perill when so great a Disciple as Peter before any great danger so resolutely denyeth him Reas. 1. Satans malice he winnowes and tempts Peter here and the Saints to plucke them from this confession because he knoweth that God is greatly honoured by the confession of his Servants That the truth is notably confirmed which shakes the Wals and foundation of this Kingdome That confessing him before men notably incites and provokes others to the love and likeing of the truth and to the imitation of such holy examples and because he would hinder the happinesse of Saints well knowing that 〈◊〉 that denyeth Christ shall be denyed of him Reas. 2. Strength of corruption in us makes it very hard at such times 1. How hard is it to deny our selves and not denying our selves we cannot but deny him we not onely reason with flesh and blood but conclude with flesh and blood against the yoke of Christ Paul communed not with flesh and blood Gal. 1. 16. 2. How doe we blush at the Chaine and shame at the Crosse of Christ which indeed is the glory and crowne of a Christian he that is ashamed of Christ how can he confesse him 2 Tim. 1. 12. I suffer these things and am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed one cause why many among the Rulers beleeved and durst not confesse Christ was because they feared to be cast out of the Synagogue John 12. 42. 3. How are we glued to the love of the profits and glory of the World loth we are to be too great losers by Christ much lesse forsake all to follow him this maketh it hard to confesse Christ in cases of losse and disadvantage this cause is in John 12. 43. the Rulers confessed not Christ whom they knew because they loved the praise of men more then the praise of God Demas would not have his commodityes hindred and so forsooke the Apostles 2 Tim. 4. 10. Reas. 3. Weaknesse of faith and graces Peter had now true faith in his heart but weake and raked up in a heape of corruptions where is no faith is no confession a strong faith a strong confession Peter was now as a man in a sowne or qualme living but little shew or sense of life Nicodemus a Beleever a lover of Christ his faith made him come to Christ but the weaknesse of it made him speake little and low and not directly for him Joseph of Arimathia a Disciple and a Beleever but a secret one for fear of the Jewes John 19. 38. Vse 1. Conceive it no easie thing to confesse Christ in tryall nor a thing to be performed by our owne power but pray for the gift of the Spirit called the Spirit of strength Isa. 11. 2. which sustaineth us no cause shall daunt it 2. Pray for wisedome when and how to confesse that the Lord opening our eyes aud mouthes we may speak as we ought 3. Pray for Faith Psalme 116. I beleeved therefore I spake Rom. 10. 10. with heart beleeve 2. Resolve of the necâ—ssity of confessing Christ being called thereto 1 Peter 3. 15. be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of the hope that is in you Philippians 2. 10. Every tongue must confesse Jesus Christ is the Lord to the glory of God Arg. 1. Consider here first the end of our being in the World to honour God and his truth and promote our owne and others salvation therefore not onely not deny but confesse 2. The excellency of the truth confessed and witnessed unto not by us onely but by the whole Trinity the blessed Augels the holy Prophets the inspired Apostles and constant Martyrs in all ages 3. It is Gods right thou shouldest confesse him even to thy utmost perill to whom thou art given of the Father by whose blood redeemed whose peculiar thou art how couldest thou brooke that servant to whom thou payest Wages that being ashamed of thee would deny thee his Master 4. Christians must be considered not onely as private men but in the communion of Saints glorifying the Gospell not onely by walking worthy of it but also suffering for it as lights not for it selfe but for others 5. Thou wouldest not be denied of him hereafter but desirest he should acknowledge thee in another life but if we deny him he will deny us 2 Tim. 2. 12. 6. Conversion produceth confession as in the converted Thiefe and confession is accompanied with salvation Rom. 10. 10. with the mouth confesse to salvation onely this man is of God 1 John 3. 4. 7. Thou canst not but confesse Christ nor keepe Faith at home it is as fire within and Christ saith He that is not with us is against us Quest. How shall I be able to confesse Christ in trials Answ. 1. Settlâ—â—hy selfe in a sound knowledge and judgement of the truth unstable persons that hang between two Religions as Meteors will never abide the triall If trials should come many of our ordinary Hearers for want of setlednesse of judgement and sound measure of knowledge will prove as Potters Clay fit for any forme or as Wax ready for any stamp or impression so Meteors between two Religions enemies to Confession 2. Get sound love to the Truth else God will send strong delusions to beleeve lyes on them that receive not the truth in the love of it 2 Thes. 2. 10 11 12. 3. Expresse the power of Religion now in dayes of peace for he that denyeth the power of Religion now in the time of peace God will never give him the honour to professe in time of persecution he that will deny by a warme fire will deny more easily in a fiery triall 4. Arme thy selfe against the sweet and sower the best and worst of the world beware of preferring of the best things as better and sweeter then Christ and the glory of heaven God is not so prodigal of his glory nor of the gracious merits of Christ as to bestow it on such as love earth better then himselfe or his Sonne neither gaze with both eyes upon outward things never so little but on the power of God which is manifest in weaknesse 5. Set thine eye upon the glory of being confessed by Christ before his Father and his Angels oh this my servant was more willing to dye for me then deny me and the terrour and disgrace that Christ should deny us when our own consciences are up in armes against us then he shall proclame and disclame us in that we preferred every trifle before himselfe c. 6. Looke on examples of Saints keeping the profession without wavering in losses and crosses Heb. 10. joyfully enduring the spoyling of Goods Pauls life not deare compare thy selfe with these c. Then he went out into the Porch and the Cocke crew PETER having denyed his Lord beginneth to perceive himselfe in some danger for he seeth that better then his sinne and seeing it was not safe for him to be there he
