—He saveth the Poor from the Sword, from their Mouth, and from the Hand of the Mighty. So the Poor hath Hope, and Iniquity stoppeth her Mouth, Job 5. 15.

The Lord also will be a Refuge for the Oppressed; a Refuge in times of Trouble. And they, that know thy [Page 270] Name, will put their trust in thee: For thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them, that seek thee, Psal. 9. 9, 10. The Needy shall not alway be forgotten; the Expectation of the Poor shall not pe­rish for ever, v. 18.

Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? Why hidest thou thy self in times of Trouble? The Wicked in his Pride doth persecute the Poor: Let them be taken in the Devices, that they have imagined.—Arise, O Lord, O God, lift up thine Hand; forget not the Humble. Wherefore doth the Wicked contemn God? He hath said in his Heart; thou wilt not require it. Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest Mis­chief and Spite, to requite it with thy Hand: The Poor committeth himself unto thee, thou art the Helper of the Fatherless.—Lord, thou hast heard the Desire of the Humble: Thou wilt pre­pare their Heart, thou wilt cause thine Ear to hear: To judge the Fatherless and the Oppressed, that the Man of the Earth may no more oppress, Psal. 10. 1, 12, 17.

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my Fears.—This Poor Man cried and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his Troubles. The Angel of our Lord encampeth round about them, that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see, that the Lord is good; bles­sed is the Man, that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his Saints: For there is no want to them, that fear him.—The Righteous cry, and the Lord heareth and delivereth them out of all their Troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them, that are of a broken Heart; and saveth such, as be of a contrite Spirit. Many are the Afflictions of the Righte­ous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his Bones; not one of them is broken.—The Lord re­deemeth the Soul of his Servants; and none of them, that trust in him, shall be desolate, Psal. 34. 4, 6, 17.

Trust in the Lord, and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the Land, and veri­ly thou shalt be fed. Delight thy self also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the Desires of thine Heart. Commit [Page 272] thy Way unto the Lord, and he shall bring it to pass.—Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently: Fret not thy self, be­cause of him, who prospereth in his Way;—for evil Doers shall be cut off, but those, that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the Earth.—A little, that a righteous Man hath, is better than the Riches of many Wicked.—The Lord knoweth the Days of the Ʋpright; and their Inheritance shall be for ever: They shall not be ashamed in the evil Time; and in the Days of Famine they shall be satisfied.—The Steps of a good Man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his Way. Tho' he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord up­holdeth him with his Hand. I have been young, and now am old: Yet have I not seen the Righteous forsaken, nor his Seed begging Bread, Psal. 37. 3, 7, 16, 18, 23.

Why art thou cast down, O my Soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the Health of my Coun­tenance, and my God, Psal. 43. 5.

Thou makest us a Reproach to our Neighbors, a Scorn and a Derision to them, that are round about us. Thou makest us a By-word among the Hea­then, a shaking of the Head among the People.—All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsly in thy Covenant. Our Heart is not turned back, neither have our Steps declined from thy Ways, Psal. 44. 13, 17.

I am Poor and Sorrowful; let thy Salvation, O God, set me upon High.—For the Lord heareth the Poor, and despiseth not his Prisoners, Psal. 69. 29, 33.

He shall judge thy People with Righteousness, and thy Poor with Judgment.—He shall judge the Poor of the People, he shall save the Children of the Needy, and shall break in pieces the Oppressor.—He shall de­liver the Needy, when he crieth; the Poor also, and him, that hath no Helper. He shall spare the Poor and Needy; and shall save the Souls of the Needy. He shall redeem their Soul from Deceit and Violence; and precious shall their [Page 274] Blood be in his Sight. Psal. 72. 2, 12.

Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on High?—He raiseth up the Poor out of the Dust, and lifteth the Needy out of the Dunghil: That he may set him with Princes, even with the Princes of his People, Psal. 113. 5, 7.

I know, that the Lord will main­tain the Cause of the Afflicted, and the Right of the Poor, Psal. 140. 12.

Better is a Little with the Fear of the Lord, than great Treasure and Trou­ble therewith, Prov. 15. 16.

Better is a Little with Righteousness, than great Revenues without Right, Prov. 16. 8.

Better is a dry Morsel, and Quietness therewith, than a Housefull of Sacrifi­ces with Strife, Prov. 17. 1.

Better is the Poor, that walketh in his Integrity, than he, that is per­verse in his Lips, and is a Fool, Prov. 19. 1.

Thou hast been a Strength to the Poor, a Strength to the Needy in his Distress, a Refuge from the Storm, a Shadow from the Heat, when the [Page 275] Blast of the terrible Ones is as a Storm against the Wall, Isa. 25. 4.

Yea, in the Way of thy Judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our Soul is to thy Name, and to the Remembrance of thee. With my Soul have I desir'd thee in the Night, yea, with my Spirit within me will I seek thee early: For when thy Judg­ments are in the Earth, the Inhabitants of the World will learn Righteousness.—Lord, in Trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a Prayer, when thy chastening was upon them, Isa. 26. 8.

It is of the Lord's Mercies, that we are not consumed, because his Com­passions fail not: They are New every Morning; great is thy Faithfulness. The Lord is my Portion, saith my Soul, therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them, that wait for him, to the Soul, that seeketh him. It is good, that a Man should both hope, and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord. It is good for a Man, that he bear the Yoke in his Youth. He sitteth alone, and keepeth silence, because he hath born it upon him. He putteth his Mouth in [Page 276] the Dust, if so be there may be Hope.—For the Lord will not cast off for ever. But tho' he cause Grief, yet will he have Compassion; according to the Multitude of his Mercies. For he doth not af­flict willingly, nor grieve the Children of Men.—Wherefore doth a living Man complain, a Man for the Punishment of his Sins? Let us search and try our Ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our Heart with our Hands unto God in the Heavens, Lam. 3. 22.

