I.

For the first of these, Those words are very terrible, which you meet withal in our Savi­ours Letter to the next Church, ver. 21, 22, 23. of this Chapter, I gave her space to repent of her fornication, but she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a Bed, and them that commit Adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her Children with death, and all the Churches shall know that I am He which search­eth the reins and hearts, and I will give unto every one of you, according to your works. Which if we apply to our selves, we cannot deny but that we have been already in great tribulation; and what further punishments the righteous Lord hath reserved for us, except we repent, we are not able certainly to tell: but this is sure, that it is not likely there should be any peace to such a wicked people. Our sins are so crying, that they will not suffer us to be quiet, but give us further disturbance, till they have utterly con­founded us: unless we will part with these trou­blers [Page 32]of our Israel, and become more obedient Christians. There have been innumerable Sermons preached, and Books printed to de­monstrate this truth, That all those sins which are now so rife among us, sloth and negligence, lu­xury and excess, whoredom and adultery, perfidiousness and dishonesty, infidelity or indifference in Religion, con­tempt of all Government Civil and Spiritual, &c. na­turally tend unto (and can end in nothing else but) the subversion of those Families, and that Kingdom and Church wherein they reign: be­sides that the Divine Justice is concerned to pu­nish them, and will be avenged, as the Pro­phet speaks, of such a Nation as this. And who is there that doth not see, there are instru­ments of Divine Justice ready at hand, bloody instruments, that offer themselves to be em­ployed and are prepared to do the execution, if our repentance do not move Him, by some miraculous Providence, to prevent it? The Pa­pists I mean, the sworn Enemies of our peace and settlement; who, as they want no will so, have behaved themselves as if they thought they did not want power to destroy us. Men of as wicked principles, as the Fa­ther of mischief can invent: of no Faith, no Justice, no Charity, no Moderation (if they be spirited by them, who now rule in that [Page 33]Church) but inflamed with a false zeal for God and Religion; which will let them stick at no Cruelty, no Butchery, no Treachery or treaso­nable attempt, to compass their desired end. We may say of them as David doth of his ene­mies, v. Psal. 9. There is no faithfulness in their mouth, their inward part is very wickedness: their throat is an open Sepulchre, though they flatter with their tongue. And xxxviii. 19. Our enemies are lively, and strong: they that hate us wrongfully, are many in number. So many, and so industrious and desperately bent to seek our ruine, that if the Lord had not been on our side, they had swallowed us up quick; when their wrath was kindled against us. And we may be sure it is not quenched, but ra­ther more incensed by this disappointment: So that we had need, with serious repentance, earnestly beseech Him, in the words of David elsewhere, xvii. Psal. 13. Arise, O Lord, disap­point them and cast them down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is a Sword of thine.

Which words teach us, That the wicked are one kind of Sword, which my Text may speak of, wherewith the Lord fights against im­penitent Sinners: whom He punishes very of­ten by other Sinners like themselves. And there is no sort of punishment that doth such dreadful execution, as the fierceness of man; if [Page 34]the Lord do not restrain it. We have reason therefore to cry, in the words of Jeremiah, (which we may apply to this business) O Sword of the Lord, how long will it be e're thou be quiet? Put up thy self into thy Scabbard; rest and be still, xlvii. 6. Let us see no more wars, no more bloodshed, no more sheathing our Swords in one another Bowels. But then we must add, as it there follows, How can it be quiet, if the Lord have given it a charge against us; and if here He hath appointed it? If He resolve this way to punish us, there is no way to escape it (but by repentance) and we cannot imagine how sore a punishment it may prove: for the tender mer­cies of the wicked (saith Solomon, xii. Prov. 10.) are cruel. Which was never more verified of any sort of wicked men, than of those Jesuit­ed Zealots, who are now inraged against us, and hate us, as David speaks, xxv. Psal. 19. with cruel hatred.

We cannot tell yet how they intended to have treated us now, but we know what they intended, and what they did in former times. Particularly in the Year 1588. when Don Pe­dro de Valdez, a great Commander in the Spa­nish Invasion, confessed to the Lords of the Council (who examined him after he was ta­ken, What meant those Whips of Cord and [Page 35]Wire wherewith their Ships were stored) that they intended, if they had prevailed, to have whipt us Hereticks to death. This he answered in a bold manner; and being further asked what they would have done with our young Chil­dren, replied as boldly, All above seven years old should have gone the same way with their Fathers: the rest should have lived; only we would have branded them in the Forehead with the Letter L, signifying Lutheran; and reserved them for perpetual bondage. This the Relator (D ^r Sharp) takes God to wit­ness, he received from two of the greatest Lords of the Council after his Examination: with a Commandment to publish it to the Queens Army which lay at Tilbury, in his next Sermon.

It may be objected indeed that this was only an insolent rant of one of those huffing Foreign­ers; who intended, as he professed, not only to subdue our Nation, but to root it wholly out: and there cannot be, you may fansie, any so barbarous among our selves, that design such a total destruction of us they call Hereticks. To which I have nothing to say but this, That the ordinary Discourse of Papists here in former times, hath been as bloody and cruel as can be imagined: and we have little reason to think they have less venome now, that they have more power by the encrease of their numbers. [Page 36]For I find these words in an Exposition upon 2 Thess. ii. printed fifty years ago, John Squire, Serm. V. Page 138. by a famous Preacher in the City of London, Know we not their common threatnings? What they whisper a­mong the Common People, what they will do when their day doth come? (Christ grant that their day may never come.) When it shall come, do they not whisper that they will no more hew down the branches, but tear up the very roots of the reformation, rooting out every Professor thereof? Which agrees too plainly with what we read in a late Traitors Letters con­cerning their hopes now to extirpate that pesti­lent Heresie (as they miscal our holy Religion) which hath spread it self through these Northern Parts of the World. Nor have their practices been unsuitable, as the Irish Rebellion alone suf­ficiently testifies; wherein three hundred thou­sand souls were sent to the other World, as not fit to live in this; for no other cause but their Religion: and it is manifest they then intend­ed to have left none remaining in that Coun­trey but themselves; if they could have satis­fied their blood-thirsty desires.

