18. Mr. Lye's Second Sermon

18. Mr. Lye's Second Sermon
"Therefore my Brethren, dearly Beloved and longed for, my Joy and Crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly Beloved." - Php_4:1.
From this Scripture you have these three Doctrines,
1. That the highest Officers of the Church of Christ, though they are Rulers of them, yet they are but brethren to the meanest Saints.
2. That it becomes a true spiritual Minister of Christ, to have a most vehement, ardent, strong, melting, tender affection, to that flock or people which the providence of God hath committed to his charge.
3. That the fixed, standing, flourishing, and thriving of that flock in the profession and practice of Gospel-knowledge and obedience, is matter of transcendent joy and triumph to such a godly Pastor.
The fourth, which is that I would now prosecute, is this, that it is the grand and indispensable duty of all sincere Saints, in the most black and shaking seasons, to stand fast, fixed, and stedfast in the Lord.
This is a grand thing St. Paul had to say to the Philippians, when he was ready to have his head cut off; for so it was, he was beheaded for the testimony of Jesus: this is all he had to say, when in Goal, and in Bonds, and that under Heathen Romans; you are now my Joy, you are now my Crown; Oh! do but stand, and my Joy, which is but two notes above Gamut, will get to Ela: Oh! do but stand, and my Crown is studded with Diamonds: we live if you stand, though we dye when you stand. It is the great and indispensable Duty, &c. Whether these are black and shaking seasons, I have nothing to say, but I am wholly now upon your Duty Beloved, and for Gods sake let the words of a seemingly dying Minister prevail with you. There is a kind of a Maxim among some, that in case a person dye seemingly and revive again, that the last words that was heard of that person, when in a rational temper, are the only things that that person will remember, when brought to life again. It is most probably Beloved, whatever others may think, but in my opinion (God may work wonders) neither you nor I shall ever see the faces of, or have a word to speak to one another till the day of Judgement. Therefore I beseech you hear me, as those that would, and may live with me to Eternity: mark your Duty, I have spoken something concerning the Pastors Duty in the morning; now for the peoples. It is the indispensable duty of all sincere Saints, to stand fast, &c. I confess, I have a love for the whole Auditory; I have a mess for them, but my Benjamins mess is for those I once called my own people: you are my Benjamins, I wish I had a greater than a fifth for you. This proposition I shall first prove, and then secondly improve.
In the worst of times, in the most shaking seasons, and if I do not greatly mistake, there is an hour of Temptation threatned by God, now beginning to be inflicted: if ever you would stand, stand now; and for your comfort let me but hint, that a Christian may stand comfortably, when he falls sadly, that is, he may stand by God. when he falls by man: I knew that a great many years ago.
First then, it is our duty to stand. There be Scriptures more then enough to prove this to be your Duty, Colossians 1:12. Stand perfect and compleat in all the will of God. Php_1:27. Only let your Conversation be as becometh the Gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, (alas poor Paul, thou come and see them, thou wast beheaded before thou couldst come and see them, but) or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together (not to pluck out one anothers throats, no more of that: but striving together, not against one another, but) for the faith of the Gospel. So 1 Corinthians 15:58. Therefore my Brethren be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 'Tis our Duty to stand. But
2. Wherein must we stand fast? I have no new Doctrine to preach now, I shall but mind you of what I have formerly spoken, when you would not believe. I confess I do not begin to be of a new judgement now: and should I be continued in the Ministry, (a mercy I can hardly hope for) I should be of the same judgement, and preach this Doctrine, Stand fast.
God will certainly bring the people of God in England, to his own terms, or else fare them well for ever. What is that we should be stedfast in? I would advise to a stedfastness.
1. Of Judgement.
2. Of Resolution.
3. Of Faith.
4. Of Conscience.
So stand fast in the Lord in your Judgement, in your Resolution, in your Faith, in your Conscience.
1. I would advise you to a stedfastness of Judgement. Strange Doctrines are the greatest Fetters that do assault a sound Judgement; they are like waves, if they do not split they will shake the Ship to purpose: therefore your way is, to cast Anchor well, to stand firm on the Rock of Truth, I had almost said all in a word Protestant truth, though the market may rise somewhat high, yet stand firmly there; while strange Doctrines, like so many impetuous Waves, are beating upon you, break themselves in pieces they may, but if you stand, can never hurt you. I am not to begin to warn you against Popery, not that I have the lest reflexion on anything in the World, but on the Scriptures. I am apt to think, the wound of the beast must be healed; however, do not you spread a plaister for the Beast, to heal his wound: Be no more children tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of Doctrine, with every wind of windy Doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, that can cog the die; notable Gamesters there are in the world, but you must stand steady in judgement, you must be firm to your principles: I would have you Stars not Meteors, for Meteors are carried about with every blast of wind. I hope better things of you, I shall pray God would make you stedfast in judgement. First be sure to get good principles, and secondly be sure to stand in those principles that you have got. And though I cannot say but some Tares are sown among this Parish, yet I bless the Lord for the generality; I hope I may say, I have an Orthodox Ministry.