Thus do's the Spirit of God speak in the Case of the Poor, and Distres­sed; evidently discovering, that however by this World they are e­steem'd unhappy, yet that God has a particular Regard to them, under­takes their Protection, and makes so many Promises to them, that it can­not be question'd, but, as to the next World, they have much the Advantage above those, who enjoy themselves in plenty. But then they must observe the Conditions, which God proposes to them; of accepting the Inconveniencies of their State, as [Page 277] from the Hand of God; of being content with what they have; of casting their Care upon God; of waiting upon the Lord with Pati­ence; of retaining a firm Confidence in his Promises; of living in the Fear of God, and banishing with their best Endeavors all Inclinations to Impatience, Murmuring and Di­strust. If in this Spirit they live, I think, they have more solid Grounds for true Comfort, than the Enjoy­ment of all worldly Possessions can afford, and may have a great Assu­rance of God's Promises to be accom­plish'd in them, in the Blessings of a happy Eternity.

CHAP. XXXV. Of those, who have the Care of the Flock.

Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to Persons of this Character?

A. It speaks very particularly to them, and is very full both in the Instructions and Charge it gives them.

Ye are the Salt of the Earth; but if the Salt have lost his Savour, wherewith shall it be Salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under Foot of Men. Ye are the Light of the World: A City, that is set on a Hill, cannot be hid. Neither do Men light a Candle, and put it un­der a Bushel; but on a Candlestick, and it giveth Light to all, that are in the House. Let your Light so shine be­fore Men, that they may see your good Works, and glorifie your Father, which is in Heaven, Mat. 5. 13. They are to be Exemplar.

If a Man have an hundred Sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the Mountains, and seeketh that, which is gone astray? Mat. 18. 12. They are to be solicitous in seek­ing the lost Sheep.

There was also a Strife among them, which of them should be accounted the [Page 279] greatest. And he said unto them. The Kings of the Gentiles exercise Lord­ship over them; and they, that exer­cise Authority upon them, are called. Be­nefactors. But ye shall not be so: But he, that is greatest among you, let him be, as the Younger; and he, that is Chief, as he, that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at Meat, or he that serveth? Is not he, that sitteth at Meat? But I am among you, as he that serveth, Luk. 22. 24. They are to be Humble in Prefer­ment.

Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entreth not by the Door, into the Sheepfold, but climbeth up some other Way, the same is a Thief and a Robber. But he, that entreth in by the Door, is the Shepherd of the Sheep. To him the Porter openeth; and the Sheep hear his Voice: And he calleth his own Sheep by Name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own Sheep, he goeth before them, and the Sheep follow him; for they know his Voice, Jo. 10. 1. They are to consider their Vocation.

I am the good Shepherd: The good Shepherd giveth his Life for the Sheep. But he, that is an Hireling, and not the Shepherd, whose own the Sheep are not, seeth the Wolf coming, and leaveth the Sheep, and fleeth: And the Wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the Sheep. The Hireling fleeth, because he is an Hireling, and careth not for the Sheep. I am the good Shepherd, and know my Sheep, and am known of mine, Jo. 10. 11. They are to employ and give their Life, for the good of their Flock.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordain'd you, that ye should go and bring forth Fruit, and that your Fruit should remain, Jo. 15. 16. They are to remember the end of their being call'd.

Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon Son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee; he saith unto him, Feed my Lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, Son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest, that [Page 281] I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my Sheep, Jo. 21. 15. The Love of Jesus the necessary Preparation for taking charge of their Flock.

As they ministred to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Sepa­rate me Barnabas and Saul, for the Work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their Hands on them, they sent them away, Acts 13. 2. Good Disposi­tions for undertaking the Care of the Flock.

Take heed therefore unto your selves, and to all the Flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own Blood. For I know this, that after my departing, shall grievous Wolves enter in among you, not sparing the Flock. Also of your own selves shall Men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away Disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three Years, I ceased not to warn every one Night and Day with Tears, Acts 20. 28. Vigilance and Fidelity neces­sary for Pastors.

This is a true Saying, if a Man de­sire the Office of a Bishop, he desireth a good Work. A Bishop then must be blameless, the Husband of one Wife, Vigilant, Sober, of good Behavior, given to Hospitality, apt to Teach; not given to Wine, no Striker, not greedy of filthy Lucre, but Patient, not a Brawler, not Covetous; one, that ruleth well his own House, having his Children in Sub­jection with all Gravity; (for if a Man know not how to rule his own House, how shall he take Care of the Church of God?) Not a Novice, lest being lifted up with Pride, he fall into the Condem­nation of the Devil. Moreover he must have a good Report of them, which are without, lest he fall into Reproach, and the Snare of the Devil, 1 Tim. 3. 1. Necessary Qualifications of Pastors.

If thou put the Brethren in Remem­brance of these things, thou shalt be a good Minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the Words of Faith, and of good Doctrin, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old Wives Fables, and exercise thy self rather unto Godli­ness: For Bodily Exercise profiteth little; [Page 283] but Godliness is profitable unto all things, having Promise of the Life, that now is, and of that, which is to come.—Let no Man despise thy Youth; but be thou an Example of the Believers, in VVord, in Conversation, in Charity, in Spirit, in Faith, in Purity. Till I come, give attendance to Reading, to Exhortation, to Doctrin. Neglect not the Gift, that is in thee, which was given thee by Prophecy, with the laying on of the Hands of the Presbytery. Meditate upon these things, give thy self wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thy self, and unto thy Doctrin; continue in them: For in doing this, thou shalt both save thy self, and them, that hear thee, 1 Tim. 4. 6, 12. Ex­cellent Instructions; 1. To be nou­rish'd by Faith. 2. To avoid Fables. 3. To follow Piety. 4. To give good Example. 5. To Read and Teach. 6. Not to neglect Grace. 7. To Meditate. 8. To be watch­ful over themselves and their Flock. Lastly, To persevere in Duty.

