owned as Apostolical Tradition but what is delivered as such by their Authority which is to leave the Church to the tyranny and usurpation of a corrupt Faction to declare for Apostolicaâ— Tradition any thing which serveth their end and Interest and for which no true historical Evidence is produced Now the unjust and fraudulent practices which they have used to promote this usurpation over the Churches of Christ render them false Men most unfit to be trusted in this kind Partly with respect to the Manner they will have these things to be received pari reverentia pietatis affectu with the same reverence and pious affection with which we receive the Holy Scriptures and so Man's Post is set by God's and unproved Traditions equall'd with Doctrines of Faith Their Opinion is bad enough but their Practice is worse for there they shew they value these things more than the Scriptures As Superstition always aboundeth in its own things Did ever any of their Doctors say the same things of Traditions which they take the boldness to say of Scripture Did they ever call them Pen and Inkhorn or Parchment Divinity a nose of Wax a dumb Rule an obscure and ambiguous Doctrine These Blasphemies they vent boldly against the Scriptures but did they ever spake these of Traditions And again common People are a thousand times better instructed in their Tradition than in the Doctrine of Salvation They skill more of Lent and Ember-weeks c. than they truly understand the Doctrine of Man's Misery and Remedy And call you this Reverence and pious Affection to the Scriptures and Traditions Partly because they would never give us a Catalogue of unwritten Traditions necessary to be observed by all Christians It may be lest they should amaze the People with the multitude of them or else that the People may not know how many of their Doctrines are destitute of Scripture proof and so they plainly be discovered to be Imposers on the belief of the Christian World 6. Though we blame this in Papists yet we reject not all Traditions 1. Because Scripture it self is a Tradition as we proved before and is conveyed to us by the most credible means which we have no reason to doubt of The Scriptures of the Old Testament were preserved by the Jews to whom were committed the Oracles of God Rom. 3.2 Protestants received all the Books which they admitted into their Canon And for the Books of the New Testament the Christian Church hath received them as the Writings of those whose names they â—ear And by the constant Universal Tradition of the Church they are transmitted to us and we have no more reason to doubt of them than we do of Statutes and Laws made by Kings and Parliaments who lived long before we had a being Yea we may be much more confident as the Matter is of greater weight and consequence and these Writings have the signature and stamp of God's Spirit on them and have bin blessed by God to the converting and sanctifying of many Souls And have bin delivered down to us by a succession of Believers unto this very day And by them Christianity hath bin preserved in the World notwithstanding the wickedness of it and hath held up head against all the encounter of Time The persecutions of Adverse Powers have not suppressed it nor the disputes of Enemies silenced the profession of it but still from Age to Age God's Truth is received and transmitted to Posterity 2. Because the truth of Christianity depending upon Matter of Fact chiefly Christ's rising from the Dead it can only be proved by a Testimony which in so extraordinary a case must be made valuable and authorized to the World by the Miracles accompanying it Now the notice of these things is brought to us by Tradition which being unquestionable giveth us as good ground of Faith as it did to them that lived in the Apostles Time and heard their Doctrine and saw their Miracles God's wonderful Works were never intended for the benefit of that Age only in which they were done but for the benefit also of those that should hear of them by any credible means whatsoever Psal. 145.4 Ioel 1.3 Psal. 78.3 4 5 6 7. these things were told them that they might set their hope in God c. 3. Because there are some Doctrines drawn by just consequence from Scripture but are the more confirmed to us when they are backed with constant Church usage and practice as Baptism of Infants Lord's Day singing of Psalms in our Public Worship c. 4. Because there are certain words which are not found in Scripture indeed yet agreeable thereto and are very useful to discover the frauds of Heretics as Trinity Divine Providence consubstantial procession of the Holy Ghost Satisfaction c. 5. We reject not all Church-History or the Records of Ancient Writers concerning the Providences of God in their Days in owning