the joy of the just with the signs of such. A discourse tending to…the ioy of the iust vvith the signes of such. A discourse tending to…
the joy of the just with the signs of such. A discourse tending to the comfort of the dejected and afflicted; and to the trial of sincerity. Being the enlargement of a sermon preached at Black-Friars London; on Psal. 95. 11. By Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.the ioy of the iust vvith the signes of such. A discourse tending to the comfort of the deiected and afflicted; and to the triall of sinceritie. Being the enlargement of a sermon preached at Black-Friers London; on Psal. 95. 11. By Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.
Thomas Gataker 1574–1654London: printed by John Haviland for Fulke Clifton, 1623London: printed by Iohn Hauiland for Fulke Clifton, 1623
[12], 163, [1] p. · 43k words · STC 11665 · ESTC S120494
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But on the other side, when men will seem wonderful earnest and eager for the observation of some of Gods ordinances, marvellous strict and precise in the keeping of some precepts, extreme fiery in their opposition against some enormities, excessive in their hatred and detestation of some sins, yea sometime but supposed sins, even to ⟨p. 102⟩1the abhorring of mens persons for them; but have nothing the like intention of zeal and fervour in other matters, though of as great moment, or against other sins, though no less heinous than those; albeit they will not seem wholly careless or altogether regardless either of the one or of the other: And especially when men will seem to be so double diligent in less matters, things of ceremony and circumstance only, when they are but negligent the whiles in far greater; very strait-laced in the one, but over-loose-girt in the other: It is a shrewd argument that their hearts are not upright in either: but that they are carried away witho some corrupt humour or other, self-love, or emulation, or vain-glory, or the like, that shroudeth it self in the habit of piety and zeal. Thus our Saviour discovered the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees in his time.p Woe be unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, saith our Saviour; for you tithe Mint and Anise, and Cumin, and every kind of Potherb; but judgement, mercy, fidelity, and the weightier things of the Law ye neglect; qye strain at a Gnat, and rswallow a Camel. They were very precise and curious in paying their Tithes, even of trifles; (wherein they shall one day rise in judgement against not a few Christians, ands condemn them therein, though themselves to be condemned) and in some other like businesses of lesser moment; but in other matters more weighty they showed nothing the ⟨p. 103⟩
like strictness, and are by our Saviour therefore censured for no better than hollow-hearted hypocrites. And assuredly as inequality of the pulse argueth much distemper in the body; so this inequality of carriage argueth little soundness in the soul.
It is no true religion or piety, but dissimulation and hypocrisy, that is not in all things like it self;
But on the other side, when men will seeme wonderfull earnest and eager for the obseruation of some of Gods ordinances, maruellous strict and precise in the keeping of some precepts, extreme fiery in their opposition against some enormities, excessiue in their hatred and detestation of some sinnes, yea sometime but supposed sinnes, euen to ⟨p. 102⟩1the abhorring of mens persons for them; but haue nothing the like intention of zeale and feruour in other matters, though of as great moment, or against other sinnes, though no lesse hainous than those; albeit they will not seeme wholly carelesse or altogether regardlesse either of the one or of the other: And especially when men will seeme to be so double diligent in lesse matters, things of ceremonie and circumstance onely, when they are but negligent the whiles in far greater; very strait-laced in the one, but ouer-loose-girt in the other: It is a shrewd argument that their hearts are not vpright in either: but that they are carried away witho some corrupt humour or other, selfe-loue, or emulation, or vaine-glory, or the like, that shrowdeth it selfe in the habit of pietie and zeale. Thus our Sauiour discouered the hypocrisie of the Scribes and Pharisees in his time.p Woe be vnto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, saith our Sauiour; for you tithe Mint and Anise, and Cumin, and euery kinde of Potherbe; but iudgement, mercie, fidelitie, and the weightier things of the Law yee neglect; qyee straine at a Gnat, and rswallow a Camell. They were very precise and curious in paying their Tithes, euen of trifles; (wherein they shall one day rise in iudgement against not a few Christians, ands condemne them therein, though themselues to be condemned) and in some other like businesses of lesser moment; but in other matters more weightie they shewed nothing the ⟨p. 103⟩like strictnesse, and are by our Sauiour therefore censured for no better than hollow-hearted hypocrites. And assuredly as inequalitie of the pulse argueth much distemper in the bodie; so this ineq•alitie of cariage argueth little soundnesse in the soule.t It is no true religion or pietie, but dissimulation and hypocrisie, that is not in all things like it selfe;
1[Greek or Hebrew]. Greg. Naz. in apolog.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Greg. Naz. in apolog.
o[Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. de iracund. [Greek or Hebrew]. Idē de tranquill.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. de iracund. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Idē de tranquill.
saith an Author that pretendeth to be Cyprian, though indeed he beu not, speaking of some that were very nice and curious, even to some taint and spice of superstition, of but touching an Image, or tasting ought that had any seeming reference to an Idol; but were over-loose and careless of their carriage otherwise. Every true Christian as he is renewed in part in all parts, so he hath a kind of proportionable growth in each part, asx the Apostle speaketh of the mystical body of Christ in general. As he is not as a maimed person, one that wanteth tongue, or legs, or hands, or some other limbs, but as one that hath a whole entire organical body: So he is not as a monster, *one that hath the Head or Hand, Back or Belly bigger than the whole Body besides, but hath a comely symmetry of each part with part. As there are yno Dwarfs in Christs Body, none that grow not at all, but stand ever at a stay: So in the Christian soul no Grace doth so stand at a stay while the rest grow, much less do they all so stand at a stay, while some one groweth, that any one should so excessively outstrip all the rest,z that the rest in regard of it should scarce be seen. ⟨p. 102⟩[…] ⟨p. 103⟩[…] ⟨p. 104⟩Neither is a Christian man like a new upstart Courtier, who because he is not able to furnish himself all over completely at first, is fain to wear his apparel unsuitable in the several parts of it. Yea rather, as it is an argument of affectation of wealth when men go well and richly apparelled, in some one part of their apparel, but have not the rest suitable and correspondent thereunto: so it is an argument rather of affectation of holiness, than of true holiness indeed, when men are so unequal and unsuitable in their courses and dispositions, in some one or two things demeaning themselves as exceedingly restrict, but in many others, or the most things again as remiss; when their care and conscience in some things, is not in some sort proportionable and correspondent to that that they make show of in other things: Nor doth the one prove, much less make a man the richer; nay *it hindereth rather, and is a means to cast him more behind hand: nor doth the other prove, much less make a man truly religious;
saith an Author that pretendeth to be Cyprian, though indeed he beu not, speaking of some that were very nice and curious, euen to some taint and spice of superstition, of but touching an Image, or tasting ought that had any seeming reference to an Idoll; but were ouer-loose and carelesse of their cariage otherwise. Euery true Christian as he is renewed in part in all parts, so he hath a kinde of proportionable growth in each part, asx the Apostle speaketh of the mysticall bodie of Christ in generall. As he is not as a maimed person, one that wanteth tongue, or legs, or hands, or some other limbes, but as one that hath a whole entire organicall bodie: So he is not as a monster, *one that hath the Head or Hand, Backe or Belly bigger than the whole Bodie besides, but hath a comely symmetry of each part with part. As there are yno Dwarfes in Christs Bodie, none that grow not at all, but stand euer at a stay: So in the Christian soule no Grace doth so stand at a stay while the rest grow, much lesse doe they all so stand at a stay, while some one groweth, that any one should so excessiuely outstrip all the rest,z that the rest in regard of it should scarce be seene. ⟨p. 102⟩〈…〉⟨p. 103⟩〈…〉⟨p. 104⟩Neither is a Christian man like a new vpstars Courtier, who because he is not able to furnish himselfe all ouer compleatly at first, is faine to weare his apparell vnsutable in the seuerall parts of it. Yea rather, as it is an argument of affectation of wealth when men goe well and richly apparelled, in some one part of their apparell, but haue not the rest sutable and correspondent thereunto: so it is an argument rather of affectation of holinesse, than of true holinesse indeed, when men are so vnequall and vnsutable in their courses and dispositions, in some one or two things demeaning themselues as exceedingly restrict, but in many others, or the most things againe as remisse; when their care and conscience in some things, is not in some sort proportionable and correspondent to that that they make shew of in other things: Nor doth the one proue, much lesse make a man the richer; nay
uTurcarum siquide memnit. Quod & observarunt Pamel. Grav. Coccus, Rivet.Turcarum siquide memnit. Quod & observarunt Pamel. Grav. Cocus, Rivet.
