Principalities c. do here upon earth with various strength 2. And amongst them there may be several Orders and Ranks as Belzebub the prince of the Devils Mat. 12.24 Luke 11.15 Ap. As there is also Inter bonos Angelos amongst the Holy and Heavenly Angels of Almighty God as Cherubim and Seraphim Angels and Arch-angels Zanch. in Eph. p. 660.661 Ezek. 10.1 Isa 6.2 Michael and his Angels Rev. 12.7 Above the head of the Cherubims c. I saw a Throne above the Seraphims The several particulars of these three verses viz. the 10 11 12. might well afford us many useful Observations or Points of Doctrine all which I shall bind up together in one general viz. 2. A Preachers Doctrine extends to all persons and all Duties of a Christian but it urgeth presseth and justifieth most upon the most necessary ' Truths that they may take the deepest impression verse 10. 1. As our Apostle doth here who closeth this Epistle with this necessary Doctrine of Christian Courage This is from the word Finally 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quod Reliquum est 2 So the Apostle St. Peter also having written of divers things he collects this second Epistle with the Doctrine concering the end of the world and the use that we should make of it 2 Pet. 3.3 7 10 11 12. Though Scoffers did deride it 2. Christian Strength and Courage is very needful and useful to every child of God From the word be strong v. 10. 3. No strength or courage can hold out and prevail without the Lord and His Aid and Help and Assistance From In the Lord and in the power of his might v. 10. 4. A Christian hath need of a compleat spiritual Armour that he may be armed not only in one or some part only but in every part all over capite a pede as we use to say from head to foot From Put on the whole Armour of God verse 11. 5. Many are the Methods Ways and Wiles of the Devil to do mischief From That ye may be able to stand against the Wiles of the Devil 6. Doct. Eviol concupiscence and corruption within us and the world without us are very great enemies and always to be resisted But the Devil is the most dangerous Enemy of all and most diligently to be withstood For He 1. Kindled the fire of Concupiscence and Corruption in Eve c. 2 And he is over ready to act and inflame the two former Enemies within and without us to work and effect our Sin Shame and Destruction Lust within and the world without insnare us by his means From We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against Principalities against Powers against the Rulers c. against spiritual wickednesses Verse 12. 7. The Devil is a great Usurper of Authority and he acteth as wicked Rulers do who are his Instruments to pervert and destroy both in earthly and heavenly Things 1. In terrennis humanis In the darkness of this world i. e. In the state of Ignorance Sin Death and Confusion which are the Rulers and do reign in this World 2. In Caelestibus Divinis In the most heavenly places persons and things and in the most holy and divine Duties to be performed by man 1. In the Church of God which is called Heaven Rev. 12.1 3. 2. In the best of Saints whose Conversation is there Phil. 3.20 3. And the holiest duties and performances which he is most bent to hinder and hurt by manifold Injections Seductions and Temptations Take a Review of all these in handling the thirteenth Use wherein the three former Uses are Epitomised and in the main Point of the thirteenth Verse all these except the first Doctrine may fitly be toucht upon The Apostle having thus prepared for the acceptance of his good Counsel in a matter of so great concernment both from the 1. Necessity of it 2. and great danger attending us if it be neglected Upon due consideration of all the Premises in the 10 11 12. Verses 1. The Apostle doth infer and repeat or reiterate in this 13. Ver. His general Exhortation propounded in the 11. Verse before Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God c. Which Exhortation he concludes also with another Illative verse 14. Stand therefore 2. And the end why he doth thus enforce it is That ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand Stand therefore i. e. Couragiously Resolutely Stoutly Constantly Vigilantly and Victoriously against these Enemies Exp. 1. You know what it is to stand which doth not only signifie the Gesture of the body but also the Intention of the Mind to attend and resist as occasion is 2. In the Evil day Not evil in it self for so it is good but in respect 1. To the whole time of mans Life because it is always obvious to Manifold 1. Corruptions And 2. Tribulations Perills and Dangers 2. The time of Satans being let loose as it were to go about to infect or vex the Church with Errours and Persecutions As it befel 1. Job all his days were evil because no day but had his trouble But especially that day was evil when Satan was permitted to try Him to the utmost in his Goods Children and in his own Body 2. The Apostles when their Master the Lord Jesus Christ was taken and crucified and themselves left to be winnowed by Satan and persecuted by wicked men 3. The Church of God which never yet wanted sad Times It being the Churches Lot to suffer Affliction and Persecution But especially their Days were evil yea the worst of Days when she was afflicted beyond measure By 1. Tyrants 2. Antichrist 3. Perverse and persecuting Hereticks Proverbs 15.15 All the days of the afflicted are evil saith Solomon Thus the Apostle in this thirteenth Verse doth repeat and insist upon his former Exhortation Verse 11. Which is here 1. Inferred with a double Illative viz. in the Beginning and End of it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 propter hoc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ergo. 2. Fortified or preessed with a three-fold Stand in the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that they may Withstand Stand and Stand. 1. Implying the Courage and strength before mentioned Verse 10 11. To withstand such Enemies Stand in such conflicts and to stand victorious in the end 2. And pointing to the evil day i. e. the day of Temptation Persecution and Tribulation which the Church doth endure and undergo in respect of the manifold Enemies before named and the manifold Evils by them occasioned and inflicted Intus foras within and abroad from Time to Time No marvel therefore though he doth invite us thrice to Stand viz. 1. Stand as Christians and as a part of the Army to withstand the Enemy whether you be 1. common Soldiers Or 2. Leaders and Commanders being designed to such or such Imployments either in the Church or State 2. Stand constantly in your condition and Station Be sure to
