he is dead and when they are upon him he taketh them and destroyeth them SO some wicked Persecutors are very crafty and subtil as appeared in Pharaoh King of Egypt and Herod What Policy did the first use to spoil and utterly destroy the Israelites Come on saith he let us deal wisely with them c. Many Tyrants and cursed Persecutors have pretended much Kindness to the Saints when they have in their Hearts utterly designed to destroy them What said Herod to the wise Men Go Mat. 2 7 8 search diligently for the young Child and when ye have found him bring me word again that I may come and worship him also Which was nothing else but a crafty Pretence for his purpose was to kill him What Policy did Julian the Apostate use to destroy the poor Christians Also what Devices have the Romanists invented to spoil and utterly ruin the Protestants from time to time contriving Hellish Plots and then casting them upon such whose Souls hate such detestable Actions It hath been the common Practice of these crafty Persecutors to put the Wolves Skins upon these harmless Sheep and Lambs of Christ and then set the Dogs upon them to hurt and worry them c. How have they charged them with Treason Sedition and Rebellion from time to time on purpose to render them odious to the common and more unwary People II. The Fox is not only crafty but cruel and blood-thirsty a great Destroyer of innocent Creatures He will seize upon Hares Conies Hens Geese Lambs c. and make a great Spoil of them II. So wicked Papists and other Enemies of God's People are not only subtil but very cruel and blood-thirsty Herod was called a Fox partly without doubt upon this account What barbarous Slaughter did he make in the Town of Bethlehem of poor harmless and innocent Babes that so he might craftily cut off the holy Child Jesus among the rest And what cruel bloody as well as crafty Foxes have the Papists been How many Thousands nay Millions of Souls have they destroyed both of Heathens in America and Christian Protestants in most Kingdoms of Europe See Foxe's Acts and Monuments Sir Sam. Moreland 's History and Mr. Clark's Examples c. III. The Fox never goes streight forward but tortuosis incedit anfractibus or by crooked Windings III. So the Romish Foxes never walk in the streight Path of the Gospel Guild nor follow the even and streight Rules thereof but in crooked Windings and By-Paths of Error and human Traditions not leading to God by Christ but by Saints and Angels nor to his Merits only for Satisfaction but to the Sacrifice of the Mass Pardons of their own and to Purgatory c. using all Deceitfulness and Error to compass their own cursed Ends. IV. The Time especially when the Fox invades and seizeth his Prey is in the Night when all are asleep both Shepherd and Sheep IV. So in like manner do these Foxes break in upon a People when they are secure like the envious Man that sowed Tares among the good Seed they watch the fittest Opportunities to spoil God's Heritage V. Foxes are a stinking Sort of Creatures and in the Day-time hide themselves in their Holes and seldom look out V. So these Romish Foxes are a filthy and stinking sort of Vermine in their Lives and Conversations guilty of all manner of abominable Lusts and horrid Pollution and whilst the Light of the Gospel clearly and freely shines in a Kingdom or Nation they hide themselves but when it begins to be Even-tide with a People then they as at this Day begin to look out of their Holes VI. Foxes are said to do much Mischief to Vineyards as Franzius and others observe VI. So Wicked Persecutors and Seducers do great hurt and Mischief to Christ's Vineyard Take us the Foxes Cant 2.15 the little Foxes that spoil the Vines c. VII The Fox notwithstanding all his Craft is often caught and made a Spoil of being much hated by all for the Mischief and Hurt he doth VII So the Romish Foxes and subtile Enemies of the Lord's Heritage notwithstanding all their Craft and Hellish Policy are often taken in the Snare and their Plots discovered and they hanged for their Treason and cursed Contrivances as former and latter times shew Inferences THis may teach us to take heed of two sorts of Men. First of a flattering and fawning Persecutor Secondly of a cunning and subtile Seducer for Foxes haunt not a Vineyard or Flock of Sheep more than these do the Church 1. By corrupting the Purity of her Doctrine 2. Obscuring the Simplicity of Worship 3. Overturning the Beauty of Order and bringing in confusion spoiling her Bond of Union by extinguishing the Vigor and Life of Christianity 4. By destroying her Children and spoiling their Goods and as much as in them lies ruining their Souls 2. Therefore let us pray that these Foxes may be taken like as the Foxes that one way or other their Craft and Subtilty may be discovered and they prevented and hindered from doing more hurt to God's Church Wicked Men compared to Goats Mat. 25.31 When the Son of Man shall come in his Glory and all the holy Angels with him then he shall sit upon the Throne of his Glory Ver. 32. And before him shall be gathered all Nations and he shall separate them one from the other as a Shepherd divideth his Sheep from the Goats Ver. 33. And he shall set the Sheep on his Right Hand but the Goats on the Left c. THe Male or great Hee-Goat is called in Hebrew Atud and the lesser Sier and Zeir the Chaldee translate it Gen. 13. Teias-jaii and Numb 15. Lze Gesner the Arabians Teus and Maez the Persians Asteban and Busan the Grecians Tragos or devouring or ravening Tragus ab edendo quod grana fracta pane The common Epithets given to the Goat by the Learned are these viz. Left-sided greedy unarmed Swift long-legged rough ragged unclean strong-smelling lecherous bristler wanderer vile wanton c. Wicked Men but more especially Hypocrites in the Church are compared to them Simile Parallel THe Goat commonly feedeth among Sheep and lyeth down with them and seems much to love their Company SO some Hypocrites seem to love the Company of God's People they cunningly contrive ways how to get into Churches and appear to be of the same Flock taking much seeming Delight in the company of the truly Religious II. Yet there is a vast difference between the natural Properties of the Sheep and Goats for whereas Sheep are meek and harmless Goats are of a contrary disposition they are ravenous and very mischievous they will eat the Barks of Trees and spoil tender Plants great destroyers of Gardens and Vineyards II. So there is a great difference between a wicked Man notwithstanding his highest pretence to Religion and a Saint the one is humble meek and harmless seeking the good and well being of all when the other is proud
proceed from one and the same Ground viz. a wicked Pretence that the Scriptures tho divine Truths and the Word of God yet do not contain all God's Will but that there are these other unwritten Verities handed down one says from Moses and the other says from St Peter c. by Word of Mouth Since therefore the Bible hath thus wonderfully surmounted all Difficulties and Oppositions for so many Generations and in so many Dangers and against so many Endeavours to root it out of the World we may according to that Maxim in Philosophy Eadem est Causa procreans conservans The procreating and conserving Cause of Things is one and the same conclude That the same God is the Author of it who hath thus by his special Providence preserved it and faithfully promised and cannot Lie that Heaven and Earth shall pass away but one Iota or Tittle of his Word shall not pass away X. The Scriptures did not only Survive but have Triumph'd over 10. The Success of the Scriptures in converting the World all the Oppositions of the Devil and the World That Success wherewith the Gospel was attended even in its Infancy the mighty and marvellous prevailings of it where-ever it came notwithstanding the many and great Disadvantages it was to encounter are a strong and irresistible Argument that it was from Heaven That a Doctrine directly opposite to the whole corrupt Interest of Human Nature and to the Wisdom and VVill of Man (p) 1 Cor. 1.21 Rom. 8.7 carried on and published by but a few and those to outward appearance weak ignorant and simple Persons Illiterate Fishermen Tent-makers c. without any Force of Arms or Temporal Support but on the contrary against both VVind and Tide the Cruelties of raging Powers and Affronts of vaunting Wisdom A Doctrine against which the whole World Jews and Gentiles perfectly concurr'd those hating it as a Stumbling-block and these counting it Foolishness that such an improbable and unpleasing such a friendless unwelcome slighted opposed Doctrine by such Instruments and under such Circumstances should make its way in the World and subject so many Nations to the Obedience of the Cross and make those who to Day persecuted it to Morrow ready to lay down their Lives in Defence and Justification of it evidently shews it to be owned by Omnipotency and not to be of Human Extract XI But besides these outward and more visible Trophies of the Sacred Scriptures 11. Their inward Efficacy how marvellous is their Empire Efficacy and Power within upon the Hearts and Consciences of Men 't is this that Converts the Soul Enlightens the Eye (q) Psal 19.7 Discovers Sin (r) Rom. 7.7 Convinces Gainsayers (Å¿) 2 Tim 3.16 Killeth and Terrifieth (t) 2 Cor. 3.6 Rejoiceth the Heart (u) Psal 19.8 Psal 119.103 Quickneth (x) Psal 119.50 Comforteth (y) Rom 15.4 Manifesteth the Thoughts (z) 1 Cot. 14.52 Overthrows false Religions Casteth down Strong-holds and subverts the whole Kingdom of Satan What Consolations at some Times What Terrors at others do proceed from this Sacred Book How are the poor Souls of Men by it mightily refresh'd Their weak Hearts wonderfully strengthned Their dead Spirits raised and made to live again Those that sate in Darkness and the Shadow of Death are Enlightned Many that were in Chains and Fetters of Fears and Terrors of Soul are delivered and set at Liberty Is it reasonable to conceive that a Tree that bears such wonderful Fruit was planted by any other Hand than that of God Who can speak Words that shall restrain and repel all the Powers of Darkness when falling in to make Havock and Desolation in the Souls of Men That shall be able to give Laws to the Terrors of Death nay Eternal Death when they have taken hold of the Consciences of Sinners Are not all these Wonders perform'd by the holy Scriptures And do they not often on the other side breath Thunder and Lightnings throw down the Mighty from their Seats and destroy the Thrones of the Proud and Confident Do they not turn the Security of many into Trembling and Horrour and make their Consciences to burn as if the Fire of Hell had already taken hold of them These Things are evident from the Experience of Thousands that have felt and undergone such powerful Effects of the Word Nay I verily believe there are few that have read the Scriptures with attention and seriousness but can more or less witness the same And whence should such Mighty Operations proceed but because the Almighty Author has endued them with such Vertue through the Spirit whereby they become the Power of God unto Salvation 12. The Testimony of the Church and Martyrs XII Add to all these Arguments the Testimony of the Church and her Holy Martyrs who have sealed this Truth with their Blood By the Church we do not mean the Pope whom the Papists call the Church Virtual nor his Cardinals Bishops c. met in General Council whom they call the Church Representative But the whole Company of Believers in all Ages who have professed the true Faith The Pen-Men of the Scriptures good pious honest holy Men delivered it out as the Word of the Lord and ever since there have been Thousands and Hundreds of Thousands that have believed and testiâ—ied the same down from Age to Age in a continual uninterrupted Succession The Church of the Jews to whom were committed the Oracles of God (a) Rom. 8.3 professed the Doctrine and received the Books of the Old Testament and testified of them that they were Divine and in great Misery they have constantly confessed the same when as by the only denying thereof they might have been partakers both of Liberty and Rule And remarkable it is both that notwithstanding the High Priests and others of that Nation persecuted the Prophets while they lived yet received their Writings as Prophetical and Divine as also that since the Spirit of Blindness and Obstinacy is come upon Israel and notwithstanding their great hatred to the Chriâ—tian Religion the Holy Scripture of the Old Testament is kept pure and uncorrupt amongâ—t them even in those places which do evidently confirm the Truth of the Christian Religion as Isa 53.3 And as for the Christian Church it hath with great Constancy and sweet Consent received and acknowledged the Books of the Old and New Testament for the Universal Church which from the beginning thereof until these times professed the Christian Religion to be Divine did and doth also profess that these Books are of God And the several Primitive Churches which first received the Books of the Old Testament and the Gospels the Epistles written from the Apostles to them their Pastors or some they knew did receive them as the Oracles of God and delivered them afterwards under the same Title to their Successors and other Churches And all the Pastors and Doctors who being furnished with Skill both in
