In the Apostles time there was no praying in an vnknowne tongue there as now there is hee flatly condemneth it 1. Cor. 14. 1. Cor. 14 2 In the Apostles time the people were not forbid to read the scriptures as now they are the Beraeans are commended for it Acts 17.11 Act. 17.11 and Timothy was brought vp in them from a child 2. Tim. 3.15 2. Tim. 3.15 3 In the Apostles time Mariage was honourable among all men Heb. 13.4 Heb. 13.4 and Peter himselfe had a wife Luke 4.38 Luke 4.38 Math. 8.14 Math. 8.14 But now a Concubine is fitter for a Priest then a wife and disgracefully they speake of the Ministers of reformed Churches because they marrie for which by the way Epist ad Ocean they may be answered as S. Ierome answered a dissolute adulterer that condemned Carterius a married Bishop For vs it is written Mariage is honourable among all men Col. 2.18 Reu. 21 8 9 and the bed vndefiled but for them it is added whoremongers adulterers God will iudge 4 In the Apostles time they worshipped none but God now Angels Saints Images â— Cor. 11.25.28 5 In the Apostles time they had the Communion in both kindes all the Lords people both eat and drunke at the Lords Table according to the order appointed by the Lord of the Sacrament now only a little wâ—fer is pop't by the Priest into their mouthes but to drinke of the sacramentall cup they are not allowed In these and many other things there 's great difference betweene the old Romaâ—e Church and the present Wherefore it remaineth that the scripture is the only sure infallible rule that we can trust to For 1. There wee are sure is no error 2. There is no opposition but a sweet harmony betweene Moses and the Prophets Christ and the Apostles 3. That is euer the same without any alteratioÌ„ though Churches vary that is euer the same 4. Whereas it may be more questionable which is the Church whether the Greek or Latine or Protestant euery one challeÌ„ging the name That the scripture is the Word of God is out of question amongst vs and all agree that that conteineth the Truth and nothing but the Truth And therefore let vs walke by this rule it is wisdome for vs to make that the onely rule of our faith and to cleaue fast thereunto it is the safest course to preserue vs from error and so many as walke after this rule Gal. 6.16 peace shall be vpon them and mercie and vpon the Israel of God And hitherto of the counsel of the Apostle tending to vnity Now of the maine exhortation to vvhich the former vvas but subordinate Bee of one minde or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Minde one thing which as appeareth by the former verses is rather to bee referred to the iudgement then to the affection For he desired before their consent in opinion and still hee vrgeth the same thing hee sawe there was difference amongst them some were in an error of whom notwithstanding he speaketh like himselfe in the spirit of meeknes fauourably charitably hopefully God will reueale Verse 15 yet still calling vpon them to leaue their priuate opinions and to ioine with the Church of God in the truth without opposition or dissent Be of one mind Doctrine 3 Our lesson hence is that those of the same faith in Iesus Christ should labour by all meanes to agree in points of religion as there should be correspondency in affection so likewise agreement in iudgement amongst vs. This he most instantly and vehemently perswadeth the Philippians vnto with all sweet termes of loue Cap. 2.1 c. If there be any consolation in Christ Philip. 2.1 if any comfort of loue if any fellowship of the spirit if any bowels and mercies fulfill my ioy that ye be like minded hauing the same loue being of one accord of one minde and 1. Cor. 1.10 â— Cor. 1.10 There 's his most earnest request vnto them for the same The thing there desired is vnity and it is three-fold Verball Reall and Mentall 1. In word That ye speake one thing 2. In deed That there bee no dissensions amongst you 3. In minde That you bee knit together in one minde and in one iudgement Then marke how affectionately he desireth it of them 1. Vsing a lowly obsecration I beseech you 2. A louing compellation Brethren 3. An earnest adiuration by the name of our Lord Iesus Christ I beseech you brethren by the name of our Lord Iesus Christ that yee speake one thing and that there bee no dissentions amongst you but be you knit together in one mind and in one iudgement And in his second Epistle to the same Church Chapter 13. Verse 11. 2. Cor. 13.11 when in conclusion he giueth them the Vale hee giueth them a speciall charge for this to be of one minde and liue in peace All which sheweth that it is a matter of great importance that there should bee concord in iudgement and sure the contrary is of dangerous consequence For first specially when teachers differ in opinion it is an occasion to make vngrounded hearers to start aside and become to bee of no religion Of olde this turned many from the true faith Sozom. lib. 1. cap. 16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the dissonancie and diuersitie of opinions that was amongst learned men was the cause that many would not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 embrace the Christian Religion And such pretences at least haue bin made by some that haue forsaken our Church and proued Romane Proselytes they haue pretended that the hearing of one