so the goodnesse of God hardneth the vessels of wrath and mollifieth the vessels of mercy And this is true that God doth use a great patience and long suffering toward sinners and that for these reasons 1. That thereby Gods goodnesse and mercy may appeare and the great malice and frowardnesse of mens hearts that cannot be drawn to repentance by the Lords rich and bounteous mercy 2. By this Gods Judgements appeare to be most just when he punisheth the hard-hearted and incorrigable as it is evident in the example of Pharaoh 3. By this also God teacheth his children to be patient and long suffering one towards another 4. This patience of God though some abuse it yet others profit by it and their hard hearts are mollified for though Pharaohs heart by Gods sparing of him became more obstinate yet Nebuchadnezzar at length by the Lords lenity goodnesse and fatherly correction was brought to know himselfe and confess the true God 5. Though the evill and wicked should reap no profit by the Lords wonderfull patience yet the Elect and such as are ordained to salvation are thereby called and brought to Grace as the Apostle sheweth of himself For this cause saith he was I received unto mercy that Jesus Christ should shew on me all long suffering unto the example of them who in time to come should beleeve on him 1 Tim. 1. 16. so that this is true which is affirmed by the Authors but this is not all God hath yet a further stroke in the hardning of the heart then by connivance and long animity towards it 2. There be others also who hold that the Lord hardneth the By withdrawing his grace heart subtrahendo gratiam by with-drawing his grace God say they giveth men over to a reprobate sence to harden the heart to blinde c. not because these things are done by God which proceed of mens malice but because whilst God doth justly forsake men these things doe happen unto them the Lord therefore hardneth whom he will not mollifie and blindeth them whom he will not illuminate SECT 6. Obj. WHerein consisteth the blinding and hardning of the heart Ans In two things as 1. The internall act of the minde adhearing Hâ—rdnessâ— of heart implyeth 2 things unto evil and in this respect God is not the Author thereof 2. In subtraction of grace whereby it commeth to pass that the minde is not illuminated to see God And in this respect God is the cause of the duration but yet this is not all that seemeth to be contained in Gods hardning of the heart There is also another interpreting the manner of Gods hardning of the heart and it is occasionalliter by way of occasion as when the wicked take occasion by such things as fall out and are done by Gods providence to be more hardned and confirmed in their sins 1. For as all things viz. prosperity adversity life death fulnesse want and whatsoever else doe work together unto good to All things fall out for the good of them that feare God and for evill to the wicked them that feare God as the Apostle affirmeth Rom. 8. 28. so on the contrary all things fall out unto the worst unto the wicked and impenitent and so the wonders which God wrought in Egypt served to confirme the Hebrewes in their faith but Pharaoh by his owne malice was thereby hardned 2. The things which the Lord doth whereby the wicked doe The wicked take occasion by three things to be hardned also take occasion to be hardned are of three sorts as First either inwardly in the minde as by stirring their affections as of anger feare hope desire which they by their corruption turne to evil 2. On such things as are done about them as admonitions corrections mercies benefits which also they ungratefully abuse 3. Or they are things externall or without them as the objects of pleasure honour and such like whereby their hard heart is polluted puffed up and swelled and all these things being good of themselves they through the hardnesse of their hearts pervert unto their destruction as the Apostle Peter speaking The wicked pervert their owne heart of some which through ignorance and unbelief pervert the Scriptures 2 Pet. 3. 16. The Apostle Paul also sheweth that sin tooke occasion by the Commandement and wrought in hïm all manner of concupisence Rom. 7. 8. Pharaoh also was hardned by reason of Gods workes the plagues and wonders that were shewed in Aegypt By the wonders because he saw the Magicians could doe the like by the Plagues because they touched not him but hapned without they came not also at once but with some intermission and respit between and because he saw they continued not long but were soone removed Therefore in that Pharaoh had such a heart as could not be moved by the patience of God unto piety it was his owne fault but that such things were done whereby his heart being evill of it self did resist the Commandement of God it was by the divine dispensation but there is something further yet to be considered in Gods concurring in the hardning of the heart SECT 7. AGaine there is another Exposition which declareth that The event oft times taken for the cause God hardneth the heart as the event is taken for the cause as it is often taken in Scripture as Joh. 17. 12. None of them perished but the childe of perdition that the Scriptures might be fulfilled Here the Scriptures putteth that for the cause which was the event of the cause for Judas did not perish that the Scriptures might be fulfilled but so it fell out that the Scriptures in Judas perishing was fulfilled There is also the like instance in the 51. Psal Against thee only have I sinned and done evill in thy sight that thou mightest be justified in thy sayings and cleare when thou art judged But David did not sin to that end that God might be justified God had no need of his sin to set forth his glory but so it fell out that God spared David and by his mercy over-came his sin and yet David sinned not to that end Like as when a man being at work and one of his acquaintance Simile commeth to see him he desisteth from working he should say My friend came to day to hinder my work whereas he had no such end in his comming So Jacob said to his Son Why dealt ye so ill with me as to tell the man yeâ— had yet a brother Gen. 34. 6. whereas Jacobs Sons in so saying intended no evill or hurt to their Father but so it fell out c. The wicked also are said to hate their owne soule and to procure unto themselves eternall death whereas simply they hate not their owne soules neither would be damned but upon their committing of sin it so falleth out that their soules perish by their meanes as if they hated them An unruly Patient that wil not obey his Physitian
sins of another which cannot forgive his owne as in example If Peter had the power to have forgiven the sins of other men what need had he to have wept and â—â—pented for his owne or of whom needed he to have asked pardon seeing he had all the power in his owne hands as they expound the Text Mat. 16. 19. and if so then it must consequently follow that if God would forgive sins he could not without Peters consent of whom the Pope is Successor as they also say in power and holinesse SECT 5. From whence all the glory of Popery sprung and is continued ANd from hence sprange all the glory of the Papacy threatning the Layety whom they kept in the darknesse of ignorance by with-holding from them the light of the Scriptures that if they would not give such and such gifts to the Church build such a Monastery Abbey Nunnery Cathedrall and what not which they pleased as also give a great part of their estates to the maintenance of such of their Hierarchy as was to live in them they should incur his Holinesse displeasure who had power either to damne or save them by which jugling we have had all the Popish buildings erected which either are or have been in this Kingdom for if his Holinesse commanded it must be accomplished in paine of Damnation or a worse turne which God himself could not hinder if it were his Holinesse pleasure to the contrary and in this manner was the Laiety brought poore and the Clergie rich ingrossing by this means into their hands even the very fat of the Land as it is most apparant to them that observe in what places of the Kingdome those religious houses as they terme them are situated But had Peter had that power which the Pope claimeth as We need not fear the Popes curse any more then Paul did Peter his Successor doubtlesse Paul durst not have gain-sayed him as we read he did Gal. 2. 11. for feare lest he should have damned him as also by this meanes one of the Apostles should have been greater then another in power which is absolutely forbidden as I have formerly shewed it is therefore most evident that Peter had no prerogative above his fellow Disciples neither doe we read in Scripture that ever Peter pronounced Absolution to any man so that Absolution and Purgatory are the Popes Stewards to gather in his revenues or impositions which he requireth of his simple stupid Tenants whom I hope will now have more wit or grace then to be any longer cheated by him or inthralled in his Tyrannicall and Anti-christian Kingdome CHAP. IX Treateth of theîr superstitious meriting by good works c. SECT 1. THis opinion is also opposite to the Scriptures as the words of the Apostle sheweth Ephes 2. 