2. 'Tis not enough to stand in judgement, but we must be stedfast to our Resolution, 1 Corinthians 15:58. Be stedfast, unmoveable; such as stand firm on some basis and foundation that doth not totter and stagger: if they find you staggering, to be sure the next moment they look upon you as falling. Be as they say, of one or both of the poles of the heavens, though all the world turns, the poles are immoveable. If I mistake not, you may see a great turn in the world, and behold, at this day the greatest turn, that ever was in England; but yet you must not move, you must not stir, be true to your Resolutions, but just to your first Love; go on in the Lords work, let nothing take you off. If I have preached any false Doctrine among you, witness against me at the day of Judgement; but if the things I have preached be true, stand to the truth; if you do not witness against my Doctrine, (mine 'tis not) but rather witness for it; remember if you leave it, that very Doctrine will witness against you at the day of judgement. Oh! the excellent Hero, Queen Hester, thus and thus will I do, and if I perish, I perish. You cannot imagine against how many thousand temptations a stedfast resolution will guard you.
3. There's a Stedfastness of Faith too; when we so believe, as that we do not waver, or do not deviate. Will you give me leave to propose to you (my dear friends, though my Congregation I cannot call you) that question which our Saviour did unto the Jews, (whom he hated, though I love you) The Baptism of John, whence was it, from Heaven, or of men? The Doctrines you have heard, have they been from Heaven, or from men? Answer me, if from men, abhor them; man is a false Creature, man would make merchandize of your faith and Souls: but if from Heaven, why then should you not believe them? I bless the Lord, my Conscience bears me witness, I never did so far propose a Doctrine to you, I would have you believe without Scripture: if the Doctrines have been from God, believe them; if not, abhor them, and any of those that shall dare to bring a Doctrine, but dare not bring the Authority of the Scripture to warrant them. You may not be like those in James 1:6. That wavereth like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind, and tossed. The most godly man may stumble in his way, (i. e.) tread awry; but a wavering minded man is never settled concerning this way. Blessed be God, I am not now (on this day, that looks as like my dying day, as can be in the World) to begin to fix upon a Religion, fix upon my way; I know my way, if God will but keep my steps, and guide me in that way. If God be God (I appeal to your Consciences) worship him; if Baal be God, worship him, do not stand in disputing and doubting; do not say, shall I? shall I? if the ways you have found be the ways of God, follow them; God hath but one way to Heaven, there is but one truth; if Baal be God, follow Baal, do not stand wavering; do not consult with flesh and bloud; tis an infinite mercy that God will give any of us to leave Relations, Estates, Congregations, anything for Christ; 'tis an infinite mercy we do not split upon a Rock: Be sure to be either for God or Baal; a godly man many times halts in his way, but never halts between two opinions.
4. Stedfastness of Conscience: Indeed the genious of my Ministry hath lain this way, and here I could casily lanch out, but I must be short. I would speak a word in season to those that are weak, it becomes you to be stedfast in conscience; then have a God-decreeing, a Christ-redeeming, a Spirit-quickening, a Gospel-promising, a Heaven-prepared, a God infinitely more ready to save him, then he can possibly be desirous to be saved by him. Be stedfast in Conscience against the guilt, the filth of sin, against the temptations of Satan, &c. Let us draw near with full assurance of Faith; you can never believe Gods love so much, as Gods love doth engage you to believe, &c. I might add,
5. You must be Stedfast in Conversation; 'Tis not the running well, but the running out; 'tis not the fighting, but the conquering that gives you Title to the Reward; for you to give a great deal of milk, and throw it down all at length with your foot, may argue you to have a good dugg, but a bad foot. Never give those Beasts of Babylon occasion to say, that a man may be a Child of God in the morning, and a Child of the Devil at night; that we contradict that Doctrine by our conversation, that we be stedfast,
But why must we be stedfast?