Way the Truth and the Life John 14.6 3. The Statutes Precepts and Promises of the Law of Moses Thy Commandments are Truth Psal 119.151 v. 142. 4. The whole Word of God both Law and Gospel Thy Word is Truth John 17.17 Whereof you heard before by the Word of the Truth of the Gospel Col. 1.5 5. The Light of Nature in Man since the Fall to help him to know God so far as to leave him without excuse Which with-hold the Truth in Vnrighteousness Rom. 2.18 6. True Religion taught and contained in the Gospel Who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the Truth Gal. 3.1 Tit. 1.1 7. Truth of Grace Sincerity void of Deceit in Heart and Life I have walked before thee in Truth Isa 30.3 Thou lovest Truth in the inward Parts Psal 51.6 8. Fidelity and Faithfulness between Man and Man Jer. 5.1 2. 9. Judgment and true Justice Truth is fallen in the Streets 10. Most true far from all Deceit The Judgments of the Lord are Truth 11. Truth signifieth Sincerity from the Heart with assent of the Mind Psal 19.9 as one truly purposeth c. without Hypocrisy 1. But that which is principally intended by the Girdle of Truth according to Expositors is first the true Doctrine of the Gospel called the Word of Truth 2. Truth of Grace and Sincerity of Heart called 1 Cor. 5.8 The unleavened Bread of Sincerity and Truth By Loins is meant the Mind Gird up the Loins of your Mind c. A Christian should be of a sound Judgment he should be girt about as with a Girdle with Truth and Sincerity Hold the Mystery of Faith in a pure Conscience 1 Tim. 3.9 Maintain the true Religion and be sincere and upright in the Profession of it Why Truth in both these respects is compared to a Girdle will appear by what follows Metaphor Parallel A Girdle was of use in former times by Souldiers it was part of their Habit or Armour THe true Doctrine of the Gospel or the holy Principles of Religion and Sin erity are of great use among all Christ's Spiritual Souldiers in order to the arming of them compleatly II. A Girdle cleaves close to a Man when 't is well girt to him and it is not easily unbuckled by an Adversary II. So thâ— Truth of Christ should be fastened in â—ur Hearts and Judgments that we may not be wavering in our Minds Stand fast in the Faith c. 1 Cor. 16.13 Sincerity ought to cleave to our inward Parts as a Girdle doth to the Loins of a Man III. A Girdle compasseth a Man about III. So the Truth of Christ and Sincerity of Heart should compass Christians about they ought to keep always in the bounds of Truth and Uprightness God hath set Bounds to his People out of which they must never go we must not swerve aside to the Right-hand or Left nor play the Hypocrite for such that do so cannot be said to be girt about with Truth IV. A Girdle strengthens the Loins of a Souldier or him that is well girt therewith Jer. 1.7 Gird up thy Loins and arise and speak unto them all that I command thee 2 Sam. 22.40 be not dismaied as much as if God should say Isa 45. be strong for thy Work Thou hast girded me with Strength c. Their Loins shall be loosed Job 12.21 I will loose the Loins of the Kings He weakeneth the Strength of the Mighty the Girdle of the strong so the Heb. IV. The true Doctrine of the Gospel or that Religion that is according to Godliness joyned with Sincerity of Heart is the strength of every Christian or Souldier of Christ if he hath not this Girdle on his Loins are loose and weak and he is as unstable as Water as Jacob speaks of Reuben Let Truth go nay Gen 49.2 3. one Truth go and how doth it weaken our Hands or profess it with a false and deceitful Heart and how unable are such to stand against the Assaults of the Enemy On the other hand when a Person is well girt with Truth in both these respects he is thereby made strong and couragious V. A Girdle was used to gird on the other parts of the Souldiers Armour Let not him that girdeth on his Harness boast himself as he that putteth it off 1 King 20.11 V. Truth is that which fastneth or girdeth on every part of the Christian's Armour Sincerity compleats and perfects all what will a Man's Faith Hope Righteousness signify without the Girdle of Truth unless he keeps within the Bounds of Christian-Doctrine and is sincere and upright in the Profession thereof VI. Girding up the Loins notes a Preparation for Battel and War Thus David spake of Christ Gird thy Sword on thy Thigh Psal 45.3 O most Mighty Let not him that girdeth on his Armour boast c. VI. So the Apostle would have Saints stand or be ready to engage their spiritual Enemies Eph. 6.14 having their Loins girt about with Truth Such a Person is prepared to encounter with all Adversaries of the Soul We should be girt with the Truth and girt for the Truth that is as another Apostle speaks to contend for the Faith once delivered to the Saints Jude 3. We should be ready to dispute fight make War as good Souldiers of Christ Opponents are like Combatants Controversial Divinity saith Mr. Caryl is called Polemical Divinity Caryl on Job 38. pag. 35. Disputes are Word-Wars and there have been as hot Wars made by the Pen as ever were by the Sword Gird up now thy Loins c. saith God to Job The Lord seems to send him a Challenge to the Battel by a further Debate Arm thy self like a mighty Man get ready for the Duel for I am resolved to trie what a Man thou art in arguing A Saint being girt with Truth and Sincerity is fitted for any Conflict VII We read of girding up the Loins for Travel or when a Man is to take a Journey Thus Elisha said to Gehazi 2 Kin. 4.29 Gird up thy Loins and take my Staff in thine hand and go thy way It was the Fashion in those Eastern Countries where they wore their Garments long and ordinarily loose to gird them up by which they could travel the better VII So Christians should have their Loins girt about with Truth and Uprightness that they may be fitted and prepared to travel Heaven-wards God's People are Strangers and Pilgrims whilst in this World and are travelling to their own Country and to have their Minds well girt up with Truth will be a great Help to them in their Journey A Storm of Persecution may soon blow away the loose Garment of Profession if a Person be not girt with the Girdle of Truth and Sincerity VIII There is mention made of girding up the Loins in order to serving and attending on Business Which of you saith Christ having a Servant plowing or feeding Cattel will say unto him by
this Breast-plate upon them 1. In regard of the Design he hath to bring them into Union with himself and in marrying them to Jesus Christ which is that they might bring forth Fruit to God 2. They are regenerated by the Spirit that they might be holy A new Heart Ezek. 36.26 27. and a new Spirit will I put within you and cause you to walk in my Statutes and keep my Judgments and do them We are his Workmanship Eph. 2.10 created in Christ Jesus unto good Works which God hath ordained that we should walk in them 3. It is the Design of God in all his Ordinances The Word of God is both Seed to beget and Food to nourish Holiness begotten in the Heart Every part of it contributes to this Design abundantly The Preceptive part affords a perfect Rule of Holiness the Promises present us with admirable Encouragements to entice and allure us thereunto the Threatnings or minatory part of the Word are to deter and keep back from that which is contrary to it 4. It is the Design of God in all his Providences to make his People more holy The Afflictions he brings upon them are to refine and purify them This is the Fruit of all the taking away of your Sin See Refiner 5. Saints are called God's Witnesses they should from hence endeavour to shine forth in their Testimony for him What he speaks in his Word touching his Justice Holiness and utter Hatred of Sin and Ungodliness they ought not only with their Lips but also with their Lives bear witness unto Secondly In regard of Satan whose great Design is against the Holiness of the Saints How doth it behove them to walk with all Circumspection since they are continually besieged and assaulted by so strong an Enemy As God's great Design is to further and prompt to Holiness so Satan's great Design is to hinder and obstruct it And what should be our chief care to defend but that which our Adversaries Thoughts and Plots are most laid to assault and storm Thirdly Saints should labour to have this Breast-plate on viz. be holy in regard of the World Ye are the Light of the World Mat. 5.13 14. Let your good Works so shine before Men c. 1. If these Lights become Darkness or are darkned no marvel if Men stumble Wo unto the World because of Offences but rather wo to him by whom the Offence cometh Ye are the Salt of the Earth But if this Salt hath lost its Savour 't is no wonder if the World stink and be unsavoury 2. Wicked Men saith a worthy Minister know not the Principle by which you walk they cannot possibly discern the Excellency of that Way and Religion which you profess but they can discern and make some Judgment of your Conversations nay and their Eyes are upon you they watch to see your Failings Spots are soon espied in your Coats for tho they love not Holiness themselves yet they expect that those that profess themselves to be Saints should be holy How should this teach you to get on this Breast-plate 3. This may greatly work upon the Ungodly with whom you live and daily converse nay those that will not be won by the Word possibly may and many times have been won and converted this way 1 Pet. 3.1 2. 4. This will however convince them that you are the Servants of God and Heaven-born Souls it will silence them and stop their Mouths 1 Pet. 3.16 That whereas they speak evil of you they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good Conversation in Christ 5. This will leave the World without excuse in the Great Day Fourthly You should labour after Holiness in regard of the Gospel it self which you profess That will this way gain much Credit in the World Nothing brings Religion into greater Contempt or causeth it to be more slighted by the Ungodly than the loose carnal and unholy Lives of those who profess it Fifthly You ought to labour after a godly Life in regard of the sincere and holy Ministers of the Gospel and other faithful Saints and Souldiers of Christ What can comfort and delight their Souls more than the holy humble and fruitful Lives of Believers Psal 16.3 The Saints those excellent Ones were all David's Delight and Paul accounted them his Joy and Crown But if they are proud peevish covetous carnal and walk like other Gentiles what wounds and grieves them more This made David weep Jer. 9 1. yea Rivers of Water to run down his Eyes and Jeremiah to wish his Head were Water and his Eyes a Fountain of Tears that he might weep day and night Many walk saith Paul Phil. 3.18 19. of whom I have told you often and now tell you weeping They are Enemies to the Cross of Christ whose End is Destruction whose God is their Belly whose Glory is in their Shame who mind earthly things Sixthly Christians in regard of themselves ought to labour after Righteousness and true Holiness for this only will be the best Evidence to them of the Truth of Grace received and of their Interest in Jesus Christ What will all other Attainments and Privileges signify if they are not holy 1. By this means they will be able to hold up their Heads in the Day of Trial For our rejoycing is this 2 Cor. 1.12 the Testimony of our Conscience that in Simplicity and godly Sincerity not by fleshly Wisdom but by the Grace of God we have our Conversation in the World c. Isa 3.10 2. These are the Men it will go well with whatever comes Say unto the Righteous it shall go well with them c. 3. These shall have Peace in Christ tho they have Trouble in the World Peace whilst they live Psal 37.37 and Peace when they die Mark the perfect Man and behold the Vpright the End of that Man is Peace 4. These need not fear the Assaults of Satan they have Armor of Proof on a Breast-plate Rom. 8.1 that will preserve their Souls from Death There is therefore now no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit Seventhly Christians should labour to have on this Breast-plate of Righteousness in regard of the Excellency of it It is that which God himself is cloathed with it is that which makes Angels to shine gloriously in Heaven A Man is hereby capacitated to have Communion with God Psal 94 20 Shall the Throne of Iniquity have fellowship with thee c. Eighthly and lastly In regard of the Necessity of it For without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord. Quest How should we put on the Breast-plate of Righteousness Answ 1. In Heart we must be inwardly holy Holiness must begin there First make the Tree good c. 2. In Life Negative Holiness doth not only consist in the leaving all gross Sins but in abstaining from all appearance of Evil and to leave