Which things I remember for no other end, but to awaken you to a serious repentance of those sins, which have brought us near the brink of the like destruction: lest the Lord deliver [Page 37]us, at last, into the hands of these Tormen­tors. Whose tyranny is so insupportable, that should they prevail, the Posterity of them who now wish for that woful day, would sadly re­pent of it in future times; and curse the memo­ry of those who brought them into such slave­ry. Let them but read the complaints and hearken to the groans of their Forefathers under the Roman bondage, before the Reformation of Religion; and they may be convinced of their folly, or madness rather, in desiring and indeavouring to return unto it. All the World sighed for deliverance from it, particularly France and Germany, and Poland, as we find in the publick Acts of those Countries: who said of the Bishop of Rome's tyranny, as St. Peter did of the burthen of Jewish Ceremonies, that it was a yoke which neither they nor their Fathers were able to bear. ‘And among all the authen­tick Records’ (to use the words of him that set out the Review of the Council of Trent in our lan­guage) ‘which there are of the Popes Usurpa­tion, there are not to be found more woful Tragedies of his tyranny, than such as were acted upon our Stage. No higher Trophees erected to his ambition, than here in England. No more rare examples of devout, abused pa­tience, than among us. Till extream ne­cessity [Page 38]made us despair into courage and for­titude; when the avarice and exactions of Rome having left us nothing else, at last rob­bed us of our patience.’ All our Histories are full of proofs of this; which may ease me of the labour of relating any of them: nor is this a place so proper for it.

II.

Let me pass rather to the second thing, and turn towards you the other edge of this Sword which my Text speaks of: which is the execu­ting his threatnings against the souls of the im­penitent; and sending upon them spiritual judg­ments. Which if we have any sense and feel­ing, we must think are the most grievous of all other: And here I might represent to you, what a dismal thing it would be, if you should have your eyes put out once more; and be buried a­gain in the darkness of ignorance and Popish Su­perstition; being robbed of your reason, and made to believe the groffest absurdities: and having no liberty left to examine any thing, be forced to follow blindly, whithersoever your blind Guides will lead you. For this is the least you can expect, if our inveterate enemies prevail over us. Suppose they should be so kind as not to kill us, nor torment us, nor so [Page 39]much as imprison us; yet they will undoubted­ly exercise the greatest severity against our Re­ligion; and endeavour to destroy that, though they should spare us. The holy Scriptures must be imprisoned; your understandings and spi­rits inthralled; the Worship of God prophaned and corrupted, the Idolatry of the Mass erect­ed; the very Doctrine of repentance poyson­ed; and all other ways of serving God, but ac­cording to their Superstition, absolutely prohi­bited.

We may suffer our selves to be abused, if we please, with fair words and plausible speeches, wherewith they deceive the hearts of the sim­ple: but whatsoever they say, and petition for themselves, when they are under Hatches; they are resolved, when they have power, to give no toleration to any Religion but their own. Thus Ribadeneir a (the famous Writer of the life of Ignatius the Founder of the Jesuits) labours to prove at large in his Book of a Christian Prince; ‘That it is impossible for Catholicks to unite with Hereticks in a firm bond of Socie­ty, and to agree to live together in a peacea­ble, quiet Body of a Commonwealth’ (which is worthy our notice and remembrance, and so are his Reasons.) ‘For how can one carry a Serpent in his bosome, saith he, and not be [Page 40]ulcerated by his bitings? or touch Pitch, and not be defiled? &c. Or are there more in­nate and inbred enmities between the Wolves and the Lambs, than there ought to be between Catholicks and Hereticks? No, saith he, the Council of Toledo determines, That no King hereafter should reign, but before he ascended the Throne, he should swear, among other things, that he would permit no man who was not a Catholick to live in his Kingdom, &c.’ And if this be not sufficient to shew what these Fa­thers would be at, (who now are the ruling men in that Church) I might cite others, who make it equally dangerous to have two Religions in a Kingdom, and to have a Wife and a Whore in one and the same Family.

Sometimes indeed they confess the iniquity of the times (as they speak) may be such, that a Prince of their Religion may be forced to tole­rate ours; and solemnly do it by compact and agreement. But then they say again, That he being compelled unwillingly to fall into a guilt, must not willingly fall into another, by con­firming what he hath done, when he hath pow­er to break the agreement. And they have de­vised several ways to free such a Prince from his obligation, when he thinks fit to null what in words he seemed to establish: but I shall [Page 41]not trouble you with them; nor should I have said any thing at all of this, had it not seemed to me necessary to inform you, That whatsoe­ver they may seem to give you with one hand, they have devices artificially and cunningly to take away with the other. Whereby they justifie what Fa­ther Deza said in a Sermon of his in praise of their Founder Ignatius. Who was the mighty An­gel, he told them, that S ^t John saw in the x. Rev. 1. who came down from Heaven clothed with a Cloud, and a Rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as the Sun, &c. And enquiring why he was represented as clothed with a Cloud, makes this answer; that it signifies that he hides and conceals his generous and sublime counsels and designs: and represents also the Government of our So­ciety, which manifest their effects, but hide their rules and their modes or manner of acting. As of old, saith he, a Cloud covered the Tabernacle of the Lord, and the Glory of the Lord enter­ed into it: so God who hath built this Taber­nacle on Earth (he means the Society of the Jesuits) hath with the same wisdom ordained, for the preserving the honour of so holy a thing, ut ejus gubernandi ratio adeo secreta esset, that the reason and manner of its Government should be so secret, that no man should be able to know it.

[Page 42] Which I think you see verified to the full at this day. We feel the effects of their Counsels, but we see not the secret Springs by which they move. They are covered with a Cloud indeed, and cast a mist before peoples eyes, by a num­ber of cunning distinctions, crafty evasions, and secret reservations: wherein they instruct their Proselytes, that they may be able to do the most villainous things; and yet not be seen, but lye concealed from the eyes of the world, even when they are caught, and many eviden­ces are produced of their wickedness. O my Soul, will every one here be apt to say (with good old Jacob) come not thou into their secret, unto their Assembly, my Honour, be not thou united, xlix. Gen. 6. But it is not enough to pray against their artifices; we must take a more effectual course, by true repentance, to engage the wisdom of Heaven on our side, to defeat their most crafty and subtile contrivances. Else we may be co­zened and gulled out of our Religion, if by outward force they cannot prevail against us, and return in time to our old blind devotion: according to the observation of S ^t Stephen, that when the Israelites would not obey Moses, then in their hearts they turned back again into E­gypt; and then God turned and gave them up to worship the Host of Heaven.