2. But also to infuse Courage and strength into the Souldier and enable him to fight valiantly strenuously and victoriously And who would not be so armed This made the Worthies of old Heb 11.34 To become so valiant in fight c. and to overcome all Miseries 1. Job 2. David 3. Daniel c. all acted with this Armour invinceably 4. The Church must have all this that she may be able to stand and withstand c. Great atchievement had need of Courage Strength and Armour and we are too apt to be discouraged and terrified with difficulties and frailty c. Reas Because Nakedness cannot stand before armed strength 1. For Instance 1. Upon Israels Idolatry the people were naked Exod. 32.2 21 25. i.e. without the arms of Gods protection 2. Upon Achans trespass Israel the Church flyes runs Josh 7.8 and turn their backs c. See verse 11 12 13. And no marvel for thereupon the Lord went not with them Ergo they could not stand against their enemies Such cast away this Armour disarm themselves and how can they stand against such potent adversaries 5. Against the Wiles of the Devil and that because Reas 1. These are very many and who can know them He hath his snares 1 Tim. 3.7 2 Tim. 2.26 i.e. Heretical Doctrines and vitious provocations Annot and 2. Depths Revel 2.24 as of Jezabel c. which teach and seduce to fornication uncleanness c. and who can discover or search into the bottom of them 2. Besides he hath various instruments 1. Seeming friends Psalm 55.12 13 14. It was not an enemy 2. Domestick Servants Psalm 41.9 John 13.11 as Judas 3. False brethren 2 Cron. 11.26 Gal. 2.4 usually in former times 4. And can transform himself and his Ministers into an Angel of Light 2 Cor. 11.13 14 15. Either by 1. such a shape or 2. Pretending piety Mat 4. So his Ministers By a 1. Fair out-side of carriage and 2. Specious pretences of piety c. 6. And the mighty opportunities assalts and temptations of Satan Reas Now because Satans assaults are so strong violent and impetuous as appears by their prevalency at some time over 1. Sampson by a Delilah 2. David in matter of Vriah and of numbring the people 3. Solomon to an infamous Polygamy and Idolatry 4. Yea and St. Peter that resolute Apostle as to make him deny his Master 5. And others for the faults of the Saints in all ages do evidence this We had need therefore to be very well provided for if at some times and in some cases he hath foiled such Champions and Worthies as are above named Have not we that are so weak great cause to mistrust our selves and carefully to provide that we be not vanquished by him All this provision the Church had need to be furnished with against the the Wiles and Assaults of 7. Many and such potent enemies as Satan his Army Adherents and Instruments are For as God Angels and Stars and Abrahams Off-spring are said to be innumerable as many other things also are said to be So may we also say of Evils Devils with David Psalm 40.12 that they are innumerable as the name Legion doth import Like the Philistines huge Army against Israel which were as the sand on the sea shore in multitude 1 Sam. 13.5 And they that are to encounter with such a company had need to be well provided 1. Those mighty Giants Aushehashem of the old world Gen 6.4 before the flood 2. Those Nimrod-like Hunters the Builders of Babel after the flood Gen. 10.8 9 10. 3. Those Anakims and Zamzummims those Giant-wicked men Deut. 2.10 11 20. as their names import as tall in Evil as in stature 4. And those mighty Armies of 1. Ethiopians and Lubims in Asahs time 2 Chron. 14.9 2. Moabites and Ammonites in Jehoshaphats time 2 Chron. 20.3 And of Assyrrians in Hezekias time 2 Chron. 32. and all of them so furiously bent against the people of God to destroy them are yet as nothing in comparison of Satans huge Army against the Israel the Church of God to devoure and destroy them all And as the Devils name may well be called Legion because they are many Mark 5.9 15. Luke 8.30 So also is he mighty strong and exceeding powerful and is therefore styled by divers names which import as much viz. The 1. God of this world 2 Cor. 4.4 i.e. of Unbelievers which lye in wickedness 1 John 5.19 2. And Prince of the same John 12.31 and 14.30 and 16.11 and of the power of the Air Ephes 2.2 Because 1. Of his power over and efficacy upen wicked men he being the spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience Ephes 2.2 and 2. The observance and obedience which they do so readily perform to him again and 3 Tyranny which he exerciseth upon the godly to the utmost so far as God doth permit and lengthen his chain of false Doctrine viz. the Devil and Mahomet in his Alcaran introduced sinners and Sects to devour Religion 3. Angel of the bottomless pit 4. King of Locusts Rev. 9.11 5. Great Dragon the old serpent called the Devil and Satan in the Heathen Roman Emperors the Seducer of our first Parents Accuser of the brethren and the Adversary of Gods Church Rev. 12.9 6. Roaring Lion continually seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet. 5 8 9. Pope or Turk or any other instrument or means imaginable to devour and destroy the people of God All which to add no more Names besides the titles given him in the verse before the Text viz. Principallities powers c. do argue an irresistable strength which none can prevail against except he be aided by the powerful omnipotent hand of God And further the Church had need to be thus provided because he doth invade and storm 1. Within us by 1. Inflaming Concupiscence and 2. Secret evil lusts which he doth light or kindle by that tinder and 3. Acting in our best Services and Duties to pervert them to evil by withdrawing our mind See James 11.3 14 15. For the Lust conceives the Will consents to and delights in which produceth acts and deeds nay Who can enumerate the actings and operations of the evil Spirit even within us to our exceeding great prejudice and hindrance in good 2. Without us a thousand ways by objects allurements and violent temptations By the wicked of the world whose scoffs and discouragements whose oppositions and persecutions do clearly evidence that he leaves no means unattempted whereby to ruine us By both these ways doth Satan work mightily 1. He kindleth the first fire of concupiscence and corruption in Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit Gen. 3.1.4 5 6. 2. And he it is that stirreth up the wicked to persecute the Saints of God Dau. 7.21.25 as Babylon Antiochus Antichrist did in their times yea he is ever ready to act both these Enemies viz. 1. Lust within and 2. The world without as to effect our sin shame and destruction ☞