8 who speaking concerning the meanes of our salvation saith absolutely That it is by grace that we are saved and not of our selves and that it is the gift of God He also sheweth that grace and workes cannot stand together Rom. 11. 6. If it be of grace it is no more of works and if of works then no more of grace and the Patriarke Jacob confesseth himself to be lesse then the least of Gods mercies or unworthy of the least of them by which it plainly appeareth that be attributed no merit or worthinesse to himself but doth acknowledge all to proceed from Gods mercy which reasons are surely of power to convince any rationall man that we deserve nothing at Gods hands in regard that our best workes are imperfect and have need of grace to pardon the imperfections thereof as also that we are the Lords bounden servants and doe no more then our duty when we doe our best and even then we are unprofitable servants Luke 17. 10. God therefore crowneth our good workes but rather of his goodnesse and mercy then our deserving whose mercy is seene in his gracious promising and righteousnesse in his faithfull performing it is his mercy in calling us before we can any waies be prepared thereunto there is no fitnesse aptnesse or congruity in our nature but all is of grace and therefore Moses telleth the Israelites Deut. 4. 27. that because the Lord loved their fathers therefore he chose their seed after them SECT 2. No preparation in a mans nature to his calling IT doth also plainly appeare that Gods love was the first motive for the choyce and calling of Abraham in regard that Terah his father was an Idolater under whom Abraham was brought up and by all likelihood infected that way before the Lord called him what preparation could there be then in Abraham or provocation as in himself to his calling neither was the beginning only of Gods favour to Abraham of grace and the increase thereof by merit for Jacob being of Abrahams faith saith that he was lesse then the least of Gods mercies or that none of Gods graces first or last were conferred upon him for his worthinesse So then where the Lord findeth his servants faithfull and obedient he will increase them with further graces not merited by their obedience but added in mercy according to the gracious promises of God that vouchsafeth of his fatherly goodnesse to The fore-sight of obedience is no cause of the increase of grace crowne the faithfull service of his children for otherwise if our service and obedience be weighed in it self it deserveth nothing In vain therefore I hope will the Popish Clergy plead any longer for such fopperies as to say that Abrahams faith godlinesse and obedience was acause that God bestowed upon him them great favours as the revealing of the destruction of Sodome c. when as the chief reason was in respect of his fatherly love towards him who having once made choyce of his servants doth for ever love them adding grace upon grace untill he hath accomplished their Salvation or otherwise as the Prophet saith all our righteousnesse We offend in ouâ— bestworks are as a menstruous rage neither did the holy men of God present their supplications for their owne righteousnesse sake Dan. 9. 8. and being unprofitable servants in our best services we are farre from meriting or deserving any thing and if we doe no more then we are bound in duty nor yet all that we have no reason to expect any reward beyond our desert and if the benefit of this life cannot be merrited much lesse the Kingdome of Heaven Again if we can merrit nothing for our own particulars how much lesse for others SECT 3. Against election by works fore-seene 1 Inst AGain that God hath not elected or made choyse of any for good workes fore-seene in them may evidently appeare by divers places of Scripture As for instance in Simeon and Levi who were two fathers in Israel the one chosen from amongst his brethren to execute the Priests Office and yet we see they were guilty of much blood so that we may perceive that God chose them not for any vertue or
worthinesse in them but for his owne mercies sake And Moses telleth the Israelites that God did not set his love upon them because they were more holy then other Nations for saith he you are a rebellious people but because the Lord loved you therefore he hath done this unto you Deut. 7. 8. 2. Inst Neither did Joseph obtaine that great favour with God to have the preheminence over his Brethren by any merit or worthinesse in himself but of Gods meere mercy grace and favour towards him for as yet Joseph had not shewed his faithfulnesse and chastity in Potiphers house the purpose of God then to exalt Joseph revealed to him in his dreame Gen. 37. 6. went before any merit on Josephs part so also Gods free and gracious election in setting us apart to everlasting salvation is without all respect or workes in us as the Apostle toucheth Rom. 9. 15. 3. Inst Yea the Book of Exodus sheweth us on the one side the ingratitude and disobedience of the people of Israel and on the other side the stedfast love of God towards them which offereth unto us an evident argument of Gods free election without any respect to workes the Apostle likewise to the same purpose alleadgeth that notable Text I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy Rom. 9. 15. 4. Inst Neither did the Lord look upon us Gentiles in makeing of us his people for any worthinesse in us but for his owne mercies sake he hath called us to the knowledge of his truth for otherwise what we are in our selves the Apostle sheweth out of the fourteenth Psalm where it is said that they are all gone astray c. there is none that doth good no not one So then it is most evident that Gods election changeth not but Good workes is no precedent cause but a consequent effect of election whatsoever he hath decreed concerning any mans Salvation shall stand for the gift and calling of God are without repentance Rom. 11. 29. And the Apostle sheweth us that the Lord hath chosen us that we should be holy not that because we were holy so that good works is no precedent cause of our election but a consequent effect thereof CHAP. X. Treateth of their tenent of justification by faith and workes SECT 1. THe Popish tenent concerning faith is that it justifieth A Popish assertion not as it apprehendeth and applyeth the righteousnesse of Christ but as it is a meritorious work by the worthinesse and dignity thereof and that it is a presumption for any man to be assured of his salvation Ans Now that this their assertion is contrary to Scripture will thus appeare as Gen. 15. 6. where it is said that Abraham beleeved in God and it was counted to him for righteousnesse the Apostle also concludeth the contrary where he saith That to Faith justifieth not as a work but as it apprehendeth the righteousnesse of Christ him that worketh not but beleeveth c. his faith is counted for righteousnesse Rom. 4. 5. where righteousnesse then is imputed and accounted there it is not obtained by workes faith then justifieth not as it is a work or meritorious but as an instrument it apprehendeth the justice of Christ which is imputed by faith SECT 2. Faith a speciall application of the promises of God Object A Justifying faith is not a speciall application of the promises of God in Christ but a generall beliefe only that whatsoever God saith is true as Abrahams giving of credit to Gods speeches that he should be the father of many nations Ans It is otherwaies evident for Abraham did not only beleeve Gods promises concerning his carnall seed but his faith reached also to the spirituall seed which was Christ as the Apostle applyeth it Gal. 3. 16. yea Abraham rejoyced to see Christs day Joh. 8. 16. as having a particular interest in him as his Saviour the fore-named place doth therefore strongly prove against that their assertion for whereas Abraham had formerly shewed many excellent workes as of Piety in building Altars in many places and calling upon the name of the Lord in charity in seeking reconciliation betwixt Lâ—t and him Chap. 13. of mercy in redeeming of Lot being taken prisoner Chap. 14. contempt of riches in refusing to take the King of Sodoms goods yet none of all these workes are reckoned or imputed to him for righteousnesse but only his faith SECT 3. How Phineas zealous act was imputed to him for righteousnesse Obj. PHineas work in executing judgement upon the Adulterer and Adulteresse was imputed to him for righteousnesse faith then is not only imputed for righteousnes but works also Ans The Prophet in that Psalme speaketh not of that righteousnesse whereby Phinias was originally counted righteous or just before God for that was by faÄ«th because without faith it is unpossible to please God Heb. 11. 