the Gospel which make much for our instruction in Manners and help to incourage us to put our trust in God 6. There are certain Usages and innocent Customs or Circumstances common to Sacred and other Actions which we despise not but acknowledg and receive as far as their own variable Nature and Condition requireth not rejecting them because anciently practised nor regarding them when the general Law of Edification requireth the omission of them But that whâ—ch we detest is that the Traditions of Men should be made equal in dignity and authority with the express Revelation of God Yea that manifest Corruptions and Usurpations as making Rome the Mistress of other Churches and superinducing the Pope as the Head of the Universal Visible Church and the Vicar of Christ without his leave and appointment and such-like other Point should be obtruded upon the World as Apostolical Traditions and to be received with like religious reverence as we do Articles of Faith set down in Scripture This is that we cannot sufficiently abhor as apparently false and destructive to Christianity SERMON XIV 2 Thess. 2.16 17. Now our Lord Iesus Christ himself and God even our Father which hath loved us and given us everlasting Consolation and good hope through Grace comfort your Hearts and stablish you in every good Word and Work The Apostle 1. Giveth thanks for their Election and Vocation Ver. 13 14. 2. Exhorteth them to stick fast to the Truths delivered by Epistles or word of Mouth Ver. 15. 3. Prayeth for them in the words now read So that is the third means of confirming their Faith in the Truth of the Gospel Prayer to God for them Now in a Prayer all things are plain we must put off our Shoes when we draw nigh to God appear before the Lord with naked and bare Feet Therefore here nothing of difficulty will occur our Prayers the more simply and plainly they are exprest the more sincere they are In this Prayer observe I. The Persons to whom this Prayer is addressed Now our Lord Iesus Christ himself and God
â—e is Ephes. 5.27 That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not â—aving Spot or wriâ—kle or any such thing but that it should be Holy and without Blemish Then it is a glorious Church Christ hath done his whole Work Holiness is the Beauty of God himself Exod. 15.11 and puts an Excellency on us if we love it and imitate it Prov. 12.26 The Righteous is more excellent than his Neigbour But the way of the Wicked seduceth them We do not only excel other Men but we are more amiable in the sight of God Prov. 11.20 The Upright is his delight In short it is a part of Salvation it self and a Means to that which remaineth Act. 26.18 Inheritance among them which are Sanctified by Faith in Christ Iesus 3. Let us reflect upon our selves Have we God's Call Have we obeyed the Gospel This will clear up your Election to you 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather Brethren give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure For if ye do these things ye shall never fall Do you find such a belief wrought in you by the Spirit as begins in brokenness of Heart and ends in Holiness for Christ came to call Sinners to Repentance Matth. 9.14 That is Men sensible of Sin to holiness of Heart and Life to return to God that we may first live to him and then with him 4. To improve the belief of the Glory promised 1. To sweeten Obedience or a câ—â—se of Holiness which for the present is so tedious to the Flesh. Now here is our Labour hereafter our Recompence 1 Cor. 5.58 Every day we should grow more meet for his Glory Col. 1.12 2. To a contempt of all Worldly Things good or evil If good many are pleased with this World 's good Things but have no affection to Spiritual and Heavenly Things Like the rebellâ—ous Israelites who more desired the Onions and Garlick of Egypt than the Milk and Honey of the Promised Land or the Celestial Manna Numb 11.5 6. Worse than Prodigals that rest satisfied with Husks of Swine than Bread which is in their Father's House They have their good Things Now we should remember we are called off from these Things from dreggy Contentments base Injoyments to the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3. The evils of the World Crosses Afflictions After we have suffered a while the God of all Grace who hath called us unto his Eternal Glory by Christ Iesus make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you And 2 Tim. 2.11.12 It is a faithful saying For if we be dead with him we shall also live with him If we suffer we shall also reign with him Our Afflictions are both breves leves light and momentary 2 Cor. 4.17 For our light Affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory Our sufferings are small if compared with the Reward The time