is an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a punctum temporis a point of time upon the Confines of Eternity When suiting our selves with Men or Times otherwise then in well-doing will stand us in no stead nor do us any good at all But then they that please the Lord shall find that his Favour and mercy endureth to Eternity Mal. 3.18 which the good Lord grant unto us This walk of a Christian is his whole Life and the End of his Life is to please God This is the main Duty of a Christian The great and good Lesson which he is to learn And hence the Doctrine which you have heard before is viz. Doct. A Christians life is to be ordered so that he may please God This is every mans work in his Generation and Conversation Quest How can this be done and who do perform it you may soon see viz. Answ Such as walk with and before God as Enoch Noah Abraham David Elijah and the Prophets have done These being known you may easily discern and know who they be that do not please God in their way of Life viz. Such as set not God before them but set him aside from their way Such as walk after the flesh and follow their sensual Lusts Such as walk in the way of the people the men of the World generally Such as walk after their own devices and imaginations These four things do answer the Question who do not please God and these do reach all the wicked of the World whom you may divide into four Ranks viz. Atheists Sensualists Timists Fanaticks Of the three first hath been spoken I do now descend to the fourth sort of persons that do not please God 4. Fanaticks the Word is but lately taken up amongst us and made of common use and I believe not very well understood by every one I shall therefore explain it to you for we must break the Ice before we can drink the Water and break open the shell before we can eat of the Kernel This being done we shall the better discern how that oft-times Conveniunt Rebus Nomina saepe suis Names do suit with the nature of the things to which they are designed The Name Fanaticks was first used be Heathens and by them in a better and in a worser sence 1. In a good Sence and honest esteem with them the Gentiles did apply it to those Qui in fanis sacra curabant c. who did attend the holy Services in their Temples and did frequent their Churches and consecrated places to consult the Heathen gods and to receive Answers from them touching their Affairs and in this better sence such persons were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sacris usibus destinatus sacris inserviens Men appointed to holy Uses and attending holy Services Thus in the best Sence 2. Afterwards the same Word became to be used for Insanus furiosus which signifies Witlesse and Furious and accordingly it was applyed to people that were besides themselves that were Rapt Ravished or inspired with some Fury possessed with a Spirit Or to such as were Foolish Mad or Frantick And this change of the use of the Word began upon this occasion The Sybels or Bellonas Priests who were called and indignitated by that Name In the time of their predictions and prophesyings and performances of their Devotions and holy Services did use to turn about their heads to dishevel and tosse their Hair c. like Bedlams with many other strange postures and gestures Erantick like to cut lance and wound their Armes and shoulders that they might sacrifice their Blood to their beloved Goddesse just like Baals Priests 1 Kings 18.28 Or those Nazarenes or Samaritans that are said to have Devils Or those superstitious Romish Flagellants that have learned of the former and do act the same things For they are the Apish imitators of Heathens Jewes ancient Hereticks in their holy Services to conform Ap. Now from these strange postures gestures and actings in their Devotions it is manifest why the word Eanatick was first used for a frantick person Fanaticus insanus dicitur quoniam Sacerdotes cùm Responsa dabant furore pleni insanire videbantur prout hinc patet quare Fanaticus pro infano dici caeperit Thus one describes him Another describes him thus Fanaticus Numine Afflatus Bacchabundus Hadr. Jun. one raging ripe with a Fury A third thus Fanatum quod in Fanis consulentes oraculum Sacerdotes Laureum tenentes termitemspiritum conciperent baccharenturque all to the same purpose in effect Hence it befel that by reason of such strange behaviour of the men thus inspired and possessed with this Fury and Rage this humour was accounted as well a Disease as an Errour Ap. So that as the Hebrews of old and the Romans afterwards did avoid and abominate the Leprosie Scab Morphew and other the like deforming diseases which infect deface and hurt the skin c. Ap. So did the Antients fly from and avoid this Fanatick disease or errour and from those that were taken with it Vt mala quae scabies morbus regius urget aut Fanaticus Error Hor. and that for the fierceness and terribleness of the disease as in some Quakers Fear of the mischief hurt blows or stripes that the Enthusiast may do or give in the fit of his fury And for that it was a Disease Errour or Misery inflicted upon them whom God was very angry with and marvellously displeased or else who had greatly offended or wronged Almighty God himself or his Attributes in his Soveraignty divine power Majesty and Authority his Will Might and Vertue ☞ The Greek Poets c. do give us in divers Names very suitable with their postures and practises in divine Worship 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. Qui captus tenetur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 peculiariter dicuntur Afflati Instincti Numine Scap. l. p. 550 551. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In quo Deus est seu Afftatus aut Instinctus Dei Divinus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fanaticus Furor c. Impetus numine afflatorum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 More eorum qui furoris Fanatici instinctu aguntur Scap. l. p. 627. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Deum ferens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 qui divino monitu fertur numine afflatus Scap. p. 1735. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lauri Comestor Epitheton Vaticinantium quoniam Comestor lauro numen haurire credebantur unde fatidica laurus dicitur a Lat. The Bay that foretells things to come 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 qui ab Oestro ictus in gyrum se agit qui Oestro agitante quasi rotatur Scap. p. 407. such as are wheel'd about with a fury a Fly a Gadbee the Bees c. as the word doth signifie Ap. All which Descriptions Names and Properties of these persons do reduce us to this conclusion and inference Hinc jam liquet cur Fanaticos Enthusiasticas eos