6. but of that righteousnesse whereby Phinias faith was declared and testified and thereby his zealous act because of his faith was counted a righteous work The like is also where the Apostle Paul denyeth that Abraham Paul James reconciled was justified by workes Rom. 4. 2. and the Apostle James affirmeth that he was justified through workes Jam. 2. 21. The first speaking of justification properly before God the other of the same testified and declared by workes unto men and therefore Phinias fact is said to be imputed to him for righteousnesse from Generation to Generation that is in all ages he was known and reputed just before God and men And therefore the Apostle James saith Shew me thy faith by thy workes Jam. 2. 18. as if he should have said 'T is true before God it is thy faith only that justifieth thee in regard that he only knoweth thy heart but in that I cannot judge of thy inward affections it is requisite that I should discerne some actions from thee which may testifie to me that thou art godly and therefore our Saviour saith ye may know them by their fruits c. Albeit therefore the Apostle urgeth the shewing and approving of faith that Abraham was justified through faith in the offering up of his Son Isaac yet before God he was formerly justified by faith but by this his obedience his faith was both approved to God and made manifest unto men SECT 4. Foure sorts of faith Object WHat manner of faith is that which you terme justifying faith Ans For the better discerning hereof it is requisite to know the divers kindes of faith which are of foure sorts viz. 1. There is fides inissialis vel fundamentalis the faith of beginning The faith of beginning or fundamentall faith whereof the Apostle speaketh Heb. 11. 6. He that commeth to God must first know that God is c. and this kinde of faith towards God the Apostle referreth to the doctrine of beginning and essence of God in knowing him to be the only God 2. There is another faith called fides miraculorum the
if but read over by them or any other is sufficient for the Service of God as indeed it is to that God they worship the Spirituall man he is of another judgement for he saith that true prayer is that which is dictated to the minde by the Holy Ghost and so maketh prayer the voyce of Gods owne Spirit which ariseth from the regenerate part within us being quickned and inlarged to pray from the immediate help of the Holy Ghost and such prayers say they are only acceptable to God and no other Now to know whether of these opinions retaineth the truth it Of the Spirit of God in prayer is requisite to have them to the touch-stone of truth viz. the Word of God which is able to convince all errours and to make them appeare in their naturall colours to which purpose the Apostle Paul is very pertinent in his Epistles as in Rom. 8. 26. where he speaking of the act of Prayer or â—ather the Spirit of God in him saith That the Spirit helpeth our infirmities and that we know not what to pray for as we ought but that the Spirit it selfe maketh intercession for us with sighes and groanâ—s which are unutterable which he doth also thus further illustrate in the 27 ver viz. And he that searcheth the heart knoweth the minde of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God SECT 6. FRom whence I thus argue If the intercession of the Saints who are predestinated to salvation be not availeable without the direction and guidance of the Spirit of God as it is evident they are not Instance in holy David who saith If I regard wickednesse in my heart God will not heare my prayer what will become of the other and what better testimony can we have to decide the controversie then when the Holy Ghost himselfe confirmes the point as a witnesse to his owne act their audaciousnesse A set â—oâ—me of Prayer hath not the Spirit of prayer and stupidity is therefore to be admired who thinke that Prayer and Preaching can availe although the Spirit of God doe not Co-opperate with it for the Holy Ghost teleth us plainly that we know not what to aske without his direction now what direction from the Spirit of God can be imagined in that prayer which is formerly composed by another party then he who readeth or prayeth it or what benefit can be expected from that prayer where the tongue expresseth that which was not formerly conceived in the minde to aske well may they therefore be compared to Steevens uncircumcised Jewes in that they still resist and flatly deny the motions of the Spirit of God in the act of prayer Again the Children of God have sundry occasions to pray unto God by reason of their manifold temptations by the flesh the world and the Devill which doe warre continually against the Spirit now let any judicious man censure whether a childe of God findeth greater comfort in expressing his misery and unfeigned repentance being moved thereunto by the Spirit of him to whom he prayeth rather then to expresse himselfe by such a prayer as is invented by another man Again what prayer can be more acceptable to God then when he is invocated by a penitent sinner who is dictated what to aske by the Spirit of him to whom he prayeth certainly then we ought rather to joyne our selves with the Spirit of God rather then the spirits of men SECT 7. Obj. SVch as pray by the Spirit use Tautollogies and vaine repetitions in their prayers Ans God doth not give the measure of his Spirit to his Children by equall proportions but to some more to some lesse but to all some yea such a some that he that hath the least of it hath so much as to make his prayer acceptable though not so much prevalent with God as them who have a greater measure of it Again Gods wayes are not our wayes he is not like an earthly Prince who is commonly petitioned with a premeditated speech It is not eloquence of words that God regaâ—deth in pâ—ayer neither is it eloquence of words which worketh upon him but the pious thoughts and desires of the heart which the Lord being formerly acquainted withall before they be expressed by the tongue are even then accepted of him which the Lord testifieth by his Prophet in these words Before they call I will answer Isa 65. 29. so that it is not so much the expression of the tongue as of the heart which God accepteth or floweth as pleasing unto him Again let them peruse their Liturgy and see if they can excuse Their Liturgy haâ—h many tautologies in it it of Tautologies when they repeat these Sentences viz. Lord have mercy upon us Christ have mercy upon us Lord have mercy upon us Christ heare us O Christ heare us Lord have mercy upon us Christ have mercy upon us with Thou Lambe of God that takest away the sins of the world three times repeated together with Good Lord deliver us and We beseech thee to beare us good Lord very many times repeating the Lords Prayer also many times at one Service And yet to see those vaine bablers that will accuse others with that which they are the most guilty of themselves yea what is their Pulpit Prayers but meere tautologies the same the next Sabboth as was the former A carnall man tyeth God to one and the same prayer and so for all their life long yea let the occasion be what it will Funerall or Feast Plenty or Famine Warres or Peace or what occationals soever God must either be pleased with their set forme or he is like to have none at all yea though there be never a clause in their expressions which tendeth to the present occasion whereas through the whole Booke of God we neither read of any childe of God that prayed but that his prayer did solely tend to his present occasion as I have formerly proved when I spake of the Lords Prayer it selfe SECT 8. SO that if these vapouring Russians were tyed to pray in the same nature as doe the Children of God whom they so villifie certainly they could not be so rash in censuring as they are when as some of them in mine owne hearing being to pray for a sick Party in their Pulpit Prayers have had much adoe to bring it in and much more to get into their set prayer againe but hath been in very great danger of an non plus Again the Apostle James saith that the effectuall fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much From which expression we may gather that true prayer must tend to effect the necessity of the Party praying 2. That this prayer must also be full of servency and zeale to have it effected as the Prophet saith I roared even for the disquietnesse of my soule 3. That it must proceed from a righteous man or else the other are in vaine and this is