Alas, why? would you have me marshal up all the Reasons? bid me count the Stars, or number the Sands on the Sea-shore: There is not an Attribute in God, not a Precept, Promise, or Threatning in the word, not an Ordinance, not a Providence, there is nothing in God, or in the Devil, or in Sinners, or ourselves, but all would give a contribution of Arguments to prove the Saints should be stedfast. I must but hint at a few things. First, I would argue from Jesus Christ. Believers, you love Christ, and therefore you love the Honour of Christ; now the honour of Christ is highly engaged in our stedfastness. We never cast a deeper blot on the Honour of Christ, than when we grow unstedfast; I need not tell you so, the Jesuites, those meek Papists will tell you so, those that delight in nothing more than in milk of the Virgin Mary, and in the bloud of Saints; they have enough if you be unsteady.
1. You dishonour Christ in his sufferings, pray tell me, Believer, why did Christ sweat bloud? why did he dye? why did he undergo what the wrath of Devils could inflict, but for this end, to make you stand in conquest triumphing? Thus I remember as Joshua, Joshua 13. Come put your feet upon the neck of these Kings, &c. So Christ hath dyed that you might live, that you might stand; and what dishonour to the Eternal Saviour of the world, to a dying Saviour, to see a flying Christian. It was never heard of, that Souldiers should fly before a conquered Enemy, whose legs were cut off, whose arms were broken, whose swords were taken from them.
2. 'Tis a dishonour to the Spirit of Christ, the same Spirit that was with Christ, in all his Agonies, this very Spirit he hath given to Believers, that he might bring them through with some victory, therefore when we stand not, it is an high dishonour to Christs Spirit.
3. It is a dishonour to Christs Truth: Oh! let but a Saint fall, and what dishonour doth it bring to the Truth: I have but thought of some late experiments of poor Ministers, that I have heard of, carried about in triumph, look here is the man, that hath done this, that, and the other thing; and now look here is his—I cannot excuse Noah for his Drunkenness, yet methinks it is the part of a Cham, to shew his Fathers nakedness. I remember that one hath told me (it is a great truth,) that Religion never suffers greater wounds than by the hands of her professed Friends. Oh! what advantage have the wicked Papists taken against us by the falls of English Professors, both in principle and practice.
4. It is a very great dishonour to Christs all sufficiency.
Tell me man, is thy Christ able to protect thee against all evil? and is he able to supply thee with all good? or is he not? if he be not, then deny him, and whatsoever thou hast said concerning him; if he be, then stand close to him; In the Mount he will be seen.
2. I would argue from Saints; the infinite advantage, that at long run (I do not say presently) will redound to those that are steady in judgement, in resolution, in faith, in conscience, in practice, so far as all these are conformable to the word of God, and no further. The greatest advantage appears upon these four grounds.
1. Whatever you think, a steady Condition is the safest Condition.
2. The fullest Condition.
3. The strongest Condition.
4. The freest Condition.
Oh! that I could beat this into my heart, as well as it is in my head: The safest condition in the midst of dangers; the fullest condition in the midst of wants; the strongest condition in the midst of assaults; the freest condition in the midst of straits: I profess in the presense of God, I have felt these things, and knew them to be truth many years ago.
1. It is the safest condition; never do the Saints take hurt, but by declining, moving from their centre; while at their centre the Devil cannot touch them; departing thence, is like the poor Bird from her nest, every one hath a fling at them. Remember this, let but a man once leave his Scriptural station, and what Temptation is he able to stand against? it is just like a man thrown down from the top of an house, no stopping till he come to the bottom, 1 John 5:18. He that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and the wicked one toucheth him not.
2. It is the fullest condition. Oh my Brethren! Saints living stedfastly on their foundation, are continually supplied by God, as the fountain doth continually issue out itself into the streams; I know it is best living upon a single God. How many thousands be there yet living in England, that can tell you, they never injoyed more of God, than when they enjoyed least of the Creature. Some have professed to me, their Prison was to them as a Palace, that were troubled more with these things, than ever you were, and the God of Heaven grant you never may.
3. It is the strongest condition. A man that stands stedfast, is like a man on a Rock, the waters come, they may dash themselves in pieces, but never shall be able to dash him in pieces, he is fixed on a Rock, and therefore stands. A man that stands steady to his Scriptural Principles, is like Sampson with his Locks about him, let all the Philistines come, what cares he, he is able to conquer them all.