*[Greek or Hebrew]. de Cancro Poeta apud Plut. de adulat. E• de Papavere Symph•s•nig. 40. Grand• mihi caput est intus sunt membra minuta.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. de Cancro Poeta apud Plut. de adulat. E• de Papavere Symph•s•nig. 40. Grand• mihi caput est intus sunt membra minuta.
yW. Bradshaw.W. Bradsh•w.
zUt membri unius totus homo quasi lacinia videatur, uti Petron. in Satyr.Vt membri unius totus homo quasi lacinia videatur, uti Petron. in Satyr.
*[Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. de profect.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. de profect.
nay it hindereth rather, while with a general neglect of growth in, or regard of other good duties, a mans study and care is wholly set and spent upon some one particular that he pleaseth himself in; as where the matter that should nourish and support the whole body, is conveyed all to some one part, not so much to feed it, as to feed a wen that groweth upon it.
nay it hindereth rather, while with a generall neglect of growth in, or regard of other good duties, a mans studie and care is wholly set and spent vpon some one particular that hee pleaseth himselfe in; as where the matter that should nourish and support the whole bodie, is conueighed all to some one part, not so much to feed it, as to feed a wen that groweth vpon it.
A third Note of Sincerity, 1is Ubiquity: when a man is in some measure alike in all places, as ⟨p. 105⟩well2 in bad company as in good, in private as in public, in Church, out of Church, at home and abroad. To this purpose it is that David saith of himself;a I have set the Lord always before my face. And,b All my ways are in thy sight. Asc all Gods ways in his sight; so all his ways in Gods sight: and therefore wheresoever he was, asd being ever in Gods eye, he endeavoured to approve himself unto God. Those things that are natural follow a man whithersoever he goeth, and accompany him constantly wheresoever he become.e Change of place, saith the Heathen man, causeth not any change of mind. As it is with the motion of the heart and the lungs in the body; they are of themselves beating and stirring wheresoever a man is, or whatsoever he is about, and it is painful to a man therefore to restrain the work of them, or to hold his breath for any time: so it is a good sign that godliness is grown to a kind of connaturalness with us, when our religious disposition continueth with us in all places, and is in some sort working in us, wheresoever we are: so that it is with us, as with David it was, who saith of himself, thatf howsoever he had purposed to forbear speaking of ought that was good while he was in company with some wicked, and some profane ones were in presence, yet it was no small pain to him, and he was hardly able to restrain or to contain himself. It was with him as it was sometime with Jeremiah, in somewhat the like case, but of greater necessity▪⟨p. 106⟩when he saw what evil entertainment the word of God found with the most,g he had once resolved he saith, not to mention Gods Name any more to them; but he could not for his life keep long that his unwarrantable resolution; Gods word was as a fire in his breast, and as a flame hshut up in his bones, so that he soon grew weary of it, and he could not by any means keep it in. Not that at all times and in all places men are bound ito discover themselves in this kind, ork to maintain matter of religious discourse in all companies. It was one of Pythagor as his precepts, thatl a man should not bear Gods Image or Name about him on the Ring that ordinarily he wore. Andm holy things, saith our Saviour, are not to be offered unto Dogs, nor pearls cast before Swine. No:
A third Note of Sinceritie, 1is Vbiquitie: when a man is in some measure alike in all places, as ⟨p. 105⟩well2 in bad company as in good, in priuate as in publike, in Church, out of Church, at home and abroad. To this purpose it is that Dauid saith of himselfe;a I haue set the Lord alwaies before my face. And,b All my waies are in thy sight. Asc all Gods waies in his sight; so all his waies in Gods sight: and therefore wheresoeuer he was, asd being euer in Gods eye, he endeuoured to approue himselfe vnto God. Those things that are naturall follow a man whithersoeuer he goeth, and accompany him constantly wheresoeuer he become.e Change of place, saith the Heathen man, causeth not any change of minde. As it is with the motion of the heart and the lungs in the bodie; they are of themselues beating and stirring wheresoeuer a man is, or whatsoeuer he is about, and it is painefull to a man therefore to restraine the worke of them, or to hold his breath for any time: so it is a good signe that godlinesse is growne to a kinde of connaturalnesse with vs, when our religious disposition continueth with vs in all places, and is in some sort working in vs, wheresoeuer we are: so that it is with vs, as with Dauid it was, who saith of himselfe, thatf howsoeuer he had purposed to forbeare speaking of ought that was good while he was in companie with some wicked, and some prophane ones were in presence, yet it was no small paine to him, and he was hardly able to restraine or to containe himselfe. It was with him as it was sometime with Ieremie, in somewhat the like case, but of greater necessitie▪⟨p. 106⟩when he saw what euill entertainment the word of God found with the most,g
1Note 3. Ubiquity.Note 3. Vbiquitie.
2Bonus non fuit, quam malorum pravitas non prohavit. Greg. in Evang. 38. Neque enim perfectè bonus est, nisi qui fuerit & cum malis bonus. Idem in Ezech. l. 1. hō. 9.Bonus non fuit, quam malorum pravitas non prohavit. Greg. in Euang. 38. Neque enim perfectè bonus est, nisi qui fuerit & cum malis bonus. Idem in Ezech. l. 1. hō. 9.
eCoelum, non animum mutant, qui trans mare currunt. Horat. l. 1. ep. 11. Hinc Socrates; Quid miraris peregrinationes tibi nō prodesse, cùm te circumser•• Sen. ep. 28.Coelum, non animum mutant, qui trans mare currunt. Horat. l. 1. ep. 11. Hinc Socrates; Quid miraris peregrinationes tibi nō prodesse, cùm te circumser•• Sen. ep. 28.
hStrangulat inclusus dolor, atque exaestuat intus: Cogitur & vires multiplicare suas. Ovid. trist. 5. 1. Quoque magis tegitur, tanto magis aestuat ignis. Idem met. l. 4.
we must be wary where and before whom we speak; and take heed how by our indiscreet carriage in such kind we wrong religion it self, and make it ridiculous. But that even* among such we retain still a religious disposition; and the restraint of good employments be grievous unto us, though no necessity lie upon us, as uponn Jeremiah there did, having no just opportunity for such employment at the present; which may be a means to seal up our sincerity unto us. In like manner when we shall be religiously affected, not when we are in the Church only, or about some solemn part of Gods service, (at which time the solemnity of the action, and the very sight of others enforceth a kind of conformity ⟨p. 107⟩and outward semblance of holiness on those many times that are most profane,) but even out of the Church also, and out of Gods solemn service, even when we are about our ordinary affairs: Nor when we shall be in the presence only of others, either good or bad, familiars, or strangers, but when we shall be retired also and alone by our selves.