the more plain to these metaphorical and figurative Expressions used by our Saviour when he instituted the holy Sacr ment of the Supper saying This is my Body something briefly we shall offer in confutation of their pernicious Doctrine which may soon be done for they confute themselves in saying that the Sacrament is a Feast for our Souls and not for our Bodies Now what is my Soul the better when I eat the very Body of Christ Christ is eat and received spiritually Whoso eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood hath everlasting Life Joh 6.54 and I will saith Christ raise him up at the last Day Therefore the eating of Christ's Flesh cannot intend the receiving of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper for if it did it would be a very easy way for the vilest Sinner to go to Heaven But to come directly to the Business in hand Either Christ spake figuratively when he said This is my Body or he did not And that the Words cannot be taken in a proper sence is evident for it is impossible for Words to express any thing more plainly than that by this is meant the Bread It is said that Christ took Bread and brake it and gave it and said Take eat this is my Body where this necessarily relates to that which Christ took brake and gave Also the Apostle saith positively thrice in a Breath that it is Bread 1 Cor. 11.26 As often as ye eat this Bread c. And whosoever shall eat this Bread 1 Cor. 1â— 16 The Bread which we break is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ Also the Participation of the Sacrament is called breaking of Bread Acts 2.46 20.7 which Popish Authors themselves understand of the Sacrament Now can any be so ignorant and foolish to believe it is Christ's proper and real Body which the Holy-Ghost calleth so often Bread after it is blessed c. Object By this say some of the Papists is neither intended the Bread nor Christ's Body Bellarmin l e Euch. l. 3. c. 12. but in general this Substance which is contained under this Species Answ What do they mean are there any more Substances under those Species besides the Bread first and afterwards the Body of Christ Do not they affirm as soon as ever it ceaseth to be Bread it becometh the real Body of Christ Then surely if it be a Substance according to what they say it must either be Bread or the Body of Christ or no Substance at all Object Christ's Body is there after the manner of a Spirit taking up no room so that Head Hands Feet are altogether in the least Crumb of the Host Answ In arguing thus as a learned Man observes they plead for the Propriety of Words and destroy the Propriety of things How can they say it is properly a Body which wants the essential Properties of a Body which is to have quantity and take up room take away this and the Body may properly be a Spirit for it is that only which differenceth it from a Spirit But further to shew how idle and absurd it is to take our Saviour's Words in a proper Sence we shall shew that it is utterly against Sense and Reason as well as contrary to Scripture as you have heard First It is against Sense What greater Evidence can there be of things than what Sense affordeth But if this which the Papists affirm about the consecrated Bread being the real Body of Christ be true the Senses of all the World are deceived For since the great Argument for Christianity as all agree was the Words that Christ spoke and the Works which Christ did now how could we be sure he did so speak or so work if we may not credit the Reports of our Eyes and Ears This was St. Luke's great Evidence of the Truth of what he wrote That it was delivered to him by Eye-Witnesses Luke 1.1 2. and St. John's What we have seen with our Eyes and our Hands have handled of the Word of Life 1 Joh. 1.1 And St. Paul's for the Resurrection That he was seen of Cephas then of the Twelve then of above five hundred Brethren at once 1 Cor. 15.5 6. Even Thomas his Infidelity yielded to this Argument That if he did thrust his hand into Christ's Side he would believe Joh. 20.25 Christ judged this was a convincing Argument when the Apostles thought they had seen a Spirit Handle me and see for a Spirit hath not Flesh and Blood as you see me have Luke 24.39 But now if after the Words of Consecration there is under the Species of Bread the Nature and Properties of Flesh then are the Senses of the wisest of Mortals deceived And if our Senses be deceived here Dr. Tillotson they are not as a late Author observes to be trusted in any other thing no not when they are most sure that we see Father or Mother or Wife or Children Can we be sure This is my Body is written in Mat. 26. Mark 14. Luke 22. 1 Cor. 11. For may not those Words be some other Words why should we trust our Eyes What if we should tell the Papists These Words This is my Body are neither in this Chapter nor any where else written in the New Testament and grow confident of it and tell them the Words are This is not my Body 'T is the Bricks that were laid to build Babel 'T is the Gates of Solomon's Porch This is the Shew-Bread that Abimelech gave to David the Bottles that Abigail took from Nabal If they tell us We are strangely deceived and the Sense of all that can read will give it against us may not we tell them as well when they say This is the real Body of Christ when it is nothing but a Wafer-Cake That they are strangely deceived and that the Senses of all that can either see taste smell or feel will give it against them This being so what reason is there for them to burn us because we cannot see the Bread to be Christ's real Body more than there is for us to kill them because they cannot see that it is the Gates of Solomon's Porch Secondly It is against Reason And shall any conclude that is any Principle of the Christian Religion that is contrary to and utterly against Reason For it would make us believe things that are absolutely impossible and gross Contradictions Tho some things may be above Reason yet they themselves confess no Principle of Religion can be against it Object But they say We imagine many things impossible that really are not so and further intimate If we can prove any real Impossibilities which this Doctrine forceth them to believe they will yield to us For they with us condemn the Lutheran Opinion See a Book called Scripture-Mysteries p. 279. That Christ's Body is every where because it is impossible and therefore expound those Words I am the Vine I am a Door c. figuratively as we do because
delivered themselves into the hands of Justice 6. That Man can never have good Days that keeps an evil Conscience 7. On the other hand he that hath a good Conscience needs never be sad nor can he be without good Days for as Trouble and Horror of Conscience is the greatest Trouble so Peace of Conscience is the greatest Joy That Man can never want Musick saith Mr. Caryl that speaks in Consort and is harmonious with himself A good Conscience is the poor Man's Riches and the rich Man's chiefest Jewel a Jewel worth keeping It is saith one the best Pillow to sleep on and the best Dish to feed on A good Conscience is a continual Feast so the Geneva-Translation Prov. 15.15 Dan. 5.5 A good Conscience with a Dinner of Herbs is all Varieties but a bad Conscience makes all Feasts and Pleasures like the Hand-writing on Belshazzar's Wall 8. Labour to get and keep a good Conscience because an evil one spoils all the good and best Actions of thy Life it renders thy Prayers to be sinful 9. Consider Conscience is privy to all thou thinkest knoweth what Evil hath been done by thee in private seeth all the Evil thou hast committed and all the Good thou hast omitted the doing of and one day if evil Rom. 2.15 it will lay all open before the Eyes of God Angels and Men and come in as a Witness to charge and condemn thee for ever O therefore get a good Conscience 10. Take heed how thou carriest thy self towards Conscience because it hath a Regal Power in thy Soul a Commission either to accuse or excuse and if he condemns thee as an Unbeliever or as a false Hypocrite by the Light and Authority of God's Word 1 John 3.20 God will also assuredly condemn thee unless thou dost repent in the great Day 11. Consider what a glorious Mercy it will be to have such a Friend as Conscience witness for thee when thou art wrongfully accused and condemned by Men. This was that which bore up Job and holy Paul in their Troubles Job 27.6 2 Cor. 1.12 My Heart shall not reproach me c. This is our rejoycing the Testimony of our Conscience Quest Some possibly may enquire here How a good Conscience may be known or what Characters may be given of it Answ I shall give you some Rules to judg of a good Conscience both Negatively and Positively First Negatively 1. A blind ignorant and misguided Conscience is not a good Conscience Some think that God concerns not himself with their Actions takes no notice of their Hearts Words or Lives Others think that God is made up wholly of Mercy and tremble not at his Justice and so conclude it is an easy thing to get to Heaven One that I have heard of said That if it were as easy to get the Riches of this World as it was to get Heaven he would not care or to that effect not remembring that it is as hard to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven especially for rich Men as it is for a Camel to go through the Eye of a Needle Mat. 19.23 1 Pet. 4.18 and that the Righteous shall scarcely be saved Others think that those Men are Fools that make such a Stir and Ado about Religion thinking that is the best Religion that is easiest to the Flesh and is most free from outward Trouble whereas the Scripture saith 1 Tim. 2.12 that whoever will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer Persecution Some think the Laws of Men must be their Rule in all Matters of Faith and Religion and whatever Magistrates command must be done c. 2. A drouzy and sleepy Conscience is not a good Conscience A Conscience that is not throughly awakened will let a Man alone in Sin such can sleep upon the Brink of the greatest Danger tho they are just falling into the Gulph of Eternity yea can sleep under the most awakening Ministry tho Hell-Fire be thrown as it were in their very Faces yet Conscience giveth them not one Jog 3. A guilty Conscience is not a good Conscience when Conscience flies into a Man's Face for this or that Sin Tit. 1.15 some horrid Pollution or other loved and lived in 4. A seared Conscience a Conscience that hath no feeling in it is not a good Conscience 5. A despairing Conscience is not a good Conscience Such as think their Sins are greater than God can or will forgive Mat. 12.31 notwithstanding Christ hath said All Sins and Blasphemies against the Father and the Son shall be forgiven unto Men and those that believe not there is Life for them in Christ make God a Liar Secondly Positively 1. That Man hath a good Conscience that walks uprightly and faithfully to his Light according to what he knoweth If he hath only a natural Light and walks up faithfully to that then he hath only a natural good Conscience there is Moral Sincerity spoken of in the holy Scriptures Joh. 20.4 as well as Godly Sincerity Abimelech in this respect had a good Conscience In the Sincerity of my Heart and Innocency of my Hands Gen. 20.5 have I done this Here I might shew how a natural good Conscience may be known from a Conscience evangelically and spiritually good take two or three Hints 1. He whose Conscience is only naturally good is usually a proud Man Lord I thank thee Luk. 18 11. I am not as other Men c. Such seek their own Glory they sacrifice to their own Net and burn Incense to their own Drag all centers in Self the Principle of their Action is Self A Saint when his Gifts are highest his Heart is lowest when his Spirit is most raised his Heart is most humble 2. A Man that hath only a natural good Conscience his great endeavour is to still the Noise and stop the Mouth of it but never looks to have the Guilt removed and Filth washed away by Christ's Blood he seeth no need of a Saviour I was alive once without the Law Rom. 7.11 c. He is like a Child that hath got a Thorn in his Flesh who wipeth away the Blood but taketh no notice or thought how to get out the Thorn If bare Performance of Duties whether natural or divine will still or quiet the Conscience the Conscience is but naturally good 2. When Conscience compares a Man's Ways by the perfect Rule of God's Word by which he walks and finds it agreeable thereto 3. An evangelical good Conscience findeth a Man as careful of his Duty towards God as he is of his Duty towards Man and as careful of his Duty towards Man as of his Duty towards God Acts 24.16 Herein do I exercise my self to have always a Conscience void of Offence towards God and towards Man 4. An evangelical good Conscience always stirs up to Obedience and Conformity to God's Word from the sight of the Excellency of it and Purity that is in it Thy Word is very
Woman in Travail and Anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first Child The Voice of the Daughter of Zion that bewaileth her self Jer. 4.31 that spreadeth forth her hands saying Wo is me now for my Soul is weary because of Murtherers Be in pain labour to bring forth O Daughter of Zion Mich. 4.10 like a Woman in Travail For now shalt thou go forth out of the City and thou shalt dwell in the Field and thou shalt go even to Babylon there shalt thou be delivered the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine Enemies IV. A Mother when she hath brought forth her Children layeth them to her Breasts to feed and nourish them and letteth them lie in her very Bosom taking abundance of Care and Compassion of them IV. So the Church of God when she hath in a spiritual manner brought forth Children she giveth them her two precious Breasts which are the sound and sacred Doctrine of the Old and New Testament those she draweth forth to give her new-born Babes the sincere Milk of the Word that they may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.1 1 2 3. Prov. 31.1 V. A godly Mother giveth good Counsel and Instruction to her Children It was a great Mercy to Timothy that he had such a good Woman as Eunice to be his Mother who took care to give him good Education and brought him up religiously 't is said he knew the holy Scriptures from a Child V. So the Church of God giveth good Counsel and Instruction to all her Children Saints are not only fed by the Church but well taught also Solomon exhorts the Sons of Wisdom to hear the Instruction of their Father Prov. 1.8 and not to forsake the Law of their Mother The true Church teacheth nothing for Doctrine but what she hath received from the Mouth of Christ She doth not like the Mother of Harlots teach for Doctrine cursed Fopperies idle ridiculous and superstitious Ceremonies which are a Reproach to the Christian Religion and a great Hindrance both of the Jews and Heathens from owning of it They are all holy Rites pious and undeniable Laws and just Rules of Discipline consonant to the holy Word of God that she teacheth all her Children VI. A Mother ought to be obeyed and reverenced in all things by her Children her just Commands must be submitted to 'T is a great Evil to rebell against a Mother VI. So the Church of God ought to be obeyed and reverenced in all things 'T is an abominable Evil to slight or disobey the Church our spiritual Mother Her Instructions and Admonitions must be received with all due care and readiness and those who stubbornly and obstinately refuse to