4. It is the freest condition. A man that deserts his principles, is a save to every Condition, afraid of every Humour, of every Aspine leaf in the world, thinks all those are Informers that converse with him, is afraid of some Promooter or other: But he that stands fast, where the Spirit of God is, there is liberty and freedom: such a man in chains as Paul at Rome, is in a far freer condition than others, not in that restraint. Well then, 'tis rational that you stand; but it may be your lusts and interests can hardly swallow these things; if you stand you shall not fall; nay, if you do not stand, be sure you shall fall at last. The next thing I would do, is to apply this truth. Is it the most important Duty of all sincere Professors in the most shaking seasons, to stand stedfast in the Lord? Then
First, by way of Lamentation.
1. Over our own Souls.
2. Over hundreds of Congregations.
Lord, we do say hundreds, nay thousands of Congregations, that are this day, though they do not accompany us in person, yet mingling tears with us, and especially as I hear in the West of England.
1. Over our hearts. We must stand; that is our Duty. Oh how should it cause us to lye low! by reason of the instability of our hearts, and their cursed declining from the true foundation every day. Alas Beloved, this is that God complains of, they are a Generation whose spirit is not stedfast with God; and therefore we have very much reason to complain of it: Oh what an unsettled people have we been! today we have been apt to cry Hosanna', Hosanna, to the son of David: tomorrow our note is changed, crucifie him, crucifie him, give us Barnabas: today the Lord is God, tomorrow Baal: anything is God, provided we may keep our Estates. Oh Lord! what wilt thou do with such a people as this? certainly it is a lamentation, and ought to be a lamentation, believe it beloved, I can now count seven years, if not something more, wherein I have most clearly expected the days I now see; no way but the severest ways to be taken with such a false people as we have been. Judge in your own thoughts, whether we have been true to God or man, to Saints or sinners, to the Church of God at home or abroad; whether or not this be not matter of Lamentation?
2. With respect to our Congregations. (It is not against the Law yet to call them our Congregations) This I confess, I can rather weep than speak too; I cannot speak my heart is too big for my head here. Lord, is it the duty of people, of saints to stand, to be stedfast? how then should we mourn over their poor souls, that because their Pillars are taken away, must needs for ought we know Fall, unless thou dost support them: what Lord, dost thou complain of a flock of sheep that are scattered? there is no wonder in it, their Shepheard is gone. Do you look on it as a strange thing, to see a poor Ship tossed here and there in the Sea, when her Pilot is destroyed? why mothers, is it a strange thing for your children to fall, and knock their arms, legs, their brains out? why their mother is taken from them: Oh poor people! good God provide for this Congregation, I, and for this City, that (let defacing, abominable wretches say what they will) is certainly one of the best Cities God hath in the world; and therefore they hate it so desperately, because God loves it, and because they hate that God that loves it. I bless God, I can speak of my own people, they are not a mad pestiferous people for the most of them. How many thousand have their hearts at their mouths, now at this time before God in England? Alas, alas, that we should have our Seers carried away from us; but what think you, when poor people shall be exposed to greater temptations, to an Ulcer in the very Kidneys, to a Plague in the very Heart, or Head; you now fear it, but when you feel it, what then?
2. By way of Exhortation, Beloved, I remember good Jacob, when he was come into Egypt, ready to die, calls his Children together, and before he dies, blesseth his children. I cannot say you are my children, but I can say in the strength of God, you are dearer to me than the children of my own bowels. I remember what poor Esau said, hast thou but one blessing my Father? bless me, even me also, Oh my Father! Oh Beloved! I have a few blessings for you, and for Gods sake take them as if them dropt from my lips when dying; it is very probable we shall never meet more while the day of Judgement; whatever others think, I am utterly against all irregular ways; I have (I bless the Lord) never had a hand in any change of Government in all my life; I am for prayers, tears, quietness, submission, and meekness, and let God do his work, and that will be best done when he doth it. Therefore be exhorted to stand fast in the Lord; my own people hear me now, though you shall never hear me more, be exhorted to stand fast in the Lord: you are not a schismatical, heretical people; I do not know the least person among you inclining to Popery: therefore be exhorted, as ye have been a people that have waited upon the Ordinances of God, that have not persecuted your poor Ministers, that have made it your design and business to live lovingly, quietly, and as it becomes Christians; (I am confident a Minister may live as comfortably among you, as among any People in England) So be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. Here I had prepared, I confess, several arguments to have moved you to this stedfastness.