Rebuke not an Elder, but intreat him as a Father, and the younger Men as Brethren; the elder Women as Mothers, the Younger as Sisters, with all Purity, 1 Tim. 5. 1. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect Angels, that thou observe these things, without preferring one before another, doing nothing by Partiality. Lay Hands suddenly on no Man, neither be Parta­ker of other Mens Sins: Keep thy self pure, v. 21. How strict a charge against all kind of Partiality! Them that Sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear, v. 20. Public Sin to be reprov'd in Public.

O Timothy, keep that, which is committed to thy Trust, avoiding pro­phane and vain Bablings, and Oppositi­ons of Science falsly so called: VVhich some professing, have erred concerning the Faith, 1 Tim. 6. 20. They are faithfully to keep what is deliver'd, avoid unprofitable Disputes.

Hold fast the form of sound VVords, which thou hast heard of me, in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing, which was committed [Page 285] unto thee, keep by the Holy Ghost, which dwelleth in us, 2 Tim. 1. 13.

Thou therefore, my Son, be strong in the Grace, that is in Christ Jesus. And the things, that thou hast heard of me among many Witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful Men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure Hardness, as a good Soldier of Jesus Christ. No Man, that warreth, entangleth himself with the affairs of this Life; that he may please him, who hath chosen him to be a Soldier, 2 Tim. 2. 1. They are to be strong in Grace: Faithful De­liverers of the Truths receiv'd: Cou­rageous in all the Difficulties of their Ministry: Not engag'd in worldly Affairs.

Of these things put them in Remem­brance, charging them before the Lord, that they strive not about Words, to no profit, but to the subverting of the Hearers. Study to shew thy self ap­proved unto God; a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly di­viding the Word of Truth. But shun prophane and vain Bablings; for they [Page 286] will encrease unto more Ʋngodliness.—Flee also youthful Lusts; but follow Righteousness, Faith, Charity, Peace, with them, that call on the Lord out of a pure Heart. But foolish and unlear­ned Questions avoid, knowing that they do gender Strifes. And the Servant of the Lord must not strive; but be Gentle unto all Men, apt to Teach, Pati­ent; in Meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God Peradventure will give them Repentance, to the acknow­ledging of the Truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the Snare of the Devil, who are taken Captive by him, at his Will, 2 Tim. 2. 14, 22. They are to banish Disputes of Words. 2. Be Irreproachable in their Lives. 3. Dispence worthily the Word of God. 4. Suppress corrupt Discourse. 5. Subdue their own Passions, and follow the Spirit of the new Man. 6. Decline impertinent Contentions. 7. Be Meek to all, and ready to give their Help. 8. Be moderate in Repro­ving and Arguing.

Continue thou in the things, which thou hast learned, and hast been assured [Page 287] of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a Child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee Wise unto Salvation, thro' Faith, which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrin, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righ­teousness; that the Man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good Works, 2 Tim. 3. 14. They are to be stedfast in Faith, knowing in the Ho­ly Scriptures, make use of these for the Conduct of themselves, for instructing, correcting and leading others in Ways of Piety and Justice.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the Quick and the Dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom: Preach the Word, be instant in Season, out of Season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all Long-suffering, and Doctrin. For the time will come, when they will not endure sound Doctrin; but after their own Lusts shall they heap to themselves Teachers, having itching Ears. And they shall turn away their Ears from [Page 288] the Truth, and shall be turned unto Fables. But watch thou in all things, endure Afflictions, do the Work of an Evangelist, make full proof of thy Mi­nistry, 2 Tim. 4. 1. They are to em­ploy their Preaching, Reproof, Pray­er, Threats and Patience, for the Salvation of their Flock. They are to be Watchful, bear patiently the Troubles of their Ministry, and by discharging all Duties fully satisfie it.

For this Cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in Order the things, that are wanting, and ordain Elders in every City, as I had appointed thee. If any be Blameless, the Husband of one Wife, having faithful Children, not accused of Riot, or Ʋnruly. For a Bishop must be Blameless, as the Stew­ard of God; not Self-willed, not soon Angry, not given to Wine, no Striker, not given to filthy Lucre; but a Lover of Hospitality, a Lover of good Men, Sober, Just, Holy, Temperate; holding fast the faithful Word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound Doctrin, both to exhort and to [Page 289] convince the Gainsayers, Tit. 1. 5. Qualifications of such as undertake this Charge.

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all Authority. Let no Man despise thee, Tit. 2. 15. They are to exhort and reprove, as ha­ving Authority: Their Conduct ought to be such, as to be despis'd by none.

Avoid foolish Questions, and Genealo­gies, and Contentions, and Strivings about the Law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A Man, that is an Heretick, after the first and second Admonition, reject: Knowing, that he, that is such, is subverted, and sinneth, being con­demned of himself, Tit. 3. 9. They are to decline unprofitable Disputes, and declar'd Hereticks.

The Elders, which are among you, I exhort, who am also an Elder, and a Witness of the Sufferings of Christ, and also a Partaker of the Glory, that shall be revealed. Feed the Flock of God, which is among you, taking the Oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy Lucre, [Page 290] but of a ready Mind; neither as being Lords over God's Heritage, but being Ensamples to the Flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall reeeive a Crown of Glory, that fadeth not away, 1 Pet. 5. 1. The true Shepherds, not for their own Interest, but for the Good of the Flock, watch over it; they lead it without lording it, and are them­selves an Example to it.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things, which remain, that are ready to die: For I have not found thy Works perfect before God. Remember there­fore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If there­fore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee, as a Thief, Revel. 3. 2.

Thus speaks the chief Shepherd to all those, who, under him, have taken upon them the Care of his Flock; and from whom should they learn the Obligations of their Charge, but from him? Happy they, who give ear to him.

§. II. As to Teaching the Flock.