we must be warie where and before whom we speake; and take heed how by our in•iscreet cariage in such kinde we wrong religion it selfe, and make it ridiculons. But that euen* among such we retaine still a religious disposition; and the restraint of good imployments be grieuous vnto vs, though no necessitie lie vpon vs, as vponn Ieremie there did, hauing no iust opportunitie for such imployment at the present; which may be a meanes to seale vp our sinceritie vnto vs. In like manner when we shall be religiously affected, not when we are in the Church onely, or about some solemne part of Gods seruice, (at which time the solemnitie of the action, and the very sight of others enforceth a kinde of conformitie ⟨p. 107⟩and outward semblance of holinesse on those many times that are most prophane,) but euen out of the Church also, and out of Gods solemne seruice, euen when we are about our ordinarie affaires: Nor when we shall be in the presence only of others, either good or bad, familiars, or strangers, but when we shall be retired also and alone by our selues.
*Quomod• de Platone Plut. de adulat. [Greek or Hebrew].Quomod• de Platone Plut. de adulat. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
For a true Christian is, as the Heathen Philosopher saith of a good man, likeo a Cube or a Square, or, if you will, like a Die, that falleth alike every way, and keepeth the same site, wheresoever or which way soever you seat it: He is as pGold, saith Chrysostom, which cast you it into the Fire, it will not waste; lay it you in the water, it will not rust; it will retain still it own purity, wheresoever it be kept.
For a true Christian is, as the Heathen Philosopher saith of a good man, likeo a Cube or a Square, or, if you will, like a Die, that falleth alike euery way, and keepeth the same site, whersoeuer or which way soeuer you seat it: He is as pGold, saith Chrysostome, which cast you it into the Fire, it will not waste; lay it you in the water, it will not rust; it will retaine still it owne puritie, wheresoeuer it be kept.
o[Greek or Hebrew]. Arist. eth. l. 1. c. 10. & Rhet. l. 3. c. 11.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Arist. eth. l. 1. c. 10. & Rhet. l. 3. c. 11.
But on the other side, when men are like the qChameleon, ready to change their hue with every one that they company or converse with; like ther Polypus, that resembleth every stone that it sticketh to; like thes Water that conformeth it self easily and instantly to the shape ⟨p. 108⟩and fashion of every thing that either it is poured into, or that is dipped in it; or liket Pictures cunningly and curiously drawn, that seem to turn their eyes every way, and to fix them on every one that cometh in the way, or that casteth his eye on them; can be religious among such, and profane among other such, be such ever as the company is that they are in: Or like theu Buskins anciently used in Tragedies, that would serve either leg alike; are as fit for one society as for another: Or like thex Players that used them, such as acting Princely parts, wear royal apparel, keep state, and demean themselves gravely and soberly so long as they are in public view upon the stage; but when they have done acting, are no sooner off the stage, but they pass presently into another, a clean contrary, habit, retain neither prince-like behaviour nor apparel, but are most beggarly, base and debauched, either in private by themselves, or among their companions like themselves: In the Church and public assemblies, carry themselves very devoutly, and in the presence of others affect a show of religion, but out of the congregation are far from all show of godliness, or in their private conversation have little or no care at all of ought in that kind; it is a sure sign of no soundness at all in such as be* so variously affected: acting like those Stage-players, sometime one part, and sometime another, as either by others they are assigned them, or as the places that they are put upon ⟨p. 109⟩them for the present.y It is no true devotion, saith Lactantius, that leaveth a man at the Church-door. Where religion is not showed in the actions of a mans life, in the course of his calling, as well as in the congregation and in his Church-service, Such zreligion (Saint James saith it,) is but vain and unsound. Nor is that religion any better that affecteth view and sight, that loveth to be seen; (it was the Pharisees devotiona that did all so as men might see what they did:) that is loud and talkative in company, silent in secret, in presence of others operative, idle in private.
But on the other side, when men are like the qChamaeleon, readie to change their hue with euery one that they company or conuerse with; like ther Polypus, that resembleth euery stone that it sticketh to; like thes Water that conformeth it selfe easily and instantly to the shape ⟨p. 108⟩and fashion of euery thing that either it is powred into, or that is dipped in it; or liket Pictures cunningly and curiously drawen, that seeme to turne their eyes euery way, and to fixe them on euery one that commeth in the way, or that casteth his eye on them; can be religious among such, and prophane among other such, be such euer as the company is that they are in: Orlike theu Buskins anciently vsed in Tragoedies, that would serue either leg alike; are as fit for one societie as for another: Or like thex Plaiers that vsed them, such as acting Princely parts, weare royall apparell, keepe state, and demeane themselues grauely and soberly so long as they are in publike view vpon the stage; but when they haue done acting, are no sooner off the stage, but they passe presently into another, a cleane contrary, habite, retaine neither prince-like behauiour nor apparell, but are most beggerly, base and debauched, either in priuate by themselues, or among their companions like themselues: In the Church and publike assemblies, cary themselues very deuoutly, and in the presence of others affect a shew of religion, but out of the congregation are farre from all shew of godlinesse, or in their priuate conuersation haue little or no care at all of ought in that kind; it is a sure signe of no soundnesse at all in such as be* so variously affected: acting like those Stage-players, sometime one part, and sometime another, as either by others they are assigned them, or as the places that they are put vpon ⟨p. 109⟩them for the present.y
q[Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. de adulat. Colorem mutat subinde Chameleon, redditque quemcunque proximè attingit. Plin. hist. not. l. 8. c. 33. & Solin. polyhist. c. 43.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. de adulat. Colorem mutat subinde Chamaeleon, redditque quemcunque proximè attingit. Plin. hist. nat. l. 8. c. 33. & Solin. polyhist. c. 43.
r[Greek or Hebrew]. Theogn. apud Plut. de amic. Polypus enim colorem mutat ad similitudinem loci. Plin. l. 9. c. 29. [Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. caus. not. q. 19. Hinc & Pindar. [Greek or Hebrew]. Ibid. & de solert. anim. [Greek or Hebrew]. Greg. Naz. de sede Constant. Contra Phocylid. [Greek or Hebrew]. Et Jon. [Greek or Hebrew]. Athen. dipnosoph. lib. 7.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Theogn. apud Plut. de amic. Polypus enim colorem mutat ad similitudinem loci. Plin. l. 9. c. 29. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. caus. nat. q. 19. Hinc & Pindar. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Ibid. & de solert. anim. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Greg. Naz. de sede Constant. Contra Phocylid. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Et Ion. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Athen. dipnosoph. lib. 7.
s[Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. de adulat.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. de adulat.
t[Greek or Hebrew] Greg. Naz. in Athanas.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Greg. Naz. in Athanas.
u[Greek or Hebrew]. Idem ib. [Greek or Hebrew]. Lucian. Pseudolog.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Idem ib. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Lucian. Pseudolog.