Satan is a great usurper of authority he acteth as wicked Rulers do to pervert and destroy He is very bold and daring both in Earthly and Heavenly things 1. In terrennis humanis in things here below in the darkness of this world i.e. in the state of ignorance sin death and confusion all which do reign in this world and of which he is a Ruler what a deal of a work doth he make there experience speaks daily 2. In caelestibus divinis in things of a higher and better nature in the most heavenly places persons and things and in the most holy and divine duties to be performed by man 1. In the Church of God which is called Heaven Rev. 12.1 3. What work makes he both in the way of 1. Infection by Errour and Heresies 2. Destruction by enemies 2. In the best of Saints whose conversation is in heaven Phil. 32.3 What doth he not attempt to divert them from the right way 3. In the holiest duties and most spiritual graces and performances of a Christian which he is most virulently bent to hinder infect and hurt by manifold Injections Seductions and violent Temptations What Christian that hath a right knowledge of himself but he hath cause to complain And yet again the Church had need to be thus furnished 9. Because in the evil day this enemy is most apt to do us mischief ☞ Not that any day is properly said to be evil in it self but very good because it is of Gods institution and nomination Gen. 1.4 5. But in respect of other things the Day is so called Especially of 1. Affliction Tribulation Sickness and Death to all which we are subject every day and so it extends to the whole time of our life which is obvious to so many Evils Corruptions Perils and Dangers continually 2. Temptation when Satan is let loose as it were to vex 1. And infect the Church with Errours Heresies Corruptions and with like things of that nature Or 2. To sift and try the Church to the utmost by grievous and terrible persecutions and distresses of that nature which through his Instigation are raised by 1. Antichrist 2. Tyrants 3. And perverse and persecuting Hereticks As it befel 1. Job who might well take up Solomons Proverb and say as He All the days of the afflicted are evil Prov. 15.15 But especially then when Satan was let loose upon him to exercise him as he did both outwardly 1. In his Goods Children and Body And 2. Inwardly in his Soul 2. The Apostles when their Master the Lord Jesus Christ was taken and crucified and themselves left to be winnowed by Satan and persecuted by wicked men 3. The Church of God whose lot is Affliction But her days are at the worst when she is pressed beyond measure as 2 Cor. 1.8 by such enemies as are above named Antichristians Tyrants and Hereticks Now in such times as these Satan is most active to do us harm 1. What he doth in the Day of Affliction Tribulation Sickness Death c. let the diligent Visitors of Sick-beds and dying persons speak their woful experience 2. And what work he makes in the Day of Temptation when he is let loose as before let doutful and despairful Souls speak for then his wiles snares and depths are evident which occasioned many fearful souls to revolt in the times of persecution ☞ 10. Lastly It doth behove the Church to be thus prepared and provided that she may be able to stand and withstand as it is four times urged in three verses viz. Ver. 11 13 14. 1. i. e. To stand 1. Couragiously and valiantly in the Onset and Entrace 2. Unanimously and vigilantly with the rest of the Christian Army our Fellow-Soldiers whether we be 1. Common Soldiers Or 2. Commanders and Leaders being designed to such and such a place and employment either in the Church or State 3. Regularly and constantly in our Rank and Order in our Condition and Station keeping our ground The ground of Truth 1 Tim. 3.15 4. Strenuously with our utmost strength in the Combate and Conflict till all is done the War ended 5. Victoriously and triumphing when all is done the Enemy overcome and the War is ended for ever And thus it behooves the Church to stand 1. Valiantly 2. Unanimously 3. Regularly and constantly 4. Strenuously that she may stand 5. Victoriously in the end and why so But 10. Because if we stand not but either 1. Fail in our Courage which betrayes our selves Or 2. Fall off from our Fellows which weakens the Army Or 3. Forsake our Rank which puts all into confusion Or 4. Neglect our strength and do not put it out to the utmost in this Exigent 5. The Day is lost our Glory and Crown is gone and vanisht as a vapour we are utterly undone and shall never stand victoriously For nothing can be more prejudicial to an Army then for men engaged therein to fail in these things For if they 1. Lay aside their Resolution and so disnerve their Courage 2. Desert their Fellows and neglect their Watch. 3. leave their Ranks and yield their Ground 4. Abate of their strength when there is most need of it 5. Then you may be sure They shall loose the day be subdued captivated and quite undone 1. Pusillanimity and Irresolution 2. Division and Differences 3. Ataxy Disorder and yielding back 4. And casting away their strength and arms with their courage Are enough 5. To undo the most puissant Army as often experience doth testifie Thus you have heard the point cleared proved both by Scripture and Reason in all the parts and particulars of it viz. Doct. 1. That the Church when at the best 2. Had need to be strong in the Lord 3. And compleatly armed 4. To stand and withstand 5. The manifold Wiles 6. And Mighty Assaults 7. Of so many and potent Enemies 8. As do assault environ and storm her 1. Within 2. and without 9. And especially in the evil day 10. And yet that she may stand and remain victorious and triumphant The point thus proved only the improvement of it remains and as the proof of it so also the Uses must be suited to the severel branches of the Doctrine and each particular Use suitable to each Branch may very well bear the weight of a fourfold improvement viz. Of Information Exhortation Reproof and Comfort But I shall for brevity sake fold them up close together Vse I. Is it so then that the Church in her best condition had need of all this because then so apt to be oversown with Tares to have the wall or hedge broken down and this House by the Thief to be entered surely then this first Use 1. Informs us how watchful and careful the Teachers and Leaders of the Church should be who are 1. The Seedsmen of this Field 2. The Vinedressers and 3. The Keepers of the House by Gods own appointment to prevent and withstand 1. The Enemy that sows tares in this field