submit are guilty of great Sin VII A wise and godly Mother greatly loves and is tender of all her Children She taketh care to carry it evenly towards every one of them not to indulge any one out of a fond and great Passion and slight another because not so beautiful and amiable to look upon VII So the Church of God taketh care to carry it tenderly and with much Wisdom to all her Children She acts not partially towards them to countenance one more than another the weak and poorest Saint is as dear to our spiritual Mother as the strongest and richest of them VIII A tender Mother hath much Compassion and Bowels towards her weak sick and helpless Children her Heart akes many times for such VIII So God's Church is filled with Bowels of Pity and Compassion towards her weak and distempered Members How is she troubled for such as are under Temptations or fallen into any spiritual Distemper of the Soul The Churches Bowels should exceed the Bowels of a natural Mother to her sick Children upon this account IX A gracious and godly Mother loveth those Children best that are most dutiful and who dearly love and are most like their Father IX So the Church of God loveth those Children or Saints best that are most diligent dutiful and obedient to Christ and to all the good and wholesom Laws of the Family who love and are most like God in Mercy Mat. 5.45 Heavenly-mindedness in good Works and Acts of Pity and Charity to the Poor these she esteems and prizes highly X. A Mother is allowed by the Father to chastize or correct those Children that grow heady and proud or any ways misbehave themselves to the dishonour of the Father and reproach of the Family X. So the Church is allowed nay required by Christ to correct by gentle Reproof those Children or Members that do transgress the Law of God and if they grow heady proud and stubborn she reproves them sharply but if that will not reclaim them but that they still proceed in a rebellious Mind and misbehave themselves she proceeds further and taketh the Rod of Church-Discipline and withdraws her self from them and denieth them to come to the Table with the rest of her Children Nay if they fall into any scandalous Evil to the Reproach of Christ his Truth and the Houshold of Faith she chastizeth them with the Rod of Excommunication and putteth them quite out of the Family Deliver such an one unto Satan 1 Cor. 5.5 for the Destruction of the Flesh that the Spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus XI A Mother is sometimes allowed in the absence of the Father to be chief Governess in the Family and to chuse according to the direction of the Father a Steward over her House and other inferior Officers and as they behave themselves she ought to encourage them and continue them or otherwise turn them out of their Offices XI So the Church of Christ in his absence is appointed to govern all the Affairs of his House and according to those holy Laws and Directions left by him ought to chuse a Steward viz. a Bishop Minister or Pastor to take the Charge of the great Affairs of the Family and other inferior Officers as Deacons c. to take care of the Poor And as the Pastor or Deacons behave themselves she ought to encourage him or them and continue them in their Places but if they fall into Sin or neglect their Work and are unfaithful in their Places she hath power to correct and turn them out always provided she acts according to Rule Against an Elder receive not an Accusation 1 Tim. 5.1 under two or three Witnesses XII A Mother tho her Children prove never so vile and ungodly hath no power to kill them if she doth tho they are her own Children she is deemed by the Law as a Murtherer and as such must die XII So the Church of God tho some of her Members prove very vile and will not be under her Government or turn Hereticks sucking in damnable Errors yet the most she can do is to pass the Censure of Excommunication against them An Heretick Tit. 3.9 10 after the first and second Admonition reject c. And therefore the
Christ who is their Righteousness and Strength He satisfieth their Mouth with good things Psal 103.5 so that their Strength is renewed like the Eagle's As the Lord brings his People low by bodily Sickness and Weakness and then renews their natural Strength so when there are Decays and Declinings upon their Souls he renews their spiritual Strength And as the Eagle renews her Strength by the Growth and Succession of new Feathers of the same kind in the place of the old so a Believer reneweth his Youth and Strength by casting off gradually the Old Man which is corrupt and by putting on more of the New Man Eph. 4.24 who is quite of another kind created after God in Righteousness and true Holiness IX Naturalists do observe that Eagles are fed and best nourished by Blood they suck and take in that both young and old IX So saith Mr. Caryl do Believers the feeding of the new Creature is upon Blood every godly Man spiritually drinks the Blood of Christ My Blood saith he is Drink indeed as offered to him both in the Promises and Ordinances of the Gospel A Saint could not live a Moment nor have any subsistence in Grace if he had not as the Eagle Blood to drink A godly Man is nourished by a believing Contemplation upon the Sufferings of Christ and the Effusion of his Blood X. Young Eagles are borne and carried upon the Wings of the old Eagle and thereby are preserved from the Dangers of Enemies X. So the Saints are borne supported and carried by the Power and Arms of the Almighty who is pleased to compare himself to an Eagle Deut. 32 11 12. As an Eagle stirreth up her Nest fluttereth over her Young spreadeth abroad her Wings taketh them and beareth them upon her Wings so the Lord alone did lead him and there was no strange God with him Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians and how I bore you upon Eagle's Wings and brought you to my self See Christ compared to an Eagle Disparity EAgles have many evil Qualities They are Birds of Prey c. yea and a very Vermine Sort of Creature and upon that account wicked Men are compared to Eagles which is opened under that Head of Metaphors concerning ungodly Men and Persecutors to which we refer you Saints compared to Sheep John 10.27 My Sheep hear my Voice c. THe Saints may be compared to Sheep in many respects Sheep are harmless Creatures meek sociable contented with hard Commons very tractable patient fruitful and very profitable are made a Prey to evil Beasts c. Upon all which Considerations and many others the Saints are likened to Sheep which is fully opened under the Metaphor Flock to which we refer you Saints compared to Souldiers 2 Tim. 2.3 Thou therefore endure Hardness as a good Souldier of Jesus Christ. A Souldier is taken in Scripture either properly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or metaphorically Properly it is understood of a Person that is employed in Military Affairs one that bears Arms and is under Military Command Mat. 8.9 Metaphorically it is to be understood of a Christian that is engaged to fight the good Fight of Faith under the Command of Jesus Christ against the Enemies of the Soul This Title is not appropriated only to Ministers it is not a discriminating Title only to distinguish them from other Saints as the Title of Ambassador Pastor Watchman c. but a Title that belongs to every Christian and Professor of Christ So that Timothy is not called a Souldier meerly because he was an Evangelist but as he was a Disciple c. Saints are compared to Souldiers every true Christian is a spiritual Souldier of Jesus Christ Metaphor Parallel A Souldier is listed under some Captain or Commander he gives up his Name to him and enters himself into his Service SO every true Christian listeth himself under the Command of Jesus Christ who is the Captain of our Salvation He gives up his Name to him to serve him in all Uprightness as becometh a faithful Souldier to do making a solemn Covenant with Christ and his People to be on their side and this is visibly done in Baptism II. A Souldier leaves all other worldly Affairs and Incumbrances to follow that particular Employ No Man that warreth 2 Tim. 2.4 entangleth himself with the Affairs of this Life that he may please him that hath chosen him to be a Souldier They ought not like Reuben to abide among the Sheep-folds Jud. 5.16 to hear the Bleating of the Sheep II. So a true Christian forsakes all and follows Christ he becomes dead to this World he is crucified to it and that many times to him His Heart is not set upon Things below Col. 3.1 2. but upon Things above he looks upon Religion and Godliness as his great Work and Business They that are after the Flesh Rom 8.5 do mind the Things of the Flesh but they that are after the Spirit the Things of the Spirit III. A Souldier after he is listed and entred into his Company he is armed and put into a fit Posture for that Work and Service he is called to III. So a true Christian also is no sooner converted listed and entred into Christ's Company viz. his Church but he is armed likewise He puts on the whole Armor of God hath his Loins girt about with Truth and hath the Breast-plate of Righteousness his Feet shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace Eph. 6 10 11 12. the Shield of Faith the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God And because most of those Parts or Pieces of a Christian's Armor are spoken to and opened under that Head of Metaphors respecting the Graces of the Spirit we shall speak no more of it here IV. A Souldier is known by his Habit Armor and Weapons from other Men they put off their own Clothes and put on the King 's especially if poor and ragged when they are listed IV. So a true Christian is known by the Clothes he hath on from the Wicked and Ungodly of the World He is cloathed with the Garment of Holiness and Humility and hath on all the precious Graces of the Spirit as Armor of Proof fast girt to him by the Girdle of Sincerity and this shews him to be one of Christ's Souldiers V. Souldiers many times are cloathed at the King's Charge and it is greatly for the Honour of a Captain to have all his Men bravely cloathed and glittering in their Armor V. So Christ cloaths all his Souldiers and they are all attired alike cloathed in white Their Robes cost dear viz. the Price of his own most precious Blood and it greatly tends to his Honour to have them kept clean and without Spot or Stain all glittering in their spiritual Armor viz. adorned with the blessed Graces of the Spirit VI. It is a Reproach to Souldiers to be meer mercenary to fight for
needful for him to see to his proper Work and Business he may not acquit his Command when he pleaseth The Commander in chief may prefer or degrade his Souldiers as seemeth good to him but he may not he cannot dispose of himself Pastors must keep their Places Deacons keep their Places Members of each Church keep their Places and not when they please withdraw themselves and get into another Company but must abide under particular Command where Christ hath set them Shall any one think that God who hath placed such Order in other Creatures in Heaven and Earth is not strict touching that holy Order set and appointed in his Church If the Sun Moon and Stars keep in their own Sphere and move in their own Orbs if the Sea hath its Bounds and Limits set beyond which it must not go can it be imagined that the Church of Christ should be a more disorderly Piece than the inanimate and irrational Creatures God is the God of Order and not of Confusion 1 Cor. 14.33 in all the Churches of the Saints Therefore if any Christians that are of this or that particular Company or Church do break the holy Order and regard not to keep in their Stations or neglect their proper Work what a Reproach is it to them and to Religion it self Besides the Danger they are exposed to if Saints neglect Prayer or hearing the Word or the Lord's Supper or are divided amongst themselves is very great unless they rally the sooner and unite again and keep their Ranks they are in danger of being utterly routed and undone by Satan Many hence have been enticed by the Subtilty of the Devil to desert their General and flie from their Colours XII Souldiers must follow their Leader this is one Word of Command XII So must every Christian follow Jesus Christ he ought to have his Eye upon him how often hath he commanded us to follow him Shall any list themselves under his Command and refuse to be subject to his holy Laws and Authority or follow him for a Time and then grow weary Mat. 16.24 If any Man will be my Disciple let him take up his Cross daily and follow me We read of a great and famous Army consisting of Forty Four Thousand a certain Number put for an uncertain Rev. 14.1 2 3 4. that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth We must follow Christ in every Ordinance follow his Doctrine and follow his Example in every one of his gracious Qualifications viz. in his Patience how contented was he in the midst of his greatest Poverty in his Lowness of Mind and deepest Humility in his Tenderness Bowels and Compassion towards those that deserved nothing how kind loving and merciful was he Follow him in his Reproaches Afflictions and Indignities follow him in all Difficulties and Dangers with Peter follow him to Prison and to Death it self when he calls us thither Be ye Followers of me as I am of Christ Jesus Joh. 10.17 My Sheep hear my Voice and they follow me XIII It behoveth a Souldier to be well-skilled in all Stratagems of War for that conduceth much to his just and needful Accomplishments Policy having many times out-done Power and humane Strength XIII So a Christian ought to be well-skill'd and expert in all Divine Wisdom and Policy in the Management of the Spiritual War against the Enemies of the Soul Christ's Counsel is Be ye as wise as Serpents but as innocent as Doves And indeed nothing is more necessary for