THE Words that were spoken by Peter and the other Apostles could give no just Cause of Provocation to the Adversaries, for in their Doct­rine they insisted upon two innocent Points; One was faith in Christ, that since the Lord whom they crucified was now exalted to be a Prince that therefore they might believe in him, and get Remission of Sins, and the o­ther was Obedience, they ought to obey God rather then men; yet they resolved to kill [Page 4]them, and had done so, if the Lord had not raised up a man to save them, and he prevail­ed that their fury was layed, wherein the A­postles rejoiced and doubled their Zeal.

There are 4. particulars in the Text very considerable.

• 1. The bad affects the Apostles preaching had upon the peoples hearts.
• 2. The mean that God did use in Saveing of his Servants.
• 3. The unjust proceedings of the Adver­saries.
• 4. The Disposition and Diligences of the Apostles that ceassed not; whereby you may learne that often times it comes to passe that men in Authority are provock­ed against Religion, whither in Obedi­ence to God, or in the tryall of their faith yet the Lord hes many wayes to save his owne Children, and the end shall be joy to the Saints and Advancement to the Gospell.

Let us returne to the first, which was the bad effects of the preaching, and that was two fold, one in their hearts, another in their he­ads, they were cut to the heart, the Word is borrowed from the cutting of a Sword o [...] Sau, in the 7. Acts, it is said they guashed [Page 5]with their teeth, and Acts 2.37. it is said they were pricked in their hearts, we finde another effect, but it is different, the one and the other are very like; Rom. 11. v. 8. he calls the Spi­rit of Slumber the Spirit of compunction, the Godly have a pricking and your wicked have a pricking, as in that place, Acts 2, 37. they were pricked and tooke Counsel, but they go to them that wounded them, but they do not so here, but would slay them.

The Word of God his very different effects in the Godly, and the wicked, Rev. 1:16. it is like a two edged Sword, and Heb. 4. live­ly and weighty in Operation it either pricks or cutts, it is either a Word to cure thee or to kill thee. The Ministers of Christ although they be otherwayes of no Reputation, yet if they could handle this Sword a right it should wound; the children of God when they are wounded shoud bear it patiently, they are wounded because of their Sins, the other be­cause they cannot commit Sin. So the one prepares for Christ, the other for Distruction, [...]he one shall end in health the other in wo, and [...] may seem very Strange that all this tyme we [...]hould never have heard a Word or Letter from [...]ur Prelats, that have been wounded with the [...]word; Men and Brethren I will not insist [...]pon their guiltiness, for we can say no more [Page 6]of them then the Text sayes. And they toke counsel to slay them, and now we come to the Counsell, they resolved to slay them, Coun­sell is good and excellent neither hath it been derogatory to Authority for as Solomon sayes in Counsel there is stability, these matters that are not agitat by Counsel are tossed upon fancy, as Solomon felt the benefite of using it; 1. be­cause it was young. 2. Because it was violen [...] consider the Counsel of our Adversaries, i [...] was very violent but it had not the other fo [...] the men wanted not their years, yet they ha [...] this violence, and they had another bad qua­lity to Supply that, and this ye may Learn [...] from the 17. Verse, many of them were Saddu­ces and so unmeet to be Counsellers, for in Ac [...]. 23. you see they beleeve not a Resurrection and when such unbeleevers are Councellers their Sentence will be to cut the throat [...] Church an Common Wealth, they care no [...] what violence they use to get preferment bu [...] especially Kirkmen that are Sadduces wh [...] crueltie shall be exercised by them, but esp [...] ­cially when they are given over to the Devil [...] Ministers when they fall are like Angels that a [...] Devills, no men in the Scripture are call [...] Devills but Ministers so they become incarna [...] Devills, give God thanks (and his Majest [...] that his given us this day to meet together a [...] [Page 7]no thanks to them that either you are hearing, or that and I am preaching to you.