gloria Jer. 9. 24. the right glorying Vita aeterna Iohn 17. 3. this is eternal life We must know and acknowledge no voyce but his no word but his no unwritten traditions no determination of Popes Councels Fathers but his Scriptures a perfect guide Gal. 1. 8 9. If any man or Angel bring another word hold him accursed 3 Sheep presently heare the voyce of the Shepherd John 10. 27. my sheepe hear my voyce not the voyce of Satan calling from light to darkenesse not of Antichrist calling to traditions and superstitions But Christs voyce 1. Externall exhortationin the ministry 2. Internal inspirations by the motions of his spirit not quenched 3. Bountifull Largition Christ speakes in his mercies inviting to repentance Rom. 2. 4. 4. Corporal flagellation his hand is his voyce and cals to humiliation and conversion A good Christian heares all this Heare the Rod and who appointed it Mic. 6. 9. 4. Sheepe follow their Shepherd so the Sheep of Christ obey him a fruit of hearing and bring in abundant fruits of obedience abounding in good workes Nothing but profitable in Sheepe fleece flesh encrease profitable in life and death they be nowhere but enrich the Ground Thus did the Shepherd and thus must we So of the Sheepe Secondly How the Sheepe shall be scattered OUr Saviour expresseth it Ioh. 16. 32. Behold the houre commeth yea is now come that ye shall be scattered every one to his owne and leave me alone I shall be this night smitten with reproach ignomy and the sharpest sword of God and men even to the death and now whereas soundnesse of Faith would make you cleave unto me in life and death you shall forsake me some of you shall deny and forsweare me and all flye from me and be scattered every one his way as if you were deceived and deluded in me yea every one of you shall shift for his owne safety and fall both from me and one from another as Sheepe are dispersed and scattered when the Shepherd is slaine and taken from them And how this Prediction was accomplished see Mat. 26. 56. Then all the Disciples forsooke him and fled so soone as he was in his enemies hands and not onely they but other Disciples and followers of Christ as the two Disciples that were going to Emaus whose Faith was so shaken as they say We thought this should be he that should redeeme Israel and this is the third day but now they began to be of another minde Quest. Why were the Disciples thus scattered Answ. 1. In themselves carnall and excessive feare of themselves who were yet weake and had not received the Spirit to strengthen them as afterward they had not cast the costs of their profession nor accounted sufficiently the expence of this building as their Master had long before exhorted them Ans. 2. God in his wisdome would have Christ left of all his Disciples because he was to be knowne to tread the Wine-presse of Gods wrath alone without partner or fellow none must share in the Action or in the glory Ans. 3. Thus it behoved the Scripture to be fulfilled in regard of Christ himselfe who voluntarily undertaking the grievous burthen of our sinne must be forsaken of God and all other creatures and comforts for the time for so we had justly deserved and he must be left alone and comfortlesse Ans. 4. To teach us that all the safety and comfort of the strongest Christians were they as neere to Christ as his deare Disciples is in their relation and dependance on the chiefe Shepherd for without Christ the Shepherd of soules we lie dispersed ungathered and in a forlorne estate If he withdraw himselfe never so little as great Beleevers as the Disciples flye away from him and never come to him till he come to them Vse 1. Are the Disciples scattered when Christ is persecuted and smitten what marvaile if hypocrites be quite blowne away from their profession by perecution who onely as chaffe cleave to the Wheat If the godly be scattered for a time from Christ and from themselves as here the Disciples what marvaile if hypocrites be scattered from both If â—ffliction for Christ shake the Faith of so great Apostles no marvaile if it quite overturne such as be unsâ—tled and ungrounded This is one of the ends of affliction for the Gospell to try them that are sound for as the faire season of the Spring sets and ripens Fruits so the Winds and boysterous blasts of Autumn makes them fall off We may not therefore stumble when we see great Professors fall off in trials for some believe but for a time Luke 8. 13. and so of some 1 John 2. 19. that they went out from us because they were not of us Vse 2. Let no man presume of his owne strength to stand in triall nor be too confident in another in tryall Little knowes a man nor will beleeve the deceit and hollownesse of his owne heart Hazael will not beleeve he can prove such a Dogge and so vile as the Prophet speaks of Little knowes many a man who now continues wel-affected to sound Preaching how soone they should finde their inner disposition and outward too changed if outward occasions were changed but a little So a man would have promised as much as any of the Disciples of Christ as any in the world nay the Disciples would not beleeve Christ telling them how cowardly they should leave him they thought themselves wronged as their answer shewes yet how should a man have bin deceived in them how were they deceived in themselves who immediately after our Lord had forewarned them fall into this their weaknesse Vse 3. Arme our selves well against tryall it was nothing for the Disciples to sticke to Christ while in peace and we now while Christ is with us easily hold up the head but when Christ is smitten then is the tryall sound love to Christ is tryed by continuing with him in temptation Sound love to the Word Preachers and Professours is that which hath endured triall as that is sound Gold which hath passed the fire good Ground is knowne by enduring Arme we therefore our selves with resolution that we must suffer that the Shepherd shall be smitten and yet goe on so with sense of our owne impotency to stand with watching and prayer that we enter not into temptation also with sound love of Christ and Christian Religion or else if the Pastor be smitten thou shalt be scattered Vse 4. If godly Ministers or Professors in time of trouble be left and those that seemed to depend on them to affect them for the best things fall to the stronger side it was our Lords case we must be patient and contented Elias persecuted by Jezabel was left alone Paul himselfe for Christ in his bands had none to assist him 2 Tim. 4. 16. or stand with him it is no new case that faithfull Pastors especially should be conformable to the
was but bewray themselves as the most rude and barbarous Heathens or as the curst Dogge scorne and barke and rage against God if any man cast a stone against him or crosse him never so little Verse 70. And anone after they that stood by said againe to Peter surely thou art one of them for thou art of Galilee and thy speech is like HERE is the third assault and temptation of Peter set downe First by the Time Anone after Secondly the moving Cause They that stood by Thirdly the Asseveration Surely thou art one of them Fourthly the Probation partly by The Countrey Thou art of Galilee The Language Thy speech is like Quest. Hath not Peter expressed weaknesse enough yet but he must rise to further sinnes and goe on like one given up to reprobate sence Answ. Christ had foretold Peter he must deny him thrice and hereby most justly punished his sin of presumption who three severall times contradicted his Lord saying 1. I will lay downe my life for thee 2. I will dye with thee before I denie thee 3. If all men yet not I. Now Peter shall better discerne his threefold presumption by his threefold denyall and be as soundly humbled as he was vainly puffed up and he that had no such cause to be proud shall have cause enough to be humbled Quest. Why doth the Evangelist and al the rest of his fellow-Disciples set down this most third and fearfull fall of their fellow Disciple that was to be so great a pillar in the Church of God Why doe they thus shame him to all posterity Answ. 1. These holy men guided by the holy Ghost in penning the Scripture looked neither at their owne nor other mens glory but the glory of God many of the Pen-men of Scripture set downe their owne infirmities and fals as David Matthew John his curiosity Paul in most vehement wise against himselfe and some thinke that Peter himselfe did dictate this Gospel and Marke writ it from him Had they bin guided by a humane spirit they would have favoured themselves and one another 2. They more respect the glory of the grace of Christ in raising him out of such a fall then the disgrace of Peter in so falling 3. More eye the consolation of the weake then his reputation teaching us in case of Gods glory neither to spare the reputation of others or our owne but let God be true and all men lyars let God arise and all flesh fall downe before his foot-stoole First for the time Anon after Luke 22. 