[Page 43] But suppose none of these things should be­fal us; but we should keep our Religion: what shall we be the better for it, if we do not repent? Nay, how much the worse shall we grow, by the abuse of his abundant Grace, and so many remarkable deliverances from our Enemies, which we have received? There are other spiritual evils, that He hath threatned to inflict upon the impenitent; and are the so­rest wounds, the sharpest punishments, that He can give with this Sword of his mouth. They are such as these, the withdrawing of his Grace, the taking away his holy Spirit; and consequently cea­sing to move their hearts unto repentance; denying them the helps they have had, and putting no such stops to them in their evil courses, as sometimes they have found: but removing those things which might excite and stir them up to amendment; and on the contrary permitting such as may confirm them in their contu­macy, whereby they become hardened, and sealed up unto condemnation; to be punished with everlasting de­struction, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven, with his mighty Angels, to take vengeance on all those that know not God, and obey not the Go­spel of Christ.

These are sad and dismal things, which should stir up every one of our drowsie hearts, to mark and observe and lay hold upon every [Page 44]good motion of God's good Spirit in our hearts unto repentance: lest it depart away from us, and by degrees leave us insensible, utterly insen­sible of the things belonging to our peace. Which, one would think, should be so dear to us (though we look no further than this present World) that we should readily consent to any thing that will procure it; and set our selves against that which obstructs it, and will final­ly undo us. And that we all confess is our hei­nous sins; For all the power of the Devil and of Men, though never so violently bent against us, cannot destroy us; unless we continue still in the Plot, as I may call it, wherein we are engaged too deeply against our selves; by our wilful persisting in prophaneness, filthiness, con­tempt of Religion, and of that Authority which supports it; and such like sins: which have brought us into that low, that weak and contemptible condition; in which our enemies could never have hoped to have seen us, unless they had first debauched us.

That hath been their great craft, as it was Balaam's; to whose devices my Text hath a particular respect. He saw clearly there was no way to prevail against Israel, but by enga­ging them in Idolatry and Irreligion: and that there was no way to engage them in that, but [Page 45]by inticing them to Fornication. So the Samari­tans excellently gloss upon his Story Apud Hotting. Smegma Orienta­le, p. 444.: who introduce Balaam telling the Princes of Midian, That the holy Angels surrounded Israel, and the King of Heaven and Earth was with them: so that neither Magick, nor any thing else, could prevail against them; unless they admitted some infidelity, or committed some grievous sin. Then, said he, the Creator will be angry with them, so that they shall perish, and not one of them remain. For the accom­plishment of which, he advised them to send the most beautiful Women in their Country a­mong them, every one of them with the Idol which She worshipped, in her hands: and that She should offer her self to be theirs, if they would eat of her Meat, drink of her Drink, and worship her God. This was eating things offered to Idols, mentioned before my Text; whereby many of them perished; and the rest were saved, who severely punished these enor­mities, and thereby shewed their hatred and detestation of the wickedness of their Bre­thren.

After which pattern Christ expected the Church of Pergamus should be severe against all those among them, who were seduced [Page 46]from the Christian purity in Doctrine and in Manners, by the like artifice of the Devils A­gents. Whereby he knew he should put them out of Christs favour; and if they continued in those wicked courses, quite unchurch them, and bring them again under his vassalage. This is the Repentance, which Christ here calls for in my Text: and which He requires of all Governours and those in Authority Civil or Spiritual; that they should not be slack in pu­nishing sin, and suppressing all false Doctrine, and especially those leud opinions which lead men to all manner of loosness and wicked­ness.

For, if you observe it, the Church of Per­gamus had: been stedfast in the Faith in the time of persecution, and when Antipas his faithful Martyr suffered, were a commendable people in many things (as we likewise in this Church, at least our Forefathers, may be commended for this, that in the days of Fire and Faggot, many chose to dye rather than to change their Religion.) But there were a few things which Christ had against them. First, Because they had those among them, who held the Doctrine of Balaam, &c. and Secondly, Those who held the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans: who were another sort of filthy people; giving themselves over [Page 47]unto promiscuous lusts of uncleanness. When He saith, They had such among them, He means they connived at them, and did not eject them: For it was not their fault, that those men held such opinions; but that they suffered them without the censure of the Church. And then immediately He addes, Repent, or else I will come against thee quickly, &c. As much as to say, You must suffer these men no longer among you; (that was their repentance, at that time) or if you do, I will not endure it; but will come and punish you for this indifference in Reli­gion.

Now I leave you all to judge, whether the Factors of the evil one, have not taken this ve­ry course to unchurch us; and we by our neg­ligence be not in the way to unchurch our selves. They have infused poysonous princi­ples into mens minds, and taught them, for instance, to decry Marriage, as a foolish slave­ry, to think Fornication an innocent thing; and so to give up themselves to commit all un­cleanness with greediness: that so, forgetting all respect to our Religion, they may in the is­sue make them Romanists, and proselyte them to their Idolatrous Services; that is, make them ten times more the Children of the Devil, than they were befoee. And what other way [Page 48]is there to be saved from the destruction which these and other vices will bring upon us, but (that which we are not willing to take) for e­very man to repent of his own wickedness and turn to God: and then for those who have au­thority, to set themselves with all their might to punish and to root out such wickednesses, with all the principles that lead unto them, together with the Abettors and Supporters of them?

And here it may be fit to observe, That a few things, if very destructive to Religion, may provoke the Divine severity against a Church. For they were no more, that Christ charges this Church of Pergamus withal; and yet, if they did not amend, He threatens to come and fight a­gainst them with the Sword of his mouth: What will become of us then, whom He hath so ma­ny things to charge withal; if we go on still to provoke Him with them to jealousie? I doubt we cannot clear our selves from such filthinesses, as are here mentioned; nor from foul Doctines leading to them, which too many have enter­tained; nor from coldness and indifference in Religion, if not plain infidelity; nor from a dis­position of heart in some to turn back to Rome, the spiritual Egypt, again; nor from conniving at the defection which so many have made from Christs true Religion here established, and not [Page 49]endeavouring to suppress all those that seek to destroy it. And which is still more, we are foully guilty of slighting that Authority, which should call men to an account for all their wick­edness; and not only reprove and rebuke, but censure and chastise, and exercise Christs Disci­pline upon notorious Offenders. This is a thing not only laugh'd at and despised; but ha­ted and scorned: nay, the Ministers of Christ themselves are but lightly esteemed. For which, if there were nothing else, we may be sure Christ will reckon with us.

Reckon with us, did I say? He hath done it in part already; and yet we are not cured of this malignant humour: which makes me fear the saddest part of the reckoning is still behind. Take the Prognostication in the words of a great Doctor of this Church D ^r Jackson on the Creed, Book II. Chap. 9.: who thus denounced God's Judg­ments against this Nation, a good while before the late Wars, upon this very ac­count, That he saw the people running head­long into this great sin; which is marvellously encreased since that time.