be compared to the Moabites Ammonites c. as also such Priests as have their call from Antichrist ought to be discharged of their office by the Magistrate as then Neh. 7. 64. albeit they have accompanied us during our said Captivities the ancient Statute Law of Christ and his Apostles being now clearly discovered unto us and therefore we ought to baptize all such as are of the houshold of faith and desire to renew the Covenant which their predecessors in Christianity practised in the primative times and that who ere they be that shall refuse to be so initiated or incorporated into the Body or Church of Christ now militant that soule ought to be cut off from the Church of Christ as the other was from the congregation of Israel Againe it is evident that as the Israelites had offended in the Wildernesse by their omission of Circumcision so they were likewise moved by a secret constraint to be Baptized of John the Baptist in Iordan as in Matth. 3. yea many of the Pharisees and Saduces verse 7. 8. c. SECT 7. Obj. VVHere is any now so called to Baptize as John the Baptist and the Disciples or who must first Baptize him that beginneth to Baptize others Ans Who Baptized Iohn the Baptist or the Apostles or Disciples of Christ seeing that Christ himselfe baptized none Iohn 4. 2. Obj. They were immediatly called to that office by Christ himselfe but there is none so called in these dayes Ans 'T is very true there is not so and therefore the now The Church of Christ hath retained the purity of baptisme by succession Church of Christ hath it by succession from them Apostles and Disciples that were so immediatly called and gifted Obj. How can that be in regard of the generall Apostacy which hath hapned since by meanes of Antichrist and his adherents Ans Generall Rules admit of some exceptions againe that is but meerly your conceipt as it was sometimes of the Prophet Elisha who thought the Apostacy in his time to have been universall amongst the ten Tribes 1 King 19. 10. yet the Lord leteth There hath not been a totall apostacie him know that he judged amisse for saith he I have left me seven thousand in Israel all the knees which have not bowed unto Baall and every mouth which hath not kissed him ver 18. So in the Apostacy which hath hapned by meanes of Antichrist and his adherents though you imagine it to be generall yet hath it hapned but in part as that of the Jewes Rom. 11. 25. for otherwise Christ should have been deprived of his Church militant which he hath ever preserved in part since he had a Church as also in that he hath promised to be with it unto the end of the world Mat. 28. 20. therefore albeit the true Church hath been hid for one thousand two hundred and sixty yeares in its wildernesse condition yet we must not therefore conclude that she hath been so long dead or utterly lost God having ever preserved her under that despised notion of Annabaptists unto this present time SECT 8. Obj. CAn you say that the Church of Christ hath been ever preserved in England since the Apostacy under that nâ—tion Ans It is impossible I should but yet it doth not follow that therefore it hath not been preserved in any place for the true The Churches of Christ in England received their rise from other Churches Church was given to understand that there was many Apostates or Antichrists even in the Apostles time 1 Epist Iohn 2. 18. which doubtlesse had their increasings untill that Prophecy was fulfilled which is described unto us by the Apostle Paul 2 Thess Chap. 2. which Man of sinne when he had obtained his highest altitude was to be destroyed by the brightnesse of the comming of Christ as is there also expressed which the Apostles fore-seeing did admonish the Churches then extant to keepe close to the faith as also to demeane themselves according to their direction as in the three first verses of that Chapter with ver the 15. as also Chap. 3. 1. c. and therefore 't is likely that those Churches in England received their rise from them of Geneva and them from others and so by gradations even from them Churches planted by the Apostles themselves for otherwise how could such Churches remaine extant but by succession from the Apostles being so lively a representation of their Churches as if they had been planted by the Apostles themselves a Church most likely of any Church in the world to be the true Church of Iesus Christ SECT 9. VVItnesse the little noyse it hath made in the world 1 Kin. The Anabaptisticall church so called proved to be the true Church 19. 12. in comparison of the Church of Rome or the Prelaticall or Presbiterian Church as also how little it hath interposed the civill Magistrate witnesse the Churches in London under that notion to their immortall praise be it spoken who when invited by the Levelling Party to disturbe the present Parliament in point of their civill Office did manifest their utter dislike of such actions desiring only to live under them a peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty as by their Petition to the Parliament will fully appeare wherein also the now Parliament is acknowledged by them to be the supreame power of the Nation yea I am much mistaken if they were not the very first that did subscribe by Petition to the present government of the Nation for which with the reasons afore mentioned I conclude that that Church which you by way of reproach call Anabaptisticall is the true Church of Iesus Christ which hath been preserved from the power of the Dragon of Papacy and his Angels of Prelacy and Presbitery which was ready to devoure it so soone Rev. 12 5 6. as it was borne viz. in the Apostles times but it was caught up unto God and to his Throne and is now to rule all Nations with a rod of Iron this is the woman which fled into the Wildernesse of the world viz. amongst so many various opinions as hath been for these thousand two hundred and threescore yeares during which time she hath by providence been kept from their errors and preserved in her primative purity This being the time that her Michael and his Angels viz. the Pastors of that Church Michael the now Angel of the Church of Christ Rev. 12 7 8 9 is to make warre against the Dragon and his Angels and the old Serpent called the Devill and Satan as viz. the Pope and his Hierarchies of Papacy Prelacy and Presbitery and shall so prevaile as that there shall not be found any more place for him in his heaven or ministry which the Lord in mercy accomplish Now this Church being so preserved hath as much power to send out Labourers into Christs Harvest to teach and baptize for the rebuilding of the Church of Christ as any Church
have rule over the sea or the fish By which is clearly intimated that the great Leviathan the Pope was not to be under their command he being as it were to be sole Lord of that part of the terrestriall Globe of the Earth which is also made good unto us by the aforesaid prophet Daniel Chap. 9. 27. as also by our Saviour Matth. 24. 25. Mark 13. 14. Luke 21. 20. As also by the Apostle Paul 2 Thess 2. 3. Where there is a compleat description of him and his pride viz as in relation to his person he is termed The man of sin the son of perdition 2. As to his pride He is said to oppose himselfe against all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he is as God sitting in the Temple of God shewing himselfe that he is God c. Now having thus described his Person and quality I shall also discover how he is to be also consumed which is also cleared unto us by the said Apostle in the same Chapter from ver 6. to ver 13. part of which Antichrist your Clergy is also proved to be in this Treatice and thus you see that so soone as Christs Kingdom shall approach which is even at this present season that all the fore-mentioned powers shall be consumated which stand in opposition to his Kingly Government in his Church amongst his Saints therefore in what thing soever you now conceive your selves ingaged to performe in relation to the afore-mentioned Covenant in Church or State as they then were or now are established is obsolutely to oppose Jesus Christ in his present designe which I hope you will forbeare lest you be said to fight against God Act. 5. 39. this being the fifth Scaene of the last Act in their Tragick Comedy I therefore desire you to peruse this Treatice with an impartiall eye which I have collected to alienate your affections from errour as also from the Tyrannicall desire you have to impose that upon others which with your Brother Pharisees you wil not touch with one of your fingers as may be instanced in the Order which the Sinod procured to compell men to their obedience and now refuse themselves to be like obedient to others as also in their utter dislike of the Parliaments Act now to be tendered to the Assembly of them at Westminster in relation to the disclaiming of Kingly Power and House of Lords And indeed I cannot blame them for I am sure their Cake will be dough without them but they may as well sit still as rise up and fall for in their prosecution of such thoughts they doe but wash the Moore 't is but labour in vaine seeing the Lord is determined to destroy all Rule and all Authority and Power 1 Cor. 15. 