spiritual Souldiers than Wisdom and Policy in the carrying on of the War against their internal Adversaries because of their Craft and Subtilty Their Adversary the Devil is compared to a Serpent upon this very account and in other Places we read of his Devices and Wiles Eph. 6. That ye may stand against the Wiles of the Devil 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly the Methods of Satan 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gurnal which signifies that Art and Order one observes in handling a Point we say such a one is methodical Now because it shews Ingenuity and Acuteness of Wit so to compose a Discourse therefore it is transferred to express the Subtilty of Satan in laying of his Plots against a Christian Indeed the expert Souldier hath his Order as well as the Scholar there is Method in forming an Army as well as in framing an Argument The Devil is a subtil Enemy and Saints are most endangered by his Craft and Policy he hath always got the greatest Advantage upon Christ's Souldiers by this means It was the way he took when he set upon Man at first and if he overcame him when he was in his perfect State no marvel if he prevail upon him in his depraved and maimed State And therefore Wisdom is needful and more especially to discover his Stratagems 2 Cor. 2.11 We are not ignorant saith the Apostle of his Devices Some of which I shall note here for the spiritual Souldier's Profit and Observation with respect to his drawing Men and Women to Sin First He shews his Subtilty in chusing the most proper and advantagious Season for Tempting An hundred Souldiers at one time may turn a Battel and save an Army when Thousands will not do it at another Satan knows when to make his Approaches and the Time when he is most likely to prevail Gurnal The Time he takes to tempt in is 1. When newly converted No sooner is the Child of Grace the new Creature born but this Dragon pours a Flood of Temptations after it 2. When a Saint is beset with some great Affliction this is a blind Lane or solitary Place fit for this Thief to call for his Purse 3. When a Christian is about some notable Enterprize for God's Glory then Satan will lie like a Serpent in the Way An Adder in the Path that biteth his Horse Heel Gen. 49. Zech. 3.1 2 3. so that his Rider shall fall backward Thus he stood at Joshua's Right-hand to resist him The Right-Hand is the working Hand and his standing there implies his Desire to hinder him and his Enterprize Indeed the Devil was never a Friend to Temple-Work and therefore that Work is so long a doing What a handsom Excuse doth he help the Jews unto The Time is not come Hag. 1 2. Mat. 4.1 2. When our Saviour was baptized and was just entring upon his Ministry then Satan set upon him 4. When he hath the Presence of some Object to enforce his Temptation Thus he took Eve when she was near the Tree and had it in her Eye 5. After great Manifestation of God's Love then the Tempter comes Such is the Weakness of Grace sometimes in a Believer that he can neither well bear Smiles nor Frowns from God When Paul was exalted with abundance of Revelation 2 Cor. 12.1 2 3 c. then was the Time that Satan set upon him with his strong Temptations 6. At the Hour of Death
Popish Religion Now these are lame Professors they are corrupt or not sincere they will not unless healed hold out to the end of the Race but be turned out of the Way IX A Man that meets with bad Way in running a Race is thereby many times hard put to it and in danger of losing the Prize As when he is forced to run up-hill a great while together or meets with a rough and untrodden Path or is fain to run through a deep Mire or a very dirty Lane this tries his Strength Courage and Resolution IX So when a Christian meets with hard Things or passeth through great Difficulties in his Way to Heaven he is much put to it viz. when he is forced to mount the Hill of Opposition and pass over the Stile of carnal Reason and through the perilous Lane of Persecution and Valley of the Shadow of Death Being accounted all the Day long as a Sheep for the Slaughter Psal 23.4 He then is tried to purpose Many that have set out Heavenwards in a Day of Peace and Prosperity have in a Time of Tribulation and Persecution grown weary Mat. 13.21 or being offended have fallen away X. Men that run in a Race have many Spectators who stedfastly look upon them to see how they run and who will win some hoping one will gain the Prize and others hoping the same Man will lose it X. So the Saints of God have many and eminent Spectators who stedfastly look upon them with great Expectation to see how they behave themselves whilst they run the Celestial Race viz. God the Father the Lord Jesus Christ and the holy Spirit the one Almighty and Eternal God Yea and all the holy Angels on the same side behold them with great Earnestness hoping they will hold out to the end and obtain the Crown of everlasting Glory and to that purpose help and encourage them in their Course On the other side there are all the Devils or wicked Angels who have their Eyes upon them for evil Zech. 3.1 2. who do not only hope and long to see them grow weary and faint in their Minds but also strive as much as in them lies to hinder and resist them in their Race so that they may lose the Prize XI Some Men run a great while and afterwards grow weary and slack their Pace nay quite give over running and so lose the Prize XI So some Professors seem to run well to be zealous for God and Religion a great while it may be for many Years together but when Trouble arises or Temptation seizes upon them they grow weary and indifferent about these Matters and with Demas cleave to this present evil World and so turn with the Dog to his Vomit again and lose Eternal Life XII Some Men that have run in a Race have run for a great Prize yea for a Crown as some have observed and when they have won it have been praised exceedingly it being esteemed a mighty Honour it hath not only enriched them but been to their great Renown and Glory XII So the Saints of God who run this heavenly Race run for a great Prize viz. a Crown of Glory 1 Cor. 9.25 And every Man that striveth for the Mastery is temperate in all things Now they do it to obtain a corruptible Crown but we an incorruptible Be thou faithful unto Death Rev. 10. and I will give thee a Crown of Life I have saith Paul fought the good Fight 2 Tim. 4.7 8. I have finished my Course I have kept the Faith Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of of Righteousness which God the Righteous Judg will give me at that Day and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing This Prize will not only enrich the Soul that obtains it but raise his Renown and Glory to Eternity He shall be honoured of all nay he is the Man whom the King delights to honour Rev. 3.21 They shall sit down with Christ on his Throne c. XIII The Man that runs who resolves to win the Prize breaks through all Difficulties will not regard any vain Allurements but presses on with his utmost Strength Celerity and Speed imaginable the Thoughts of the rich Prize animating his Mind and prompting him on so to do XIII So a true Christian who resolves for Heaven he makes haste he breaks through all Difficulties and regards not the Golden Balls Satan throws in his Path viz. none of the vain Allurements of this World but with his uttermost Strength Celerity and Eagerness of Affection presseth forward I press towards the Mark c. Phil. 3.14 Mat. 7.13 He strives to enter in at the strait Gate He strives against Satan against the World against Sin strives in Reading in Hearing in Praying being greatly animated and encouraged thus to do Heb. 11. by seeing him who is invisible to the natural Eye and by having a Sight of the excellent Reward or that glorious Crown and Kingdom he knows he shall receive when he comes to the end of the Race Metaphor Disparity SOme Men in running a Race do their best they do whatever in them lieth to obtain the Prize but nevertheless lose it BUt now a Christian whoever he be that doth his best does what he can in all Uprightness of Heart to believe to close in with Christ to love serve and obey him shall never miss of eternal Life Joh. 10.2 Rom. 8.1 Never was any Man damned saith a worthy Minister that did what he could to be saved II. Many run in a Race but one only obtains the Prize II. But tho Thousands run in this spiritual Race yet they may all obtain the Prize Inferences WE may infer from hence That the Work and Business of a Christian is hard and difficult Heaven is not obtained without running wrestling striving warring c. 2. That many Professors who set out Heaven-ward and run well a little while are not like notwithstanding to obtain eternal Life Mat. 24. 't is only he that endureth to the end that shall be saved 3. It may also inform us what the Reason is that so many Persons faint or grow weary in this spiritual Race 1. Their Weights which they have upon him may occasion it Or 2. The Way being bad or up-hill 3. Their not being temperate in all things 4. Their being diseased or lame 5. Satan beguiling them with his Golden Balls 6. They being not throughly affected with the Worth of that glorious Prize they run for 7. By means of their trusting in their own Strength c. 8. Their growing lazy loving present Ease c. 9. And lastly which is the Sum of all their not being truly converted never effectually wrought upon by the Spirit of Grace 4. It may serve to stir us all up to the greatest Diligence imaginable to the end Whatsoever we meet with in the Way Heaven will make amends for all Saints compared
their Hearts lest instead of good Wheat they should at last prove evil Tares 2. It also reproves those Magistrates who in a blind Zeal persecute Men for Religion and Conscience sake pretending they do it to destroy the Tares viz. Hereticks c. whereas they know not but that those they persecute may be good and faithful Christians Besides 't is a Work that belongs not to them God would have both tho one Sort may be very vile and impudent Hereticks Schismaticks c. to live together to the end of the World Wicked Men compared to Chaff Psal 1.4 The Vngodly are not so but are like the Chaff which the Wind driveth away Mat. 3.12 But he will burn up the Chaff with unquenchable Fire Wicked Men are compared to Chaff Simile Parallel CHaff before it is separated from the Wheat cleaves close to it and the Wheat must be trod or threshed before the one can be separated from the other SO some wicked Men I mean Hypocrites seem to cleave close to the Saints and to be in perfect Union or Oneness with them And the Godly must be trod upon or threshed with the Flail of Persecution before they as sacred Wheat can be separated from the Chaff viz. counterfeit Christians II. Chaff is of little worth or value to the Wheat Jer. 23.28 What is the Chaff to the Wheat 'T is a low mean and contemptible thing one Bushel of Wheat is worth many Bushels of Chaff II. So wicked Men and Hypocrites are of little worth and value in the sight of God he esteems one true Christian worth thousands and ten thousands of Hypocrites I give Egypt for thy Ransom Isa 43.3 Ethiopia and Seba for thee Since thou wert precious in my sight thou hast been honourable c. III. Chaff is light and airy 't is no ponderous Thing and therefore the Wind carries it away with a Blast III. So the Wicked whatever shew they make of Religion and Piety they are light as Chaff they are not weighty nor ponderous their Lightness and Levity is discovered by their Words and Behavior and when the Blast and Tempest of Persecution comes it drives them away from the seeming Zeal and Religion they pretend to and at last the Wind of God's Wrath will drive them into the lowest Hell there to be burned with unquenchable Fire Inferences THis shews what a great difference there is between the Godly and the Ungodly also what the woful Condition of Hypocrites is and what will be in the End Wicked Men compared to Thorns Numb 33.55 They shall be Pricks in your Eyes and Thorns in your Sides c. Josh 23.13 But they shall be as Snares and Traps unto you and Scourges in your Sides and Thorns in your Eyes c. Cant. 2.2 As a Lilly among Thorns Nah. 1.10 For whilst they are folden together as Thorns c. THorns as Glassius and others observe in these Places of holy Sripture signify wicked mischievous Men. Numb 33.55 Simile Parallel THorns came in with the Curse Cursed is the Ground for thy sake Gen. 3.18 Thorns also and Thistles shall it bring forth unto thee c. Had not Adam sinned we should not have been troubled with Thorns SO wicked Men came in with the Fall and as the Fruit of the Curse Had not Adam sinned the World had never been troubled with these Briars and Thorns but ever since the Curse for Adam's Sin the World hath been full of these Thorns II. A Thorn is no tender Tree but contrary-wise sturdy hard knotty and full of Knobs and Pricks dangerous to meddle or have to do with II. Clopham So the Wicked these Sons of Belial Belegnol without Yoke that is such as will not come under the Yoke of Obedience or Beli Gnalah not ascending because their Males prospered not These Thorns wicked Men 2 Sam. 23.6 are hard-hearted knotty-conditioned full of pricking and stinging Words and Works What can he expect that meddles with a Thorn or Briar but to be scratch'd prick'd and wounded in his so doing So that Man that has to do with some wicked Men shall be scratch'd or prick'd in his good Name and Estate one way or other III. Thorns are Trees of little worth low and base Things hurtful to Fields Gardens and Vineyards c. III. So wicked Men are of little worth and value in God's sight they are of a base Spirit and Principle Lovers of Pleasure more than Lovers of God preferring Earth above Heaven Prov. 10.20 The Heart of the Wicked is little worth And as they are unprofitable and little worth in themselves so they are offensive and prejudicial to God's Garden they