A01980:308
A recovery from apostasy Set out in a sermon preached in Stepney Church near London at the receiving of a penitent renegado into the Church, Octob. 21. 1638. By William Gouge D.D. and min. in Black-Friars London Herein is the history of the surprisal and admirable escape of the said penitent.A recovery from apostacy Set out in a sermon preached in Stepny Church neere London at the receiving of a penitent renegado into the Church, Octob. 21. 1638. By William Gouge D.D. and min. in Black-Friers London Herein is the history of the surprizall and admirable escape of the said penitent.
London: printed by George Miller for Joshua Kirton, 1639London: printed by George Miller for Ioshua Kirton, 1639
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
The like might be noted of the Orthodox reformed Churches, which ever since the beginning of the Reformation have time after time received such as have turned from their Heresy,1 Idolatry, Superstition, Apostasy, or any other notorious and scandalous offence. For it is an especial branch of Christian discipline, to stop the course of repenting and returning to the faith from none.
The like might be noted of the Orthodox reformed Churches, which ever si•ce the beginning of the Reformation have time after time received such as have turned from their Heresie,1 Idolatry, Superstition, Apostacy, or any other notorious and scandalous offence. For it is an especiall branch of Christian discipline, to stop the course of repenting and returning to the faith from none.
1. Take notice hereby of the just cause that the true Christian Catholic Church,1 and the Orthodox Fathers of that Church had,2 to detest, and abominate, as they did, the unchristian, uncharitable, and unmerciful opinion and practise of the Novations in denying repentance to such as had once denied the Christian faith: and in refusing to admit them into the Christian Church again, though with all the testimonies ⟨p. 80⟩of penitential humiliation and contrition that they could express they desired it, and made free offer of all the satisfaction that the Church should require. Most proudly and odiously they styled themselves [Greek or Hebrew] Puritans, as if they had been forsooth the purest in the world,3 yea and they only the pure ones: whereas they are of all the most impure: denying repentance whereby sins are purged away. Their extreme severity, or rather cruelty, being directly contrary to the mind of God, our gracious and merciful Father,4 manifested in his Word by his own free and rich grace offered to penitents, by the directions given to his people to receive such, and by their constant course in entertaining such, the Catholic Church adjudged Novatus to be accounted an Heretic, and put Novatians into the Catalogue of Heretics. For bowels of mercy ought no where so to be enlarged as in the Catholic Church; that as a true mother, ⟨p. 81⟩she neither proudly insults over her children that fall, nor hardly pardons them being amended.
1. Take notice hereby of the just cause that the true Christian Catholike Church,1 and the Orthodox Fathers of that Church had,2 to detest, and abhominate, as they did, the unchristian, unchar•table, and unmercifull opinion and practise of the Novations in denying repentance to such as had once denied the Christian fai•h: and in refusing to admit them into the Christian Church againe, though with all the testimonies ⟨p. 80⟩of penitentiall humiliation and contrition that they could expresse they desired it, and made free offer of all the satisfaction that the Church should require. Most proudly and odiously they stiled themselves 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Puritans, as if they had beene forsooth the purest in the world,3 yea and they onely the pure ones: whereas they are of all the most impure: denying repentance whereby sinnes are purged away. Their extreme severity, or rather cruelty, being directly contrary to the minde of God, our gracious and mercifull Father,4 manifested in his Word by his owne free and rich grace offered to penitents, by the directions given to his people to receive such, and by their constant course in entertaining such, the Catholike Church adjudged Novatus to be accounted an Heretique, and put Novatians into the Catalogue of Heretiques. For bowells of mercy ought no where so to be enlarged as in the Catholick Church; that as a true mother, ⟨p. 81⟩shee neither proudly insults over her children that fall, nor hardly pardons them being amended.