59. determines the time and tels us that betweene the first and last temptation was the space of an hour a very small time to heap up so many foule sins as in Peters were Note How much evill will breake out of a good heart in a short space in one hour if Gods grace uphold it not Reas. 1. The godly are by nature the children of wrath as well as any and after grace have the seeds and spawn of al sin in them and that there is any difference in them from others and they breake not out into outragious Sinnes is onely by grace as Paul by the grace of God I am that I am 1 Cor. 15. 10. 2. Doe we not see how notwithstanding grace received we may discerne the naughtinesse of our nature in a pronenesse to all evill to which we are as headlong and naturally carried as a sparke to flye upward the best find in themselves a law of evill a law in their members rebelling against the Law of their minde Rom. 7. A weight of sin which presseth downe and hangeth fast on Heb. 12. 1. A rebellious flesh which lusts and fights against the spirit Gal. 5. 17. doe we see notwithstanding true grace received notwithstanding our watch and best endeavour we are carryed captive to sin and forced to doe things we hate how lamentable Slaves and Captives should we be how forlorn and forward unto all unrighteousnesse were it not for the Spirit of grace restraining and renewing Vse Take notice of the evill lying in the best of our hearts who knowes the gulfe of evill there we are like Hazaell we will not believe we can be such dead dogs to do thus or thus 2. King 8. 12. would David have believed the day before or that forenoon that his prayers praises Psalmes all should be turned to wantonnesse foule Adulteryes outragious Murthers other sins so quickly afterward 2. Acknowledge it is not of our selves that we stand or fall not so soulely as others our hearts being as slippery and ready to play false play but by grace we stand Rom. 11. 14. Thou standest by faith be not high minded Rom. 6. 14. sin shall not raigne because ye are under grace 3. Pray not to be led into temptation as Christ counselled Peter and the rest and with David Lord forsake me not overlong arme thy selfe with Gods armour of proâ—fe beware of vaine confidence promise nothing of thy selfe as Peter did depeâ—d on Gods strength a staffe stands no longer upright then the hand holds it 4. Learne to beat downe pride of heart many thinke themselves in good case no Thieves Adulterers Murtherers but strangers at home looke not into their sinke within which may make them so and worse then so in as short a time as Peter Secondly the moving causes of this denyall They that stoood by said to Peter SAint Luke 22. 29. saith that a certaine other affirmed verily this man was with him for he is also a Galilean and Saint John 18. 26. describes him to be the high Priests Servant Cosin to him whose eare Peter smote off our Evangelist speakes in the plurall number and so Mat. 26. 73. they that stood by Answ. Both are true many now set upon him and many speake to him But one especially followed the temptation who was Malchus his Cosin and to him they all consented and agreed and in Scripture what one among a Rout of wicked men speakes all are said to speake for they are commonly all of one minde and have all one voyce as crucifie him crucifie him Note 1. Peter was set upon before by one now by many at once for sin and security encreaseth temptation encreaseth and groweth more dangerous for Satan draweth evill men from evill to worse and even good men to the highest evill he can both for Gods highest dishonour disgrace of goodnesse shame of the Gospell and sorrow of their owne hearts Note 2. In that this multitude of men take the Maids part against Peter if one wicked man have a quarrell against a Disciple of Christ all wicked men further then outward respects restraine them combine with him against such an one they will speak all one thing Reas. 1. They are all of one heart and mind and nothing differ against the feare of God 2. All led by the same Spirit that rules in the world 3. All cunning to unite their strength against God and his
children yea let them be never such enemyes among themselves all of them can be friended and agree against Christ and his Disciples Luk. 23. 10. 4. All of them Lovers of darkenesse and bent to set forward every sin or work of darkenesse and contrary Haters of the light 5. Experience shewes us how Birds of a feather do flock together in wicked combination as Prov. 1. 12. 14. and what is done to one is taken as done to all Vse 1. Not to think it strange if it be with us as with Peter a lewd lying fellow cannot deâ—ise a quarrel against a godly man professor or preacher but hâ— shall be abetted in his courses of malice countenanced pleaded for preached for perhaps why so not for the goodnesse of the cause or Person but because his Opposite hath some goodnesse some light which the Owle-light of carnal men cannot abide if he have beene with Christ it is cause enough to combine against him Vse 2. Let godly men learne hence to unite themselves and joyne in good things bestirre themselves to set forward good motions and actions least the wicked prove wiser in their generations then the Children of light Alas how comes it that in good motions so many doubts and inconveniences are cast so many Lyons in the way till opportunity be cut off amonst godly men when as not any wicked motion but growes an end and a number of hands carryes it lightly away May we not be as bold for God and good causes as they against them should not the fire of Gods spirit I meane the coales of zeale from the Altar be as hot and burning within us as the sparks of Hell in them Is not our cause as good have we not the better end of the staffe serve we not as good a Master expect we not better wages therefore let us provoke one another to love and good workes and the rather because the time is short Vse 3. Godly men learne and should labour to be of one minde in good things a Pet. 3. 8. to consent in the truth to be of one judgement will and affection in and for the truth and 1 Cor. 1. 10. that all speake one thing that there be no dissention but knit togeher in one minde and in one judgement with one minde and one mouth glorifie God Rom. 15. 