Jesus came, and spake unto them, say­ing, All power is given unto me in hea­ven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Mat. 28. 19. The Commission for teaching and preaching Christ must be from Christ, and no other Confi­dence of teaching Truth, but from him.

As ye go, preach, saying, The King­dom of heaven is at Hand. Heal the Sick, cleanse the Lepers, raise the Dead, cast out Devils: freely ye have received, freely give, Mat. 10. 7. They are to be dis-interessed: Do all good, and not look for a Reward from Man, but from God.

He, that heareth you, heareth me: And he, that despiseth you, despiseth me: And he, that despiseth me, de­spiseth [Page 292] him, that sent me, Luk. 10. 16. Christ speaks to his Flock, by those, whom he has set over it, and appoin­ted to teach. Christ is injur'd in the contempt of them.

In the day-time, he was teaching in the Temple, and at night he went out, and abode in the Mount, that is called the Mount of Olives, Luk. 21. 37. They, who teach others, are to have their time of frequent Retreat from the World.

I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, Jo. 14. 16. When the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you into all Truth, Jo. 16. 13. No Security of Truth from Learning, but from the Spirit of God. What Gratitude due from the Flock to God, whilst those, who were to Teach it, were to be led by this Spirit!

Then the Twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason, that we should leave the Word of God, and serve Tables, Act. [Page 293] 6. 2. To be engag'd in temporal Affairs is a hindrance to those, who are to Teach.

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small Dissension and Disputation with them, they determined, that Paul, and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apos­tles and Elders about this question, Act. 15. 2. And the Apostles and Elders came together, for to consider of this matter, V. 6. When Questions arise, they are not determin'd by Paul and Barnabas; but are referr'd to the Apostles and Elders of the Church, who assemble and consider of it.

Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders, with the whole Church, to send chosen Men of their own company to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas;—and wrote Letters by them, after this manner; The Apostles, and Elders, and Brethren, send greeting unto the Bre­thren, which are of the Gentiles in An­tioch, and Syria, and Cilicia. Foras­much as we have heard, that certain, which went out from us, have troubled you with Words, subverting your Souls, [Page 195] saying, Ye must be Circumcised, and keep the Law, to whom we gave no such Commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen Men unto you.—For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden, than these necessary things, Act. 15. 22. The Apostles and Elders as­sembled having determin'd the Que­stion propos'd to them, send their Resolution to the Faithful, and re­commend it upon the Authority of the Holy Ghost and of themselves.

When they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: And when they had gather­ed the multitude together, they delivered the Epistle; which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation, Act. 15. 30. The Resolutions of the Apo­stles assembled are receiv'd by the Faithful, and this with joy and com­fort.

And as they went through the Cities, they delivered them the Decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders, which were at Jerusalem. And so were the Churches established in [Page 295] the Faith, and encreased in number daily, Act. 16. 4. The Decrees of the Apo­stles and Elders of the Church were deliver'd to the Faithful; so were the Churches establish'd.

Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the Flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own Blood. For I know this, that after my departing, shall grievous Wolves enter in among you, not sparing the Flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away Disciples after them. Therefore watch, Act. 20. 28. The Pastors of the Church, by the Ordinance of the H. Ghost, are the Overseers of the Flock, and are to Feed it, and by their watchfulness is it to be secur'd from the Errors of perverse Men.

Ye know, from the first day, that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you, at all Seasons; serving the Lord with all Humility of Mind, and with many Tears, and Temptations, which befel me, by the lying in wait of [Page 296] the Jews. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you pub­lickly, and from house to house, Act. 20. 18. They that teach the Flock, are to persevere in their Duty with Patience and Humility, amidst the Difficulties of their Charge. They are not to dissemble the Truth; but give Instructions in Families, as well as in Public. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the Blood of all Men: For I have not shunned to de­clare unto you all the Counsel of God, v. 26. The guilt of their Blood, is upon Pastors, who perish, because they have not been put in mind of their Duty.

And now, Brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance, among all them, which are sanctified. I have coveted no Man's Silver, or Gold, or Apparel. Yea, you your selves know, that these hands have ministred unto my necessities, and to them, that were with me, Act. 20. 32. They, who Teach, ought to [Page 297] Pray for the Flock, and be as little a Burthen to them as they possible can.

I am Debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise, and to the unwise, Rom. 1. 14. They who Teach, do well in offering their Labor to all, Partiality ought not to be mixt with their Charity. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one, that believeth, v. 16. They ought not to be asham'd of the Truth.

Christ sent me, not to Baptize, but to Preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect, 1 Cor. 1. 17. Simplicity more becoming the Gospel, than humane Eloquence. And I, Bre­thren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of Speech, or of Wisdom, de­claring unto you the Testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.—And my Speech and my Preaching was not with enticing Words of Man's Wisdom, but in Demonstration [Page 298] of the Spirit, and of Power, 1 Cor. 2. 1.

We are Laborers together with God, 1 Cor. 3. 9. Let a Man so account of us, as of the Ministers of Christ, and Stewards of the Mysteries of God. More­over it is required in Stewards, that a Man be found faithful, 1 Cor. 4. 1. The Dignity of Preachers is very great: their Fidelity ought to be so too.

But with me it is a very small thing, that I should be judged of you, of Man's judgment, 1 Cor. 4. 3. They are not to be Solicitous, what Men say of them.

Who goeth to warfare any time, at his own charges? Who planteth a Vine­yard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a Flock, and eateth not of the Milk of the Flock? Say I these things as a Man? or saith not the Law the same also? For it is written in the Law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the Ox, that treadeth out the Corn. Doth God take care for Oxen? or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: [Page 299] That he that ploweth should plow in Hope; and that he, that thresheth in Hope, should be Partaker of his Hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing, if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be Partakers of this Power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this Power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ. Do ye not know, that they, which minister about holy things, live of the things of the Temple? And they, which wait at the Altar, are Par­takers with the Altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they, which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. But I have used none of these things, 1 Cor. 9. 7. It is allow'd Preach­ers to live by their Function, but not to make a Trade of it. S. Paul how­ever made no use of this Allowance, and this is more Perfect.