art now hungry which doth not befall to God nor the son of God But I will grant that thou art so Then turn these stones into bread for God can change the nature of things at his own pleasure But if thou canst not do this thou art neither God nor the Son of God 1. Mark how the devil strikes at the Deity of Christ and at our Faith by raising such a doubt Answ But mark now the Answer and Resistance of Christ to this Temptation 1. He doth not say I am God and so drive him away 2. But he takes up the sword of the spirit Deut. 8.3 and therewith drives him away for having granted that Bread and bodily food is the usual remedy against hunger Yet saith our Saviour There is no necessity for me to do so For if I be the Son of God know thou That God is not bound to support by bread only as Nature is and men are by the ordinary way of provision Ap. But he hath many other ways and means to sustain and nourish us withall Though here be no bread yet know it is not Bread only or other ordinary food that doth nourish any man but by Gods appointment of it to that end and blessing upon it Besides God can support and supply us miraculously He can nourish us without any food or put the vertue of food into other things and can make poyson to be both meat and medicine Mark 16.18 and Ergo Vpon him will I wait saith Christ and so let us do also Exit Satan he hath done with this shape and this Temptation 2. The Devil acts the part of a seeming Saint a devout Zelot He will go next to the holy City and try what he can do there He taketh up Christ and carrieth him as Gods Spirit did Philip Acts 8.39 He caught him away Doct. Mark what the Devil can do if God permit he can carry away wicked men quick into hell And wonder not that Christ suffered the Devil to carry him who suffered his Instruments to crucifie him When he had brought Christ thither he sets him upon a Pinacle of the Temple a place as fit as dangerous to serve his turn to tempt our Saviour The City the Temple all here minded men of piety of the true worship of God and here the Devil will turn Deceiver and because Christ had foil'd him with Scripture before he will cite Scripture too and perswade Christ to leap down upon the Reason alledged in Psalm Psal 91.11 12. Doct. Note 1. We must take heed of Temptations in the Church in holy places and duties in great Assemblies as well as in the Wildernesse The Devil did not cast Christ down but bid him cast himself down Doct. Note 2. The Devil may tempt and perswade to evil he cannot compel Hoc tantum pertinet quod egit in principio Seducere c. Iraeneus The Devil cites Scripture but withal he adds and concealeth at his pleasure viz. Cast thy self down and to keep thee in all thy ways misinterpreteth and misapplieth averteth all as impious Hereticks his Disciples do Mendacium abscondens per Scripturam quod faciunt omnes Haeretici saith Irenaeus Note 3. That no Temptation of Satan is more pernicious and dangerous than that which is coloured with misapplied Scripture and shew of sanctity But beware the Devil and his Ministers when they are like Angels of Light 2 Cor. 11.14 15. Ap. Thus the Devil perswaded Christ to tempt God hoping to find him either to be an Imposter if he received hurt by the fall or the Son of God by preserving himself in the fall Answ But mark how Christ with the same Weapon this Sword foils him again by producing a general prohibition that concerneth all men Deut. 6.16 Ye shall not tempt the Lord q. d. It becomes none to tempt God much less him whom I know and thou doubtest to be the Son of God ☞ And then is God tempted when ordinary means are neglected besides and against the Counsel and Warrant of Almighty God Ap. And so should I do if neglecting the stairs by which I may descend with safety I should Sponte non jussus a Patre solum aâ—te provocatus praecipitem me dare vellem freely at thy provocation without my Fathers command cast my self down head-long Exit Satan the second time 3. He acts the part of a mighty Monarch and will try what great gifts will do and they use to do much Deut. 16.19 1. He takes him up into an exceeding high mountain a fit place for ostentation and to take the prospect and view of many excellent Things 2. There he shews him all the kingdomes of the world and the glory of them i.e. The Excellency Riches Splendor Beauty and whatsoever is admirable in them and these he presents to Christs senâ—es by Vision at least else he could not do it 3. All these he impudently claims as his own and in his power to dispose of promiseth to give them all to Christ 4. His only demand was Prostratus adora me do but fall down and worship me and all shall be thine Ap. A dangerous tentation and made up of lies and mischief how thâ—nk you would such a Promise have prevailed with many a Worldling Doct. Note That the glory of the world is a choice bait of the devil to catch and ensnare mens souls But mark how Christ doth answer this his most abominable presumption 1. To his Person 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Abi Satana Get thee hence Satan be gone blasphemous Devil This he spake with such Authority that he durst stay no longer 2. Then to his Temptation he takes up the same Weapon the Sword of the Spirit as before and out of those Scriptures Deut. 6.13 and 10.12 20. and 13.4 which Christ citeth thus Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Thou thinkest that if I do not worship thee then I am the Son of God but if I do then thou knowest I am not the Son of God Be gone Devil and know you that it is an universal Precept and Command upon every Creature To give divine honour unto God their Creator Ap. Thus the Devil by a threefold Temptation tryes to know who Christ is whether the Son of God or not and when all is done he is forc'd to be gone as wise as he came to him without any satisfaction Thus did he do by Christ viz. He did act as a friend in the wilderness or divine in the Temple a mighty Monarch in the world with great promises but prevailed not Ap. And if he did thus by our Saviour what will he not do by us he will try all his wiles and shapes Hence is the great difficulty of our right using welâ—ing arming this weapon well against him For sometimes he acteth as the Prince of Darkness then as the red Dragon as an Angel of light one while he tempteth to desparation then to presumption now he frights with Terrours the