24. which opposeth him and his Saints of which number I feare very few will be found fit either of your Clergy or the worlds Magistracy to enter with them into the Marriage Chamber The Lord put it into your hearts to consider seriously of your present condition and to make you all wise to Salvation which is the hearty desire of your wel-wisher J. S. To the courteous Reader FRiend for so I presume thou art or however wish thou wert it ought to be thy daily practise to observe the revolution of providence wherein if thou beest a constant Studiant thou wilt be so favoured of the most High as that he will cause thee to understand wisdome secretly I suppose the Title fronting this ensuing Treatice will seeme strange unto thee as that Rome Viz. Cardinall Wolsie should be ruin'd by the productions of White Hall a place whose Founder was as a ravening Wolfe to the little Flock of Christ a place which hath been esteemed as the Signit upon the right hand of that Romish Whore a place of succession to the chiefe promoters of Antichristianisme in this Nation and of Saints persecutors Vid. Fox Acts and Monuments by Banishments Imprisonments as also of Martyrdomes by Fire and Faggot that such a place as this should now be a receptacle for persons of so contrary a frame of Spirit as to ruine the Successors of such Ruinours doubtlesse will be a Paradox to many but to such as are practicall in the afore-mentioned Theory it will not be admirable I meane to such as act the Noble Bereans by studying the Scriptures observing the Actings of God therein in his Judgements and Mercies for there they may behold his sutable Judgements to mens Transgressions as may be instanced in Adonnibezeck who was taken in Bezeck the Metropolis of his Empire where he himselfe suffered like punishment to that which he had caused to be inflictrd upon others which he himselfe was forced to acknowledge as a just reward of God upon him The like also may be observed in wicked Jesabell whose blood was spilt and flesh eaten by Doggs in the same place where she caused Naboths blood to be shed Now God is the same for with him there is no varience or shadow of change and therefore his Actions ought to be observed as well now as formerly both in his Mercies and Judgements in regard that not one title of what he hath promised shall fall to the ground unaccomplished And he hath declared the destruction of Antichrist and his Adherents and that even by such a meanes as they have used to suppresse the Saints and to this purpose providence hath been and may be wonderfully observed in that the late Kings blood was shed in the same place where â—e cauâ—ed his Russâ—ans to shed the blood of honest Petitioners whose â—râ—spâ—ssâ— was only for desiring him to call a Parliament as also that he should walke through that very place even to the Scaffâ—ld in which formerly he had so much abused God and his Creatures by unchristian Recreations and prodigall Banquets even to the excesse of Ryot As also in relation to his acts of Mercy I have likewise observed as to my owne particulaer Gods wonderfull providence in selecting a place for my â—â—â—dâ— in White Hall yea such a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the gorgious Apparell of the Court was â—aid up viz. the Roâ—â—râ—y in which I writ this Book being against the present powers of â—â—e woâ—ld and the pride of Antichrist and his Aâ—â—â—rents such as they were who had their chiefe residence in White Hall and therefore I thought it a sutable Title for the same as alâ—o in that White Hall is now become white indeed by the assembly of Sâ—iâ—ts which of â—aâ—e have been and I hope are Collegated in it â—oâ—â—â—â—esse the name of White Hall was not given to it by that Antichristian who â—â—eâ—â—ed it without the consent of Divine providence the Lord â—â—â—â—ing a determination to make it the beauty of â—â—lâ—â—â—sse by â—lâ—sing such an Assembly of Saints in it as should ruine them who 〈◊〉 to ruine the Saints It is also well kâ—â—wne to many what other divine actions have bin promoted in that 〈◊〉 wherein thiâ— Trâ—atice was composed
For if so in that sence God and Nature are both one and God and Nature compared therefore is called Natura naturans that Nature which giveth nature to all things so that one defining of Nature calleth it God and divine reason incerted and put into the world and every part thereof but if by the word Nature they meane a certaine power influence or instinct which without sence or understanding in it selfe hath an opperation in things senslesse inclining and moving them to a certaine end It must needs follow that the same nature influence or power hath that motion force or opperation from some superiour essence which hath understanding and is of infinite power and wisedome who createth moveth guideth and concerneth it In which sence it is defined of some to be principium motus quies the beginning of motion and rest and so numbred amongst such causes as work for an end From all which it may be concluded that nature must needs Nature Gods instrument be directed by the providence of God for nothing that is voyd of understanding and sence can tend to a certaine end except it be directed by some that knoweth the end As an Arrow cannot tend to a certaine marke except it be shot by some that knoweth the marke in which sence nature can be nothing else but the instrument Nature Gods order of God Againe nature may be termed Gods order and so things extraordinary are called unnaturall Forâ—une his unrevealed will and so we call things changeable that are besides reason and expectation What then is Nature but God! call him what thou wilt Nature Jupiter c. he hath as many names as officer it comes all to one passe That God it the fountaine of all the first giver and preserver from whom and of whom all things The universal world is nothing but God â—â—prest depend and that he is all 〈◊〉 all and in every place so that the universall world is nothing else but God exprest and therefore every man that hath reason or is reasonable may know out of the same reason that he that made him is God as the Psalmist confesseth Psal 100. It is he that made us and not me ourselves for as a man seeing a great fabrick or building will conclude that it did not make it selfe so we seeing the great fabrick of Heaven and Earth must needs conclude that it had one that framed and produced it in that beauty we see it have As the Psalmist also acknowledgeth Psal 19. 1. 2. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmâ—ment sheweth his handy worke One day telleth another and one night certifieth another c. SECT 2. Of the Appellations of God whereby he is made knowne unto the world THe name of a thing is that whereby it is made knowne unto others and severed and distinguished from other things In this latter respect God needeth no name because he is but one Of the Appellations of God neither can properly any name be given him because he is infinite and cannot be comprehended in a name Neither is a name given to God in respect of himselfe but to us that in some sort he might be made knowne unto us That there is a God Nature it selfe will teach us but what this God is we know not but as it pleaseth him to reveale unto us in his Word Now the name of God in Scripture is five wayes to be taken As 1. For God himselfe Joel 2. 32. Whosoever shall call upon the The names of God five waies taken name of God shall be saved 2. For the Word of God as in Joh. 17. 6. where our blessed Saviour saith I have manifested thy name c. 3. For the wisedome power mercy and other Attributes of God as in Mal. 1. 11. Great is my name that is my glory power and majesty 4. For the commandement of God Joh. 17. 8. I came in my Fatherâ— name 5. For that whereby God is called viz. Jebovah Exed 3. 15. where the Lord saith This is my name for ever Further touching the names which are given to God they The names of God of soure soâ—ts may be reduced to foure sorts viz. 1. The names whereby the divine Nature and Essence is expressed aâ— Eheje Jehovah which are only peculiar unto God 2. His name taken from his Attributes as his Wisedome Justice Mercy and such like which properties though in a most excellent manner they agree unto God yet are also communicated unto Creatures and so he is called Creator Lord Governour Preserver his opperations being three-fold as 1. In Creation 2. In Formation and 3. In Consummation 3. Some of his names include a Negation or absence of some imperfection incident to the Creatures and so he is called immortall immutable as also in regard of the vaine opinions and estimations of men as the Idols of the Gentiles were called gods 4. The name of God is given him by way of Similitude as Magistrates in respect of their Authority are called gods so also Prophets in regard of their divine knowledge Holy men for their sanctity and Angels for the excellency of their Creation and so are called gods Nun cupative by a kinde of Appellation as Moses is called Aarons God Exod. 4. 16. but the Lord is called God essentially The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob Exod. 3. 4. Besides these there are other names which belong particularly unto God as in Exod. 3. 4. where the Lord saith to Moses Eheje or I am that I am hath sent thee Which word according to the Expositers of the Hebrewes signifieth The peculier name of God all the differences of time both past present and to come as it is expounded Rom. 1. 8. 2. Others terme it a name of Of his name these unchangeablenesse for the creatures which have their dependencie of themselves cannot say Ero I shall be 3. It sheweth the perfection of God that hath his being of himselfe and not of any other 4. The goodnesse of God that giveth to all things their being as iâ— Rom. 11. 36. where the Apostle saith Of him through him and for him are all things therefore in that things are said to be they have it given them by the goodnesse of God 5. It declareth the infinitenesse of God that God is all in all as in 1 Cor. 15. 28. so that this is unto God to be to be all things as wisedome goodnesse righteousnesse c. 6. This name maketh a difference betwixt the true God and the false gods of the Heathen that had no being at all 7. This name sheweth both the power of God that nothing can hinder his everlasting being and his goodnesse in promising his continuall presence and assistance to his Church and this name of God was not unheard of amongst the wiser sort of the Heathen for it is said that this sentence was written upon the doores of the Egyptians Temples Ego sum omne