6. And rather Mot. 1. Because Sathan seekes to combine evill men in evill seekes to breake off unity and make division in good things well knowing what a glory and grace it is to Religion to consent in one He brings in division betweene Jewes and Samaritans betweene Papists and Protestants all Christians betweene Puritans and Formalists all Protestants this opens the mouthes of Adversaries and weakens the forces against the common Adversary 2. Consider what a seemely thing it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity we professe and beleeve communion of Saints and shall we not knit in this Communion take example by the first Christians who were all of one heart and mindâ— Acts 2. 3. God is a God of peace the most simple unity in himselfe a lover of unity in verity 1 Cor. 14. 33. the Author of peace and not of confusion binding his presence to two or three consenting in any thing in his name Besides Christ is one and not divided his Coat without seame and his members aptly joyntd both to the head and within themselves 4. By this thou expressest the humility and charity commended to Christians laying aside selfe love and vain-glory when thou followest the truth in love not seeking to please thy selfe but thy Brother for edification Thou art also one of them for thou art of Galilee and thy speech is like OF the Asseveration before of it and the Probation joyntly Peter is now hard beset not onely by many at once but by apparent circumstances and signes 1. His Countrey 2. His Speech 3. Malchus his Kinsman tels him of the Garden where he had newly commited a riot and struk off his Kinsmans eare â— He is an eye-witnesse and appeales to Peter Did not I see thee with him in 〈◊〉 6. â—den Peter could not now but know his falshood was knowne and yet 〈…〉 himselfe in that which all see but himselfe and after the manner of impuâ—â—nt Malefactors thinks to outface all still Note 1. It seemes the Galileans speake no other tongue then the Jewes but in another Dialect or pronounced otherwise by which pronunciation they gathered him to be a Galilean As in our Nation the same speech is in the Southern and Northerne Countries but the pronunciation and dialect differ that they shall easily know a Northerne man by his speech if he continue there from the Southerne such difference it seemed was betweene them of Galilee from them dwelling about Jerusalem This was indeed but a poore Reason and no strength in it for Peter might well have excepted against it and have quitted him of it farre better and handsomer then he did for will this prove him a Disciple because he was a Galilean or because he spake as a Galilean for were there not many of Galilee and which spake as they which were no Disciples must every one of Galilee be a Disciple presently hath Christ on the sudden a whole Countrey of Disciples Note 2. What poore Reasons and weake Arguments goe currant against Christ and his Disciples Mat. 11. 19. Christ eats with Publicans and sinners he is invited to mens houses therefore he is a good Fellow a Glutton a drinker of Wine John Baptist came in austere and abstinent manner therefore he hath a Divell in consequent but enough to refuse their person and their doctrine 1 Sam. 22. 9. Abimelech refreshed David therefore a Traytor the same at this day let a Preacher come as John Baptist be strict in his Doctrine in his life be rough to remove high holds of sin oh he is so precise so singular so tart and rough he preacheth onely damnation he preacheth the law therefore no good Preacher comes neere the sins of Persons a factious Preacher or Puritan let him come milde gentle converse familiarly and freely with men oh he is a flatterer a Companion Time-server thus shall a godly Preacher every way be turned off Reas. 1. Let a good man by doctrine or life disgrace sin justly sinners will be ready to disgrace them unjustly whatsoever comes to hand will serve their turne as a stone to fling at goodnesse a slander a suspition nay a necessary duty thou wast with Christ an Hearer of Sermons therefore an hypocrite 2. A desire in the wicked any way to blemish such as take more notice or any way discover their foule spots and therefore will assault their names if not for great things for smaller if not for evill for good if not for substance for shadowes and trifles they must keepe themselves doing Paul mad Disciples Divels 3. They hope to discover their owne faults by clamour against them
a dish full of Water but he opens to her the water of life Note 3. How to come to know our owne weaknesse Christ here admonisheth Peter we never truly come to know our selves till Christ take us in hand to teach us as the Woman at the Well John 4. never came to know her selfe till Christ taught her The word is a square a glasse a ballance a light Christ in the Gospel discovereth to us the darke corners of our hearts letteth us see our hypocrisie pride earthlinesse errors and lusts How many can say they never saw themselves in ill case till the word came Rom. 7. 7. nay Paul was alive without the Law so every naturall man thinks himselfe alive in good case no feare of sin no terrors of conscience or feare of damnation but are happy and well their case being as a man sicke and near to death but complaines not tels how he is not sicke because his senses being overcome he feeles not his disease so is every unregenerate man But if Christ in his word cannot be beleived as Peter beleeves not he is so ill as Christ saith then there is another meanes to bring us to the sense of our own weaknesse and that is by Experience the Mistris of fooles and so Peter in this History Many say if all were true as the Minister saith we were in a miserable state but we cannot make men believe us calling them to the sight of themselves that they are so bad as they are To thee I say thou that belongest to God as Peter God will give thee up to some lust or other till experience beat this knowledge into thee as Peter but in mercy thou shalt see it in season Thou that doest not believe nor belongest to God shalt also have wofull experience of the malice of thy heart and wretchednesse of thy course but too late when thy state shall be remedilesse chuse you now whether you will believe the word or feele it one you must the word if it judge not in this day shall in the last day Joh. 12. 48. Note 4. This Day this night Note how suddenly even a good man is turned from good resolutions if but a little left to himselfe or he remit but a little of his owne watchfulnesse a few houres make so confident a Disciple of Christ who scorned to think of deniall of his Master to deny and forswear him too Reas. 1. We stand by grace which if it be not every moment renewed we must needs fal as a man upheld by a crutch remove the crutch and he fals down or set a staff upright withdraw the hand ye need not thrust it downe so we 2. The suddennesse of the temptation which cometh like a lightning and our pronesse to be kindled with the same David in the forenoone might be not onely chast but holily employed in holy meditations but in the afternoone on his Gallery spyes Bathsheba and is all enflamed and moyled in foule wantonnesse and lust 3. Freedome of the Spirit who cometh and goeth when he lists as the Wind which is a ground of humiliation in the most holy estate we can get into not every joy not any gracious estate may lift us up Nescis quid serus vesper vehat the Sunne may shut under a Cloud suddenly 2. To watch our graces well and forecast temptation 3. Depend on the spirit of God to perfect and accomplish his owne good