Preacher to contrary that which another taught was the cause of their turning Now though herein they haue done foolishly not considering that this is not peculiar to our religion but hath euer bin in the Church of God A noble challenge is made them by Dr. White p. 154. where he offereth to proue that there is no point wherein they differ froÌ„ vs but they differ among theÌ„selues and that in the Church of Rome there is great diuersity of opinions as well as in ours yet woe be to them by whom the offence commeth They haue much to answere for that haue giuen the occasion by their opposite doctrine Well this sheweth there had need be great heede how we differ 2. Vpon difference of iudgement ordinarily followeth difference in affection and so contention arising betweene the Pastors much mischiefe must necessarily follow In ancient Churches there haue been prodigious quarrels hereupon Niceph. lib. 14. cap. 47 and sometimes murthers haue been committed as wee may see in Ecclesiasticall Histories And therefore there had need be great care in euery one to maintaine vnity and to forbeare opposition This then is to be applyed against all of what sort so euer that affect singularity in opinion and loue to be in oppositum and so cause diuision and contention The sinne of many
THE ONLY RVLE to walke by Guiding Christs Ministers and all his members how to frame their conuersation in the way to saluation A Sermon preached at a Synod or meeting of Ministers in S. Michaels Church in Couentry the second of October 1615. By S. GIBSON Preacher of the Word and Pastor in the same City GAL. 6.16 As many as walke according to this rule peace be on them and mercy and vpon the Israel of God LONDON Printed by George Purslowe for Ralph Mab and are to be sold in Pauls Church-yard at the signe of the Grey-hound 1616. To the right VVorshipfull Siâ— ROBERT COKE sonne and heire to the right honourable Sir EDVVARD COKE Lord chiefe Iustice of England and to the noble and vertuous Lady the Lady THEOPHILAâ— COKE his Wife SIR WHen I had resolued to publish this Sermon which I lately preached to a mixt Audience and thought whose name 〈◊〉 should vse in the fore-front foâ— protection and countenance of it I considered that to your right Honourable Father I oughâ— most duty who when I was deiected for thâ— losse of two noble Lords both deceased in 〈◊〉 short space which acknowledged me in their life time to supply that want readily at the first motion of a Gentleman a good friend of mine accepted of me and that with sweete words of singular incouragement Since which time as by speciall duty I haue beene bound I haue vs'd his Honors name by his permission and allowance in my publike prayers But fearing in regard of his superexcellent worth and the little value of that which I had now ready to exhibite to him it might be thought too great presumption to present such an vnpolisht piece of worke to his learned eyes I thought it my best way rather to descend from the Father to the Sonne and of all the generation for peculiar respects to single out your selfe with due remembrance of your Honourable Lady It pleased God after your happy marriage â—o place you both for a time in that Religious and well-gouern'd City where I am an vnworâ—hy Preacher and Pastor and there your Honourable Father first accepting of the Recordership in his loue to the Citie and in the good opinion he had of the inhabitants for Religion your selfe also tooke an affection to the people and their loue being reciprocall to you againe you soone became euen a member of the Corporation and were elected to be a Parliament-man vnanimi consensu And for the time you there continued thanks be to God many had comfort of you The poore hauing great reliefe at your doore through your Christian bounty and all sorts good example by your diligent frequenting of the publique exercises both vpon the Sabaoth and the weeke-dayes And though my charge lay in another Parish yet it pleased you both to take the paines to be partakers also of my poore Ministry in the other Church These fruits being found in young beginners haue giuen good hope of your further progresse in the way to life I haue therefore now taken an occasion in all duty to be an exhorter vnto you to this end that ye neuer abate any thing of your loue to GOD and his truth nor suffer your selues to bee withdrawne from the Christian Faith which you haue receiued by any seducers or bad examples which abound in this licentious age But that ye walk on constantly labour to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Iesus knowing that this will bee your only comfort another day when all the world shall not stand you in any stead To prouoke you forward heereunto let me but propound vnto you your Honourable Fathers example whose steps God and Nature bindeth you most to obserue In the Faith no man more sound making the sacred Canon of the Scripture the onely rule of his beliefe and in the exercise of his authority and execution of his great Office and in the course of his life following the holy rules thereof religiously Now as other Ornaments of Art and Nature make him illustrious to them that know him so â—t is remarkable that his religious practices do not any whit eclipse his reputation but make him the more to bee magnified in the sight of good men aboue others of his ranke As