As the Heathen man saith of one that bnever wept or mourned for her mother, but when there was some body by to see her;c He mourneth not heartily that affecteth to be seen mourning, and mourneth not therefore but where some may see it: He mourneth indeed heartily, that mourneth then when there is none by to take notice of it, and to bear witness that he mourneth. So in this case, he is not sincerely religious, that affecteth to have his religion seen, and that never therefore carieth himself religiously, but where others are by to take notice of it: he is truly religious that is careful to carry himself religiously, and is frequent and diligent in holy duties, even then when he is alone by himself, as well as when he is in the presence and company of others; thatd converseth so with men, saith the Heathen man, as if God over-looked him, communeth with God so even in private, as if men over-heard him. And certainly, howsoever it be true ⟨p. 110⟩indeed, thate the public Service is of exceeding great benefit, and thereforef highly to be esteemed, asg having a more powerful, lively and effectual work of the Spirit in it, andh a more special blessing of God promised and annexed unto it; in regard whereof, David though a mani full of the Spirit of Grace, yet could not during his exilement content himself with his own private meditations and devotions, but klonged exceedingly, and prayed most instantly to have free liberty of access again to the public assemblies of the Saints: yet when upon a mans sick or death-bed Satan shall be busy about him, and calling his sincerity in question, a man may in such case be more comforted, and receive better assurance of his sincerity, by consideration of his frequency and diligence in holy duties in private, because in them there can be least danger or suspicion of hypocrisy,l which none but God and his own soul hath been privy unto, than by all that he hath performed either publicly or privately in the presence of others.
As the Heathen man saith of one that bneuer wept or mourned for her mother, but when there was some bodie by to see her;c He mourneth not heartily that affecteth to bee seene mourning, and mourneth not therefore but where some may see it: He mourneth indeed heartily, that mourneth then when there is none by to take notice of it, and to beare witnesse that he mourneth. So in this case, he is not sincerely religious, that affecteth to haue his religion seene, and that neuer therefore carieth himselfe religiously, but where others are by to take notice of it: he is truly religious that is carefull to cary himselfe religiously, and is frequent and diligent in holy duties, euen then when hee is alone by himselfe, as well as when he is in the presence and company of others; thatd conuerseth so with men, saith the Heathen man, as if God ouer-looked him, communeth with God so euen in priuate, as if men ouer-heard him. And certainly, howsoeuer it be true ⟨p. 110⟩indeed, thate the publike Seruice is of exceeding great benefit, and thereforef highly to be esteemed, asg hauing a more powerfull, liuely and effectuall worke of the Spirit in it, andh a more speciall blessing of God promised and annexed vnto it; in regard whereof, Dauid though a mani full of the Spirit of Grace, yet could not during his exilement content himselfe with his owne priuate meditations and deuotions, but klonged exceedingly, and prayed most instantly to haue free libertie of accesse againe to the publike assemblies of the Saints: yet when vpon a mans sicke or death-bed Satan shall be busie about him, and calling his sinceritie in question, a man may in such case be more comforted, and receiue better assurance of his sinceritie, by consideration of his frequencie and diligence in holy duties in priuate, because in them there can be least danger or suspicion of hypocrisie,
bAmissum nō flet, cum sola est, Gellia patrem: Si quis adest, jusse prosiliunt lachrymae. Martial. epig. 34. lib. 1.Amissum nō flet, cum sola est, Gellia patrem: Si quis adest, jusse prosiliunt lachrymae. Martial. epig. 34. lib. 1.
cNon dolet hic, quisquis laudari, Gellia, quaerit: Ille dolet verè, qui sine teste dolet. Ibid. Testes doloris quisquis captat, haud dolet.
dSic vive cum hominibus tanquam Deus videat: sic loquer• cū Deo, tanquam homines audiant. Sen. epist. 10. Praeceptum est Philosophie: Sic loquendum esse cum hominibus, tanquam Dij audiant; sic cum Dijs tanquam homines audiant Macrob. Saturn. l. 1.Sic vive cum hominibus tanquam Deus videat: sic loquer• cū Deo, tanquam homines audiant. Sen. epist. 10. Praeceptum est Philosophie: Sic loquendum esse cum hominibus, tanquam Dij audiant; sic cum Dijs tanquam homines audiant Macrob. Saturn. l. 1.
A fourth Note 1of Sincerity is Perpetuity, Constancy, permanence, continuance: when we are not godly and religious by fits and starts only, upon some special and extraordinary occasions, butm in a constant and continued course, at all times, even when such occasions cease. nI have applied my self to keep thy Commandments continually, saith David: And,o I will delight my self continually in thy Commandments, ⟨p. 111⟩which I love. And,p Blessed is the man, that feareth continually; saith Solomon. This constant delight in the word of God, this constant applying of our selves to the doing of the will of God, this continual standing in awe of God, is a sound note of sincerity. Butq when men seem to be so affected only upon some extraordinary occasions, and when those are once over, all is gone again, it is a shrewd sign that nothing was ever sound or sincere with them. And this well weighed will easily discover the unsoundness of many sorts that yet make a great show for a season. Some at the first hearing of the Word seem to be wondrously affected and ravished with it. The novelty and the strangeness of the Doctrine delivered, (as they say at Athens, rWe will hear thee once again, because thou tellest us of new Doctrine, such as we never heard of before;) or the eloquence and powerful delivery of the Preacher, (somes Apollos, it may be, or somet son of Thunder; uone that speaketh so as they never heard man speak before;) or the consideration of suchx glorious matters as are in it propounded, of an heaven and an happiness, and blessedness beyond conceit, and without end; may much affect even a natural man, at the first hearing especially, and make him to be wondrously delighted in it: and yet may the Word have no sound or saving work on him: all may prove but a flash, and so be by and by gone again. yThose that receive the seed on the stony ground, hear the Word at first with some delight, but shortly ⟨p. 112⟩after they dwindle and wither away, because they want root. This their delight is not permanent, because the Word had no root in them. Yea thus, asa a reverend Divine well observeth, andb an Heathen man also in effect the same long before him, as some are said to be Sea-sick; so others may be said to be Sermon-sick.
A fourth Note 1of Sinceritie is Perpetuitie, Constancie, permanence, continuance: when we are not godly and religious by fits and starts only, vpon some speciall and extraordinary occasions, butm in a constant and continued course, at all times, euen when such occasions cease. nI haue applied my selfe to keepe thy Commandements continually, saith Dauid: And,o I will delight my selfe continually in thy Commandements, ⟨p. 111⟩which I loue. And,p Blessed is the man, that feareth continually; saith Salomon. This constant delight in the word of God, this constant applying of our selues to the doing of the will of God, this continual standing in awe of God, is a sound note of sinceritie. Butq when men seeme to be so affected only vpon some extraordinarie occasions, and when those are once ouer, all is gone againe, it is a shrewd signe that nothing was euer sound or sincere with them. And this well weighed will easily discouer the vnsoundnesse of many sorts that yet make a great shew for a season. Some at the first hearing of the Word seeme to be wondrously affected and rauished with it. The noueltie and the strangenesse of the Doctrine deliuered, (as they say at Athens, rWe will heare thee once againe, because thou tellest vs of new Doctrine, such as we neuer heard of before;) or the eloquence and powerfull deliuerie of the Preacher, (somes Apollos, it may be, or somet son of Thunder; uone that speaketh so as they neuer heard man speake before;) or the consideration of suchx glorious matters as are in it propounded, of an heauen and an happinesse, and blessednesse beyond conceit, and without end; may much affect euen a naturall man, at the first hearing especially, and make him to be wondrously delighted in it: and yet may the Word haue no sound or sauing worke on him: all may proue but a flash, and so be by and by gone againe.