will bring him to an untimely End in despight of all his Friend and indeed none must or can hinder it ☞ Annotations upon this miraculous support to the Emperour from above the Poet Claudiam wrote those Verses though no Christian O Nimium dilecte Deo cui Militat Aether Et conjourati veniunt ad clasfica venti Englished thus O Gods belov'd whom power Aereal And winds come arm'd to help when thou dost call Sure thou art much belov'd of God to whom the ayr and winds bring ayd against thine Enemies or come in with ayd c. These Verses are variously cited by several Authors See August de civit Dei l. 5. c. 26. with L. vives Comment Alsted Theol. Cat. pag. 732. Simps Hist. Cent. 4. p. 67. Ap. In the end of these before-named and their violent deaths Observe what may be expected by such but the usual End of Traytors Tyrants and Vsurpers and what mercy should be shewed unto them more then to those Husbandmen who conspired together saying This is the Heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his Inheritance that shall be ours and thereby we shall be rich Mat. 21.33 Mark 12.1 Luke 20.9 But how long did they hold and enjoy the Inheritance and what was the end and final event of this Conspiracy c. the Lord of the Vineyard came ere long and miserably destroyed those wicked men and did let out his Vineyard to others This must be the End of wicked and Blood-guilty men Have we had none such in this Nation within these twenty Years and could they think that it was so often written in vain that the spoylers of others must be spoyled themselves Esay 33.1 Eze. 39.10 Habak 2.8 and they that take the Sword in unjust Quarrels and wit hout a just Calling according to the Ordinance of God shall perish with the Sword saith our Saviour Mat. 26.52 yet Peter drew his Sword in a very good Cause one would think Causes of War had need to be well examined before Men fight spoyl and kill else there will be a retaliation of such things Jer. 25.14 God will Recompence men herein and with what measure men meet to others it shall be measured to them again Mat. 7.2 For he that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity or be led by others he that killeth with the Sword must be killed with the Sword In the mean time here is work for the prayers the patience and the Faith of the Saints Rev. 13.10 ☞ These things may encourage us to be unwearied in prayer For faith patience and prayers work wonderfully still as in former Ages on the Churches behalf and have we not lately had experience of it For do we not think that prayers had not the most powerful Efficacy in the great Alteration who God in much mercy hath made in our Land in May last An. Dom. 1660. Yea and that besides and beyond any other military Force in reducing the King Charles the Second so many Years banished and the Ancient Government of the Kingdom so long and so miserably oppressed and spoiled by cruel and wicked Usurpers and that contrary to the cursed intentions of so many and beyond the very hopes and expectations of all men in so strange a way Quest And why did God do this but to verifie and justifie his manifold promises to Kingdomes and Nations in that case so frequently Sol. All which you may sum up in that short Sentence of the Psalmist Psa 34.6 with the variation of one word This poor Nation cryed and the Lord heard and saved or delivered us out of all our troubles Sit Deo Gloria Thus you have had the Uses of Reproof to sundry persons and of Exhortation with divers Motives to perswade us thereto To these I shall subjoyn some Advertisements and Directions concerning Prayer and so conclude this Subject and close up this Text. I. You know what prayer is viz. A making known of our Requests to God in every thing by Supplication c. conjoyn'd with Thanksgiving Phil. 4.6 And this may be done Mentally or Vocally by Ejaculatory Expressions or studied Petitions upon a sudden or at a set-time privately or publickly as the present necessity occasion or opportunity of the Affair doth require and will permit II. Who must pray I answer All persons out of duty to God the Great Creator and bountifull Benefactor of all things of men in a special manner Psalm 8. Acts 14.17 Hypocrites within and Infidels without the bosome of the Church all may and must pray thus out of duty and sometimes they may perform it successefully as Ahab 1 Kings 21.27 Those Marriners in a storm Jonah 1.5 though Heathens and the Ninevites Jonah 3.8 But the Elect of God pray only effectually and to purpose and of these all that are truly godly do in a most special manner apply themselves to this Duty and that because he best knows that this is a Service due to the Lord who is Paramount the chief Lord from whom we hold all things he is acquainted with the duty and receives the Spirit of Adoption to help him therein Rom. 8. And he is qualified for it both in his person and Graces 1. In his person he is not in the state trade and bondage of sin for God hears not such Joh. 9. But he is Righteous c. and to such is the promise made Psalm 34.15 2. In Graces and that in his Understanding Will and Affections In the understanding with knowledge faith to believe that God is and that he is a Rewarder c. Heb. 11.6 that our persons are accepted through Christ and that out Suits are welcome to God through him In the will and affections with a right posture upon the right Object viz. God not upon sin Psalm 101.3 For if we regard iniquity in our hearts he will not hear us Psalm 66.18 Sincerity desiring Bonum sub Ratione Boni Grace because it is Grace to such is that Promise Psalm 145.18 Zeal must be in our will and affections and that in a right proportion This Sacrifice must have some Fire such prayers are effectual James 5. Not if cold or dead These and all such persons so qualified of whatsoever sex age state or condition c. may and must pray privately according to their owne proper station place and Imployment c. But for publick prayers in Church they only must perform them which are lawfully and publickly called to Church-Employment as Timothy was by Paul c. Act. 6.4 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Thus there may be an intrusion upon publick work whether prayer or preaching or administring the Sacraments c. The publick Minister is the mouth of the people to God in prayer of God to the people in preaching III. To whom must we pray Answ To God He only is to be worshipped with our holy prayers Deut. 6.13 Mat. 4.10 This is an Homage only due to him God claimes it as his peculiar prerorative