Though I be free from all Men, yet have I made my self Servant unto all, that I might gain the more.—To the Weak become I as Weak, that I might gain the Weak: I am made all things [Page 300] to all Men, that I might by all means save some, 1 Cor. 9. 19, 22. A Con­descendence of Charity proper for those that teach.

Now, Brethren, if I come unto you speaking with Tongues, what shall I profit you? 1 Cor. 14. 6. Preaching or Teaching in an unknown Tongue can do no good to the Hearers. The Word of God ought to be deliver'd in such a manner, as to be under­stood by the Hearers.

Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the Savour of his Knowledge by us in every Place. For we are unto God, a sweet Savour of Christ, in them, that are saved, and in them that perish. To the one we are the Savour of Death unto Death; and to the other, the Savour of Life unto Life.—For we are not as many, which corrupt the Word of God: But as of Sincerity, but as of God, in the Sight of God speak we in Christ, 2 Cor. 2. 14, 17. The Gospel ought to be preach'd by Word and by good Ex­ample. To Falsifie or Change the [Page 301] Word of God is Sacrilegious. Where there is not true Sincerity, there is not the Spirit of the Gospel.

Seeing we have this Ministry, as we have received Mercy, we faint not: But have renounced the hidden things of Dishonesty, not walking in Craftiness, nor handling the Word of God Deceit­fully, but by Manifestation of the Truth, commending our selves to every Man's Conscience in the Sight of God. But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them, that are lost, 2 Cor. 4. 1. To such A­buses are the most holy Things sub­ject; but how many Wo's to them, that incurr this Guilt!

We preach not our selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and our selves your Servants for Jesus sake, 2 Cor. 4. 5. What Prophanation! What Prostitu­tion of the Gospel, in those, who undertake to preach Jesus Christ, and under this Cover seek themselves!

We have this Treasure in Earthen Vessels, that the Excellency of the Pow­er may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not di­stressed; we are perplexed, but not [Page 302] in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroy'd; always bearing about in the Body, the Dying of the Lord Jesus, that the Life also of Je­sus might be made manifest in our Body, 2 Cor. 4. 7. The Glory of Preachers is to be in God, from whom is every good Gift. In all Troubles, their Confidence is to be in him, whom they preach. They ought every Way to be so Religious, that the Life of Christ may be manifested in all they suffer, and in all they do.

God hath given to us the Ministry of Reconciliation;—and hath committed unto us the Word of Reconciliation. Now then we are Embassadors for Christ, as tho' God did beseech you by us: We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God, 2 Cor. 5. 18. We then, as Workers together with him, beseech you also, that ye receive not the Grace of God in vain.—Giving no Of­fence in any thing, that the Ministry be not blamed: But in all things ap­proving our selves, as the Ministers of God, in much Patience, in Afflictions, in Necessities, in Distresses, in Stripes, [Page 303] in Imprisonments, in Tumults, in Labors, in Watchings, in Fastings, by Pureness, by Knowledge, by Long-suf­fering, by Kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by Love Ʋnfeigned, by the Word of Truth, by the Power of God, by the Armor of Righteousness, on the right Hand, and on the left; by Honor and Dishonor, by evil Report and good Re­port: As Deceivers, and yet True; as Ʋnknown, and yet well Known; as Dy­ing, and behold we Live; as Chastened, and not Killed; as Sorrowful, yet always Rejoicing; as Poor, yet making many Rich; as having Nothing, and yet possessing all Things, 2 Cor. 6. 1. How great is the Dignity of those, who succeed in the Apostolic Function! And what ought to be their Sanctity, who are no others than Vicars of Christ! Their Model is here describ'd by the Apostle, and ought to be se­riously consider'd in every Point.

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be Bur­densome to you; for I seek not yours, but you: For the Children ought not to lay up for the Parents, but the Parents for [Page 304] the Children. And I will very gladly spend, and be spent for you; tho' the more abundantly I love you, the l [...]ss I be loved. But be it so, 2 Cor. 12. 14. The Character of true Zeal, to seek nothing, but the good of the Flock. An Hypocrite may pretend this for a time; but none, but the true Shep­herds can persevere in this Practice. To do otherwise is to be a Trader, and not a Pastor.

Do I seek to please Men? For if I yet pleased Men, I should not be the Servant of Christ, Gal. 1. 10. Hence is the Corruption of the Gospel; they, who should seek nothing but Jesus, endeavour to please the World, and to gain Esteem. Preferment weighs more with them than Truth.

When it pleased God, who separated me from my Mother's Womb, and called me by his Grace: To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Heathen; immediately I conferred not with Flesh and Blood, Gal. 1. 15. Flesh and Blood are not to be Coun­sellors in the Cause of the Gospel and the Delivery of its Truths.

He gave some, Apostles: And some, Prophets: And some, Evangelists: And some, Pastors and Teachers; for the Perfecting of the Saints, for the Work of the Ministry, for the Edifying of the Body of Christ: 'Till we all come in the Ʋnity of the Faith, and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect Man, unto the Measure of the Stature of the Fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more Children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every Wind of Doctrin, by the slight of Men, and cunning Craftiness, whereby they lye in wait to deceive: But speaking the Truth in Love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ, Eph. 4. 11. The Ministers of the Divine Insti­tution: Their Charge is not a State of Idleness, but of Work. The end of this Ordinance, was for esta­blishing the Flock in the Unity of Truth: And in all Holiness in this they ought to labor.

Praying always with all Prayer and Supplication—for all the Saints; and for me, that Ʋtterance may be given un­to [Page 306] me, that I may open my Mouth boldly, to make known the Mystery of the Go­spel: For which I am an Embassador in Bonds, that therein I may speak bold­ly, as I ought to speak, Eph. 6. 18. They are to desire the Prayers of the Flock; they are to use a holy Liberty in preaching the Truth of the Gos­pel, without being aw'd by Shame, Fear, or Expectation: They are to do nothing unworthy of him, whose Person they represent.