1Note 4. Perpetuity.Note 4. Perpetuitie.
mQualitatis verae tenor permanet: falsa non durant. Sen. ep. 120. Perpetua ac solida sunt, quae vera sunt: simulata non perseverant. Ambr. offic. l. 2. c. 22.
qMagna rem puta unū homine agere. Preter sapiense nemo unum agit: caeteri multiformes sunt, Modo frugi videntur & graves; modò prodigy & vani. Mutamus subinde persona, & contrariam ei sumimus quam exumus. Sen. epist. 120.Magna rem puta unū homine agere. Preter sapiense nemo unum agit: caeteri multiformes sunt, Modo frugi videntur & graves; modò prodigi & vani. Mutamus subinde persona, & contrariam ei sumimus quam exumus. Sen. epist. 120.
Sea-passengers that do not well brook the Seas, so long as they are upon the water, are faint and sick, and out of frame, so as that they think they shall sure miscarry with it, they make account to die no other death; but when they have gotten on land and reposed them a while, they are as well again as ever they were. So is it with some mere natural men sometime at a Sermon. Hearing some powerful Divine, that striketh somewhat home with them, that thundereth and lighteneth, as he said thatc Pericles did, their mind is troubled, and their conscience touched, and their soul melteth, and they grow heart-sick, and have much inward remorse, and begin to bethink themselves of taking a new course; but no sooner the Sermon is done, and they are come out of the Church, and have taken a little the fresh air of the world again, but all is over and gone, they are restored to their wonted estate, and retired to their former courses again. It is with them, as with those that have* taken a small quantity of some purging Physic beneath ⟨p. 113⟩the due dosis, enough to stir and trouble them, but not enough to purge or to work ought out of them. You may see some such thing in Felix, dwhen he heard Paul discourse very powerfully (as right well he could) of justice, righteousness, repentance, and the judgement to come, he was cast into a trembling fit withal for the present: and not able well to brook either the matter of his doctrine, or the manner of his delivery of it, he caused him to break off; but that he was never the better for it afterward, appeareth hereby, in that notwithstanding ite he persisted in his accustomed bribery, and other the like corrupt courses. Again thus some for a brunt at their first coming on to the profession of religion, having some special motive to incite them thereunto, seem very fervent and Zealous, evenf seething hot, as the word is; but after a while proveg luke-warm, and at length evenh key-cold: *like Snails that thrust out as it were a long pair of horns before them; but pull them instantly in again, as soon as they meet with ought that opposeth: like Peter that would needs bei fighting and slashing at the first, but shortly afterk fled away, left him, yeal denied and forswore him, whom he was so forward to fight for before. But he presently after mrepented, and came on again, and son continued, which these do not.
Sea-passengers that doe not well brooke the Seas, so long as they are vpon the water, are faint and sicke, and out of frame, so as that they thinke they shall sure miscarie with it, they make account to die no other death; but when they haue gotten on land and reposed them a while, they are as well againe as euer they were. So is it with some meere naturall men sometime at a Sermon. Hearing some powerfull Diuine, that striketh somewhat home with them, that thundreth and lightneth, as he said thatc Pericles did, their minde is troubled, and their conscience touched, and their soule melteth, and they grow heart-sicke, and haue much inward remorse, and begin to bethinke themselues of taking a new course; but no sooner the Sermon is done, and they are come out of the Church, and haue taken a little the fresh aire of the world againe, but all is ouer and gone, they are restored to their wonted estate, and retired to their former courses againe. It is with them, as with those that haue* taken a small quantitie of some purging Physicke beneath ⟨p. 113⟩the due dosis, enough to stirre and trouble them, but not enough to purge or to worke ought out of them. You may see some such thing in Foelix, dwhen he heard Paul discourse very powerfully (as right well he could) of iustice, righteousnesse, repentance, and the iudgement to come, he was cast into a trembling fit withall for the present: and not able well to brooke either the matter of his doctrine, or the manner of his deliuerie of it, he caused him to breake off; but that he was neuer the better for it afterward, appeareth hereby, in that notwithstanding ite he persisted in his accustomed bribery, and other the like corrupt courses. Againe thus some for a brunt at their first comming on to the profession of religion, hauing some speciall motiue to incite them thereunto, seeme very feruent and Zealous, euenf seething hot, as the word is; but after a while proueg luke-warme, and at length euenh key-cold: *
cDe quo Aristophanes Acharn. [Greek or Hebrew]. Fulminabat, tonabat, permiscebat Grecian. Cic. Orat. Unde & Olympius dictus est. Plut. Pericle.De quo Aristophanes Acharn. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Fulminabat, tonabat, permiscebat Graeciā. Cic. Orat. Vnde & Olympius dictus est. Plut. Pericle.
*[Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. sympos. problem. l. 3. c. 8.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. sympos. problem. l. 3. c. 8.
hFrigidi. Qualis Balduinus ille Cantuariensis, ad quem Urbanus PP. Balduino Monacho ferventissimo, Abbati calido, Episcopo tepido, Archiepiscopo remisso. Girald. •tiner. Camb. l. 2. c. 14.Frigidi. Qualis Balduinus ille Cantuariensis, ad quem Vrbanus PP. Balduino Monacho ferventissimo, Abbati calido, Episcopo tepido, Archiepiscopo remisso. Girald. •tiner. Camb. l. 2. c. 14.
His foul fall was but for a fit, a fit of infirmity it was only in him. Whereas on the other side, their fierce forwardness is but for a fit, a sudden fit of heat ⟨p. 114⟩it is only in them. Thus many again, as an oHeathen man also hath observed, when they lie deadly sick, oh then they seem wondrously well affected, they are very sorry for their sins, seem even to hate & abhor them, very devout and frequent in prayer to God, taxing and censuring themselves for their former carelessness in that kind, and now if God would vouchsafe to continue life, and restore health to them, they would be new men, leave their sins, and their former lewd courses, and lead another manner of life than ever they did. But it is with them, as it is with Sea-men sometime in a storm, that out of fear of danger and desire of safetyp cast all that ever they have over-board, which when the storm is over, they strive and labour as fast• if by any means they can, to get up again.* When they are once free from that fear, that before affected them, they return to their former courses afresh, as if it repented them now that ever it had repented them of them. qWhen God slew them, saith the Psalmist, then they sought him, and returned, and enquired after God early. But they flattered him only with their mouth, and lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was never upright with him, neither were they steadfast in his Covenant. And therefore well didr the Emperor Sigismund's Confessor answer him, when being in a sore fit of sickness, ⟨p. 115⟩and having made many goodly fair promises and protestations of future reformation upon recovery, and amendment of life, he desired of him to be informed, whereby he might discern whether such his repentance were sincere; If, quoth he, you be as careful to make good in your health, what you now promise, as you are forward now in your extremity to promise. And in like man ner is it with many others in some outward danger & distress. Jonah's sea-men distressed by that sudden and strange storm,s Call every one on his God, then every man to prayer, a man would think no devouter men again in the world; but when the danger is once over, nothing but swearing and swaggering, blaspheming and tearing of that Name, that before so reverently they invocated, none profaner than some of those that a little before seemed so devout.