of the heart and the answer of the tongue is both said to be from the Lord Prov. 16. 1. The Wise man also saith Mans goings are of the Lord how can he then direct his owne steps Jer. 10. 23. Again Who is he that saith and it commeth to passe when the Lord commandeth it not Lamen 3. 37. as also by these words of our Saviour to his Apostles Take no thought what ye shall speake for it shall be given you c. for it is not you that speak but the Spirit of the Father that speaketh in you Matth. 10. 19. It is also said Exod. 31. 2. that the Lord called by name Bezaleell the sonne of Uzzi the sonne of Hur c. and filled him with the spirit of Wisdome and understanding and knowledge and in all manner of workmanship c. from which we are taught that the honour of every good thing ought to be given to God and if humane Arts proceed from Gods Spirit how much more hath man no activity at all in divine things but as it is wrought by grace this therefore which hath been spoken with them words of our Saviour Joh. 15. 5. Without me you can doe nothing is sufficient to overthrow all opinions of Free-will in divine things SECT 4. Why a Law was given to Adam Object VVHy did the Lord give that precept to Adam Ans For the better triall of Adams obedience it was fit that he should be prohibited to doe that which in it self was not evill that Adam abstaining from that which was good might shew his humanity to his Creator Obj. The Apostle saith that the Law is not given to the righteous man but unto the disobedient and Adam in his innocency was just and righteous and therefore he needed not a law Ans The Law in two respects is not to be given to a just man as 1. In respect of the negative precept as to abstaine from Murder Theft Adultery c. but in regard of the affirmative precept to returne them in obedience and doing of good workes and so the just man had need of a Law and so had Adam 2. A just man need not feare the punishment of the Law as Paul speaketh in another place concerning the Magistrate which iâ— the speaking or living Law who is not to be feared for doing good workes but evill Rom. 13. 4. and in this respect so long as Adam lived in his integrity the punishment in the Law concerned him not Obi. Why did the Lord give that precept to Adam which he knew he could not keep Ans I have answered formerly but further God gave him a Law which was possible to be kept and Adam had power to keep it if he would it was not then Gods fault that gave him Free-will but his owne that abused that gift Obi. Why did not God give him grace to abstaine from transgressing that precept Ans God could have given him such grace and to the Angels also that they should not have fallen but it was fit that God Why God did not restraine Adam from sinning should leave the Creature to their Free-will and not hinder the course of Nature which he had made and albeit that God did fore-see mans transgression yet that was no reason to with-hold the precept for then God should neither have made Angels nor men because he fore-saw that some of both should be reprobates as also God by the same reason should not have given his written Word because many Hereticks doe pervert it to their owne destruction As therefore God fore-saw mans transgression so likewise he knew how to turne it to good as in shewing mercy to sinners and in sending Christ to restore what man had lost so that notwithstanding Gods fore-sight of Adams transgression he was not to forbeare to charge Adam with this Commandement in regard of the great good which he did fore-see should ensue by it CHAP. XII Treateth of originall sinne SECT 1. Obiection CHrist by vertue of his Passion hath set us in that first estate in which Adam was created by takeing away originall sinne for the Apostle saith Cor. 15. 22. That as in Adam all were dead even so in Christ all are made alive that is in every respect Ans To cleare that and other Texts of All man Kinde câ—â—pable of originall sin Scripture which seemeth to admit of such interpretations it is requisite first to know the state and condition which Man-kinde was involved in by reason of Adams transgression by which meanes we shall with more ease discover the vertue and efficacy of the Passion of Christ and how farre and to whom it doth extend it selfe SECT 2. The people of God confessed themselves guilty of it ANd first that all Mankinde became culpable of originall sinne by the fall of Adam is most certaine witnesse David a Prophet and a man after Gods owne heart who saith that he was borne in sinne and brought forth in iniquity Psal 51. 5. from which Text as also from the testimony of the Apostles who saith that we are all by nature the children of wrath Ephes 2. 3. It is evident that all that were before Christ as also since Christ are by nature the children of wrath for if we observe the Apostle speaketh not of the time past viz. before Christs comming in the flesh and so saith we were the children of wrath but he speaketh of the time present for he saith We are all by nature the children of wrath intimating that the Passion of Christ as it was an Act viz. by the thing done did not cleanse us though under the Gospel from originall sinne or corruption of the flesh for that is only done by faith in his blood for as the Sacraments doe not confirme grace Ex opera operato by the thing done the same is in the sacrificing of himself for the sins of the world It is also confirmed by our Saviour Matth. 15. 19. where he saith Out of the heart proceedeth evill thoughts c. as also Gen. 8. 21. where it is said that the imaginations purposes and desires of the heart of man are evill and that continually or from day to day even from the day of his birth Chap. 5. Now in those places I have named we are not to think or understand them to be meant passively of the frame of the heart which was created of God for that is good because God created nothing evill but we are to understand it actually for that which the heart of man imagineth or frameth it selfe which is called the imagination or framing of the thoughts it is that The substance of thâ— heart nor evill but the actionsâ—â—i which is esteemed evill wherefore that place giveth no occasion to prophane persons to conceive of God as though he was the Author of evill For the heart as it is created of God is good the substance thereof is of God but the evill qualities thereof is of the corruption of our owne nature
then make better tryall of mans obedience then in forbidding that which is good But to the point in question if all were alike saved by the death of Christ why then are the termes of election and Predestination used so frequently in Scripture SECT 5. Object VVHat is meant by the word Election and Predestination Answ Predestination is the eternall decree of God whereby he determined with himself what he would have become of every What election is in the generall man for men are not since the fall of Adam created to the like estate and condition but for some eternall life and for others eternall death is appointed whereby Gods free election is made manifest seeing it lyeth in his will what shall be the estate and condition of every Nation whereof the Lord sheweth a token in the whole issue of Abraham as we may read Gen. 24. 37. Deut 32. 8. Psal 147. 20. There is also a certain speciall election wherein appeareth Of particular election more plainly the grace of God seeing that of the same Stock of Abraham God rejected some as Ishmael and Esau and at length most of the Tribes of Israel unto whom the entery of life were shut before them by his just yet by his incomprehensible judgement In the next place it is requisite to shew the effect that Gods The effects of election and reptoâ—ation election and reprobation worketh and 1. Touching the elect whom God in his mercy hath appointed to salvation for his own righteousnesse sake and not for their desert Those he guideth by the grace of his holy Spirit Rom. 8. 