Followes the mean the second thing, which was the man that spake and his Speech, the man was a Pharisee, he was Learned and a Doctor of Divinity, for his good parts of re­putation naturally and Politickly wise, and upon such grounds he convinces them all, and further he seems to be a Peaceable man and does what he can to save innocent blood but there was one thing wanting, Faith in Christ, and love to his word. Act. 22. It is said, Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, as was his Schollar so was his Master, he was igno­rant and so a persecuter, there is more requi­red for accomplishment of a man then the gifts of the minde, which this man seems to have a mans natural parts are like a vesture of gold, & the gifts of grace like precious stones, but this faith is like a precious Diamond in the middle, incomparably greater in worth judge of things according to their quality the best of these be­side the great jewel are given to the wicked and the godly and are bestowed on them for other mens good and not their owne but this is proper to thy self and for thy self and this jewel shall make the rich and it concerns non more then Ministers it is required of Ministers that they should be Learned and in reputation [Page 8]with the people, wise, peaceably disposed and Learned [...] altho they cannot come to Eminent yet competent knowledge. 1 Tit. [...] to exhort and comfort and convince the en [...] ­my not like these men that have sheares an [...] tubs to cut of the woul and carry, their mi [...] away but no care to feed them, I say the [...] should be furnished with all things both i [...] ­wardly and outwardly, and it is a pity that w [...] have not a Lebanon for trees to grow in, Professor here & a Professor there all the plan [...] ­ing will Soon be destroyed if there be not place for them, we are all crying for good M [...] nisters, have a care of the good plants that not Learning to read a Sermon and to Spill it i [...] the telling it is a pity that these that boast s [...] should be so vaine, ard als great a pity that w [...] have not sound Divinity, many get other men [...] preachings and these that are Learned shoul [...] be given to such alterations, yet altho tho [...] wert als Learned als Gamaliel if thou have n [...] more, thou art not meet to be a Minister o [...] Christ, you know what intertainment the Apostles got at Athens, they mocked them, [...] man that his a Learned head and a gracele [...] heart is not fitt for Christs work let us joyne both together of all men that ever I was ac­quainted with, I sau none so profane as Mini­sters, what was good in this man, let us stri­ve [Page 9]to imitate and what he wants let us Labour [...]o have our Souls filled with the love of Christ and think more of grace than of Learning. Be­fore I come to his Speech, see not only Gods mercies but also Gods Providences which his wisdom had designed and there or two peices of his Providence here seen one was the Lord brought them back from the gates of death when their soul as it were was in their hand; the other by such a mean as they could not dream of, and these two are very ordinare with the Lord when yuu are in extremity he shewes himself and in such wayes, and we may truly say that he hath done so with us, that when Episcopacy was deeply rooted even then God would cut them doune. Quest: Wherefor doth the Lord so. 1. Answer for 3 reasons, 1 that when the Lord comes in Exstremity that his hand may be dis­cerned and he get the greater glory, Isaiah, 33, 7.9. Lebanon is ashamed and cut doune. 2. For the further confusion of the enemies. Obad. 3. Whose habitation is in the high rocks who say­es in their hearts who shall bring me doune to the ground. 3 For our incouragement & our Po­sterity after us, that we should only put our con­fidence in him who is only able to help us.

Now we come to the speech it self, wherein take notice of his intention, to Restraine he was a wise man and kneu no good would fol­low, [Page 10]if they were harmed he knew the Roma [...] would be angry, and that the people had good likeing to them, this was a good and pe­aceable intention, tho not a pure and pious if he had had any aime to Gods glory and the Gospel of Christ it had been good; I ma [...] no question, there are many among us, th [...] have peaceable desires and Laudible intente [...] ­tions, but more is required, let us labour [...] have pious intentions, not only to have t [...] present troubles settled, it shall soon break forth again, see what is aggreeable to his will Iste est malus, qui suae causae bonus, he is b [...] that is good only for himself, let us beseech th [...] Lord that we may have hearts to seek his ho [...] ­our and the enlargement of Christs Kingdom.

Now for his argument, I would have y [...] refraine from these men, if it be of God, will come to pass; this Argument had its own weakeness; if it be of men it should be hindere [...] if of God it should have be enfurthered the th [...] should put them to tryal; we will not passe wh [...] is commendable in him, he proceeds on a goo [...] ground, if of men, to be rejected; if of God; [...] be received Mat: 21.25. The Baptisme of Joh [...] was it from heaven or of men. Ephes: 4. T [...] the Spirits whether they be of men or God it was the perpetuall doctrine of the Prophets Thus saith the Lord, and Paul saith, th [...] [Page 11]which I received do I deliver; they that are [...]sciples, must be Beleevers, not what man [...]ith: First that it is true in matters internall [...]t not in matters external. Moses when he appointed to build the Tabernacle, he gets [...]s directions: Solomon when he built the [...]emple had his warrand from David; and lest [...]hey think Solomons warrand not to be suffici­ent, Ezekiah had his warrand according to [...]he commandment of David. O but you will [...]ay, it is not so in the New Testament, there [...]re not so many ceremonies, it is a pitifull [...]ing, we will not acknowledge that which we are ignorant of; distinguish betwixt multi­ [...]ude and number of ceremonies, they had ma­ [...]y we have fever, shall we think, we have [...]ot so great light, as these who were to put an [...]spersion on Christ, let us strive to learne what Gods will is, when it is of God receive [...]t, but when of men reject it. Many ceremo­ [...]ies have exercised the Church of God many [...]imes and especially that of the Government of the Church, and there are two causes that hinder the decideing of it. 1. The hudge jud­gement of God upon the congregations, and so puts Gods Servants to tryal. 2. Cause is the avarice of Churchmen, so long as their a­varice lasts there is no end of Episcopacy. 3. Because we do not examine, what kinde of [Page 12]Government Christ gave, the Question Government is not Juris but facti. VV [...] is that agreeable with reason and civil Govern­ment, No, but de [...]cto, what Governm [...] Christ hath established, an office that is J [...] Divino should be established, but if it be office of man it ought to be rejected. T [...] great Doctor teaches us that when God fig [...] against man he shall prevaile, but when M [...] fights against God, they shall be found fight [...] against him, Gen. 11. The builders of Bab [...] the Lord made every one of them that th [...] knew not what another said, this was an ea [...] thing to the Lord, and so the work was inte [...] ­rupted in building: The Lord is wonderfull building, and can bring downe Babel, gre [...] opposition was, made against Joseph by h [...] Brethren, and great opposition against David yet Gods counsell behoved to stand, what o [...] ­position was made against Gods people in E­gypt in bringing them out of Egypt yet the behoved to come forth: and you know in you [...] propagation of the Gospel and the work of re­formation, and because many his opposed yet it hath gone through. And you kno [...] great opposition is been used against this wor [...] by the wicked, but yet blessed be God it ha [...] proclamed it self through the Land.