Schollers and learned men in all Sciences honour him for those abilities which are most in â—equest with them so for better things the Church of Christ taketh comfort in him the Tribe of Leui blesseth him and the GOD of â—eauen crowneth him with multiplicity of his mercies In the race therefore that you haue to runne Right Worshipfull like a good Sonne follow a good Fathers steps Now let time be precious with you dum vires annique sinunt while strength serueth be studious and industriously labour for knowledge and true wisedome Remember your Creator in the dayes of your youth and serue the GOD of heauen constantly with a perfect heart that the blessings of Wisedomes right hand and left may be vpon you heere and that you may find mercy and saluation in that great Day when neither birth nor blood nor riches nor any worldly priuiledge but onely a good conscience shall be regarded And so I humbly take my leaue praying GOD to knit your hearts firmely one to another and more firmely vnto God that louing and liuing together in his feare for the time you haue to spend in thiâ— world you may both be partakers of the gracâ— of life together in his heauenly Kingdome Your Worships euer to bee commanded in the Lord SAMVEL GIBSON To the READER GOod Reader as hitherto I haue vpoâ— good considerations been bashfulâ— backward to publish any thing iâ— these learned times so neither aâ— I now growne to any setled resolutâ—on to trouble the Presse often with my worthlesse lâ—bours But being of late somewhat earnestly solicâ—ted to bestow one of my Sermons this way I hauâ— for some competent respects condescended to thâ— motion this once If vpon what reasons I haue donâ— it any be desirous to know I will reueale to him 〈◊〉 part what in my owne mind I haue opposed againâ— the discouragements occurring First my owne dâ—fects I acknowledge 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and ingenuousâ— without dissembling and I am not so simple but know the maner of many conceited Youths in thâ— age rashly to giue their disdainfull censures of 〈◊〉 most whatsoeuer commeth to their view yet I 〈◊〉 withall that euen in these times scribimus iâ— â—octi doctique all sermons that come forth are â—ot excellent and though some Readers be curious â—thers are not and euen printed Tractates are â—ot without their operation and therefore who â—noweth whether this by the blessing of God thogh 〈◊〉 be regardless with some may not proue altogether â—ruitlesse to others and howsoeuer the enuious and â—ainer sort may hence take aduantage to carpe and â—eward mee for my paines with nothing but words â—f disgrace yet I expect better measure from betâ—er men and consider withall that
I shall hereby â—aue opportunity to gratifie those friends to whom 〈◊〉 most desire to giue contentment and this hath not â—een of least force to animate and embolden mee to â—hat which I haue done euen in contempt of arroâ—ancy I see also that vnsound members though of â—o credit or worth for learning haue both tongues â—nd pennes against the truth and this hath exciâ—d me the rather thus to diuulge what I haue lateâ— spoken for the truth in the common cause of the â—hurch and of Religion Now if passing abroad â—hrough many hands it find approbation amongst â—hose that be sound hearted orthodoxe I passe not â—r the rash and vniust iudgement of such as be eiâ—her contentious or corrrupt what face soeuer they carry The argument that I haue light vpon is very necessary for these times of any other bee content good Reader with the single and naked truth vndeckt with the ornaments of art The matter being good beare with the manner curious and exact discourses I leaue to our rare preachers that come seldome into the pulpit These I trow may very wel preach euery time in print but of vs it is not to be expected that are exercised so ofteÌ„ weekly throughout the yeer and for my own part as I can haue but little time vsually for any of my ordinary sermons so for this my warning was exceeding short if I should say I had two dayes to prouide for it I might be disproued by some that know the contrary and it falling to my lot altogether vnexpected it gaue impediment to all prouident forecast Yet it pleased God to giue mee some good successe in the deliuery of it and after no small incouragement from thâ— most religious and learned hearers then present Since which time I haue perused my notes and hauâ— added a little in the margent specially Of some it may be it will be contemptibly reiected because 〈◊〉 vse so many quotations of Scripture and so few of Fathers and Schoolemen and other Authors but am of minde that it were good for these that set light by diuine authority in respect of humane that they had lesse learning and more grace For my owne part were my reading and ability sufficient to do it I affect no such course in the Pulpit as they delight in as sauouring too much of the flesh and of no vse to the hearers if by others that distaste any thing but English in a Sermon I be excepted against for that little liberty I haue taken aboue some others I thinke they also are in the extreme and that a meane betweene both these would doe well Freely to deliuer my iudgement and affection touching this matter thus I conceiue as yet That our maine aime being at the glory of God in the administration of his word and our care to that end