14. c. 9. c. As many as are led by the Spirit of God are the Sons of God as also the Prophet Isai All those that I have called by my name I have created fashioned and made for my honour Isa 43. SECT 6. NOw as the elect are led guided and directed by the Spirit of God so on the contrary are the reprobate by the spirit of Sathan who is the God of the world or worldly-minded men and hence it is that Christ telleth the wicked Jewes That they were of their father the Devill Joh. 8. 44. whose workes they did so that as on the one side the elect indeavoured to doe the will of God their Father so the other the will of their father the Devill And those sort of people are compared by the Prophet Isaiah Sâ—mpromes of the sonnes of Sathan to a raging Sea that cannoe rest whose waters foameth with myre and gravell for they have no peace with God Isa 57. 20. The Prophet David also considering of their estate and condition Psa 73. 4 5 6. giveth this reason for it viz. The Lord suffereth them to come to no perill of death but they are lusty and strong they come in no danger like other folke neither are they plagued like other men Their eyes swell with fatnesse and they doe even what they lust they have riches in possession and they call their Lands by their owne names And this is the cause saith he that they be so holden with pride and overwhelmed with cruelty these are they that talke against the most highest which say Tush how shall God perceive it is there knowledge in the most high Can he heare our Swearings see our secret Wheredomes and Adulteries Doth he take notice of our prophaning the Sabbaths or of our quaffing and drinking of healths of villifying Professors with reproachfull tearmes of Schismaticks and Hereticks and the like surely no. Such as these were Cain Cham Ishmael Pharaoh Ammon Their predecessor Saul Absolom Antiochus Herod Pilate Judas the traitor and many others who brought upon themselves eternall condemnation The same Prophet David also describeth the end of such men with another reason of it in these words namely That the Their end Lord hath set them in slippery places and cast them downe and destroyed them by which meanes how suddenly doe they consume and perish and come to a fearefull end yea even as a dreame so doth he make their image to vanish SECT 7. Object IF God have reprobated and cast them off how can they doe any other the cause of sinning therefore is not in them but in God who leaveth them to themselves how doe those Scriptures agree then where the Lord saith that he delighteth not in the death of a sinner Ezek. 33. 6. And O that Israel would obey me c. with O Jerusalem Jerusalem how often would I have gathered thee together and ye would not Mat. 23. 37. As also that he willeth not the death of a sinner and other while that some are ordained of old to condemnation as in Jude vers 6. Judas also is called the sonne of perdition Joh. 17. 12. Ans To the Answer which hath formerly been made to such Sundry arguments answered touching rejection a question as this may be added this answer of the Prophet Jeremy The Lord is more righteous then to be disputed with Jerem. 28. 6. And the Prophet Isaiah saith We are in the hands of the Lord as the Clay in the hands of the Potter Isa 47. 9. And the Apostle saith Hath not the Potter power over the Clay and of the same lump to make one vessell to honour and another to dishonour Rom. 9. 21. Again Who art thou that replyest against God ver 20. Was there unrighteousnesse in God in loving Jacob and hating Esau God forbid ver 14. For he will have mercy on whom he will have mercy and compassion on whom he will have compassiâ—n ver 15. and whom he will he hardneth so that there is vessels of wrath and vessels of mercy as in ver 22. 23. for otherwise why should these phrases be used in Scripture CHAP. III. Treateth of hardning the heart SECT 1. Objection IF God harden the heart of a sinner how can he chuse but sinne seeing that by nature we are all the children of wrath Ans In every action the â—nd and meanes must goe together the cause doth never follow the effect but the effect the cause and in one and same action there is a double cause as 1. The instrumentall cause moving 2. God separating from the instrument yet giving power of motion to the same and so the wicked may be said to be the instruments of God yet not God the cause of their wickednesse and therefore one saith Deus agit per malos non in malis God worketh by evill men not in evill men God therefore may be said to be the cause of the action but God is no way the author of sinne not of the quality of the action Gods decree is no cause of their sinning but the voluntary inclination of the will unto evill being neither forced nor by any violence compelled and therefore no evill is either to be attributed to God or his decreâ— 2. Again God is no way the author of sinne seeing he neither tempteth nor perswadeth unto it Jer. 1.
shall profit you nothing Gal. 5. 2. for when the body is come the shadow must be abolished but the Ceremonials were shadowes the body is Christ Col. 2. 17. their Temple signified the Church of God their holy place Heaven their Sacrifices the Passion of Christ their expiations the remission of sins these things then being fully exhibited and fulfilled in Christ have now no more place in the Church Again the Ceremonials served only for that carnall people To what end Ceremonies served which were as children kept in bondage under the rudiments of the world Gal. 4. 3. but now we are no longer under tutors and governours the time appointed by the Father being expired but are set free and redeemed by Christ Another reason for the abolishing of them is in respect of that people to whom they were prescribed as a marke and cognizance to discerne them from all other Nations but now this distinction being taken away and the wall of partition being broden downe both Jewes and Gentiles being made all one in Christ that also is abolished which discerneth them from other people for the causes being changed for the which the Law was made there must needs also follow an alteration of the Law it self As Of the juditiall Law for the Judicials they are neither abolished nor yet with such necessity to be injoyned the equity of them bindeth but not the strict severity they doe not hold affirmatively that we are tyed to the same severity of punishment now as was inflicted then but negatively they doe hold that now the punishment of death should not be adjudged where sentence of death is not given by Moses Christian Magistrates living now under Christ the prince of peace Isa 9. 6. that is of clemency and mercy may abate of the severity of Moses Lawes and mittigate the punishment The severity of the judicial Law to be abated of death but they cannot adde unto it to make the burthen more heavie To shew more rigor then Moses becommeth not the Gospel to extend more favour is not unbeseeming of which two assertions these are the reasons 1. The first is urged from Lukes Gospel where our Saviour Example reproveth his Disciples because they would have had fire to have come downe from Heaven upon the Samaritans by which we are shewed that vengeance is not alwaies to be taken on them that offend because oftentimes clemency is more profitable both for patience in the offended and amendment in the offendâ—r and that by the example of our Saviour Luk. 9. 54. The Son of man is not come to destroy mens lives but to save them 2. In that example of Christ who suffered the woman taken Example in Adultery to escape without punishment of death Joh. 8. 11. from which may be inferred that the Adultresse now is not to be put to death but to live rather to be reconciled to her Husband or to come to repentance in which instance our Saviour doth not abrogate the Law against Adultery but refuseth only to meddle with the Magistrates office And albeit Christ did not exercise the Magistrates office in his owne person giving unto Caesar the things that was Caesars according to his owne direction yet in this case it had not been impertinent to have given directions to have had her before the Civill Magistrate as in another case he did send the Leaper to the Priest Mat. 8. 4. if it had pleased him to impose still the severity of the Law yea our Saviour sheweth by this answer Let him that is amongst you without sinne cast the first stone at her Joh 8. 7. so that he would not have them such straight executors of the rigour of the Law of Moses upon others but rather be severe Judges of themselves and with charitable affections to support the frugality of others to which they themselves were subject unto SECT 3. THe difference betwixt the time of the Law and the Gospel The difference of time to be considered must be considered then they received the spirit of bondage to feare but now the spirit of adoption Rom. 8. 15. Then they which came neare the Mount where the Morall Law was given were stoned or strucken through with a Dart whether man or beast Heb. 12. 