motions and leave us not to our selves who can quickly quench them 4. No marvell if the righteousnesse of Hypocrites be as the morning dew their desires as flashes to make them inexcusable being in the spirit they delight not to dwell in that good frame but vanish into nothing Note 5. Deny me thrice Peter was most confident of all the Disciples and must fall more shamefully then they all he will dye with Christ ere he will once deny him but within foure or five houres he shall deny him thrice he would never deny him but instantly shall not content himselfe to deny him once and againe but thrice It commonly fals out that they who pride themselves above others even in good gifts that they are given up to fall more shamefully then others and why Reas. 1. God doth avenge pride of heart with sin and shame cannot abide it in any least in his Children 2. His wisedome tempers poyson to a remedy by these fals to abate the humour and let out the core If presence of grace puffs up absence of grace or presence of corruptions shall take them downe 3. Pride is a rocke against which grace makes Shipwrack walke therefore humbly before God for when pride commeth then commeth shame Prov. 11. 2. and where pride is there is folly and ignorance of a mans selfe and his owne estate so our proverbe calleth him a proud foole c. 1. David professeth his heart was not haughty but as a child Psal. 131. 1. 2. Humility is a seemely garment for outward carriage 1 Pet. 5. 5. decke your selves with lowlinesse of mind 3. There is no great fall from a low place one of the Fathers calleth it Coronam in tuto pinnaculum moenia ne quis ex alto decidat 4. Whatsoever may befall the humble-minded man the Lord will give grace unto him 1 Pet. 5. 5. grace of his Spirit grace of his favour and countenance grace of his Soule he will dwell with the humble soule Isa. 57. 15. and it with him a most happy cohabitation Vers. 31. But Peter said more earnestly if I should dye with thee I will not deny thee likewise said they all WHen Peter had heard our Lord and Saviour with his wonted asseveration tell him so heavy things of himselfe that he should deny his Lord that night thrice and so renounce his faith his profession and salvation by him this should have soundly humbled Peter and terrified him yea should have been as a dagger to his heart to have let out the life of his naturall pride and presumption 2. Whereas it was sufficient to have made him concieve modestly of himself at least to have entred into himselfe and consider of his weaknesse to take downe his carnall temerity and boldnesse one peg lower 3. Wheras it should have brought him to renounce himself and depend wholly upon the strength and grace of Christ his Lord which onely was sufficient for him 4. Whereas it had beene enough to make him beleeve the Word and affirmation of the Lord before his owne conceit for to all these purposes did the Lord Jesus so forewarne him of his fall yet he still blinded with vaine confidence in himselfe or carried away with preposterous zeale doth more vehemently persist in contradicting his Lord in which he heaps up a number of sins 1. The repetition and falling into the same sin after Christs admonition and asseveration but Peter said 2. The manner of his sin he said more earnestly 3. The matter of it I will
them a Disciple a Puritan a Professor a Brother all one with this of the Maid thou wast also with him now weake things and small goe for currant to bring good men into danger as Peters here being with Christ even looking toward good men is ground enough and evill men can make great noise of it as Jewes against Christ he is a friend of Publicans and Sinners As Spyders can turn every thing into poyson so wicked men turne wholsome things into poyson and malicious accusations Acts 21. 28. Oh men of Israel helpe this man c. Paul gave the Law his due onely denyed justification by it nor spoke against the Temple but their hypocrisie who could discover all by coming to the Temple nor dishonoured their place but all their faire shewes in that place would not serve but it was as the offering of a Dog without faith or Repentance this was his duty to teach nor brought he Gentiles into their Temple but they supposed so and suspition is enough for evill men and helpeth them well I thought it had beene thus but what if he had now the Temple was free for all Moses Law ceremonial was at an end so as when these wicked men had said all they could equity could find no substance in their accusation yet these grounds were enough against Paul to draw him to death ver 31. Let a godly Preacher come and lift up his voyce as a Trumpet against sin oh he is an intolerable man he is so sowr so tart so judging he preacheth nothing but damnation he makes Reprobates of us all when all this while he doth hiâ— duty in telling Israel her sin and Judah of her transgressions Let him preach often and be more diligent then some idle drones so that the word prevaile with men and they begin to taste the soundnesse and the sweetnesse of it and frequent it with more gladnesse then the eye of envy would they should oh then he is factious draweth Disciples is popular if we let him alone all men will beleeve him say the Pharises Let him preach with authority and not as the Scribes and convince evill men and seeke to pull their lusts out of their hearts and hands and now they perceive the word too strong for them then they fetch another windlace Christ teacheth wonderfull well and he is Teacher from God and teacheth the way of God truly but he healeth on the Sabbath day or breaks some traditions of the Elders a good man otherwise but his Disciples wash not fast not and the failing in some idle tradition or Ceremony is enough to hate Christs own Doctrine and to hurt him in his owne person to the unmost extremity Secondly the Temptation Thou wast also with Jesus of Nazareth or as John 18. 17. Art thou one of this mans Disciples Belike both asking the question and affirming that he was THE Tempter light not Caiphas himselfe but his Doore keeper and that not a man but a silly Maid The Temptation as light she doth not scorne him or his Master she saith not belongest thou to this Seducer nor art thou a follower of this factious fellow who is now brought in question for his life but in simplicity and gently enough Art thou one of this Mans Disciples yet Peter is too weake for so weake a temptation Note He that is presumptuously confident where he should not is basely fearfull where he need 〈…〉 â—â—rist foretels Peters fall but Peter feares nothing but a silly Damsels 〈…〉 him an unkinde word and fear hath oppressed him 1. It is a just revengâ—â—hat he that feareth not God should feare every thing else and if the feare of God be shaken out of the heart the feare of man yea of a veery worme shall be let in had Peter retained the fear of God he had not here so feared but now must fear where no fear is 2. God in this kinde punisheth the presumption and boldnesse which a man hath in himselfe by turning his carnall courage which resists true feare into terrours of heart and vaine feares that were there nothing without him to fear he shall not want terrors of minde that shall leave him but a little rest Herod is told enough to behead John and no man can feare him for it but his owne thoughts fear him O John whom