not to hinder the vnderstanding of the illiterate peoâ—le in that which concerneth them to marke Doubtlesse a man may lawfully haue some respect alâ—o to the learned auditors when the congregation is â—ixt and now and then vse a few words in anoâ—her language which they vnderstand as well as â—imselfe and yet I reuerence those worthy Preaâ—hers that vse to follow their Text and matter â—undly and substancially and profitably though â—hey altogether forbeare what they are well able to â—e in this kind Which way soeuer thou inclinest in thy opinion concerning this point iudge not me I iudge not thee God giue vs all grace that we may euer seeke that for which chiefly we are set on work by our heauenly Master to wit that transgressors may bee taught his wayes and sinners conuerted vnto him and good Christian Reader pray thou for vs that the will of the Lord may prosper in our hands Thine in the Lord Iesus Samuel Gibson The chiefe Points handled in this SERMON 1. That we all owe Canonicall obedience vnto God and are to walke by that rule which he hath giuen vs in his Word 2. That the Canon of the Scripture is the only rule of the Church which Christians are to walke by 3. That there ought to be correspondency in iudgement amongst vs as well as in affection specially amongst Teachers 4 That the liues of Preachers and professors ought to bee answerable to their doctrine and profession and they ought to be examples in all goodnesse The first of these points is applied against all irregular persons that will haue their owne way and not frame themselues to doe what God and Christ Iesus requireth of them The second against our aduersaries of the Church of Rome that magnifie their Church with derogation from the Scripture The third against all that hold paradoxes and affect singular opinions some particulars are touched by name The fourth and last against scandalous Preachers which deliuer good doctrine and giue bad example to their flocke THE ONELY RVLE to walke by PHIL. 3.16.17 Neuerthelesse wherto we haue already attain'd let vs walk by the same rule let vs mind one thing Brethren bee followers together of me and marke them which walke so as yee haue vs for an ensample THe words are exhortatory and the exhortations contained in them are very pertinent to the present assembly the former is to vnanimitie the latter to conformity the first is not barely propounded but withal the way is declared how we may attaine to it Let vs walk by one rule that 's the way to be of one minde and whereas the imperfections of some in comparison of others might be a great meanes to hinder this vnitie and harmony in iudgement some excelling some being farre short of others in knowledge Neuerthelesse saith the Apostle though there bee such difference and some are weake and very defectiue in respect of others yet so farre as we haue attained whether to more or lesse let vs walk orderly by one rule or Canon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 est verâ— militare â—tur mili◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cuÌ„â—e proceâ— iuxta caâ—m sibi ab â—ratore â—xum which is the word of God and doctrine of the Apostles which teacheth vs to aime at the glory of God and the peace of the Church so shall we grow to consent in one and be of one minde To this exhortation to vnanimitie or agreement in opinion he addeth another in the seuenteenth verse to conformitie or imitation of good examples where he maketh himselfe the forme or type 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to which he would haue them conforme yet doth he not propound himselfe alone for an example but hee ioyneth others with him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. whom hee would haue the Philippians to imitate also wherein they walked as hee walked In the first exhortation there are diuers things worthy to bee obserued and considered of of which I desire to speake rather profitably then plausibly Doctrine 1 1. It is remarkable that he requireth walking by rule That we 〈◊〉 Canonicaâ—â—bedience God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and thence
halfes in some things they are content to follow him in other things they will haue their owne way some giuen too much to their pleasures and to the pampering of the flesh passe beyond the bounds of sobrietie and others carryed with passion in cases of wrong are very irregular and will not be kept within compasse by the good rules that our Sauiour hath giuen to all Christians of patience and meekenes Math. 5.39.44 Rom. 12.21 Col. 3.12 but specially in things that concerne their profit we see many professors break square though otherwise of note for Religion Hence much falsehood and deceit in bargaining among those that should giue better example hence Vsurie growne so common though in the * Exod. 22.25 Leuit. 25.37 Deut. 23.19 Psal 15.5 Luke 6.35 Philip. 