Questionless, saith he, this open, malapert, scof­fing disobedience, to all Ecclesiastical Power, now open­ly professed by the meanest, and countenanced by many great ones of the Laity, is the sin which (to all that [Page 50]know Gods Judgments, or have been observant to look into the days of our visitation) cries loudest in the Al­mighties ears (more loud by much than the Prayers of Friars, Monks and Jesuits do) for Gods vengeance up­on this land. For vengeance to be executed by no other than our sword, inveterate, malicious enemies; by no other grievances, than by the doubled grievances of the long-enraged Romanists iron-yoke: which is now prepared for us, ten times more heavy and irksome than that was, which our Forefathers have born.

I pray God this do not prove a true Pre­diction. If it do, we cannot say but we were forewarned; and that Gods Watchmen dischar­ged themselves, and told us beforehand of the danger. Which we had better prevent, by be­coming more obedient to their godly admo­nitions; by submitting to their just censures; by esteeming them very highly for their works sake; and giving them all due encouragement to do their duties sincerely. And though some be negligent, and idle, or ignorant, let not either the baseness or the leudness of any of their per­sons, tempt you to despise their office: For that's the reason (in that Doctors opinion) why God sends no better men in many places. God knows, saith he, for whose fake it is; but we may at fear it is especially for the infidelity and disloyalty of this people towards Him, and for their disobedi­ence [Page 51]to his Messengers; that He sends them such idle, foolish and lewd Pastors, as they have in many places.

Because the Laity of this Land are so prone and head­strong to cast off Christs yoke, and to deny due obe­dience to his faithful Ministers; He therefore sets such Watchmen over them in many places, as they shall have no lust to obey, in any thing that they shall pro­pose to them; but harden their hearts in infidelity and disobedience. Which, I have shewn you already, is one of the most fearful Judgments, that God can inflict upon us; and which we ought to dread, more than the enraged Romanists iron-yoke; which, he saith, is prepared for us.

It hath been preparing many years; and it seems now to have been very near to be clapt, when we thought not of it, upon our necks. It is a Miracle of Gods mercy that it was not: But let not that make us too confident, that it shall never be laid upon us; nor fansie it is quite broken in pieces, because we are slipt from un­der it at present. For if our shameful disobe­dience to the Gospel, and contempt of its Mi­nisters still continue, (notwithstanding that they are acknowledged to be much better now in most places, than when that Doctor wrote) I fear we do but feed our selves with vain hopes of an absolute deliverance. Or suppose He [Page 52]will not let them be the Instruments of that punishment, which our sins deserve (because they of that Church are so exceeding wicked; so void, that is, of all faith, truth and honesty; so perfidious, malicious and cruel: and all un­der a colour and pretence of Religion; which warrants all these things, and makes them the more abominable) yet assure your selves He will find some other way, to execute the Judgments He hath threatned to the impenitent. There is some likelihood He will take them in their own craftiness: but let not the hope of that tempt you to be secure; for He will destroy us too, in our impudent disobedience, and hardness of heart; which will not be moved by any thing to come to repentance: No, not when we our selves acknowledge that we expect mercy and deliverance from Him, upon no other terms. For so we constantly pray, in the Collect for deli­verance from our enemies: where we first acknow­ledge that to Him it justly belongs to punish Sinners, and to be merciful to them that truly repent: and then desire Him to deliver us from the hand of our ene­mies; to abate their pride, asswage their malice, and confound their devices. Unless we repent, we here confess that we have no reason to expect his salvation; but rather such punishments, as He justly inflicts upon such Sinners, as will notwith­standing [Page 53]go on still in those trespasses, whereby they see, they are in danger to perish inevita­bly.

Let me once more therefore beseech you, as you love your souls, as you love your Religion, your Lives, your Liberties, and all that is dear to you; examine and search and try your selves by the infallible test of God's most holy Word: lay your hearts to that Rule while you have it; and resolve by God's gracious assistance, to bring them to a sincere conformity with it.

Especially let all good men (whatsoever the rest are pleased to do) apply their endea­vours to purifie themselves more perfectly, to walk more circumspectly, to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse Generation; and to cry mightily unto God for his sparing mercy. It is possible they may be saved, though He punish others. Nay, by their importunate cries unto Him, and sollicitous prayers, day and night, for this poor Church and Kingdom, they may obtain some respite of his Judgments, and prevail for the putting them off till a further time: if they cannot quite avert them.

Ahab's humiliation, you know, procured this favour: And therefore if all, both King and people, did this day imitate him, so far as with great sorrow and affliction of Spirit to acknow­ledge [Page 54]their offences, earnestly beg pardon, cry for mercy with strong and constant importuni­ty, and reform some notorious sins (though not all of which we are guilty) it might prove a prolonging of our tranquillity. Nay, it is possi­ble, as I said, that, though others continue still insensible and negligent yet, if all good peo­ple would make it their business every day to grow better, and to pray to God incessantly, that He would at least forbear us, and have pati­ence with us, expecting still longer, if we will bring forth fruit worthy of his Gospel; it is likely they might obtain this mercy, of enjoy­ing truth and peace in our days.

Let me speak to you therefore in the words of a pious and learned man, before the late wars.

All ye that fear God, and tremble under the expecta­tion of his wrath, give Him no rest, stand up in the breach, make a strong assault, as I may say, upon Heaven with your Prayers; give not over till you have received a gracious answer: till the sins of our Na­tion be pardoned, his imminent Judgments averted, his antient favours recovered; till He have rebuked Satan, and trodden Him under our feet; till He have frustrated the bloody hopes and desires of the enemies of his Truth; till He build up the breaches, raise the ruines, and bind up the wounds of his Sion: Saying with Daniel, O Lord God, we have sinned and com­mitted [Page 55]iniquity, &c. yet compassion and forgiveness is with Thee, O Lord: and therefore we beseech Thee, hear the Prayers of thy Servants, and their Supplica­tions; and cause thy face to shine upon this Church, for thy Names sake. O Lord, hear; O Lord, for­give; O Lord consider, and do it: defer not, for thy own sake, O our God: for thy Name is called upon us, and we are thy people.

I.

For the first of these, I shall omit the disre­spect (to use no harder word) of one whole Sect of men to the holy Scriptures (which they have in a manner laid aside, and only accom­modated the Phrases of it, to that which they call the light within them) and touch upon such things only as are common to all Parties among us. In which,

1. We cannot but fear (and with grief of heart it ought to be spoken and considered) there are great numbers who have no value for [Page 85]the holy Scriptures at all: but have quite forsa­ken even Christianity it self, which is therein delivered; some the very belief of it, and o­thers the profession. This is one of the fearful sins of this Age; which cries for vengeance a­gainst us: and hath encouraged this Plot to bring in Popery (that is, Idolatry and Tyranny) a­mong us. Which durst never have shown their heads here again, if they had not been embold­ned by our Irreligion. And though now we seem to be stirred up to oppose them; yet no Religion will be found an unequal match for some Religion: which though a very bad one, is better than none at all.