short if compared with Eternity There is a two-fold Eternity that eternal Death which the Wicked must endure that eternal Life which we enter into This should sweeten all bitter Waters 4. To dispose and prepare us for Death The contemplation of Immortality hath left strong impressions on the Hearts of Heathens some Burnt themselves as impatient to tarry longer If a dark view vain hope cause this what should a sure Promise and Earnest of the Spirit do 2 Vse To the Called 1. Bless God for this Calling The woful Estate out of which we are called and the blessed Eâ—tâ—te into which we are entered compared togethâ—â— should make us wonder 1 Pet. 2.9 Ye should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous Light 2. Walk answerably Ephes. 4.1 I therefore the Prisoner of the Lord beseech you that ye walk worthy of the Vocation wherewith ye are called And 1 Thess. 2.12 That ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his Kingdom and Glory SERMON XIII 2 Thess. 2.15 Therefore Brethren stand fast and hold the Traditions which ye have been taught whether by Word or our Epistle THE Apostle after he had comforted the Thessalonians he exhorteth them to constancy in the Truth what-ever temptations they had to the contrary The Comforts he propoundeth to them were taken 1. From their Election vers 13.2 From their Vocation vers 14. His Exhortation is to Perseverance Therefore Brethren c. In the words observe 1. The Illative Particle Therefore because God hath chosen you and called you and given you such advantages against Error and Seduction 2. The Duty inferred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stand fast It is a Military word you have the same in other places 1 Cor. 16.13 Watch ye stand ye fast c. Ephes. 6.14 Stand therefore having your Loins girt about with Truth The word intimateth Perseverance 3. The Means of Perseverance Hold the Traditions which you have bin taught whether by Word or our Epistle Where observe 1. The Act. 2. The Object 1. The Act 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hold with strong hand The word implyeth a forcible holding against Assaults whether of Error or Persecution The Thessalonians were assaulted in both kinds the Heathens persecuted them and some were gone abroad that began the Mystery of Iniquity and were ready to pervert them 2. The Object which is propounded 1. By a common and general term The Traditions which ye have bin taught 2. By a distribution Whether by Word or our Epistle I. The common and general term The Traditions which ye have bin taught There are two sorts of Traditions Humane and Divine First Humane Traditions are certain external Observances instituted by Men and delivered from hand to hand from Progenitors to their Posterity These may be either besides or contrary to the Word of God 1. Beside the Word as the Institutions of the Family of the Rechabites in the observance of which from Father to Son they were so exact and punctual that God produceth their example to shame the disobedience of his People Ier. 35.6 7. Jonadab the Son of Rechab our Father commanded us saying Ye shall drink no Wine nor build Houses nor plant Vineyards c. 2. Contrary to the Word of God such as were those of the Phariseeâ— Matth. 15.2 Why transgress ye the Commandment of God by your Traditions Humane Inventions in Religion are contrary to and destructive of Divine Laws Secondly Traditions Divine Are either Heavenly Doctrines revealed by God or Institutions and Ordinances appointed by him for the use of the Church These are the Rule and Ground of our Faith Worship and Obedience The whole Doctrine of the Gospel is a Tradition delivered and conveyed to us by fit Messengers such as the Apostles were 1 Cor. 11.2 Now I praise you Brethren that ye remember me in all things and keep the Ordinances Marg. Traditions as I delivered them to you So that holding the Traditions is nothing else but perseverance in Apostolical Doctrine II. The Distribution that
our Duty to God in all things And the Shield of Faith or a stedfast adhering to the Truths of the Gospel whether delivered in a way of Command Promise or Threatning The Helmet of Hope or a certain and desirous expectation of the promised Glory The Shoe of the preparation of the Gospel of Peace which is a readiness to endure all encounters for Christ's sake who hath made our Peace with God And the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Now if we take this Armour and use it in our Conflicts what doth it serve for to withstand and stand The first is the Act of a Souldier the second is the posture of a Conqueror Here is withstanding till the Field be won and then standing when the Day of Evil is over Here we make our way to Heaven by Conflict and Conquest and hereafter we