hinder the Growth of the Saints as much as in them lies wounding the Lilly that groweth among them See Lilly among Thorns IV. Thorns nevertheless do serve sometimes to make a Hedg to keep out wild Beasts from breaking into a Field or Vineyard IV. So some of these wicked Ones God now and then makes use of to be a Hedg to his People to keep out a more bloody and cruel Adversary Rev. 12 The Earth helped the Woman that is Wicked Men Men of the Earth stood up for and sided in with the Church and People of God and so proved as a Wall of Defence or Hedg to them Besides God makes use of them sometimes as a Hedg to stop his People in their evil Courses by suffering these Sons of Belial to afflict them I will hedg up her Way with Thorns Hos 2.6 V. Thorns and Briars when they are grown to any height are oft-times by the Owner cut down and cast into the Fire V. So the Wicked and Ungodly when they are grown to a great height of Wickedness provoking God against themselves are cut down and cast into Hell That which beareth Briars and Thorns is near unto Cursing whose end is to be burnt He 8.6.8 VI. Thorns and Briars are not able to stand before a devouring and consuming Fire VI. So the Wicked are not able to stand before the dreadful and angry God For while they be folden together as Thorns Nah. 1.10 and whilst they are drunken as Drunkards they shall be destroyed as Stubble fully dry Isa 27.4 Who would saith God set the Briars and Thorns against me in Battel I would go through them I would burn them together Inferences IS it not a strange and marvellous thing that God's People are no more scratch'd and prick'd with these troublesom Thorns considering what a Multitude of them are amongst us 2. It may caution all true Christians how they meddle with these pricking Thorns 3. It shews the Folly of the Wicked who strive with the Almighty and set themselves in Battel against Him who is a consuming Fire and they but Thorns and Briars or like Stubble fully dry Wicked Men compared to Mountains Isa 41.15 Thou shalt thresh the Mountains and beat thm small c. Isa 2.14 Vpon all high Mountains that are lifted up
or if they escape an immediate Stroak in the very Act of Sin yet they are pursued by God's just Judgment that followeth them and will overtake them at last VIII Thieves when taken would fain make an escape nay if they are not held by strong Hand 's they will get loose and run away So Wicked Men when God's Hand is upon them how fain would they make an escape when Adam fell in with the Tempter to rob God of his Honour it is said he hid himself among the Trees of the Garden Guilt made him fly and what pitiful Shifts do all old Adam's Children make to exâ—use their Sins Or if they cannot make excuse then they seek out ways to escape if possible Some say their Sins are not so great as others others say they were drawn in and inticed others that God is merciful and they doubt not but he will pardon them others fly to the goodness of their Hearts some to seeming Repentance saying God forgive me c. But what ever way they take till they are truly converted they are holden by the Cords of their own Sins and they shall not escape nor can get out of God's Hand but must answer for all their Wickedness at their utmost peril IX Some Thieves are so impudent that they will adventure to rob in the day time let who will look on being too strong for the Standers-by So some Wicked Men are so impudent that they will adventure to rob their innocent Neighbours of their Goods in a publick manner in the day-time as many of the Papists have served the poor Protestants in former times in divers Nations and pretended they had Law for what they did X. Some are great Thieves and therefore called the Captains of the Thieves under whose Conduct and Direction the lesser Thieves do rob and steal So some Wicked Men are so notorious in Wickedness that they lead the Van as it were and are not only examples to others of inventing new coined Oaths and sinful Fashions and Customs but do command or lay some kind of force upon such who are under their Power to be as Wicked as themselves else they turn them off as not fit to do them Service Pro. 29.12 as it is written If a Ruler hearken to Lies all his Servants are wicked that is he will so discountenance and discourage Truth and honest Dealing that none but Lyers and Wicked Persons can live with him XI Some Thieves are so merciless they steal and carry all away that People have So some Persecutors have been so void of pity and humanity that they have took all away which some Godly People had even their very Beds from under them XII There are some sacrilegious Thieves such as rob Churches and steal away those things that are set a-part for Divine Worship So some Wicked Men are Robbers of the Church of God by taking away his holy Institutions and setting their Inventions in the room thereof such are the Romish Crew c. Christ tells us that such who come not in by the Door but climb up some other way are Thieves and Robbers nay if it were possible the Great Thief the Pope and his Accomplices would have robbed us of the Bible and the true Religion nay of the true Church it self however they with all that adhere to them have robbed many hundreds nay thousands of her true and faithful Members both of their Goods Lives and Liberties for the which they must givâ— an account at the great Day XIII Thieves are so opposite to honest Men that they by all means avoid their Company and Society if possible when they know them So Wicked Men known and discovered to be so are not at all fit Company for the Godly nay the Godly are commanded to avoid them and to have no fellowship with them so far as possible they may however if in Civil Things there be some kind of Necessity to buy and sell with them yet their Sin in that or any other way is to be hated and departed from nay if a Man hath been a Professor of Godliness and turn to be a Wicked Man with such a one the Godly are to have no intimacy 1 Cor. 5. that he may be ashamed XIV Thieves know by-ways and are acquainted with such Places where they may accomplish their Designs not only as to Secrecy but Security So Wicked Men do acquaint themselves with by-ways and therefore called the way of the Wicked Let the Wicked forsake his way Isa 55.5 Psal 1.2 c. Blessed is the Man that walketh not in the way of the Vngodly c. Joseph's Mistress made use of her Skill in the way of the Wicked when she attempted to rob him of his Chastity for there was 1. Privacy none saw 2. Secrecy none knew and 3. Opportunity which he might now without fear of Shame make use of and there is not a Wicked Fornicator in the World but would have owned it as his way and have chosen it too as a fit Opportunity But Blessed Joseph walked not in this way he knew that nothing could be so private nor be kept so secret but the All-seeing Eye of God can see it and will bring it to Light XV. Thieves are sometimes taken and committed to Prison there to be kept safe till the general Assize or time of Trial and then are brought forth tryed and condemned many times to die and soon after executed So Wicked Men are taken by Death and committed to the Grave and there they are held fast till the day of the Resurrection and last Judgment or great Assize where they shall be tryed and give an account of all their Wickedness done in the Body against whom Jesus Christ will proceed in a way of Justice and being arraigned and indicted for all their Wickedness Thefts and Robberies shall be found Guilty by good Evidence by the Law of God Conscience and Nature and being so found Guilty Mat. 25. ult shall receive the just Sentence of Hell Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels with a Go ye Cursed Disparity THieves can but rob and steal such things as are common to Men But Wicked Men rob God and cheat themselves of their own immortal Souls as hath been shewed II. Thieves endeavour to hide themselves and are not willing to be known But Wicked Men commit their Wickedness publickly and matter not who seeth them they declare their Sin as Sodom and hide it not they are not ashamed to commit their Wickedness in the very Face of the Sun III. Thieves oft-times spare the Poor and let them pass but seize upon such as are Rich But Wicked Men regard neither Poor nor Rich if they are Godly nay the Poor of this World tho Rich in Faith are mostly in their Eye to be made a spoil robbed and ruined by them IV. Some Thieves after they have received the just Sentence of Death from which they cannot escape yet do repent of their Wickedness and receive
another Angel saying Babylon is fallen is fallen that Great City because she made all Nations drink of the Wine of the Wrath of her Fornication REV. 16.19 And great Babylon came in remembrance before God to give unto her the Cup of the Wine of the Fierceness of his Wrath. REV. 17.5 And upon her Forehead was a Name written MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS or Fornications AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH REV. 18.1 2. And after these things I saw another Angel come down from Heaven And he cry'd mightily with a strong Voice saying Babylon the Great is fallen is fallen and is become the Habitation of Devils and the Hold of every unclean Spirit and a Cage of every unclean and hateful Bird c. IN the handling of this great Subject it seems needful to give an Account of the various Opinions that have more or less prâ—sented themselves to the World about it which may be reduced to these four following Heads I. That it is Jerusalem and that for two Reasons 1. Because the Man of Sin or last Beast that is to head this Babylon is set forth by St. Paul to sit in the Temple of God shewing himself to be a God 2 Thess 2.4 Rev. 11.8 2. Because this City where the Beast reigns and shall slay the Witnesses is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt where our Lord was crucified II. That it is the Turkish Empire or Power of the Saracens which Mr. Mede somewhat touches and in a brief way most learnedly argues against in his third Book pag. 644 645. III. That it is indeed Rome the Seat of the fourth or last Empire but Rome in its Heathen State under the idolatrous and persecuting Emperors So the Rhemists would have it if there be a Necessity to fix upon Rome to be this Apocalyptical or Mystery Babylon For this Opinion the present Romanists have no better Advocate than Dr. Hammond who hath done very worthily at other Turns See his Annotations upon the 17th Chapter of the Apocalypse IV. That it is the present Power and Church of Rome who under pretence of the most high and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction doth influence and govern the Secular Power and State of Kingdoms Of this last Opinion were the ancient Waldenses who felt the bloody Power of Rome venting it self in most horrid and barbarous Cruelties against them and that for a long Series of Time as appears by our most Authentick Ancient and Modern Writers who give a very ample Account of the great Persecution of Christians for many hundred Years last past in all Parts of the Christian World where they have had Power To which Opinion of the Waldenses most of our modern Protestant Divines agree of which we shall mention only Cartwright Fulk the worthily admired and Learned Mede not forgetting famous Du Moulin of France as may be seen in their Works at large But because we will not take Things upon Trust nor refer the Reader to many Quotations which he may want Books and Time to satisfy himself about it appears needful that we remove the Objections with as much Brevity as possible before we state the Metaphor and run the Parallel Now that Babylon in all these New-Testament Texts cannot be fairly applied to Jerusalem the Turks and Saracens nor terminate in the Heathenish State of Rome we offer these following Considerations or Arguments I. It cannot be meant the City Jerusalem 1. Because Jerusalem did not reign over the Kings of the Earth in St. John's time when he saw this Vision and wrote the Revelation which this City Babylon is expresly said to do Rev. 17.18 And the Woman which thou sawest is that great City which reigneth over the Kings of the Earth Jerusalem having been not only under Captivity divers times before but were then entirely under the Power of the Roman Yoke as the whole History of the Gospel doth confirm and themselves did most plainly confess We have no King but Caesar John 19.15 2. Jerusalem was never in so high esteem with the Beast as to be capable to ride as Queen-Regent upon him as this Woman Whore or City is said to do And the Angel said unto me Wherefore didst thou marvel I will tell thee the Mystery of the Woman and the Beast that carrieth her which hath the seven Heads and ten Horns Rev. 17.7 Rev. 17.7 compared with Vers 3. So he carried me away in the Spirit into the Wilderness and I saw a Woman sit upon a Scarlet-coloured Beast full of Names of Blasphemy having seven Heads and ten Horns For by the Woman sitting and Beast carrying is undoubtedly signified Influence Power and Dominion which Jerusalem was far remote from not only under the Roman Monarchy but also under the three Kingdoms that went before it viz. the Babylonian Grecian and Persian as might be largely illustrated both out of Sacred and Humane History 3. Jerusalem did not sit upon many Waters which is interpreted to be People Nations and Tongues that is had not Command or Dominion over them as this Woman Rev. 17.15 Whore or City is said to have And he saith The Waters which thou sawest where the Whore sitteth are Peoples and Multitudes and Nations and Tongues The whole Land of Judea being under Tribute to the Roman Government at that time And it came to pass in those Days Luke 2.1 that there went out a Decree from Caesar Augustus that all the World should be taxed Verse 4. and particularly Galilee Nazareth Judea and the City of David called Bethlehem 4. Jerusalem was not capable to enchant and bewitch all the Nations round about her either by her Religion and Doctrine or by great Gifts and Rewards 1. Because the Roman Power kept her under and much in awe on the one hand not owning nor subscribing to her Religion 2. The Christian Doctrine and Religion block'd up her Way on the other hand that she could not extend her Influence to either neighbouring or remote Nations as this Woman Whore or City is said to do For thy Merchants were the great Men of the Earth for by thy Sorceries were all Nations deceived Rev. 18.23 5. Jerusalem tho she were guilty of much Blood from the beginning of her Excellency and Glory in Solomon's Time killing Prophets even all that were sent unto her murthered John Baptist and our Lord and Saviour as also the blessed Martyr St. Stephen yet in her could not be found that great Mass of Blood that was shed and Myriads of Christian Saints that have been barbarously murthered by Massacre and publick Martyrdom since they were ruined and destroyed by Titus Vespasian which we find positively charged upon this City Babylon Rev. 17.6 And I saw the Woman drunk with the Blood of Saints and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus and I wondered with great Admiration as indeed well he might as shall be shewn Rev. 19 24. And in her was found the Blood of Prophets and of