2. And secondly, It cannot be denied that a­bundance of those, who still, blessed be God, believe the holy Scriptures, yet have lost that high esteem and affection which our pious An­cestors had for them. Or if they have any, it doth not appear by their diligent reading of them; which many have laid aside. Time was, when they were read and studied with great care and fervent desire, in the beginning of the Reformation; when every Body that could read, had them in their hands; and some had a great deal of them by heart, as the Jew now generally have the principal things in the Old Testament. But alas! this ardour soon re­mitted: [Page 86]and now is in a manner extinct.

Musculus, I remember, complains heavily of it, in his Preface to the Book of Genesis, many years ago; and we are not grown better, but much worse, I fear, since his days. ‘And what other cause, saith he, can we give for it, but this; That the greatest part of those who seemed to have given up themselves to the Truth of God, busied themselves in the Scri­ptures; not that they might be better by framing their lives according to that rule; but that they might be able to dispute, and to carp at the old errours and superstitions? And so some ran into all manner of wickedness; o­thers lickt up their old vomit; others leaving the manifest Truth turned to new Sects, which sprang up; and others became neutral, and fell into perfect indifference: whereby they were disposed to receive any Religion; which the great men of this World should be pleased to set up, by their Authority.’

Which sad Complaint, with much more that there follows, I wish we had no cause to renew in this Church: and had not lost our first love to our Saviour, and to his holy Word. Which being disgraced by the means forementioned, better people have been infected with such a negligence; that few read the holy Scriptures, [Page 87]as they were wont heretofore to do: but live, as if they believed the Papists say true, That the reading of the Scriptures is the cause of all the mischiefs that are befallen us. Nay, the publick reading of them in the Church, is not so reverently regarded as formerly it was, and as it ought to be. For there are those that ne­ver mind what is read; but look upon that as a vacant time to gaze about them; or to whis­per and discourse what they please one with a­nother. In times past, good people were wont to bring their Bibles along with them hi­ther: but that now is worn out of use, or so lit­tle practised, that it looks as if they were as much ashamed of it, as to appear in an old fa­shion, which is held ridiculous.

Let such things therefore be amended, I be­seech you, if you mean to save your Religion from being destroyed by our Romish Adversa­ries: whom we have highly gratified by these things, and invited to plot our ruine. Let all men among us become serious Believers; and shew that they are, by reverencing and reading the holy Scriptures; by frequenting the holy Assemblies, and there duly attending to them; by growing truly more knowing in the ground and foundation of our Religion; and taking such care to be acquainted with the Scriptures; [Page 88]that this may not be our condemnation, that they lay open before us, and were put into our hands, in a language we could understand; and yet we despised them, or would not mind them.

II.

The mischief of which is apparent; For if we proceed to examine our selves upon the se­cond Head, we shall find a most lamentable ac­count either of our ignorance, or negligence, or wilful disobedience. For who doth not see, that the Fruits of Faith are so much wanting, that we are in danger to perish; merely be­cause there is so little integrity, so little common honesty remaining among us; but so much falseness, lewdness, filthiness, and sottish debau­chery, as have made men so beyond measure dull and stupid, that it hath given our Adversa­ries hope, they were disposed to receive any Religion. Nay, they who are better enclined, have been too careless in the Divine Service; too frozen in their Devotion; and not solicitous enough in the mortifying their unruly affections and passions, in bridling their tongues, and ad­ding to their Faith all those Graces, about which St. Peter requires us to give all diligence, 2 Pet. i. 5, &c. And yet the Grace of the Gospel teaches [Page 89]us so plainly how to walk and to please God; that it is a wonder every Body does not look upon a holy life, as the most necessary part of Christi­anity. For nothing is there so earnestly pressed as this, which is most lacking among us: who live (as it follows there in St. Peter, ver. 9.) like blind men, or (which is all one) that cannot see a­far off, (nothing at a distance, but merely that which is held before their eyes) having forgotten that they were purged from their old sins: do not reflect, that is, upon what was done at their Baptism; but (as if they were not able to look so far back) wallow in their filthiness which then they solemnly renounced.

But this is too large a Subject for a particu­lar Discourse; and therefore I must leave it to your own private examination and search; whether you have not relied too much (con­trary to what you have received and heard and professed) upon a naked Faith, and the merits of our Saviour; without that care which He requires, to make your Faith work by love to God and to your Neighbours. And here there are as many sins to be repented of, as there are Christian Duties to be practised; if we have been negligent in any of them. And if we will not amend, but still continue to be barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; [Page 90]with what reason do we expect that He should be pleased with an idle Faith, which doth us no good? and not rather look for that doom, which was pronounced upon the empty Fig-Tree; Cut it down, why cumbreth it the ground?

III.

For the preventing of which dreadful Sen­tence, I must call you to repentance, for one most dangerous sin, contrary to our Faith and Christian Profession: which I fear too many will find themselves guilty of, if they will but be at the pains to examine the state of their souls, upon the third Head, viz. The demeanour of the people, towards their spiritual Pastors and Guides, in the way to salvation. Towards whom there are a great many pious persons, it must be thankfully acknowledged, who still preserve in their hearts and behaviour, that due regard, which Religion and reason require. But it must, on the other hand, be bewailed, that there are vast numbers, among all sorts of men, who do not only sleight them; but have sha­ken off the yoke of obedience to them. Which is the thing above all others, that hath made the Papists so audacious; and will certainly, if it be not amended, bring in Popery at last a­mong us.

[Page 91] Be not offended, I beseech you, if in a time when plain dealing is so necessary, and in a matter of such great consequence (as I appre­hend it) I be so bold as to tell you; that there are those who oppose themselves so senselesly, as well as arrogantly, to all spiritual Authori­ty; that this Doctrine of obedience to it they call Popery. Which is a foul reproach to the Reformation; an Apostasie from its Principles; and a casting off the direction of the holy Scri­ptures: which require such obedience as we preach. For we do not bid men follow any Guides, but such as take God for their Guide: that is, guide themselves and the people, by the Word of God. If we did go about to hide that from the peoples eyes, and hinder them from reading it; it would be an evident sign that we knew our selves to be reproved by the Scri­ptures; and that instead of submitting to that Rule, we would make our own authority to be the supreme Rule: which is the crime of the Roman Church. But there is no colour for any such charge to be laid against us; who exhort, who press the people to be diligent in reading the holy Scriptures: only we desire them, as the Scriptures themselves do, that they would take along with them the assistance and directi­on of those, whom Christ hath appointed to guide their judgment.