Some indeed preach Christ even of Envy and Strife; and some also of good Will. The one preach Christ of Conten­tion, not sincerely, supposing to add Affliction to my Bonds, Phil. 1. 15. Strange Motives for preaching Christ. Unhappy they, whose Passions serve them for Steps, whereby to ascend to the Chair of Truth; which ought to have no Entrance, but by the Love of Jesus.

If ye continue in the Faith, grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the Hope of the Gospel;—whereof I Paul am made a Minister; who now rejoice in my Sufferings for you, and [Page 307] fill up that which is behind of the Afflic­tions of Christ in my Flesh, for his Body's sake, which is the Church, Col. 1. 23. To suffer for the Truth, ought to be the Joy and Comfort of him, that has undertaken to be the Minister of Truth. How much then do they forget their Vocation, who, upon meeting with Discouragements, lose all Comfort, and repent of their La­bor.

Whom we preach, warning every Man, and teaching every Man in all Wisdom; that we may present every Man perfect in Christ Jesus, Col. 1. 28. The only design of an Apostolic Teacher is to form Jesus in every one of his Flock, and to make all perfect in him.

Say to Archippus, take heed to the Ministry, which, thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it, Col. 4. 17. They, who consider not well the Duties of their Charge, will soon neglect them. Fulfil the Duties of the Ministry of Jesus Christ: What Pastor do's not tremble at this Word!

Your selves, Brethren, know our Entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain. But even after that we had suf­fered before, and were shamefully en­treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much Contenti­on. For our Exhortation was not of Deceit, nor of Ʋncleanness, nor in Guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in Trust with the Gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing Men, but God, which trieth our Hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering Words, as ye know, nor a Cloak of Co­vetousness, God is Witness: Nor of Men sought we Glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the Apostles of Christ. But we were Gentle among you, even as a Nurse cherisheth her Children: So being affectionately desi­rous of you, we were willing to have im­parted unto you, not the Gospel of God only, but also our own Souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, Bre­thren, our Labor and Travel: For la­boring Night and Day, because we [Page 309] would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the Gospel of God. Ye are Witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably we behaved our selves among you, that believe; as you know, how we exhor­ted, and comforted, and charged every one of you (as a Father doth his Children) that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his Kingdom and Glory, 1 Thess. 2. 1. Every Word a Lesson to Preachers. What a Mercy to the World, if they would study and follow this Spirit!

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the Testimony of our Lord, nor of me his Prisoner; but be thou Partaker of the Afflictions of the Gospel, according to the Power of God, 2 Tim. 1. 8. Great Courage is necessary for standing by the Truth and the Ministers of it.

Hold fast the form of sound Words, which thou hast heard of me, in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing, which was committed unto thee, keep by the Holy Ghost, which dwelleth in us, 2 Tim. 1. 13. Great Fidelity requir'd of the Pastors [Page 310] of God's Church. The Holy Ghost promis'd to them for this end.

Thou therefore endure Hardness, as a good Soldier of Jesus Christ. No Man, that warreth, entangleth himself with the affairs of this Life, 2 Tim. 2. 3. I suffer trouble, as an evil Doer, even unto Bonds; but the Word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things, for the Elects sake, v. 9. To suffer with Courage all Difficulties, is the Obligation of a Pastor: And if he suffer as a Criminal, as this is most humbling, so it brings him nearer to the Resemblance of Jesus Christ.

They are of the World; therefore speak they of the World, and the World heareth them, 1 Jo. 4. 5. Unhappy Teachers, whose Character this is.

CHAP. XXXVI. Of the Flock.

Q. WHat Directions do's the Gospel give to the Flock, in Regard [Page 311] of those, whom God has put over them?

A. It speaks very particularly to them; but that I may end this last Chapter with such Instructions, as the Gospel gives, I will first set down some Injunctions of God in the Old Law, which, as it was a Figure of the New, so it may lead us to such Duties, as God expects from the Flock, in this better Constitution, which is the Church of Christ.

And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses, because of the Ethiopian Wo­man, whom he had married.—And they said, hath the Lord indeed spoken on­ly by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us! And the Lord heard it.—Where­fore then were not ye afraid to speak a­gainst my Servant Moses? And the Anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed, Num. 12. 1, 8. God shews his displeasure against those, who murmur at such as he has set over them.

And all the Children of Israel mur­mured against Moses and against Aa­ron. —And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this People provoke me?— [Page 312] Surely, they shall not see the Land, which I sware unto their Fathers, neither shall any of them, that provoked me, see it, Num. 14. 2, 11, 23. Great are the Judgments of God upon those, who murmur against such as are over them.

Now Korah, —and Dathan, and Abiram, —took men, and they rose up before Moses with certain of the Children of Israel, two hundred and fifty Princes of the assembly, famous in the Congre­gation, Men of renown. And they gather­ed themselves together against Moses, and against Aaron, and said unto them; Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the Congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: Wherefore then lift you up your selves above the Congregation of the Lord? And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his Face.—And he spake unto the Congre­gation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from tbe Tents of these wicked Men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their Sins.—And the Earth opened her Mouth, and swallowed them up, and their Houses, and all the Men, [Page 313] that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.—And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty Men, that offered In­cense, Num. 16. 1, 26, 32, 35. The Congregation being holy, Exempts them not from their Obedience en­join'd. The Authority of Princes of the Congregation, Men Famous and of Renown, is not enough for questioning the Authority of Moses and Aaron, whom God had com­manded all to hear and obey. Their offering Incense to God is not accepted, while divided from Moses and Aaron, they are under the guilt of Disobe­dience.