Christ and the Things of Religion of which Justice and Charity Holiness and Compassion are not the least Part and yet under this Vizard and in the very time of these Pretensions perpetrate the greatest and most unparallel'd Villanies in the World 1. In being the Top of Pride 2. In committing palpable Idolatry 3. Fill themselves with Excess and Drunkenness 4. To curse swear and blaspheme the very Name they profess to be sacred 5. To cast down the Truth burn the Bible deface the holy Books and Laws of God 6. To assume not only a Power to dispense with Violations of the highest Nature but to pardon and forgive them at pleasure 7. To commit Adultery and account it a venial Crime 8. To break Covenants drive a Trade in Perjury forswear every thing they are justly charged with and is fully proved against them 9. To foment Wars and Broils in every Kingdom and Country where they have Power contrive the Ruine of Towns and Places Cities Countries and Kingdoms by Fire Sword and most cruel Devastations 10. To slaughter kill and barbarously murther both Men Women and Children even all that dare make a shew of Conscience and Religion so far as to abhor and dissent from these Villanies This is such a Scheme of Religion and Systeme of Divinity to come from an Apostle a Shepherd a Vicar and Successor of Christ from a Church Sheep Saints and the pretended Followers of the meek peaceable and innocent Jesus who taught altogether otherwise by his Doctrine and Example that it might well be wondred at and is the strangest Mystery that ever appeared of which we challenge the whole World to shew the like in the Turks and Saracens For Men to swear lie and forswear themselves and yet be true Men to contrive Rebellion Murther and Treason and yet be as innocent as the Child unborn to be elevated to the highest Pinacle of Pride even above Emperors and Kings above Jesus Christ and God his Father and yet be humble and lowly To commit gross Idolatry and yet be the Servants of the Living God To be filled with and make a Trade of Excess and Drunkenness and yet be the Paterns and Standards of Sobriety and Temperance To cast down the Truth to the Ground deface the Laws of God and burn the Scriptures and yet be the true Witnesses to it To forgive Sins and yet be the greatest of Sinners themselves To commit Fornication and Adultery and yet be spotless and pure in Heart To foment Wars and Broils in every Kingdom and Country where they have Power to contrive the Ruine of Towns and Places Cities Countries and Kingdoms by Fire Sword and cruel Devastations and yet be as harmless as Doves to all Mankind the only Sons of Peace and Quietness To slaughter kill and barbarously murther Men Women and Children that dare not be so wicked as themselves and yet to be full of Mercy tender Pity and Compassion an Apostle Shepherd Vicar and Successor of the meek and Lamb-like Saviour And for the dear Consort of this impious Head or Man of Sin to be not only confederate with him but a Principal in all these unparallel'd Villanies and most butcherly and rapacious Murthers and yet be the Holy Catholick Church of God the pure and spotless Spouse of Jesus Christ the true Sheep the harmless Lambs the best of Saints and close Followers of the Lord Jesus who always taught the contrary by his holy Doctrine and meek Example We say these Things not being found by secret Search but are written in Capital Letters upon her Forehead appear in open view to be read by every one that is not wilfully blind Let any one shew us a greater Mystery in the World than this and we will subscribe to it 4. It cannot be the Turks because they are not the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth which this Babylon is said to be Rev. 17.5 And upon her Forehead was a Name written MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH And here we demand in excuse to the Turks this one Thing From whence did proceed the Murthers Massacres and Martyrdoms of all the Religious Professors of Christianity that have died by violence in the Christian World for the space of twelve hundred Years last past And from what People did proceed those horrid Oaths Blasphemies and Execrations that the World hath wofully been acquainted with most horrid and strangely astonishing to repeat Came these unparallel'd Degrees of Impiety from the Turks from the Waldensians Lutherans Calvinists or any Non-conforming Protestants No no. Why whose Language then is it Whose Why 't is the Language of the Beast of the bottomless Pit and bloody Whore who bare these blasphemous Sons of her own Body daily nourishes them at her Breast and strengthens them in their sinful Courses by accounting them the Sons the precious Sons of Sion the true Sons of the Catholick Church the Darlings of Heaven the beloved Ones of the Virgin Mary and giving them Pardons for these bold and Heaven-daring Sins as often as they do commit them and come to ask Pardon for them so that Sin and Pardon is as constant and common with them as Breathing and Eating And these Things are done to seal and confirm Lies which is the more heavy heinous and prodigious For if Men may lie by allowance may kill and shed innocent Blood without Controul of Conscience and Church-Censures may swear and blaspheme and challenge God himself to damn them may burn Men for Religion consume Cities to Ashes conspire the Death of Kings the Ruine and Overthrow of Kingdoms whore and murther Infants and yet be accounted a Church the Members and Parts of it called Saints holy Children and Sons of the Most High God Then may we claim a Patent and take a License to change the Name of all Things and alter all the Idea's of the Minds of Men call and account Beelzebub a good God and all his black Tribe the pure Saints of the Most High call the lower Regions of Blackness and Darkness to which he is confin'd the Heaven of Glory and eternal Light Of which Things we ought in Justice to clear the Turks until Witnesses of undoubted Credit shall come forth and evidence that the Turkish State is the Mother of as great Abominations as these are 5. And lastly The Turks cannot be Mystery Babylon because they never were made drunk with the Blood of the Saints and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus which this Woman Mystery Babylon is expresly said to be Rev. 17.6 And I saw the Woman drunk with the Blood of the Saints and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus and I wondred with great admiration Now let any Man shew such Bloodshed Saints Bloodshed by Massacres and Martyrdom for the professing of Christianity which must be if the Text be answered in that Clause Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus by the Turks either within their Dominions or
only a Woman and a City but a very evil Woman and a City of Confusion There is the Name of the Lamb much spoken of but his Doctrine undervalued and slighted his Laws trampled upon and violated his Example not regarded for Imitation either by the Bishop himself his Cardinals or inferior Orders having his Humility and Self-denial only in Words like those the Apostle speaketh of that in Words profess God but in Works deny him For under this verbal Humility here is the greatest Pride in the World under this verbal Meekness and Self-denial the greatest Oppression and Cruelty Covetousness and Love of the World as appears by their pompous Garbs their cruel Punishments and the vast Sums of Money brought in from all parts of their Dominion by Sleights and cunning and deceitful Cheats Besides a meer Hodg-podg of Principles one Order or Fraternity professing that which another writes against and cries down which is the more strange to come from a Church infallible Besides the strange Mixtures in their visible Worship of Traditions and human Inventions of lying and diabolical Tricks of blessing by a Cross consecrating holy Water and cleansing by it which are too numerous and tedious to relate and the less needful because every Man that hath seen their Ways hath an imperfect Book of it in his own Mind and can read the Truth of what we say within himself And let any People in the Christian World pretending to Religion be compared to them for supernumerary trifling and insignificant Ceremonies crouded into their pretended Worship nay let all the People in the Christian World be laid in the Ballance against the Church of Rome in this respect and they will be found inconceivably wanting for which we have this Reason to judg her to be Babylon and the City of Confusion If there is more Confusion in Contrariety of Principles Practices contradicting Pretensions crouding in Supernumeraries and Mysteries of Unscriptural Inventions into visible Worship in Rome Papal or the Church of Rome than is to be found amongst any or all People pretending Religion in the Christian World besides Then is Rome Papal or the Church of Rome the great Babylon or City of Confusion But there is more Confusion in the forementioned Respects to be found in Rome Papal or the Church of Rome than in any or all People pretending Religion in the Christian World besides Ergo c. IV. Babylon is not only a Woman and a City a City of Confusion but she is a Whore which is a strange Word to be applied to a great and famous People a Word that carries in it one of the highest Impeachments but no other than was given to Israel Isa 57.3 16.17 Hos 4. 5.3 Judah and Jerusalem in the Days of old upon a very good Reason for they being joined in Covenant with God to serve him in Obedience and Subjection did like to an adulterous Woman break Wedlock and set up other Lovers or Idols in his stead Ezek. 16.38 Hos 1.9 2.2 5. and continued so a long time till a Bill of Divorce was given and God proclaimed them not married to him as his Wife but a Whore and divorced yet it is observable that they used his Name tho they worshipped Idols and cried The Temple of the Lord the Temple of the Lord are we IV. Rome Papal or Church of Rome is not only a Woman and a City a City of Confusion but according to Scripture-History and notorious Matter of Fact she is a Whore also and may be justly so called for in the Apostles Time she joined her self to the Lord by firm Ties of a Gospel-Govenant and Profession and was the renowned Spouse of the Son of God owned and profess'd him in the Time of Heathenism received the Apostles and Servants of God amongst them withstood the Fury of the Emperors suffered Persecution had their Faith spoken of throughout the whole World and yet after all this like Israel of old she left God and his holy Laws made Idols to her self of Saints Angels Reliques and Images upon which she doted and forsook the Son of God upon the working and appearance of the Man of Sin who exalted himself into the place of Christ and became her Head by which means she is so far degenerated from what she once was that she retains nothing holds fast nothing of what really appertains to true Godliness but the bare Names of God and Jesus Christ having corrupted the true Worship of the Son of God her first Husband and notoriously abandoned Obedience to him taking this vile Person to be her Head and chief Guide and setting him in the Place of and Dignity above her first Head and true Guide of her Youth and yet like Israel of old still cries The true Church the Catholick Church the Mother-Church are we having on her Forehead a strange Mystery written i. e. God Christ Truth Verity Infallibility and next to this there lies nearest her Heart Devil Pope Lying Deceit Perjury Idolatry and horrible Cruelty towards the best of Men professing Christ and Religion in Uprightness and Truth For which Change of her first Head Husband and Guide of her Youth for this vile Person with which she commits most abominable Lewdness together with the Kings of the Earth she is ranked by the Angel amongst the worst of Women and stiled as her Type and Predecessor of olâ— a well-favoured Harlot or of the Angel a Woman a City and notorious Whore which ill and black Characters we conclude with this Argument If there be no Body of professing People in the Christian World that hath so apparently deâ—lined or adulterated from what they once were deserted the holy Doctrine Example and right Government of Jesus Christ and set up another visible and publick Head of the Church in room and stead of him whose Power and Laws are preferred above and before the Authority and Laws of the Lord Jesus as Rome Papal or Church of Rome hath done Then Rome Papal or Church of Rome is this Whore spoken of But there is no Body of professing People in the Christian World that hath so apparently declined or adulterated or deserted the holy Doctrine Example or right Government of Christ ut suprà Ergo Rome Papal or Church of Rome is this Whore spoken of To reinforce this Argument let it be shewed by any Man that any People different from the Church of Rome hath made such a Change in point of Religion and Headship and Matters thereto pertaining so as that this black Character of Whore can more fitly and fully be made to meet upon them and we must confess our Argument not weighty but till then we conclude it carries Conviction in the Bowels of it V. Babylon this Woman this City of Confusion this Whore is a very great Woman City and Whore And the great City was divided Rev. 16.19 Chap. 17.18 chap. 18.10 Verse 16. And the Woman which thou sawest is that great City