2. This makes much to the justification of this days solemnity in receiving this Penitent by a prescript order of our Church into her communion.1 Herein our Church showeth such a tender compassion to this her son that was once lost, but by Gods good providence is now found, as the Father did to the Prodigal: affording unto him the best welcome that she can. What cause hast thou, O Penitent, to bless God that thou wert borne and brought up in such a Church, wherein thou hadst at first the benefit of Baptism, to preserve thee, as Noah was preserved in the Ark, 2from the deluge of destruction: and now again a recovery by penance enjoined to thee, and performed by thee: which being heartily done, is as another plank after ship-wrack reached out unto thee, to keep thee from drowning.
2. This makes much to the justification of this daies solemnity in receiving this Penitent by a prescript order of our Church into her communion.1 Herein our Church sheweth such a tender compassion to this her sonne that was once lost, but by Gods good providence is now found, as the Father did to the Prodigall: affording unto him the best welcome that she can. What cause hast thou, O Penitent, to blesse God that thou wert borne and brought up in such a Church, wherein thou hadst at first the benefit of Baptisme, to preserve thee, as Noah was preserved in the Arke, 2from the deluge of destruction: and now again a recovery by penance enjoyned to thee, and performed by thee: which being heartily done, is as another plancke after ship-wracke reached out unto thee, to keep thee from drowning.
3. All ye that are children of the same mother and brethren and sisters to this Penitent,1 imitate this gracious indulgency of your Mother towards him. Be not like the Prodigals elder brother, who envied his brother, and was offended with his Father for the grace, favour and honour which was showed to his penitent brother. Do ye rather show your selves to be of the mind of the Angels of God, in whose presence there is joy over one sinner that converteth, Luk 15.10. Henceforth upbraid not to him his Apostasy: ⟨p. 82⟩Upbraid not his circumcision; upbraid not his subjecting himself to Mahometisme: shun not his society; avoid not communion with him, no not in the most sacred and divine ordinances: traffic with him: eat and drink with him, pray with him and pray for him: Receive him as a brother beloved: Forgive him, comfort him: I beseech you that you would confirm your love toward him.
3. All ye that are children of the same mother and bretheren and sisters to this Penitent,1 imitate this gracious indulgency of your Mother towards him. Be not like the Prodigals elder brother, who envied his brother, and was offended with his Father for the grace, favour and honour which was shewed to his penitent brother. Doe ye rather shew your selves to be of the mind of the Angels of God, in whose presence there is joy over one sinner that converteth, Luk 15.10. Henceforth upbraide not to him his Apostacy: ⟨p. 82⟩Upbraide not his circumcision; upbraide not his subjecting himselfe to Mahometisme: shunne not his society; avoid not communion with him, no not in the most sacred and divine ordinances: trafique with him: eate and drinke with him, pray with him and pray for him: Receive him as a brother beloved: Forgive him, comfort him: I beseech you that you would confirme your love toward him.
14. My heart stirs me up again to return to such as have renounced the Christian faith and been circumcised, in the name of the Lord Jesus to beseech them, yea and to require them for Gods sake, for the Gospels sake, for the Churches sake, for such friends sake, as are privy to it, and for their own souls sake, as they tender the peace of their conscience, yea and the salvation of their soul, to make their case known, to submit themselves to the discipline of the Church, and to be willing to give such satisfaction as the Church shall think fit. Ye had many that could bear witness of your denying the faith, and those such as took occasion thereupon to insult over you, over your Faith, over the Church by which you were instructed in the Faith, and over your Lord and Saviour on whom you placed your Faith. Is it not then meet that you should have many witnesses of your returning to the Faith again, and of your humiliation and contrition for that dishonour you have done to God, and to his ⟨p. 83⟩Church: and those such witnesses as h•ve power to loose you, and to receive you again into the Church: yea and such as will rejoice at your conversion, and praise God for the same?2 O be not more ashamed of confessing your sin, then you were of committing it. Shall he who was not ashamed of his wound, be ashamed of binding up and healing his wound.