Thou shalt come unto the Priests, the Levites, and unto the Judge, that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the Sentence of Judgment. And thou shalt do according to the Sen­tence, which they of that place (which the Lord shall chuse) shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do, according to all, that they inform thee: according to the Sentence of the Law, which they shall teach thee; and [Page 314] according to the Judgment, which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do; thou shalt not decline from the Sentence, which they shall shew thee, to the Right Hand, nor to the Left. And the Man, that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the Priest (that standeth to Minister there before the Lord thy God) or unto the Judge, even that Man shall die: And thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously, Deut. 17. 9. How strict is the Discipline enjoin'd by God in Com­mon Cases! How severe the Punishment of Disobedience!

And Samuel saith, Hath the Lord as great delight in Burnt Offerings and Sacrifices, as in obeying the Voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey, is better than Sacrifice; and to hearken, than the Fat of Rams. For rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft, and stubbornness is as Iniquity and Idolatry: Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being King, 1 Sam. 15. 22. Obedience to the Command of God the best Sacrifice. Sacri­fice without Obedience is Rebellion, and Idolatry.

The Priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth: For he is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts, Mal. 2. 7. The Minister of God is to deliver the Law of God.

The New Law.

Then spake Jesus to the Multitude, and to [Page 315] his Disciples, saying, The Scribes and the Pha­risees sit in Moses Seat: All therefore, what­soever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their Works: For they say, and do not, Mat. 23. 1. Those, who are in Authority, are to be obey'd, tho' they give not good Example.

These twelve Jesus sent forth;—as ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.—Provide neither Gold nor Silver:—For the workman is worthy of his meat.—And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words: When ye depart out of that House or City, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily, I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the Land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the Day of Judgment, than for that City, Mat. 10. 5, 9, 14. Christ gives Authority to teach: The Flock is to feed their Pastors. The Obligation of hearing those, whom Christ has put over the Flock, is from the Command of Christ. How strict this obligation is, may be seen in the rigor of their punishment, who refuse to hear them.

He, that receiveth you, receiveth me; and he, that receiveth me, receiveth him, that sent me, Mat. 10. 40. How great encouragement to hear those, whom Christ has appointed to teach the Flock! To receive them, to submit to them, is to receive and submit to God.

If he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the Church: But if he neglect to hear the [Page 316] Church, let him be unto thee, as an Heathen Man and a Publican. Verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on Earth, shall be bound in Heaven: And whatsoever ye shall loose on Earth, shall be loosed in Heaven, Mat. 18. 17. See, what is the Authority of the Church in common cases: Not to Submit to her Determination, is the Crime of a Heathen, of one, who believes not in God. And is not this Authority confirm'd while Heaven is declar'd to join with her in the Sentence she pronounces? There can be no Appeal then from the Church to God: And while both concur, one cannot be question'd, without arraigning the other.

Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth. Go ye therefore and teach all Nations, Baptizing them—Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the World. Amen. Mat. 28. 18. The Com­mand of Hearing those, whom Christ has made the Pastors of his Flock, is to all Na­tions. But, What need of a Command, when the Promise of a Divine Assistance always attending them to the end of the World, is obligation enough upon all those, who de­sire to be taught the Truth?

And he said unto them; Go ye into all the World, and preach the Gospel to every Crea­ture. He, that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he, that believeth not, shall be [Page 317] damned, Mar. 16. 15. Christ sends to the whole World, and commands the whole World to believe those, whom he sends to teach them. What must their Authority and Commission be, when Damnation is the Punishment of such as refuse to believe!

He that heareth you, heareth me: and he, that despiseth you, despiseth me: And he, that despiseth me, despiseth him, that sent me, Luk. 10. 16. What more powerful Argument could Christ use, for obliging the World to hear those, whom he has sent? In them, God is heard or despis'd. Pastoral Authority (and Truth) is originally in God; it is commu­nicated to the Son, by the Mission of the Father; to the Apostles, by the Mission of the Son; to the following Pastors, by their Succession to the Apostles.

I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of Truth, whom the World cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, Jo. 14. 16. Howbeit, when the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you into all Truth, Jo. 16. 13. Great Mercy of God to the Flock, to deliver them from all Uncertainty of Truth, by appointing the Spirit of Truth to teach them in their Pastors!

Verily, verily I say unto you, He, that receiv­eth whomsoever I send, receiveth me: And he, that receiveth me, receiveth him, that sent me, Jo. 13. 20. They whom Christ sends, are [Page 318] associated in his Mission; being deputed by him, their Authority is his. How terrible their mistake, in rejecting Jesus Christ, when they think they reject nothing but Man! No true Mission, but what was given by Jesus Christ to his Apostles, and by a Succession from them, is communicated to others. If any other be pretended, it is Extraordinary, and ought to be authoriz'd by Miracle to give it Credit.

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose soever Sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever Sins ye retain, they are retained, Jo. 20. 21. What Authority in this Mission? As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. The Holy Ghost being Communicated, Man is only the Minister, and the Power is of God. Can such Authority, such Power be questi­on'd by Man?

Now send Men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose Sirname is Peter: —he shall tell thee, what thou oughtest to do, Act. 10. 5. An Angel from Heaven is sent to Corne­lius, to direct him to Peter; tho' God in­spires, yet the Pastors of his Church are to teach. This is the Ordinance of Christ, and the Practice is confirm'd from Heaven.

And he trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [Page 319] said unto him, Arise, and go into the City, and it shall be told thee, what thou must do, Act. 9. 6. Christ calls upon Saul, stops him in his evil way; but for his Instruction, he sends him to a Disciple. If this be the Will of God, who can pretend to serve God, and yet make exceptions against doing his Will?

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small Dissension and Disputation with them, they determined, that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jeru­salem, unto the Apostles and Elders, about this question, Act. 15. 2. And the Apostles and Elders came together, for to consider of this matter, v. 6. Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders, 22. Questions of Faith are re­ferr'd to the Pastors of the Church. S. Paul and Barnabas, tho' great Apostles, and par­ticularly inspir'd, pronounce not in this case; but help to publish what the Pastors assembled had determin'd.