triumph 2. A treacherous Revolt or yielding to the Enemy by complying with those things which are against the Interest of Christ and his Kingdom for advantage-sake 2 Tim. 4.10 Demas hath forsaken us and loved the present World Back-sliders in Heart are the worst sort of Apostates such as lose their afâ—ection to God and delight in his ways and esteem not of his glorious Recompences for a little Pleasure Profit or Pomp of Living sell their Birth-right for one morsel of Meat Heb. 12.15 16. Some fail in their Understandings but most miscarry by the perverse inclination of their Wills they are carnal worldly Hypocrites that never throughly mortified the fleshly Mind price things as they are commodious to the Flesh and will save them from Sufferings The byass of such Mens Hearts doth easily prevail against the Light of their Understandings III. Prop. The Means of standing fast is by holding the Traditions which were taught by the Holy Apostles Here I will prove 1. That the Doctrine of Christianity taught by the Apostles is a Tradition 2. That holding this Tradition by strong hand when others wrest it from us is the means of our Perseverance 1. That the Doctrine of Christianity is a Tradition I prove it by two Arguments First Matters not evident by the Light of Nature nor immediately revealed to us by God must be either an Invention or a Tradition an Invention is something in Religion not evident by natural Light nor agreeable to sound Reason but is some cunningly devised Fable invented by one or more and obtruded by various Artifices upon the belief of the World Inventions in this kind were Man's Disease not his Remedy Eccles. 7.29 God made Man uprighâ— but they sought out many Inventions As when the Philosopâ—ers sat abrood upon Religion a goodly Chymaera it was they hatched and brought forth Rom. 1.21 22. They became vain in their Imaginations and their foolish Heart was darkned and professing themselves to be wise they became Fools The Inventions little became the Nature of God nor were they profitable to Man for still the great Sore of Nature was unhealed which is a fear of Death and the righteous Wrath of God Rom. 1.32 So that neither Man's Comfort nor Duty was well provided for Surely the Gospel is none of this fort not an Invention of Men but a Revelation of God and a Revelation not made to us in Person but brought out of the Bosom of God by Jesus Christ and by him manifested to chosen Witnesses who might publish this Mystery and Secret to others Well then since the Gospel is not an Invention it is a Tradition or a delivery of the Truth upon the Testimony of one â—hat came from God to instruct the World or reduce it to him not an Invention of Man but a Secret brought out of the Bosom of God by our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore 't is said Heb. 2.3 4. How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation first spoken by the Lord himself and then confirmed to us by them that heard him The Lord bearing them witness c. Christ delivered it to the Apostles and the Apostles delivered it to others 2 Tim. 2.2 Those things which thou hast heard from me among many Witnesses the same commit thou to faithful Men who shall be able to teach others also The Apostles received the Gospel from Christ and the Churches and Ministers from the Apostles and they delivered it down to others until it came to us which is the Means of our believing the Truth and confessing the Name of Christ. This Testimony delivered and conveyed to us by the most credible means and which we have no reason to doubt of is as binding as if we had heard Christ and his Apostles in Person For we have their word in writing though we did not hear them preach and publish it with the lively Voice their Authority is the same delivered either way And that these are their Writings appeareth by the constant Tradition of the Church and the acknowledgment of Friends and Enemies who still appeal to them as a public authentic Record And as they have bin attested by the Church they have bin owned by God and blessed by him to the Conversion and Sanctifying of many Souls throughout all successions of Ages And by this Tradition Christianity hath held up the Head againâ—t all encounters of Time and the persecutions of Adverse Powers have not suppressed it nor the disputes of Enemies silenced the Profession of it but from Age to Age it hath bin received and transmitted to future Generations tho sometimes at a very dear rate And this is binding to us though we saw noâ— the Persons and Miracles by which they confirmed their Message and heard not the fâ—â—st report Yet the Universal Tradition having handed it to us is a sufficient ground of Faith and so we believe through their Word and are concerned in Christ's Prayers Iohn 17.20 For with them and their Successâ—rs as to these necessary things Christ hath promised to be to the end of the World Matth. 