I beheaded is risen now he fears where no fear is Prov. 28. The wicked flye none pursuing his own fancy shall fear him Vse Peter shrinkes not before Caiphas but his Maid asking but a question see that carnal confidence and human strength will leave a man in the suds at length this courage of flesh and blood had carried Peter a great way in the cause of Christ in resisting his apprehenders following him to the high Priests Hall brings him to the â—ire but now leaves him If a man had all the courage we read of among the famous Roman Warriers it will not carry him after Christ whethersoever he goeth it might carry him to contemne death for his Countrey for his credit c. but for Christ it will faile him It is given as well to suffer for Christ as to believe Vse 2. Examine well thy boldnesse whether it be for God or Man ere thou trust it the boldnesse of flesh will make us couragious before the Battle but when the Alarum is sounded then the shaking of a Pike or report of a Musket feareth him as a Childe out of the field Quest. How shall I know Answ. If thou beest strong in the power of Christs might then thou art strong in thine infirmities that is hast a strong sence of thine owne weaknesse and findest thy frailty and art driven out of conceit with thy selfe and having no strength in thy selfe leanest onely on the strength of thy Captaine Stand in this strength and in question of thy life thou shalt have boldnesse as John before Herod Elias before Ahab when poore Peter stout in himselfe shall fall before a poor Maid almost unquestioned Vse 3. Let him that stands take heed least he fall 1 Cor. 10. 12. Thou sayest thou lovest Christ so did Peter else he would not have followed now thou mayest account of strength to stand if all other should fall so did Peter but thou seest a Pillar here shaken with a Wenches word that thought all the threats and tortures of the Rulers could not make him shrinke Seest thou the foreman of the Apostles so neere and deare unto Christ who would have confirmed his brethen so foulely to fall be not thou high-minded but feare Mot. 1. Consider thy selfe a childe weake and feeble soone cast downe and being ready to stumble and fall get to a stay as fast as thou mayest 2. The Adversary is strong and flesh is weake Mat. 26. 41. and is onely supported by strength of grace the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah foyles the roaring Lyon 3. Hypocrites not fearing to fall fall fearefully but the godly
that find fault with them as most faulty the most shamefull Offendors are the most shamelesse Accusers none worse then they Vse 1. Not to be too credulous when we heare religious Persons and men fearing God accused and their faults aggravated for though good men are not Saints exempted from failing or error yet commonly they are not faulty in the matter or in that measure that evill men and scorners most accuse them in 2. Evill men will make mole-Hils swell to such Mountains against godly men how would they insult if they can catch just advantage let godly men be so much the more watchfull and carefull if they cannot stop their malice yet to stop their mouthes and starve their malice leaving it no just matter to feed upon offences must come but wo he to him by whom they justly come 3. Comfort our selves if our conscience tels us we suffer causelesly or for innocency if they beat us with the same staffe they did Christ Luke 23. 24. I finde no fault in him let us chastise him and send him away Note 2. This was indeed Peters honour which they object as a crime his speech bewrayes him a Christian a Disciple Let our speech manifest our selves Christians both for the matter as 〈…〉 all did not and for the manner as his they say did Reas. 1. A note of a true Israelite to speake the language of Canaan Proâ— 16. 23. A wise man will guide his speeches wisely a Christian man Christianly 2. No better way to expresse love to God and man then by speaking for God and for mens edification 3. Imitate Christ testifie thou hast been with him never man spake so nor can speake so but we must imitate him and make him our president his speeches were either for God to set up the glory of his Father or to God in fervent prayers and praises for himselfe and others Or else to man Either for the conversion or confirmation of the Elect. Or for the just admonition or conviction of the wicked His words were never idle or empty but filling and feeding many Vse Happy is that man whose words testifie him a Disciple of Christ would to God a Jew could thus accuse us Christians Meanes 1. Get a good fountaine of a good heart that is a good treasury Mat. 12. 35. Psal. 37. 30. Prov. 10. Psal. 45. 1. 2. Propound a good end that thy lips may feed many and thy speeches minister grace may tend to Gods glory edification of many and discharge of thy owne duty so David professeth Psal. 39. 1. I will take heed to my wayes that I offend not 3. Prayer Lips are sealed till the Lord open the mouth Psal. 51. 15. The Lord must dispossâ—sse this dumb devil that makes us tonguâ—tyed when we 〈◊〉 speak and Psal. 141. 3. Set a watch O Lord and keepe the doore c. But how darest thou professe thou hast beene with Christ or art a Disciple or Christian in whose mouth dwell oathes lyes curses rottennesse ribaldry slandering whispering c. Consider 1. Thou that takest no account of thy words the Lord hath a time to call every of thy idle words to account and thee for them much more for hurtfull and deceitfull wicked and poysonfull 2. It is froth and filthinesse of a bad heart skum of a boyling heart 3. So it is a worke of darkenesse as well to speake wickedly as to doe wickedly a good man a childe of light must make conscience of filthy words as well as filthy actions Vers. 71. And he began to curse and sweare saying I know not this man of whom ye speake PETER was now in great danger he heares of the Garden and is in danger to be revenged for his tumult his quarrell and wronging Malchus he is pressed by evident signes that he was with Christ and now if he bestir him not he shall not avoyd present danger or if he do he shall be branded for a common Lyar and perjur'd Person for ever and therefore out of great feare he more stoutly denyes his Master then before and because neither his simple denyall will serve him as in the first nor his binding it with Oaths and swearing as in the second as if he had not done enough he curseth and imprecateth himselfe wishing not onely mischiefe to himselfe but calling on God a just Judge to avenge the falshood and inflict the deserved punishment on him if he knew of whom he spake Oh fearfull sin 1. To deny his Lord and deare Master 2. After so many warnings on Christs part 3. After so many confessions and professions of his owne 4. After so often three severall times so much time of deliberation coming betweene one might seeme infirmity but thrice argues resolution 5. With lying and perjury 6. With cursing and imprecation Thus Peter is in the forwardest of them that make falshood their refuge and trust in lyes Note How a man having begun to fall fals apace and hath no stay of himselfe till the Lord stay him Peter here falls from lying to false swearing from swearing to cursing as Hamans wife to Haman if thou begin to fall thou shalt surely fall so fall followes upon fall where the Lord with-drawes his