His foule fall was but for a fit, a fit of infirmitie it was onely in him. Whereas on the other side, their fierce forwardnesse is but for a fit, a sudden fit of heat ⟨p. 114⟩it is onely in them. Thus many againe, as an oHeathen man also hath obserued, when they lie deadly sicke, oh then they seeme wondrously well affected, they are very sory for their sinnes, seeme euen to hate & abhor them, very deuout and frequent in prayer to God, taxing and censuring themselues for their former carelesnesse in that kinde, and now if God would vouchsafe to continue life, and restore health to them, they would be new men, leaue their sinnes, and their former lewd courses, and leade another manner of life than euer they did. But it is with them, as it is with Sea-men sometime in a storme, that out of feare of danger and desire of safetiep cast all that euer they haue ouer-boord, which when the storme is ouer, they striue and labour as fast• if by any meanes they can, to get vp againe.* When they are once free from that feare, that before affected them, they returne to their former courses afresh, as if it repented them now that euer it had repented them of them. qWhen God slew them, saith the Psalmist, then they sought him, and returned, and enquired after God early. But they flattered him only with their mouth, and lied vnto him with their tongues. For their heart was neuer vpright with him, neither were they stedfast in his Couenant. And therefore well didr the Emperour Sigismunds Confessor answer him, when being in a sore fit of sicknesse, ⟨p. 115⟩and hauing made many goodly faire promises and protestations of future reformation vpon recouery, and amendment of life, he desired of him to be informed, whereby he might discerne whether such his repentance were sincere; If, quoth he, you be as carefull to make good in your health, what you now promise, as you are forward now in your extremity to promise. And in like mā ner is it with many others in some outward danger & distresse. Ionaes sea-men distressed by that sudden and strange storme,s
oNuper me amici cujusdam languor admonuit, optimos esse nos, dum infirmi sumus. Quem enim infirmum aut avaritia, aut libido solicitat? Non amoribus servit, non adpetit honores, opes negligit, & quantulumcunque, ut relicturus, satis habet. Tunc Deos, tunc hominem esse se meminit. Invidet nemini, neminem miratur, neminem despicit, acne sermonibus quidem malignis aut attendit, aut alitur, &c. Innoxiam in posterū, si con ••gat evadere, beatamque destinat vitam. Utmam tales esse sam perseveremus, quales nos futuros profitemur infirmi. Plin. epist. 26. lib. 7.Nuper me amici cujusdam languor admonuit, optimos esse nos, dum infirmi sumus. Quem enim infirmum aut avaritia, aut libido solicitat? Non amoribus servit, non adpetit honores, opes negligit, & quantulumcunque, ut relicturus, satis habet. Tunc Deos, tunc hominem esse se meminit. Invidet nemini, neminem miratur, neminem despicit, ac ne sermonibus quidem malignis aut attendit, aut alitur, &c. Innoxiam in posterū, si cō ••gat evadere, beatamque destinat vitam. Vtmam tales esse sam perseveremus, quales nos futuros profitemur infirmi. Plin. epist. 26. lib. 7.
pJon. 1. 5. Act. 27. 19, 38. - jactu decidere cepit Navita cum ventis, imitatus castora, qui se Eunuchum ipse facit cupiens evadere damno. Juvenal. sat. 12.Ion. 1. 5. Act. 27. 19, 38. - jactu decidere cepit Navita cum ventis, imitatus castora, qui se Eunuchum ipse facit cupiens evadere damno. Iuvenal. sat. 12.
*Plerique futuri supplicij metu peccatorum conscij poenitentiam petunt: qui videntur malorum petisse poenit entiam, bonorum agere; & ipsius poenitentiam agere poenitentiae suae. Ambr. de poenit. l. 2. c. 9.
It is that which God complaineth of in Judah and Ephraim: tO Ephraim what shall I do with thee? or how should I deal with thee, O Judah? for your goodness is as a morning cloud; and at the early dew it goeth away. No longer than Gods hand was heavy upon them, & the night of his wrath did in fearful manner over-spread them, was there any show at all of goodness or godliness to be seen in them. A particular and pregnant example of such carriage we may see in the Inhabitants of Jerusalem: Their City wasu besieged and begirt by the Chaldeans, and in great danger to be surprised. Hereuponx admonished by the Prophet, they repent them of some sins, ⟨p. 116⟩reform some abuses,y renew their Covenants with God, seal it up with a solemn sacrifice, zcutting a calf in twain, and passing between the two sides so sundered: But no sooner wasa the siege broken up, and the City relieved by the access of some aids from Egypt, butb they return again to their wonted bias, slipping away, andc starting aside like a deceitful or a slippery bow, as the Psalmist speaketh of the Israelites, whosed inconstancy also he maketh an Argument of their insincerity. And what he saith of one sort of them, may be well said of them all.e They had not set their heart aright, and therefore their spirit was not constant with God. Their religion and devotion is but as the motion of a Wind-mill driven with the Wind, that maketh graft no longer than the Wind bloweth upon it: or as the motion of* an Image that goeth with a device, that stirreth no longer than the force lasteth of the screw or the spring that setteth it a stirring. And that is the difference between Natural and Artificial motions: the motion of the pulse, and the breath in mans body, and the motion of an Image, or a Mill, and the like: a free motion and a forced one. The ground of the motion in the one is from within, of the other from without: there is some stress and straining required to the staying of the one; and there is some like stress and strain required for the stirring of the other: & the one therefore stirs constantly till it be staid; the other stays and standeth still till it be stirred: and when that ⟨p. 117⟩force and stress is gone, the one again stirs, when that force and stress is gone, the other again stayeth.
It is that which God complaineth of in Iudah and Ephraim: tO Ephraim what shall I doe with thee? or how should I deale with thee, O Iudah? for your goodnesse is as a morning cloud; and at the early dew it goeth away. No longer than Gods hand was heauie vpon them, & the night of his wrath did in fearefull manner ouer-spread them, was there any shew at all of goodnesse or godlinesse to be seene in them. A particular and pregnant example of such cariage wee may see in the Inhabitants of Ierusalem: Their Citie wasu besieged and begirt by the Chaldeans, and in great danger to be surprised. Hereuponx admonished by the Prophet, they repent them of some sinnes, ⟨p. 116⟩reforme some abuses,y renue their Couenants with God, seale it vp with a solemne sacrifice, zcutting a calfe in twaine, and passing betweene the two sides so sundred: But no sooner wasa the siege broken vp, and the Citie releeued by the accesse of some aids from Aegypt, butb they returne againe to their wonted bias, slipping away, andc starting aside like a deceitfull or a slippery bow, as the Psalmist speaketh of the Israelites, whosed inconstancie also hee maketh an Argument of their insinceritie. And what hee saith of one sort of them, may be well said of them all.e They had not set their heart aright, and therefore their spirit was not constant with God. Their religion and deuotion is but as the motion of a Wind-mill driuen with the Winde, that maketh grift no longer than the Winde bloweth vpon it: or as the motion of* an Image that goeth with a deuice, that stirreth no longer than the force lasteth of the screw or the spring that setteth it a stirring. And that is the difference between Naturall and Artificiall motions: the motion of the pulse, and the breath in mans bodie, and the motion of an Image, or a Mill, and the like: a free motion and a forced one. The ground of the motion in the one is from within, of the other from without: there is some stresse and straining required to the staying of the one; and there is some like stresse and straine required for the stirring of the other: & the one therefore stirres constantly till it be staid; the other staies and standeth still till it be stirred: and when that
zSic Abraham Genes. 15. 10. Hinc [Greek or Hebrew] Scindere foedus: sicut, icere, ferire Latinis: à porco percusso. Unde tamen perperā volunt Foedus nuncup itū: con fit [Greek or Hebrew], Ut & Fidus [Greek or Hebrew].Sic Abraham Genes. 15. 10. Hinc 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Scindere foedus: sicut, icere, ferire Latinis: à porco percusso. Vnde tamen perperā volunt Foedus nuncup itū: cū fit 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, Vt & Fidus 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
The motion of the godly, in the good ways of God, is like the pacing of a beast broken and brought to a true pace, or naturally ambling of it self, he keepeth to his pace constantly, and though he may be forced out of it, yet he doth nothing so well with it,“ nor is it for his ease, but he is ever and anon making offer to come into it again, and so doth so soon as he findeth himself free from such enforcement. Whereas the motion of Hypocrites in Gods ways, is as the pacing of a beast not truly paced, that being forced to pace, shuffleth but, and though he may be kept a while to it, yet cannot long hold out with it, is ready, if he be not held hard to it, at every step to go out of it, and is never well till he be in his trot again.† Pharaoh himself would relent somewhat while Gods hand was upon him, butf he hardened his heart again as soon as that hand of God was gone: he was like the iron, that though it melt while it is in the fire, yet groweth stiff again after it hath been but a while out of it: becauseg Iron it was before, and iron it is still. It is true indeed that a man, especially one suddenly converted, may be much more feelingly affected presently upon his conversion, than he shall, it may be, ever after again: as one that hath lived long in the dark, when he cometh first into the light, And hthat the fear of God is much more fresh at some times upon special occasions, even in the ⟨p. 116⟩[…] ⟨p. 117⟩[…] ⟨p. 118⟩hearts of his servants, that at other times it is. But where there is an utter falling away from former forwardness, and as it was with the Israelites eveni a loathing of that Manna, that at first they seemed so much to like, to love, to long after, thatk even on the Sabbath they would needs go to seek it; withl a preferring even of Egyptian Leeks before it, and a longing after them again: where an utter casting off of all fear of God and care of good courses, when such occasions, as put them into it, are once blown over; it giveth just ground of suspicion, that the former forwardness in Gods cause was no sincere love of God, but a sudden fit of passion only in the one; the fearfulness of Gods wrath no sanctified fear, but a servile and slavish disposition only in the other.