28. 20. 2. My next Argument is Becâ—use Christian Religion must needs be a Tradition partly because matter of Fact is the Foundation of it and it is in it self matter of Faith 1. Because it is built upon matter of Fact That the Son of God came from God to bring us to God that is to say appear'd in humanâ— Nature instructed the World by his Doctrine and Example and at length died for Sinners confirming both in Life and Death the truth of his Mission by such unquestionable Miracles as shewed hiâ— to be the Son of God and the Saviour of the World Now a Testimony Tradition or Report is necessary in matters of Fact which of necessity must be confined to some determinate time and place It was not fit that Christ should be always working Miracles always dying always rising and ascending in every place and in the view of every Man but those things were to be oâ—ce done in one place of the World in sight of some particular and competent Witnesses But because the knowledg of them
concerned all the rest of the World they were by them to be attested to others Matters of Fact can only be proved by credible Witnesses and this was the great Office put upon the Apostles Acts 1.8 21 22. and Acts 2.32 Acts 3.15 Acts 10.39 40 41. 2. As it is matter of Faith or the Doctrine built upon this Matter of Fact We cannot propeâ—ly be said to believe a thing but upon a report and testimony I may know a thing by sense or reason but I cannot believe it but as it is affirmed or brought to me by credible Testimony As we are said to see those things which we perceive by the Eye or the sense of Seeing and to know those things which we receive by Reason or sure Demonstration so we are said to believe those things which are brought to us by valuable Testimony Tradition and Report As for Instance if any one ask you Do you believe the Sun shineth at noon Day You will answer I do not believe it but see it So if any one ask you Do you believe that twice two make four and twice three make six You will say I do not believe it but know it because certain and evident Reason telleth me that two is the half of four and three of six and every whole consisteth of two halfs or moities But if he should ask you Do you believe that the Sun is bigger than the Earth You will say I believe it for though your Eye doth not discover it nor doth an ignorant Man know any certain demonstration of it yet having the authority of Learned Men who are competent Judges in the case you judg it a rash and foolish obstinacy not to believe it Apply it now to the Mysteries of Godliness revealed in the Gospel they cannot be seen with the Eye for they are invisible nor found out and comprehended by any humane understanding because they exceed the reach of Man's Reason and depend upon the Love and Arbitrary Will of God Iohn 3.16 yet you believe them because God hath revealed them to the Prophets and Apostles And God being Truth and Wisdom it self cannot deceive or be deceived and therefore you believe them with the certainty of Divine Faith and do no more doubt of them than you do of those things which you see with your Eyes and know and understand by a sure demonstration The sense of Seeing may be deceived and Humane Reason may erre but 't is impossible God should deceive or be deceived It oftentimes falleth out that Men do prefer the authority and report of a Man whom they judg to be Wise and Good before their own Sense and Reason As for Instance That Man who by his Eye judges the Sun to be less than the Earth yet doth not obstinately stand in his Opinion when he hears a knowing and skilful Philosopher assert the contrary Now If we receive the witness of Men the Witness of God is greater 1 John 5.9 And this Testimony of God is brought to us by his Authorized Messengers as the ground of Faith And what is that but Tradition We believe in God by hearing of him and we hear by a Preacher Rom. 10.14 Ordinary common Preachers give us notice but Christ and his Apostles give us assurance and by their Testimony and Tradition our Faith ultimately resolved into the veracity of God 2. That holding this Tradition is the great means of standing fast in the Faith of Chriâ—t and the Confession of his Name For in the Word of God delivered by Christ and his Apostles there is sure Direction to walk by and sure Promises to build upon For whatever they made known of Christ was not a Fable but a certain Truth for they had the Testimony of Sense 2 Pet. 1.16 17. 