[Page 92] Without which direction men may easily see, if they please to read them, what a high crime it is to despise; and much more to revile and rail at their Authority. And yet some have proceeded thus far in their opposition to them: nay, deny they have any Authority at all.

The woful effects of which we see, as in o­ther things so, in the Divisions that are among us; which have opened a Gap for Popery, and we all fear will bring it in. But we will not see, as we ought to do, that all those Divisions have sprung from this other Cause; and still are maintained and widened, by the general con­tempt of those, whose Guidance ought to be religiously observed: which if we will not re­gard, as God commands us, we shall inevitably run our selves out of our Religion. For our Divisions (which this Day we come to lament) we all confess will do the business, if they be not cured. And of all the ways of Cure which are now thought of, we seem resolved to wave the principal, if not the only way, of Gods own prescribing. The method of which I shall faithfully and plainly lay before you: that there­by you may judge what is like to become of us, if it be neglected.

We all grant, I believe, that the right means to avoid or to remedy Contentions and Divisions [Page 93]in the Church, are as clearly set down in the holy Scriptures, as any Rule of life whatsoever. For otherwise, they would be extreamly defe­ctive in that thing, which is most necessary, for the preservation of the Religion which they teach.

1. Now if you search the holy Scriptures, with never so little diligence, you cannot but observe there is a Duty frequently inculcated of reverence and obedience to Christs Ministers: which if the people will not pay, (according to the evident meaning of such places, as I shall mention anon) it is impossible that the Society of the Church should be kept in unity; but must necessarily break in pieces, and be dis­solved.

2. We must add indeed, That the Ministers of Christ ought also to take special care, to be such wise and faithful Stewards in Christs hous­hold; that the people may be inclined with the greater forwardness to obey their directions. For which end their Duty is no less plainly and amply set down in the holy Scriptures; and such extraordinary caution is given by Saint Paul about the admission of persons into holy Orders; that were his directions sincerely fol­lowed, and did the people, as He enjoins, ad­here unto them in hearty love and esteem of [Page 94]them for their works sake; there would be a marvellous encrease of Christian knowledg and goodness, without that strife and contention which now blasts them both.

3. But if Princes do not make such good choice, as they ought, of spiritual Governours; or if those spiritual Governours, by their negli­gence, ordain worse inferiour Ministers: yet the Authority of ordering or reforming things, doth not, by devolution, come to the people; nor will this justifie their disobedience to them. But their Christian Duty is as manifest in this Case as in any other; which lyes in these two things. First, They ought to fall the more earnestly to their Prayers; both for their King; and for all in authority under him, especially their spiritual Pastors. The Scripture enjoyns both; and the gross neglect of both, is one cause things are no better among us. What o­ther meaning is there of those words of the A­postle, 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2. I will that supplications, &c. be made for all men; for Kings, and for all in Au­thority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty? And why doth the same Apostle frequently desire the Church would be helping by Prayers for him, (who needed them less than we do) but to teach all Christians how earnestly they should recommend those to Gods [Page 95]guidance, who are to guide them? Read 2 Cor. i. 11. vi. Ephes. 19. and other places.

And if they find that their prayers are inef­fectual; there being no amendment in those that should take care of them; their Duty (Se­condly) is to examine seriously, and lay to heart the cause why they cannot prevail: and a little consideration will teach them, that, in all like­lihood, it proceeds from their own sins, who deserve no better Governours and Pastors. For (as the Prophet speaks in the next Chapter to the second Lesson for Evening Prayer, lix. Isai. 1, 2.) The Lord's hand is not shortened, that He cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that He cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God; and your sins have hid his face from you, that He will not hear. And for what sins do you think, it is more probable, that God is angry with us in this Nation, and will not hear the prayers of this people; than their disesteem of Christs Ministers (even of the best of them) their contempt of their Office; their proneness to disobedience; nay their scurrility and scof­fing at all spiritual Authority; and such like sins, expresly forbidden in Gods holy Word? With which this Church, alas! abounds a great deal more, than with supplications and prayers to God for them. All are more forward to find [Page 96]fault (if not to rail and revile) than to beseech God of his infinite mercy, to give them Pastors after his own heart: or to examine their own Consciences how they have provoked God, by their unprofitableness, at least, under the best means of Grace that He hath bestowed upon them.

4. But let us suppose further, That the Go­vernours and Pastors of the Church, are not on­ly negligent; but exceed the bounds of their Authority, as it seems to the people, by en­joyning things which they take to be unlaw­ful: yet this will not warrant their contempt of their Authority, and their casting off all obe­dience to them. But two things are to be con­sidered; Whether they be certain the Com­mands of their Governours are unlawful; or they only fear they are. In the first Case indeed, they ought not to be obeyed in such things; but by the peoples care to obey in all others, which they judge to be lawful, they ought to demonstrate that it is only respect to God, which makes them not comply in things which seem to them to be apparently unlawful. And so unity in most things being preserved, they will be the easier brought to see their errours, on one side or other. But in the other case, when they are not certain the things com­manded [Page 97]are unlawful (which is the common cause of all our Divisions) but only suspect them to be so; it seems to be reason that the people should not disobey a certain Command of God (which requires them to submit to their Governours) when they are not certain there is a cause for their refusal. The most that can be allowed them is, humbly to desire those Laws may be altered; or if the Rulers of the Church (who are the proper Judges of such matters) cannot think it safe to make such al­terations as are desired, then barely to suspend their obedience, in what they fear is unlawful, till they can be better satisfied; but fearing withal it may prove a sin not to obey, to use all means for satisfaction: not absolutely deny­ing obedience (much less reviling their Injuncti­ons, or making violent oppositions to them; which commonly ends in wresting all authority out of their Pastors hands) but merely not doing for the present what is enjoyned; modestly en­treating their forbearance in such matters; or, if it cannot be obtained, peaceably and pati­ently submitting to their censures. Which, sure, would not be heavy upon such humble, modest, and truly conscientious Christians (if they should, God would judge such Governours for their unreasonable severity) but there [Page 98]would rather be ways found out, to make up the difference, without taking their Pastors power from them, and governing themselves as they please. For God, I am confident, would enlighten the one or the other; to see either their errour in enjoyning, or in not obey­ing.