1. I could have told you, that withdrawing of any one of you back, you will meet with great temptations, which will very much unfit you for Heaven. If any man or woman draw back, my soul (saith God) shall have no pleasure in him: I could have urged you with examples from the Heathens. Alexander being in Indea, bid them tell him the greatest rarity in their Country; Sir, go tell them, say they, when you come to Greece, there are many here that cannot be forced by the prowess of Alexander to change their minds: I know there are some here, that cannot be easily persuaded to change their Religion. Saith Lactantius, our very women torment their tormenters: I would never desire a more able Disputant, than a woman against a Monck.
I could tell you of those injoyments God hath put on you, our miseries have been great, but our mercies have been greater; I could tell you of six troubles and of seven; of six, wherein God hath stood by, and of seven, wherein he hath not forsaken; and the truth is, he cannot forsake his people, he may forsake them as for comfort, he will never forsake them as for support; let him lay on a burden, he will be sure to strengthen the back.
3. I hope, it is not dangerous if I tell you, you are engaged to God; there are vows upon you, Baptismal vows, to say no more, you have sworn to God, you have lifted up your hands; you are those that have undertaken that you would be true to God to your lives end: if these vows have been any way strengthened, Oh! remember Zedekiahs case, Ezekiel 17:18-19. Seeing he despised the Oath by breaking the Covenant (when lo he had given his hand) and hath done all these things, be shall not escape: therefore thus saith the Lord God, as I live, surely mine Oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own bead. Remember it, you may play fast and loose with man, you must not think ever to carry it away, by playing fast and loose with God.
4. If you should not stand, you lose all you have wrought, all your prayers, tears, professions, practises, sufferings, are all gone if you give out at last, &c,
5. While you stand by God, God hath promised to stand by you; and the truth is, I have but one God, it is no great matter for all the tiles in Worms: There be a thousand Devils, but all those Devils are in one chain, and the end of that chain is in the hand of one God: Oh! God will shew himself strong, 2 Cor. 1:6▪ 9. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro through the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them, whose heart is perfect towards him.
Quest. But what shall I do to stand?
Answ. 1. If ever you would stand, if ever you woul'd be firm standing Christians indeed, take heed you be not light and proud Christians; a feather will never stand against a whirl wind; error and profaneness are most apt to breed in proud hearts. The Proud and Blasphemers are put together; (2 Timothy 2:2.) Be but humble Christians, that's the way to be standing ready Christians; if ever you would be steady in your stations, you must below in your own eyes, do not you go and judge. And now, we shall have another kind of Religion come up, as we have had it a great while, such a man cannot be an honest man, alas, he is a Presbyterian, he is an Independent, he is an Anabaptist, &c. Now, all your great business will be, such a man cannot be good, an honest man, for he doth not Conform; on the other side, he cannot be an honest man, for he doth Conform. These are poor things; I bless God, I lay not the stress of my salvation upon on these: It is true, I cannot in conscience conform, but I do not lay the stress of Salvation on it, as I did not lay the stress of my Salvation on my being a Presbyterian; I confess I am so, and have been, it hath been my unhappiness to be always on the sinking side, yet I lay not the stress of my Salvation upon it. It is my Conscience, but it may be I have not so much light as another man, and I profess in the presense of God, could I conform without sin to my own Conscience, I would; if I should do anything against my conscience, I should sin and break my peace, and conscience, and all, and never see good day: do not then spend the strength of your zeal for your Religion in censuring others. That man that is most busie in censuring others, is always least employed in examining himself. Remember good John Bradford, he would not censure Bonner, nor Gardner, but saith he, they called Jo. Bradford, the hypocritical Jo. Bradford, &c. I do not speak this, as though I can or did in Conscience approve of those things, for which I must suffer, that I cannot approve of them, but take off people from those things, that are so far from the foundation: look you but to the main things, look into your own hearts, examine them, and then you need not be much persuaded to look about to others.
2. You must take heed you be not loose Christians, will you remember one thing from me, (the God of Heaven grant you never live to see it verified.) a loose Protestant, is one of the fittest persons in the world to make a strict Papist. Tell me not of his Protestantism, being a drunkard, it is because his King or Countrey are Protestants where they live. There is no Religion in a loose liver: if ungodliness be in the heart, it is no difficult thing for error to get into the heart. A loose heart can best comply with loose principles: see, if they will not be of any Religion in the world thats uppermost; let the Turk prevail, they would soon be of his Religion.