1 Iohn 1.2 3 4. and so could plead both the Authority of his Command and the certainty of his Promise and that with uncontroulable Evidence and without this relation there can be neither Faith nor Obedience nor sure expectation of Happiness For we cannot trust God for what he hath not Promised nor obey God in what he hath not Commanded nor in our Difficulties and Distresses expect Happiness from him without his Warrant and Assurance But by this Doctrine delivered to us we have all that belongeth to Faith Obedience and Happiness and beyond that the Creature can desiâ—e no more 1. There can be no Faith till we â—ave a sure Testimony of God's Revelation for Faith is a believing such things as God hath Revealed because he hath Revealed them 'T is not Faith but Fancy to believe such things as God hath never Revealed nâ—r is it trust and a regular confidence to thiâ—k that he will certainly give us what he hath never promised this were to lay us open to all manner of Delusion And therefore we are never upon sure and stable ground but by sticking so such a Tradition as may justly intitle it self to God 2. Nor Obedience for Obedience is a doing what God hath Commanded because he hath Commanded it The fundamental reason of Obedience is the sight of God's Will 1 Thess. 4.3 1 Thess. 5.18 1 Pet. 2.15 To do what God never Commanded or not to do it upon that account but for other reasons is not Obedience and in difficult cases the Soul can never be held to its Duty till we are perswaded that so is God's Will concerning us Now to know his Will concerning us we are often bidden to search the Scripture but never bidden to consult with the Church to know what unwritten Traditions She hath in her keeping to instruct us in our Duty 3. No certain expectation of Happiness We are never safe till we know by what Rule Christ will judg us that is reward or punish Men at the last Day Now he will judg us according to the Gospel Rom. 2.16 1 Thess. 1.8 Obey the Gospel and you have a perfect Rule to guide you to Happiness but if you neglect this great Salvation or be unfaithful in the profession of it this Word condemneth you and God will ratifie the Sentence of it IV. Prop. That whilst the Apostles were in being there were two ways of delivering the Truth and that is by word of Mouth and Writing So in the Text Wâ—ether by Word or our Epistle The Apostles went up and down and preached Christ every where that needeth no Proof unless you would have me to produce the whole Book of the Acts of the Apostles But they did not Preach only but Write and both by the Instinct of the Holy Spirit who guided their Journeys and moved them to write Epistles For being often absent from Churâ—hes newly Planted and Heresies arising or some Contentions which could not be avoided among weak Christians God over-ruled these occasions for the profit of the Church in after Ages upon one occasion or another they saw a necessity to write 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jude ver 3. It was needful for me to write unto you As in
again the words of Path and Feeâ— The one signifieth our Way and general Course the other all our particular Actions so far as Religion is concerned in them we have directions in the Word about them Besides Man's condition is such that he needeth a Supernatural Remedy by a Redeemer which depending upon the meer Love and free Grace of God cannot be found out by Natural Light left to us for that only can judg of things necessary but not of such things as depend upon the meer Pleasure of God therefore a Divine Revelation there must be 2. Since it is necessary that God should some way or other reveal his Mind to his People it must be done by Oracles Visions Dreams or by extraordinary Messengers who by word of Mouth might convey it to us Or else by Writing or â—y ordinary Teachers whose Lips may preserve Knowledg in the Church The former ways might sufâ—ice while God saw fit to reveal but a few Truths and such as do not burden the Memory and Men were long-liv'd and of great Simplicity and the Church was confined within a small compass of Ground and not liable to so many Miseries and Changes as now in the latter Ages but when once God had spoken to us by his Son â—hose extraordinary Ways ceased Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past to the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last Times spoken to us by his Son As formerly God did speak 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in divers manners That is to say by Visions Oracles Dreams and so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at sundry times by several Steps and Degrees he acquainted the World with the Truths necessary for Man to know delivering them out by Portions not altogether at once till he came who had the Spirit without measure John 3.34 The Prophets to whom God revealed himself before by Visions Oracles Dreams or the coming of the Spirit upon them had the Spirit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by measure to fit them for some particular Errand or Message on which God sent them But when God sent his Son out of his Bosom to reveal the whole Doctrine of Faith at once and to declare his Fathers Will with full Authority and Power he fixed and closed up the Rule of Faith So 't was not fit that after him there should come any extraordinary Nuncio's and Embassadors from Heaven or any other should be owned as Infallible Messengers but such as he immediately sent abroad in the World to disciple the Nations Therefore all former extaordinary ways ceased and we are left to the ordinary Rule stated by Christ. 