14. My heart stirres me up againe to returne to such as have renounced the Christian faith and beene circumcised, in the name of the Lord Jesus to beseech them, yea and to require them for Gods sake, for the Gospells sake, for the Churches sake, for such friends sake, as are privie to it, and for their owne soules sake, as they tender the peace of their conscience, yea and the salvation of their soule, to make their case knowne, to submit themselves to the discipline of the Church, and to be willing to give such satisfaction as the Church shall thinke fit. Yee had many that could beare witnesse of your denying the faith, and those such as tooke occasion thereupon to insult over you, over your Faith, over the Church by which you were instructed in the Faith, and over your Lord and Saviour on whom you placed your Faith. Is it not then meet that you should have many witnesses of your returning to the Faith againe, and of your humiliation and contrition for that dishonour you have done to God, and to his
5. Let me in the last place leave a few directions with thee, O Penitent, upon whose occasion we are here met.
11. That which now thou dost openly with thy tongue and body before us children of men, doe it ex animo, do it heartily as to the Lord the Searcher of hearts. Thus will thy repentance be sound indeed. Thus will much inward peace be brought to thy conscience. Thus wilt thou be loosed in Heaven as well as on earth. All the grace and favour which now the Church showeth is upon this pious and charitable presumption, that in prostrating thy body thy soul is humbled, and that the confession of thy mouth proceedeth from the contrition of thy heart. If it be otherwise, thou dissemblest with the Church, thou deceivest thine own soul, and mockest God who will in no wise br•oke such mockings. Unless thou do, what thou dost, sincerely and heartily, thou art in no better case (if not in a worse) then they who have suffered themselves to be circumcised by profest enemies of Christ, and therewithal ⟨p. 84⟩renounced the faith of Christ, and yet seek not to be loosed by the Church of Christ. They cannot in Faith expect to be loosed in Heaven, because they are not first loosed on earth. Nor canst thou expect to partake in Heaven of the benefit of the Churches loosing thee on earth, because it is utterly made void by the deceitfulness of thy heart. But we are persuaded better things of thee, and things that accompany Salvation though I thus speak.
11. That which now thou dost openly with thy tongue and body before us children of men, doe it ex animo, do it heartily as to the Lord the Searcher of hearts. Thus will thy repentance be sound indeed. Thus will much inward peace be brought to thy conscience. Thus wilt thou be loosed in Heaven as well as on earth. All the grace and favour which now the Church sheweth is upon this pious and charitable presumption, that in prostrating thy body thy soule is humbled, and that the confession of thy mouth proceedeth from the contrition of thy heart. If it bee otherwise, thou dissemblest with the Church, thou deceivest thine owne soule, and mockest God who will in no wise br•oke such mockings. Unlesse thou do, what t•ou dost, sincerely and heartily, thou art in no better case (if not in a worse) then they who have suffered themselves to be circumcised by profest enemies of Christ, and therewithall
12. Be inwardly more dejected in soul, more pierced in spirit, and broken in heart, then with the tears of thine eyes, beatings of thy breast, casting down of thy body, and confession of thy mouth thou canst express. For thy sin for which this penance is enjoined is an heinous sin,2 a crying sin, a sin that comes near to the unpardonable sin, that sin unto death. Thereby thou deniedst the Lord that bought thee: thereby thou renouncedst the only means of thy salvation: thereby thou rannest out of thy Lords camp into the army of his enemies, and so becamest an enemy to thy Lord.3 How dishonourable was this to thy Lord? How disgraceful to his Church? O how did those cursed enemies insult thereat? What cause hast thou to cry our (as Jer. 9.1.) Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for my sin? Thou hast cause enough to draw water (as the Israelites did, 1 Sam. 7.6.) from the ⟨p. 85⟩bottom of a broken heart, and to pour it out before the Lord, as he who said (Psal. 119.136) Rivers of water run down mine eyes. Remember what Peter did, when he was put in mind of such a sin as thou hast committed, He went out and wept bitterly, Math. 26.75. Those bitter tears must needs flow out of the bottom of an heart thoroughly broken.
