A sermon preached at the christening of a certain Jew at LondonA sermon preached at the christening of a certaine Iew at London

Peter, ever hitherto, being the chief head of the Apostles, which the Lord hath promised shall never be taken away? Is there any more yet? what? is it possible for Gods trueth it self to defraud the credit of his covenant, whereunto he hath bound him self with a most sacred oath?

Peter, euer hitherto, being the chiefe head of the Apostles, which the Lord hath promised shal neuer be taken away? Is there any more yet? what? is it possible for Gods trueth it selfe to defraude the credite of his couenant, whereunto he hath bound him selfe with a most sacred othe?

Very well now. And whereupon doth the blind arrogance of the Jewish Nation magnify their race? do we not derive our pedigree (say they) lineally from our most holy father Abraham? Are we not borne, and named Israelites, by the name of our great grandsire Israel, the Patriarch? did not the Lord credit us only with the safe custody of the Ark of his covenant? Have not we a promise from God by the mouth of his Prophets, of a Messiah and Saviour to come? Hath not god prepared an everlasting throne for the kingdom of our Messiah? Is not he of power to make his covenant inviolable, that with so many oaths hath ratified the same? Nor will he not perform the oaths which he hath made? Surely I will not much gainsay, ⟨image 27⟩that it is in deed no final matter, whereof each party debateth so largely of the promises of almighty God. Yet all this notwithstanding, all things depend not so always upon Gods promises made, but due consideration ought also be had of the mind and intent of him that maketh the promise in the scriptures: and the same well weighed and compared with the due circumstances and other places of the scripture, if we will be accounted true and sincere interpreters of Gods holy scriptures: that is to say, It behoveth us duly and orderly to define and dispose all and every thing apart by it self, not those things only which are promised, but must withal respect the persons, the place, the cause and consideration, and all other circumstances of the promises. And therefore albeit we do grant unto them that all those promises are true, whereupon they brag so much, touching the succession of the Patriarchs and Apostles, yet shall they never be able to win this at our hands, To wit, that this ordinary descent according to the law of the flesh, is a sufficient foundation to build the Church of God upon.