The motion of the godly, in the good waies of God, is like the pacing of a beast broken and brought to a true pace, or naturally ambling of it selfe, hee keepeth to his pace constantly, and though he may be forced out of it, yet he doth nothing so well with it,“ nor is it for his ease, but hee is euer and anon making offer to come into it againe, and so doth so soone as he findeth himselfe free from such enforcement. Whereas the motion of Hypocrites in Gods waies, is as the pacing of a beast not truly paced, that being forced to pace, shuffleth but, and though hee may be kept a while to it, yet cannot long hold out with it, is readie, if he be not held hard to it, at euery step to goe out of it, and is neuer well till hee be in his trot againe.† Pharaoh himselfe would relent somewhat while Gods hand was vpon him, butf hee hardened his heart againe as soone as that hand of God was gone: hee was like the iron, that though it melt while it is in the fire, yet groweth stiffe againe after it hath beene but a while out of it: becauseg Iron it was before, and iron it is still. It is true indeed that a man, especially one suddenly conuerted, may be much more feelingly affected presently vpon his conuersion, than hee shall, it may be, euer after againe: as one that hath liued long in the darke, when hee commeth first into the light, And hthat the feare of God is much more fresh at some times vpon speciall occasions, euen in the ⟨p. 116⟩〈…〉⟨p. 117⟩〈…〉⟨p. 118⟩hearts of his seruants, that at other times it is. But where there is an vtter falling away from former forwardnesse, and as it was with the Israelites eueni a loathing of that Manna, that at first they seemed so much to like, to loue, to long after, thatk
“Quomodo Sense. ep. 121. Animalia quaedam tergi durioris inversa tamdiu see torquent, ac pedes exerunt & obliquant, donec ad locum reponantur. Et inquieta est desiderio naturalis status testudo supinata; nec ante desinit niti, quatere see, quàm in pedes constitit.Quomodo Sence. ep. 121. Animalia quaedam tergi durioris inversa tamdiu se torquent, ac pedes exerunt & obliquant, donec ad locum reponantur. Et inquieta est desiderio naturalis status testudo supinata; nec ante desinit niti, quatere se, quàm in pedes constitit.
Yea but will some say peradventure,1 (for my desire is herein to help weak souls and tender consciences all that I can:2) This is that that so much troubleth me, that I cannot find and feel in my self such inward remorse and hearty sorrow for my sins, or such alacrity and vivacity of spirit, as sometime I have done, or as at my first supposed, but now suspected, conversion I did.
Yea but will some say peraduenture,1 (for my desire is herein to helpe weake soules and tender consciences all that I can:2) This is that that so much troubleth me, that I cannot finde and feele in my selfe such inward remorse and heartie sorrow for my sinnes, or such alacritie and viuacitie of spirit, as sometime I haue done, or as at my first supposed, but now suspected, conuersion I did.
I answer:1 Nor is it to be suspected that always one so should: or is the soundness of the parties conversion to be either questioned or suspected in that regard if he do not. For it standeth with reason, that a strange Change, especially where it is suddenly effected, from one ⟨p. 119⟩contrary to another should more affect, and be more sensible, than the after-continuance of that estate which by such a change is introduced. The heat of an hot bath or an hot-house, is more sensible at our first entrance, especially if on a sudden we chop into it, than it is when we have been some space of time in it. Andm the more familiar every thing groweth to be with us, the less sensible is the power and the work of it upon us. In this kind therefore also is there great difference between those that are at an instant converted, asn Paul was, and those that witho Timothy, have the grace of God wrought into them by degrees. The league that was naturally between the soul and Satan, is violently rent asunder in the one, it is gentlyp unripped and unsewed in the other. The one are suddenly qsnatched out of the Devils claws, the other are sweetly won andr ticed out of his hands. Thes cords of sin, wherein the soul was held tcaptive, are burst with strong hand and main might, asu Samsons were, in the one; they are easily fretted. by little and little, asx the bands of life that hold body and soul together in persons weak and far spent, in the other: the one have their spiritual fetters at once knocked off by force, the other filed off yby degrees. And hence it is that the one are oft-times more sensible of what is wrought upon them, and done in them at their first conversion, than afterward; the other find and feel their own growth and progress better than they. Nor are any to be ⟨p. 120⟩dismayed or to misdoubt themselves therefore, those especially of the former sort, so long as they can find in themselves a continued love of Gods word, a constant use of good means, and care of good courses, albeit good things seem not so sensible with them, as they did at the first.
I answer:1 Nor is it to be suspected that alwaies one so should: or is the soundnesse of the parties conuersion to be either questioned or suspected in that regard if hee doe not. For it standeth with reason, that a strange Change, especially where it is suddenly effected, from one ⟨p. 119⟩contrary to another should more affect, and be more sensible, than the after-continuance of that estate which by such a change is introduced. The heat of an hot bath or an hot-house, is more sensible at our first entrance, especially if on a sudden we chop into it, than it is when we haue beene some space of time in it. Andm the more familiar euery thing groweth to be with vs, the lesse sensible is the power and the worke of it vpon vs. In this kinde therefore also is there great difference betweene those that are at an instant conuerted, asn Paul was, and those that witho Timothy, haue the grace of God wrought into them by degrees. The league that was naturally betweene the soule and Satan, is violently rent asunder in the one, it is gentlyp vnript and vnsowed in the other. The one are suddenly qsnatcht out of the Deuils clawes, the other are sweetly wonne andr ticed out of his hands. Thes cords of sinne, wherein the soule was held tcaptiue, are burst with strong hand and maine might, asu Sampsons were, in the one; they are easily fretted. by little and little, asx the bands of life that hold body and soule together in persons weake and farre spent, in the other: the one haue their spirituall fetters at once knockt off by force, the other filed off
1Answer.
m[Greek or Hebrew]. Sins. epist. 139.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Synes. epist. 139.