12. Be inwardly more dejected in soule, more pierced in spirit, and broaken in heart, then with the teares of thine eyes, beatings of thy brest, casting downe of thy body, and confession of thy mouth thou canst expresse. For thy sinne for which this penance is enjoyned is an heinous sinne,2
Me thinks I now behold many weeping eyes in this assembly, bewailing thy woeful fall; and I must confess that I also find mine own bowels troubled within me. All this is in compassion of thy case. Oughtest not thou to be much moved thereat? Howsoever the Church be pleased in much-tender-compassion to enjoin this easy, mild penance unto thee, do thou betwixt God and thine own soul yet further load thy self through a serious and deep apprehension of,1 and meditation on the heinousness of thy sin, that Christ observing thee to labour and to be heavy loaden under the burden of thy sin, may (according to his promise, Math. 11.28.) give thee rest. Repentance is to be ordered according to the kind and measure of sin.
Mee thinkes I now behold many weeping eyes in this assembly, bewailing thy woefull fall; and I must confesse that I also find mine owne bowels troubled within me. All this is in compassion of thy case. Oughtest not thou to be much mooved thereat? Howsoever the Church be pleased in much-tender-compassion to enjoyne this easie, milde penance unto thee, doe thou betwixt God and thine owne soule yet further loade thy selfe through a serious and d•epe apprehension of,1 and meditation on the heighnousnesse of thy sinne, that Christ observing thee to labour and to be heavy loaden under the burden of thy sinne, may (according to his promise, Math. 11.28.) give thee rest. Repentance is to be ordered according to the kind and measure of sin.
13. Let not thy penitency end with the penance of this day. Well note the Lords exprobration to Israel (Isa. 58.5.) Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Nor is one days penance sufficient repentance for such a sin as thou hast committed, I have heard a tradition concerning ⟨p. 86⟩Peter that he wept whensoever he heard a Cock crow. It becometh a penitent Apostate, whensoever by any occasion he is put in mind of his sin, to be struck at his heart with godly remorse. Thou didst long lie in thy sin: even so long as thou livedst among the Turks. All that while thou didst conform thy self to Mahometisme. And thinkest thou one day of penance to be sufficient? Continue to renew thy repentance every day: though thy life be prolonged in the Christian Church many more years, then thou wert among the Turks.
13. Let not thy penitency end with the penance of this day. Well note the Lords exprobration to Israel (Isa. 58.5.) Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soule? Nor is one daies penance sufficient repentance for such a sinne as thou hast committed, I have heard a tradition concerning ⟨p. 86⟩Peter that he wept whensoever he heard a Cock crow. It becommeth a penitent Apostate, whensoever by any occasion he is put in mind of his sinne, to be struck at his heart with godly remorse. Thou didst long lie in thy sinne: even so long as thou livedst among the Turkes. All that while thou didst conforme thy selfe to Mahometisme. And thinkest thou one day of penance to be sufficient? Continue to renew thy repentance every day: though thy life be prolonged in the Christian Church many more yeares, then thou wert among the Turkes.
14. Be very circumspect over thy self for the remainder of thy life, that thou bring forth fruit meet for repentance. This is that worthy walking, whereof we spake before. As a wife that hath formerly lived loosely, and defiled the marriage bed, being received into the favour of her husband again, must carry her self more soberly, more modestly, more inoffensively, and must be more watchful in avoiding all temptations that might allure to that sin again, yea and all suspicions thereof: So an Apostate received by the Church into grace and favour, must walk more circumspectly then if he had not fallen. For it much lieth on him to repair his Christian credit: or rather to be the more zealous in honouring God, and bringing glory to the Gospel of Christ & to his Church, yea and in giving matter of rejoicing to professors ⟨p. 87⟩of the true religion. This is a point that merely concerns thee, O Penitent.2 Be like that young man, who having followed Harlots, after some while absence, that kind of love being extinguished in him, met with an old love of his, but said not one word to her. She wondering that he spake not to her, thought he had not known her, and thereupon said, Sir, it is I. Whereunto he replied, But I am not I: that is, I am not the same that I was before. In like sense, Be not thou, thou: Be not the same thou wert before.