5. And this that I have said, is the least that can be meant in such places of Scripture as these, 1 Thess. v. 12, 13. We beseech you, Bre­thren, to know (that is to love) them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and ad­monish you. And to esteem them highly in love for their works sake: and to be at peace among your selves. (Which they could not fail to be, as long as they kept close to their spiritual Instru­ctors and Governours.) And xiii. Heb. 17. O­bey them that have the Rule over you, and submit your selves; for they watch for your souls, &c. And 1 Pet. v. 5. Likewise ye younger, submit your selves unto the Elders.

Where first observe the name given to the Pastors of the Church, viz. Elders: which im­ports an Office and Authority in the language of all Nations: and here in St. Peter implies so high an Authority in the Rulers of the Church, that the Apostle supposes more danger of its growing too imperious, than of its being slight­ed [Page 99]and disobeyed. For he requires the Elders to feed (that is govern, as well as teach) the Flock of God, not as Lords of Gods heritage, but being ensamples to the Flock, ver. 2, 3. Which Caution against domineering, and Lording it (as we speak) had been idle; if the power of the Pastors, and the obedience due and paid then to it, had not been so great, that it might ea­sily grow extravagant: such was the reverence they had to their Persons, and deference to their Judgments, and submission to their Au­thority.

For the word submit you may observe fur­ther, is the very same whereby he expresses (in the second Chapter, ver. 13.) the obedience he would have them give to Kings and those in Authority under them. And therefore cannot signifie less, than that their directions ought to be followed, and the Flock ruled by their Or­ders, in all things where God hath not ordered otherways; and that they should be afraid to offend them by disobedience, and much more by shaking off subjection to them, and denying their Authority.

6. Which includes in it a power of ordaining and constituting the manner of performing the Service of God according to His Word: which requires that all things be done decently and in order, [Page 100]1 Cor. xiv. 40. The things themselves to be done (which that place speaks of) are many of them specified in that very Chapter; and the rest in other parts of the holy Scripture: but the decent manner, form and order how they shall be done is no where particularly defined there. And therefore, though by virtue of this Precept no Body hath power to form new Articles of Faith, new Objects of Worship, new Sa­craments, &c. (wherein the Church of Rome hath abused her power) yet the substance of Religion being thus prescribed in His Word, the order, disposition, form and manner of do­ing the Duties of Religion, is left hereby to be determined by the wisdom of the Governours of the Church, according to the general Rules of the holy Scripture. Which they cannot in­deed enact into Laws, binding by civil penal­ties; yet no Christian Magistrate (to whom that power belongs) ever denied them a dire­ctive power in making Rules for the Govern­ment of the Church, or at any time made them without them; but always took their advice in such matters. For who so well able to tell, as they, what is most consonant to the Scri­ptures, profitable for their Flock, and agreea­ble to what hath been practised in the Church of God. Which always taught (and it is as [Page 101]undoubted a principle of the Reformation as any other) That where the holy Scriptures have not given particular directions for the decent performance of the Duties, they call for (as it was impossible they should for all Cases, Times and Countries) there the Ministers of Christ, whom the holy Scriptures appoint to be the Governours of His Church, are to draw up Orders and Rules, agreeable to the general Rule, which the people ought to observe.

And it is very reasonable to interpret the place of the Apostle before mentioned, in this manner, Let all things be done, first, [...], decently, or honestly; after a comely beseeming fashion; with such Rites as will procure venera­tion to holy things, at least secure the service of God from contempt, and promote devoti­on in the people: and the way to have things done with such gravity, as this word imports, is next to do them [...], according to order; or by the deliberate appointment of those, who have authority to ordain such Rites, as will become holy actions. An example of which we have in that very Chapter, ver. 32. where even such as had extraordinary spiritual gists, are required to submit to this Order. For the Spirits of the Prophets, he saith, are subject to the Prophets. That is, there was such a subordina­tion [Page 102]in that Order of men; that when one was prophesying, he was to cease, if a superi­or Prophet commanded him silence.

Which, among other places of Scripture, might silence those, who question the authority of the present Governours of our Church; be­cause of their superiority over other Ministers. Or it might be sufficient to make them modest in this thing, to say only this; That Christ sure did not leave His Church without a Govern­ment, (which had been to leave no Church) and that it is incredible the whole Church, Pa­stors and people should agree to change His Government (without any contradiction that we can find) into this which we have, if this be not it which He left. And that I think hath been as little (nay less) questioned, as any Point of Christianity: which must needs weigh much with all considerate minds.

7. Who likewise cannot but grant, that things being thus ordered and appointed by the Authority of Christs Ministers; those Con­stitutions, in all reason, ought to be obeyed by those who are subject to them; and not left at liberty whether the people will observe them or no.

This is most judiciously handled by M ^r Cal­vin, in the Tenth Chapter of the Fourth Book of [Page 103]his Institutions; which is well worth the read­ing by every Body: particularly from the 27 ^th Section to the end. Where he bids those who gainsay this and make opposition to it, consi­der how they will approve their moroseness to God. For us it is sufficient, that we have no such custom of contending, neither the Churches of God.

8. If we be really desirous then to make peace and restore unity in the Church (which is now so necessary that we are undone without it) this is the first thing wherein we ought all to unite, in repenting of the breach which hath been made a­mong us; by slighting our Guides; by casting off the Government of the Rulers of the Church, and despising, nay reviling their Orders.

I know how difficult it is to perswade men to this, because they throw the guilt off from themselves, and so confidently lay it all upon their Governours; that it is now generally ta­ken for granted, without any doubt, they are in fault, not the people who ought to submit to them. But a very little humility and mo­desty (not to say common fense) might teach us to make the favourable presumption on the side of Authority: and dispose the people to think, it is more likely that they are mistaken, than their Guides. Who ought indeed to have nothing so much in their thoughts, as how to [Page 104]do service to Christ, honour to his Religion, good to souls, by promoting sincere piety; and if they have been negligent in this, deeply to humble themselves before God, and study to be ensamples to the Flock of serious Repentance: But if they fail in this, I am sure the people can never give a good account of their throwing off the yoke of obedience to them, spurning at their Authority, and separating from Commu­nion with them. The mischievous effects of which, if nothing else, one would think, should be sufficient to move them to Repentance.