Again,1 will some say, that troubleth me, that I find the fear of God indeed so fresh in me, when Gods hand is present upon me, or upon some others in my sight; and so little of it again, when that is gone. Yea, that I seem in such cases to be more affected with the outward evil it self, than with my sins that have procured it: which maketh me to fear, that this my fear is at the most but a servile fear, and such as Hypocrites are wont in the like cases to have.
Againe,1 will some say, that troubleth me, that I finde the feare of God indeed so fresh in mee, when Gods hand is present vpon me, or vpon some others in my sight; and so little of it againe, when that is gone. Yea, that I seeme in such cases to be more affected with the outward euill it selfe, than with my sinnes that haue procured it: which maketh me to feare, that this my feare is at the most but a seruile feare, and such as Hypocrites are wont in the like cases to haue.
1Objection 2.Obiection 2.
Thomas Gataker
1574–1654
PuritansEngland
Rector of Rotherhithe; member of the Westminster Assembly.
it hindereth rather, and is a meanes to cast him more behinde hand: nor doth the other proue, much lesse make a man truly religious;
he had once resolued he saith, not to mention Gods Name any more to them; but he could not for his life keepe long that his vnwarrantable resolution; Gods word was as a fire in his brest, and as a flame
shut vp in his bones, so that he soone grew weary of it, and he could not by any meanes keepe it in. Not that at all times and in all places men are bound
holy things, saith our Sauiour, are not to be offered vnto Dogs, nor pearles cast before Swine. No:
Ester 2. 10
.
k[Greek or Hebrew]. Greg. Naz. ad Eunom.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Greg. Naz. ad Eunom.
l[Greek or Hebrew]. Pythagoras.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Pythagoras.
mMatth. 7. 6. Huc illud monitum Pythagorcum, [Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. padagog.Matth. 7. 6. Huc illud monitum Pythagorcum, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. padagog.
It is no true deuotion, saith Lactantius, that leaueth a man at the Church-doore. Where religion is not shewed in the actions of a mans life, in the course of his calling, as well as in the congregation and in his Church-seruice, Such
religion (Saint Iames saith it,) is but vaine and vnsound. Nor is that religion any better that affecteth view and sight, that loueth to be seene; (it was the Pharisees deuotion
that did all so as men might see what they did:) that is loud and talkatiue in company, silent in secret, in presence of others operatiue, idle in priuate.
Hi quibus sceptrū & chlamydem in scena fabulae assignant, cum praesente populo elati incesserunt & c•thurnati, simul exierunt, excalceantur, & ad staturam suam redeunt. Sen. ep. 76.Hi quibus sceptrū & chlamydem in scena fabulae assignant, cum praesente populo elati incesserunt & c•thurnati, simul exierunt, excalceantur, & ad staturam suam redeunt. Sen. ep. 76.
*Quidam alternis Vatinij; alternis Catones sunt. Sic maximè coarguitur animus imprudens: alius prodit atque aluis; &, quo turpius mihil judico, impar sibi est. Sen. ep. 120.
yNon est vera religio, quae cum templo relinquitur. Lactant.
which none but God and his owne soule hath beene priuie vnto, than by all that hee hath performed either publikely or priuately in the presence of others.
an Heathen man also in effect the same long before him, as some are said to be Sea-sicke; so others may be said to be Sermon-sicke.
Matth. 13. 5, 20, 21. & 8. 6, 13. Quae simulata sunt diuturna esse non possunt, sed tanquam ad tempus virentia, citò decidum. Quod fictum est, in principio vernat, in processu tanquam flosculus dissipatur & solvitur: quod autem verum & sincerum alta radice fundatur. Ambr. de offic. l. 2. c. 22.
aGreenhā observ. title Sermons.Greenhā observ. title Sermons.
bQuidam ad magnificas voces excitantur, & transeunt in affectum dicentium, alacres vultu & animo: nec aliter concitantur, quàm solent Phrygij tibicinis sono Semiviri, & ex imperio furentes. Rapit illos instigatque rerum pulchritudo, non verborum inanium sonitus. Juvat protinus, quae audiunt facere. Afficiuntur illi; & sint quales jubentur, si illa animo forma permaneat, si non impetum insignem protinus populus honesty dissuasor excipiat. Pauci illam, quam conceperant, mentem domū perferre potuerunt. Shem. epist. 108.Quidam ad magnificas voces excitantur, & transeunt in affectum dicentium, alacres vultu & animo: nec aliter concitantur, quàm solent Phrygij tibicinis sono Semiviri, & ex imperio furentes. Rapit illos instigatque rerum pulchritudo, non verborum inanium sonitus. Iuvat protinus, quae audiunt facere. Afficiuntur illi; & sint quales jubentur, si illa animo forma permaneat, si non impetum insignem protinus populus honesti dissuasor excipiat. Pauci illam, quam conceperant, mentem domū perferre potuerunt. Sē. epist. 108.
like Snailes that thrust out as it were a long paire of hornes before thē; but pull them instantly in again, as soon as they meet with ought that opposeth: like Peter that would needs be
Call euery one on his God, then euery man to prayer, a man would thinke no deuouter men againe in the world; but when the danger is once ouer, nothing but swearing and swaggering, blaspheming and tearing of that Name, that before so reuerently they inuocated, none prophaner than some of those that a little before seemed so deuout.
⟨p. 117⟩
force and stresse is gone, the one again stirs, when that force and stresse is gone, the other againe stayeth.
*[Greek or Hebrew], sive [Greek or Hebrew]. M. Anton. vitae sue l. 7. Sigillaria, quae per se [Greek or Hebrew] verticillis quibusdam ac nervis moventur. Casau. ad Pers sat. 5. Duceris ut alienis mobile lignum. Horat. serm. lib. 2. sat. 7. Hinc Athen. dipnosoph. l. 9. site admodum ait Otos aves salta•trices & i••talrices, [Greek or Hebrew]. Quod interpreshaud e assecut▪.〈non-Latin alphabet〉, sive 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. M. Anton. vitae sue l. 7. Sigillaria, quae per se 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 verticillis quibusdam ac nervis movētur. Casau. ad Pers sat. 5. Duceris ut alienis mobile lignum. Horat. serm. lib. 2. sat. 7. Hinc Athen. dipnosoph. l. 9. scite admodum ait Otos aves salta•trices & i••talrices, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Quod interpreshaud e assecut▪.
euen on the Sabbath they would needs go to seek it; with
a preferring euen of Aegyptian Leeks before it, and a longing after them againe: where an vtter casting off of all feare of God and care of good courses, when such occasions, as put them into it, are once blowne ouer; it giueth iust ground of suspicion, that the former forwardnesse in Gods cause was no sincere loue of God, but a sudden fit of passion only in the one; the fearefulnesse of Gods wrath no sanctified feare, but a seruile and slauish disposition only in the other.
by degrees. And hence it is that the one are oft-times more sensible of what is wrought vpon them, and done in them at their first conuersion, than afterward; the other finde and feele their owne growth and progresse better than they. Nor are any to be
⟨p. 120⟩
dismaid or to misdoubt thēselues therfore, those especially of the former sort, so long as they can finde in themselues a continued loue of Gods word, a constant vse of good meanes, and care of good courses, albeit good things seeme not so sensible with them, as they did at the first.