sight than that II. A Vomit is cast up sometimes by reason of the Sickness of the Stomach So a Christian being very sick of his Sin casts it up or vomits it out by Repentance III. Some Men finding themselves oppressed by means of some Obstructions or by reason of the Foulness of their Stomachs take something to make them vomit to free themselves of that which otherwise may endanger their Health if not their Lives So a Christian being sensible of internal Obstructions and Pollutions of his inward Man takes a fit Antidote of Christ's preparing by which means he vomits up the Filth and Pollution of his Heart and Life and thereby attains a healthy Soul and flourishes in Godliness IV. Some Men on a sudden are made to vomit by eating something that offends or agrees not with their Stomachs So many Sinners by hearing of a Soul-searching Sermon and by the Rebukes and continual Gnawings of their own Consciences vomit up some of the Sins of their Lives but in a little time they grow more sick of Religion than ever they were of their Sins and so with the Dog they lick up their old Vomit again i. e. turn to their former Ways of Sin and Error V. What is more hateful or causeth greater Shame than to see a Man wallow in his own filthy Vomit So 't is hateful to see a wicked and an ungodly Apostate who hath turned his Back upon Christ and his Ways wallowing in all his former Sins and brutish Lusts Inference Let this teach us to hate Sin and Apostacy Sin an Vncleanness Ezek. 36.29 From all your Vncleannesses c. Zech. 13.1 In that day there shall be a Fountain opened to the House of David and to the Inhabitants of Jerusalem for Sin and for Vncleanness Eph. 4.19 To work all Vncleanness c. SIN is compared to an unclean thing and Man by reason of Sin is said to be defiled who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean the Hebrew Tama as Mr. Caryl observes comes near the Word Contaminatum which is used by the Latines for Uncleanness and it speaks the greatest Uncleanness Pollution Sordidness and Filthiness imaginable as of Habit Goar of Blood the Muddiness of Water or whatsoever is loathsome or unlovely noisom or unseemly such an Uncleanness is Sin Note Sin is an unclean thing They who see the Face of Sin in the Glass of the Law see it the most ugly and deformed Object in the World If Vertue could be seen she would attract all Eyes to her and ravish all Hearts to behold her Vertue is an invisible Beauty so if Sin could be seen all Eyes would turn away from it and all Hearts loath it Sin is an invisible Deformity The Spirit of God doth as it were strive for Comparisons to set out the ugliness of Sin it is compared to the Blood and Pollution of wretched new-born Infants Ezek. 16. Rom. 3.13 Isa 1.5 6. Jam. 1.27 to the Corruption and Putrefaction of a rotten Sepulchre to the Scum of a Seething-Por to loathsome stinking and putrifying Sores to the superfluity of Naughtiness to the Leprosy c. all these Comparisons shew forth the ugliness of Sin but alas 't is filthy beyond compare Parallels SOme things are so unclean and filthy that they defile every thing they touch Sin is such an Uncleanness who can touch it meddle with it and not be defiled by it 't is an infectious Uncleanness as Good is so much the better by how much the more it is diffusive so Sin is so much the worse by how much it is the more infectious and diffusive Sin is diffusive two ways 1. By Propagation from Adam to all his Posterity 2. By way of Imitation II. Some things are full of Uncleanness they abound in Filth and Pollution such a Defilement and Uncleanness is Sin it is not in one Part only but in and upon the whole Man it goes quite through there is not the least part free from Head to Heel Caryl They are all gone out of the way and become vile vile all over There is a double universality of this Uncleanness 1. It defiles all Men. 2. All of Man not one Man in the World but is unclean by Sin and not one part in Man but is unclean view him in his Understanding Will Judgment Memory Affection Conscience Eyes Hands Tongue Feet all parts of the Body and Powers of the Soul are unclean III. Some Uncleanness is active prevailing and powerful it encreaseth and grows worse and worse and defiles and pollutes more and more such an Uncleanness is Sin Man is unclean as he comes into the World but this Uncleanness grows and prevails more and more upon him by actual Sin he becomes worse and worse and is more defiled every day it strives to captivate and bring the Souls of all Men under the defiling Power and Pollution of it Rom. 7.23 IV. Some Uncleanness is so loathsome that it causes such things to stink as come near it Sin makes the Sinner stink his Person stink his Life stink and his Services and Prayers and all his best Actions to stink in the Nostrils of God Prov. 15.8 The Sacrifices of the Wicked are an Abomination to the Lord. V. Some Uncleannesses are inward hidden obscure appear not to the external Eyes Sin is not a Spot in the Garment or visible Pollution in the Face or rottenness in the Flesh tho that 's bad and sometimes the effects of this Uncleanness but it is rottenness in the Heart all a Man's Intrals are as it were corrupted Man as you heard and every part of Man is defiâ—ed and yet externally this uncleanness doth not appear the Sinner seems as beautiful and comely to the outward Eyes as other Men this Uncleanness is internal As Saints internally are glorious and beautiful so Sinners internally are foul filthy and deformed their Heart Tit. 1.15 Liver and Conscience is defiled Disparity WHat Pollution and Filth is so fixed and abiding that all the Nitre and Fuller's Soap in the World cannot wash it off nor the hottest Fire purify purge it out or consume it But such an Uncleanness and Pollution is Sin that all the Water in the mighty Ocean cannot wash it out nay could a Man bathe himself in bâ—inish Tears of godly Contrition Jer. 2.22 it will not cleanse or take away the Filth of his Transgression Tho thou wash thee with Nitre and take unto thee much Soap yet thy Iniquity is markâ—d before me saith the Lord. All the Fire of Hell cannot burn it out Hell-Fire shall never as saith Mr. Caryl consume this Filth those who are not purged in this Life shall never be purged in the next The Wicked shall ever be in punitive Flames but shall not find as Papists dream any purgative Flames the Fire and Brimstone of Hell shall never fetch this Uncleanness out of the Damned II. What Uncleanness and abominable Filth and Pollution is ensnaring Men and Women are
stubborn and mischievous many of them while they seem to have a great zeal for Religion secretly care not what hurt they do to God's Vineyard contriving means how they may undo and ruine the Godly in the Land III. The Goats are a stinking and unclean sort of Creatures there is no Creature saith Gesnar See Topsel out of Gesner that smelleth so strongly as doth a Male Goat by reason of the immoderate Lust which this Creature is exceedingly prone and addicted to above others III. So Wicked Men are unclean filthy and loathsome in the sight of God by reason of their abominable and most beastly Lusts and Uncleannesses Rom. 1.26 27. being given horribly to Fornication Adultery Incest c. From whence cometh the Proverb of those Men that have a strong scent about them that they stink like a Goat IV. A Goat is said to be a very greedy and devouring sort of Creature Pag. 198. for as Dr. Franzius reports that that Field or Pasture that will feed a thousand Sheep will not be enough for a hundred Goats IV. So some Wicked Men are of a very covetous and greedy Disposition not being contented with a small Portion of worldly good things for tho they have some hundreds nay thousands by the Year yet are still craving after more not being satisfied with what they have of their own but also strive to possess themselves of that which is their Neighbours desiring like Wicked Ahab Naboth's Vineyard So that that Portion or Estate which will satisfy and comfortably maintain a thousand Families of good Christians is too little for one of them such is their covetous and greedy Appetite V. Goats feed and lye down with Sheep yet sometimes the Shepherd separates them one from the other V. So tho some Wicked and Hypocritical Persons accompany with the Lord's People and seem to feed lye down with them yet at last the Lord Jesus will separate the one from the other as a Shepherd separates the Sheep from the Goats Simile Disparity GOats are useful some poor People are much supplyed by them both for Meat and Milk BUt some Wicked Men are not only of no use to either poor or rich nay many of them are not only worse than Goats but worse than Infidels so far from relieving others as that they provide not for those of their own Houshold II. Goats have been made use of in the time of the Law for Sacrifice and were also used as clearly typifying Jesus Christ See Ainsworth on Levit. 16.5 8 15. II. But Wicked Men are an abomination to the Lord their very Persons as well as their Sacrifices are detestable no use at all made of them in any part of God's Worship but are excluded therefrom till by hearing the Word they Repent and turn to God and so become the Sheep of Christ Inferences AS this may call aloud to Wicked Men to consider the sad and loathsome Estate they are in so in a special manner it doth reprove all such that like Goats feed and lye down with Christ's Flock and yet are still but Goats and as they so abide they will be found at the left hand of Christ in the day of his appearing to Judgment when they shall be separated so as never to have the Company of the Sheep of Christ more Mat 25.41 and then shall he say unto them on the left Hand Depart from me ye cursed into the everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Wicked Men compared to Thieves Jer. 7.11 Mat. 21.13 Isa 1.23 Rev. 9.21 A Thief 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fur Mat. 6.19 20. 24.43 Joh. 10.8 10. 12.6 he that stealeth cunningly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so a Thief was named of old or as if it were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of carrying or taking away 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Latro Mat. 21.13 26.65 27.38 44. a Robber In what respect Wicked Men may be fitly compared to Thieves take as followeth Parallels SOme are Thieves from their Childhood they begin betimes to steal and rob So the Ungodly begin betimes to be Wicked they are said to go astray from the Womb telling Lies and are by Nature prone to all manner of Sin and Wickedness hereby depriving God of that Honour Fear and Reverence that belongs to him II. Thieves love not the day lest they should be discovered but are busy and active in the Night So Wicked Men hate the Light They love Darkness rather than Light Joh 3.19 because their Deeds are Evil. III. Thieves run many Hazards and Dangers venture their Lives to accomplish their Designs So Wicked Men run great Hazards and Dangers venture not only the Life of their Bodies but of their Souls also to fulfil their Designs and wicked Purposes IV. Thieves are a great Terrour to honest Men they put many in fear So some Wicked and Ungodly Men are a great Trouble Grief and Terrour to those who are Godly how was the Soul of righteous Lot vexed with the filthy Conversation of the Sodomites 1 Pet. 2.7 V. Thieves greatly abuse rob and wrong others not only such as are of their own Rank and Quality but sometimes set upon and rob Persons in Authority the Judg nay and Prince himself hath been sometimes robbed and abused by Thieves Did not Tho. Blood but few Years since steal the King's Crown So Wicked Men greatly abuse their Neighbours they do often take away the good Name of such who truly fear God and sometimes attempt their Chastity c. This is not all they do not only thus endeavour to rob Men such who are poor Mortals like themselves but they rob God and that many ways 1. They rob him of his Glory And 2. Of their own Strength and Flower of their Age which belongs to him 3. They rob him of their Hearts and Affections and place it upon the World and their own base Lusts 4. They rob him of their precious Time and squander it away in a foolish and idle manner upon their Lusts nay hath not that Man of Blood I mean the Pope robbed Jesus Christ of his Crown and Royal Diadem doth he not assume that Power and Head-ship to himself that only belongs to the Prince of the Kings of the Earth VI. Thieves oft-times Kill as well as Steal and Kill in Stealing so that they make thâ—mselves guilty of Murder as well as of Theft So Wicked and Ungodly Men by their Ungodly and Sinful Lives makes themselves guilty of the breach of the whole Law of God by adding Sin to Sin and multiplying their Wickedness and so transgress not only in one but in every Point and thereby wilfully murder their own Souls and many times kill and destroy their innocent Neighbours too VII Thieves are sometimes taken in the Fact or by Pursuit are apprehended and laid Hands on that they may answer the Law in that Case made and provided So Wicked Men are sometimes taken in their Wickedness by the Hand of God