He brought in two instances to prove that the [...]rk of man will come to nought, one of Theu­ [...] he was one that conceived himself to be a [...] ­phet but a false one: and Judas he would have [...]waded the people from giveing that duty to [...] civill Magistrat that they ought to have [...]ne, and there were Sects that followed them; [...]e errors of Religion commonly springs ey­ [...] from the Spirit of Theudas, which is a Spi­ [...] of fantasie, or from the other and that is a [...]rit of rebellion and that is not of God.

Consider all tho they be the many yet there [...] more like wayes as there are Spirits contraire [...] the Spirit of Theudas, and this is your Spi­ [...] of Pharaoh, who said who is the Lord that [...]t I should serve him, and that is Atheisme, [...] other is contrarie to Judas & that is Herods, [...]t runs to flattery, an gives man that, that [...]tains to God.

As Atheisme is an abomination before God, [...] is Rebellion and flatiery the true reformed [...]ligion abhorres disobedience, and gives to [...]sar that which is Caesars, and sure we pro­ [...]e a harmeles Religion. I would exhort you [...] two things, first to the course of faith which [...]ores godlesness and vaine conceits of men [...] am now pleading for the innocency of [...]ligion) ye know what our adversaries have [...]nted against us, that we are guilty of many [Page 14]crimes and tricks, and that we have made ople to feigne themselves inpired with Spirit of divination, which is against [...] Truth. The second thing is the course o­bedience there was never a greater friend Kings then Christ, there is no question about Judas os Galilee his part, whether should pay tax or not nether of that in war [...] ­verence to Princes or that respect we carr [...] him, I wish his owne prayers were never [...] that doth not heartily pray for his Maje [...] but the Question is what is his part in Relig [...] and matters Ecclesiastick, it is both said printed that I should have spoken much, my fellow Brethren (the rest of the Cove­ters) would not allow of that I said and say regall inspection belongs to Kings over Ch [...] matters, and that the King was Supreme op over all this Kingdom, now my adv [...] ­ries think I have made him a Churchman, ignorant but not So, as for the head o [...] Church we acknowledge none but Christ for the other Episcopus is a name that [...] well proper to a civill Magistrat as to a S [...] ­tual, therefore Constantine sayth, Vos Episcopi intra, ego extra. Next that Gustos utriusque Tabulae, Vindication be unto him, who carries the Sword of San [...] and coerction, and Convocation of Syn [Page 15] [...]ow this present Generall Assembly is con­ [...]ened & as he conveens so he should examine [...]em, if he finde any thing against the Word [...] God he should reject it, thus I speak not of negative voice his Majestie hath.

And now I have showne the particulars I [...]ve been taxed upon, hopeing this honou­ [...]ble Assembly, will further consider of it and [...]ow I come to speak one word to your Com­missioners Grace who represents his Majestie. As for your Grace his Majesties Commissio­ner we beseech you to see that Caesar have his [...]wne, but let not Caeser have what is due to [...]od, and belongs to him, God has exalted [...]our Grace to many high places within these [...]w years, and more especially now, be thank­ [...]l and labour to exalt Christs Throne, some [...]e exalted like Haman and some like Mor­ [...]ecai.

I pray God these good parts the Lord hath [...]ndowed you with you may use them a right, [...] the Israelites when they came out of Egypt [...] give all their Silver and Gold for building [...]f the Tabernacle, I tell your Gr: ye must be [...]omptable for all your actions especially in these publick busineses.

And to you right honourable and right Wor­ [...]ipfull Members of this Assembly, go on in [...]our Zeal constantly, it is not true zeal that [Page 16]growes cold, but the nearer it is the end it be the hoter if it shall please God that by hands the light of the Gospel shall be contin [...] Surely it shall be a refreshment to you and [...] children that you should have lived when light of the Gospel was almost extinguished now to see it quickned again after all the Troubles. With a holy Moderation go on Zeal is a good Servant but an ill Master, a ship that his a full saile and wants a rudder.

VVe have need of Christian prudence ye know what ill speeches our adversaries h [...] made upon us let it be seen to his Majestie [...] this Government can very well stand wit [...] Monarchiall Government, hereby we s [...] gain his Majesties favour and God shall get Glory to whom be praise for ever and ever Amen.