4.8 Word of God there bee much against it nothing for it and hence sacrilegious withholding of the goods of the Church from the right owners thereof but this cannot stand with that integrity which religion requireth neither will it serue the turne in some things to be conformable and obedient to the lawe of Christ but we are to order our steppes thereafter in all our occasions Wherefore to draâ—â— to a conclusion of this point let all of vs as we would be sure to go the rigâ— way which leadeth to life Psal 119.6 learne to haue due respect to the Canon and rule giuen vs of God in all things in the seruice and worship we perform to God and in our carriage towards all sorts whether superiors or inferiors rich or poore frieâ—â—s or enemies in our words and in our w â—kes in those things that concerne oâ— profit or pleasure as well as in other things in all things let vs haue an eye to thâ— rule which is giuen vs. For he only walketh safely that walketh by rule and hee that followeth his own way Esay 53.6 goeth out oâ— the way out of the way to heauen oâ—t of the way to Euerlasting life And â—hus much for the first point touching â—he Canonical obedience we owe to God Doctrine 2 It is fâ—rther obseruable that the holy Apostlâ— speaketh not of rules but only of one â—ule which hee would haue all to walke by And thence this doctrine ariseth that there is but one rule onely for â—â—e whole Church of Christ and all Châ—istians to follow one rule of faith arâ— one rule of life let vs walke by the same rule And this point is plentifully set forth in Scripture To the lawe and to the testimonies Esa 8.20 Isay 8.20 They haue Moses and the Prophets Luk 16.29 Luke 16.29 and it is written sayth our Sauiour when he contended with Satan Mat. 4.7 Matth. 4.7 and when questions were asked him What is written how readest thou Luke 10.26 Luke 10.26 and wee may not presume aboue that which is written 1. Corin. 4.6 Cor. 4.6 Hence hath the Scripture the honourable title of Canonical appropriated to it and proper it is thereunto to bee giuen by inspiration Tim. 3.16 Pet. 1.21 so that alone is the sure rule that cannot deceiue vs. Neither is there any need of any other rule this is so perfect and complete of it selfe and wil bring the religious follower thereof directly to eternall life â—h 5.39 as 2. Tim. 3.15 Tim 3.15 It is able to make vs wise to saluation and is profitable to teach to improue to correct to instruct in righteousnes that the man of God may be absolute and perfect to euery good work What vse then is there of other rules Let vs walke by the same rule and hence let all be warned to take heed of the false and counterfait rules of our aduersaries which they haue brought in to the dishonour of the diuine Canon and of the author of it Regulae monasticae nihil aliud sunt quam stultae inanes hominum superstitio for uÌ„â— praescriptiones circa res lâ—dicras c. Festus Hom. disp 29. Not to speake of their ridiculous Monasticall rules which seuerall sectes keepe so precisely which are nothing but foolish and vaine prescriptions of superstitious men about idle matters which are aduerse to Gods pure seruice and to Christian liberty That which is most intolerable is that they make the Scripture imperfect and defectiue and so but partialem regulam Bellarm. de verbo Dâ—i noâ— scripto câ—p 12. a piece of a rule and magnifie the Fathers and Councels and Traditions and the Church specially and the Popes definitiue sentence ex cathedra making that to bee the maine infallible rule of Faith But alas if wee should harken to them herein we could neuer be at a certainty for our Faith For 1. As for the Fathers they agree not amongst themselues but are one opposite to another in many things and amongst many Truths haue some great Errors Origen was an Allegorist an vnsound Interpreter Tertullian a a From whoâ— he held that prodigious error against second mariagâ— his argumenâ— answered by Beza de poly Montanist Iustin Martyr a b One that dream'd of a golden worlâ— to continue 1000. yeeres after the resâ—rection whâ— in Christ should reignâ— with the Saiâ— on earth Chiliast or millenary Eusebius halfe an Arrian And others had their seuerall errors And therfore there 's no building vpon them 2 As for Councels they were not only subiect to erre but did erre and of the best and most eminent of them as the 1. Nicen Councel in a point of c Canone 19. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 iubent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Can. 12 proâ—ibent eos reâ—ire ad militiaÌ„ qui cingulum â—biecissent quod est coÌ„tra Luke 3.14 Anabaptisme and another foule Error they had like to haue committed had it not beene for d Absque Paphâ—anxissent nenini Ecclesiaâ—icorum pronissum esse â—ormire cum â—xore quam â—um Laicus esâ—t duxisset â—elas test Paphnutius 3 As for Traditions they are vncertaine many of them are forged and counterfeit as our aduersaries confesse 4 As for Popes their owne stories shew how some of them haue been Haeretikes and how they haue crost one another As what Pope Formosus decreede Pope Stephen the sixt abolished After Iohn the ninth disanulled the acts of Stephen and establisht againe what Pope Formosus had done After Sergius the third disanulleth what Formosus and Iohn had done and reestablished the acts of Stephen Here 's Pope against Pope and one contrary to another Hee were a wise man therefore that would builde his faith vpon the Popes iudgement 5 As for the Church the Catholike Church sometimes is inuisible and as for any particular Church it is subiect to erre and fall away as did Israel where the chaire of Moses was Reuel 2 3 and the Churches of Asia to which the Spirit spake and Christ wrote by his seruant Iohn And as for the Romane Church there 's great difference betweene the olde and the present 1