3. Take heed of being a worldly Christian: Oh! this is the David, that hath slain his ten thousands. A worldly heart will be bought and sold upon every turn to serve the Devils turn. Come to a worldly heart, and but promise him thirty pieces of silver, he will betray his Saviour. The Temptations of the world are great upon us, at this time, you that are Husbands, and Parents, know it; the world is a great temptation; but if we be overcome by the world, and the world not overcome by us, we shall never be able to overcome any one Temptation that is offered to us. Therefore that's an admirable support, In the world you shall have Tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world: I have overcome the world for you; and likewise I have overcome the world in you. Oh Lord! if thou wilt but overcome the love and fear of the world, if thou wilt but arm us against the smiles of the world, then come what will, we shall stand stedfast.
4. Take heed you be not Hypocritical Christians, i.e. take heed you do not receive the Truth, and only the Truth, and not receive the Truth in the love of that Truth, Thess. 3:10. You have received the Truth, but have you received the Truth in the love of that Truth which you have received? want of this, is that damnable occasion to Popery; And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved, &c. It is just with God that they should fall into errors, whose hearts did never love real Truths; better never received the Truth, then to receive it, and not in the love of it.
5. Take heed of being ventrous and God-tempting Christians; What is that? when do I tempt God? I tempt God when I run into a Pest-house, and say, God will preserve me from the Plague. Take heed of running upon temptations to sin, whether it be in principles or in practice. I could tell you of two Spiritual Pest-houses in England, if I had time; for principles one, and for practice another: I do not say that I mean Play-houses, on the one hand, or Mass-houses on the other hand. Certainly Brethren, I read of Julian, that wicked bloudy Apostate, that he sunk into that his Apostacy first, by going to hear Libanius preach, mistake me not, I am not against your going to hear the Ministers of Christ, for a man may be a true Minister, though he be a bad man; all the World can never answer the instance of Judas, who was a true Minister, though a bad man; while I plead for the truth of his Ministry, I do not spread a skirt over the wickedness of his life. The Scribes and Pharisees set in Moses' chair, hear them.
But that which I mainly aim at, is this, do not you go, and run, and venture your selves upon temptations: you have heard of a superstitions or idolatrous Worship, you have a months mind to see this, and what if so be when you are found in Satans way, Satan should lay his paw on you, and claim to you, what do you there in Satans ground? would you be found when you come to dye, in a Play-house, or in such a place, where the true God is Idolatrously worshipped? It is a great truth, if you would not be found in the Devils power, do not be found in the Devils pound. Brethren, we must know Satan is busie enough to tempt us, we need not go to tempt him. Eve lost all that she had by hearing one Sermon, but it was from the Devil. Therefore, if you would not have you pockets pickt, do not trade amongst Cheaters, 2 Tim. 6:3, 5. If any man teach otherwise, &c. (than that ye have received, and we Preached) from such withdraw thy self, that is a good, honest, laudable separation, from such withdraw thy self.
6. Where God doth not find a mouth to speak, do not you find an ear to hear, nor an heart to believe, (pray mind it, this I am sure is of concernment) this is one of the grand points in my Cards or Compass, on which I hope I shall venture all. If any man come with a Doctrine, not according to the Word of God, let him carry it whither he will, what have I to do with it? either you come from God or no, if you do, shew me his Word, and Ile believe it, if not, open your pack where you please, &c. where God doth find a mouth to speak, where you have not a Precept, Promise, Threatning or Example in the Word of God, let them talk their hearts out, it is nothing to me, to my Religion, to my Salvation.
Object. But what ground have you for this?
Answ. Jesuit, I will tell you my ground: this is my great hold I have against Popery, could they convince me of this, That I must believe with an implicit faith, because they say it, I think it would not be long before I turn'd Papist.
Quest. But why must I not believe it with an implicit faith?