14. Bee very circumspect over thy selfe for the remainder of thy life, that thou bring foorth fruite meete for repentance. This is that worthy walking, whereof wee spake before. As a wife that hath formerly lived loosely, and defiled the marriage bed, beeing received into the favour of her husband againe, must carry her selfe more soberly, more modestly, more inoffensively, and must bee more watchfull in avoiding all temptations that might allure to that sinne againe, ye and all suspicions thereof: So an Apostate received by the Church into grace and favour, must walke more circumspectly then if he had not fallen. For it much lieth on him to repaire his Christian credit: or rather to be the more zealous in honouring God, and bringing glory to the Gospell of Christ & to his Church, yea and in giving matter of rejoycing to professors ⟨p. 87⟩
15. Take heed of relapse. Christ himself saw this to be a needful caveat: and thereupon pressed it once and again on such as he had recovered from sin: as on the woman taken in the act of adultery (Joh. 8.11) thus, Go and sin no more: and on him that had been diseased 38. years he enforceth it with a commination (Joh. 5.14.) thus, Sin no more, lest a worse thing come to thee. For if, after we are freed from the misery of sin, we return to it again, sorer vengeance is like to befall us. Experience shows how dangerous a relapse is after a recovery from a bodily sickness. Much more dangerous is a spiritual relapse after repentance from an heinous sin. The heart of man by such a relapse will be much more hardened in sin; and the Devil in such a case will take with himself seven other spirits more wicked then himself, and they will enter in, and dwell there (Mat. 12.45.) Yea and God himself may be so incensed thereby, ⟨p. 88⟩as to afford no more grace to him that hath so ill employed his former grace, as to depart clean away from it. Thus the last state of that man is worse then the first. Look therefore narrowly to thy self, thou who art now restored: and make use of those directions which were before given to such as go down to the Sea, to make them constant in holding the faith.
15. Take heed of relapse. Christ himselfe saw this to be a needfull caveat: and thereupon prest it once and againe on such as he had recovered from sin: as on the woman taken in the act of adultery (Ioh. 8.11) thus, Goe and sinne no more: and on him that had beene deseased 38. yeares he enforceth it with a commination (Ioh. 5.14.) thus, Sin no more, lest a worse thing come to thee. For if, after we are freed from the misery of sin, we returne to it againe, soarer vengeance is like to befall us. Experience shewes how dangerous a relapse is after a recovery from a bodily sicknesse. Much more dangerous is a spirituall relapse after repentance from an heighnous sin. The heart of man by such a relapse will be much more hardned in sin; and the Divell in such a case will take with himselfe seven other spirits more wicked then himselfe, and they will enter in, and dwell there (
16. Believe that thou art now acquitted of that heinous sin of renouncing the Christian faith. If thine heart be upright thou hast good cause to believe it, in that thou hast taken that course which in Gods Word is prescribed for obtaining a discharge. Thou hast been pricked in thine heart for thy sin (as the Jews, Acts 2.37.) Thou didst go to thy Pastor, and enquire what in thy case thou shouldst do (as they who being defiled came to Moses, Numb. 9.7.) Thou hast subjected thy self to the order which the Church prescribed (as David did to Gods advice, 2 Sam. 24.19.) Thou hast made penitent confession of thy sin (as they did who came to be baptized of John, Mat. 3.6.) Thou hast desired this Congregation to pray for thee (as the Israelites desired Samuel to pray for them, 1 Sam. 12.19.) The Church looseth and absolveth thee (as the Church of Corinth absolved the incestuous person, 2 Cor. 2.10.) On these grounds thou mayest safely, thou oughtest faithfully to believe that thy deep-died scarlet sin is washed away by the blood of thy Saviour to whom thou art now returned: and that thou art fully ⟨p. 89⟩acquitted and discharged thereof. We do undoubtedly believe that by repentance sins are abolished: so as,2 if we return not to them again they shall never be imputed to us. In this respect a true penitent is blessed. For Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity: and in whose spirit there is no guile, Psal. 32.2. If therefore thy conscience shall hereafter be overmuch troubled with doubtings, and fears, and despair of pardon of thine Apostasy, account it a temptation of Satan, and yield not unto it, but resist it; and say to thy soul, Why art thou cast done, O my soul? why art thou disquieted in me? Hope in God: He is thy God, reconciled unto thee: He hath discharged thee: who then shall lay this sin to thy charge? By exercising thy faith after this manner thou wilt bring much peace to thy conscience, and make the remainder of thy life more comfortable to thee: and with much cheerfulness carry thy self as a child of the Church in the works of thy calling: and in all duties of piety, justice, and charity. Only be careful to observe the former directions with this consolation.