3. Being left to the ordinary Rule it was necessary it should be taught not only by word of Mouth but committed to Writing For Christ is ascended into Heaven and the Apostles do not live for ever and we have no Men now that are immediately and divinely inspired And ordinary Pastors and Teachers cannot make more Articles of Faith but do only build on the Apostles Foundation 1 Cor. 3.10 or that divinely inspired Doctrine which they delivered to the Church Yea that Doctrine cannot well be preserved from oblivion and corruption without writing Therefore God accounted this the safest way those things that are only delivered by word of mouth or from hand to hand may easily be changed corrupted or utterly lost Certainly if you consider Man's Sloth Treachery Levity and the many vile Affections which may easily induce him to extinguish or corrupt the Truth which is contrary to them you will see that it is necessary there should be an Authentic Record by which Truth and Error might be tried and distinguished Yea that the Church which is dispersed throughout the World might have Truth at hand and perticular Believers have this Doctrine ever by them for their comfort and use it being the property of a Blessed Man to delight in the Law of God and to exercise himself therein day and night Psal. 1.2 In short while the Apostles were living 't was good to take the Tradition from their Mouth but now they are dead we take it from their Writings Surely if God saw some Writing necessary when those extraordinary ways we spake of before were in use and the Church of the Old Testament was in a much quieter estate than the Church of the New I say if some writing were necessary then it is more necessary now for the Christian Church is more exposed to dreadful storms of Persecution the deceits of Heretics of all sorts especially to the frauds of Antichrist which we are forewarned of in this Chapter and are detected and discovered by their contrariety to the written Word 4. This Truth being written it is both a safe and a full Rule for us to walk by It is a safe Rule because it is written by the Apostles and Evangelist holy Men moved by the Holy Ghost The Apostles did not lose their Infallibility when they committed what they preached to writing the same Spirit that assisted them in delivering the Doctrine by word of mouth assisted them also when they delivered it by writing And it is a full and sufficient Rule because it containeth all things which are necessary for Men to believe and do in order to Eternal Life Let them name what is necessary beyond what is recommended there or may be delivered from thence Yea it doth contain not only all the Essential but also the Integral parts of the Christian Religion and therefore nothing can be any part of our Religion which is not there The Direction of old was Isa. 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no Light in them Every thing was then tried by Moses and the Prophets every thing must be now tried by the Prophets and Apostles which is our Foundation of Faith Worship and Obedience Ephes. 2.20 5. That which we blame in the Papists is That they cry up a private unproved unwritten Tradition of their own as of equal authority with this safe and full Rule which is contained in this written Word of God Their Crime and Fault may be considered partly with respect to the Object and Matter that these Traditions are not indifferent Customs but essential Points necessary to Faith and Christian practice And so though a Christian be never so thorow and sound in his obedience to the Word of God and true to the Baptismal Covenant yet if he submitteth not to these unwritten Traditions he wants some Point necessary to Faith and Practice and so to Life eternal which is contrary to Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be damned And Iohn 17.3 This is Life Eternal to know thee the only true God and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent Partly as to the Subject as they make their own Faction to be the only keepers of these things and that nothing is to be