And as they went thro' the Cities, they de­livered them the Decrees for to keep, that were ordain'd of the Apostles and Elders, which were at Jerusalem: And so were the Churches established in the Faith, and increased in number daily, Act. 16. 4. The Faithful receive the Decrees of their Pastors, and thus was the Faith establish'd, and they perserv'd from the dangers of Novelty and Error.

Take heed therefore unto your selves, and [Page 320] to all the Flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own Blood, Act. 20. 28. It is the Ordinance of God, that the Flock be under the care of the Pastors; by these it is to be fed, and pre­serv'd from Error. This Charge is given them by the Holy Ghost: Who dare alter the Method?

They, that stood by, said, Revilest thou God's High Priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, Brethren, that he was the High Priest: For it is written; Thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy people, Act. 23. 5. Respect is due from the Flock to their Pastor; they are not to revile him.

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord: and as many as were ordain'd to eternal Life, be­lieved, Act. 13. 48. Those, who are ordain'd to Salvation, hear and believe the Apostles. This was the way to Life.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the Power, resisteth the Ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation, Rom. 13. 2. Have the Pastors of the Church Power from God?

He gave some, Apostles:—And some Pastors and Teachers: For the perfecting the Saints,—for the edifying of the Body of Christ:—That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine, Eph. 4. 11. If thus God has [Page 321] declar'd the design of his Goodness, in the Ordinance of Pastors, then it must be the greatest duty and interest of the Flock, to adhere to the Pastors of the Church: For thus has God appointed, for preserving it in Unity and Truth.

Now I beseech you, Brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined to­gether in the same mind, and in the same judg­ment, 1 Cor. 1. 10. Thus is strictly enjoin'd the Flock; then they must be careful in ob­serving the Means, which God has ordain'd for Unity.

He therefore, that despiseth, despiseth not Man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit, 1 Thes. 4. 8. If the Flock despise the Doctrin of those, whom God has ap­pointed to teach it, they despise not Man, but God.

We beseech you, Brethren, to know them, which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love, for their works sake, 1 Thes. 5. 12. If these are to be esteem'd and lov'd; this must be chiefly in their In­structions and Admonitions: then no Con­tentions, no setting up against them.

Let him, that is taught in the Word, com­municate unto him, that teacheth in all good things, Gal. 6. 6. Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they, which preach the Gospel, [Page 322] should live of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 9. 14. Let the Elders, that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, especially they, who labour in the Word and Doctrine: for the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the Ox, that treadeth out the Corn: and the labourer is worthy of his reward, 1 Tim. 5. 17.

Remember them, which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: Whose Faith follow, considering the end of their Conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever, Heb. 13. 7. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your selves: For they watch for your Souls, as they that must give account; that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is un­profitable for you, v. 17. What Charge given by God to the Flock! Remember, Submit, Obey, Follow the Faith of those, who have the Rule over you; for these must g [...]ve ac­count of your Souls. But can they be any part in this account, who refuse to obey?

He, that knoweth God, heareth us; he that is not of God, heareth not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of Truth, and the Spirit of Error, 1 Jo. 4. 6. Are these thus discern'd? Then the Flock must here see the necessity of hearing those, whom God has appointed to feed the Flock.

And now, having gone thro' the Princi­pal Duties of a Christian Life, as likewise the Particular States, in some of which every Christian must have a part; and having seen in all these, what is the Will of God, as [Page 323] it is deliver'd in holy Writ; what better Conclusion can I make, than earnestly to recommend to all, that they would fre­quently read, seriously consider, and with exactness attend to what the Spirit of God says to them? It is the effect of an infinite Mercy, that God has thus left his holy Will manifested to us, that in this we might have a sure Guide: And there is no other Way to Salvation, but this alone, of doing the Will of God. Thus Christ has declar'd; and what greater Interest then can a Christian have, than in knowing the Will of God? This is the best Study; this the best Learning: All other, without this, are vain and useless Ornaments; but this alone, without all others, will make a Man Wise to Salvation. If the World sets up for other Ways; if it has Number and Custom to give Authority to them; yet all this makes them not warrantable to the Christian; he must consult his Rule, and whatever he finds not allow'd there, he must renounce, as Antichristian; for it is Christ, and not the World, is his Guide to Salvation. How perversly blind then are all those Christians, who make it their Business to study the World, and esteeming this the best Education, are at a great Ex­pence in training up their Children to an early Knowledge of whatever it admires? And when this is done; what is the Effect, but only to be skill'd in Vanity; to be learned in those things, which lead them [Page 324] out of the Way? And in the mean time the only thing Necessary is neglected, and they are Strangers to that Knowledge, which can be their only Guide to that Life, for which they were born: Whereas the great Business of all that believe, is to know the Will of God, and by doing it to work out their Salvation.

If this be the Error of such as are blind Lovers of themselves and the World, in­stead of God; then such as follow the Light of Faith, must follow another Busi­ness: They must make it their general Study, to know the Will of God, they must strictly inform themselves, what he com­mands, what he forbids, what he approves and disapproves; and this being most ex­presly deliver'd in holy Writ, they ought to esteem the particular Knowledge of this their only solid Accomplishment, and not think they have any thing valuable in them, whatever their natural or acquir'd Abilities be, as long as they are Ignorant of this. By this Method Christians will soon be qualified for making a true Judg­ment of all Things and Circumstances of human Life; they will judge the World, and all its Ways, and not be in danger of being deluded by its Specious and most Authentic Snares. This is the true Chri­stian Wisdom; and whosoever takes ano­ther Way, tho' he may come to an emi­nent Degree of admir'd Knowledge, yet he will never be Wise to Salvation.

FINIS.

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