hand or stands aloofe 2. Wicked men shall fall from evill to worse till they fall into Hell Saul from disobedience to Sorcery from Sorcery to selfe-murther Pharaoh shall fall ten times and not be warned till he fall into the bottome of Hell and even the Child of God may fall fearfully and should finally were he not stopt and staid and supported as in our example Reas. 1. Satan would have every man sins out of measure sinfull and every yeilding to temptation invites his violence and nothing will serve evill men but ryot and excesse of sin 2. One sinne commonly goes not alone but one puls on another a Garden undrest hath not one weed but of all sorts of weeds as graces go in a chaine faith brings love love obedience so vices go in a linke and sins are concatenated Davids security brings lust lust whoredome Adultery murther Solomon first betakes him to Idolatrous Wives then to Idolatrous worship sin as we 〈◊〉 a good fellow one hangs to another as bars one sin cannot well be defended without another or covered 3. One faculty corrupted corrupts another imagination being corrupted by cogitation of sinne that corrupts the judgement the judgement corrupts the affection so as there is delectation in sin affections corrupts the will bringing it to consent the will corrupts the parts by repeating custome and habit thus sin in the Soul as a gangreene in the body eates up the next parts till it speedily mortifie the whole 4. The Lord in justice often punisheth sinne with sin as Pharaohs sin with obstinacy and hardnesse Exod. 9. 12. The Gentiles by giving them up to their hearts lusts Rom. 1. 23. Vse To stay beginnings of sinne sinne as an Infant at first may
fault in that Herod would not let go Herodias Vse 3. In use of meanes still to depend on Gods blessing that he would open the ear and accompany his word with his blessed Spirit for the hearing eare is from him Job 33. 14. God speakes once or twice and one sees it not till he open the eares of men which were sealed ver 10. God hath spoken not once but a thousand times amongst you but a number of tuffe corruptions in the heart are like ear-wax which stops that the voyce cannot enter in This is the cause that many are like the Fish in the Sea who lives in salt Water but without all taste of Saltnesse A setled ministry is like the salt of the earth under which many live without any seasoning because they neglect the higher teaching even the spirit of truth that must lead them into all truth John 16. 2. Externall meanes to bring Peter to acknowledgement of his sin Christs looking backe upon him non oculo exteriore sed oculo clementiae By this looking backe of Christ we must not conceive a bar turning of his face or eye upon Peter nor an extraordinary looke or countenance for Christ also set his eyes upon Judas when he came to apprehend him and on Pilate sitting ready to sentence him and on the Jewes stoning him who were never the better by Christs looking upon them but with his looke he adjoyned a gracious and secret efficacy of his blessed spirit The very lookes of Christ was a most real and effectual Sermon to Peters heart the tongue of Christ was now otherwise employed in defence of his innocency and putting of the malitious accusations of the wicked Jewes but the eyes of Christ silently speake unto Peter after this manner oh Peter dost thou thus persist in denyall of me thy Lord where is thy faith thy fidelity thy love thy great promises of not forsaking me have I made thee of a poore Fisher a chiefe Follower of me to this end is it not enough that thy eyes see me despised and refused among mine enemyes but thou must also deny and refuse me oh Peter these vex my Body but thou my mind thy unkindenesse is greater to me then theirs and thus the Lord might take up the complaint Psal. 142. 4. I looked on my right hand and behold there was none that would know me all refuge failed me and none cared for my Soule he looked for no great helpe on his left hand among his Enemyes for even his dearest friends and Disciples on his right hand failed him and knew him not Note 1. Christ hath an eye of grace and favour for his People in all sad cases I have surely seen the affliction of my People in Egypt Exod. 3. 7. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole Earth to shew himselfe strong in the behalfe of them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16. 9. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his eares are open unto their cry Psal 34. 15. Reas 1. His heart is upon them continually and then no wonder if he have a loving eye toward them because where the heart loves the eye lookes and is loth to be taken off as it was said of the Temple 1 King 9. 3. mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually 2. Is there not a cause Peters case in the Text tels us that even a good Soule needeth Christs looking to it that so it may recover out of every fall and stand in termes of favour with God all meanes else without a gracious aspect from Heaven will never keep us tyte in the course of true piety 3. When all is well with the soule in respect of grace and gracious conformity to the will of God yet there needs a good looke from Christ in respect of sound comfort which is the light and life of the Soule The loving kindnesse of God is better then life and if he hide his face a little the good Soule is soone troubled Psal. 30. 7. Vse 1. Which may marvelously chear and refresh the spirit of Gods people in all sad cases that go over them from time to time and not onely in afflictions or persecutions for righteousnesse sake but in all their foyles and fals into sin wherewith their righteous soules are much troubled and sometimes ready to sinke into despaire yet remember for your comfort that the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity lookes also unto him that is poore and of a contrite Spirit to revive the heart of the contrite ones and when such doe most put away comfort as too good for them he will restore comforts to the Mourners Vse 2. If Christ have an eye to thee in all thy sad cases doe thou ever remember to keepe thine eye open unto him yea both thine eyes First an eye of Faith to wait for the gracious issue he will please to give out of all thy trials Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord say with the Church in their proverbial speech In the Mount the Lord will see and be seene What if the visiâ—n stay beyond thy time in hastinesse prefixed for deliverance yet in due time it will speake and not lye Still therefore make use of thy Faith which is the evidence of things not seene and the foundation of things hoped for Secondly the eye of Obedience still keepe close to him in Dutie whether he deliver or no still have respect to all his commandements remember how the promise runs to keep thee in thy wayes and in these ways be sure he will take his time and the best time to grant deliverance or any mercy thou wantest He is a God of judgement and waites to be gracious to his People and blessed are they that in his owne way waite for him Isa. 30. 18. Vse 3. Lastly if God have ever an eye of love to his People then wo be to his and their enemies his eye of jealousie is set against them to root out and destroy as the Egyptians marching against Israel Exod. 14. 24. The Lord looked on their Host and troubled them So in Psal. 11. 6. 7. Vpon the wicked he shall raine snares fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest this shall be the portion of their cup why for the righteous Lord loveth rightousnesse his countenance doth behold the upright it is time therfore for such to humble themselvs before God and his people and take the Counsell which Pilates Wife gave him have thou nothing to doe against that just man Note 2. Peter was now at a very low Water both in respect of sin and danger not knowing well which way to turne himselfe and now his Lord lookes backe upon him so to turne the streame againe The Lord many times lets his People be brought into a very low estate and then turnes their captivity for them Zachariah 3. 2. The state of godly men is to be as brands