Answ. Look you into these three great Scriptures, Matthew 15:2. Why do thy Disciples transgress the traditions of the Elders? The Jews come and tell Christ, he was not a true Son of the Church of the Jews, he was disobedient to the Church of the Jews; why? thou hast Disciples that walk not as they ought; what do they do? they commit an unpardonable sin, they transgress the traditions of the Elders, they break one of the greatest Commandments: whats that tradition? They wash not their hands when they eat bread: This was the great sin, and they charge it on him, eat with unwashed hands; why bring you in this Tradition? What have you to say to it? what is that to the purpose? prove Jesus Christ that there is anything in the word of God that is against washing? but prove you out of the word of God, where they are bound to wash before they eat? if you will give out your imposition, make out your institution, & let me tell you, you talk of Tradition, but first you set up an Altar God never thought of; and secondly, you pull down Gods Altar; Why do you all transgress the Commandments of God by your Tradition? for God Commanded, saying, Honour thy Father and thy Mother; and he that curseth father or mother let him die the death; but ye say, whosoever shall say to his father or mother, it is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me, and honor not your Father or Mother, he shall be free; thus have ye made the Commandment of God of none effect by your Tradition: ye Hypocrites, you were told of it long ago, well did Esaias prophesie of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, They draw near, wash their hands, wash their cups, and have filthy souls, they honor me with their lips, &c. But though their principle, their heart is bad, their worship is good, is it not so? no, in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. So then my Brethren, remember, all those that teach for Doctrines, the precepts of men, in vain do they worship God. Here's an innocent Command, not against the Word of God; but this Command you must wash before you eat, if you do not wash, you do transgress the tradition of the Elders: but let you starve Father and Mother, if you give but to the Church, to a Nunnery, Friery, &c. it is all one; so that all those that will for Doctrines teach the traditions of men, will render the Commandments of God of none effect, in vain do they worship me. Look therefore where ever God doth not find a tongue to speak, do not you find an ear to hear, nor an heart to believe. Christians, if you expect Christs benediction, always call aloud for Christs institution, so Colossians 2:18-19. one of the greatest steps you have against Popery, Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility, and worshipping of Angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puft up by his fleshly mind, &c. Deuteronomy 12:13. What things soever I command you, observe to do it, thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. There are no Wens in the body of Gods Precepts, therefore none of them to be cut off. You must not deal with Gods Ordinances, as that Tyrant Procustes did with men, if they were too long for his Bed, he would cut them shorter; if too short, he would pull their limbs out of joynt to make them longer. Never think your selves in conscience bound to lend an ear to that which God doth not find a mouth to speak.
7. Would you stand fast? beware of shaking Doctrines: what are those? there are a great many of such Doctrines, that are shaking; give me leave to instance in three or four.
1. As you love your souls, beware of Doctrines that tend to, and preach up licentiousness, looseness, and prophaneness: should any tell you, you may lawfully violate and prophane the Sabbath, do not believe it; the doctrine of the Gospel, is a doctrine of godliness: it teacheth us to deny ungodly and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godlily in this present world; therefore if you find any Doctrine at any time, that should have the least tendency to encourage you in any sin, know 'tis a doctrine against the Gospel
2. Where ever you find any Doctrine that shall tend to the lifting up of a mans free will, and debasing of Gods free grace, know, it is a wicked doctrine, and against the genius of the Gospel; perhaps the Papists will tell you, you are alive, Paul tells us we are dead: they say that we can do anything, many things that we talk to the world, we cannot do; they say, That we can save ourselves and close with Christ if we will, whereas the Apostle tells us, 1 Corinthians 1:14. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. It may they will tell you, a natural man may love God with his heart really, as so, and savingly, whereas the Apostle tells you, Romans 8:7. The carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject unto the Law of God, neither indeed can be. Remember it in all those doctrines wherein we agree with those whom we call Pelagians, and Arminians, so far we agree with the Jesuits, and the worst of Papists.
3. As you would avoid Hell, avoid all those doctrines that would lift up self-righteousness, and debase the righteousness of Christ; I fear I shall never be in that capacity that I would, to stand you instead in this particular. I confess I am against forty things in Popery, but my soul is here engaged; if that doctrine be a truth, I never expect salvation by God; either I must be saved by Christ alone, or else I must never be saved by Christ at all: though Christ will never save me without sanctification, yet Christ never intended my sanctification should merit his salvation; be as holy as you can, as if there were no Gospel to save; yet when you are as holy as you can, you must believe in Christ, as if there were no Law at all to condemn you. Come and tell me of the merit of Saints, &c. I will believe that truth, when I believe the Whore of Babylon to be Christs Spouse, see Php_3:9, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
8. Why should you stand? you must be praying Christians: I confess when most of my strings are broken, there is yet one holds; there is a Spirit of Prayer (remember Atheist) among the Saints of God, I can pray yet and I had rather stand against the Canons of the wicked, than against the prayers of the righteous. Oh! pray that you enter not into temptation; or, if we enter into temptation, Lord, let not the temptation enter into us; pray, if possible, let this cup pass from me, but if not, let it not poyson me, but let me be bettered by it, and in due time deliver me from it. I believe, it would be a great temptation to you, if it should be said to you, you shall trade with no man any more, &c. you have enjoyed these and these comforts, bid them adieu forever, you shall have no more to do with them; this would be a temptation. Temptations and Tryals are great, and certainly where they are so, prayer should be strong. There is no relief to be expected on earth, all our relief is to be expected from God, and that's to be obtained by prayer. Pray that God would be pleased above all things in the world to make you sincere: would you be stedfast in your profession, you must be sincere in your practice. To him that hath shall be given, that is a comfort; to him that hath but truth of grace, to him shall be given growth of grace. Would you be steady Christians, then make it your great work to attend the Ordinances, that God hath prescribed to make you steady Christians: you were told of this many years ago, concerning attending the Ordinances of God.