That is, First, To be heartily sorry for the breach they have made; and reflect upon it as the original of all our miseries. And then be­seech God most earnestly to forgive it; especi­ally that open jesting, nay scoffing (which hath been so rife among us) at all spiritual Authori­ty. Which, in the next place, let every one of us seriously acknowledge, and resolve to reve­rence, so as to be advised by them; and take great heed to their Counsels and Resolutions; to weigh them considerately; and not lightly and hastily to depart from them; much less rise up in opposition to them; but when you are forced by Gods Command (as you think) to decline obedience in any particular injuncti­on, to be the more careful in observing the [Page 105]rest, against which you have no exception: and still to reverence their Persons and their Au­thority, when you cannot observe their Com­mands, to speak well of them, and peaceably to dissent from them; remembring that if they be liable to mistake, you are much more: and therefore ought not to be wise in your own conceit: but to think soberly of your selves, as you ought to think.

9. This is the way of peace, which we have received from Christ and his Apostles (and I might add all succeeding Pastors in the Church) of which I thought good to remember you; and to call you to repentance for departing from it; and to exhort all people to return into it: as the only means of our preservation; and of making the preaching of the Gospel (if God pleases to continue it) effectual for our reformation and amendment, in all other things that are amiss a­mong us. For as no Kingdom can stand with­out Religion; so no Religion can stand long (no not this excellent Religion, which we have received, and I have briefly described) without a due esteem of and regard to its Ministers. In obedience to whom, even they who cannot comply with all publick Orders, will find more true comfort, and more favour also with God and men, than in any other way whatsoever.

[Page 106] But here is the mischief, that it is the com­mon errour of Mankind, to seek that for off, which (as the Lord told his people) is near at hand, within them, even in their heart and in their mouth. if they would be but Doers of His Word, and not Hearers only. They hunt up and down for remedies of their Distra­ctions; but will not mind the obvious Cure, which is laid before them by God himself in his holy Scriptures. Where it shines clearly e­nough, if mens passions did not eclipse it from them. Which are now so great and violent, that it is a singular happiness, if any person, in this turbulent Age, can see the Divine Truth himself, in Points of greatest moment. But to cause others to see it, is a matter of such dif­ficulty that there is small hope of it: whilst they suffer their foul affections and passions (like a steam from a great many Dunghils) to over­cast the face of Heaven, whence light should come into their souls; and evaporate that in­ward filth which is lodged in their hearts, in a­busive language, as it were on purpose to choke the good Spirit of God, which breathes in others mouths, whose breasts God hath inspi­red with his Grace.

10. But this must not discourage Gods Mini­sters, nor hinder them from asserting their Au­thority: [Page 107]which is to rule the people, and not to be ruled by them. To which course if we will not submit (when God himself so plainly di­rects to it) all the ways which humane policy can invent, will prove ineffectual; and never make a lasting union and peace among us: if they make any at all. But after mens ill affe­ctions (which they will not root out) have been laid asleep and suppressed for a time; they will awake and break out again with the greater vi­olence, and make worse disorders: till with the contempt of the Ministers of Religion, our Religion it self be brought into such contempt; that, as a punishment for our disobedience to just Authority, we fall under the tyranny of those, who will use no moderation.

That's the heavy Judgment (I told you in my last Fast-Sermon) threatned before the late Wars, by a great and holy Divine of this Church (some of whose words I have used now and then in this Discourse) for this sin of disobedience unto and contempt of, all Ecclesiastical Autho­rity. And whether this sin be not encreased and grown more audacious since that time (and consequently our danger greater) I leave you to consider and judge. Only let me tell you, That they who stand divided from us, complain of it as well as we, finding to their shame and [Page 108]grief (as an eminent man among them expresses it Mr. Baxter Sacril. desert. p. 103. &c.) that we are endangered by Di­visions, principally because the self-con­ceited part of the religious people, will not be ruled by their Pastors; but must have their way, and will needs be Rulers of the Church and them. The effect of which he tells them is this; You have made more Papists, than ever you or we are like to recover. It is you that tempt them to use Fire and Eaggot; that will not be ruled nor kept in concord, by the wisest and holiest and most self-denying Ministers upon Earth.

Which is an ingenuous Confession of the guilt and the danger, we have all run our selves into by this sin: and that though all the blame is now laid at the door of the Rulers of this Church, yet it is so unjust a Charge; that were they in all points such as those that accuse them, there would be no end of our troubles and con­fusions; unless the people, even they that think themselves most religious, will grow less con­ceited, and submit to be ruled by their proper Governours. It hath been said indeed, that they do follow such Guides, as they think fit to lead them: but here is one that contradicts it; and complains of their unruliness. And besides, I must add, that such Guides ought not to be followed, as will not submit to be governed [Page 109]by their Superiours: there being nothing, as I said before, so little disputed in the Christian Religion, as the Authority which the Bishops exercise over the Presbyters in the Church. And if they will not so much as give us leave to tell them of this, without incurring their cen­sure, nor patiently bear with those reproofs which we think necessary; it is impossible they should repent of this sin, and then our destru­ction is unavoidable.

This part of my Discourse indeed may seem unnecessary, in an audience where I hope all of you are better affected: but it hath its use even among such, as hold fast what they have received and heard concerning this Duty. Who should endeavour by their brotherly reproofs and pru­dent admonitions, to stop the progress of this Disease, in those whom they find infected with it. Desire them to consider things calmly, and to study this part of their Christian Duty. Pray them not to be so passionately bent against the means of their safety: And that they would at least hear, what Christs Ministers can say for themselves and the Authority he hath left them. Tell them, it is impossible any wound should be healed, while the inflammation continues: And that as when a house is on fire they that [Page 110]speak and give the best advice cannot be heard, by reason of the noise and cries of those who are gathered about it; so we shall never under­stand one another as long as we are clamorous; nay have our minds violently inflamed with ran­cour and hatred, even against those that would cure us of it. The study of Gods truth re­quires a quiet and peaceable Spirit; which deli­berates and weighs things, without carping at persons: and doth not presently conclude we plead our own private interest, when we plead the Cause of Christs Ministers. Who do not merely bear testimony to themselves, as they of the Church of Rome do; but appeal to the holy Scriptures, where these things are as plainly de­livered, as any part of Christian Religion.

God of his infinite mercy touch every heart in this Nation, with a sense of them; that we may not shut our eyes against the things that belong to our peace; nor while we endeavour an union, make the most dangerous rent that e­ver was: But all so truly repent of this sin, that it may be a happy step to the reforming all o­ther, that have sprung from this. Then we need not fear any evil that the Devil or man can plot against us: but while we walk in that god­ly order, which Christ hath appointed (the [Page 111]people being ruled by their Guides, and their Guides ruled by God) may triumphantly say (as it is in one of the Psalms appointed for this Day, xlvi.) We will not fear though the Earth be re­moved, and though the Mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea (though tumults and hurlibur­lies should arise, we will not be afraid, for) God is in the midst of this Church, She shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. Amen.