themselves against God and their duty but because they weigh not the word they have promises and God is mercifull and Christ dyed for Sinners c. but weigh not to whom the promises belong which are Childrens bread As John said to one what hast thou to doe with prayer or with the promises God will not be mercifull to an obstinate Sinner they weigh what God is and they weigh not themselves what themselves are God is a God of mercy but noâ— all of mercy Christ is a Lamb for meeknesse but weigh it that he is a Lyon also and will tear in pieces all impenitent persons Vse 2. To comfort Ministers who see their Doctrine slightly regarded for the present many they have to heare almost none consider but see in Peter that an happy use may be made in time of things which at first were heard carelesly so the Disciples heard Christ often speake of his passion of his resurrection and other articles of Religion but heedlesly for the time neither remembred nor weighed but after made more use of them sometimes carelesse Hearers are broughâ— into as great streights as Peter here and then they have time and occasion to weigh things better and rate themselves for their unprofitable hearing He went forth BY going forth is meant an utter forsaking of the place and company where he was he went forth before after the first temptation but not far enough as now He went out the first thing in the manner of Peters repentance Quest. Wherefore went Peter forth Answ. 1. In respect of the place the Hall and Porch were no places of safety or tranquillity but full of danger and feare and tumult and not fit place for consideration 2. In respect of the company he sees the longer he stayes among wicked men the more sinnes he heapes up against the Lord and against his owne conscience and therefore he sees it high time to be gone 3. In respect of the businesse in hand he is to bewaile his sin to weepe bitterly for his offence but the Hall and Porch are no fit places to weep in 2. He truly sorrows that he doth it sine teste secret teares flowing from the inward affection of his heart frees his repentance from hypocrisie in that it is not done in respect of men but onely in the sight of God and his Angels 3. Peter is to get out of himselfe which he will not do till he get out from so ungodly a rout as he is now among Doctr. The man that would avoyd evill or set himselfe about any good must avoyd evill company 119. 115. Away from me ye wicked for I will keep the commandement of my God he saw it was a very hard thing among wicked men to retaine any good purposes or practises Reas. 1. Bad company are great provokers to evill great strengthners in evil a little bad counsel spreads and is soone allowed If Pilate once speake of Christs death it shall be quickly harkened too if the Phariseâ—s once suggest to deliver Barrabas all the noyse will be not him but Barrabas a little leaven leavens the whole lump How three Traytors in Corahs Camp presently prevailes with two hundred and fifty Captaines men of renown appeares in story how one evill man may kindle an unquenchable fire in a Towne so evident as one plague soare may taynt a whole City or Kingdome one Achan enough to plague a whole congregation how much more when a Company of evill persons are knit together 2. As they are great Drawers to evill so they are strong Resisters of good the darkenesse in them must needes fight against the light what they can they will hinder what they cannot hinder they can scorne Peter here durst not acknowledge him a man whom among Disciples acknowledged the Son of God 3. Our owne inclination to evill makes it more dangerous a little Pitch will sticke to his fingers that toucheth it Israel in Shittim will commit whoredome with the Daughters of Moab Numb 25. 1. Joseph will sweare a little by the life of Pharaoh in the Court of Pharaoh Peter denyes among Denyers and we are commonly as our company which we chuse Vse 1. To avoyd evill company thrust not into such company when we need not nor stay longer then needs must in such fellowship for 1. He that will cleave to God must sever from Gods Enemies the same grace that binds us to God loseth us from the wicked solitarinesse is better then bad company 2. What comfort can a Sheep have among a Herd of Swine which wallow and tumble in foule lusts or a silly Dove among a company of Ravens how can a good heart but grieve in their society whose sports and pleasures are in such things as onely grieve the Spirit of God how can a Christian solace himselfe among such as care for none but brutish delights in eating drinking sporting gaming attended with swearing rayling drunkennesse and idlenesse but to speake of God or of Religion to discourse of sobriety temperance watchfulnesse and prayer is to be unseasonable as Snow in Harvest can a good heart be glad among them who can never be merry till God and all thoughts of him be shut out of doores What comfort can a man have among a company of dead men who as Ghosts are moved by the Divell no spirit of grace no breath or life of grace but in whom the Divell rules effectually and the like comfort can the Childe of God have among wicked men dead in sin and enemies to the life of God ruled at the pleasure of Satan What safety among evill men whether we respect themselves or their practises for themselves they are so poysonfull so infectious as we can hardly participate with them in good things and not be defiled as with some persons we dare scarce eate or drinke wholesome meat or drinke of the same cup because of some poysonful and infectious disease we would not take a sweet flower from some hand so here For their practices how just is it if we joyne our selves in their sins that we should not be disjoyned in their judgements as they that stood with Corah were all swallowed up together 4. This hath beene the practise of the godly Psal. 26 4. I have not haunted with the wicked for they know blessednesse is promised to such as neither walke stand nor sit with them Psal. 1. 1. He that sees the mischiefe that hath befallen him by such company will shake them off He that hath beene drawne to scorne godlinesse to reforme godlinesse must abhor such company He that hath beene taught to sweare lye be drunke to reforme must avoyd such company Vse 2. If we fall among or be cast into such company take some directions how to carry our selves which our Apostle here omitted 1. Enter not into their company fashion not to them separate in Fashion and Affection As Lot among Sodomites goe not to them but let them come to thee Peter