superfluous Branch to be cut off when our hearts are too much set upon this World The World you know is three-fold 1 The old World which perished by Water 2 Pet. 3.6 2. The present World in which we do now live which is evil 2 Tim. 4.10 And passeth away 1 John 2.17 3. The World to come Luke 18.30 c. where is Life everlasting It were well if we did mind this last World more then we do It is then the present World and the things thereof which I speak of And by worldliness or earthly mindedness I mean setting our hearts on these things below Principally and in the first place as Esau and the Prodigal Unconscionably as Ahab and the unjust Steward did Inordinately and impatiently as Rachel and the Horsleech Insatiably as the grave barren womb the Earth and the Fire Prov. 30.15 16. Securely and voluptuously relying upon the World as they did Luke 12.16 c. This minding of the world and affecting it too much is a Bait which shewes the best but hides the worst from us A beam in our eyes that we cannot see what is best for us A Thorn in our Feet that we cannot walk for strength A Canker in our mouthes that we cannot eat the best Food A Snare to our Souls that prevents all our chief good Ap. This hinders our growth extreamly when we so set our hearts upon these sublunary things which we are apt to do Mark the Caution Psalm 62.10 Trust not in oppression c. If riches encrease set not your hearts upon them This made some err from the faith 1 Tim. 6.9 10. The Love of money c. And Demas to forsake the Apostle 2 Tim. 4.10 ☞ These are weeds Brambles indeed which must be cut off and rooted up Which the better to effect and do The best Instrument that I can supply you now with is Heavenly mindedness Take the Apostles Counsel Col. 3.1 2. Seek the things above and set your affections on them The Apostle useth two words of great weight and emphatical signification 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Seek Ad totius hominis vires refertur c. Zanchius A man must put forth his whole strength after these things as the Apostle did labour and strive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Decertans striving as a man would do for his life Col 1.29 For these as ambitious studious poor impertinent men do for what they like Honour Learning c. Not so for earthly things 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Set your affections Ad totum mentem refertur The whole soul with all the powers thereof must act this way and the word importeth To mind and regard to love and care for those things most which are above and heavenly And those things are The blessed Trinity God the Father his only Son Jesus Christ and the holy Spirit of God blessed for ever and ever and also all the fruits graces and blessings which proceed from the Father from Christ and his holy Spirit and are poured out upon and performed to us both here and hereafter in this and in the life to come Such are the means of salvation the Graces and the priviledges of Saints all tending to the final perfection and glory of a Christian in heaven all are from above In a word Holiness and Happiness are above in the presence of Christ If we were acquainted with and our hearts set upon these things above we should soon set a right price upon all earthtly things and look upon all sublunary comforts as base and brittle in their own nature and in comparison of other things and unable and insufficient to stead us at our need because they cannot fill the heart and satisfie the desire Eccles 1.8 Isa 55.2 Why do ye c. Nor lengthen life Psalm 49.6 No ransome to live ever Prevent Gods Judgement Zeph. 1.17 18. Ezek. 7.17 18 19. Nor comfort a distressed conscience Dan. 5.6 Nor purchase good to the soul Micah 6.6 7 8. Heb. 10.4 Not Bulls and Goats 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Not gold or silver c. Nor can they extend themselves nor continue with us to eternity but all bid fare-well at the death-bed Psal 49.17 Vanish like a dream Isa 29.8 And pass away 1 Cor. 7.31 Were these and the like things rightly considered and practised it would soon cure us of our earthly-mindedness and stock up by the roots these weeds and brambles which do so hinder the growth of better fruit 4. The custome and allowance of smaller sins in the worlds account at least such are lying petty oaths fleshly lust This is like the ill diet of some young people which eat Oat-meal and other odd things till they overthrow their health Or like the small flyes that blast the flourishing Boughs of the fairest trees and will destroy the trees at length though not so soon as a Thunder-bolt or an Ax. Ap. These must be smothered and kil'd or they will spoil all They war and fight against the soul 1 Pet. 2.11 to destroy it even as those do against the health and life of people and trees And a small leak in a Ship may sink it a Needle or Bodkin may kill a man as well as a great Cannon-Bullet or any other Weapon of War and Violence I have read how the greatest Beasts Fishes and Serpents are annoyed with things the Elephant Whales c. For the cure of this Annoyance to the choicest plants I can prescribe you no better means or remedy then the Conscience of all even the smallest duties which God hath commanded Judgement and Mercy c. must be done yet Mint Annise and Cummin must be tithed Mat. 23.23 The Conscience of Duty will expell the custome of sin Acquaintance and intercourse with God by duty will exclude the allowance of any iniquity 5. Evil Company and bad society is a great hinderance These are like Ash-trees in an Orchard or Cole-worths among the Vines or Weeds and Brambles in the Garden or Corn-field This is certain that neither Orchard nor Vineyard nor Field or Garden can ever prosper if they be so attended These are such under-brances such Suckers at the Tree-root that they quite spoil the growth and stature the flourishing and fruitfulness of the Trees amongst which they are permitted and suffered to grow Such Society as this doth always leave an evil blast behind them among the Trees of the Garden of God i. e. Good men for that it will be conjectured and much suspected whether they be not of the same quality with these unworthy weeds or at least in danger to be wrought upon to be for their guide and practise c. This is no small hurt The only remedy which I can prescribe for this malady is Good fociety This doth as it were Transform a man into another shape it doth possess him with those Notions which do prevalently perswade him into another practise In which being habituted by continuance he is well armed and fortified against all Opposites