20. but it is not so now then the blood of Abel called for vengeance but the blood of Christ now calleth for mercy and so speaketh better things then that of Abel ver 24. therefore to mittigate the severity of Moses Law in some cases yet not leaving sin unpunished nor by connivance cherished it is more sutable to the profession of the Gospel of peace and mercy 4. The continuall practice of the Church sheweth as much The practice of succeeding Churches decline thâ—m to bâ— mitigated that the rigour of Moses Judicials is mittigated the Apostle only willing the infectious man to be excommunicated 1 Cor. 5. 5. by which it seemeth there was no Law in force to put such to death neither therefore was the Law cruell then neither now doth the Gospel seeme to be desolate but in them both the benignity of God appeared yet by a divers dispensation Then by the death of the body the people was rather parged from their sins then condâ—mned but unto us sin is not purged by corporall punishment but by repentance The death of the body then served aâ— an expiation of their sins prefiguring the death of Christ Gal. 3. 13. but now the expiation of sins is by repentance and remission of sins in Christ Now a greater punishment abideth the contemners of the Gospel even eternall in the next world and therefore corporall death is not so much inflicted now As to the continuance of the Morall Law it is yet in force The Morall Law yet in force and is not abrogated in respect of obedience which thereunto is still required under the Gospel but in respect of the curse and â—alidictioâ— which Christ hath taken away so that it is most true which our Saviour saith He came not to dissolve the Law but to fulfill it Mat. 5. 17. he hath fulfilled it in his owne person in keeping it â— In paying the punishment which was due by the Law to the transgressors thereof 3. By inabling us by his grace to walk in obedience to the Law SECT 4. Obj. THe Morall Law only prescribeth duties concerning God and our Neighbour and speaketh nothing of man toward himself 2. It forbiddeth perjury whereas blasphemy and heresie was â—s needfull to be forbidden 3. The precepts of the Sabbath is only expressed whereas there were divers other Feasts as of the Passeover Pâ—nticâ—ast and others which the Israelites were bound to keep 4. The duty of Parents is commanded but not the the love of Parents againe unto their children 5 The inward act of Murder is not forbidden as the inward act of Adultery namely concupisence therefore there is not a sufficient enumeration in the Mâ—rall Law of all Morall
evident by the Prophet Hosea who speaking of such prayers as are made by ungodly men calleth them houlings They called A pâ—aâ—er â—â—â—m a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is no 〈◊〉 then 〈◊〉 not upon me when they houled upon their beds And the reason thereof is also rendred by the same Prophet why such prayers are not accepted of the Lord to be this viz. that they assemâ—led themselves for corne and wine and not for Spirituall blessings Hosea 7. 14. so that carnall minded men pray only for carnall things such as tend to their outward estate and condition but not any wayes to the desire of Spirituals that being the furthest thought in them Obj. Doe you disallow the reading of good prayers which have been made by godly men Ans No for by reading such prayers our infirmities in praying How set fâ—â—ms of prayer mâ—y be used may be strengthened and our desires inlarged there being many things in them which we have need to pray for but not to present such prayers to God by reading of them for our selves but if in the act of prayer such expressions be presented to our mindes by the Holy Ghost doubtlesse they are so made our owne and as acceptable to God as may be but not otherwise for as it would be counted a rediculous thing for a childe who having an occasion to crave a courtesie of his Father writeth his minde in a paper and so readeth it to his Father even so it is with him that commeth to peâ—ition God by reading a prayer for his owne particular which another man hath formerly invâ—â—ted SECT 9. Obj. BVt suppose he invent it himselfe and so read it is not that lawfull To read a prayer is rediculous iâ— in tended as a prayer in the act of reading Ans It is more rediculous then for a Son to read his desires to his Father for his Father is ignorant of it before he heare it or read it But it is otherwise with God for he accepteth of no prayer but such as his owne Spirit dictateth so that the very concerving of a Pitition in the minde is the act of prayer and that which is only acceptable to God though not vocally expressed as in Isa 65. 24. Before they call I will answer c. and whilst they are yet speaking I will heare with Dan 9. 23. At the beginning of thy supplication the commandement came forth therefore as I said before it is rediculous to think that God stands upon such curiosities as set speech is or printed papers read unto him since he knoweth the minde of the Petitioner before he hath expressed himselfe and I dare boldly affirme that if a Christian can but from a contrite heart say with the Publican Lord have mercy upon me a sinner it shall be better accepted with God then to read the most learnedst Oration that ever was yet invented by man SECT 10. Obj. May not a wicked man make an extemporary prayer Ans Though they can Hypocresse it yet are not the children of God therefore to desist from that manner of expressions for it may as wel be argued that because the Devil quoted Scripture that therefore none ought to doe the like to justifie the truth By this then that hath been spoken it doth fully appeare that true prayer hath the spirit of prayer and contrariwise such prayers as are imposed by men as are still in use and ever wil be amongst carnall men hath only the spirit of man and not of God for although they might be composed by such men as 't is The title common fitly 〈◊〉 to such prayeâ—s likely had the Spirit of God yet are they of no validity to a carnall man and as for a Spirituall man he hath no further need of them then to read them not as an imediate prayer but as an help to him against he pray and therefore a very right and sutable name is given to such sort of Prayers by calling them Common Prayers as they doe that of the Liturgy they being indeed common to all licentious fellowes who are so accustomed unto them as that their Priests can repeate them although they are three quarters drunke and yet think they pray gallantly Again by these prayers the godly cannot be distinguished from the wicked or reprobate when as in truth the gift of prayer is a maine cognizance to know a childe of God by and by which they are stirred up to a greater fervency zeale and cheerfulnesse in praying by perceiving the Holy Ghost to put such words into their mindes as are sutable to their present necessity but for the other sort of prayer it cannot comfort at all so then to conclude the one doth so farre excell the other as that it is a Prayer and the other is not as I have proved out of the Prophet Hosea Chap. 7. 14. SECT 11. ANd like to their Booke of Common Prayer are their Homilies seeing to preach and to pray in the Church are two Against â—eading oâ— Homilier speciall duties of the Ministers of Christ who giveth his Servants gifts for the whole Ministry and therefore as in Prayer to be the mouth of the people unto God so also in Preaching to be the mouth of God unto the people Ephe. 4. 8. 12. Act. 6. 4. and if any take upon them the calling of a Minister and be not endowed with such gifts there is no warrant in the Word of God to make use of them as Ministers of Jesus Christ but if they be so endowed there is no warrant to prescribe them stinted prayers or Homilies for in so doing they derogate from the honour fruit and benefit of Christs assention into Heaven and from the care love and bounty that he hath continually shewed unto his Church Militant to whom he gives gifts for the worke of the Ministry as in Eph. 4. 8. 12. 13. 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 6. Mat. 28. 20. It also abridgeth the office of the Holy Ghost which is only said to teach us to pray as we ought and also keepeth out of the Church the gifts and graces of God quenching the Spirit in the Ministers and people in the service of God Rom. 8. 26 27. Eph. 4. 8. 6. 18. 1 Thes 5. 19. Jud. ver 20. Now if these set formes had been appointed by Christ then God will only be worshipped as himselfe hath prescribâ—d his Apostles had shewed themselves unfaithfull or insufficient for the worke committed unto them who never left such a president or commandement to the Churches neither can it be of faith in us or pleasing to God to worship him after another manner then himselfe hath prescribed as may appeare by these Scriptures Exo. 20. 4 5 6. 30. 9. Psal 141. 2. 119. ver 113. 118 Col. 2. 23. Rom. 14. 23. Heb. 11. 6. 12. 28 29. This which hath been spoken I hope wil be sufficient to disswade every one that hath the least measure of the grace of God from