17. Do wha• lieth in thee to bring other Renegadoes to return to the Church, to submit themselves to the discipline thereof, to be willing to give satisfaction by public penance. And the rather to encourage them thereunto, make known unto them the inward peace and comfort which thou hast received hereby. This is a duty which on a like ground Christ enjoined ⟨p. 90⟩to Peter (Luke 22.32,) in these words, When thou art converted strengthen thy brethren: and David undertaketh to do as much, Psal. 51.12, 13. where he maketh this prayer and promise, Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free Spirit: Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee. This is a good kind of recompense which such as fall, make to the Church. As by their fall many are offended, so by their rising many may be established. If by private means thou canst not so far prevail with such as thou knowest to be Renegadoes, as to bring them voluntarily to make satisfaction to the Church, then follow Christs advice, Mat. 18.17. Tell it unto the Church. As for thy self, that thou mayest remain henceforth steadfast and unmoveable in the faith, thou shalt not want the prayers of them, who now with much rejoicing praise God that the Text is accomplished in thee: in which respect we may conclude as we began, and say, HE WAS LOST, AND IS FOUND.
17. Doe wha• lieth in thee to bring other Renegadoes to returne to the Church, to submit themselves to the discipline thereof, to be willing to give satisfaction by publick penance. And the rather to encourage them thereunto, make knowne unto them the inward peace and comfort which thou hast received hereby. This is a duty which on a like ground Christ enjoyned ⟨p. 90⟩to Peter (
FINIS.
Recensui concionem hanc cui titulus est [A recovery from Apostacy] nec in ea quicquam reperio quò minus cum utilitate publicâ Imprimatur SA: BAKER. Ex edibus Londin: Feb. 4. 1638.
16. Beleeve that thou art now acquitted of that heighnous sin of renouncing the Christian faith. If thine heart bee upright thou hast good cause to beleeve it, in that thou hast taken that course which in Gods Word is prescribed for obtaining a discharge. Thou hast beene pricked in thine heart for thy sin (as the Jewes, Acts 2.37.) Thou didst goe to thy Pastor, and enquire what in thy case thou shouldst doe (as they who being defiled came to Moses, Numb. 9.7.) Thou hast subjected thy selfe to the order which the Church prescribed (as David did to Gods advice, 2 Sam. 24.19.) Thou hast made penitent confession of thy sin (as they did who came to be baptized of Iohn, Mat. 3.6.) Thou hast desired this Congregation to pray for thee (as the Israelites desired Samuel to pray for them, 1 Sam. 12.19.) The Church looseth and absolveth thee (as the Church of Corinth absolved the incestuous person, 2 Cor. 2.10.) On these grounds thou maist safely, thou oughtest faithfully to beleeve that thy deepe-died scarlet sinne is washed away by the blood of thy Saviour to whom thou art now returned: and that thou art fully ⟨p. 89⟩acquitted and discharged thereof. We doe undoubtedly beleeve that by repentance sinnes are abolished: so as,2 if we returne not to them againe they shall never be imputed to us. In this respect a true penitent is blessed. For Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity: and in whose spirit there is no guile, Psal. 32.2. If therefore thy conscience shall hereafter be overmuch troubled with doubtings, and feares, and despaire of pardon of thine Apostacy, account it a temptation of Satan, and yeald not unto it, but resist it; and say to thy soule, Why art thou cast do•ne, O my soule? why art thou disquieted in me? Hope in God: He is thy God, reconciled unto thee: He hath discharged thee: who then shall lay this sinne to thy charge? By exercising thy faith after this manner thou wilt bring much peace to thy conscience, and make the remainder of thy life more comfortable to thee: and with much cheerefullnesse carry thy selfe as a child of the Church in the works of thy calling: and in all duties of piety, justice, and charity. Only be carefull to observe the former directions with this consolation.