Quest. Pray what are those?
Answ. 1. There are secret Ordinances: it may be thou canst not be so much in the Pulpit as thou wouldst; Oh! be more in thy Closet; it may be thou shalt not have so many opportunities to hear so many Lectures, be more conscientious in thy meditations in secret: it may be thou shalt not have that freedom with God in publick, be more earnest with God in private.
2. Mind your families more than ever; you have your Children and Servants call aloud upon you. How many grave faces do I see at this time, that can tell me, Sir, I remember some twenty or thirty years ago, you could not pass the streets, but here was one Family repeating the Word of God, another singing the praises of God, another praying to God, another conferring concerning the things of God; at that time we had not so much foolish absurd excursion into streets and fields as now. O! for the Lords sake begin to take them up now, let the Amorite, Perisite, and Jebusite do what they will, but oh! for you and your children, and your servants, do you serve the Lord; up again with those godly Exercises; when we cannot hear a Sermon, then read a Sermon; if we cannot hear a Sermon well Preached, our Godly Parents would engage us to read a Sermon well Pen'd; if nothing new, let the word repeated and meditated call to mind what you have heard; Oh! reduce your selves to your Christian frame; let the debauched Atheists know, that they have something among you to be feared; that's your prayers: let them know, that though you have not those opportunities you have had, yet you will improve those you have. And you Masters of this Parish, for Gods sake, keep in your Servants on this day more than ever, you are to be accountable for their souls; and they will give you a thousand thanks when they come to age, especially at the day of judgement; Oh! then blessed be God I had such a Master, blessed be God I had such a Mistriss, blessed be God I had such Parents.
Quest. But then for publick Ordinances, what would you have us do?
Answ. 1. Where ever Christ doth find a tongue to speak, I am bound to find an ear to hear, and an heart to believe. I would not be mistaken, I bless the Lord I am not turned out of my Ministry for being a Schismatick I know Schism is a sin, nor know I any of my Brethren that are so; do not mistake us therefore, do not go and tell the Jesuits we are Schismaticks, for we are none: But this I would advise, (I speak as though I were dying) do whatsoever lies in your power, to hear such whom you think to be godly: beg of God, be earnest with him that he would give Pastors after his own heart, and whom God hath sent: not such as may daub with untempered mortar, and not such as may prophecy lies in the Name of the Lord; not such as may be clouds without water, but such as may be guides of the blind, burning and shining Lights, faithful Stewards. What shall you do? what did you twenty or thirty years ago? what did the good old Puritans do? they were not Schismaticks. But as much as lies in you possible, hear them whom in your conscience God doth hear; Oh! then expect the Word of God should come to your hearts, when you have ground to believe it comes from your Pastors heart: I must confess, I intend to do the same, when put into the same condition with you; I acknowledge I am bound in Conscience to hear the Word of God, but I must take care whom I hear, hear those by whom God speaks, I hope God will grant several such.
Take but this advice more, and I have no more to say. Whatever abuse you find either in Paster, in People, or where-ever you find it, do not go as your old use have been, to rail, calumniate, back-bite, and speak behind their backs, this is wicked and ungodly; but do every one according as God prescribes us that are members of any visible Church; what's that? If I know anything against my Brother, do not go and make a sputter and a noise, and back-bite; but take the rule of Christ, If thy brother trespass against thee, go and tell him of his fault between him and thee alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother; but if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, and if he neglect to hear them, tell it to the Church, and leave the bloud at their door, thou hast freed thine own soul. I hope by Gods grace I shall do so. Thus I have now spoken something from this Scripture, I cannot speak what I desire; for besides the exhausting of my Spirits, there is something to be done after, viz. a Funeral Sermon: I sh•ll say no more, but only this; The God of Heaven be pleased to make you mind these plain things; I can truly say this, I have not spoken one word that I remember, which I would not have said to you if I had been a dying, and being to go to God as soon as gone out of the Pulpit, and the God of peace be with you; only mind that one thing, When God doth not find a tongue to speak, do not you find an ear to hear, and an heart to believe.