presence of God Isa 49.9 So that as the gift of Election so also of our vocation which is of God is without repentance Rom. 11.29 For whom he called them he also justified and glorified 8.30 III. A third Argument of Comfort against all the Scruples aforesaid Gods Covenant and Promises which are irrevocable irrefragable or invincible and unchangeable as the water of Noah c. Isa 54.6 7 to 11. Nay the mountains may be removed c. But the kindness of God and the Covenant of his peace shall never be removed from his people but he will have mercy upon them So Jer. 31.33 to 38. God doth covenant with his people to write his law in their hearts and to fill them with knowledge and to shew how unchangable he is in his Covenant and Promises He compares them with the ordinances of heaven So that as sure as the course which God hath established in nature for the constant motion and intercourse of the celestial Creatures the Sun Moon and Stars to give light by day and by night and for confining that vast body of the Sea to the place and limits assigned to it as sure I say as these things shall without interruption or intermission persist in their course unto the end of the world so sure is his Covenant with his people nor shall it be changed till the heavens above can be exactly measured or the foundation of the earth searched out by us men which can never be So unchangable is his Covenant with his people As for those words in the Covenant They shall no more teach every man his Neighbour c. It is not to be conceived as if they should have no need of teaching at all in those times or that the Office of Teachers should then cease as superfluous For while men live in this world they know but in part 1 Cor. 8.2 13.19 Nor can any be so perfect in knowledge or grace whilst they live here but that they may grow further Phil. 3.12 I have not yet attained c. 2 Pet. 3.18 And the Office of teaching is to continue to the end of the world Mat. 28.20 Ephes 4.11 12 13. But to pass by the different conceits and interpretations of many This form of speech may very well intimate the great measure of clear light that should in those times be revealed 2 Cor. 4.3 6. If our Gospel be hid c. For God who commanded the light to shine out darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ The great measure of knowledge that should by reason thereof abound Isa 11.9 As the waters cover the sea So Hab. 2.14 The clearness of understanding that many should be so possessed with as if taught by irradiation rather than by any means of instruction Cal. 1.12 I received not the Gospel of man c. but by the revelation of Jesus Christ The numerosity of knowing persons then above former times yea and amongst the meaner sort of people Acts 18.25 26. And thus much by the way for Explanation of that phrase in the Covenant Now as the Covenant of God is unchangeable to his people so for our constancy in cleaving to him wherein lieth all the doubt we have a most gracious promise Jer. 32.40 That as God will not turn away from us to do us good so he will put his fear into our hearts that we shall not depart from him whence conclude that when a people are really brought home to Christ they shall never fall off from him again Isa 59.20 21. The Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression c. Thus saith the Lord My spirit is upon thee and the words that I have put in thy mouth shall not depart c. from henceforth and for ever IV. Christs fulness and Al-sufficiency his Potency and Prevalency 1. In satisfaction For by him alone we have received the atonement Rom. 5.11 He only hath wrought reconciliation betwixt God and us Col. 1.20 He is our High Priest who once for all hath offered up one sacrifice for sins for ever by which one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctifi'd Heb. 10 10 11 12 14. 2. In supplication for all Believers and his prayers are prevalent and were never denyed See John 17. per totum and Vers 20. to 25. V. The Seal and earnest of the holy Spirit in our hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 that ratifieth in us his Vocation and Election by the grace of regeneration which is a Seal-signing or marking us for himself as 2 Tim. 2.19 The foundation of God standeth sure having this Seal the Lord knoweth them that are his and let him that nameth the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ depart from iniquity This is the Lords seal and his Earnest is much to the same effect for as an Earnest is a pledge whereby we confirm a bargain or a piece of money whereby we assure the payment of the whole sum remaining Ap. So the Seal and Eearnest of our Regeneration and the renewing of Gods image within us is the pledge of our whole Inheritance and doth assure us more and more of the accomplishment of all Gods gracious promises towards us Ephes 1.13 14. And as a deed after sealing is unchangable and a Bargain after Earnest given is irreversible So is the Sealing and Earnest of Gods Spirit like the Laws of the Medes and Persians which altered not Dan. 6.8 unalterable For true Believers are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time at Christs appearance 1 Pet. 1.4 when we shall be made partakers of that inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for us 1 Pet. 1.3 For when Christ who is our life shall appear then shall we also appear with him in glory Col. 3.4 Thus the comfort of a true though weak Christian doth spring from our Election which is of God 1 Thes 1.4 Our Vocation which is heavenly Heb. 3.1 Gods Covenant and Promises which are unchangable Christs sulness and Al-sufficiency in satisfaction and supplication The Seal and Earnest of the holy Spirit in our hearts so that though it may so befal that as sometimes we our selves do not see our own safety yet others may when we cannot not and though Grace be but small and of slender growth in us yet if it be true it will receive a blessing from God and make way to eternal Glory The hinderances of our comfort shall be removed such as Acts 26.18 Darkness and the power of Satan c. from whom we are called Furtherance to duty is afforded Titus 2.11 12 13. For the Grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts c. looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ who at his coming shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body c. Phil. 3.20 21. And thus doth he induct his servants into heavenly glory God will own and crown all his own works and graces in us to our everlasting felicity Amen Lord Jesus Thus I have done further speaking of the Apostles farewell but I trust you will never have done practising what this Scripture hath suggested and accordingly hath been taught unto you which will be of singular use to preserve you from Atheism Papism and Phanaticism and to direct you in the way that is truly Christian where you may walk and please God and abound in good till you may attain to glory which the good Lord grant unto us FINIS